Whanganui Chronicle Parenting feature 2019/20

Page 1

PARENTING 2019/2020


WHEN SHOULD I SEEK HELP FOR MY CHILD?

I

f your child is otherwise healthy an occasional illness may be nothing to worry about however if you are worried, seek help.

Contact your GP or afterhours provider if your child displays any of the following:

• A change in feeding habits – refusing several consecutive feeds or eating poorly.

• A change in mood or the activity level – is unusually tired, floppy, hard to rouse

• High temperature or fever – child is younger than 3 months

of age seek help if they develop a fever or high temperature; especially if your baby also has a cold, cough or diarrhoea. Cool babies down by taking layers off if they are hot. • Diarrhoea – motions are especially loose or watery for more than 2 days. • Vomiting – vomits for more than 12 hours or has vomiting with diarrhoea or a high temperature. • A skin rash – develops an unexplained rash suddenly, accompanied by fever and/or diarrhoea. If a rash becomes infected. • A sore or tender navel – umbilical area or navel becomes red or starts discharging or bleeding. • Dehydration – has significantly fewer wet nappies and a dry mouth and a sunken fontanelle. With summer coming drink lots of water. • Constipation – fewer motions over a few days and appears uncomfortable and straining to pass a motion. • Colds – if a cold interferes with your child’s breathing or child has severe coughing. • Hearing – you are worried about hearing because they do not respond normally to sound.

• Eye discharge – child’s eyes are pink, red or have a sticky discharge.

ASK THE DOCTOR: • What is wrong? • What do I need to do? • Why is it important? • How long will it take to get better? • How do I know if my child is getting sicker? • Do I need to bring my child back to the doctor? Whanganui Accident & Medical is open 8am -9pm daily, including public holidays. Visit us if you have an injury, are a visitor to Whanganui, do not have your own GP or it is after 5pm, the weekend or a public holiday and you need to see a Doctor or Nurse. You may contact Healthline 0800 611 116 Seek Emergency Care when: Bleeding cannot be stopped Poisoning Seizures Difficulty breathing Head injuries Decreasing responsiveness or unconsciousness Large cuts and burns The colour of skin and lips becomes blue or purple or grey Pain is increasing or severe

• • • • • • • • •

In an emergency dial 111 Consider learning CPR.

HUFF& PUFF DESIGNS

0212 103 349

Victoria Ave, Whanganui By: Birthdays / Anniversaries / Weddings Grand Openings / Promotions / Any Celebrations

2

party supplies, hats, plate, cups


WHAT A TIME!

CONTENTS

T

hose first moments are precious, parenthood is magical.

When should I seek help for my child?

2

Leading maternity care

4

Let’s get you back into shape

We welcome all prospective or new parents to this fantastic role of parenthood. It’ll be the most rewarding thing you’ve ever done.

5

Bringing baby home

6

In this publication, parenting, you’ll get lots of helpful advice and tips on pregnancy, raising babies, toddlers and tips on parenting.

Settling your baby to sleep

7

We have put together helpful hints combined with research to help parents along the way. You will find advice on maternity care, car seats, terrible 2’s tantrums, schooling, and more….

Dealing with ‘terrible twos’

9

Choosing an early childhood education service

10

Enrolling in school

12

Connecting with your child / Pregnancy counselling

13

Why do we need a will?

14

Where girls shine

15

You get to watch your bundle of joy grow from a baby into a high-spirited pre-schooler through to pre-teen and beyond. He or she is constantly growing and learning, enthralled with life.

Parenting can help mums and dads prepare for their baby, assist with positive parenting, playtime fun and early childhood education option, along with helpful information on pre-teens. Keep this book as a useful reference. We hope it helps contribute to the immense delight your children will bring you, accept that you’re not going to get it right all the time, but make sure you enjoy the journey.

Preschoolers At-home Uniquely Achieving

Home based childcare • A national community of home based Educators • Part-time and full-time spaces available • 20 Hours ECE and Work and Income subsidies if applicable • Flexible hours for shift/study requirements • Full training and support given to all Educators

P ro

d ucts

Quality toys built to last • New and old school cool • Extensive range and choice from newborn up • Secure online store • Free gift wrapping • Gift list to share

A premier nanny recruitment and babysitting service

Digital prin nting & desig gn

• Auckland based • Short/long-term care solutions • Home or hotel locations

• No minimum quantitiess • From busiiness cards to banners

Contact us 0800 728 277

www.paua.ac.nz 3


LEADING MATERNITY CARE

I

n New Zealand pregnant women are required to choose a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) who coordinates their maternity care. Lead Maternity Carers can be midwives, GP’s with a diploma in obstetrics or obstetricians. LMCS are contracted through the Ministry of Health to provide a complete maternity service to you.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE OF THE MIDWIFE

The midwife works in partnership with women, on her own professional responsibility, to give women the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period up to six weeks, to facilitate births and to provide care for the newborn.

and parenthood and includes certain aspects of women’s health, family planning and infant well-being. The midwife may practise in any setting, including the home, the community, hospitals, or in any other maternity service. In all settings, the midwife remains responsible and accountable for the care she provides. To practise as a midwife in New Zealand, the midwife must have an annual practising certificate issued by the Midwifery Council of New Zealand. For more information: www.midwife.org.nz

The midwife understands, promotes and facilitates the physiological processes of pregnancy and childbirth, identifies complications that may arise in mother and baby, accesses appropriate medical assistance, and implements emergency measures as necessary. When women require referral midwives provide midwifery care in collaboration with other health professionals. Midwives have an important role in health and wellness promotion and education for the woman, her family and the community. Midwifery practice involves informing and preparing the woman and her family for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding

YELLOW HOUSE

CATERING TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF YOUR NEXT FAMILY OCCASION ORDER ONLINE

OUR ULTRASOUND SERVICES INCLUDE: • Pregnancy • Upper Abdominal • Renal • Pelvic • Musculoskeletal • Vascular • Small Parts NO ACC & PREGNANCY SURCHARGE

Sign Up Today: www.yellowhousecafe.co.nz 4

Contact Us We are conveniently located at: 26 Bell Street, Whanganui Phone: 06 281 3182 www.rivercityultrasound.co.nz


LET’S GET YOU BACK INTO SHAPE

C

ongratulations on your new baby! Along with the joy and excitement comes round-the-clock care. The sooner you can get moving again and get your strength back, the easier and more enjoyable life will be.

softened during your pregnancy may still be regaining their tone so take it easy.

Sometimes this feels like a catch 22 situation – how do you muster up enough energy to exercise in order to improve your fitness so that you have more energy? Here are some pointers:

Start your strengthening with pelvic floor exercises as they are vital to restore muscle function and are important for all women, not just those who have had vaginal births. Flat tummies seem to be easily regained by some women, while for others it takes many abdominal exercises. You can reduce the bulge through strengthening exercises and making wiser food choices if necessary. Check with your LMC about when it is safe to start these. Your back muscles need to be in top shape as you will be doing a lot of lifting and bending, Increasing the strength and flexibility of your back will see you less likely to suffer back problems.

• Set aside three times per week on a regular basis where the

focus in on YOUR wellbeing. During this time you can start walking and strengthening some of the muscle groups that need it most. • Start slow but progress: don’t worry if your first walk is a slow, 10 minute stroll - with regular exercise you will gradually increase the pace and distance. • Initially “under-do” it – the aim is an enjoyable experience that will energise, not exhaust you. When you start walking again you may feel unbalanced now that baby is no longer inside you. Focus on your posture. Did you become hunched over as your pregnancy progressed or perhaps you developed a sway back? You may need to focus on lengthening your spine, lifting your chest and relaxing your shoulders. Check that your bottom is comfortably tucked under and your heel strikes the ground first with each step when you walk. How does your pelvis feel? The ligaments that

Remember to drink plenty of water, especially if you are breast feeding, and keep up foods high in calcium. Above all be gentle with yourself, but do make the effort because you will feel better for it in the long run.

HAD A BABY? BODY CHANGED SHAPE? WANT TO LOOK LIKE YOU USED TO? EXERCISING AFTER YOU HAVE YOUR BABY CAN IMPROVE YOUR PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING. IT CAN: HELP RESTORE MUSCLE STRENGTH AND FIRM UP YOUR BODY. MAKE YOU LESS TIRED BECAUSE IT RAISES YOUR ENERGY LEVEL AND IMPROVES YOUR SENSE OF WELLBEING. SEE AUDREY AT REVITALISE FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION TODAY!

Wanganui’s Biggest supplier of Sports Supplements

5


BRING BABY HOME

A

newborn baby in the house can be a real shock to the system. If you’re a new mum, with little experience of babies or toddlers, you may find this a trying time!

Most new mums go through the exact same thing – they can’t believe the sheer amount of work involved, the relentless lack of sleep and the constant worrying of whether you’re ‘doing it right’.

SLEEP OR LACK OF.

You’re not going to get a lot to start with. All mothers can’t wait for the night their baby sleeps through. It’s a breakthrough moment and a hot topic at mummy coffee groups. All babies are different and you may have the perfect eight hour sleeper in the first three months or still be getting up in the middle of the night when they’re a year old – you just never know.

SLEEP WHEN YOUR NEWBORN SLEEPS

Most mums will gladly fall into bed when baby goes off to sleep for a much deserved kip – small as it may be. It’s a good idea as looking after a baby’s needs is a full time, very tiring job. Don’t try to soldier on, give your body a break. Even a 10 minute power nap will help perk you up for the rest of the day. Or at least sit down with your feet up.

DON’T TRY TO BE SUPERMUM

Housework can take a back seat when you have a baby. Its difficult for the house-proud to imagine, but finding the

6

time to do housework with a baby at home can be a chore in itself! Some mums do their housework when baby sleeps, sacrificing their own sleep time and further tiring themselves out. As there’s often visitors to a newborn baby’s household, consider just keeping the living area clean and tidy.

TRY TO HAVE TIME OUT

Most mums are reluctant to leave their precious baby for the first few months, but you will eventually get over that. Hopefully you have a partner or family and friends for support who will babysit while you go out for the odd night off. A trip to the gym, shopping or lunch with a friend will help boost energy levels and do you the world of good. The best part of babies is they just get even better as they get older. Things get easier every few months as babies grow into toddlers and you become an expert in figuring out their needs.


SETTLING YOUR BABY TO SLEEP

S

ettling a new baby to sleep can sometimes be a very overwhelming time for first time parents. Sleep deprivation often kicks in as you try to work out the needs of your newborn child. The fact is that sometimes babies do just cry, it does not mean that you are doing anything wrong. However if your baby appears unwell or you are concerned, seek out the assistance of a professional.

SOME SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO CALM BABY ARE: • Provide a nice warm bath with lavender baby wash • Give baby a massage - massages are great for skin to skin contact and help to relax baby

• Dress the baby in comfortable sleepwear – a baby’s skin is

very soft and tender so find soft fabrics that do not irritate the skin. • Wrap baby in a merino wrap – they are ultra-soft and provide warmth and comfort. A specially designed baby sleeping bag is also a great way of keeping baby warm during the night. • Find a quiet space – play soft music or sing a lullaby • Babies love to be cuddled, comfort your baby by running your finger across the forehead

• Feed your baby • Last of all – Check the nappy before settling baby back to sleep

Keep in mind that no baby is ever the same and something that has worked once, may not work a second time. It takes patience and getting to know your little one. Remember – it is a big adaptation for them in the outside world and it may take a little while to adjust. Recreating a womb like environment for the first 3 months is still on the top of research into the journey of a little one’s progression from the womb to the outside world – designed to provide a feeling of safety and comfort for the newborn baby. One example is a womb simulating crib -Chen Liming’s baby cot concept known as Mama’s Heart is a spherical crib designed in the shape of a woman’s belly to simulate the feeling of being in a womb. The revolutionary baby bed in-stills comfort by mimicking the enclosed cosy nature of a pregnant belly. Do your research on availability of aforementioned products in New Zealand or other similar products that would also recreate the womb like environment. Baby wraps are also used in this same manner.

Our Philosophy... Our philosophy is based on five aspects • Resilience’s, Empowerment and Empathy / Aroha • Creativity • Cultural Identity • Relationship • Contribution

Hours: Monday d - FFriday id

• 20 Free Hours • WINZ Subsidy • 2-5 Years

7.30am - 5.30pm

$48-Full Day Session | $27-Half Day Session

38 Smithfield Road, Wanganui

• Natural Learning environment with Chickens, Rabbits, Vege Gardens, Fruit Trees & Bird Aviary

06 9275402

Email: firstyearswanganui@gmail.com 7


POSITIVE!! That result on a pregnancy test will bring on different reactions and emotions for different people, depending on their circumstances. A woman might be thrilled, have joy and excitement or she may be afraid, anxious, anticipate hardship… or perhaps she will feel all of them! In each pregnancy however, one thing is certain, a new life has begun. From the moment of conception, the baby is forming and developing, getting ready for his or her grand entrance into our world. Having a baby is a beautiful and rewarding experience, nothing else really compares with it. Being a parent is a blessing, changing people from individuals to a family. The bond forged between mother and child is deeper than mere words can describe and it begins in the womb before they have even laid eyes on each other, it is special, unique and absolutely amazing! Of course, that does not mean pregnancy, giving birth and raising a child is always easy! All parents at some time may find some aspects of parenting challenging. Let’s face it, raising a child is a pretty huge

deal and responsibility. It is a major undertaking to care and provide for a dependent little person. There will be tears of joy, tears of frustration and inevitably… tiredness; there will be times of elation and times of uncertainty. Whatever the situation, there is always support available and we parents (caregivers) must not hesitate to ask for it. Very often a timely word of advice, a shoulder to cry on or just a companionable cup of tea can change the colour of the day. However we realize that sometimes big support and help is needed, this too is readily available and speaking to someone is often the first step to getting that help.

through education and offering support in its various forms. We seek especially to protect and promote the intrinsic value of the unborn child and we empower women facing unexpected pregnancies to make fully informed decisions, with the information they are entitled to. We also acknowledge and encourage the crucial role that men have in fatherhood and in loving and supporting their wahine through the pregnancy journey and beyond. Children are benefitted in inestimable ways when the father and the extended family stick with mum and children. Our children are our future, they are our precious ones to protect, love and nurture. Let us do that together. Aroha a tatou tamariki. Love and let live Aotearoa!

Voice for Life works to value and protect human life from conception until natural death, at all stages and ages. We do this

THE LIFE SHOP Voice for Life Wanganui have been running The Life Shop at 209 Victoria Avenue for a few months now. The Life Shop has two main purposes. We aim to be a place where the people of Wanganui can find essential items such as clothing, furniture, household items, books, and DVD’s at a low cost. We also are a referral point for people seeking out information and support in pregnancy and life issues. Other people come in just because they need a listening ear. We would like to thank the people of Wanganui for their custom, encouragement and support to date.

If you would like to donate goods, please come into the shop or contact us on 02108200120


HOW TO DEAL WITH THE ‘TERRIBLE TWOS’

T

his toddler stage isn’t just an awkward phase to be gotten through as fast as possible. It’s an important period in your child’s development. “Over the next couple of years, she has to learn to do as kids do and babies don’t, which means changing from diapers to underwear and out of a crib into a bed,” says developmental child psychologist Penelope Leach, Ph.D., author of Your Baby and Child: From Birth to Age Five. “She has to be able to eat and drink without bottles and sippy cups. And she has to know enough playground rules to get along with other kids.” The most dreaded of the signs of the terrible twos is public tantrums. Two-year-olds have always had a terrible reputation for delaying tactics, pickiness, and downright defiance. But the more we expect of young children, bringing them to restaurants and thinking they can control themselves in group settings like toddler classes, the more these behaviours seem to increase. “A toddler isn’t a baby anymore, and since he has to grow up whether he likes it or not, treating him like an infant will only make him balk,” says Leach. “But a toddler isn’t a pre-schooler yet either...treating him like he’s older than he is makes him clingy.” While discipline is needed in order to keep your toddler safe and teach her the difference between right and wrong, it is equally important to give your child some control over her

life. To do this, give her options: Ask if she would like to wear a yellow or blue dress today or if she would like pretzels or an apple for snack. Avoid open-ended questions—they might cause frustration. Temper tantrums are often sparked by your child’s frustration at her inability to complete a task she thinks she should be able to do on her own. On top of this frustration, toddlers often get frazzled because they do not possess the language skills to express their feelings. Tantrums are normal for the development every child goes through and will decrease around age 4, once motor and language skills are better developed.

SPECIALIST TEACHER OUTREACH SERVICE SATELLITE CLASSES IN LOCAL SCHOOLS TRANSITION TO WORK

www.arahunga.school.nz Ph 06 348 7139 Specialists in Teaching and Education of Students with Diverse Learning Needs Big Style For Little People 95b Hautapu Street, Taihape 4720, NEW ZEALAND

06 388 1242

www.littlebluelamb.co.nz 9


CHOOSING AN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERVICE

I

t’s important to choose an early childhood education (ECE) service or Kōhanga Reo that supports your child so that they can be safe, nurtured and join in and learn alongside other children.

The learning that children experience at an ECE service or Kōhanga Reo is guided by the curriculum framework called Te Whāriki.

WHAT TYPES OF ECE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

There are all sorts of ECE services available in New Zealand, offering different services, facilities, hours, and costs. ECE services available in New Zealand include:

• education and care centres • home based education and care • kindergartens • Kōhanga Reo • Montessori • ngā puna kōhungahunga • playcentres • playgroups • Pacific Island early childhood groups • special education needs services • Steiner kindergratens • Te Kura (the correspondence school).

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE SERVICE THAT’S RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?

Once you find an ECE service or Kōhanga Reo you’re interested in you’ll need to contact them to find out if they can support the particular needs of you and your child. Things to consider • Location • Hours • Style of care • Cost • Offered: do they offer what you want, like meals, drinks, nappies, supplies, activities etc. Check what’s included in the fees. • Size • Availability Does the service meet the specific needs of my child? • Location: is there good off-street parking and easy access to the building? Is the service close to anything that may cause noise distractions, like an airport or main road?

YOUR CHILD’S HOME AWAY FROM HOME Our founder, Judy Burgess, had a vision for Funhouse to be “your child’s home away from home”. We strive to make this a reality for our tamariki and whanau every day. We understand that the first years of a child’s life are an important time for shaping how they view the world. We recognise the importance of an environment that is positive, nurturing, empowering, responsive, and supported by adults who know your child well and who have his/her best interests at heart. 254-260 St Hill Street, Wanganui • Phone: 06 348 0026 Email: charity@funhouselearning.com • www.funhouselearning.co.nz Call now to secure a place on our waiting list.

10

Nutritious meals are cooked onsite daily! Monday - Friday | 7.15am to 5.30pm Closed on public holidays


• Style of care: how will they make sure your child is welcomed by the other children and can learn alongside them? How will the service keep you informed about what’s happening for your child? Can you stay with your child and help plan their activities for the day?

• Services offered: what experience do the staff have in supporting children with special needs?

• Facilities: is the physical environment suitable and easily

adaptable for your child’s needs? Is there suitable access to toilet and shower facilities?

Can my child go to any ECE service that I choose? An ECE service is not allowed to exclude your child. As part of their licence to operate all ECE services must have an environment that is inclusive and responsive to all children. Te Whāriki also supports this by ensuring all children are actively engaged in learning, with and alongside others.

GO FOR SOME VISITS

It’s important to visit the ECE services or Kōhanga Reo you’re interested in, so you can get a good feel for the children, the educators, and the environment. You can visit as many times as you like, and take your child with you.

What’s it like for the children? Visit at different times so you can observe the different routines and the children at different times of the day. The children should be busy and engaged, and keen to learn new things. Are they encouraged to be independent and able to choose their own activities? Children with special education needs should have the opportunity to play alongside and build relationships with other children. What about the educators or parents working there? For your child to get the most out of their ECE experience they need to be with people who can accept them as individuals and guide and support their learning at a level that’s right for them.

By visiting the ECE service or Kōhanga Reo you can find out if the adults talk and listen to the children with respect, and encourage the children to work things out for themselves but with support if need be. Talk to them about a programme that has specific goals and plans to help your child learn. You may have an Individual Plan already in place if you’re working with the Ministry’s special education early intervention team. What’s the space like? Outdoor and indoor spaces offer different experiences for children, and every ECE service or Kōhanga Reo manages these spaces in their own way. There should be free access between inside and outdoors, and opportunities for active play in both areas. There should also be quiet areas to sit or to ‘hide’ and the building should be safe.

LET THE SERVICE KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT

The ECE service or Ko¯hanga Reo will need to work with you to help your child fit in and thrive. They’ll want to speak with the team involved in supporting your child, like the early intervention team and any other specialists. It is also helpful for you to talk to the staff about specific practical, medical and cultural needs.

CHECK THE ERO REPORT

The Education Review Office (ERO) is a government department that reviews ECE services, Kōhanga Reo, schools and kura as part of its work. ECE services and Kōhanga Reo are reviewed about every 3 years. ERO reports provide information for parents and communities about each service’s strengths and next steps for development. The Ministry’s special education team has developed a booklet Choosing and Starting at an early childhood education service to help get your child off to a good start at ECE. Retrieved from http://parents.education.govt.nz/earlylearning/ your-child-at-ece

Welcome to CBK!

A great place for your child and whãnau to experience A nurturing environment featuring: • Qualified teachers • Christian kaupapa • Inclusive care & education

• SKIP and 303 Centre for Parents • We are alongside families / whãnau CBK hours 7:45am - 5:15pm

Look for the little red door and red flags @ 285 Wicksteed Street

POP IN OR PHONE 345 3008 or text 027 345 3008 11


ENROLLING IN SCHOOL M

ost children in New Zealand start school on their 5th birthday and all children must be enrolled at school from their 6th birthday. Children start school at different times throughout the school year, depending on when their birthday is, or when it suits your family. Unlike other countries, there are no set start dates. The Ministry of Education website states that if your child starts in the first half of the calendar year, they will be a Year 1, if they start in the second half of the calendar year, they will start as a Year 0 and the following year will be in Year 1. However, each school has their own policy - some schools state a specific cut-off date while other schools decide in conjunction with the parent. The general practice is that children starting in Term 1 are definitely Year 1, and those that start in Term 3 are definitely in Year 0. If your child starts in Term 2, you will need to check with your school about which year they will be placed in.

Often, the decision does not have to be made straight away - you can decide at the end of that first year or even later so don’t rush the decision. Do remember though that while it may be flattering to have your child “put up”, there are implications

GONVILLE SCHOOL GONVILLE SCHOOL WITH A RICH HISTORY, HAS SERVED ITS COMMUNITY FOR OVER 113 YEARS.

We are a passionate learning community on a thriving learning journey! We have a talented, dedicated staff who know their learners and families well. We are nestled in a unique urban environment with 4 green walkways on site. Our children also have farm animals to care for along with a brilliant bike track and massive sports field. We are an accredited Enviro-School and have already implemented many sustainability fundamentals, and we have our Edible Garden which children enjoy growing, cooking and eating their own fruit from. Every classroom has a recycling area where all waste is sorted. It is collected daily,

and provides food for our animals Buster our lovely pig and our chickens. We share a common language for building a positive and productive learning to learn culture. Our 4Cs and KC Kete are part of that learning culture. We are determined to grow Powerful Learning (what our children experience) and Empowered Learners (what our learners become). Whether you are a big learner or little learner it’s all about learning at Gonville School. Our children “croak” about their learning leaps and we are proud of them.

Gonville School, Gonville Avenue PH: (06) 345 7194 | gelgar@gonville.school.nz

12

for the child always being young in their class and this can be especially problematic as children reach their teens and may have children in their class nearly a year older. The use of Year levels continues right through to secondary school where a student who graduates finishes their schooling at Year Thirteen.

You can enrol your child into school at any time of year. Children who start school in New Zealand after the age of six are automatically placed in the same year level as other children his/her age. For older children, which Year they join also depends on giving them time to complete NCEA qualifications. Because each situation is different, it is best to contact the school your child will be starting in and talk with them about what Year is best for your child.


CONNECTING WITH YOUR CHILD

A

sk any parent how things are going and you’re likely to hear some version of “we are staying busy.” Whether you think busyness is a disease resulting in families being over-stressed and not spending enough time together or you see the productivity as a good thing that is benefiting your brain, few will dispute that we are, in fact, a busy people. The good news is that it appears that Quality time with our kids trumps quantity. Try these quick 5 minute tips to help connect and bond with your child: 1. Gather your child in your lap and read a short story Of course, this is much easier to do with little kids who still fit on your lap, but if your child is older, sit beside him and read a chapter out loud. By making this a daily ritual, you’ll spark a love for reading and spend some quality time together every single day. 2. Offer a heart-felt hug and be the last to let go We need at least eight hugs per day. Lots of good comes from a hug, and it doesn’t even take five minutes! 3. Give full, undivided attention to your child Start with saying, “These next five minutes are all yours.” Ask them about their day, how they’re feeling, or what they’re interested in most right now. Make eye contact and listen attentively. We do that so little these days because everybody is checking their devices or multitasking and only giving partial attention. Five minutes of full attention will go a long way in strengthening your connection.

Our Carers of Born & Raised Pasifika & Pasifika Learning Centre feel truly blessed to touch the Lives of our Taonga & their Whanau everyday.

4. Play a game of Tic Tac Toe, Hangman, or have a drawing contest Keep a small notepad in your vehicle or purse for on-the-go fun. Make use of the time you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or at the doctor’s office by playing one of these games together. 5. Have an impromptu dance party Inject a little fun and spontaneity into your day by turning on a good dance song and sliding around the kitchen in your socks. 6. Tell each other jokes Laughter equals connection.

Pregnancy Counselling Services

• If you are asking yourself “is this really happening to me; could I be pregnant?” • You have someone to talk to, in private, someone who will take the time to help and evaluate your options. • We are available for anyone who is involved in a worrying and unplanned pregnancy. • PCS aim to help anyone anxious about considering abortion or adoption. We receive calls from concerned boyfriends, partners, grandparents and parents of pregnant women. • Pregnancy Counselling Services is only a phone call away, 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Our services are free and confidential.

PREGNANCY COUNSELLING SERVICES

PREGNANT? WORRIED? We Care

Phone 348 0008 or 0800 PREGNANT 24/7 TALK TO A COUNSELLOR TODAY! 13


NEED A WILL?

W

hy do we need a will? People mainly use them to write down family members they want to provide for if they die, and how they want to distribute what they own. Wills also let us specify someone we would like to look after our kids or to leave special gifts and meaningful things to people or organisations we choose. They can include special instructions for a funeral, and they typically name the person who will carry out our wishes. If we don’t have one, or if ours is not valid for some reason, what we would like to happen may not happen in reality.

How to make a will

Don’t have a will yet, or need to update a previous will? You can get one drafted by someone with experience, such as a lawyer or trustee company. A will must also be signed and witnessed. If the proper procedures are not followed, a will may not be valid.

What does a will cover?

Instructions in your will can include: Your partner, children, grandchildren, other family members or friends you want to provide for Any family trust that you wish to leave property, money or other assets to Specific bequests such as cash payments, jewellery, artwork or furniture you want to leave to particular family members or friends. It’s a good idea to set up enduring powers of attorney at the same time as making a will.

Who’s involved

A will needs both an executor and a trustee. An executor obtains probate of your will from the court (when required) and the trustee carries out your wishes as set out in your will when we die. You can appoint a family member as the executor and the trustee – even if they are going to benefit from the will – but make sure they’re happy to take on the role. Appointing a professional executor and trustee is often a good idea, particularly if the estate is large or complicated. Some lawyers and professional trustee companies write wills for free, providing they are named as executor. They will charge your estate a fee for acting as the executor and trustee.

Keeping a will

If you already have a will, is it up to date? Does it reflect your current situation? Your financial or personal circumstances may have changed since you signed it. Whenever you go through a big life change like the birth of a child or separation, you should review your will. For example, if you get married or enter a civil union your will is automatically revoked unless it states otherwise or specifically says that it was made with regard to the coming union. Other life events like the birth of children or grandchildren, or the purchase of a property, are all good reasons to check your will. Make sure to keep a copy of the will in a safe and accessible place – and let the executor and loved ones know where it is. If your will can’t be found, your last wishes can’t be followed!

For safe and secure Wills & Trusts, you should always get Moore. Protecting your assets for future generations doesn’t have to be complicated. The team at Moore Law will make the process of setting up long-term arrangements to look after your family when you can’t simple and easy.

Talk to Helen or Rob at Moore Law today for expert, friendly advice. Talk to the team today

Tel. (06) 349 0012 www.moorelaw.co.nz 14


WHERE GIRLS SHINE – DISCOVER WHANGANUI GIRLS’ COLLEGE F ounded in 1891, Whanganui Girls’ College has been dedicated to the education of young women for over one hundred years. In that time it has earned an enviable record as a quality and caring school.

Whanganui Girls’ College provides a wide range of opportunities to extend the learning horizons of students across a broad range of subjects before senior level specialisation. Whanganui Girls’ College is an all-girls school. We have classes from Year 9 to Year 13, and also welcome adult students to day classes. Whanganui Girls’ College welcomes International students from all over the world. Whanganui Girls’ College has excellent schooling facilities and spacious grounds. Our facilities include a gymnasium, swimming pool, performing arts centre and a technology facility with state-of-the-art equipment. We provide a wide range of learning opportunities to extend the horizons of students to a broad range of subjects before senior level specialisation.

Ad Astra Hostel provides a home-away-from-home environment, assisting in the education and social development of all boarders. We provide safe and secure boarding with clear aims, firm guidelines and a warm, caring atmosphere. Hostel supervisors live on the premises and maintain close links with parents.

What do you want for your Daughter? Independence? Freethinker? Self-motivation? High Academic achievement? Sound Values? Essential Skills? Knowledge? Grounded Beliefs? Life skills? Interpersonal Skills? Great Work Ethic? Multi-Cultural appreciation?

Enrol Now for 2020 Wha angan nui Girls’’ Colle ege Ad Astra Hostel, Empowerring Girls to take their place in the world Together, Reaching for the Stars Call now to find out how your daughter can be a part of this Journey

06 349 0944 - www.whanganui-girls.co.nz

15



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.