Family Times Spring 2020

We’ve Got Parenting Covered

Spring Issue 2020

FREE! =take me home

Online parenting toolkit

Encouraging creativity IN KIDS

In the spotlight: PHOTOGRAPHER OF TINY HUMANS

Akaroa Nature Cruise KIDS CRUISE FREE in Akaroa!

SCHOOL

HOLIDAY

Quail Island Treasure Hunt

Experience a spectacular harbour full of dolphins and wildlife within an extinct volcanic crater!

Book online using code Septhols20 and all kids cruise free with a paying adult.

FUN! 26 SEPT – 11 OCT

ADULTS CRUISE FREE to Quail Island!

Explore Quail Island to find the hidden pirates, then collect your treasure. 1 adult goes free per booking with a child during the school holidays. Pre-booking online recommended.

Use code Treasurehunt for your free adult space.

BOOK NOW 0800 436 574

www.blackcat.co.nz

Willowbank

g n i r Sp l a v i t Fes

Its Spring and there’s lots to see and do!

Lamb Feeding • Sheep Shearing • Baby Animals • Calf Feeding • Rare farm animals • Fun Kids Activities • Junior Keeper program (booking essential)

Check our website for the timetable:

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Spring / 2020

www.willowbank.co.nz

EDITOR’S NOTE

Welcome M

aybe you can recall back to our last issue in autumn, when I was lamenting about the value of time, and how wonderful it would be to be less “busy” and have more one-on-one moments with my son.

Just like Wonky Donkey’s Craig Smith said in that issue, “find more time”.

Cue: lockdown.

I really should be more careful with what I wish for.

This year has brought the best, and not-sobest, out in people. Stress and anxiety levels are soaring within families, not just with health concerns but also financial worries. It’s a really tough time. But it’s an important time to remember just to be present. Keep your conversations open with your family and close friends. See if you can support them in any way. Listening is the best free gift we can give someone. And be gentle. Words hurt.

As artist and writer Austin Kleon says, “Be nice.

The world is a small town.” And, my favourite, by author Ashleigh Brilliant: “Be kind to unkind people. They need it the most.”

And, just like that, I’m going to whisk myself away – much like Mary Poppins, who stays with the Banks’ family until the wind changes. A new season is here, and it’s time for a change for me.

I’ve mentioned in the past, my life outside being this fabulous magazine’s editor is that of a marriage celebrant, and the months ahead are packed with so many wonderful weddings to officiate. And it’s a pleasure to introduce to you Anna Scaife, who has been with the 27Publishers team for a few years now. It’s like a little spring shuffle, as she moves from editing Abode magazine, over to Family Times. Anna, welcome!

Wishing you all the very best on this adventurous parenting journey.

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

H

i! If I have any useful observations about parenthood, it’s that both the highlights and the worries of raising kids are made better when shared. Over the years, I have always made sure to scoop up my copy of Family Times while wrangling school bags and tired tots. And as mum to three, I gratefully receive the information, advice and inspiration in these pages. Thank you to Kineta for the welcome, I am excited to join the Family Times team!

B U I L D & P L AY

Anna Scaife / Editor-in-waiting anna@27publishers.co.nz

All our products are legal and do not infringe on copyright

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Great price, huge collection!

Compatible with all major brick brands

Spring / 2020

3

12

Contents

34

FEATURES 6

The Mindful Parent

6

SIDS and Kids

10​ Duxton Dental: tweens teeth 11​ Kids making sense of the news 11

Grandparents raising grandchildren

11

Finding resilience through lockdown

12

Radical toddlers

13

Off to the best start

14

The gift of sound

15

After-school and holiday fun

16

On Tour: Sleeping Beauty

17

Fostering STEM

18

Which? What? Why?

19

Help your teen through a broken heart

23

Creative Kids: Dance, Music, Drama

24

Get Crafty: wallpaper art

REGULARS

25

Thinking of selling this spring?

26

Osteopathy and teenagers

3​

Welcome note

29

Destination Aotearoa

5​

Help is at hand

30

Discover Wellington

8​

Books and Beats

33

Important money habits for kids

9​

We love...

34

You’re on the right track

20​

35

Online parenting toolkit

What’s On Christchurch

22

38

In the spotlight: Cassandra English

Great spaces for kids

28​

Fun Zone

36

Giveaways

37

Christchurch Marketplace

30

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

FREE

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

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Spring / 2020

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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 Anna Scaife anna@27publishers.co.nz SUBEDITOR Kathy Catton kathy@27publishers.co.nz DESIGN & PRODUCTION Rachel Brodrick designer@27publishers.co.nz

ADVERTISING Caroline Martin caroline@27publishers.co.nz 029 121 1115 GENERAL ENQUIRIES hello@27publishers.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS Alix Ramousse, Cassandra English Chris Lam Sam, Craig Fortune, Crissi Blair, Dave Gunson, Ellie Gwilliam, Emma Taurua, Emma Thomson, Felicity Williams, Gael Woods, Grahame Dutton, Katie Anstiss, Kelly Eden, Natalie Simôn, Rachel Cone, Rebecca Dunlay, Shirley Pastiroff, Siobhan Waterhouse 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 Providing counselling and relationship services.

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.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

We are a charitable trust supporting grandparents and whānau carers who have children in their full-time care.

0800 GRANDS (0800 472 637) grg.org.nz

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

03 349 7171

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

SHOW TIMES

11am and 2pm daily

Spring / 2020

5

POSITIVE PARENTING

Mindful parenting SHIRLEY PASTIROFF, counsellor,

parent coach and mum of five, shares her insights into the importance of setting boundaries.

A

few years ago our mornings were awful. I would wake up every day already anxious about the repeatedly ignored instructions, the arguing, and the meltdowns that were likely to occur before we got out of the house.

Then, I started working with what I now call ‘natural results’.

I looked at what the children needed to do, and which of those tasks had a natural result that affected them and which didn’t. Getting dressed, doing their hair, packing what they needed for the day, eating breakfast and making their lunch were the ones with natural results: they would be going to school in their pyjamas, looking a bit of a mess, missing out on activities that they weren’t prepared for, and being hungry at school. Making their beds was the only one without a natural result that they would care about, so I dropped that job off the list.

We had a meeting in which I explained I wasn’t going to nag them anymore, as none of us were enjoying it. I let them know that I knew they were quite capable of getting themselves ready, and I was just getting in the way. I said my job was to wake them, make sure there was food for breakfast and lunches, make lunch for the younger two, and leave the house with all of them with me; the rest was up to them. I also let them know I’d happily take them however ready they were – you have to mean this part to say it, as you may have to follow through. None of it was said in a warning tone. Throughout all of it, I was genuinely owning my responsibility for having approached our mornings really unhelpfully for everyone, including myself.

It has been one of the most significant changes in our home.

The kids loved it, and so did I. The beds didn’t get made, but that was a small price to pay for doing nothing in the mornings except getting myself ready and watching them mostly just get on with it. If they didn’t eat breakfast, I said nothing. If they didn’t do their hair, I said nothing. If they didn’t get dressed, I said nothing. I did offer little reminders like, “We’ll be going in about ten minutes... Are you sure you don’t mind being hungry at school? Are you sure you’re happy to go in your pyjamas?” But that was all.

Sleep safe, MY BABY SIDS and Kids New Zealand is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and

6

Spring / 2020

They worked out for themselves why they get dressed and why they eat. Sometimes, they found out the hard way.

They got hungry by morning tea because they hadn’t had breakfast. They didn’t love looking a mess at school or rushing, half-dressed, out of the door. It only happened a few times, and they got used to what they needed to do to avoid these scenarios.

Sometimes there were mishaps but what intrigued me was that they started to apologise for forgetting, and asking if I could wait while they grabbed a sandwich, or could we go back, “because I’ve forgotten my swim things.” Sometimes we could and sometimes we couldn’t, but their language had changed, and I could tell they were beginning to take responsibility for their own morning routine.

Shirley Pastiroff is a counsellor, mindfulness trainer and parent coach. She has trained thousands of parents in the techniques described in her book, The Mindful Parent, and now works across the education and commercial sectors as well as with individuals and families. renewyourmind.co.nz/ themindfulparent

“I am frequently asked how on earth we can raise resilient and happy children in the over-scheduled and busy world we live in today. The answer is Mindful Parenting. Here, Shirley Pastiroff outlines simple and effective practices that are loaded with meaning and power and serve to achieve exactly that — happy and resilient relationships. Her practical and down to earth style makes this easily achievable for parents.”

Nathan Wallis, neuroscience educator

+

Keep baby smoke-free before and after birth

research, evidence-based education and

+

Safe sleeping environment night and day

bereavement support, and advocacy.

+

Sleep baby in safe cot in parents’ room

Remind everyone who cares for your child:

SIDS and Kids provides a range of safe sleeping

+

Sleep baby on their back

education and support services as well as a

+

Keep head and face uncovered

supporting bereaved families. The organisation delivers on its vision through world-class

national 24-hour sudden infant death helpline 0800 164 455 / sidsandkids.org.nz

EDUCATION IS A GIFT FOR LIFE When contemplating school options for your daughter, we understand there is a lot to consider. At Rangi, we put girls first. We offer an education where she will be welcomed and supported; a place where she can be herself and belong.

BE HERSELF AND BELONG Personalised Education

Care and Development

As the smallest independent intermediate and secondary girls’ school in the South Island, our teachers know every student not only by name but by how they learn. Our classes are limited to 25 girls, and most are smaller than 20 enabling individual attention and a more personalised learning experience, leading to stronger connections and stronger results.

At the start of the year, each girl works with her teachers to develop her own Personal Development Plan, which includes setting and reflecting on their goals, strengths, development areas and achievements across the academic, cultural and creative, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of their lives.

Achievement is only part of what we consider success. At the heart of Rangi is our Care and Development Network, focussing on providing your daughter with the guidance, support and tools she needs for overall wellbeing, and being comfortable with who she is. We are proud of our position as the ‘grounded and rounded’ independent school in New Zealand, where every girl is welcomed and celebrated, and inclusiveness is part of who we are.

Book your tour: rangiruru.school.nz

BOOKS AND BEATS

Books

Books, books, wonderful books!

CRISSI BLAIR picks out the best pages for all ages.

Sharing with Wolf

The One and Only Bob

By Melinda Szymanik Illus. Nikki Slade Robinson

By Katherine Applegate Illus. Patricia Castelao

Scholastic $19.99 Wolf needs a housemate; it’s too expensive living alone. Lamb wants to move in but given Wolf ’s nature that’s probably not a good idea – he’s honest about his love of a good roast dinner, but Lamb is very persuasive.

The quirky personalities are captured in the innovative illustrations that are full of humour, as is the marvellous language of the text.

Suitable for ages 3-8

Music for little ears By

HarperCollins $16.99

CHRIS LAM SAM from Kiwi Kids Music

Little Wild Universe

Return to the world of One and Only Ivan, the rescued gorilla. Ivan’s best friend Bob the dog is visiting Ivan, and their friend Ruby the elephant, at the zoo, when a terrible destructive storm hits, damaging the enclosures, releasing animals. Bob finds courage in the face of adversity. A dog’s-eye view of the world with themes of friendship and resilience.

Album & Video Series littlewildmusic.com/ lwu Take a whimsical rocket ride through the solar system with these familyfriendly space tunes by Claudia Robin Gunn and supported by NZ On Air.

PINEAPPLE

Suitable for ages 8-12

Single

Robin Hood: Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows

PINEAPPLE is the latest fresh and fruity song release from multi-award-winning artist fleaBITE, featuring the glorious vocal talents of Itty Bitty Beats!

By Robert Muchamore

Hot Key Books $16 A modern take on the old legend of Robin Hood.

Robin and his brother Little John are forced to leave town after their dad is framed for robbery.

Robin joins forces with Maid Marion and her fierce community, determined to use his hacking skills and hi-tech bow and arrow to beat a local gangster, while Little John connects with the Sheriff of Nottingham who rules the town.

Fast-paced action, with humour and brains.

Single & Music Video dubytime.com

in the hole beneath the tree.

It’s part of the

The Nature Activity Book

that celebrates a giant among trees and the wonderful wildlife that is at home in the native forests of Aotearoa.

KF cover.indd 2

By Jonathan King

Gecko Press $29.99

Suzy Cato

in this catchy and playful sing-along story

By Rachel Haydon Illus. Pippa Keel

The Inkberg Enigma

Te Papa Press $35

Jonathan King’s filmmaking skills transfer perfectly to the graphic novel format with this exciting and funny story, set in a small town with a mysterious castle and a shady past. Book-lover Miro and cameratoting Zia make a great team, determined to get to the bottom of the town’s mystery. Funny and exciting, reminiscent of Tintin in style.

Packed with intriguing projects to help kids connect with our amazing natural world. In five sections: shapes and patterns, environment and spaces, experiments and enquiry, sense and mindfulness, and action and kaitiakitanga. Put together by a museum educator, this book promotes scientific methods and terminology, while allowing for different learning styles with drawing and writing options for each activity.

Suitable for ages 8-12

Suitable for ages 7-12

Win! 8

Kauri Family.”

Join adored children’s entertainer

Spring / 2020

We have ONE copy each of Sharing with Wolf and I am the Universe to giveaway.

To enter, visit familytimes.co.nz

SUZY CATO • ARTHUR BAYSTING • CRAIG FLETCHER

Suitable for ages 3-10

The Kauri Family

G

AU

K

I wonder what that thing can be,

OAD OR ST NL

TH E

“What’s that there, can you see?

DO W

Originally the bedtime story finale of the ‘Hits 4 Kids’ album, Freight Train has just been reloaded as an upbeat single!

AM RE

Suitable for ages 10-14

Hey DUBY

THE KAURI FAMILY

Explore the universe in this glorious vividly illustrated picture book.

Told in delicious poetic language, along with unobtrusive information, as you move through the Milky Way, through planets, the sun and moon, Earth, the ocean, country, a city, home and into a little girl’s room as she stares out at the stars. Full of sparkling colour and pattern, characters of many ethnicities and occupations. A treasure to explore and read again and again.

ON

Penguin Random House $25

R I F A M I LY

S

SU Z Y C AT O

By Vasanti Unka

Book & Song

in English and M a or i b y

I am the Universe

fleabite.co.nz & ittybittybeats.com

suzy.co.nz

Pe r for m ed

TOP PICK

Craig Fletcher’s illustrations bring to life the latest release

by Suzy Cato and award-winning musical duo Arthur Baysting and Peter Dasent. Also available in te reo Māori!

10/02/2020 14:31

Kiwi Kids Music Spotify Playlists kiwikidsmusic.co.nz Kiwi Kids Music has curated over 25 fabulous Playlists for your little ones! Head to Spotify to discover their Playlists featuring your favourite Kiwi artists. kiwikidsmusic.co.nz

WE LOVE...

Things we’re

buzzing about Dinosaur rEvolution

Otago Museum is the only South Island venue for Australia’s Gondwana Studios spectacular travelling exhibition. There are huge animatronic dinosaurs, skeletons, and lots more!

Opening 3 October . otagomuseum.nz/dino

Our Moon: Then, Now and Beyond at Canterbury Museum Explore the past, present and future of our moon in this hands-on exhibition. The 4-metre glowing moon is the star attraction but there’s also a replica mission control station, a living room where you can relive the 1969 moon landing and a tunnel that feels like you’re walking in space. Plus, it’s free! canterburymuseum.com

Surfing with confidence The ocean can be a scary place, but with a few basic skills, it can be the world’s best playground.

Aaron Lock and his team of coaches share their ocean knowledge and educate families, through group lessons: kids (aged 8-14), teens (aged 13-18), and adults.

INTRODUCING LITTLE ONE'S NAPPIES!

Exclusive to Countdown, they’re super absorbent and have a soft breathable lining to help your baby stay comfy and dry. Best of all, Little One’s are big on quality and low on price. countdown.co.nz/littleones

surfcoach.co.nz

The monthly Night Markets at Ferrymead Heritage Park are BACK!

Bring the family out to enjoy the array of food vendors, stall holders and of course Ferrymead!

Held every first Saturday of the month, 4pm to 8pm, $2 Entry, new stall holders, unlimited tram and train rides ($2 adults and $1 children). ferrymead.org.nz

Personalised silicone Wristbands and Bottle Bands Stuck On You’s personalised silicone Wristbands and Bottle Bands are the cool new safety accessories for both precious and practical items!

Make them unique with fun colours, fonts and icons. stuckonyou.nz

Spring / 2020

9

POSITIVE PARENTING

Now or later ?

When’s the best time to get your children’s teeth checked for any orthodontic problems? We asked the experts.

P

+ Crowding or spacing. This can lead to premature wearing down of the adult teeth.

We explain that from the age of eight to eleven is actually the ideal time to have an initial orthodontic assessment.

This is because although treating as a teen is often appropriate, some things are best to know early.

For instance, are there any missing permanent teeth, or are there any conditions that could be affecting normal facial development?

+ Upper or lower jaw out of alignment. In some cases, leaving this untreated could result in facial asymmetry or a missed opportunity to correct a facial imbalance, like a recessive chin.

arents often ask us at Duxton Dental, “Should we get our kids’ teeth straightened now at aged eight to eleven, or wait? I’d heard that it’s best to wait until they are teenagers to have braces or Invisalign because they have stopped growing by then.”

THESE CONDITIONS COULD INCLUDE: + Cross bites. This is when teeth are on the wrong side of each other. Left untreated, teeth can be damaged and growth affected. + Narrow upper arches. This can stop the lower arches from coming forward and developing properly, which can lead to front teeth being pushed forward.

+ Prominent front teeth. Where the lower lip doesn’t protect the upper front teeth when the lips are relaxed, so when running around at home or the playground, the teeth can be at higher risk of traumatic injuries.

+ Cosmetic or self-esteem issues relating to an upset smile. Generally, we only treat at this age if there is something that is affecting normal function and preventing normal growth and development, but occasionally, crooked teeth can insight teasing, and this could warrant early treatment.

So with many practices providing free orthodontic screening, why not get your young ones checked out, just in case.

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.”

10 Spring / 2020

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

POSITIVE PARENTING

Helping kids MAKE SENSE OF THE NEWS

With so much happening in the news, how do we protect our children from the tragedy on the screens? By ELLIE GWILLIAM from Parenting Place.

O

ne of our goals as parents is to maintain a safe, secure environment for our kids and to prepare them to face the world confidently. We can control what happens within our homes, but outside of that space, we’re less able to apply our preferred filters. All parents with a radio have been there – that moment when the newsreader announces the latest atrocity, disaster or scandal, straight into the curious ears of our children, and we’re left fumbling for the volume control. Bad news is a fact of life, but how much should we let our kids in on this reality?

PROVIDE SHELTER

A valid parenting response is to shelter our children as much as possible. Depending on your family culture and the sensitivity of your children, it can be best to avoid exposing your kids to news broadcasts full stop, especially when you know a disturbing story is unfolding. While it’s good for our children to be aware of current affairs, they’re not missing out on anything developmentally if they don’t watch television news or listen to the radio.

PROVIDE PERSPECTIVE

It’s different, of course, if children are directly affected by something, and they need some perspective on it. Just keep in mind that any information should be delivered through an ageappropriate lens. Talk to your kids about relevant news stories and ask what they are afraid of.

Their fears might be wildly amplified beyond real risks. Be honest with them about the safety of where you live. The truth might be very reassuring. There is value for older children in seeing how events affect people, and also how humanity responds to good times and bad.

PROVIDE PEACE

As sweet as it may seem, it is unrealistic to expect that our children can live in a modern world and be utterly oblivious to pain and suffering. People make mistakes. Nature spontaneously implodes and explodes. But there is also good, beauty and cause for celebration. Our kids will invariably hear bad news, but we can counter this by saturating their hearts and minds with inspirational messages of hope. Tell them all about heroic acts of bravery and rescue, generous acts of philanthropy and the incredible power of small acts of kindness.

Provide your kids with enough age-appropriate information to answer their questions and calm their fears, then direct them to a more peaceful state of mind. Remind them how loved they are by the caring adults in their world. parentingplace.nz

GRANDPARENTS RAISING

Grandchildren

How Playcentre whānau found resilience during the first COVID-19 lockdown.

F

or Playcentre parent, Hannah Cox, spending four weeks locked down with her husband and three-year-old, initially appeared somewhat daunting. But what she found was a sense of empowerment.

Playcentre’s central philosophy is that parents are the first educators of their children, and Hannah says that has given her a real belief in just what parents can do.

“During lockdown, I had all I needed so that my daughter didn’t miss out. It was like – yes, I can do it, and I can do it well.”

Playcentre Aotearoa (the national body representing more than 420 Playcentres), set up a Virtual Village on its website, with a comprehensive range of activities for children, as well as resources for parents and caregivers – from looking after mental wellbeing to upskilling online.

Playcentre also kept its education programmes going online, with its baby programmes continuing over Zoom.

Playcentre Aotearoa’s General Manager, Sean McKinley, kept staff and Playcentre whānau in the loop with daily updates.

Are you raising someone else’s child? Do you need help understanding and coping with their anxiety or their challenging behaviour? Do you need help getting access to financial support entitlements for the child in your care?

“It was really good to get feedback, so we knew people were reading the updates and were making use of the resources on our Virtual Village. A sense of community is at the core of Playcentre.”

If yes, you are not alone. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Trust NZ (GRG) supports over 5,300 member families nationwide and offers a range of support, information and advice.

Also, GRG provides advocacy options, local support groups and caregiver education workshops for full-time grandparents, caregivers and other whānau who are raising someone else’s child. Services are free to members.

Hannah agrees, saying, “I think the key thing was the support the Playcentre adults gave each other.

It was so valuable being part of a community of parents – we messaged and called each other, and that was good for the children too.”

Call us on 0800 GRANDS (0800 472637) and join GRG today. grg.org.nz

playcentre.org.nz

Spring / 2020

11

PE T AN G ET IHNEYA D TO ER ES

Radical toddlers When our baby enters the toddler world, things radically change. Parents believe their now two to three-year-old child is capable of informed decisions. Sadly, they are not, says DR KAREN PHILLIP, author of Communication Harmony.

T

wo to three-year-olds act more independently than babies. They can talk to us reasonably well, use the toilet and eat independently. However, their brain is only 6 – 8 per cent matured. We often hear stories of parents struggling with their child at home, while the preschool and grandparents tell us how wonderful they are.

Parents may wonder why their child is a little more reactive and defiant at home.

UNDERSTAND THE REASON

Overwhelm is often the reason. Overwhelm occurs when parents negotiate with their developing toddler. Negotiation is excellent, but negotiation of multiple choices can quickly overwhelm a little child. Negotiation with two options only (perhaps three) is needed for their mind to process.

As an example, let’s say the child wants something to eat. The parent, being kind and considerate, opens the cupboard and asks what the child would like. This is often overwhelming for the child. Sometimes the child knows what they want, often they don’t, and selection is just too much. The toddler can then become overwhelmed, struggle to choose, and become frustrated. A tantrum erupts. The parents are left wondering what happened.

PROCESSING AT WARP SPEED

The young brain of the child is processing at warp speed to comprehend all the choices they have. When we offer two things to the child, the selection becomes far more manageable. Bear in mind they may have a choice in their mind they are unable to articulate, so you may get a ‘no’ for both. If this happens you give one more choice, then say if they cannot choose, you will do it for them. This is often the time they let you know or show you precisely what it is they want; they will make the decision, not you.

12 Spring / 2020

Although a young child may be able to articulate many things, their brain has often not been able to catch up, especially if overwhelmed with items, choices or emotions.

WHEN A CHILD ERUPTS, WHAT DO WE DO?

We stop, wait or redirect. If a child is throwing a tantrum because they can’t get their way, rather than sending the child to their room to ‘think’ about their behaviour, the parent can redirect them.

Redirecting means changing the subject or topic of frustration completely. Perhaps you could ask what their favourite character is doing currently such as, “I wonder what Fireman Sam may be doing right now,” or, “Gosh, maybe Nana might knock on the door in a minute”, before walking to the door to see if she is there.

These types of statements allow the child to transfer their thoughts to something other than them and redirect their mind quickly; hence the tantrum stops.

CLEAR RULES

All toddlers need clear rules and boundaries. Parents often become tired after long days and can let rules slide. This confuses a child. One of the toughest parts of parenting is consistency in boundaries. If you said it, you enforce it.

So being mindful of words becomes imperative. Rules and boundaries should be discussed one at a time, never three or more as the child’s brain is unable to process, and they will forget or not even hear it.

Overwhelm is so common an issue yet one often missed.

Small choices, few options. This way, their mind has a chance to process. Then add redirection and your little one can be who they are meant to be, the kind, considerate, loving, gorgeous little person you created.

For many tips on how to eliminate all conflict from your home, your relationships with partner, kids, everyone, please have a read of my latest book Communication Harmony. It is filled with techniques and strategies that will lead you to a more calm, happy and connected life with those you love. It is easier than you think! karenphillip.com.au

LITTLE WONDERS

Off to the

best start

South Island families can expect a wider and better choice of early learning centres soon. Award-winning early learning provider, BestStart, is opening six new centres, mainly in Christchurch, in the next seven months.

“We’re very excited for South Island families,” says Fiona Hughes, Deputy Chief Executive of BestStart. “We’re here to make a positive difference for children. BestStart is a well-known, quality-driven organisation. We’re New Zealand-owned and have helped raise thousands of caring, curious Kiwi children for over 24 years.”

Currently, BestStart has architecturally designed centres nearing completion in Halswell Junction and Riccarton Park. Later in the year, three more new, innovative centres will open in Ferry Road, Lincoln, and Huntsbury. In 2021, BestStart will open a centre to serve central Christchurch.

“We also have plans to open a superb new centre for families in Timaru,” adds Fiona.

“Each centre is unique and engaged in its community,” says Fiona.

By being part of a larger organisation, BestStart has ‘extremely high’ internal standards. “Because of that, parents rate our service very highly.”

So how do parents know, when looking for a centre, how to choose a great one?

“You’ll ‘feel’ it when you walk in”, says Fiona. “Teachers will be engaging and talking respectfully to children, including your child.

Ask yourself, do the other children look happy and engaged? Find out about the centre’s philosophy and values.”

BestStart was voted the Most Trusted Childcare Centre in 2020. best-start.org

Spring / 2020

13

LITTLE WONDERS

COCHLEAR IMPLANTS GIVE PRESCHOOLER

the gift of sound

Loud Shirt Day 2020 is being held on Friday, 23 October. Kiwis throughout the country are encouraged to dress up in their brightest outfits and raise vital funds to help children and adults with hearing loss.

R

achna and Sunil Goyal can’t believe it’s been more than two years since their son Rhythm was fitted with cochlear implants.

“It’s made a huge difference – if his cochlear implants weren’t there, we wouldn’t have his sound in our lives.”

Rhythm, now three years old, was born profoundly deaf in both ears. He was diagnosed when he was a baby after failing his newborn hearing tests. The family tried using hearing aids, but unfortunately, they didn’t work.

“It was heartbreaking news for us,” says Rachna.

The Goyal family decided to explore cochlear implants, a life-changing surgery that they say was one of the most important, but challenging, decisions they’ve ever made. At just eight months old, Rhythm was fitted with two cochlear implants.

“We met with other families from The Hearing House, including an Indian family – both boys had cochlear implants. That was when we could see the benefit to their growth and development.”

14 Spring / 2020

Rhythm, and thousands of other adults and children with cochlear implants, are the focus of Loud Shirt Day 2020 – a national fundraising event and awareness campaign being held in October. New Zealanders are encouraged to dress up in their brightest outfits and hold fundraising events at workplaces, homes and schools throughout the country.

Loud Shirt Day is the annual appeal of The Hearing House (THH) and the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (SCIP) – the only two charities in New Zealand dedicated to helping children and adults with a cochlear implant learn to listen and speak.

The programmes and services offered by SCIP and THH include assessment, cochlear implant surgery, listening and spoken language therapy, audiology, and outreach programmes for regional and remote patients. Both organisations are also committed to clinical research and professional development.

Surgery and the subsequent switch-on is only one part of the cochlear implant process. Patients need to learn how to use the technology and

interpret the new sounds through ongoing audiology and speech and language therapy.

Rachna says the first few months were difficult, as Rhythm adjusted to the implants and learnt to hear and speak for the first time. Today, she says Rhythm won’t stop talking and loves music.

He’s even learning words in multiple languages, including English, Hindi and Māori.

“His vocabulary and language skills are much better, and his reading skills have improved. He is truly like his name. He loves music, and he loves Bollywood music. If he is crying, you can play music, and he will calm down.”

Sunil says The Hearing House in Auckland became an integral part of their son’s journey. He says the speech therapy programme helped him communicate with Rhythm and learn how to teach his son – in a way that he could understand.

“The Hearing House does a really good job. They are giving language and hearing to our kids. We hope people generously donate so that they can support more and more kids like Rhythm.” loudshirtday.org.nz

AFTER-SCHOOL CARE

Parenting is a balancing act, and after-school and holiday care is possibly the trickiest juggling act for any working family. Thankfully there are reputable organisations such as MASH to look after our children when we need it.

After-school and holiday fun

M

ASH, which stands for My After School Headquarters, has various locations throughout the South Island, with lots of different programmes for children to enjoy. And the great thing is, it can be just one hour of after-school care, or right up until 6pm.

MASH founder and director Craig Fortune and his team view the end of each school day as a fantastic opportunity for kids to have fun.

“Children who have spent hours in a classroom need a meaningful transition from school to after school – that’s why we make sure after school doesn’t feel like they’re back in class,” says Craig.

MASH programmes aren’t babysitting services, but they do provide professional, well-planned and value-added childcare environments where tamariki are safe, have a great deal of fun and have an opportunity to engage in new and varied experiences.

The superhero teachers at MASH are passionate about making a positive difference in children’s lives and pride themselves on providing the best possible environments for tamariki.

When it comes to school holidays, after ten long weeks in the classroom, every child deserves a cool holiday experience, such as those offered at MASH. Movies, baking, climbing, dancing, jumping, sport – they’ve got it all.

The holiday programmes are a time to recognise that kids need a break away from the structure of school, and it’s a great time for them to be exposed to new and exciting experiences. MASH holiday programmes offer three structured activities per day (morning, afternoon and 3-6pm), so there is plenty to keep your child busy, stimulated and smiling.

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

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

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!

Spring / 2020

15

ON TOUR

Christmas

COMES EARLY FOR BALLET LOVERS THIS YEAR

L

ooking ahead with joy and optimism to its ever-popular Christmas season, the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) will open its magical new production, The Ryman Healthcare Season of The Sleeping Beauty on 29 October.

score, spills over with fairies, woodland sprites, grand princes and, at its heart, an enchanting princess. This special Christmas production will unfurl like a fragrant summer rose with all the radiance and joy that any ballet lover, young or old, could wish for.

This stunning new production of the quintessential classical ballet has been created by a powerhouse of creativity, led by RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker. The creative team includes New Zealand costume designer Donna Jefferis, Austrian Dramaturg Michael Auer, whose most recent production with the company was the successful The Nutcracker season in 2018, American Lighting Designer Randall (Rico) Chiarelli (Black Swan, White Swan, 2019), and American scenic designer Howard C. Jones, whose work New Zealand audiences may remember from the RNZB’s much-loved classic production of Giselle (2012).

Arguably the best known of all Russian composers, Tchaikovsky wrote the music for just three ballets – The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, all of which include some of the most iconic ballet scenes of all time.

In The Sleeping Beauty, this includes the beautiful Rose Adagio in Act I – considered among dancers as one of the most technically difficult segments for a ballerina in any ballet, a grand pas de deux in Act III, and a spectacular wedding.

Royal New Zealand Ballet’s magical The Sleeping Beauty on stages across the country from 29 October.

RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker says, “We considered our production of this beautiful, enchanting story from all angles – from the original ballet, to the Disney story, and even as a Netflixstyle compelling drama with storytelling and characters at its heart. The result is a bold new production with all the brilliance, grandeur and beauty of the beloved classical ballet.”

The grandest of fairy tales, the RNZB’s production of The Sleeping Beauty, while luxuriating in Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous orchestral

The national tour of The Sleeping Beauty visits Wellington, Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Napier, Auckland City and Takapuna. RNZB Principal Conductor Hamish McKeich will conduct a live orchestral accompaniment in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch, with a special recording for all other centres.

In a time when love and kindness are more important than ever, sharing the joy of a timeless ballet with the young and young at heart this Christmas seems like one of the very best ways to bring a sparkle of joy to the end of a challenging year.

rnzb.org.nz/thesleepingbeauty

Once Upon A Time…

29 OCT – 12 DEC

TOU RING NATIONALLY

BOO K N OW

SEASON SPONSOR

16 Spring / 2020

rnzb.org.nz

SUPPORTED BY

NATIONAL TOURING PARTNER

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Fostering STEM Make these school holidays fun with these awesome STEM challenge cards from THE JAMES DYSON FOUNDATION (JDF).

D

esigned by Dyson engineers, these cards provide an educational and engaging solution for parents. Now more than ever JDF’s mission is to inspire the next generation of engineers, designers and scientists.

BA

BALLOON CAR

THE BRIEF:

THE BRIEF:

Construct a free-standing bridge out of spaghetti, strong enough to support a 200g bag of sugar.

THE METHOD:

Think about bracing strands together for strength. Some shapes are better at absorbing loads – triangles are particularly strong.

Rubber bands make for good junctions.

TOP TIP:

O

C A R M AT E Pencil

RI LS

SPAGHETTI BRIDGES

LL

ON

A

The JDF Challenge Cards provide the perfect opportunity for children to explore science, technology and engineering, using readily available equipment from around the home. With over 40 cards to choose from, the cards are an excellent way for parents to keep their children occupied and unleash their inner inquisitive minds. Who knows where these first steps in STEM may lead!

Paper cup

Make and race a balloon-powered car.

THE METHOD:

Straws

Scissors Balloon

1. Using scissors, carefully cut the cup

Thread spool

in half lengthways, to create the car body.

2. Using a pencil, poke two sets of holes through the length of

the cup. One set near the top of the cup, and one set near the bottom. Poke another hole through the bottom of the cup.

Be patient. Through trial and error, you’ll become proficient at working with spaghetti.

3. Insert a straw through each set of holes. Then, slide the spools

MATERIALS:

4. Wrap a rubber band around the end of each straw; these will

of thread or lid wheels onto each end of the straws. keep the wheels from sliding off.

+ Spaghetti

5. Push the neck of the balloon through the hole in the bottom of

+ Small rubber bands or bag ties

the cup. The balloon should be lying inside the cup. Make sure the hole is big enough to let the air out.

+ Tape + 200g bag of sugar

6. Blow up the balloon, place on a hard surface and release.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

MATERIALS:

BRIDGES M Spaghetti

+ Two plastic drinking straws AT

E

+ Four spools of thread (or drink lids with holes in them) + Four small rubber bands

IA

AG

+ A paper cup

LS

SP

E

I TT

+ A balloon

R

H

Bridges manage two important forces: compression and tension – pushing and pulling.

Too much of either and they buckle or snap.

Sticky tape

+ Scissors (with adult supervision) + A pencil

HOW DOES IT WORK? Rubber bands

The balloon-powered car is an excellent example of Newton’s Third Law. If object A pushes on object B, object B pushes back on object A with the same amount of force. The force of the air leaving the balloon pushes the car forward. jamesdysonfoundation.com

Spring / 2020

17

CLASS OF THEIR OWN

WHICH? WHAT? WHY? No matter how crazy or quirky your question – from the which, to the what, to the why – DAVE GUNSON’S new books Which? What? Why? New Zealand Seashore Wildlife and Which? What? Why? New Zealand Garden Wildlife have all the answers to children’s questions.

life

Garden Wild

WHICH?

WHICH?

How m does a any teeth shark ha ve?

W H AT ? W HY? NZ SEASHO

GARDEN HY? NZ W H AT ? W

Are jellyfish made of some kind of jelly?

New Zealand Seashore Wild life

Do fish have ears?

E

in-store and online

E

NSON DAV E G U

n — from y your questio everything the WHY? of ers.

Author, illustr ator and all-ro und clever clogs Dave Gunson tackles every curly question sea about New under the Zealand’s seash ore wildlife. If curious to know you’re more about what ’s living on your local seashore, then you’ll totall y love this book !

clogs tion under the life. If you’re

from early October.

DAV E G U NSON

No matter how crazy or quir ky your questio the WHICH? n — from to the WHAT? to the WHY? — this book has of everything all the answer s.

n’t Why do ave h worms s? leg Books are available

RE WILD LIF

WILDLIF

Do birds have teeth?

an a flea jump?

ving in your book!

New Zealand

davegunson.com

Do birds have teeth?

ISBN: 978-1-98-8

53831-0

53830-3

ISBN: 978-1-98-8

538303 9 781988

www.batemanboo

ks.co.nz

9 781988 538310 ks.co.nz

Dave G

unson

How high can a flea jum

p?

No matter how crazy or quirky your question — from the WHICH? to the WHAT? to the WHY? of everything — this book has all the answers.

DAV E G U N

18 Spring / 2020

Dave Gunson www.batemanboo

W H I C H ? W H AT ? W H Y ? N Z G A R D E N W I L D L I F E

The answers are straightforward and simple, with occasional funny bits and happy cartoon-style illustrations.

TWEENS AND TEENS

Help your teen

RECOVER FROM A BROKEN HEART

When our teens get into dating, it can be pretty scary for us, as parents. Negotiating all those emotional, physical and social aspects that come with relationships can be tough.

KELLY EDEN takes a look at what we can do when the relationship turns sour, and our teenager is dealing with heartbreak.

H

eartbreak, psychologist Dr Guy Winch says, shares all of the same traits as loss and grief: not being able to sleep, obsessive thoughts, lowered immunity and even clinical depression. Losing a girlfriend or boyfriend has a huge impact.

EIGHT STEPS TO HELP FIX A BROKEN HEART 1. Understand what’s happening in a heartbroken brain.

Brain studies have shown that heartbreak is like withdrawal from drugs. You become obsessed. Biological anthropologist, Helen Fisher, studied what heartbreak did to people’s brains by looking at people’s brains in a functional MRI.

“We found that when they looked at a picture of the person they love, the hypothalamus was pumping out dopamine,” she says.

Dopamine is the hormone we release that makes us feel all gooey when we fall in love. It gives us feelings of happiness, mood swings, cravings, and obsessive thinking. But when we break up, we plunge into dopamine withdrawal. Helping your teen understand this is an excellent place to start.

2. Cut off social media. This is a hard one, especially for teenagers, but encourage them to block their ex on social media, even if it’s just for a short time (say, two months). Don’t push it.

It’s not an easy thing to do.

3. Get rid of the reminders. As much as possible, encourage your teen to remove or hide all the reminders of their ex. This will make recovery much easier. Of course, if they are at school with their ex then there will be reminders that they can’t get rid of, but they can be limited.

4. Make a list of why they weren’t perfect. Winch suggests teenagers writing down all the reasons that the ex was the wrong one for them. It’s not about being mean and hateful to the other person, but it’s acknowledging that no-one is perfect and giving a bit of balance.

5. Get a sense of closure. We can waste a lot of energy going over and over the question “what went wrong?” but it just holds us in our heartbreak. Winch says we either need to accept the reason the ex gave or make one up to get closure.

6. Fill in the voids. Moving on involves finding ways to replace the gaps that the ex left. Going out with friends, or meeting new people, starting a new hobby, exercising, having fun. Support your teen in getting outside and getting active with friends.

7. Don’t try to be friends. It’s not easy to get over an ex if they are still trying to be friends. Teens usually say they want to stay friends, and they might have to if they are in the same social circles or school, but it can drag the heartbreak out longer. If it’s possible, encourage a “no-contact” month.

8. Distract your brain. Because your teen now understands what’s happening in their lovesick brain, they can control it a bit. When they feel themselves obsessing, encourage them instead to redirect their focus. Even if it’s just doing math equations in their head or they could play a challenging puzzle or word game on their phone.

It may seem bad right now, but, with your support, it can be a positive life lesson. They can learn some new skills, be resilient, and discover that they are capable of handling difficult emotions. lifewithlittleandlula.com

Spring / 2020

19

19 & 20 September

elementsnature.co.nz

Elements nature-based play programmes for children 2-6 years and 5-12 years. Titles like Heroes in the Wild, Neverland, Farm & Fire, Tinkering on the Farm. Plenty of time to play and explore. Locations include Cashmere, Rolleston, Lincoln, Marshlands, Brighton and Pines Beach.

Elements Nature-Based Play Various Canterbury locations

Throughout school holidays

CHRISTCHURCH

Cinderella and the Hairy Godmother, Malthouse,

southernballet.co.nz

Graduation Ball featuring the Senior and Intermediate ballet companies. This fun and entertaining ballet is set in a finishing school for girls. And The Ugly Duckling by the Junior ballet company.

theshows.co.nz

26 September - 11 October

The Ugly Duckling & Graduation Ball, Southern Ballet Theatre, 108 Carlyle Street, Christchurch

Dust off those musical theatre cobwebs and return to your seats to indulge in the magic of the very best songs from stage and screen.

September

30 September - 3 October

27

muddygoodrun.co.nz

The Shows Must Go On, Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch

24 - 26 September

4pawsmarathon.co.nz

Finally, a chance to run with your best friend! An off-road walking/running event set in the beautiful Bottle Lake Forest and beaches of Christchurch.

4 Paws Marathon, Bottle Lake Forest Park, Waitikiri Drive, Christchurch

20 September

wekapassrailway.co.nz

Take a train ride on one of the public operating days, on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, and most public holidays.

Perfect for a break on a trip to Hanmer Springs, Kaikōura or while visiting the Waipara wine region.

Muddy Good Run, Mandeville Sports Centre, 431 Mandeville Rd, Swannanoa Imagine this: mud pits, slippery slides, mud and water slides, cars to climb over, cars to 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!

Weka Pass Railway, Waipara Glenmark Station, 113 Glenmark Drive

05-09

OCTOBER

livingsprings.co.nz/camp/kids-camp

Is your child spy material? Do they ever notice things others have overlooked?

Find riddles and codes to be no challenge at all? Perfect those spy skills at Kids Camp this October.

Secret Agents & Spies Kids Camp, Living Springs, Allandale

5 - 9 October

extravaganza.co.nz

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

The Extravaganza Fair, Gloucester Green, 221 Gloucester St, Christchurch

3 & 4 October

eventfinda.co.nz

The Canterbury Red Devils take on the Dunedin Thunder and SkyCity Stampede at home for the 2020 NZIHL South Island Showdown Series.

NZIHL Showdown Series, Alpine Ice Sports Centre, 495 Brougham Street, Christchurch

3 & 4 October

Selwyn Fireworks Spooktacular,

31 October

hanmerspringsfete.co.nz

We welcome you to join us in North Canterbury to enjoy the stunning historic Queen Mary Hospital grounds with us.

Hanmer Springs Fete, Queen Mary Hospital Grounds, Jacks Pass Road, Hanmer Springs

30 October

thefete.co.nz

Join thousands of people from around New Zealand, in attending the country’s biggest and most popular fête. The day features over 150 stalls, bursting with hundreds of gift ideas, along with fresh food and wine.

The Christmas Country Fête, Amberley House, 127 Ashworths Road, Amberley

29 October

eventfinda.co.nz

The Indian community in Christchurch is very keen to broaden the parameters of the Diwali festival to develop a unique event that encompasses and showcases the incredible diversity of the entire Indian culture through traditional festival activities, music, dance and food.

Diwali 2020, Hagley Park North, Rolleston Ave, Christchurch

24 October

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

27 September

this spring

20 September, 4 & 25 October

What’s on

With some beautiful days on the horizon, it’s time to lock in some adventures inside and out. We’ve got you sorted with this calendar full of events.

Pull me out and pin me up

CHRISTCHURCH EVENT CALENDAR

TH

astro.nz

rangiorafestivalofcolour.co.nz

Christchurch Astro Tours, 11 Leeston Rd, Springston

Fridays - Sundays

ferrymead.org.nz

An evening for the whole family at the Ferrymead Night Market on the first Saturday of each month! Entry is just $2 per person. Stalls, food vendors, entertainment, and so much more.

Ferrymead Night Market, Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive

3 October, 7 November, 5 December

otautahirollers.co.nz

School of Skate: Learn to skate Fridays 5-6pm for kids aged between 4-17 years old.

Ōtautahi Junior Skating Programme, Celebration Centre, 81 Bickerton St, Christchurch

Every Friday

shoporiginalart.com

Art tutor Annie focuses on a friendly, fun and social environment for your child to learn how to paint using acrylics.

After School Art Class, Shop Aboriginal Art, 6 Crosby St, Christchurch

Thursdays and Saturdays in September

Operating from Springston Community Centre, they start the night with a short talk, before showcasing the highlights of the evening with a sky tour.

blackcat.co.nz/specials

Lyttelton Treasure Hunt or Akaroa wildlife spotting? We’ve got you covered these school holidays. Even better, adults cruise to Quail Island for free and kids cruise in Akaroa for free with Black Cat Cruises.

Akaroa Harbour Wharf

Black Cat Cruises

A great family/community fun day with something for everyone. Free face painting, old fashioned races, games. Lots of stalls and fabulous food at affordable prices.

Community Fun Day at the Market, St John of God Hospital, 26 Nash Road, Christchurch

27 September

southernballet.co.nz

A dance extravaganza including Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary group and soloist performances. Come along to our boutique theatre and enjoy!

TH

Southern Ballet Showcase 11 TO 27 APRILTheatre 2020 2020, Southern Ballet Theatre, BOOKINGS AT www.malthouse.co.nz 108 Carlyle Street, Christchurch

MALTHOUSE

THEATRE AT THE 26 CUSHION & 27 September

malthouse.co.nz

Join other theatre lovers, young and old, at the Malthouse’s Cushion Theatre these school holidays. They even supply the cushion!

71 Colombo Street

You can’t miss the fun in Victoria Park!

Inspired by the worldwide love of the Indian Festival of Colour, you can join us in celebrating our multicultural region through music, food, dance, and of course, COLOURS!

Rangiora Festival of Colour, Victoria Park, Percival St, Rangiora

20 September

babyexpos.co.nz

Gain expert, up-to-date advice from our diverse range of exhibitors and experiment with products and services to find what best suits your needs.

Christchurch Baby Expo, Air Force Museum of New Zealand, 45 Harvard Ave, Christchurch

19 & 20 September

petanimalexpo.co.nz

Home of the cute and cuddly, fluffy and fabulous. The Pet & Animal Expo is the happiest show of all to attend.

There is plenty to keep even the fussiest pet lover satisfied.

Christchurch Pet & Animal Expo 2020, Pioneer Leisure Centre, 75 Lyttelton St, Christchurch

19 & 20 September

ashleyforestrallysprint.com

The Ashley Forest Rallysprint is an iconic annual event based just outside of Rangiora. The course is a short blast up and down Mt Grey Road with the ultimate spectator access, capturing the imagination of young and old.

The Ashley Forest Rallysprint, Ashley Forest, Forestry Road, Ashley

19 & 20 September

rangioralightandsound.co.nz

Experience a light and sound wonderland!

Victoria Park as you have never seen it before. Come and see a fairyland of talking trees, disco lights, music, dancing lights, interactive lighting displays, smoke and bubble machines!

Rangiora Light & Sound Festival, Victoria Park, Percival St, Rangiora

loudshirtday.org.nz

A day to raise awareness about, and money for, deaf children with cochlear implants and hearing aids.

Loud Shirt Day, Your place

23 October

canterburymuseum.com

Dress up in costume and explore the museum by torchlight in this family favourite annual event. This year’s theme is the museum’s 150th birthday, so come dressed as something you might find in a museum!

Night at the Museum, Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Ave

6 - 8 October, 6-8pm

TOP PICK

www.livingsprings.co.nz

rnzb.org.nz

The Sleeping Beauty, Isaac Theatre Royal, 145 Gloucester St, Christchurch Princess Aurora was protected by everyone who loved her from the evil beyond the castle walls. On her 16th birthday, her world was shattered by the malevolent Carabosse, but, saved from certain death by the kindly Lilac Fairy, she and her kingdom slept for a hundred years, until woken by a brave and handsome prince.

19 - 21 November

hororatahighlandgames.org.nz

A Scottish festival with a Kiwi twist! Grab your whole clan and head to the Hororata Domain as we celebrate the 10th Hororata Highland Games.

Hororata Highland Games, Hororata Domain, Hororata Road, Hororata

7 November

glowshow.co.nz

All new 2020 show! A giant-scale puppet show, with magical glow-in-the-dark characters from Māori myth and legends under the sea!

Te Moana Glow Show, Isaac Theatre Royal

5 November

facebook.com/selwynfireworks

An amazing family event for all ages! We will have everything from rides, live music and performances, food, competitions, stalls, games and of course fireworks!

Foster Park, Springston-Rolleston Road, Rolleston

KIDS SPACES

Sonata Bunk Bed

MINICARS, FOR YOUR MINI ME

Make bedtime fun for any little sleeper with the Mocka Sonata Bunk Bed Black. This single-sized bunk bed is perfect for siblings sharing a room or for a single child who likes to be prepared for friends and family to sleep over.

Gorgeously styled with a lovely vintage air, this bunk bed will quickly become a favourite among everyone in the home.

Wide range of cars, after sales service, parts, service and much more. We have licensed All Blacks cars, Ford, Mercedes, Land Rover and more. Big fun for little drivers!

mocka.co.nz

minicars.nz

Creating

KIWI KIDS' OUTDOOR PL AY Encourage active imaginative play in your own backyard. Choose a beautiful wooden playground kitset to suit your family.

Designed and engineered for ages 3-11, this is a wonderful gift for the whole whānau.

Give the gift of play…outdoors…naturally! kiwiplay.co.nz

great spaces for kids

WALL DECALS Oh, how we love wall stickers! The dullest, plainest wall can be transformed with a pack of wall stickers. Inject some colour, or some fun or even inspiration with our gorgeous wall stickers and lovely wall quotes. No wall needs to be bare anymore! snugasabug.co.nz

SHIPSHAPE Kids adore fairy tales – especially ones that tell exciting adventure stories.

By approaching decorating with the same level of imagination, you can help bring magical worlds to life by creating a bedroom which takes ideas from your child’s favourite stories or characters. This nautically inspired room features Resene Sea Fog with scalloped wave effect painted in Resene Explorer. Paint the chest of drawers in international signal flags using Resene testpots. When it comes to decorating children’s rooms, the only limit is your imagination.

See resene.co.nz/kidzcolour or your Resene ColorShop for ideas and inspiration.

22 Spring / 2020

CREATIVE KIDS

ALL THE WORLD’S

a stage

Allowing a creative outlet for your children is one of the best things you can do for them. Here are just three areas for your child to explore – dance, music and drama.

DANCING TO THRIVE Dance can benefit children through the physical act of dancing, as well as developing their cognitive development, emotional and social development, musicality, and creativity, writes NATALIE SIMÔN from the Canterbury Academy of Dance.

Structured dance lessons can be incredibly beneficial to children of all ages. From the age of two, a dance class can aid children in the development of their gross and fine motor skills, making choices and figuring out how their bodies can move and what they are capable of. They can improve their sense of empathy through mime and acting, and their social skills by following basic instructions and waiting for their turn.

Having the freedom to express themselves through music is hugely beneficial to children of all ages. Dance aids children in developing their understanding of tempo and dynamics – watch any child dance to “Let it Go” – they can really feel the music. The confidence gained by being able to dance freely is incredibly valuable.

As children progress through dance, the skills gained have many benefits outside of the world of dance. Dancers tend to be more resilient – putting in the work to improve a skill builds a feeling of competence and a sense of mastery. Dancers know how to set goals and achieve them, they are focused and disciplined, and they can think creatively. These skills benefit dancers while in school academically, and once they are grown, they enter the adult world capable and ready to thrive. cadance.co.nz

IMAGINE, CREATE, PERFORM

SINGING IS A NATURAL MOOD-BOOSTER

At Canvas Bag Drama School, we take stories — everything from traditional fables to modern-day tales — and imagine ourselves inside the stories.

We can be anyone or anything; from a mermaid to an ogre.

When we sing, we release the endorphins dopamine and oxytocin – both ‘feel good’ hormones, writes KATIE ANSTISS from the Christchurch Music Academy.

We run age-ranked drama classes for children and teenagers aged from 5-15 years.

Our classes combine a structured fun-filled social environment with extensive use of improvisation and role-play to develop positive feelings of selfworth and the ability to express thoughts and feelings confidently.

We go on to create our own stories and scripts with characters we have explored. We can be anyone or anything, from a genie inside a lamp to an erupting volcano.

Our classes are intense, energetic and move at a fast pace. They are designed to generate enthusiasm and initiative through various games and skill-based tasks.

Tutors write plays each year using ideas generated in the class by the students. Every year we rehearse and perform these original scripts to a public audience. We use costumes, props and musical instruments as tools; students love using all these resources to experiment and create their own stories.

The simple act of singing reduces the stress hormone, cortisol, in our bodies, which in turn lowers any depression levels and anxiety in us.

Interestingly, studies have shown that when we come together and sing in a group format, the emotional and physiological benefits of singing are amplified.

This is an evolutionary thing because music evolved throughout the ages as a tool to aid social living, communication and bonds between tribes.

Our bodies are hard-wired today to experience the same emotional benefits of our ancestors.

We can certainly verify this phenomenon!

We’ve observed that when our little ones and their parents are engaged in singing, music and movement inside our studios, amazing things happen! Every little and big person leaves us wearing a huge smile at the end of our sessions, and we see so many relationships deepen every day between students and their parents.

There’s always lots of laughter and lots of fun in a Canvas Bag drama class, and for many students, it is the highlight of their week!

But it’s not just singing that we work on at the Christchurch Music Academy. If you want to give your child the best possible start in life to support their language growth, motor skill development, improve their memory, and aid them to internalise rhythm, the best thing to do is to give them the gift of music lessons.

canvasbag.nz

chchmusicacademy.co.nz

Boutique dance school specialising in teaching Ballet and Jazz.

022 061 9592 info@cadance.co.nz cadance.co.nz

Spring / 2020

23

GET CRAFTY

Resene Wallpaper 358005 Resene Wallpaper 12403

Resene Wallpaper 90222

Resene Wallpaper 216714

Resene Wallpaper J92914

What do you do with your extra Resene Wallpaper once you’ve completed a room or a wall? Why not create a statement piece.

By

Wallpaper art MATERIALS:

+

Any Resene Wallpaper

+

Frames

+

Double-sided tape

+

Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step one: Cut the wallpaper to the size of the frame.

Step two: Use double-sided tape to attach it to the frame backing.

Step three: Hang your piece.

KINETA BOOKER

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

24 Spring / 2020

Resene Wallpaper P026-VD2

TIP

Can’t find the right coloured frames? Simply paint your frames in Resene testpots to coordinate with your wallpapers!

MOVING HOUSE

THINKING OF SELLING THIS

spring?

As we move into springtime, many homeowners may be thinking of selling. We know for a fact that spring is the most popular time to sell.

Possibly because the sun is shining, the grass is growing, and as we come out of hibernation from the colder months, it can feel like a great time for a change for your family. RACHAEL CONE, director of Total Realty, offers her top tips for preparing to sell.

I

f you are thinking of selling, the good news is that Total Realty saves you more money when selling your greatest asset. Homeowners tell us the even better part is choosing what to do with their savings! Here are some helpful tips to make a great impression when putting your home up for sale.

DE-PERSONALISE

Pack away your personal photographs and family knick-knacks – this allows buyers to picture themselves living in your property.

CLEAN

Have a spring clean! Having a good thorough clean before going on the market will mean you can prepare your home for an open day or viewing with a quick wipe over. Bright and clean will appeal to any buyer!

LIGHTEN UP

Create the impression of space and brightness.

When having your house photographed, make sure all drapes are pulled, and blinds are up.

Leave the lights on if the weather is overcast.

DECLUTTER

Pack away ornaments and accessories – a great time to sell or donate any items that you no longer need. Two main areas to focus on: + Kitchen counters: Clutter-free and clean surfaces are best – keep only essential items like the microwave, kettle or coffee machine.

Remove fridge magnets, coupons and pictures from the refrigerator and store crucial daily used items in a small box that can be stored away. + Bathrooms: Once again, less is best. Put away any toiletries and medications while the house is being shown. Fresh soaps and new towels are a great idea.

STREET FRONTAGE AND GARDENS

Make sure the outside of your home is well kept, tidy and clean. Consider putting a flowering plant by the front door. Keep gardens looking their best while marketing your home. Prune any branches and remove leaves from paths around your home.

UPDATE AND MINOR REPAIRS

A simple update like painting walls, fixing small holes and anything that is broken can make a big difference without costing too much.

CABINETS AND CLOSETS

Thin out your wardrobes and rearrange cabinets.

Buyers will open cabinets and closet doors, and when they are well organised, it allows buyers to see potential and space. If need be, consider using temporary storage to remove any items that aren’t needed until you move.

We hope these top tips from Total Realty help you this spring! totalrealty.co.nz

*

totalrealty.co.nz

Spring / 2020

25

PA H EG AL E THHE & A DW EE RL L B E I N G

Osteopathy and teenagers The teenage years are a period of great upheaval that deserve special attention. ALIX RAMOUSSE, an osteopath at Halswell Road Clinic, shares how osteopathy can keep the teenager’s body in balance and promote their development through to adulthood.

D

uring the teenage years, growth is incredibly fast but not always smooth.

There can be significant tension in tendons and muscles. Growing bones can also cause a lot of pain. They need to adjust to carrying the increasing weight. This energy required can sometimes appear as laziness to parents!

So, it’s no surprise that teenagers’ backs don’t always grow straight!

The limbs grow before the trunk, which makes teenagers clumsy. They bump and fall more easily. Teenagers also undergo many physical stresses in their everyday life. For instance, activities such as leaning over the device for a long time or carrying a heavy school bag, can all have an impact on the body.

Finally, the teenage years are an ideal period for the correction of dental occlusion by orthodontics. It brings a significant advantage for the overall balance of the skull and teeth, as well as leading to happy, confident smiles. On the other hand, very often, braces create tensions in the jaw and neck which can lead to headaches and pain. The gentle manipulations of osteopathy are essential to help your teenager support the changes made by braces.

Teenagers like to take risks. Whether it’s during a high-level sporting activity or just playing ‘crazy’ to impress their friends, these activities can cause injury.

Osteopathy, for a healthier you Healthier, happier people leading fuller, more active lives.

Book an appointment today and get the help you need.

Follow Us

CLINIC

195 Wairakei Road tel 3518262 wairakei@osteopath.net.nz osteopathiccare.org

26 Spring / 2020

64 Halswell Road tel 3224506 admin@osteopath.net.nz osteopaths.nz

236 Springfield Road tel 3556166 reception@osteopath.net.nz osteopath.net.nz

The onset of scoliosis, or spine deformation, could appear in the adolescent years and should be taken seriously. It’s important that teenagers are checked regularly by an osteopath to minimise the tensions that the body receives and restore balance and freedom of movement.

osteopath.net.nz

Creating balanced face shapes Attractive smiles everyday!

GET A FREE WHAT SMILESVILLE PATIENTS ARE SAYING CONSULTATION NOW Cassy: “I’ve been coming here to see Ruchika since I was 17. I absolutely adore Talk to the friendly staff how friendly and gentle she is and her expertise in her field is phenomenal. She was able to adjust my jaw shape to assist with over crowding and straightened at Smilesville Dental to my teeth without requiring any extraction despite other dentists saying transform your child’s face, extraction was inevitable. I always feel at ease with Ruchika and would highly recommend her to anyone. Thanks for giving me a smile I can finally be proud of.” jaws, teeth and life! Call 0800 INVISIBLE (0800 468 474) Rachele: “I have been with Smilesville Dental for the last 10 years. We are now

Smilesville Patient underwent Invisalign Teen

Q:

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.”

Why is it important for my 6 year old to see a dentist, is that not too young?

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.

AFTER

BEFORE Face & smile improvement of a Smilesville patient

0800 INVISIBLE (0800 468 474)

AFTER

Q: What affects my children’s teeth?

BEFORE

The age of starting depends on various factors but can be as early as 6 yrs in some case. A check at 6 yrs of age with Dr. Sachdev - a functional dentist having experience in orthodontics for Children can help identify future action with minimum intervention. An early intervention ( preventative approach) allows to focus on the growth, development and wellbeing of younger patients along with straightening teeth thereby bringing Facial Balance& Symmetry. By way of this early approach, Dr. Sachdev’s goal is to provide and maintain space for permanent teeth so they naturally fall into their allocated space in a “non-surgical, 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. Hence it may be the perfect time for children to start treatment as early as possible.

Face & smile improvement of a Smilesville patient

do I know if my children or Q: How I need treatment?

•

If you are unsure of whether or not you require treatment, take a look in the mirror and answer these questions:

•

Do your top front teeth stick out (bucked teeth)?

•

Is there a visible space between your bottom and top teeth when you bite together (open bite)?

•

Do your top teeth cover more than 25 percent of your bottom teeth when you bite together (overbite or deep bite)?

•

Are your bottom teeth in front of your top teeth (under bite)?

•

Do any of your teeth overlap (crowding)?

•

Do the centres of your top and bottom teeth line up (midline)?

•

Do you accidentally bite your cheek or tongue a lot?

•

Are your teeth wearing unevenly?

•

Are there gaps or spaces between your teeth?

•

Do you have breathing issues, jaw pain, sleeping problems and other related issues?

Leaders in appearance dentistry

• Orthodontics for adults, youth and children

Island treating with Invisalign for 12 years +

• Invisalign – The Invisible way to straighten teeth - First Ever Platinum Provider of the South

• Free dental treatment for 13-18yr olds (OHSA conditions apply)

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

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

• Extreme Dental makeovers • Whitening • General Dental and complete

Hygiene services • Implants • Best price Guaranteed

smilesville.co.nz Spring / 2020

27

FUN ZONE

KIDS’ time COLOURING IN FOR ALL AGES

28 Spring / 2020

Book

Now rnzb.org.nz

TOURING NATIONALLY

29 OCT 12 DEC WELLINGTON / INVERCARGILL DUNEDIN / CHRISTCHURCH PALMERSTON NORTH / NAPIER AUCKLAND / TAKAPUNA

TRAVEL

Destination AOTEAROA

TR AVEL BY TR AM

Explore Christchurch with the Christchurch Tram! Perfect for children and with plenty of free family-favourite spots to visit along the route, the Christchurch Tram’s all-day tickets allow you to hop on and off the heritage tramcars at any of the 17 central city stops.

Enquire about a Tram & Gondola Annual Pass for unlimited rides on both the Christchurch Tram and Christchurch Gondola for a whole year. Gift vouchers are also available to purchase online and from the booking office.

DUSKY DOLPHINS ON DISPLAY Kaikōura is a unique and exciting place for a relaxing and refreshing break with the family, and watching Kaikōura's dusky dolphins has a uniqueness all of its own.

Swimming with the dusky dolphins is a unique and sought-after activity, often described as a life-changing experience; creating special and heart-warming memories. These dolphins are found in pods allyear-round along the coast.

The Christchurch Tram is a great option for families to explore Christchurch – and best of all: kids go free!

Not everyone decides that swimming is for them, so watching the dolphins, and the people swimming with them, is magical in itself.

The acrobatic displays of the dusky dolphins will captivate your heart and put a smile on your face.

03 366 7830 / christchurchattractions.nz

dolphinencounter.co.nz

PUNTING ON THE AVON

YOUR PERFEC T ESCAPE

Sit back and relax at Punting on the Avon and see Christchurch from a different perspective.

Base yourself at The Portage and explore the magic of the Marlborough Sounds. Relax, unwind and switch off from the rest of the world while you enjoy this beautiful location.

With comfortable seats and live commentary from your Edwardianattired punter, an eco-friendly 30-minute punt ride along the Avon River is an excellent opportunity for your family to take a break and enjoy seeing the river’s flora and wildlife up close. Gaze at the beautiful spring blooms of the Botanic Gardens and breathe in the scent of daffodils and blossom.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway by the pool soaking in the surroundings or an activity-packed trip, The Portage is the perfect place for you.

A great choice for families; experience seeing the city in a new way with New Zealand’s only punting tours.

Explore nature while staying in this stunning part of the Sounds. Spend time walking or cycling the Queen Charlotte Track, kayaking, sailing or fishing in the Kenepuru Sounds. The Portage offers a little taste of everything Marlborough has to offer, check out our summer packages.

03 366 0337 / christchurchattractions.nz

0800 842 843 / theportage.co.nz

Spring / 2020

29

TRAVEL

A wild Wellington weekend FOR EVERY TYPE OF FAMILY

CREATIVES VAN GOGH ALIVE

Immerse yourself in van Gogh’s masterpieces at Digital Nights Wellington – Van Gogh Alive. An outdoor debut of the world’s most visited multi-sensory experience celebrating one of the world’s most famous artists, Vincent van Gogh.

Make no mistake, this is no ordinary art exhibition – forget tiptoeing through silent galleries and imagine a whole new way of interacting with art. Van Gogh’s masterpieces will come alive in a unique exhibition experience of more than 3,000 images projected onto shipping containers at an enormous 8 metre-high scale and synchronised to a powerful classical score. wellingtonnz.com

HANDS-ON WETA WORKSHOPS Chainmaille

Weta Workshop has kitted out countless armies with chainmaille and leather-adorned costumes for films like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia. In this hands-on workshop, learn techniques used by the Weta costume crew as you create your own keyring from leather and chainmaille.

Awarded one of the World’s Top 100 Greatest Places 2019 by TIME

SEE MORE TOGETHER Guided Tours – Making Memories

Book your guided tour online now

visitzealandia.com 30 Spring / 2020

Sculpture Roll up your sleeves for an introduction to the magic of sculpture, as you begin to create a fantastical 3D character from modelling clay and household materials.

Special Effects Mix your own fake blood and create convincing wounds with special effects make-up. No humans were harmed in the making of this workshop! With the guidance of the Weta crew, learn the art of crafting convincing special effects by mixing blood and sculpting your own scars and scrapes. tours.wetaworkshop.com

CAPITAL E’S LIGHT YEARS

What makes a rainbow? Why do things glow? At the end of the day, where does the sun go? Discover the magic and wonder of light in Light Years at Capital E’s PlayHQ. This new interactive play activation sparks curiosity into science and art, making for an enlightening experience for tamariki aged five and under. Join in to explore this sensory play activation that zooms in on colour play and the links to light. capitale.org.nz

TRAVEL

As the undisputed arts and culture capital of New Zealand, there’s plenty of creativity, adventure and cuisine awaiting your family in our nation’s capital.

ADVENTURERS WALK THE SCENIC ESCARPMENT TRACK

The Escarpment Track runs from Paekākāriki to Pukerua Bay, taking in sweeping views of the spectacular Kāpiti Coastline and the region’s famous Kāpiti Island. Families of all ages regularly enjoy this trail, but it’s not recommended for the faint-hearted: you’ll scale around 1,200 steep steps, navigate narrow pathways across ridgelines, and traverse two swing bridges. wellingtonregionaltrails.com

HIRE AN E-BIKE AND CYCLE TO PENCARROW LIGHTHOUSE

The Pencarrow Lighthouse was New Zealand’s first permanent lighthouse. The cast-iron tower was made in England and then erected on Pencarrow Head, at the entrance to Wellington Harbour. Located within Wellington’s East Harbour Regional Park, the lighthouse makes for a pleasant day trip. Walk or cycle the 8 km gravel track to the lighthouse from Burden’s Gate, at the south end of Eastbourne. bikeshedpencarrow.com

FOODIES

AND DON’T FORGET...

BREWTOWN

WELLINGTON ZOO

Visit Brewtown, a craft beer destination that’s just as much for kids as adults. Think of it as a microcosm of Wellington, bringing together some of the region's top breweries and delicious food on one site. Brewtown is a one-stop-shop and a must-visit for craft beer lovers. Also home to a boutique distillery, Brewtown is the perfect place to spend an afternoon taste-testing the best the region has to offer, and it is just a short walk away from Upper Hutt train station making it an easy trip to and from the city.

Head along to Wellington Zoo for a wild day out! They're the world's first carboNZero certified zoo. See the capybaras, caracals, pygmy marmosets, the cute red pandas, sun bears, and many more varied and interesting animals at Wellington Zoo – New Zealand’s first zoo.

Tickets from just $12 per person.

Open everyday except Christmas day. wellingtonzoo.com

huttvalleynz.com/experience

brewtown.co.nz

EXPLORE THE SKY AT SPACE PLACE

WELLINGTON ON A PLATE

Stories of New Zealand skies are shared at Space Place through multimedia exhibits, interactive galleries, the historic Thomas Cooke telescope and their digital, full-dome planetarium. Learn about planets, stars, constellations and galaxies and New Zealand’s contribution to astronomy and space sciences.

Complete your trip through the galaxy, look back in time to our history of exploration with the transit of Venus and Māori starlore.

Don’t miss Wellington’s annual food festival Visa Wellington On A Plate. Take a seat at the table this October and enjoy the most amazing culinary experiences the Greater Wellington region has to offer. Feast your senses in this celebration of all things food and beverage.

Eat, Drink and be Welly with hundreds of festival events and festival dishes that showcase the best of Wellington region’s ingredients, suppliers and producers.

Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary 500-year vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 225-hectare ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife back into the area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years.

museumswellington.org.nz/space-place

visawoap.com

visitzealandia.com

DISCOVER THE WILD SIDE OF WELLINGTON

A NEW ADVENTURE EVERY TIME Your adventure at Wellington Zoo supports conservation for animals in New Zealand and around the world.

wellingtonzoo.com | 200 Daniell Street Newtown

Spring / 2020

31

Summer Fun!

Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free

Base yourself at The Portage and experience a little taste of everything Marlborough has to offer. The Portage is the perfect destination for families to getaway. Whether you want to explore nature, enjoy a winery tour, cruise the Marlborough Sounds, walk or cycle the famous Queen Charlotte Track, experience a wildlife eco tour, sea kayak, fish or sail we have you covered. The Portage is your Marlborough base for exploring the magic of the Marlborough Sounds. The best part is Kids Stay, Play and Eat Free....

BOOK your next stay with us and secure your summer holidays now. *Terms and Conditions: Travel dates between 1 October 2020- 20 December 2020. Subject to availability. $100 deposit at time of booking with no cancellation/amendments within 30 days of arrival. Children must eat off children’s menu with accompanying paying adult.

BOOK NOW from $379* Based on one nights stay for a family of four. Children under 12 stay, play & eat for FREE when dining from children’s menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a paying adult*. Join our kids club and enjoy free daily activities.

For all our amazing summer specials check out

TO BOOK NOW please contact our Central Reservations Team, call us on 0800 842 843 or email reservations@thcgroup.co.nz 32 Spring / 2020

theportage.co.nz | thcnuggetpoint.co.nz | parkresidence.co.nz

MONEY MATTERS

Check out these three most important money habits your kids need to develop to help ensure a positive and secure financial future.

T he three most

IMPORTANT MONEY HABITS KIDS NEED TO DEVELOP 1. Earn and save their own money.

It can’t just be handed to them.

Sounds obvious, right?

• The Bank of Mum and Dad shouldn’t last forever.

• There is a great sense of pride that comes with earning your own money. You very quickly realise the value of money when you personally put the effort and time into earning it.

• If money is just handed out to kids like lollies, it’s all too easy for them to spend it as the reward factor is so low. Next time they come to you with their hand out why not suggest they complete a task in return for the cash.

2. Have a goal. They need to know what they are saving for.

It doesn’t matter how big or small the goal but have a clear idea on what they’re saving for and why it’s important to them.

Get into the habit of setting smaller/shortterm financial goals today, like having $20 for spending on their upcoming family holiday or putting $20 away towards that new bike or pair of shoes. This helps to set kids up with setting larger or more long-term goals like having money for rent when they go flatting, or putting money towards a deposit on a house.

Without a goal, it becomes too easy to spend money frivolously and at the end of the month have no real clue as to where it went and on what.

One month of unwise spending soon becomes two or three, and before you know it a year has passed, and the savings account bank balance is a big fat zero.

The sense of achievement in smashing their goals is motivation enough to keep on smashing more of them. It’s like opening a packet of Pringles: once you start, you can’t stop!

3. Keep a budget. This is the plan to help achieve the goals.

A budget is like a road map – plotting out the journey to help get them to their final destination. It helps to keep track of where the money is going, what it’s being spent on and how it is being saved.

Without a plan, goals won’t be achieved, and if kids get into the habit of saving first and spending second, they can jump right to the front of their financial journey.

Budgeting is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if kids’ expenses are takeaways, movies or app downloads.

Getting into the habit of keeping a regular budget will mean when they leave home to go flatting or own their own home, they are better equipped to ensure they can afford their lifestyle, but more importantly, achieve their financial goals.

Kick-start your kid's positive money habits Squeeze the Day: creating financially savvy minds for the future!

There has never been a more critical time for households and families to feel in control of their finances. With a lot of uncertainty in the world, it’s great to have a thorough knowledge and understanding of our personal finances. Many adults wish they had learnt more about money at an earlier age and hope their children will build financially secure futures, arming themselves with the knowledge to make good money decisions. Squeeze the Day is a fun and interactive financial literacy programme designed for young people and their families, covering financial basics like earning, saving and spending wisely to concepts like debt and interest.

The programme is designed primarily with 9 to 14-year-olds in mind but has been developed for the whole household to learn together along the way. It includes a mix of digital content and real-life learning experiences and challenges.

Try before you buy with the FREE TRIAL offering the first five (of 27) lessons completely free or buy now for only $49 – limited time offer, normally $69. squeezetheday.co.nz

Spring / 2020

33

TECHNOLOGY

Online safety parent toolkit Netsafe is committed to supporting parents, whānau and caregivers as they guide their children through life online – particularly in this rapidly changing world.

W

ith Netsafe research showing that New Zealand teenagers are having harmful online experiences at a rate substantially higher than adults, it’s essential parents know what to do, which is why Netsafe created the Online Safety Parent Toolkit.

The Toolkit is a practical and straightforward seven-step framework to give every parent access to the support they need to teach their kids how to access digital opportunities and reduce harm.

By working through the framework, parents will get to a place where they can confidently speak to their children about their online activities and help them avoid or minimise possible harm.

THE SEVEN-STEP FRAMEWORK HELPS PARENTS TO: 1. Understand potential risks, challenges and sometimes illegal behaviours 2. Learn about their tamariki’s activities 3. Explore for themselves the technology their child uses

4. Agree and set expectations as a family on what to do online 5. Teach basic online safety concepts 6. Model the behaviours you want to see your child use 7. Plan what to do if things go wrong.

Netsafe’s Parent Toolkit is guided by the whakataukī (proverb): Ko te mahi a te tamariki, he wāwāhi tahā (the activities of children break calabashes). Tamariki and rangatahi (youth) are naturally inquisitive and making mistakes and encountering risk is often part of exploring. As parents and whānau, it’s our responsibility to guide young people through these challenges openly and safely.

The Toolkit can be used by anyone – from parents who are already helping their child with their online activities through to parents who are new to digital parenting.

Netsafe is available seven days a week to provide free, confidential, non-judgemental help and expert incident advice to people in Aotearoa.

Visit netsafe.org.nz for more information.

Let’s keep our kids safe on the internet.

Visit netsafe.org.nz/digitalparenting to access the free Online Safety Parent Toolkit 34 Spring / 2020

ADULT EDUCATION

YOU’RE ON THE You’ve got a vision of how you want your life to look — you want to do better, be better, live a good life — but often it’s like you’re wandering in the forest without a map, writes KELLY EDEN.

W

e’re bombarded with the successes of others, and sometimes it can be hard not to compare. We know we can do what they do. Or can we? There’s this pull between our determination to live our best lives and our self-doubts. One day everything is progressing nicely, the next you wonder if you’ll ever reach your goals. Love seems out of reach.

Success is far off. Are we even on the right track for where we want to be?

HERE ARE SEVEN CLUES THAT YOU’RE NOT AS LOST AS YOU THINK: 1. You know you’d do it differently now We get very wrapped up in the moment and forget how far we’ve come. If you look back at what you did a few years ago and think, “What an idiot! I’d do that so differently now!” The only reason you can say that is because you’ve grown.

right track

2. You can see areas that still need work Your areas of weakness don’t mean you suck.

If you notice them, it means you’re becoming a self-aware person. Self-aware people recognise their feelings, work on building their confidence, and know their worth — their strengths and weaknesses.

5. You read to learn about yourself Understanding ourselves helps us understand others. I love personality tests. They often attempt to place you in little boxes: introvert or extrovert, peaceful or powerful, ordered or chaotic — and personality is far more complicated than that, but they do help you build up a small picture of your uniqueness.

3. You have let people go Knowing that it’s healthy to let some people go — friends or lovers — is a sign of growth.

We often stay in relationships for the wrong reasons. We stay because we feel guilty, or loyal, or that we have to because they rely on us.

6. You have people you love and that love you You have family, a partner, or a close friend or two in your bubble. It doesn’t need to be a huge bubble, either!

4. You need help from others Needing help is a sign of maturity. We’d be idiots to think we can do this life all on our own. We need support to deal with issues and go through hard times; we need each other.

7. You do things that contribute to the world You work, you feed your family, you volunteer or give to charity, you listen to your friend when she’s sad. You take the time to do things for others because you understand the importance of being part of things that are bigger than yourself. lifewithlittleandlula.com

Become a teacher.

Teachers make a positive difference in the community.

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

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.

EDUCATION

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

Applications are open now.

Spring / 2020

35

GIVEAWAYS

4

Fifi the Flossing Sloth

Family passes – 100% Wolf

100% Wolf centres on Freddy Lupin, heir to a proud family line of werewolves. Positive he’ll become the most fearsome werewolf ever, Freddy is in for a shock when his first “warfing” goes awry, turning him into a ferocious poodle. In cinemas 1 October.

7

3

Rainbocorns Sweet Shake Surprise

These are full of so many sweet surprises! Press their paw once to hear them sing and press twice for ‘speak and repeat’! So much fun in each ZURU Rainbocorns Sweet Shake Surprise.

Trolls World Tour on DVD

Poppy and Branch discover there are six different troll tribes scattered over six different lands.

The pair embark on a daring mission to unite the trolls.

Be in to

Win!

Family passes – The War With Grandpa

Simply head to our website: familytimes.co.nz WHICH?

How hig

Do birds have teeth?

h can a fle

ISBN: 978-1-98-8

53830-3

s.co.nz

Do fish have ears?

Dave G

No matter how crazy or quir ky your ques the WHICH? tion — from to the WHAT? to the WHY? — this book has of everything all the answers.

unson

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DAV E G U NSON

Author, illustr ator and all-rou nd clever clogs Dave Gunson tackles every curly question sea about New under the Zealand’s seash ore wildlife. If curious to know you’re more about what’ s living on your local seashore, then you’ll totally love this book!

ISBN: 978-1-98-8

53831-0

9 781988 538310

www.batemanbook

s.co.nz

Dave G

unson

Sets – Dave Gunson’s new series Which? What? Why?

10

Squeeze the Day

We have 10 Squeeze the Day Lifetime Household Memberships, valued at $69 each, to giveaway. It’s a financial literacy programme for kids and families - creating financially savvy minds for the future!

(See page 33 for more info).

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Itty Bitty Prettys Tea Party Teacup Dolls Playset

E

9 781988 538303

www.batemanbook

Are jellyfish made of some kind of jelly?

New Zealand Seashore Wild life

RE WILD LIF

Author, illustr ator and all-rou nd clever clogs Dave Gunson tackles every curly question sun about New under the Zealand’s garde n wildlife. If you’re curious to know more about what’ s living in your backyard, then you’ll totally love this book!

life

W H AT ? W HY? NZ SEASHO

ManukaRx Natural Skin Ointment provides gentle, yet powerful support to your body’s natural healing ability. Paired with their nourishing lip balm, ManukaRx ointment is a must-have for home first-aid kits, the car and handbag, great for skin irritations that are common with a busy modern household.

DAV E G U NSON

No matter how crazy or quir ky your ques the WHICH? tion — from to the WHAT? to the WHY? — this book has of everything all the answers.

Upset that he has to share the room he loves with his grandfather, Peter decides to declare war in an attempt to get it back. Starring Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman and Christopher Walken.

In cinemas 24 September.

Garden Wild

How ma does a ny teeth shark ha ve?

E

a jump?

WILDLIF

ManukaRx Natural Skin Ointment & Lip Balm Set

New Zealand

W H AT ? W HY? NZ GARDEN

Why don’t worms have legs?

WHICH?

5

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You’re invited to the ultimate tea party! Stir open your giant teacup playset to find everything you need to host the most epic tea party, with over 25 surprises inside! Unbox your Itty Bitty Prettys teacup playset to discover the magic inside! (Comes with one Large Teacup and one Small Teacup).

These fully illustrated books on New Zealand’s seashore and garden wildlife answer all the silly and quirky natural history questions small children might ask.

Family pass Cinderella The Panto Grab your godmother.

Touch up your tiara.

Cinderella is coming to town! Magical transformations, heaps of hilarity, sparkling song and spectacular scenery is set to fill the stage of the Isaac Theatre Royal this festive season.

WINNER! Congratulations to Nicole Speechley of Auckland on winning our $2000 Play, Stay, Getaway at The Portage in the Marlborough Sounds. We look forward to welcoming you stay with us soon. theportage.co.nz

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

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This sloth loves to floss! Fifi’s hilarious floss movements, cute blinking eyes and butt wiggles are sure to get everyone up dancing!

Who’s got the best moves? You or Fifi?

CHRISTCHURCH M A RK ETPL ACE FREE HOUR S 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

CUSHION THEATRE AT THE

Early Childhood Educational Centre

26 SEPTEMBER 11TH TO 27TH APRIL 2020 11 OCTOBER 2020

Ph 385 6319

www.malthouse.co.nz

45 Randall St, Richmond (Close to The Palms)

MALTHOUSE

BOOKINGS AT

CALL AND SEE US TO ENROL

October kids camp

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

0800 INVISIBLE (0800 468 474)

Secret Agents & spies OCTOBER 5th-9th

AGES 8-12

www.livingsprings.co.nz

Leaders in appearance dentistry Shop 201, Westfield Riccarton Mall, Located above ASB bank

(best access via Lift in Farmers store)

smilesville.co.nz

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

specialneedslibrary.co.nz

WINNIE BAGOES

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

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

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

5-15yrs

Term 4 starts 12 October Free trial class!

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

0800 WaiSwim

Canvas Bag Drama School 3 Locations: Merivale / South Brighton / Halswell info@canvasbag.nz • 021 222 7273 • canvasbag.nz Spring / 2020

37

IPNA G TE H EH E SA PO DE TR LIGHT

Photographer of

tiny humans

One scroll through her Facebook page would melt the hardest of hearts. CASSANDRA ENGLISH is not only an established “photographer of tiny humans” in New Zealand, but she’s recognised internationally for her newborn shoots. KINETA BOOKER chats with Christchurchbased mum of two Cass from Hazel&Cass.

You weren’t always a full-time photographer. Tell us about your life before becoming a mum and what led you to start your own photography business.

I never sought to be a photographer – photography found me. In fact I failed photography at university and was advised to major in a different area of visual communication. In my previous careers, I was an advertising creative intern, singer, trumpet tutor, lawnmower mechanic, medical receptionist, events manager, restaurant manager, graphic designer in medical and central government. I even found time to start a cake business, which came crumbling down as fast as I could ice the cupcakes – thank you Christchurch earthquakes!

Almost five years of my life, I dedicated to studying and working in graphic design. And another three muddling around trying to find myself.

Then, in my mid-twenties, I met my man, and we had our first baby, Hazel. I was dreading going back to my current job as a graphic designer, and I was besotted with Hazel. I craved to document every moment and every milestone of her first few months. I knew nothing about photography then, but just took photo after photo. After four months of maternity leave, I went back to my job full time. I dropped Hazel to day-care at 8am until 6pm. To get through the long days, I would stare at her photos. She became a constant reminder and inspiration for the infinite possibilities of the life I could create for us. I knew that something needed to change in my work life.

After a bad day at work, I decided to do something about my career. I whipped up a logo, made a Facebook page, and ‘Hazel&Cass’ was born. That night I went home and told my family, “I started a newborn photography business”.

Everyone just laughed, and I could hear them thinking, “Ok, here goes another one of Cass’s wild adventures”. That night I was ecstatic to

38 Spring / 2020

take in my first few bookings. There was just one problem: I didn’t own a professional camera, nor did I know how to use one. So, I bought one the next day during my lunch break, and spent my nights studying, practising, and eventually reigniting a creative fire in myself that I hadn’t realised had gone out.

How different is life now that you’re a parent of six-year-old Hazel and three-year-old George?

It’s so much more beautiful, messy, honest, loud, emotional, and loving than I ever thought possible. I wake each day, knowing that they’ll always find new ways to surprise me and fill my heart that little bit more.

Moments of joy, to last forever.

How do you fit your very busy photography studio work into your busy work and home life?

What surprised you most when you became a parent?

My supportive family. Mum is constantly getting last-minute calls to pick my kids up. I often feel like I am barely holding it together, so I take it a day at a time.

I get my evenings with the kids where it’s ‘tools down’ and my time is devoted to them until they are in bed. When they are asleep, I am back to work until late.

You’re known internationally for your newborn shoots, especially of the triplets and quadruplets.

Tell us about your favourite type of photography sessions.

I love creating warm, timeless documents of newborns. It is the fluffy shoulders to those tiny little toes that melt me. I love creating portraits for my clients that not only preserve what their newborn looks like but also reminds them of what they felt like to hold in their arms, what they sounded like and what they smelt like.

Forever bottling up that feeling of new love, so they never forget.

The thing you enjoy most about everyday life with your little family?

Our quiet, cuddly moments on the couch together.

How much of your own childhood you will relive through them. All those little things they say, and the way they view the world, unearth so many forgotten memories from the past.

What’s your top parenting tip?

One of the perks of my jobs is meeting all these amazing mothers each week. I often talk with , them about how they feel about parenting. The answer is almost always the same: “I think it’s going ok?”, they say with doubt. I completely understand. Because inside, I still have this underlying fear I’m not doing it right either.

This parenting thing is hard. Ridiculously hard.

Just when you think you have a hang of it, they change it up again. And the truth is, I’m not sure anyone ever is ‘doing it right’ or has any idea what that even is. As a parent, we have to put one foot in front of the other, each and every day.

Because it’s the only thing you know how to do.

There is no ‘right’. No instruction manual. Just steps. If I am ever in doubt, just look at those tiny faces. There may be no right way to do this. But you are as close to right as you can get. hazelandcass.co.nz

october - november

Farm tours, country gardens, art, heritage walks, A&P shows, wine/beer tasting, workshops and much more!

PLAN YOUR VISIT SELWYN.NZ/MEETUSINTHECOUNTRY Spring / 2020

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40 Spring / 2020