Family Times Summer 2019

We’ve Got Parenting Covered

Su m mer I s sue 2 019

FREE! =take me home

In the spotlight 'Mom life' with Anika Moa

Creative outlets

for children with DYSLEXIA

RUBBISH-FREE SCHOOLS: PACK A

nude lunchbox!

The magic of

Wildlife With the Amazing

Elgregoe!

Twice daily from 27 December to 27 January.

60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch.

Go to www.willowbank.co.nz for details.

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

UNDER

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

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

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

BOOK NOW

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

2

Summer / 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE

What gets you in the Christmas mood? Blasting yuletide tunes from your UE Boom into your backyard, while you hang solar-powered fairy lights throughout the trees? Writing your family’s annual letter to loved ones near and far? Watching Home Alone with your sister, just as you did when you were kids? Popping over to a friends house who loves the season just as much as you, and discussing what your theme is for this year, and your latest decoration purchase?

Surely I’m not the only one who gets into the spirit at this level?!

On the other hand, not everyone’s a fan. There will be some people who spend Christmas alone – whether by choice or circumstance.

And there are others who have plenty of people around, but won’t be unwrapping a stocking on Christmas morning, because making ends meet has priority over the latest plastic toy.

Welcome

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from my parents, it’s that there’s always extra room at our family’s Christmas table for anyone who needs it. And if there’s one thing I want to teach my own child, is that we’ll always wrap extra presents to put under the local Christmas tree for children who would otherwise not be opening something special at Christmas. For, it’s important to look after and care for those in our own community, those we spend our daily lives with, leaving a smile in the heart of local children.

Oh, Christmas! The most magical time of the year.

And it should be for anyone who wants it to be.

Wishing you a safe and very happy holiday season.

See you in 2020!

Kineta

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

@familytimesnewzealand

LIFE IS

CO-ED

Whatever makes their hearts soar.

Kelly McBride Head of Learning Enrichment, Preparatory School

Inside every child is a passion and ability waiting to be discovered. Maybe it’s robotics, music, writing, kapa haka, maths, sport, or dance. We’re here to nurture and develop that talent. And provide guidance in your child’s next steps in their learning journey.

I look forward to welcoming you and your child to the St Andrew’s College family.

Visit stac.school.nz for further information and to register online

ENROLMENTS ARE

NOW OPEN FOR 2021

Book a personalised Preparatory School or Secondary School tour at any time — Phone +64 3 940 2016

PREPARATORY SCHOOL Thursday 19 March 2020 11.00am–12.30pm

SECONDARY SCHOOL Wednesday 25 March 2020 9.00am–12.00pm

Summer / 2019

3

Contents

14

FEATURES

4

6

Stay-at-home parenting

6

Parenting and learning through play

30​

Empowering children through exercise

38

Christmas Dining and Decorating

39

Festive DIY: Edible Christmas planter

39

Festive DIY: Soy candle melts

46

In the spotlight: Anika Moa

10​

We love...

24​

HEALTH & WELLBEING

What’s On Christchurch

26

34

Mindfulness

What’s On Dunedin

40​

35

Osteopathy and newborn checks

Fun Zone

41

36

The Tell Me book

Fun Zone

42

37

Nude lunchboxes

Get crafty: Resene Rainbow

43

Giveaways

44

Christchurch Marketplace

12​

Becoming an egg donor

13​

The technology of tooth movement

14

Sensational first Christmas

15

Make the move

16

Starting school at six

17

Learning to like school

18

Creative outlets for dyslexia

19

Music therapy

20

Out-of-school fun

21

Preparing for periods

22

At the movies: Playmobil

23

At the movies: Farmageddon

32

Kaikōura’s Dolphin Encounter

29

Keeping kids safe online

33

Wonders of Waikato

Summer / 2019

HOT HOLIDAY SPOTS

REGULARS 3​

Welcome Note

5​

Help is at hand

8​

Books and Beats

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

CONTENTS

Help is at hand

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 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

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.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES hello@27publishers.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS Anika Moa, Claire Gullidge, Craig Fortune, Crissi Blair, Grahame Dutton, Jen Sievers, Kate Barber, Katie Anstiss, Kelly Eden, Dr Lin Day, Nathan Wallis, Paul Russell, Rachel Cone, Room 4 from Kaiapoi North School, Dr Sarah Wakeman, Suzy Cato, Wonita Woolhouse

After Hours Counselling Services Providing counselling and relationship services.

027 694 5275 afterhours-counselling services.co.nz

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

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

Specific Learning Disabilities would thrive in their regular school. If not, Jean Seabrook Memorial School provides an alternative

03 381 5383 seabrookmckenzie.net

Canterbury Speakeasy

PRINT Blueprint, Christchurch

Seabrook McKenzie Centre Ideally, students with

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.

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

0800 164 455 sidsandkids.org.nz

0800 568 856 parenthelp.org.nz

ISSN NO. 2324-450X

ANNUAL P ANNUAL PASS ASS

GREAT G GREAT GIFT IFT IIDEA! DEA! An annual pass to Orana means you can visit our zoo every day for a whole 12 months!

The annual pass is valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

Please visit our website for more details and conditions.

See NZ’s only

gorillas!

793 McLeans Island Road, Christchurch Ph 03 359 7109, Transport Ph 03 356 1010 Open 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm)

www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz www.facebook.com/oranawildlifepark Summer / 2019

5

POSITIVE PARENTING

PARENTING

from home

The choice to stay at home long term with our children can be a big decision for parents. KELLY EDEN discusses the rewards and realities of being an at-home parent.

W

hen my first child arrived, I chose to take a break in my career and be an athome parent. I wanted to free up my time, so that I could play a significant role in their development. In the first three years of your child’s life, many critical developmental stages happen. Intellectually, emotionally, socially, and personally, your little person’s brain is forming lasting patterns and impressions. But teenagers also benefit from having a parent around when they get home from school. From zero to teens, children are gaining an idea of themselves, how others see them, and their sense of worth. They are learning to understand emotions and manage them. Social skills and empathy are being developed, as well as their language and communication skills. The more available we are to help them understand themselves, others, and the world around them, the better.

NEWBORN DAYS

There are times when being at home with your baby works well. Many cultures encourage new mothers to stay home and rest for the first months after birth. Those early days can be surprisingly exhausting and, depending on how your pregnancy and delivery went, you may need that time to recover. Young children and babies also enjoy calm, routine-focused environments. They cry less and sleep better when they’re not overtired or too busy. Even older preschoolers can get overtired and unsettled with too much activity. For new babies and mums, lots of time at home can also allow feeding and sleeping patterns to get established.

BUT BEING AN AT-HOME PARENT IS NOT FOR EVERYONE

Certainly, every choice has its disadvantages, too, and staying at home is no exception. You may have given up a job you enjoy (at least for a while), or put a hold on your interests. After the initial crazy-tired baby months, it’s completely possible to manage both to some extent.

Many parents like myself manage part-time work, or work from home on blogs, report writing, etc., before their kids get up for the day, during nap-times, or around the kids’ schedules. Some share working and childcare with their partners.

AT HOME, BUT NOT

Just because you’re an at-home parent doesn’t mean you’re stuck within the walls of your house, either. I can always tell when I’ve had too much time inside with housework and kids’ mess, and so can everyone else! Getting out and about is essential – join a music group, playgroup, exercise class, baby swimming lessons (from about four months), coffee group, toy library, or simply spend time with friends.

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Summer / 2019

Parenting and learning through PLAY! Playcentre is a parent cooperative that offers parents and caregivers the opportunity to be involved with their child’s learning.

A

t Playcentre, adults play alongside their children. A child-centred programme based on your child’s fascinations, strengths, and interests allows you to encourage children as they interact with others. You will meet other parents and educators and become part of a fun, vibrant village where community and a sense of belonging are at the heart of everything we do.

Mums, dads, and all whānau, including grandparents, aunties and uncles, and other caregivers are welcome to attend Playcentre with the children.

As one mother says, “I played and learnt alongside my kids until they went to school.

The friendships we made as a family are priceless. Playcentre was our village. I didn't just watch them grow; I grew with them.”

Every Playcentre offers three free visits, so come along for a visit and see what we’re all about. We have over 420 centres throughout New Zealand, so there sure to be one near you.

playcentre.org.nz

waiting to meet you!

Visit Santa today and receive a FREE book* Visit northlands.co.nz to find out more.

*While stocks last. Terms and conditions apply. Limit one per customer.

Summer / 2019

7

BOOKS AND BEATS

Books

Books, books, wonderful books!

CRISSI BLAIR picks out the best pages for all ages.

Sarah’s Two Nativities

#Tumeke

By Janine Fraser Illus. Hélène Magisson

By Michael Petherick

Walker Books $28.99 This beautifully illustrated and sensitively written book tells the story of Christmas through Sarah’s two grandmothers, one Christian and one Muslim. Each tells their version of the nativity while preparing special food for the occasion. Sarah learns that she doesn’t have to choose to believe one or the other.

The family celebrate together, “because family together in peace is the greatest treasure of all”.

Annual Ink $30 This book is crazy! It’s based around the library notice board in the ubiquitous New Zealand town of Newtoun, where folks are organising a Waitangi festival. Once you dive into this eclectic volume, you can spend hours following each storyline and coming up with your own responses.

Suitable for ages 7-12 Tell Me

Suitable for ages 3-8

By Katharina von der Gathen, Illus. Anke Kuhl, Translation Shelley Tanaka

The Gobbledegook Book

By Joy Cowley Illus. Giselle Clarkson

Gecko Press $39.99 This is a fabulous collection of stories, poems and nonsense verse by the inimitable Joy Cowley, and given fresh, loose and lively illustrations by Giselle Clarkson. Being collected from previous publications, some will be well known like old favourite Greedy Cat and Nicketty Nacketty Noo Noo Noo. There are 20 items, and all are excellent readaloud material and reward repeat readings where children will learn to join in on the fun and wordplay, and enjoy the flapping ducks and other fantastic characters that fly across the pages.

Suitable for ages 2-8 The Princess and the Pirate

By Charlie Holt Illus. Jane Smith

OneTree House $30 The princess in this story has two sides to her personality. During the day she is sweet and kind and obeys her parents, but at night it’s a different story – she dons mask and cape and gallops away on her pony, Jim, to defend the townspeople and see off any scoundrels, until she meets her match in One-eyed Pete. Their sword fight takes them over rooftops and all around the town until Jim comes to the rescue with the perfectly timed kick.

Suitable for ages 3-8

Win! 8

Summer / 2019

Gecko Press $29.99 This terrific book is packed with honest, straightforward information about bodies, sex and emotions.

The questions are asked, and handwritten (even sometimes misspelled) by children, and they don’t shy away from the tricky subjects. Everything from #2 Are there different penises? To #96, How do breasts get milk? So if you want to have some honest conversations about real stuff, grab this and get talking.

Suitable for ages 8+

Music for little ears By

SUZY CATO from Kiwi Kids Music

My Favourite Action Songs for Kids Written and sung

by Judi Cranston kindyrock.com Here’s a great collection of songs by Judi Cranston. Handpicked from her nine previous albums, this collection will get your little ones moving and learning.

Waiata Tamariki Album CD with lyric booklet or downloadable

By Jacqui Williams taimanapublishing.nz This bouncy, upbeat collection of eight bilingual songs for tamariki of all ages will have the whole family singing along in the car.

The Anzac Biscuit Man

By Peter Millett petermillettbooks.com Award-winning author Peter Millett and acclaimed cartoonist Shaun Yeo reimagine this classic tale with a uniquely Kiwiana flavour! Fun for the whole family.

Songs for Bubbas 3

By Anika Moa anikamoa.co.nz

TOP PICK The Adventures of Tupaia

By Courtney Sina Meredith Illus. Mat Tait

Allen & Unwin $35 Get to know Tupaia, the Tahitian priestnavigator who guided Captain Cook on the Endeavour, travelling from Tahiti to New Zealand. Read about what happened when the Endeavour visited different parts of New Zealand, and how Tupaia assisted with Cook's translation and negotiation skills.

Told in graphic format with a limited palette, this dramatic tale is a captivating read for young and old.

Suitable for ages 10+

Anika Moa’s much anticipated third children’s album was released in November and comes jam-packed with witches, monsters, lullabies for littlies and wonderful waiata in te reo Māori.

There’s even a gorgeous wee song written for her beautiful wee girl, Marigold.

The Dinky Donkey

By Craig Smith and Katz Cowley Wonky Donkey has a daughter with the same rambunctious spirit as her dad. Complete with a download for the song, this book will be loved by kids, and parents alike.

kiwikidsmusic.co.nz

We have ONE copy each of The Princess and the Pirate, #Tumeke, The Adventures of Tupaia, Waiata Tamariki Album, and The Anzac Biscuit Man to giveaway. As well as TWO The Dinky Donkey, THREE copies of My Favourite Action Songs for Kids, and FIVE Songs for Bubbas 3. To enter, visit familytimes.co.nz

Christmas is creative at Avonhead Shopping Centre!

By

Kenneth Grahame Alan Bennett

Adapted for the stage by

Jeremy Sams Directed by Ross Gumbley

Music & additional lyrics by

for Christmas

Get creative these holidays and make your very own gnome!

19TH TO 23RD DECEMBER

From 23 November

30 MINUTE SESSIONS. AGE 5+

10AM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM

AvonheadShoppingCentre www.avonhead.co.nz Cnr Withells Rd and Merrin St Avonhead

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

SEASON SPONSOR

CORE FUNDER

SHOW SPONSOR

Bookings essential at www.themakecompany.co.nz

Hey Kids, visit Santa to pick up your

Free

Your child may see well – we assess HOW they see

CHRISTMAS

Dec ation

®

®

Santa is in-centre Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 2pm, starting 7 December.

Open 10am-5pm, 7 Days ®

®

03 349 5750

CHRISTCHURCH 409 Main South Road, Hornby

www.dress-smart.co.nz Summer / 2019

9

WE LOVE...

Things we’re

buzzing about Squawkzilla and the Giants!

Canterbury Museum’s new exhibition is all about the animals that lived in New Zealand millions of years ago.

See life-sized models of the monster penguins that swam in the seas and Squawkzilla, a metre-tall parrot that may have been a meat-eater.

Opens 13 December.

Making music memories

Specialising in music tuition for children of all ages, Christchurch Music Academy offers an innovative approach to music education based on a unique *listen-sing-play-read-write* philosophy which accelerates learning.

canterburymuseum.com

chchmusicacademy.co.nz

Super-steel, super-insulated Lunch can be anything with our insulated Food Jar! Leakproof and made from food-grade stainless steel, it keeps food warm or cool depending on your dish! stuckonyou.nz/personal-food-jar

NOM-NOM NUTTY CHOC-Y BUTTER

Exciting news from Peanut Butter legends, Fix & Fogg – as they welcome a delectable new choc-duo to their already stacked Peanut Butter range. Cue, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Chocolate Almond butter – made to take your toast to the next level. Sustainably, meaningfully, and of course, deliciously. shop.fixandfogg.co.nz

Santa’s in town Santa’s waiting to meet you at Northlands! Visit Santa today and receive a free book! 23 November – 24 December, from 10am daily.

Located near Lush. northlands.co.nz

Cake meets ice-cream, Christmas-style

Nana will love you for this lickin’ outing! Whippin’ wonderful whiskey and fruity Christmas spiced mix into a cake lickin’ chocolate gelato. Stacked with roasted pistachios, almonds, hazelnuts, sultanas, mixed peel, glace cherries and apricots. Go on lick that cake, Grandpa! Other Xmas flavours are: Merry Mess, Roll-over Pavlova, Santa’s Scorched Almond. rollickin.co.nz

10 Summer / 2019

Enrolling now for 2021, limited places available for 2020

Summer / 2019

11

BUMP TO BUNDLE

Becoming an

egg donor

E

very day at Fertility Associates, the team of doctors and nurses see women and couples who are hoping to have a baby of their own but, after working through all the options, need the help of a fantastic egg donor. Being a parent can be the best feeling in the world. Imagine being able to give that experience to a hopeful family. Could that be you? Here are some answers to common questions when it comes to being an egg donor.

doctor will discuss with you when you would need to stop and use alternative methods of contraception. This would only be required for a short time.

Q Can I donate more than once?

Q Do I need to have completed my own family before being a donor?

No, we are getting more enquiries from younger women before starting a family. If you have had children, your fertility is proven.

Q Can I be an egg donor if I have had my tubes tied or had a hysterectomy?

No, any expenses involved are minimal (mileage, childcare, parking, etc.) and covered by the recipient couple, after egg collection. The recipient couple also covers your appointment and treatment costs.

Q Does my husband/partner need to be involved?

Yes, your partner needs to be supportive of your decision and attend counselling with you.

Q Does it matter if I have a Mirena, IUCD, Jadelle implant or am on the oral contraceptive pill?

Q What are the risks involved, and could my fertility be affected?

Yes, egg donation treatment involves the ovaries.

Q Will there be any cost to me?

Usually not, depending on the type of contraceptive used, the

Yes. We are happy to accept previous donors back for further cycles. If this is of interest, you may want to discuss the clinic egg bank for your first cycle. With this option, we freeze eggs that can then be fertilised at a later date for a recipient couple, and if more eggs are available, then you can potentially help more than one family.

As with any medical procedure, there are risks; however, these are few and rare. Your doctor will discuss risks with you at your first consultation. You can also refer to the IVF section in our Pathways to a Child book, which is available on our website.

Q Are there any side effects of the medication used during my egg donation cycle?

You may feel a little more tired than normal and perhaps more sensitive, but there should be no other relevant side effects. Your doctor will discuss this thoroughly with you at your consultation.

Q What's the criteria for becoming an egg donor?

You must be aged between 20-36 years of age; be a nonsmoker for at least three months; and you must also be a New Zealand resident.

fertilityassociates.co.nz

Egg donors needed: Have you experienced that amazing love?

Imagine being able to give that experience to another hopeful mum.

Every day we see women who are hoping to have a baby but, after working through all the options need the help of an amazing egg donor.

COULD THAT BE YOU? FIND OUT MORE: WATCH OUR VIDEO fertilityassociates.co.nz/eggdonor Ph: 0800 4 fertility 12 Summer / 2019

POSITIVE PARENTING

T he technology OF TOOTH MOVEMENT

Advancements in orthodontic technologies and techniques are making life a whole lot slicker.

We explore some of the latest innovations here.

I

n the last few years, we have seen an acceleration in technologies replacing old analogue orthodontic techniques. These advancements have made orthodontic planning and execution more precise and for the patient, definitely a lot more fun. Grahame Duxton, from Duxton Dental, explains how the orthodontic journey now plays out. + Assessment now starts with a super-accurate three-dimensional scan from which we can do our analysis and treatment planning. This has removed the old yucky impressions and plaster casts. Using a digital image for each patient has meant that our planning phase has become a lot more precise and predictable. + Being able to show a patient their current position on a screen and then an animation of the tooth movement required to get through to the final outcome is fantastic. These videos are often emailed home, which is great if only one parent can attend the treatment consultation. + We also use the scan to make aligners which are now a regular alternative to the old braces

and wires. We send the scan to Invisalign, where the aligners are printed, packaged and sent to us from Costa Rica. + The scans are also sent to our local labs, to 3D-print models from. These can be used to make some of the other appliances that we utilise to move teeth. + The new technologies have meant that we can now treat – where appropriate – eight-to ten-year-olds with more accuracy, developing customised arch shapes to help fit in all the teeth, to hopefully avoid tooth removal and create more balanced faces. + The digital platform has significantly streamlined our orthodontic procedures and added predictability to our results.

Remember, we recommend an initial orthodontic assessment from the age of eight years so conditions can be identified early and then either monitored or in some cases, treated.

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.”

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

Summer / 2019

13

TEN TINY TOES

Sensational first Christmas Baby’s first Christmas? Keep the celebrations stress-free with these top tips

by DR LIN DAY, founder of Baby Sensory.

C

hristmas is a special time of year for parents and an even more magical one for babies.

The Christmas tree, presents, shiny decorations, colourful lights, smells, tastes and sounds all make Christmas Day a complete sensory delight.

Unfortunately, the celebrations can be both exhausting and stressful, so keep in mind that your baby still needs your love and warmth and the security of a familiar routine. It is also worth considering the safety aspects of anything that can be harmful.

Here are ten top tips to ensure that your baby enjoys the festivities: 1. Cuddles - To ensure your baby doesn’t become too overwhelmed, limit guests to family and close friends. If they want to hold or play with your baby, keep the changeovers to a minimum and make sure that you are available for a cuddle when needed. Nothing is more important to your baby’s emotional wellbeing than your reassuring presence.

2. Routine - Make your baby’s first Christmas as enjoyable as possible by keeping his or her routine the same. Too much change can raise your baby’s stress levels.

3. Comforter - Christmas Day provides a wealth of sensory stimulation for your baby, but look out for signs of over stimulation and tiredness. A favourite blanket or toy can provide the emotional comfort and security that your baby needs, but stay close by to provide a reassuring touch.

4. Toys - Age-and-stage-appropriate toys such as black and white objects, or bright, colourful toys and mobiles that make soft, gentle sounds will stimulate the interest of a newborn or very young baby.

5. Books - Books are one of the best toys for babies. Books that contain textured or sparkly materials, large, brightly

14 Summer / 2019

coloured pictures and hide-and-seek surprises that encourage interaction with a familiar adult make great presents.

6. Creative presents - A treasure basket containing interesting objects or a box filled with paper or fabric offer endless learning possibilities. However, safety is an important consideration. Tags that have sharp edges, or long ribbons and homemade creations that contain small parts, can present a serious hazard.

7. Games - Playing with relatives and friends can be very enriching for your baby on Christmas Day. For example, they can show your baby how a new toy works or get involved in turn-taking activities such as rolling a ball back and forth. This all spells love and warmth and shows your baby that he or she is fun to be with.

8. Smells - Pine needles, scented potpourri, cinnamon, herbs and Christmas cooking smells offer your baby a multi-sensory experience and may be associated with fond memories in years to come. Good smells can enhance your baby’s mood and behaviour, and your baby’s facial expressions should indicate which odours are preferred.

9. Decorations - Babies are very attracted to coloured lights and shiny decorations. All these visual delights will stimulate your baby’s senses and accelerate learning. Your baby will love the shiny decorations, but make sure that they are shatterproof and do not present a choking hazard.

10. At the end of a busy day, Christmas carols and songs bring warmth to the day and set the tone for a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Music is one of most beneficial learning resources for your baby and its effect on intellectual development is farreaching. This is the best way to ensure the end of a wonderful Christmas Day.

MOVING HOUSE

Make the move Once the hard stuff has been completed, with writing the contract and getting dates sorted, your next thought will likely be about the kids and how they are going to cope with a house move.

Here are some helpful hints from Total Realty owner and mother of four, RACHAEL CONE. + Discuss the move with your kids. Make sure they know what is happening, and when. + Involve your children: Take them to open homes. Ask them which room they like best and if they approve of the house. They may get more excited than you about moving. If they do, you have won half the battle! + Books: Find books about moving and read them with your children. + Draw: Get your children to draw pictures of their new home – inspire their enthusiasm and imagination. + Pack early: Pack away non-essential items as early as possible, which can include extra linen, blankets, and toys. + Name the boxes: Let your children name / decorate their own boxes. + Older children can help pack their own items and assist with taping boxes and naming then too – give them responsibility.

How about using different coloured masking tape for each child, so they recognise their own boxes quickly at the other end!

+ Things to do list: Write a list of what needs to be done and check who wants which jobs on the ‘to do’ list. You could consider having a reward beside the job once completed. + Cleaning: Leave the house as clean as you can, but don’t wait till the last day of the move – it’s unlikely you’ll have time to do a full spring clean on moving day. Start cleaning areas before the move – walls, ceilings, surfaces, windows, and skirting boards. This way the cleaning on the day will be quick and relatively painless. + Garage Sale: This is a great way to get rid of any extra items you no longer need while making a fun family activity of it! If you don’t have time for this, consider donating to Aviva / Women’s Refuge and Salvation Army.

Buying and selling on Facebook is another great option too. + Help: Always accept any offers of assistance and do ask for help. If you are lucky enough to have family or friends nearby, organise assistance on moving day. Alternatively make sure you have activities to keep your

young ones entertained, with breakfast, lunch and nibbles and water bottles full.

Consider emptying a room and making this the playroom for the younger ones. You could even put up a temporary gate, especially if there are a lot of vehicles going in and out of the property moving furniture. + Party: Before moving day, have a ‘Goodbye Party’! If you are moving within the area, have a party with the kids to celebrate the good times and if you are moving out of town, have a party with friends and family at your place, the local park or a club. A chance to say goodbye is really important and not just for the kids. A lovely opportunity to see everyone one last time and especially for the child that is finding it hard to leave.

Remember that although moving can be stressful, with Total Realty’s lower commission rate, you will have additional savings to spend on the things that are most important to you and your family. This could be moving expenses, setting up utilities, buying something special for the family or going on a holiday when you have finally moved and settled in.

*

totalrealty.co.nz

Summer / 2019

15

PT S AA GRETH I NE G A DSECRH O O L

Starting at six

R

eady or not, as soon as your little one turns five, it’s time for them to go to school. So deeply ingrained is this cultural assumption, many people accept it without question. That parents might hold off sending their child to school until they are five and a half or six seems to go against “common sense” about what is good for them.

Yet in most countries across the world, the starting age is six, often seven, and in New Zealand you can choose to wait until your child is six before enrolling them at school.

Nathan challenges the idea that “holding them back” until they’re six will be detrimental to their learning. Rather, drawing on the latest literature on brain development, he explains that those children who start school when they are older than five may be doubly advantaged – by having more free play when their brains need it most, and by being older than their peers when they do start school.

In the mid-twentieth century, developmental psychologist Jean Piaget was able to show from extensive observational studies that children were ready for formal learning around the ages of seven or eight when they entered, what he called, the Concrete Operational Stage of development.

As Nathan says, Piaget’s findings had a significant impact on the practice of education across the Western world – hence the later starting age in many countries.

Importantly, says Nathan, Piaget’s theories are supported today by a large and ever-growing body of research around brain development.

The research tells us that the development of the social-emotional brain takes centre stage

16 Summer / 2019

explains the advantages of starting school at six. By KATE BARBER.

NATHAN WALLIS

between the ages of two and seven years, and that the development of this brain is critical in terms of future outcomes for children.

Most importantly, “Your perception of yourself as a learner drives output as much as intelligence,” says Nathan.

As Nathan says, the needs of the social-emotional brain must be met for a child to develop certain dispositions like creativity and resilience, and therefore access the higher executive functions of their frontal cortex, which moves into centre stage development when a child is around the age of seven or eight. Perhaps counter-intuitively, this means that in order for a child to reach their full intellectual/academic potential, we need to nurture the development of their socialemotional brain in the years before they are seven, rather than focus on accelerating the development of their frontal cortex.

If your child is a new entrant at the age of six, then they are a year older than their classmates – and, says Nathan, “this can compound the advantage” they already have from having had more free play. “If you are older than the other kids in your class, you’ll likely hit milestones ahead of the others,” which, of course, makes you feel good about yourself as a learner. You’ll develop a perception of yourself as someone who’s smart and capable, and you’ll probably like school, says Nathan. (He adds that there are no measurable long-term disadvantages for those children who start at six, even if they are put in a class with their same-age peers. While there are some apparent disadvantages in the first few weeks, these are not formative and disappear.)

If the key point is that our kids aren’t ready for formalised learning until they are seven or eight, doesn’t it follow that we are sending them to school too early? While Nathan doesn’t say that five is too early for all children, he explains that there are advantages to starting later.

An extra year as a “preschooler” means more self-initiated, self-directed free play. And, it is through free play that kids develop certain qualities and attitudes, like curiosity, creativity, resourcefulness, perseverance and resilience.

(The New Zealand curriculum for early childhood education, Te Whāriki, refers to these as “dispositions”.) Nathan emphasises that these matter so much more than how many letters a child can recognise and whether they can name all the colours, for instance. It is the combination of these dispositions that drives their learning once they are at school, he says.

Of course, the opposite is also true. For children who start school when their brains are not ready for formalised instruction, learning to read, for instance, will be “a long, drawn-out process”. When we interrupt their play at five, two years before their brains are ready, Nathan says, children who are struggling will pick up particular messages about themselves and about school – that they’re stupid or lazy or naughty, and that school is horrible. And these negative perceptions tend to stick.

Yes, some children can “do school” when they’re five, Nathan says. And he calls on the example of the first-born daughter who’s at the head of the bell curve – writing her name, recognising letters, counting to 100 etc. But, on balance, he says that even these kids would benefit from being in a child-led free-play environment until they’re older.

STARTING SCHOOL

Learning to

like school

When it comes to supporting your child through their transition to school, NATHAN WALLIS urges parents to stop focusing on their academic progress and instead on whether they are “learning to like school”. By KATE BARBER.

R

egardless of when your little one starts school, it’s a massive transition for them. They have to listen to endless sets of instructions, take on board expectations and follow routines, remember to go to the toilet, sit on the mat, make friends, hold all their emotions in, and so on. Imagine how exhausting and overwhelming that must be.

So how can we best support them to cope with this transition, and set them up to thrive? Nathan emphasises that, as a parent, your primary focus should not be on their progress with reading, writing or maths. Instead, the question you should be asking is, Is my child learning to like school?

Nathan’s key message for parents is to make reading special and fun, and to avoid making your child hate it. Literacy is about so much more than recognising letters, scanning a line, decoding a sentence. “It’s about other worlds opening up,” he says.

Another question Nathan urges parents to ask is, Is my child learning to like his teacher? Just as the “dyad relationship” between a baby/child and their most responsive carer is so critical for their brain development in the first 1000 days, so is their attachment to their teacher when they start school.

“Setting up for success at school,” says Nathan, is about “supporting your child to develop their confidence in their ability to learn”.

It is about supporting your child to become independent and to be able to manage themselves, which includes regulating their emotions. And it’s about ensuring your child has the confidence to connect with others (especially their teacher) when they need support.

Nathan cautions parents about fixating on their child’s progress with reading. As Nathan says, reading will come easier when your child is a little older. The thing to avoid is your child developing the perception that they are stupid or naughty, that they are not trying hard enough.

The interplay of these different factors – managing themselves, connecting with their teacher, feeling confident in their learning – will influence considerably how much they enjoy school. And this, says Nathan, is what really matters.

In presentations across the country and overseas, neuroscience presenter Nathan Wallis provides an informative narrative on the different stages of children’s neurological development and offers valuable advice for parents and educators. facebook.com/ nathanwallis xfactoreducation

2020 ready

20 OFF SITEWIDE! %

Use code: FAMILYTIMES20 Offer valid until 31st May, 2020.

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Summer / 2019

17

CLASS OF THEIR OWN

Stories saved my life I

t is an odd sort of statement to make, but without an education, the life I lead would never have been possible, and without stories, I would have given up on my schooling years before I gained one.

I am dyslexic, making reading difficult, writing frustrating and spelling almost impossible. So the fact that I am both a teacher and an author means that the chances of Bigfoot and the Lochness Monster having tea together is more likely than you might have believed.

Trust me; I was close to becoming a statistic. One of those people with dyslexia that struggle through school and never pick up a book ever again. But I always had stories in me. Dyslexia meant it was difficult for me to get them out so anyone else could appreciate them, but I didn’t stop writing.

explains why stories can open up a world of learning.

PAUL RUSSELL

they can improve their structure, stick to one tense, utilise paragraphs and develop spelling.

As a creative, a teacher and an author, I have found there are two things that people need to find to become a storyteller, and neither of them is spelling. The first is a way to record their story, and the second is a way to inspire it.

If a child tells you the words for a story and you write the words for them, it doesn’t stop being their story in any way.

Just like if children record themselves telling you a story or using pictures, the story itself holds no less merit, power, imagination or inspiration.

Let them tell stories uninterrupted and spread their creative wings.

I would argue that a child can ‘write’ a story with their mouth, and this story can be as easy to edit and improve as any piece of text.

There is just as much opportunity for a child to learn and just as much engagement for the audience.

Writing for me was something that felt as natural as breathing. The problem was, conventional writing didn’t actually work for me. I couldn’t remember grammatical structure or spelling rules, and to be honest, I still have trouble.

Technology has gifted us with apps that convert speech to text, instant spell checkers and the Internet in your pocket, to search for spelling options or word choices. Never before has the world been more accessible to people with dyslexia.

My favourite English teacher once said to me, “You are really quite a good writer, and if you keep going, you can always pay someone to fix your spelling.” This should be the dyslexic creed. Too often, with our time-poor classrooms and crowded curriculum, we use writing as a means to teach literacy, providing students with feedback on how

Embrace creativity. Teach handwriting. Absolutely teach spelling. Tell children about word origins and those rules that work most of the time. But also find space and time just to let them write. Let them tell stories uninterrupted and spread their creative wings without having them clipped by what convention says a story should be.

18 Summer / 2019

Paul Russell has dyslexia, is a primary school teacher and is an author of several books, including his popular autobiographical picture book, “My Storee.” He is an advocate for literacy and passionate about supporting and building a passion for reading in all children.

CLASS OF THEIR OWN

The gift of music From language and motor skills development to improved memory and concentration, music offers numerous lasting benefits to the brain, explains Director of the Christchurch Music Academy, KATIE ANSTISS.

Music

When a child learns to play an instrument, says Katie, the auditory and motor regions of the brain ‘light up’.

When learning to internalise rhythm, which is integral to music education, the brain is supported in its cognitive function and concentration. Katie could sing from the rooftops about the farreaching neurological benefits of music.

What’s most exciting, she says, is that these benefits are “embedded for life”.

ON YOUR MIND

Registered music therapist DEVIN BROOKS explains how music therapy “reaches into the corners of the brain”, and can have a transformative impact on children, adults and whānau.

By

KATE BARBER.

B

eyond merely providing pleasure or transporting us to a different time and place, music can change the brain, and impact positively on our lives, and those of our children.

Devin Brooks radiates passion and warmth as he speaks of his work with Stand Tu Māia and the Stand for Children's services, using music therapy to support children who’ve experienced significant complex trauma.

“My job is to support these children to feel safe in the world, to build positive and trusting relationships, to feel loved and cared for, and to support them to regulate and express their thoughts and emotions. We aim to transform their trauma experiences so that they can grow up to be strong and resilient adults, living positive and fulfilling lives,” says Devin.

Through the purposeful use of music, Devin can help change children’s threat arousal states, because, he explains, music can reach the brain’s natural alarm system, the amygdala gland.

“One cannot reason with someone through words to snap out of a fight, flight or freeze response,

but music is able to reach and co-regulate an individual to a more regulated and calmer state,” states Devin.

Devin explains that “neuroplasticity” means that our brains can keep learning and adapting, and that, “these experiences of co-regulation and feeling safe can effectively rewire the brain’s responses to threat”.

If music has this capacity to “reach into the corners of the brain” and, potentially, to alter how it is wired, then music therapy offers evidence-based therapeutic support to many different groups of people: those recovering from brain injury, or conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, and those with intellectual disabilities or mental illness.

When it comes to our children, Devin explains that there is significant research showing the effectiveness of music therapy in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as mental health and wellbeing issues, and communication and social challenges.

Music therapy is also being used to support positive parent/whānau relationships.

The Christchurch Music Academy offers a comprehensive, innovative and fun programme of music tuition for children of all ages, based on the listen-sing-play-read-FUN philosophy.

As well as offering sessions for preschoolers and piano/musicianship group classes for school-aged children, the Academy offers specialist tuition in drums, vocals and guitar, as well as choirs, ensembles and bands – with expert teachers who are passionate about passing on the gift of music.

03 377 3778 / chchmusicacademy.co.nz

“Music therapy has the ability to bypass cultural, intellectual, physical and emotional barriers, and reach people in such engaging, positive and meaningful ways,” states Devin. standforchildren.org.nz musictherapy.org.nz/find-a-therapist

Devin Brooks – Music Therapist, Image ©Sarah Rowlands

Summer / 2019

19

AFTER SCHOOL

Fun

OUT-OF-SCHOOL

Let’s be honest, sometimes we just need an extra hand when it comes to out-of-school care. Thankfully there are reputable organisations such as MASH to look after our children when we need it.

M

aybe you’re starting a 40-hour working week in the New Year, or perhaps your hours have changed at work, so you’re not going to make it to the school pick-up in time.

MASH, 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, all MASH programmes are open right up until 6pm, and caregivers can access the WINZ subsidy for financial support.

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 as well as try new experiences.

“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 environments where tamariki are safe, have a great deal of fun and have an opportunity to engage in new and varied experiences.

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

“As a parent myself, I understand that there can certainly be some stress and even little feelings of guilt at having to have your children in out-of-school programmes, so it’s hugely important to us to provide programmes that children love attending,” Craig says.

And the most convenient thing for parents is, other than knowing that your children are well looked after, you can book everything online! 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!

20 Summer / 2019

TWEENS AND TEENS

Adding information here and there in a natural way can start from preschool years.

Preparing

for periods

shares how discussing menstruation with your children can become a normal part of conversation rather than a “special talk”.

KELLY EDEN

W

GETTING PREPARED

Other than plenty of drip-fed information, there are a few ways to prepare your girls for their first period.

Get a period kit together that they take in their bag to school, sleepovers etc. A couple of pads (remember to show them how to use them), a spare pair of underwear, and a small bag to place soiled underwear in.

hen’s the right time to start talking about periods? When I was teaching, the puberty lessons began in Year 7. But with my own girls, I realised that waiting until the tween years was too late. For several reasons, girls are getting their periods earlier now. The average age in New Zealand has dropped to 12 years old, with some girls having their first period at nine. But kids can be reluctant to chat about periods with their parents.

Tell them what to expect from a first period and the emotional and physical symptoms they might experience before and during their periods (discharge, spotting, tummy pain, hunger, tiredness, etc).

I thought back to how I learnt about menstruation. My dad was a solo parent to three daughters and, as a nurse, he made conversations about bodies as just a natural part of life. He’d take opportunities to answer questions when we asked and he was always brief, informative, and open to more questions. We always had a stack of books about anatomy, including puberty books, around the house. He never had to do a “period talk”, because by the time we were teenagers, we had learnt everything we needed to know.

+ their cycle and how it will be irregular/lighter at first

Adding information here and there in a natural way can start from preschool years. If you answer in a relaxed, factual way, with no embarrassment, they will be much more likely to come to you for answers again.

Boys need to understand periods, too. Half the population menstruate, and it’s important that periods are not embarrassing or taboo. They are a normal part of life, and our kids need to feel free to ask us questions and get clear answers.

Facts to discuss once they get their period:

If you need resources, there are many books and YouTube videos available on the topic.

Many sanitary companies also have information on their websites.

+ different menstrual blood colours and what they mean + smells and good hygiene

+ managing their period: how often to change pads, where to place used pads at home and school, what to do at the pool and night time + managing stomach pains and moods + start discussing options such as tampons and mooncups + provide them with a place to soak stained underwear

Summer / 2019

21

AT THE MOVIES

in cinemas December 12

W

hen her younger brother Charlie (Gabriel Bateman) unexpectedly disappears into the magical, animated universe of PLAYMOBIL, unprepared Marla (Anya Taylor-Joy) must go on the quest of a lifetime to bring him home.

As she sets off on a fantastic journey across stunning new worlds, Marla teams up with some unlikely and heroic new friends – the smooth-talking food truck driver Del, the dashing secret agent Rex Dasher (Daniel Radcliffe), a wholehearted robot, an extravagant fairy-godmother.

This epic film is sheer movie magic 65 million years in the making. Welcome… to Jurassic Park!

CHIEF CONDUCTOR

Benjamin Northey

Tickets from $23* Book now at eventfinda.co.nz or 0800 289 849 *Concession and student pricing available. Service fees may apply © Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SUPPORTED BY

22 Summer / 2019

PRINCIPAL PARTNERS

CORE FUNDERS

Through their vibrant adventure, Marla and Charlie realise that no matter how life plays out, you can achieve anything when you believe in yourself!

Featuring the voices of Anya Taylor-Joy, Gabriel Bateman, Daniel Radcliffe, Jim Gaffigan, Meghan Trainor and Adam Lambert, Playmobil: The Movie is a magical adventure full of heart for the entire family.

Playmobil: The Movie is in cinemas 12 December, 2019.

Saturday 6 June, 7:30pm Christchurch Town Hall

AT THE MOVIES

S

in cinemas January 9 2020 trange lights over the quiet town of Mossingham herald the arrival of a mystery visitor from far across the galaxy.

For Shaun the Sheep’s second feature-length movie, the follow-up to 2015’s smash hit Shaun the Sheep Movie, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon takes the world’s favourite woolly hero and plunges him into a hilarious intergalactic adventure he will need to use all of his cheekiness and heart to work his way out of.

When a visitor from beyond the stars – an impish and adorable alien called LU-LA – crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun soon sees an opportunity for alienpowered fun and adventure and sets off on a mission to shepherd LU-LA back to her home.

Little do the pair know, though, that they are being pursued at every turn by a mysterious alien-hunting government agency, spearheaded by the formidable Agent Red and her bunch of hapless, hazmat-suited goons.

Her magical alien powers, irrepressible mischief and galactic-sized burps soon have the flock enchanted, and Shaun takes his new extra-terrestrial friend on a road-trip to Mossingham Forest to find her lost spaceship.

With Agent Red driven by a deep-seated drive to prove the existence of aliens and Bitzer unwittingly dragged into the haphazard chase, can Shaun and the flock avert Farmageddon on Mossy Bottom Farm before it’s too late?

Find out if Shaun saves the day by seeing A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon these school holidays. In cinemas 9 January, 2020.

Become a teacher.

Gain a globally recognised qualification from the University of Canterbury.

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

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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.

Summer / 2019

23

courttheatre.org.nz

Join The Court Jesters this Christmas as they ambitiously recreate Charles Dickens’ classic Yuletide tale with just two performers, one pianist and, of course, a little help from you, in the audience.

A Christmas Carol, The Court Theatre

Until 21 December

canterburymuseum.com/whats-on/ slice-of-life

Learn how New Zealanders’ changing lifestyles have affected our health in this popular touring exhibition about the internationally significant Dunedin Study.

Kids can undertake some of the Dunedin Study tests and take away a replica Assessment Star Card with their results.

Slice of Life: The World Famous Dunedin Study, Canterbury Museum

Until 27 April

CHRISTCHURCH

blackcat.co.nz

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

Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa Harbour Wharf

Daily mid-December to mid-March, 11am, 1.30pm and 3.40pm

canterburyhalfmarathon.co.nz

Canterbury Half Marathon will cater for all runners and walkers - including a Kidz Dash of a 3km run around the lake, giving them the flavour and experience of running in a big event.

Canterbury Half Marathon, Pegasus Lake, Pegasus

8 December, from 8.30am

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Road Celebrate the ‘magic of wildlife’ as Elgregoe and his flock of highly trained parrots pass on important conservation messages using the power of entertainment and magic during twice-daily performances.

27 December - 27 January

cso.co.nz

The shopping is done, the presents are wrapped, and it’s time to get in the mood to celebrate the holiday season with your favourite festive carols and music.

CSO Presents: Festive Christmas, Christchurch Town Hall, 86 Kilmore St

21 December, 6-8pm

facebook.com/elementsprogrammes

facebook.com/elmwoodplayers

Elmwood Players’ Kidz Theatre returns with Johnny Appleseed – the boy who saved the world. Meet up with young Johnny Appleseed and his talking, Elvisimpersonating dog Barkley as they take on the evil Queen Desdemona.

Johnny Appleseed Kids’ Show, Elmwood Auditorium, Aikmans Rd

18-26 January

12-19

January

drbugs.co.nz/tour

Learn what makes popcorn ‘pop’ at Christchurch’s own popcorn factory! In this 30-minute tour, your kids will taste popcorn hot off the production line, learn fun popcorn facts, and get the chance to choose their own flavours. Bookings essential.

Outdoor adventures with active movement, creative play and fun! Various locations around Christchurch, Rolleston, and Ashburton – including a farm and beautiful reserves. For children aged 5-12 years.

One-hundred and thirty spectacular entries including 80 floats, popular characters, special guests, bands, dancing girls and boys, animals and lots of music, music, music. The Parade offers 90 minutes of fun, excitement and entertainment for everyone!

Dr Bugs Popcorn Factory Tours, 89 Sturrocks Road, Casebrook

Elements Nature-Based Play programmes

Christchurch Santa Parade, Starts at the cnr of Madras and St Asaph streets

12-19 January

6-15 February, 4-10pm

03-04

February

facebook.com/elementsprogrammes

A great way to spend a Kiwi summer – outdoor adventures with active movement, creative play and fun! For children aged 5-12 years.

Elements Nature-Based Play programmes

3-4 February

theraces.co.nz

Get ready for the ultimate summer gathering! Escape with friends and family to some of the country’s best scenic spots and enjoy an unforgettable day on-course with the Interislander Summer Festival.

Summer Festival Motukarara Trots, Motukarara Racecourse, Fiddlers Rd

26 January, 10am

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

18-20, 23-24 December

this summer

8 December, 2-3.30pm

What’s on

Bursting with summer energy, the season delivers a range of activities to keep the kids entertained through the Christmas holidays, and beyond.

Pull me out and pin me up

CHRISTCHURCH EVENT CALENDAR

SEASON SPONSOR

CORE FUNDER

SHOW SPONSOR

December

facebook.com/elementsprogrammes

facebook.com/NBseasidemarket

ferrymead.org.nz

artscentre.org.nz

sportcanterbury.org.nz

Each year, The Press Run to Remember has honoured the lives lost and affected by the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

In 2020, our sense of community has never been so important.

A great way to spend a Kiwi summer – outdoor adventures with active movement, creative play and fun! Team challenges and games, hut making, mud kitchen, water play and more! For children aged 5-12 years.

See Santa on the beach and watch a fun community parade. Children can also meet Santa in his grotto. The parade begins at 10:30am on the corner of Marine Parade and Hawke Street.

On the first Saturday of each month, enjoy Ferrymead’s night market. Stalls, food vendors and entertainment. Fun for the whole family.

Dumbo at the movies, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is celebrating summer with another series of outdoor cinema events for the whole family.

Run to Remember 2020, Hansen Park, Christchurch

Ferrymead Night Market, Ferrymead Heritage Park

7 December, 4pm

24 January, 5.30pm

breadandcircus.co.nz

Elements Nature-Based Play programmes

breadandcircus.co.nz

A hearty assortment of belly-laughing, cheek-aching entertainment for the young and young-at-heart.

Bread & Circus Kids Comedy Gala, Isaac Theatre Royal

9 February

artscentre.org.nz

Leighs Construction Outdoor Cinema at The Arts Centre. Flims surrounded by stunning heritage buildings = awesome!

Paddington at the movies, The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

7 February, 5.30pm

8 March, from 7.20am

theraces.co.nz

Summer Festival Motukarara Trots, Motukarara Racecourse, Fiddlers Rd A stunning setting, relaxed atmosphere and fantastic live entertainment. Escape with friends and family and enjoy an unforgettable day on-course with the Interislander Summer Festival.

29 December, 11am

Explore the spectacular this summer. We’re turning up the volume with some of the best talents from across the world. A miraculous mash-up of international street theatre, music, cabaret, comedy, circus, and genre-bending performance art in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the city of re-imagination.

Bread & Circus – World Buskers Festival, Christchurch CBD

23 January – 16 February

TOP PICK

nightnoodlemarkets.nz

Enjoy live entertainment and explore the array of Asian flavours from top-notch local and international stallholders.

Treat yourself to everything from fusion dumplings, fresh-off-the-grill BBQ skewers, eastern desserts, plus so much more!

Night Noodle Markets, Hagley Park North, Rolleston Ave

7-9, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31 January

14 December, 10am-2pm

13-14

ticketek.co.nz

An entertaining, colourful production of ballet, contemporary and jazz dance,

by Southern Ballet Theatre. Aladdin is a young street rat who is bribed to travel into the Cave of Wonders to find a golden lamp.

Aladdin, Isaac Theatre Royal

13-14 December

willowbank.co.nz

New Brighton Seaside Christmas Parade, New Brighton Pedestrian Mall

rehuamarae.co.nz

Join us to celebrate Christmas Nau mai Haere mai with non-stop entertainment, kapahaka, stalls, and Hana Koko (Santa).

Bring the whānau and join the festivities.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

Carols at the Pa, Rehua Marae, 79 Springfield Rd

6 December, 5.30-8pm

From 23 November

courttheatre.org.nz

Directed by

Music & additional lyrics by

Adapted for the stage by

By

Enchanting fun for the whole family, Kenneth Grahame Alan Bennett this whimsical summer spectacle is an adventure for all ages, packed fullJeremy of Sams Ross Gumbley humour, heart and magic.

The Wind in the Willows, The Court Theatre

Until 18 January

DUNEDIN CALENDAR

What’s on

this summer

DUNEDIN

26 December, 11am

Dunedin Railways

Interislander Summer Festival Wingatui Races, Wingatui Racecourse, Gladstone Rd North

Departing daily from Dunedin's historic Railway Station, Dunedin Railways offers two family-friendly train trips.

Entertain your precious gems with a mix of fun and education by taking an excursion into some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery and history. And, kids go free for all school holidays!

Until 24 December, 10am-1pm weekdays; 10am-4pm weekends Santa’s Grotto, Meridian Mall Santa and his helpers will be at Meridian Mall until Christmas Eve! Come along and say hi to Santa, get your photo taken and post a letter in his mailbox. Santas helpers will also be providing FREE gift wrapping! meridianmall.co.nz

It’s one of the best racing events in the region and each year attracts a huge crowd of families who come along with their Christmas leftovers in a picnic and park the car up on the grass along the finishing straight. With free entertainment for the children, it's a perfect event for the whole family! theraces.co.nz

December

6 December, 10am

26

Toddler Time, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, 31 Queens Garden Join us for stories, songs and activities at Toitū OSM. Otago Settlers Association proudly sponsor this programme. toituosm.com

December

06

Messiah - The World's Most Loved Choral Work, Dunedin Town Hall, Moray Place Handel’s Messiah is heard around the world during the Christmas season.

City Choir Dunedin with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Burchell, is pleased to perform this oratorio again. citychoirdunedin.org.nz

Rialto Cinemas, 11 Moray Place Rialto Cinemas has the cheapest family passes in town these school holidays – no limit on the number of kids you bring!

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

dunedinrailways.co.nz

1 January, 10.30am Interislander Summer Festival Waikouaiti Races, Waikouaiti Racecourse, State Highway 1 A stunning setting, relaxed atmosphere and fantastic live entertainment – this is summer, New Zealand! Escape with friends and family to some of the country’s best scenic spots and enjoy an unforgettable day on-course with the Interislander Summer Festival.

2-27 December, from 9.30am

theraces.co.nz

Port To Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours, 837 Portobello Road, Dunedin

14-15 January, 10.30-11.30am

Plan an awesome family time out on a cruise, whether it be a full-on 10-minute tour across on the harbour ferry, or a more relaxed two hours to view albatross, seals and penguins porttoport.co.nz

10 December, 7.30-10.30pm

Bursting with summer energy, the season delivers a range of activities to keep the kids entertained through the Christmas holidays, and beyond.

6-24 December

royaldunedinmuseum.com

26 Summer / 2019

Tūhura, Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin Entertain the whole family this summer with eight permanent galleries full of fascinating stories, the excitement of Tūhura, the wonder of the planetarium and unique exhibitions. otagomuseum.nz

Sea-scapade, University Book Shop, 378 Great King Street Get your fishy fins flapping, and dive deep into a world of imagination with the University Book Shop Storyteller.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. otagomuseum.nz

Train Rides at the Botanic Garden, Dunedin Botanic Garden, departing near café Running seven days a week, hop aboard and enjoy a ten-minute train ride around the lower Botanic Garden. crestrides.org.nz

7 March, 5pm SIX60, Forsyth Barr Stadium, 130 Anzac Avenue

You better watch out. You better not cry. Santa’s pixies are back in town. The exhibition features popular mechanical ‘pixies’, which were displayed at the former Dunedin DIC department store until it closed in the late 1980s. Visitors can enjoy the historical exhibition, visit Santa and have their photo taken, make Christmas crafts and dress up like a pixie. Photographer on-site during Santa hours.

Eccles Entertainment is proud to announce that New Zealand’s ultimate summer party starters SIX60 will hit the road this summer for a whopping six-date tour.

toituosm.com

5 February, 7-8.30pm Intuitive Baby Feeding Seminar, Regus Centre, First Floor Harvest Court Mall This seminar will cover what to feed your baby, when to feed your baby, how to listen to your baby’s cues to find out what feeding will suit your baby the best, what foods help your baby grow and how to prepare them, how to prevent and manage food allergy/ intolerance in your baby. facebook.com/intuitivebaby

The Dunedin Museum of Natural Mystery, 61, Royal Terrace This small private museum and gallery is based in the home of artist, Bruce Mahalski. Spread over three rooms of an old central city villa, the museum contains a collection of skulls, bones, biological curiosities, ethnological art and unusual cultural artifacts which the artist has collected over a lifetime.

Open daily, 10am-5pm (except Christmas Day)

Pixie Town, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, 31 Queens Garden

rialto.co.nz

Fridays 12noon-5pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-5pm

TOP PICK

22 December, 2-3.30pm

12 February, 7.30-8.30pm

A Baroque Christmas, St Paul's Cathedral, The Octagon

Feed My Family Seminar, Regus Centre, First Floor Harvest Court Mall

In this exciting trans-Tasman collaboration, one of Australia’s leading chamber choirs combines forces with the celebrated New Zealand early music ensemble, The Affetto Players, to perform sprightly carols and sumptuous motets from the baroque. Celebrate Christmas with this array of music by J.S. Bach, Handel and Buxtehude. affetto.co.nz

ticketmaster.co.nz

March

07

29 March, 7-10pm Soweto Gospel Choir, Regent Theatre, 17 The Octagon The Soweto Gospel Choir is bringing their Freedom Tour to New Zealand in honour of the father of their rainbow nation, Nelson Mandela, and South Africa’s struggle for freedom.

Learn how to feed your family well in a hectic world. Learn how to nourish your family and keep them healthy without pulling your hair out. Learn how to manage fussy eaters and dinner time battles, food allergy/intolerance, eating for sport, and what/how to feed your family.

sowetogospelchoir.com

jumpstartnutrition.co.nz

escapedunedin.com

Escape Dunedin Challenge your code-cracking skills in this totally unique, immersive experience where 2-6 people are locked in a room with 60 minutes to find a way out.

DUNEDIN M A RK ETPL ACE

L arnach castle

Regular Private Clinics held in Dunedin and Cromwell

Visit New Zealand’s Castle www.larnachcastle.co.nz

mhc.co.nz/Services/Paediatrician

Tūhura Otago Community Trust Science Centre James Cameron – Challenging the Deep Experience the eerie underwater world with James Cameron or get hands on in Tūhura with tropical butterflies, a threestorey slide, an infinity room and more.

Open daily, 10am–5pm 419 Great King Street, Dunedin www.otagomuseum.nz

OTAGO MUSEUM megazonedunedin.co.nz

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Summer / 2019

27

Creating balanced face shapes Attractive smiles everyday!

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

Call 0800 INVISIBLE

(0800 468 474)

Smilesville Patient underwent Invisalign Teen

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

An early intervention ( preventative approach) allows to focus on the growth, development and wellbeing of our younger patients along with straightening teeth thereby bringing Facial Balance

AFTER

BEFORE

& Symmetry. “By way of this early approach, starting as early as 6 years old our goal is to provide and maintain space for permanent teeth so they naturally fall into their allocated space in a “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. As a child grows, their smile

Face & smile improvement of a Smilesville patient

grows with them. And even with baby teeth, it may be the perfect time for children to start treatment as early as possible commonly

What Smilesville patients are saying

referred to as Phase One treatment.

Ruth: “Very happy with the good care taken of my children during their

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. ”

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

Dr. Sachdev and her team at Smilesville Dental are known for

orthodontics. Some nervous moments as the treatment involved an ‘ugly duckling’ phase but as a result they have fabulous smiles and we are all very pleased. Rusheka is very patient with people and accommodating and I recommend coming when your children are as young as 8 to be able to take advantage of the most options for their treatment.”

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.

Smilesville Dental has been providing treatment to kids, tweens, teens and adults for many years treating teeth straightening issues AFTER

BEFORE

in growing children, from simple to complex, including crowding, spacing, narrow dental arches and many more issues.

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

Face & smile improvement of a Smilesville patient

0800 INVISIBLE (0800 468 474)

Leaders in appearance dentistry

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28 Summer / 2019

Not only to smile... but to smile with confidence.

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smilesville.co.nz

TECHNOLOGY

Keep kids safe online

Get to grips with what’s happening online for your children, with these handy hints and tips from Netsafe.

A

s young people use more digital technology, it’s crucial parents teach them about online safety. While there might be a gap between what your child knows about technology and how much you know, you don’t have to be a tech expert to help. You can offer life skills, maturity and real-world experience.

Netsafe has put these tips together to help parents and whānau talk to their young people about online safety.

1. Understand: Read about the potential online risks, challenges and sometimes illegal behaviour young people face. Educate yourself to understand what may happen.

2. Learn: Ask your child about what they do, how they use devices, and who they talk to. Learn about their activities. Check in regularly to see what has changed.

3. Explore: Take the time yourself to explore the sites, apps and technologies your child uses to improve your knowledge and understand their experience.

4. Agree: Create a family code with your child to agree on what they can do online, including sites they can and can’t visit, appropriate behaviours, privacy settings and limits.

5. Start: Recognise each child has unique needs, but some online safety concepts are universal.

Start by teaching yours the five tips to help your child thrive (Keep it locked, Keep it private, Keep it helpful, Keep it real, Keep it friendly).

6. Model: Be a good example for your child.

Make sure you role model the sort of

UP-SKILL TO TECH

C

hemical Engineering graduate and mum of two, Julia Pye, worked in the food and beverage manufacturing industry for over 20 years, from product development to packaging design, process optimisation and operations management.

behaviours you want to see your child use online and offline.

7. Plan: Make a plan so everybody knows what to do if something goes wrong and where you will be able to get advice and support in challenging times.

Let your child know the options available to them if they are experiencing online challenges.

It’s usually a big step when young people seek help. If a young person comes to you, focus on fixing the issue, not on punishing those involved or confiscating their devices – even if they did something wrong. If you overreact, then you’re less likely to be the first port of call next time something happens. netsafe.org.nz

SHIFT to a career

in tech

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

Julia and fellow students on the SHIFT programme went on to develop a conference website for Rotary, as part of the SHIFT studio projects.

Then an opportunity came up to complete her 200-hour SHIFT industry placement with the Methodist Mission Southern (MMS), an innovative charitable enterprise with several educational technology projects on the go. She worked with the research team from the famous Dunedin Study to help develop an app that ECE teachers can use to help pre-schoolers develop self-regulation skills.

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

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

SHIFT is offered in Christchurch and Dunedin and has very high employment rates for graduates. For more information on SHIFT visit signal.ac.nz/shift or call 0800 990 024 to chat to one of the team.

“

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

”

- Julia, SHIFT Graduate

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

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

Christchurch and Dunedin

Talk to us today

0800 990 024 signal.ac.nz/shift

Part-time and full-time options.

Next intake: Feb 2020 In conjunction with:

Summer / 2019

29

ACTIVE KIDS

Let’s get physical, physical…!

Psychotherapist, WONITA WOOLHOUSE, delves into the merits of the HUDDLE Kids exercise programme – aimed to empower children through exercise.

W

hile my career has evolved into psychotherapy, my paediatric occupational therapy background remains intricate to the work I do today – it has been a harmonious marriage! Recently I became involved in HUDDLE Group Fitness, as I have always been active and this place was relatively new and apparently innovative. It was there that I was introduced to the HUDDLE Kids sessions, where I thought my daughter might benefit from attending. She has played some team sports, but it’s not really her thing. Through a professional lens, I could see the benefits of this group straight away. However, it was more with my ‘mum lens’ that I saw this group offering something novel and inviting for children that were perhaps not ‘fitting’ elsewhere because of various struggles, whether that be anxiety or low-level physical difficulties. While belonging to an exercise framework, there is SO much more to HUDDLE Kids than just getting children active.

It’s an enticing option that I would like more families to know about.

chance to re-wire their brains that have been programmed to have a heightened arousal response to situations that no longer require such a primitive or ‘alarm’ response. Heightened arousal influences the extent to which we can manage our anxiety.

There is growing evidence to support sensory modulation as an intervention to regulate emotional and psychological arousal.

Paediatric occupational therapists will often be the ones to work with such issues although current treatments available seem largely unaffordable or unavailable due to lengthy waitlists.

HUDDLE Kids is a non-medical model approach to overall wellbeing. The emphasis is on challenging oneself rather than competing with others.

The HUDDLE Kids programme also looks at supporting children’s self-regulation skills and emotional regulation skills.

It’s easy for some children to get overwhelmed by a significant input of sensory information. The brainstem gets flooded, and it is difficult for the child to feel grounded or reassured. The HUDDLE Kids exercises look at strengthening competency and connection to one’s body, hence allowing for greater self-regulation as well as reflective capacity for autonomy and control over one’s actions and emotions. By self-regulating, children begin to feel a sense of mastery, competence and efficacy in our world today.

The emphasis is on challenging oneself rather than competing with others.

Being engaged in team sports and athletic clubs is not necessarily the most crucial thing in a child’s world. What is essential, however, is having the skills of stability, strength, muscle tone, effectively coordinating the left with the right side of the body and sensory processing. By getting to grips with these skills, children can carry out all the basic skills that are expected of them – dressing, writing, reading, sustaining postural tone for sitting upright in a classroom, regulating emotions, control over the force of movement, navigating the world and developing a healthy sense of oneself. Huge stuff! Now, throw in some anxiety from early and recent experiences in Christchurch that have been beyond our control, and we are facing children who struggle with working out how to be “OK” in this world. As parents understandably battle with their own responses to these situations, our children need a

30 Summer / 2019

With time, this development through exercise is installed at an intrinsic or ‘felt’ level, when these children achieve the challenges set by trainer, Yvette Merrin. The focus is on what each child can do, rather than what they cannot. The all-inclusive message is about each child being their best. chatroomtherapy.org.nz

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Summer / 2019

31

EXPERIENCE AOTEAROA

Aotearoa is full of stunning destinations to make family memories. Here are our top holiday experiences for these summer holidays.

DUSKY DOLPHINS

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.

on display

I

t’s not every day you have the opportunity to swim with dolphins, but in Kaikōura it’s an absolute must-do. Swimming with the dusky dolphins is a truly one-of-a-kind activity, often described as a life-changing experience; creating special and heartwarming memories. These dolphins are found in pods all-yearround along the coast.

Not everyone decides that swimming is for them, so watching the dolphins, and the people swimming with them, has an appeal all of its own. The acrobatic displays of the dusky dolphins will captivate your heart and be sure to put a smile on your face.

The displays of acrobatic behaviour, the leaps and somersaults and the peculiar repetitive displays of jumps and tail slapping, provide the most incredible oceanic dolphin show on earth. The dusky dolphins are the most acrobatic of the dolphin species and seeing their energised displays of brilliance first hand should not be missed.

Not to mention the strange mix of singing and “dolphin-like” sounds that the swimmers are encouraged to make to attract the dolphins’ attention! The images you can capture by staying on board and taking in the entertainment all around you is something delightfully remarkable, and unlike anything you will have seen before.

The opportunity to join the tour as a watcher provides spectacular viewing of these acrobatic and energised dolphins. Also witnessing the interaction between swimmers and dolphins is a fascinating experience and could quite accurately be described as the most incredible dolphin show you are likely to see.

Watchers and swimmers travel on the same boat, so if someone in your group prefers to watch rather than swim, it works well. The boats are built specifically with optimum viewing in mind and have upstairs decks as well as walk around bows to enable you to capture the perfect images.

Encounter Kaikōura is the perfect place to drop in for a coffee and some delicious freshly prepared food, open seven days a week. The outdoor courtyard has plenty of space for the children to enjoy, and there’s also room for the dog!

If you haven’t visited Kaikōura in a while, it is probably time to head up the road and see why it’s regarded as such a special place and popular with so many visitors who travel there. Set in a stunning coastal environment flanked by the grandeur of a rugged mountain range, Kaikōura provides some very distinctive experiences. dolphinencounter.co.nz

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Dolphin

for all Children (under 15 yrs) booked on the Dolphin Encounter Tour until 31 March 2020 on presentation of this advert.

Encounter

Albatross Encounter Tour also available.

Visit our Café, Gift Shop & Gallery.

Experience the grace and beauty of Kaikoura’s Dusky Dolphins, the most acrobatic of all dolphin species.

Swim and spectator tour options available.

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32 Summer / 2019

96 Esplanade, Kaikoura, New Zealand Phone (03) 319 6777 Freephone 0800 733 365

encounterkaikoura.co.nz

EXPERIENCE AOTEAROA

Wonders OF WAIKATO

Head north to Waikato this summer season, with heaps to keep the whole family buzzing!

E

xplore the Mighty Waikato and make the most of the summer holidays. From adventures with stunning scenery, to wildlife experiences and indoor fun – the region has plenty of great half and full day activities to treat the family to. Check out this list with some ideal suggestions to suit everyone and get planning.

Waitakaruru Arboretum and Sculpture Park

This 42-acre hillside provides panoramic vistas over the fertile Waikato Valley. The site contains intimate tree-enclosed spaces and interesting landforms. Along the 2km nature trail you will discover more than 100 sculptures and installations within one of New Zealand’s largest art-in-nature outdoor galleries.

HobbitonTM Movie Set

Gain a first-hand insight into filming and get up close with over 17 hobbit holes from the film.

Knowledgeable tour guides provide a fascinating insight into how the movie set was created and what went on during the filming of both trilogies.

Escapist

The first and only escape room in New Zealand with an integrated board game café. The option of three different immersive rooms, challenging puzzles, great food and plenty of board games to play and buy. The perfect option for a rainy day activity located in the heart of Hamilton CBD.

Lake District Adventures

Paddle slowly along Lake Karapiro, and up the Pokaiwhenua Stream as night time arrives on this evening glowworm kayak tour. Make your way through the canyon carved out by water over many hundreds of years. After a short break on the banks of the stream, as darkness falls, float silently back downstream, being guided by the twinkling glowworms on either side of the canyon walls.

Caving in Waitomo

Bowl and Social at SkyCity Hamilton

SkyCity Hamilton is the premier entertainment destination in the heart of the Waikato! With a world-class bowling alley and X-Golf simulator, there are activities to keep the whole family entertained. With a range of dining, including EATBurger – voted the Waikato’s best burger, there is something for all tastebuds.

Hamilton Zoo

Millions of years in the making, the caves in Waitomo are a world-famous underground playground that has been enthralling visitors since 1889. From gentle boat rides under galaxies of twinkling glowworms to walking tours of awe-inspiring limestone formations, there’s something for everyone.

Home to over 600 native and exotic animals, Hamilton Zoo also boasts the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants. Get to know the animals during free daily “Meet the Keeper” talks. Or for a special experience, go behind the scenes on a Face2Face animal encounter with a rhino, giraffe, macaws or agouti.

Blue Spring at Te Waihou Walkway

Waikato Museum

The Blue Spring at Te Waihou Walkway is internationally acclaimed with water so pure it supplies around 60 per cent of New Zealand’s bottled water. The walk to the springs follows a track alongside the Waihou River, through wetlands, across rolling pastoral land and features views of small waterfalls, native bush and the famous Blue Spring with glimpses of trout along the way. The Blue Spring walk takes about one and a half hours each way, starting from Whites Road, near Putaruru. There is also a shorter walk, 15 minutes each way, to the Blue Spring.

Delve into Waikato’s rich history at Waikato Museum. Enjoy exhibitions of New Zealand art, history and culture, and interactive science fun for children of all ages in the Exscite gallery. This summer’s attractions include Bugs! Our Backyard Heroes, a family-friendly hands-on experience with some real live mini-monsters.

For more information on great things to see and do with the family in the Waikato region, visit waikatonz.com

Enjoy interac�ve scien ce fu n

07 838 6720

at

zooinfo@hcc.govt.nz

Summer / 2019

33

HEALTH & WELLBEING

“If young children are taught mindfulness practices, this sets them up to cope better with anxiety and big emotions.”

Mindfulness

FOR OUR CHILDREN AND THE GREATER GOOD

It may be the buzz word of the decade, but what is it all about? JEN SIEVERS explores the beautiful and holistic benefits of mindfulness, both for our children and the wider world.

B

efore children learn to read, write or count to twenty, they need to learn tools to help them navigate the ups and downs of daily life. It’s vital that as teachers, parents and caregivers, we provide opportunities for children to develop skills that help them to grow into resilient, positive, curious, happy children.

One tool that many parents and teachers use for this is mindfulness. “Introducing mindfulness at an early age is a fantastic way to incorporate it into a child’s daily life,” says Valerie Fletcher, Centre Director of New Shoots Westgate. “If young children are taught mindfulness practices, this sets them up to cope better with anxiety and big emotions, and gives them tools to use with ease as they grow up.”

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS, AND WHY IS IT SO GOOD?

Mindfulness is no longer reserved for those on a spiritual path, it’s now been researched and widely proven to decrease stress, improve concentration, build on resilience, improve social skills and reduce bullying (among countless other benefits).

Mindfulness is not only meditation. It’s the act of being fully present for whatever we are doing at the time, without being caught up or overwhelmed by our feelings or surroundings.

It isn’t limited to sitting down; it can be done

34 Summer / 2019

standing, walking, or even integrated into focussed activities such as games, yoga or sports.

1. When you engage in mindfulness, your brain switches from using the amygdala to the prefrontal cortex. The amygdala is the fear centre of your brain (the watchdog).

When it is engaged, we feel afraid and anxious. Our brains block information from travelling to the hippocampus (where we store our memories). The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain that makes balanced decisions (the wise owl). During mindful activity, it is instantly accessed – making us feel calm and helping our memory to function more successfully.

2. Regular mindful practice trains our brains not to react. In time, regular mindful activities train us to find a pause between thinking and reacting to our thoughts. This pause is a crucial element of resilience and can gently moves us from a negative to a positive mindset.

3. It heals our nervous system. All of the negative thoughts we’ve been holding onto are stored in our nervous systems. With regular practice, eventually, our nervous systems calm down, letting go of stored emotions, resulting in happier, healthier bodies and minds.

HERE ARE A FEW WAYS THAT YOU CAN EMBRACE MINDFULNESS WITH YOUR CHILDREN 1. Discover and attend a mindfulness workshop near you. Mindfulness workshops such as the ones provided

by The Food Tree, teach parents how to help themselves and their children with mindfulness and gratitude practice.

2. Exploring the outdoors: take time to explore and touch plants, flowers and the earth. Try walking and exploring in silence so you can tune in to all the wonderful surrounding birds and insects.

3. Create a mindful bedtime ritual by doing a short body-scan meditation with your child before bed – begin by telling them to bring their attention to their toes, feet, legs etc. It’s a calming way to return to the body at the end of each day. curiate.co.nz

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Osteopathy

AND NEWBORN CHECKS

talks with the team at Merivale Osteopathy about the value of osteopathic treatment for new mums.

KELLY EDEN

A

few weeks after my oldest daughter was born, I noticed she seemed uncomfortable sleeping with her head turned to the left. Like the baby advice says, I would lie her on her back and gently turn her head to the side, alternating which way she faced each naptime.

Every time I tried to turn her head to the left, she resisted.

It didn’t look comfortable for her at all. I decided to take her to an osteopath to get checked. After a session of gentle massage, her neck stiffness completely disappeared. During birth, her muscles had become unbalanced, and she’d developed tightness on her left side, from her head down.

No wonder she’d been uncomfortable!

Just like my baby, it’s common for newborn babies to experience imbalances or muscle and structural problems that affect how their bodies function. These problems can lead to your baby to being unsettled, according to the team at Merivale Osteopathy.

The team’s experienced osteopaths, help babies and mums with many aspects of their health before and after delivery.

They encourage new mums to come in for newborn checks and help with breastfeeding.

“Breastfeeding and carrying a baby can be hard work for the upper back and neck, and may be detrimental to posture.

Osteopathic care can relieve the discomfort in this area and improve posture,” they explain.

“Birth is a challenging experience for many mums and babies and can affect your bodies long term. Having your newborn checked means any problems are dealt with quickly before they become an issue or cause discomfort.”

WHAT DOES AN OSTEOPATH DO?

Osteopathic treatment aims to assist the body in a natural, gentle way. Osteopaths use techniques such as stretching, gentle movement, and massage to help increase mobility, reduce tension in muscles, and improve blood flow.

They work on a wide range of health areas from chronic pain to advice on posture, help with better movement, to pregnancy care. Osteopaths look at a person’s whole body and address pain and imbalances in a way that gets to the underlying causes.

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

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

236 Springfield Road tel 3556166 reception@osteopath.net.nz osteopath.net.nz Summer / 2019

35

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Tell Me What does it feel like to be in love? Is it embarrassing to have sex? Can a grandmother have children? What does LGBT mean? What happens if you don’t feel like having sex?

Why do you get pimples?

29 What does it feel like to fall in love?

29 What does it feel like to fall in love?

Falling in love feels different for every person.

Falling inyou lovecan’t feelsthink different for every person.

Maybe of anything except the Maybe you can’t think of anything except person you love.

Maybe your heart beatsthe wildly person youget love.

Maybe your heart beats wildly and you butterflies in your stomach whenever and you get butterflies your stomach whenever that person is around.inMaybe you’re excited that is around.

Maybe andperson can barely eat. Or fallingyou’re in loveexcited might feel and can barely eat. Or falling loveitmight completely different.

You’ll in know when feel you do completely different.

You’ll knowinitlove when do feel it, though, because falling is you a strong feel it, though, love the is a other strong emotion.

Andbecause it’s evenfalling betterinwhen emotion.

And it’s better person feels theeven same way. when the other person feels the same way.

29 29

This book is direct and warmhearted, giving children the information they need about sexuality, bodies and puberty.

A

ll excellent questions! Tell Me collects questions asked anonymously by eight- and nine-year-old children about the human body, love and sexuality.

Answers are provided by experienced sex educationist Katharina von der Gathen. The responses are both direct and warm-hearted, giving children the information they really want to know, in a form they can relate to.

Tell Me is an honest and funny book about sexuality, bodies and puberty – a topic that many find embarrassing, awkward or even too controversial to talk about, let alone with their children.

24 Why do you get pimples?

Many children get pimples when they reach puberty. Hormones are the reason once again.

24 Why do you get pimples?

They ensure that the body develops from a child Many children getalso pimples reach into an adult.

They causewhen fat tothey be produced puberty.

Hormones are the reason once again. in the many tiny pores of the skin. This fat can clog They ensure the body develops a child the pores, and that sometimes these spots from become into an adult. also cause to actually be produced infected.

TheseThey are pimples.

Youfat can get in the many tiny pores the skin. This can clog pimples all through yourof life, because thefat body the pores,produces and sometimes these spots become constantly new hormones. infected. These are pimples. You can actually get pimples all through your life, because the body constantly produces new hormones.

24

24

It’s completely relatable for children 8+ and illustrated hilariously throughout by Anke Kuhl.

Tell Me by Katharina von der Gathen and Anke Kuhl.

Gecko Press. Hardback RRP $29.99. Ages 8+

re a b i g g e r w o r l d ep o l e p l x s E with a better night’s SleepDrops for Babies 0-3 years

SleepDrops for Kids 3-12 years

Daytime Revive 3 years +

www.sleepdrops.co.nz 36 Summer / 2019

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Queen

OF THE

lunchbox!

Check this out for great choices when it comes to lunchboxes.

Nude lunchboxes

The Lunchbox Queen is New Zealand’s first and largest lunchbox store, and their range of bento boxes has changed the way Kiwis pack their lunches! The boxes are leakproof and airtight, so everything remains contained and fresh without the need for any plastic packaging. And with all the lunchbox contents clearly on show in separate compartments, bento boxes are great for enticing picky eaters. A vast range of styles, sizes and colours means everyone can enjoy a healthy lunch that is fun and waste-free. The Lunchbox Queen is also home to lunch bags, beeswax wraps, reusable yoghurt pouches, drink bottles, and much more. thelunchboxqueen.co.nz

With the wide-scale climate change movement happening around the world, it’s no wonder our communities are being inspired to do their part in helping the environment locally.

So, why not start with our kids’ lunchboxes, writes KINETA BOOKER .

I

hear what you’re saying – how are our children’s lunchboxes going to help the environment? If your school hasn’t yet moved into rubbish-free or nude lunchboxes, think what’s in your child’s lunchbox today. How much packaging is in there? Plastic wrap around the sandwiches? Muesli bar in a foil sleeve? Cheese and crackers in a handy plastic container? Yoghurt in a throw-away tube? Another bar in a plastic wrap? A small packet of chippies from a 10-pack?

It’s all rubbish, and it all lands up in our landfill.

At the end of each day, as you empty all those wrappers from their lunchbox into your rubbish bin, it doesn’t seem like too much, right? But what about the whole week. An entire year of lunches? And imagine if all the other households around New Zealand all had the same lunch rubbish as your house? Ok, you get the point.

And, yep, I’m guilty of including packaging in my

HANDMADE

BEESWAX WRAPS

The team at The Baughman’s Bees are creating natural, alternative solutions to reduce household waste.

son’s lunchbox, too. Until our school introduced nude lunchboxes. A lunchbox without a single throw-away piece of rubbish in it.

I’ll be honest. My first thought was – but my son loves the sealed cheese and crackers with his fruit at playtime. And, then, what if his sandwiches go dry before lunchtime without any paper wrap?

But, right on cue, my Messenger mums group went into meltdown with hot ideas of how we were going to cut down on all the packaging!

Parents to the rescue!

TIPS:

+ Use beeswax wraps to keep sandwiches fresh. + Try fabric bags, with either hook and loop fasteners or zips, for those carby snacks.

+ Use small, reusable containers for yoghurt from a larger pottle. + Keep vege and fruit pieces fresh in sealed reusable containers. + If you just want a lunchbox, and no other containers or bags, find a lunchbox that has at least three dividers: one for roll/sammies, one for veges and fruit, and one for snacks. This way, each group is kept fresh, and nothing is getting dry or soggy. + And the ultimate saviour from all the packaging waste – use a Bento Lunchbox.

These have several compartments to keep everything in order and your kids happy.

+ Make your own healthy bliss balls, rather than adding packaged cookies into your child’s lunch.

If everyone cuts out all the packaged foods and throw-away lunch wrappers, not only will our children have healthier bodies, but we’ll be on our way to a healthier planet, too.

W

ingredients on one hand: food-grade cappings beeswax and pine rosin, a mixture of 100 per cent high-grade cotton and organic fabric and almond oil.

ith their wide range of available fabrics to choose from, such as their Kiwiana patterns, saving the world one beeswax wrap at a time becomes suddenly much more fun and entertaining.

The best things about these products are that they’re reusable, compostable, they shape well around any object, and they make you feel great by not using plastic! AND you can list all the

The Baughman’s Bees also provide a few pre-chosen packages with popular fabrics, a cheese bag and sandwich bags. thebaughmansbees.co.nz

Summer / 2019

37

CHRISTMAS DÉCOR

Adair’s Angels

The Adair’s Wooden Angel Ornament is a minimalistic, modern twist on a traditional Christmas icon that will guarantee to bring your home into the Christmas spirit. adairs.co.nz

KIWI CHRISTMA S CHARM These beautiful Kauri ornaments are handmade by Gwyneth Hulse Design in sunny Kerikeri. Available in red, silver, and natural, each ornament is finished with silk cord and beads.

A piece of New Zealand heritage for your Christmas tree! ghdesign.felt.co.nz

Christmas dining and decorating Creative ideas for some Christmas flair.

WONDERFUL WOODEN WONDERS From casual everyday dining to serving up something special this season, Redcurrent’s Mango Wood Collection will bring rustic charm to your kitchen this summer. Shop the range of serve ware including platters, bowls and boards in-store or online. redcurrent.co.nz

DIY DECOR ATIONS Can’t find what you need for your Christmas decorating?

Why not create your own decorations using Resene testpots to suit your holiday theme and colourway. Gather family members to help paint their favourites and create holiday decorations and memories that can become part of your holiday traditions. Paint your own wrapping paper, gift boxes, table runners and Christmas accessories. Combine your favourite Resene colours and Resene metallic testpots for a little extra Christmas shimmer. All you need is a little imagination and a few Resene testpots. resene.co.nz/colorshops or buy testpots online, shop.resene.co.nz/testpots

38 Summer / 2019

CHRISTMAS DIY

Edible and fragrant

Christmas planters W By

KINETA BOOKER

ith these planters, you’ll most probably have what you need at home. Having the classic Christmas-coloured gummies in your gumboot pile is a good start, but you can use any colour you have! The great thing with this DIY is that it’s a very easy project for little people to help with - and help eat once the fruit starts ripening! Pop by the front door to add a welcoming festive entrance for your visitors, or at the backdoor for yourself!

YOU’LL NEED:

DIRECTIONS:

Gumboots (in a festive colour if you like!)

+ Stuff your gumboots with newspaper, so the pot doesn’t fall in. This will also to give your gumboot some shape.

Plants Saucers (to stop water getting into the gumboot) Newspaper

You can use lots of different plants.

Strawberries, herbs, poinsettia, etc. Anything that looks festive, smells good, or you can eat!

Keep your plant watered; it’s a living project after all.

Gloves Strawberry straw

+ Put saucer near the top of the gumboot. + Put plants in and push down, so they’re level with the top of the gumboot. + Scatter some strawberry straw around the top - to cover the soil, so it can help retain water, and to give your project a bit of class.

Festive-smelling

soy candle melts T By

KINETA BOOKER

hese soy melts are an excellent gift for teachers, and they’re very easy to create once you have everything you need.

Choosing a pine needle or Christmas-type fragrance adds a beautiful aroma to your gift!

YOU’LL NEED:

DIRECTIONS:

A pot or a stainless steel bowl

+ Put half a pot or steel bowl of water on the stove to heat up.

A Pyrex jug or something similar - with a handle Mini cupcake tray or silicone moulds Wooden knife (or something similar) Spoon Pot mat Soy wax Fragrance oil Stovetop Water

You’ll want a jug that has a pouring spout.

+ Measure out 1 cup of soy wax into a Pyrex jug and place into the bowl of hot water. + When soy starts to melt, stir with wooden knife until all melted. + Take jug out of the bowl of water and place on a pot mat, and add 2T of fragrance to melted wax and stir well.

Don’t allow the jug to touch the bottom of the pot.

+ Pour wax mixture into moulds and allow to cool on the bench. + Once cold, pop into a gift bag with a note, saying what they are and reminding people they’re not for eating!

Summer / 2019

39

FUN ZONE

KIDS’ time

ACTIVITIES AND COLOURING IN FOR ALL AGES

Win!

3 x Playmobil: The Movie prize packs Includes: A RC (remote control)

Porsche Mission E car with Rex Dasher, a Rex Dasher character with parachute, a Rex Dasher key ring and a family in-season pass to see Playmobil: The Movie. Ts and Cs apply.

To enter, visit familytimes.co.nz

in cinemas December 12

When her younger brother Charlie (Gabriel Bateman) unexpectedly disappears into the magical, animated universe of PLAYMOBILÂŽ, unprepared Marla (Anya Taylor Joy) must go on a quest of a lifetime to bring him home.

As she sets off on a fantastic journey across stunning new worlds, Marla teams up with some unlikely and heroic new friends - the smoothtalking food truck driver Del (Jim Gaffigan), the dashing and charismatic secret agent Rex Dasher (Daniel Radcliffe), a wholehearted misfit robot, an extravagant fairy-godmother (Meghan Trainor) and many more.

40 Summer / 2019

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FUN ZONE

HELP LulA FIND HER WAY TO HER UFO!

Win!

5 x A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon prize packs

Includes: A Shaun the Sheep Movie DVD, 2 x activity sets, 2 x pens,

2 x keyrings and a family in-season pass to see A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon. Ts and Cs apply. To enter, visit familytimes.co.nz

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COPY THE PICTURE OF LulA

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Summer / 2019

41

GET CRAFTY

Resene rainbow What better way to brighten up a new fence than with a rainbow of Resene colours!

By the children in ROOM 4 at KAIAPOI NORTH SCHOOL , with help from some awesome mums.

The junior classes at Kaiapoi North School have a new fence around their garden planter boxes, so they chose Resene paints to give the blank canvas a colourful lift.

MATERIALS

INSTRUCTIONS

We used:

1. Ensure there are dropcloths laid on the concrete area first, in case there are spills or splashes of paint. And make sure you're wearing your old painting clothes, too.

Resene Quick Dry Resene Colour Me Pink Resene Cabaret Resene Blue Gem Resene Moody Blue Resene Tory Blue Resene Havelock Blue Resene Hullabaloo Resene Keppel Resene Japanese Laurel Resene Wham

Before

42 Summer / 2019

An assortment of Resene paint brushes and rollers

2. Paint the entire fence with Resene Quick Dry. This is an excellent undercoat because, as the name suggests, it dries quickly.

3. You can choose any colours you like, but we thought these colours all looked great together.

We’ve used Resene Wham as our main colour (on the trims and edges), as it matched some poles on a nearby classroom block.

4. We painted the fence inside and out – to make the area really POP with colour.

5. Wrap brushes in cling wrap between coats to keep the paint moist and save washing up for the second coat of Resene colour.

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

GIVEAWAYS

4

Porcupine Pop You'll love to “boop” this cute little porcupine's nose but watch out: it just might surprise you! You never know which “boop” will set it off and make the quills fly!

Stuck On You

OPPO smartphone!

Win a Stuck On You Large Lunch Pack, which contains a Large Bento Box and Cooler Bag to keep food chilled as well as an insulated Food Jar to keep food warm or cool. Mealtime is sorted!

3

Celebrating the new decade with superb photography, beautiful design and longlasting battery, the OPPO A9 2020 sports five cameras in a single smartphone for highquality snaps in all settings.

Dolittle prize pack

Win a family pass to this fantastic family adventure.

Out in cinemas, 16 January.

3

Be in to

Win!

2

Dr Bugs popcorn prize packs

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

Simply head to our website: familytimes.co.nz Orana Wildlife Park family day pass

Spend a day with your family at Orana Wildlife Park – New Zealand’s only open-range zoo.

Whitcoulls voucher

Grin Natural family packs

Each Grin pack contains, for the kids: two Biodegradable Toothbrushes, two Grin Natural Toothpastes, one Biodegradable Dental Flosser. And for the adults one Biodegradable Dental Floss Picks, two Grin Natural Toothpastes, two Biodegradable Toothbrushes.

3

Spies in Disguise prize pack This animated comedy set in the high-octane globe-trotting world of international espionage. Out in cinemas, 1 January. Each prize pack has a family movie pass, stickers, phone microscope and plush keychain.

Rainbocorns Big Bow Surprise

Discover the most BOW-utiful surprises with Rainbocorns Big Bow Surprise!

Hatch open the giant golden egg to discover the biggest Rainbocorn yet, with over 25 layers of Rainbocorn fun! Pop your sparkly Big Bow off the golden egg and wear it as the cutest accessory.

6

TY Beanie Boo prize packs TY Beanie Boos are the cuddliest animals in the world! Cuddle up to these super soft toy characters and add them to your TY collection!

Each prize pack includes an Asia Tiger (medium) and a Dangler Sloth (regular).

Summer / 2019

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

2

3

What book would you choose from the Whitcoulls Top 50 Kids’ Books?

See whitcoulls.co.nz and tell us which one, and you could win a $50 Whitcoulls voucher!

43

CHRISTCHURCH M A RK ETPL ACE FREE HOUR S

Birthday Tram Hire Package - $185

This includes exclusive hire of the tram for 2 hours and ticketed entry to the park for 8 children and 2 adults.

Tram fits up to 20 people comfortably.

There are 2 time slots available on a Saturday or Sunday at 11am and 2pm.

CANTERBURY

Speakeasy

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

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

Early Childhood Educational Centre FOR MORE INFORMATION

Please note, we are unable to accept Annual Passes, concessionary rates or any other offers for birthday parties admissions.

03 349 7171

www.ferrymead.org.nz

Ph 385 6319 CALL AND SEE US TO ENROL

45 Randall St, Richmond (Close to The Palms)

Rangiora New Life School Rangiora New Life School

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

AWARD WINNING BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE AND HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES! Busy Bumbles offer Before and After School Care and Holiday Programmes throughout Selwyn and Christchurch.

We have a strong focus on health and wellbeing and pride ourselves on offering fun, engaging and affordable care for your loved ones!

Congratulations Congratulations to to our our RNLS RNLS 2020 2020 Head Head Students!

Students!

Enrolment Enrolment applications applications for for 2021 2021 onwards onwards are are welcome. welcome.

www.busybumbles.co.nz

admin@rnls.school.nz admin@rnls.school.nz Stephen Walters, Principal Stephen Walters, Principal

03 347 3031 | manager@busybumbles.co.nz

Inclusive and Family-Focused • Quality Flexible Childcare Our Vision is to enhance the mana of the child in an environment that is inclusive, family-focussed and empowering, in a care and education curriculum that enhances the capacity to learn and develop children to their full potential.

We endeavour to provide an atmosphere that is warm accepting and welcoming to both children and families and our emphasis is on maintaining a home like environment which allows age groups to spend time together.

We operate an open-door policy, where parents and family are welcomed into the centres at any time. We believe parent participation sends strong positive messages to the child that they are supported and are part of the childcare environment.

50%

off Care for the first 3 months Conditions apply

20 FREE Hours for children under the age of 3 years.

30 FREE Hours for children of all ages.

Conditions apply

Blossoms Educare Rolleston Open 7am–6pm Monday – Friday. Ph 0800 102 236 Email rolleston@blossomseducare.co.nz or call into 325 Dunns Crossing Road, Rolleston. www.blossomseducare.co.nz 44 Summer / 2019

Blossoms Educare Rangiora Open 7am–6pm Monday – Friday. Ph 0800 102 237 Email rangiora@blossomseducare.co.nz or call into 8 Johns Road, Rangiora. www.blossomseducare.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH M A RK ETPL ACE

Term 1 starts 10 February Free trial class!

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

New Zealand

An invitation to all girls aged 5 to 18

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.

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

WINNIE BAGOES

Christchurch’s favourite

2 Waterman Place Ferrymead

girlsbrigade.nz

family restaurant

03 376 4900

E-mail: info@girlsbrigade.org.nz

CHRISTCHURCH’S PREMIER AGENCY & MODELLING SCHOOL EST. 1993 Self Esteem | Confidence | Deportment Motivational & Inspirational Tips Presentation Skills | Makeup | Skincare

winniebagoes.co.nz

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

Dudley Park Aquatic Centre 47 Church Street, Rangiora

Kids . Tween . Teen Confidence & Deportment Workshops January School Holidays

Photo Shoot | Etiquette + MUCH more!

03 379 9011 | info@portfoliomodels.co.nz

Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre 9 Cass Street, Kaiapoi

0800 WaiSwim

TA K I N G B O O K I N G S N O W !

portfoliomodels.co.nz

find your groove in a fun supportive environment

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

Papanui | Sumner/Ferrymead | Halswell/Selwyn

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

03 354 6228

annaleeschoolofdance.co.nz

0274 836 265 office@annaleeschoolofdance.co.nz

Summer / 2019

45

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

‘Mom life’ with

Anika Moa

In the spotlight this issue with KINETA BOOKER is New Zealand recording artist, radio and television presenter, and mother of four, ANIKA MOA , who has just released her much-anticipated third children’s album, Songs for Bubbas Vol.3.

What surprised you most when you became a parent?

Haha! How fast my money disappeared! I am surprised at how much softer I am as a parent. I cry lots more and love my kids so much it hurts.

How different are you now from before you had children?

I have changed so much – I make every single second count because life is so short and kids take up a lot of my time. So I try my best to be calm, stress-free and soak up my kids and be attentive to their needs. Being stress-free is about 50 per cent success rate. Lol!

Your top parenting tip?

Prepare! Prepare! Prepare! Always think about what you need for the week and then prepare for it. You don't wanna be caught off guard, fellow parents!

Favourite family tradition?

Movies on a Friday night with all the kids snuggled up on the couch with popcorn, wine in hand for the mummies. That, to me, is absolute bliss.

46 Summer / 2019

What sort of mum are you?

Our kids are lucky ‘cos they have two mums, so we share every element of our children and their upbringing. I love to sing to them, dance with them and take them on amazing adventures and on tour sometimes too. We both also work a lot, so our work-mom-life-balance is crazy and thems the breaks!

The thing you enjoy most in everyday life with your family?

I enjoy watching my kids play and get on instead of fighting and screaming at each other lol lol lol.

I love travelling with my kids. I love watching them grow and enjoy their lives. I love seeing them learn te reo Māori and growing into healthy great kids.

MUSIC REVIEW This wild ride has a dollop of monsters, lashings of te reo Māori and the Witch of Maketu makes an evil comeback as she tries her hardest to catch the frightened little girl with the help of her newest creation: an OGRE! In gentler times on the album, Anika covers her favourite waiata, I Can See Clearly Now and Purea Ne'i by the late, great songwriter Hirini Melbourne.

Your tamariki will be taken out of this world and into a land of crazy fun, frights, full-on frantic furore and they will be falling falling

Songs For Bubbas Vol. 3, by Anika Moa, out now! $20

falling deep into peaceful slumbers as the lullabies kick in. So snuggle up with your child, chuck the tunes on and know Aunty Neeks will take care of the rest! anikamoa.co.nz

School Holiday Activities!

Lincoln, Rolleston, Darfield and Leeston Libraries Special Summer Events: · · · · ·

Forts and Fairy Tales Firefighter Storytime Ozobot Party Beeswax Wraps Pirate Party

· · · ·

Spoon Carving Mat Weaving Roald Dahl Storytime Origami Crane Earrings

· · · ·

Arts and Crafts Tech Time Cubing Club Board Games Club

Regular Programmes: · · · · ·

Baby Sensory Rhymetimes Storytimes Book Clubs Brick Attack

Heading away this summer? Download the Selwyn Libraries App and take the library with you!

Regular programmes take a break over the festive season, resuming 12 January. We look forward to seeing you then!

selwynlibraries.co.nz Summer / 2019

47

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48 Summer / 2019