EDITORIAL HEADER
Welcome to summer, and to our second edition of Cairns Parenting Companion. In this issue we’re tackling the controversial topic of immunisations. The majority of Aussies do vaccinate their children, but there are a growing number of ‘conscientious objectors’, who have shared their reasons for choosing not to vaccinate in the traditional manner. We’re also profiling some ‘big families’ in our area, and Playschool regular Jay Laga ‘aia drops in to tell us how he handles his 8 kids! As well as this, quite ironically, for those who might be scared off by the subject, we have an update for you on all the latest in contraception options for the girls and guys! And if you ever wondered what is going on in a dad’s head, get a giggle from of our new regular ‘Mystery Man’ column, plus, see what happens when you throw together a few dads (& beers), and ask them about parenting – read about it our ‘Round Table’ feature.
after schoo
Day time c
l care
are
Vacation ca re Weekend c are Overnight care Evening ca re Occasional
Emergency
service
And thanks again to our wonderful contributors.
Happy Parenting!
OUR EXPERTS
F 07 4032 1404 • E CHILDCARE@FAMILYDAYCARECAIRNS.COM.AU • WWW.FAMILYDAYCARECAIRNS.COM.AU Sponsored by Cairns & District Child Care Development Assoc Inc
And Big Families of TNQ
20
Community Photo Board WIN 200, 6x4 prints
21
Our Top 5 Finds
22
ZINCFM Zoolander Baz
WIN a wellbeing program worth $650
43
Contraception Options
45
WIN a Mummy Makeover
49-50 Work At Home Parents Naomi Wilson
Family Counsellor
Jude Perrett & Fiona Reid are both physiotherapists with Amanda Gale Physiotherapy who have trained/worked overseas (UK, Canada & NZ). They’re passionate about all areas of physiotherapy, pilates, aquatic therapy, running & cycling biomechanical assessments, Tai Chi, pre & post natal physio & exercise programs
BOTANIC HOUSE • 108 COLLINS AVENUE / PO BOX 462 • EDGE HILL, QLD 4870
39-41 Calendar
Jude Perrett & Fiona Reid
C HILD C A RE W I TH A H EA RT
12-14 Jay Laga’aia
31-32 Schools Out
Physiotherapists
PHONE 4032 1259
Immunisation Why some of us don’t
27-29 Flying Start
Juanita and Bec
Naomi Wilson is a trained & widely experienced early childhood teacher & lecturer, counsellor & life coach. She offers counselling on relationships & parenting at her clinic “Spectrum”, situated at Calanna Pharmacy complex, Woree.
TRAINING PROVIDED - RECRUITING NOW! CONTACT US NOW FOR YOUR CAREER IN CHILDCARE TOY & RESOURCE LIBRARY AVAILABLE
8-9
23-24 Nutrition
care
care - 24hr
Secondary Infertility
belinda coldebella Nutritionist
Belinda Coldebella is a clinical nutritionist & founder of Healthkicks Allied Healthcare & Healthkicks.com.au which is an interactive healthcare business enabling acces to a healthy lifestyle, Australia wide.
LIZ cHAPPEL General Practitioner
Dr Liz Chappel is a Cairns GP working at both Draper Street Family Medical & Apple Tree Medical Smithfield. She is the mother of 4 children & a Stepdaughter. Her Medical interests include paediatrics, adolescent health, women’s health, sexual health, rheumatology & elderly.
helen gamble Midwife
Helen Gamble has been a midwife for 20 years & has worked both in the UK & Australia. She currently offers antenatal & postnatal care to women & their babies at Draper Street Family Medical, Cairns & Apple Tree Medical Smithfield appletreemedical.com.au
KERAN THOMAS Mental Health Social Worker
Keran Thomas & her team at Birdwing Therapies are mental health social workers that offer counselling & therapy to children, teenagers, adults & families. They specialise in assisting parents with child/ teen behaviours, developmental issues & trauma related problems. Contact Keran to find out more about their counselling, group work programs & parent work shops birdwingtherapies.com.au
Working in Conjunction with QLD Health & Cairns Regional Council
For all enquiries please contact Juanita on 0438 811 027 or log onto www.parentingcompanion.com.au
Magazine Design & Layout By Smart Artz Creative www.smartartzcreative.com.au
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Dads Column “The Hormones Made Me Do It”
57
Family Directory
63
Back Page Confessions
DISCLAIMER: No part of this magazine, including advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part, or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within Cairns Parenting Companion are not necessarily the view of the publishers, but those of individual writers.
FRONT COVER IMAGE: On location at Trinity Beach. By Romy Photography.
Before and
Don’t forget to join us on-line at www.parentingcompanion.com.au or on Facebook.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
2010 SPRING ISSUE
PREGNANT & PROUD
12
THE DAY WE WELCOMED
Hi There,
To the Editor
I’m a newbie in town who’s currently trying to conceive.
Firstly I would like to congratulate you on your magazine, I love it! As a local parent, I found it very useful and full of ideas and contacts. I commend you on seeing a gap in the market and filling it. I have a 9 week old son who is having serious day time sleep issues. I have gotten to the point where I feel that I need some help in getting him to self settle and into a manageable routine. Surely, in a city the size of Cairns, with it’s high birth rate, I am not the only one struggling with a sleepless baby. I am certain that would be a need for such a service. I am hoping that by writing this letter to you, and letting people such as my GP and local healthcare nurse know about this huge gap in baby services that someone, somehow will take the initiative and follow Townsville’s lead and open a sleep clinic to help local mum’s like myself.
I’ve been wondering about birth options & children services available here but haven’t really made an effort to find out anything yet, until a few days ago. I’m very pleased that I picked up a copy of your magazine at the Cairns library, the valuable information in the magazine can not come at a more perfect time. Thank you for putting this magazine together. I look forward to reading your future publications! :)
PREGNANT & PROUD?
Regards, Helen Cairns North
Hi
PREGNANCY || BABY || TODDLER || EARLY CHILDHOOD || Spring 2010 Edition
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PREVIOUS WINNERS ‘Pregnant & Proud’ Winner – Peita Antonio ‘Community Photo Board’ Winner – Rachel Cava PLUS for your comments via email and on our blog congrats to – Helen, Tracey, Cathy, Stacey, Jody, Pip, Libby, Jenny and Gabby. You have all won books from Text Publishing and Julia Driscoll
I picked up the Spring 2010 Cairns Parenting Companion at my sons 12 month checkup and was very impressed with the magazine. I loved Zoolander Baz’s section - it made me laugh so much, I just had to share it with my husband when he got home. The garage sale section on your website is fantastic and I couldn’t wait to get online to have a look at some bargains and list a few items myself. Well done! It would be nice to see some advertisers and articles relating to the Tablelands, as that is where I live, and I know a lot of parents up here would benefit too. Thanks for a wonderful compact magazine, full of great information.
Regards T. Jolly Brinsmead
Libby Masasso
Adam, Naomi & Stella Jade Scowcroft
IN THIS ISSUE YOUR CHANCE TO WIN • A HealthKicks well being health program valued at $650 see pg. 22 • A selection of books see pg. 32 & 17 • Jay Laga ‘aia CD’s see pg. 10 • A mummy makeover see pg. 43
BODY MIND BREATH CENTRE
A unique yoga and relaxation centre specialising in childbirth preparation
• A nifty lunchbox from Boxy Designs see pg. 19 • A car-seat cover by Grubby Bubby see pg. 19 Juanita & Bec
Cairns Parenting Companion would love to hear your feedback! Send us an email to
info@parentingcompanion.com.au
Carols by Candlelight
Bring your singing voices, your picnic rug and jingle all the way to a wonderful night of Christmas songs and festive entertainment at Council’s Carols by Candlelight. WHEN: 6.30pm Sunday, December 12, 2010 WHERE: Fogarty Park, Cairns Esplanade
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Pregna ncy Yoga Classe s
Learn stretching and strengthening excercises combined with deep relaxation and breathing to prepare for childbirth.
Hypno Birthin g The ultimate preparation for a calm natural birth experience. A 5-week course for couples.
Active Birth Works hop
Birthing partners will learn practical ways to support mums during labor and birth. Offered monthly on Saturday’s 1.30pm - 4pm
www.parentingcompanion.com.au
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MY STORY - SECONDARY INFERTILITY
TITLE HERE
Shannon du Plessis
Have you suffered from secondary infertility? Share your story on our blog at www.parentingcompanion com.au
Wondering when your next little one will come? Your first little one came along easily so why is it so hard this time? When a mother has conceived naturally before and is having difficulty falling pregnant a second time we call this ‘Secondary Infertility’. Thousands of women are affected by this silent epidemic. If you feel you may have secondary infertility we can help you. QFG’s personalised patient care, experience and success is second to none.
Why not call one of our nurses on (07) 4041 2400 for an informal chat or visit www.qfg.com.au/second to find out more
Why not call one of our nurses on (07) 4041 2400
Regional leaders in dental services for children. Cairns Precision Dental Group offer complete children and family dental care including: Prevention Care Programs Comprehensive Treatment Planning General Family Dental Procedures The professional caring dentists at the Cairns Precision Dental Group have additional training in a number of areas
Other professional services include: White fillings Same day crowns & veneers Bridge work Root canals
Teeth cleaning Teeth whitening Restoration Extractions Mouthguards Nitrous oxide (happy gas) Comprehensive examination Implant restoration Active maintenance Teeth cleaning
Discover why we’re regional leaders in dental excellence & technology. Discover the Cairns Precision Dental Group difference.
Visit our website to find out more www.qfg.com.au/cairns
Cairns Precision Dental Group “with you for life”
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including specialist child dentistry. Your familiy will also have the benefit of the latest E4D technology for one visit crowns. We also offer cosmetic dentistry, a quicker way to a beautiful smile.
Dr. Maurice Pietrobon Dr. Gary Taifalos Dr. Andy Ratter Caroline Pym Sean Dawes Jacquelene Carter
4054 2203 546-550 Mulgrave Road Woree Cairns QLD 4870 f. 4033 0102 | e. contactus@cairnsprecisiondental.com www.cairnsprecisiondental.com Care Credit
for flexible patient payment plans
PREGNANCY MASSAGE
EDITORIAL HEADER TITLE HERE
Preparing to welcome a baby into our lives is a very exciting yet challenging time for women. It is a time of great physical & emotional change, & women have an even greater need to feel supported, & find new ways to nurture & care for themselves & their unborn baby. A pregnancy massage is like a regular lower back pain & cramping, & improve massage but adapted for the safety flexibility, particularly helpful during the of mum & baby. It offers the last trimester & during birth itself. perfect nurturing environment to Balance hormonal activity. Touch calms deeply relax, quieten the mind, the nervous system & normalizes endocrine & release tension. It is during function. This stimulates our natural “feel the ‘Relaxation Response’ good” hormones & helps to reduce anxiety that important physical & caused by hormonal change. There is physiological changes occur, also evidence to support that massage particularly beneficial during increases levels of Oxytocin, the hormone pregnancy & in preparation that naturally contracts the uterus which for birth. Evidence supports may facilitate a calmer, speedier birth. that massage can help keep us well in the following ways. On a physiological level a massage works with mind & body to promote feelings of peace, Increased circulation. calm & wellbeing. It can provide time out of Massage increases local & general blood a busy day for mum to feel reconnected with circulation bringing more oxygen & energy herself & unborn child, & prepare for birth by producing nutrients to nourish cells, increasing awareness of tension & learning stimulating the elimination of waste how to consciously release it. Health care products through the lymphatic system. professionals agree that a relaxed mother is As a result mum will feel more energy, more likely to have a smoother pregnancy, vitality & more able to combat fatigue. be better able to manage discomforts & Release muscle tension. A have a positive & easier birth experience. massage will loosen tight muscles & stiffness created by a changing posture, ease discomforts such as
Family portrait Sitting
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Phone 0410 177 364 info@romyphotography.com.au Shop 2, 101 Mulgrave Rd, Cairns Qld 4870
www.romyphotography.com.au
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I
n 2005, the Macquarie University (Sydney) estimated that each year, an estimated 2.2 million children worldwide die through lack of routine immunisation, with the majority of these deaths occurring in “developing” countries. A child is born with some protection against illness as a result of the transfer of antibodies across the placenta & continues through breast-feeding, but these antibodies wear off after a number of months, leaving the child vulnerable to serious infection due to their immature immune systems. Vaccination enhances these immature immune systems by providing the same exposure to the immune system as an infection but without the disease. A vaccine works by injecting a small dose of either a dead or weakened live virus or bacteria, allowing the body to create an immune response ‘remembering’ these viruses & bacteria so that if exposed to the actual disease in the future, the immune system will respond quickly & attack the virus or bacteria, preventing development of the disease. The current infant immunisation schedule includes vaccines against 12 potentially serious infectious diseases, specifically diphtheria, hepatitis B, Hib, measles, meningococcal C disease, mumps, pneumococcal disease, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, rubella, tetanus, varicella (chickenpox) & Rota Virus. With the exception of polio, these diseases are still widespread in the world & with the increase in world travel & decreasing global borders there is a very real possibility that an imported communicable disease could be brought into Australia.
For opponents of immunisation, one of the major concerns is that vaccines cause harm, whether or not they prevent disease. No vaccine is completely without the possibility of a side effect, but the risk posed by these diseases far outweighs the risk of any side effects from vaccination. All vaccines available in Australia are required to pass stringent quality, safety & efficacy requirements before being approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. Common vaccine side effects are local redness & soreness at an injection site & mild fever. Serious side effects are very rare & in the 6 years I’ve been vaccinating children & adults, the only adverse side effects I have seen have mainly been in adults & consisted of swelling of the arm that was the site of the vaccination. The vaccine that causes the most concern & controversy is the combination Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) vaccine & the media reported a link between MMR & autism following the publication of a paper by Dr Andrew Wakefield in The Lancet (a medical journal) in 1998. Dr Wakefield’s theory was that the MMR vaccine might lead to gut inflammation, decreasing the amount of vitamins & nutrients that children can absorb. As a result, he suggested, this might cause developmental disorders such as autism. Unfortunately Dr Wakefield’s 1998 study was of poor quality because it included only 12 vaccinated children & was based primarily on what parents could remember not what was observed. A number of more extensive studies have tested Dr Wakefield’s theory, comparing large
numbers (between 300,000 & 537,000) of both vaccinated & unvaccinated children & have concluded there is no link between MMR vaccine & autism. As the incidence & severity of vaccine preventable infections has fallen, the Australian community has become apathetic about vaccination & some people actively oppose it. Because of its very effectiveness, vaccination is regarded by a significant proportion of the community as unnecessary or dangerous. Yet its success to prevent the incidence of disease & interrupting transmission of vaccine preventable diseases depends upon high rates of participation. If current trends persist with declining rates of immunisation, the increase in vaccine preventable diseases could become a public health challenge for the 21st century. Queensland Health has immunisation clinics available in your area: Smithfield Community Health: Wednesday 9.00am - 11.30am Edmonton Community Health: Tuesday 2.00pm - 3.30pm Westcourt Community Health: Tuesday 2.00pm - 5.30pm; Thursday 2.00pm - 4.00pm Innisfail: Friday 2.00pm - 4.00pm Mareeba: Friday 1.30pm - 3.45pm Atherton: Thursday 1.30pm - 3.45pm
Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of Infant & Child Deaths, Australia, 1982 to 1996 . Canberra. 1998. http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4398.0 Australian Government, Department of Health & Aging. Vaccine Preventable Diseases & Vaccination Coverage in Australia 2003 to 2005. CDI Volume 31, June 2007. http://www.quitnow.info.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-cdi31suppl.htm~cda-cdi31suppl-3.htm NHMRC. The Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition. The Australian Government 2008. http://ww.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/Handbook-home
www.parentingcompanion.com.au 75
IMMUNISATION
POST NATAL DEPRESSION
Emma Poulter As I reflect on my PND after I gave birth to my children (Sarah
We have recently had comments on our Blog, & while out
18 years, Caylem 4 years & Erin 3 years) all that comes to
meeting readers, discovered there are a large number of
mind is foggy, dark & exhausting memories. I never felt
parents at the end of their tethers & needing some assistance
hatred, anger or dislike to any of my babies whilst suffering
with infants & children who have disrupted sleep patterns.
from PND, however, my enemies manifested in lethargy &
In the Far North we do have some assistance options available:
extreme tiredness. I lost my smile, my excitement for life, while my unfulfilled expectations of a ‘perfect family’ left me
A major decision faced by new parents is the issue of immunisation. I didn’t read or educate myself about immunisation prior to my son’s first triple antigen injection at 2 months. I thought it odd that he immediately developed a nasty chesty cold, followed by ongoing ear infections but considered myself to be a negligent mother to not ‘go ahead’ with the 4-month triple antigen. The cough/cold & ear infections worsened at this point. He was given the label of ‘fat happy rattler’ & diagnosed as asthmatic. He was put on an endless cocktail of antibiotics, decongestants, inhalers & panadol (for the following 12 months) to help him breathe more freely. My memory of cradling him in an upright position while he struggled to breathe still saddens me. It was at this point that I started reading & researching the topic of immunisation. I have not immunised my son since this second triple antigen & he has now grown into a healthy teenager. My second child was only immunised using homeopathics. Unlike her brother, she never came down with colds, ear infections or other sickness. In fact she rarely needs to see a doctor because she had such a strong resistance. I received mixed reactions (and still do) to my decision. The daycare we used required a letter (signed by a doctor)
I started questioning the doctors about the need for vaccinations because my husband was so strongly opposed to it. So with the birth of our son fast approaching, I began asking questions of our local GP who immediately told me that I would be a negligent parent if I didn’t do it. Shocked by his response, & inspired to find out more, I went to a Naturopath, who introduced me to the amazing philosophy of Transformative Chiropractic. I was then introduced to Cindy O’Meara & her nutritional philosophy. From that point on something shifted inside of me & vaccination for our children is no longer in question. I now know how to stay healthy using food, regular chiropractic adjustments & expanding my mind with a healthy curiosity to find out more. We are now teaching our children the gift of asking more questions.
By Keryn Vettereto 9
explaining our choice. At school, teachers sometimes phoned home to make sure we ‘really didn’t want’ our children jabbed. Some friends suggested our choice was dreadfully selfish, while others respected us for it. Today the decision is made more difficult as family payments can be withheld if immunisation is not up to date. While I don’t expect everyone to share my beliefs, I would recommend new parents take the time to educate themselves & make an informed choice. I would not like any child to experience what my son experienced in early life.
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spending many days & nights alone crying.
TREATMENT FOR BUB
Assist with: Sciatica Lower back pain during pregnancy Pelvic pain Reduced Labour time Decrease pain without harmful drugs
Assist with:
Colic/Reflux Breastfeeding difficulties Sleep Disturbances Recurrent Ear Infections Persistent sore throats and colds
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Dr. Clare Curtin BAppSc(Clin) BChiroSc(Hons) Dr. Todd Lizon B.P.H.E., DC (CAN)
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child an overall check up to ensure there are no medical reasons behind their sleeping issues.
In addition, I was trying to hold together a blended family, with my older daughter battling her teenage years, and, like many other families in Cairns, was facing isolation from immediate family (we had moved from interstate 3 years earlier). If I had talked to a wider range of family, friends, & health professionals, I may have stopped judging myself
While you are there also talk to your Doctor about your health, both physical & mental. Sleep deprivation has been linked to Post Natal Depression, & if you are overwhelmed with emotions and/or depressed, dealing with a sleepless baby will be an even bigger struggle.
as a ‘failure’ of a mother because I did not have the energy
Queensland Health’s Community Health Centres all over the
to spend quality time with my babies. On the inside I was
region have trained Child Health Nurses who are able to assist
broken, on the outside, a master of disguises, this facade only
with information & support for parents free of charge. The
left me further isolated, depressed, & with further unfulfilled
nurses can provide hands on support in the clinics & once
expectations.
assessed, if more help is required, they can do home visits to provide extra support.
I have never recovered from ‘post natal depression’, my diagnosis just changed to chronic severe depression. I realize,
TREATMENT FOR MUM
A visit to your local GP is always a good start - get your infant/
& remind myself everyday, that life is just this minute & all I can do right now, is what I know works for myself & the kids. I still take antidepressant medication & have regular counseling, however, today I approach my depression with a different attitude including removing the word ‘should’ from my vocabulary. Today I am a strong & determined young
To access this service, contact your local Community Health Centre & ask for a Child Health Nurse & explain your need for assistance with sleep & settling. If the Child Health Nurse feels you need further assistance you can be referred to the Infant Management & Parenting Skills Centre (IMPS) in Townsville where they can arrange an appointment in their Day Stay Clinic.
woman (36yrs) because I acknowledge my weakness of
There are no ‘Sleep Clinics’ in our region; Brisbane’s Ellen
depression & focus on my daily prevention & recovery which
Barron Family Centre being the closest. With only limited
includes plenty of sleep among other things!
places & long wait lists this is unfortunately out of reach for the majority of local mothers requiring this support.
If you need immediate assistance call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about antenatal/postnatal depression, contact beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au or www.blackdoginstitute.com.au For support & information closer to home, talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
What works for you? Share on your experience on our blog at www.parentingcompanion.com.au Here are some websites that may also assist with information for sleep & settling: www.thesleepstore.com.au www.raisingchildrennetwork.com.au www.pinkymckay.com.au www.babybliss.com.au
www.parentingcompanion.com.au 10
EDITORIAL HEADER
BIG FAMILIES
HAVE YOU CHECKED THE SAFETY OF YOUR HOTEL? Kids clubs, child care and baby-sitting facilities are operated by hotels, resorts, ski fields and beach clubs in Australia and around the world. These are often open to locals, visitors and tourists alike.
You could definitely count Jay Laga ‘aia & his brood of 8 kids (ranging from 1 to 26 years old) as a ‘BIG family’. You could also rate him as one of the busiest entertainers in Australia. A popular host of ABC’s long running
Travel With Kidz and BLT recommend that you, as the parents and carers of children who are planning on using these facilities, research the standards of these facilities before entrusting your children to them. This is critical if you are travelling overseas as standards of childcare can vary considerably from those provided in Australia.
kids program Play School, Jay has also turned his hand to more serious
We recommend that amongst other things you consider the ratio of staff to children, the qualifications of the staff caring for children, hiring and screening procedures for staff, training in First Aid/Emergency procedures, personal liability insurance and the accreditation standards of the childcare providers.
directed his own children’s show ‘Jays Place’. If that’s not enough,
Travel With Kidz can supply information provided from various resources, however all information is subject to change at any time without notice. We recommend for parents or carers who are considering using childcare within Australian and overseas to contact the facilities direct to confirm their standards. Upon arrival at your place of accommodation, please inspect the facilities. If you have any concerns, make sure you ask questions. Travel With Kidz and Cairns Business & Leisure Travel offer this information as a guide only as we cannot accept responsibility for the products or their standard.
acting roles. You may remember him from films like Star Wars Episodes II & III & Daybreakers, or from TV shows like Home & Away, Water Rats & Bed of Roses. He has performed in stage shows & even wrote & Jay recently released his much-anticipated second children’s CD, ‘I Can Play Anything’ with all tracks written by him.
Cairns Parenting Companion caught up with this busy father of 8 to find out more...
What was your childhood like?
Between work commitments & 8 kids, how do you both find time for each other?
Loud & crowded
We promise to make time but we don’t. We make date nights & then we break them because we would prefer to stay in. We must make an effort though.
How many brothers & sisters do you have?
3 brothers, 2 sisters & 2 half brothers.
Who ‘wears the pants’ in your household?
Were you always the performer in the family?
I’m Polynesian, it’s in our DNA. Everyone knows Elvis was Samoan.
How did you & your wife meet?
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I wear the pants in the house, but my wife bought them for me.
Was it always the plan to have a lot of kids?
My wife Sandie was working as a bartender during her University days & I got a job as a waiter in this bar. It was in Auckland 1988. We celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in August.
It was never in the scheme of things to have a large family. I wanted one but my wife is English & she is the hand that rocks the cradle.
How much do you spend on groceries each week?
$420 a week, not including milk & bread top ups
Are there any special family traditions? All my kids have Samoan first or middle names. Everyone must be present to sing happy birthday, no matter how old or cool you are!
What’s the secret to a happy family?
Money can’t buy LOVE. My house operates on hugs, kisses & smiles & the last time I looked they were all still free!!!
What’s the best thing about having a big family?
EVERYONE HAS SOMEONE TO ARGUE WITH.
And the worst?
EVERYONE HAS SOMEONE TO ARGUE WITH.
CAIRNS NORTH
321 Sheridan Street 8 cairns@BLT.com.au ( 11
4080 4000
BLT also located in: Townsville Thursday Island
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF JAY’S NEW CD “I CAN PLAY ANYTHING” JUST EMAIL YOUR DETAILS TO WIN@PARENTINGCOMPANION.COM.AU
www.parentingcompanion.com.au 12
BIG FAMILIES
BIG FAMILIES
What a dedicated mother Leisha Kennedy is. Caring for such a big family takes a lot of commitment, personal sacrifice and love and the Kennedy family of Bayview certainly have that. They’re a talented bunch too with all children playing 2 or 3 musical instruments, even forming their own family band, The Kennedy Family Ensemble. You might find them busking for pocket money around town, playing in local retirement villages or competing in local eisteddfods. Last year they joined the Cairns Choral Society and performed in ‘Oliver’, with the next big project being ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat’. CPC: How much does your grocery bill come to each week?
It was at a Christmas party in 1997 that Gary and Marie met for the first time. Although it was a staged event with both Gary and Marie’s mothers conspiring to bring the two together, it wasn’t long before they both realised that their mothers were onto something. “It was obvious to me Gary was ready to settle down because when I met him he was building what I could only describe as a ‘family home’ in City View” They now have 4 beautiful children and a successful business, Cairns Precision Dental.
The Sullivans “Peter & Terri with their 5 kids Jared (12), Ciara (10) & 8yr old triplets Olivia, McKeely & Kael”
Kennedy’s: As the children get older and the cost of food increases I am now budgeting $55/day for groceries with little extras taking the total to about $400 a week.
Life can throw us some interesting challenges, and for the Sullivan Family of Redlynch this was certainly true when Terri, already having 4 year old Jared and 2 year old Ciara, fell pregnant again…. with TRIPLETS
CPC: How many loads of washing do you do each week? Kennedy’s: 3 loads a day and about 4 extra loads on the weekend so roughly around 25 loads a week. The Taifalos Family Gary & Marie with Olivia (9), George(8), Nicholas (4) and Anthony (2)
CPC: And ironing? Kennedy’s: Sunday night is ironing night and it begins with 20 school uniforms!
CPC: Any family traditions? Kennedy’s: Following the guidance of the children’s Godmother, Daphne Franklin, an important part of our family tradition is attending Mass once a week, as well as traditional Masses (Easter /Christmas). Trying to be the best person you can be and giving back as much as you receive. The children perform various duties at Mass including Altar duties and singing.
THERMOMIX
CPC: What’s the best thing about being a ‘BIG Family’? Taifalos: Well there is never a dull moment in our house so there is very little opportunity to be bored and lots of opportunities to learn about sharing, negotiation and empathy for others. And we love watching the children interact and grow closer together - even the arguments can be entertaining. 4 YEAR OLD NICHOLAS: I get lots of love.
CPC: And the worst? Taifalos: The noise level - it’s horrendous at times. The organisation required to do even simple things like visit friends or go on a holiday is also very taxing. And the laundry - it seems to increase exponentially with each child!
CPC: Was the plan always to have a ‘BIG Family’ and do you want more kids? Taifalos: Yes and NO! (very emphatically)
With little time to themselves, Terri and Peter juggle home, work and ferrying 5 kids to and from primary school, and after school activities. Terri says, “there is never a dull moment in our household and there is always someone to talk to or play with.” The best thing about being a big family according to the Sullivan’s is being surrounded by people that love you and watching their very different personalities develop.
CPC: Was the plan always to have a ‘BIG Family’ and do you want more kids? SULLIVANS: We had never intended on having a large family as we were ‘older’ when we married. After having 2 beautiful children I didn’t feel that our family was complete and convinced Peter that we needed a third.......and then there were 5!! This meant I had 5 children under 4 years of age and ‘feeling tired’ had a whole new meaning. And NO no more!!
CPC: How much is your weekly grocery bill? SULLIVANS: On average $400
CPC: Any family traditions?
The Kennedy Family Leisha Kennedy with 8 of her 11 kids - 12 yr old twins William & Alice, 11yr old triplets John, Edward & Frederick, Waylon (9), Grace (5) and Isabel (3).
Taifalos: We always eat at the table together as a family and use that time to talk to each other. We try to spend Sunday’s relaxing together as a family. We make a big fuss over birthdays and always have a party and an over-the-top cake.
SULLIVANS: We try to have dinner together whenever we can, and Friday is family movie night.
Help your child stay safe in and around water with Ingwe’s personal immersion alarm… CHIld Guard. lightweight, portable and easy to operate, it’s a valuable ‘last line of defence’ around pools, ponds, dams and boats.
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The kids make breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
What’s your secret to a happy family? Share with us on our blog at www.parentingcompanion.com.au
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CPC: Any special family traditions you follow?
Nothing beats the fun of safety in the sun!
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www.parentingcompanion.com.au 14
CHILDREN DROWN WITHOUT A SOUND
When researching for this story I found myself reading personal stories of parents who have lost children to drowning, many of these happened during times of celebration like birthday & Christmas parties.
As I read their stories I cried & asked
myself, why haven’t we been able to stop these drownings from happening? Drowning is still the greatest cause of accidental death for young children in Australia. Each year, approximately 100 families have a child under five presented
CUSTOM PROTECTION FOR LITTLE EARS
Drowning is almost always preventable. Much can be done to keep our children safe in & around water. No parent can afford to think “this won’t happen to me”. Christmas & New Year celebrations involving water are a lot of fun & healthy for families to enjoy, but water can also turn to tragedy in minutes. Children drown without sound. Watch closely over your children as they enjoy the water this summer.
to emergency rooms after an immersion accident. I dried my eyes, kissed my two year old twins as they slept, poured myself a cup of tea & put pen to paper.
Swim Australia advocates that constant supervision by
Christmas in sunny North Queensland is often a time of
a competent adult is the single most critical factor in
celebration with family, friends & WATER. Whether it is a
drowning prevention. Royal Life Saving Society Australia
Christmas party at a friend’s house (who has a pool) or the New Year’s Eve party at the beach or the dam, we are blessed with so many wonderful
reports that “the lack of direct adult supervision is the main factor in 70% of toddler drowning deaths.”
water features here in the north – beaches, pools, rivers, dams & creeks – these however are all potential water hazards.
Phillippa Carter - Audiologist MAudSA(CC) Unfortunately for some children, exposure to water through swimming in pools or water holes, playing in sprinklers or even through showering, may increase the risk of developing outer ear infections or Tropical Ear. Tropical Ear is an infection caused by the introduction of bacteria into the skin of the ear canal & its symptoms include itching in the canal, redness, discharge, fever & pain. For children who suffer from frequent middle ear infections or children with grommets inserted, the risk of developing ear infections can be increased by exposure to water. A middle ear infection is a bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear space behind the ear drum. This type of infection
Earwraps can help reduce the risk of ear
swim lessons & learning CPR are all important elements in
infections over the summer months.
reducing drowning accidents, I believe it’s our role as adults EDGE HILL PARADISE PALMS SPORTSWORLD
celebration period.
What is correct ADULT supervision? • Constant visual contact by an adult • Being within arm’s reach of a non-
Sportsw orld
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swimmer & under 5 year olds. • Not being distracted by anything e.g.
ringing phones & doorbells.
• Being ready to respond quickly. (Alcohol is
often a contributing factor
in many drownings)
When children are around water, accompanying adults must know who is responsible for direct supervision. Children have drowned because an adult has mistakenly thought another adult was supervising. It is NOT ok to leave older children to supervise.
Learning to Swim is a gift for life... Cairns leading learn to swim school now offers quality teaching at 3 great locations. Edge Hill, Paradise Palms Country Club and Sportsworld Fitness. From infants aged 5mths to performance swimming C-Me Swim can truly offer your child a gift for life.
Book Open NOW Phone 40532549 Edge Hill, Paradise Palms Country Club & Sportsworld
Email: bookings@cmeswim.com.au Web: www.cmeswim.com.au
Hayley Williams - Director C-Me Swim. Sources: Royal Life Saving Society – The National Drowning Report 2009. Kids Alive Do the Five. Swim Australia.
15
The Symptoms of middle ear infection include varying degrees of pain, irritability, reduced response to sounds, fever, discharge, pulling at ears, crying & even vomiting.
Custom made water- excluding ear plugs &
While shutting the gate, fencing the pool, having learn to
to adequately supervise, that really needs attention over this
is much more common in children than in adults with symptoms often being rapid in onset & more distressing than those of Tropical Ear.
Custom Made Ear Plugs It is possible for your Audiologist to custom make a set of waterexcluding ear plugs for your child to minimise the risk of water entering the ear canal. The water- excluding ear plugs are made by taking specialist impressions of your child’s ears, which are then used to develop plugs which are the exact size & shape of your child’s ears. As the plugs are a custom solution, they create a more reliable seal than generic plugs & give parents a greater sense of security. Earwraps Earwraps are headbands which can be worn over the top of custom water- excluding ear plugs to create an extra level of security for retention of the plugs in your child’s ears. The Earwraps are made of neoprene material similar to wetsuits & are easy to put on & take off. Earwraps are designed to prevent distortions in the shape of the ears, which can occur when using a swimming cap. The Earwraps are useful for younger children as they prevent little fingers from dislodging ear plugs & are an added layer of security for children who like to splash & dive in the pool.Earwraps come in a wide variety of colours & sizes for all age groups. If your child displays any of the symptoms mentioned above you should contact your GP as soon as possible for a review. Alternatively, if you are interested in discussing the use of custom water- excluding ear plugs or Earwraps please contact your audiologist.
www.parentingcompanion.com.au 16
WET WEATHER FUN
Small
It’s the wet season again.. & we all know how hard it is to keep the kids entertained when it’s raining. Here are some of our favourite ideas for wet weather fun!
•at Bentley Park•
Lunch & Play Try your local pub. Many do great lunch deals & have great play areas for the kids. Red Beret, Hambo Hotel, Balaclava Hotel, Trinity Beach Tavern, just to name a few.
Class Sizes
Cairns Libraries Summer Reading Club, for children from birth to 12+ years.
Learn To Swim
Indoor Play Centres Squeeker’s in Edmonton & Gecko’s in Smithfield
only 3 per class
Cooking Start teaching your kids to cook from an early age using the basics. Not only cakes & sweets but lunch & dinner meals too – there is no reason they can’t help cut up soft fruit & veg with a butter knife! It’s also a great way to teach kids about the ingredients & where they come from. Australian Butterfly Sanctuary Located in Kuranda, educational & fun for the whole family, & under a glass aviary –so doesn’t matter the weather.
“Just because it is wet does not mean you cannot have fun.”
Babies only 4 per class
Cairns Recreation Centre Skating, rock climbing & other fun activities. Cairns Regional Gallery Amazing exhibitions & the first Saturday of each month is free from 10.00am – 5.00pm. Superstore for all your art & craft. ART & CRAFTS www.cleverpatch.com.au www.abc.net.au/abcforkids www.childhood101.com.au www.kidspot.com.au/crafts
New Classes
Unique & Small Stroke Correction
Junior Squad Senior Squad
Year Round Heated Enclosed Pool WARM IN WINTER
Boutique Family Owned & Operated
New Enclosed Lap Pool Opening January 2011
REFRESHING IN SUMMER
e m i T s a m t s i Chr N PLAZA IDA
AT MT SHER
www.swimskills.com.au
Quote "KIDS" whe book - get first lessn you on
SANTA Santa will be in the Centre each day from Saturday 11th December until Friday 24th December 2010. GIFT WRAPPING Cancer Council Queensland will be in the Centre on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th December 10am—5pm to wrap all your gifts for a gold coin donation.
Call 4045 2782
to secure your first free lesson!
An opportunity for toddlers to come and explore a cyclonic world of fun, where circus, games, music & dance come spiralling together in cacophony of creative excitement & arts action.
106 Barnard Drive Mt Sheridan Ph: 07 4036 3150 www.mtsheridanplaza.com.au
FREE!!
week
per COST: $10 ary - 15 April u n Ja 8 2 , 1 m er DATE: T (every Friday) WHEN: 9:30am -10:30am e, Edge Hill v A s in ll o C 6 4 WHERE: on 4032 6627 n o rr a B l u a P : INFO s.qld.gov.au p.barron@cairn www.parentingcompanion.com.au 18
COMMUNITY PHOTOBOARD
00 6x4 WIN 2 O T E NC YS” OOD GU UR CHA “THE G FOR YO EL AW
Connor with Rexy
Matilda and her fish
o MICHA rents t S FROM grandpa & your u o y f to o .com.au s a pho mpanion email u ntingco e r pa @ win PRINT
F
or most parents their child’s personal safety & wellbeing is everything. When pregnant, expectant parent/s often focus on learning about the developing baby through talking to family & friends, books, magazines & the Internet. Expectant parents gather up a collection of day to day equipment that their baby will need such as baby safe car capsules, baby car seats, strollers & so on & ensure that the purchases fit within the Australian quality standards. Expectant parents consider their anticipated feeding style & how they plan to support their child’s social, emotional, physical & spiritual development during their early years. An important part of a child’s social & emotional development also includes protective behaviours education. Research discussed by Bravehearts (www.bravehearts.org.au) suggests that one out of every three girls & one in every six boys in Australia has been the victim of sexual assault. The research conducted reports that 150,000 children have been sexually assaulted before their seventeenth birthday. These figures are horrifying to say the least so understanding some of the warning signs is important for parents. Possible indicators of child sexual abuse may include: • Unexpected sexual knowledge for developmental age • Bed wetting or soiling after being toilet trained • Serious headaches or stomach pains • Nightmares, anxious or withdrawn behaviour • Sexualised behaviours & stories or drawings • Unexplained aggressive or destructive behaviours • Displays of cruelty towards pets • Fear around particular persons or places Children who are sexually assaulted experience significant trauma which includes nightmares serious behavioural problems & significant mental health concerns such as post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety which may lead to some types of personality disorders in teenagers & adults. The risks to children who have experienced sexual assault also include developmental, educational & social problems. Contact the Police or your local child protection authorities to report your concerns.
Teaching our children protective behaviours commences from birth. Parents changing & bathing their newborn is when respectful body touch commences & this will carry through until the child is taught to clean their own body independently. Many adults have grown up using incorrect names for genitals, which could potentially place a child at risk so please use the correct terminology as you do for arms, legs etc. Using the correct words for all body parts teaches children appropriate protective language & can contribute to keeping your child safer during their developing years! Current research & child focused literature supports families using appropriate language & discussions about sexual development & protective behaviours. There are several excellent resources available to assist parents to teach their children about protective behaviours & these include books such as ‘Everyone’s Got A Bottom’, ‘NoNo the Seal’, ‘Rosy & Jack’ & the Bravehearts DVD ‘Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure’ & my latest acquisition ‘Woof Woof – A Protective Behaviours Story’. This book promotes emotional intelligence & personal safety for the very youngest children. Contact Birdwing Therapies if you are interested in any resource materials or books.
Birdwing Therapies will be running Protective Behaviours programs for parents of children from four to six years of age. The program will focus on feelings, intuition, warning signs & developing personal plans to help promote your child’s safety. Parents will also be provided with resource packs to assist you to support your child’s ongoing education about protective behaviours. Keeping children safe is up to all of us. Our four week program costs $160 per parent.
For your chance to win Braveheart Packs, or a copy of ‘Everyone’s Got A Bottom’ email win@parentingcompanion.com.au
Phoenix with his
Jessie with Bella
pet cat
Dyla & his dog n Cookie Mak with Coc enzie o & Precio
us
Dakota s ciou with pre
The following websites have information & resources to support you in educating your child. • www.bravehearts.org.au • www.birdwingtherapies.com.au • www.napcan.org.au • www.abusedchildtrust.com.au • www.childhood.org.au • www.kidspot.com.au • www.fpq.com.au
Jayde sitting wit n h Jazz
e, Riley & Ethan Kristyleigh, Jami inea pigs gu t pe with their Bayley & Bo ours spying on their neighb
Phoenix with Coco
Summer fun for the whole family Sunbeam Doughnut Maker $45
Sunbeam Ice Cream Maker $45
Kambrook Kambrook Hotdog Maker Milkshake Maker $39 $39
Cairns
OPEN 7 DAYS 285 Mulgrave Road CAIRNS
thegoodguys.com.au/cairns | 07 40 467900 | Mon to Wed & Fri 9am-5.30pm Thu 9am-7pm Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-4pm
www.parentingcompanion.com.au 20
TOP 5 FINDS
ZOOLANDER BAZ
Its innovative design allows it to be easily slipped on, then off & into the wash keeping your car seat clean & fresh. The clever velcro openings means no need to remove the car seat or to adjust the straps & the waterproof seat & back panels take the stress out of car trips - an absolute life saver if your little one is prone to car sickness or is toilet training. Available in a range of colours. For more information: www.grubbybubby.com
Get Ready for school with Boxy Design’s backpack, wrapper-free lunchbox, drink bottle & gel pack make packing lunches for any occasion so easy. Help save the environment, go wrapper-free & buy in bulk, saving you money. Schools can buy at wholesale prices & have their school logo printed on backpack. A great idea for fundraising. ph: 1300 884 871 www.boxydesign.com.au PO Box 705 Richmond 3121
Heal Huggers & Non-slip shoe grips. Wear your favourite shoes without ruining your heels! Heel Huggers clear protectors shrink to an invisible perfect fit with no adhesives required. Walk with confidence with non-slip shoe grips! Sticks to your shoe soles to give you good grip. ph: 4054 4966 www.hsw.com.au Howards Storage World Mulgrave Rd
Rendezvous Reef Resort Port Douglas. Enjoy a family friendly resort with self contained villa style accommodation & 4 swimming pools including a children’s pool. Kids under 12 years stay & eat for free (conditions apply). From $119 per night in 2 bedroom Standard Villa & from $159 per night in a 2 bedroom Deluxe Villa. (minimum stay 4 nights, Surcharges may apply during peak periods)
P: 07 4087 2790 E: reservations.portdouglas@rendezvoushotels.com 121 Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas QLD 4011
For your chance to win a ‘Grubby Bubby’ car seat cover or a ‘Boxy Design’ Lunchbox just add a comment on our blog or place a listing (free) on our garage sale page head to www.parentingcompanion.com.au
21
Environmentally friendly, ImseVimse Swim Nappies are an award-winning product from Sweden. High quality, leak-proof design with side snaps for easy changing. These Swim Nappies come in a range of cute designs & colours with sizes from 4kg to 20kg. Save money with these reusable Swim Nappies & look after the environment. To order or for more information visit www.swimbaby.com.au
102.7 Weekdays from ONE STATION ALL THE 5.30am and reheated ROCK LEGENDS from 9am Saturday www.parentingcompanion.com.au 22
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
When it comes to our diet & what is good for us, everyone has got an opinion. Clinical Nutritionist, Belinda Coldebella separates the fact from fiction to dispel those common food myths once & for all...
Myth: Eating most of your calories in the
evening promotes weight gain. Fact: No matter when you eat, you gain weight when you consume more calories than you burn off. Consider spreading your meals out across the day, eating every four to five hours to regulate your appetite & boost your metabolism.
Myth: Carbohydrates (or sugar) cause
weight gain. Fact: Carbohydrates do not cause weight gain unless they contribute to excess calorie intake. A very low carbohydrate diet is not a healthy or sustainable way to lose weight. Foods high in carbohydrate not only provide energy, they are also rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants, & vitamins & minerals, which we all require as part of a healthy diet.
Myth: Eggs raise cholesterol levels.
Myth: All fats are bad Fact: Not all fats are bad! Small amounts of unsaturated fats are actually necessary as they provide us with vitally important essential fatty acids. These are needed by nerves, muscles, & the protective membranes around all body cells, & can also help lower our cholesterol levels. The best types of fat to include in our diet are polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3’s, & omega6’s, or mono unsaturated fats. This means including oily fish, nuts, seeds, & healthy oils like olive & canola in our diet.
Myth: Fresh food is best.
Fact: ‘Fresh’ food can often mean food that has been sitting in the supermarket or your own fridge for weeks! Frozen & canned foods may in fact retain more of their nutrients than fresh produce as they are usually picked & packed when they are ripe, & nutritionally at their peak.
Fact: Although eggs contain cholesterol, in moderation, & as part of a healthy diet, they will not adversely affect your cholesterol levels. Blood cholesterol is far more influenced by how much saturated & trans-fat you eat than by dietary cholesterol. A typical egg contains 5g of fat, of which only 1.5g is saturated. Eggs are also full of protein, & vitamins & minerals such as iron. A poached, scrambled, or boiled egg makes a great start to any day.
Myth: During pregnancy you need to eat for two.
Myth: Sugar Causes Diabetes
Myth: Skipping breakfast helps you lose weight.
Fact: If you have diabetes, you do need to watch your sugar & carbohydrate intake to properly manage your blood sugar level. However, if you do not have diabetes, sugar intake will not cause you to develop the disease. The main risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are a diet high in calories, being overweight, & an inactive lifestyle.
Fact: During pregnancy you generally only need an additional 100 calories or 400 kJ to meet your energy requirements. An extra snack before bedtime consisting of a piece of fruit, a glass of milk, or a piece of toast is usually enough. However nutrient requirements during pregnancy are significantly increased, so it is important that the foods you do eat are healthy, & nutrient dense, and/or you take a daily pregnancy multivitamin. Fact: While it may seem logical that skipping a meal, & therefore eating less food, will help with weight control, this is not true. Research has shown that skipping breakfast slows your metabolism, & in fact makes you much more likely to snack on less nutritious, energy dense foods throughout the day – not a great help for weight loss.
Give your child the Jump Start they deServe phone 07 4036 8111 PO Box 110E, Earlville Queensland 4870 email tas@tas.qld.edu.au | fax 07 4036 8222 TAS White Rock, Progress Road TAS Kewarra Beach, Poolwood Road
The first year of school sets a vital platform for your child’s future education. When you enrol your child in the TAS Prep Programme, Jump Start, you can be assured they will receive the best possible start to their schooling life. TAS Jump Start provides an enjoyable and nurturing environment with a stimulating curriculum that develops skills and confidence to set your child up for a prosperous TAS education from Jump Start to graduation. Visit www.tas.qld.edu.au or email our Admissions Officer at admissions@tas.qld.edu.au to make an appointment with one of our Early Childhood Specialists.
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Ju mp Start
By Katrina, Allister, Bailey & Kirsten Moorehead of Kanimbla
INGREDIENTS: 1 tblsp Veg oil 1kg minced beef
METHOD: 1. Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add onion
¼ cup instant gravy powder
& mince. Cook stirring until mince is
cooked. Stir in gravy powder, bakedbeans,
tomato paste & beef stock. Season & bring to boil.
Simmer uncovered for about 10mins stirring occasionally or until mix has
thickened. Pour mix into an ovenproof dish (about 10 cup capacity).
1 brown onion, finely chopped
420g can baked beans ½ cup tomato paste 1 cup beef stock Salt & pepper, to taste
2.
MASH INGREDIENTS:
800g potatoes, chopped 400g pumpkin, peeled & chopped ½ cup grated tasty cheese
Nutrition
Qty per Serve (Per 400g)
Qty per Serve (Per 100g)
Energy (kJ)
1872.68
468.17
Protien (g)
33.28
8.32
Fat, Total (g)
21.60
5.40
Fat, Saturated (g)
10.18
2.55
Carbohydrate (g)
27.30
6.82
Sugars (g)
7.05
1.76
1986.28
496.57
Sodium (mg)
enrol noW For prep 2011 TAS Kewarra Beach Prep - Year 7
4.
Cook uncovered in a hot oven (200C) for about 30minutes or until heated through.
Extra cheese to sprinkle on top
taS prep
TAS White Rock Prep - Year 12
salt & pepper. Add cheese & butter, mash until smooth.
3. Spoon mash over mince mixture in dish. Sprinkle some extra cheese on top.
25g butter, melted
To make mash, boil potatoes, pumpkin until tender. Drain well, season with
NUTRITIONIST RATING: Overall, a healthy family recipe I would score as 3.5 out of 5.
NUTRITIONIST TIPS This is a great family recipe that the kids will love. It is high in protein & iron, provides carbohydrate for energy & is moderately low in fat. To make this meal even more nutritious try: • Substituting baked beans for kidney beans or three bean mix with a tin of chopped tomatoes. While baked beans offer fibre & protein, the sauce is high in both sugar & salt. • Packing some additional fibre & antioxidants into the meal by adding extra vegetables to the meat mixture. Using grated carrot, zucchini or celery is a great way to sneak some greens onto the kids’ plates.
• Choosing low salt gravy & stock. Processed foods contribute the largest amount of salt to our diet so it’s best to avoid or choose low salt varieties where possible. Alternatively use fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, paprika & oregano to add that extra bit of flavour. • Choosing low fat alternatives such as lean mince & reduced fat cheese. Both products are high in saturated fats, which can increase cholesterol levels.
“Win a Healthkicks Well Being program (exercise & nutrition plan) valued at $650! Email and tell us why you deserve to win it to win@parentingcompanion.com.au www.parentingcompanion.com.au 24
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
with Sonya Barber - Diploma of Fitness, Masters Student Public Health (Health Promotion) Remember going to birthday parties when you were a kid? I have vivid memories from my childhood, spending the night after birthday parties on the loo sick with a belly ache or the vomits, & remember my mum saying ‘it must have been a good party.’ What appeared to be a toxic reaction to the tidal wave of party food - far removed from what we ate normally – caused my body’s response. But it still didn’t stop me the next time, I was determined to eat & enjoy! My husband & I are now relishing in all the fun of the birthday party merry-go-round with our 5 year old Thomas, who is already a regular little party goer. Albeit without any digestive system objections & this does beg the question…
Isn’t it interesting, that when it comes to food & the little ones, many households have some success with implementing a ‘sometimes food’ rule (not an ‘everyday’ food). And even though our household is one of these, Thomas, & many of his little friends, still have far more sugar, colouring & preservatives, much more often than we ever did? So now, in the middle of the Queensland Government Chronic Disease Strategy (2005-2015), it has been identified that 4 out of 5 Queensland adults don’t eat enough vegetables www.gofor2and5.qld.gov.au everyday, & that most Queensland adults eat fast food more than 3 times a week. Statistics also show that 275 Australians are diagnosed with Diabetes every day. So for every person who has been diagnosed, there is another who has it & doesn’t even know yet! I recently heard the term low level ‘HI’ foods & really liked the concept – Low level ‘Human Interference’ means less processing, less chemicals & reduced food handling which means reduced labour & in turn lower cost. So come on mums & dads, buy local where you can, lets get back to seasonal foods to ‘Go for 2 & 5’ & aim for low ‘HI’ & remember to ‘Find your 30’ everyday, then our kids can enjoy a happy, healthy life too!
When I mention exercise most of us visualise sweating it out in the gym before or after a long day at work. Not all training is like this. Sometimes training can be so enjoyable you never want it to end, well some of it anyway.
I've always been an active person. My fitness program had always involved 5-7 days of 1-2 hrs. Now that I have a child and one on the way, it is 5-6 days of approx 1 hr. My weekly fitness routine involves daily cardio & weight training. I generally use the treadmills for the cardio & a combination of free weights & exercise machines for the weight training. Sportsworld has helped me achieve my fitness goals by offering a relatively inexpensive membership and, most
importantly, cheap childminding for my son. Child minding at the gym is a godsend! It allows me to walk or run without pushing a pram. Child minding allows me to exercise when it is raining or when the sun is too hot for a young one. It also enables me to exercise guilt free because I know my child is having a play instead of being strapped to a pram seat while mummy does her 'thing'.
Hidden away in the hills of Bali is a small village, Ayung Sari Indah. I travel there a few times a year bringing with me 10 people from around Australia for a Bootcamp - Bali style. Ayung Sari Indah is a very traditional village. No television, limited phone reception with the lush surroundings of an un-touched world. All villas are hand- made with local artwork carved into them. A week here may sound like a long time especially with the word, ‘Bootcamp’ added to it. But try adding this to your visualisation. Gusti, the head chef prepares all our meals made fresh every day, there’s massages almost daily, guided bush walks through the local forests, yoga at sun set, day beds over- looking a stunning river in a cool valley, & for the adventurous, a climb up one of Bali’s active volcanos, Mt Agung. A week here even caters for the shopaholics, with trips to Abuds famous markets where you’ll find a bargain for everyone, local restaurants to tempt all styles of taste, or a coffee break in a cafe over-looking rice patties surrounded by lush green hills. Peak Physique’s Bali Bootcamp is not a week long “biggest loser” style trip. This is a destination for those seeking an escape, time out to energise & rebalance, and/or a base to discover the traditional delights of Bali. Ayung Sari Indah is wonderfully situated, comfortable & comforting, friendly & private. Cliff & his young family
Don’t trust your feet to just anyone.. Feet and shoes come in all shapes and sizes. We bring the two together in perfect harmony, providing feet with the attention, comfort and style they deserve.
The Athlete’s Foot Shop 147 Upstairs Cairns Central Phone 4031 6898 tafcairns@bigpond.com
For more information email cliff@bootcamp.com.au or visit www.yourpeak.com.au.
www.parentingcompanion.com.au 26
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE
Your childs’ home away from home. Just Kids Early Education House is a unique child care environment which, resists the institutionalisation of child care, preferring to create a home away from home for your child. Established in 1984, Just Kids qualified staff create a stimulating home learning environment with carefully designed child centred educational programs. At the heart of Just Kids is a cross-cultural curriculum, which embraces the national Early Years Learning Framework. Programs are of a very high educational standard with flexibility to meet the individual needs of your child.
The discussion paper released in February 2010 proposes the following in addition to the Kindergarten program:
Proudly locally owned and operated by Hayley and Heath Williams.
• Moving year 7 to high school from 2014 to bring QLD schooling in line with other states & territories.
Enrolments for 2011 are now open. Call the Just Kids team on 40519788 or visit our website www.justkids.net.au for more information.
• Setting a higher standard for teaching through high-quality teacher training & support. • Setting a higher standard for learning & the education system by introducing the Australian national curriculum. • Setting higher discipline standards to encourage calm & disruption free classrooms. • Introducing the ‘Ready Readers’ program in primary schools, enlisting volunteers to read to classes. And also encouraging parents to read to their babies & young children through the ‘Books for Bubs’ initiative which began on the 1st July 2010.
A change is coming to education in Queensland; A Flying Start is all about bringing Queensland schools in line with other states & territories. According to the 2008 National Assessment Program – Literacy & Numeracy (NAPLAN) results, Queensland ranked below other states in both literacy & numeracy over all year levels. Because of this, the State Government has committed to lifting the standards of our education sector. On the 19th of October, the plan was announced to ensure children in Queensland have access to a quality kindergarten program the year prior to prep.
It will be aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) & Queensland’s Kindergarten Learning Guideline. The new Kindy program will be facilitated by qualified Early Childhood Teachers in Schools, certified Kindergartens & certified long Daycare Centres state-wide by 2014. Currently, Queensland children start school in Prep at the age of 4½ to 5½ years of age. Prep is not compulsory yet figures state that around 97% of eligible children are enrolled. Statistics for 2009 shows that only 32% of Kindergarten aged children actually attended a program in Queensland, compared to 80% – 95% in other states.
There are still many aspects of this proposal that are yet to be confirmed, but ultimately the proposed changes to the Queensland Education system can only mean better quality education for our children. For more information on the proposal visit the Department of Education & Training’s website: www.deta.qld.gov.au/aflyingstart/ index.html & the Office for Early Childhood Education & Care’s Website: www. education.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood And to learn more about the Early Years Learning Framework visit: www.mychild.gov.auearlyyearslearning.htm
See next page for opinions from our industry professionals...
Resources: QLD Government Department of Education & Training – A Flying Start for Queensland Children, Education Green Paper. Office for Early Childhood Education & Care – A kindergarten program for every child.
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www.parentingcompanion.com.au 28
EDUCATION - A FLYING START CONTINUED
KIDS & EXERCISE
... Opinions from Industry Professionals Naomi Wilson “I applaud any movement on the provision for
well structured kindergartens with trained teachers for children by our governments. There is a cost involved, & where there is a cost, we as taxpayers pay. How this will be done, & the actual costs are being flagged at the moment. Kindergarten children do not usually spend five full days at kindy, unless they are attending a day care centre where the kindy program becomes part of the day care program offered. I believe that parents must take the responsibility of seeking out the BEST possible program available for their child – visit centres & Kindies, ask questions, look at the program & feel that the one you choose is the best one for your child. Then you will be happy.” Board member of the National Child Care Accreditation Board
ursula elms “Catholic Education supports the promotion
of kindergarten and the move to provide access to all children in Queensland. Research has indicated that access to quality kindergarten programs provides children with a strong foundation for their social, emotional and educational development. Construction of a Long Day Care with embedded kindergarten will commence at St Andrew’s Catholic College – Redlynch, before the end of 2010. Demand for both the Long Day Care and kindergarten services in Redlynch remains very strong and the centre is expected to reach capacity very quickly. Catholic Education Services in Cairns has begun initial planning for the possible introduction of more kindergarten services on Catholic School sites in the coming years. Significant planning is also underway to accommodate the proposed movement of year 7 into secondary from 2014. The wellbeing of children is central to our decision making and our resource planning is based on community needs as our early childhood education and care services expand across the Far North. Assistant Executive Director - Learning & Teaching (Acting) Catholic Education Services
HAYLEY WILLIAMS “At the moment quality standards across early childhood education & care services vary greatly across Australia & there is often limited information available to help families choose the best service for their children. Our 2008 NAPLAN results in Queensland strongly suggest we need to do things differently & that it is time for change in early childhood settings. Waiting till your child goes to Prep is too late. The roll out & implementation of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) & the Qld Kindergarten Guidelines will raise the bar in teaching quality accountable curriculum in our Early childhood settings. This can only be a good thing. Choosing the right early learning environment for your child can be challenging. I encourage all families to begin asking the tough questions. Your child is worth it.” Director, Just Kids Childcare and Kindergarten
By Jude Perrett & Fiona Reid
Belinda raine “Ahead of a state-wide timetable to begin incorporating kindergarten classes under the umbrella of primary schools from 2012, we started a kindergarten within the school this year, employing two qualified Early Childhood teachers. This was as a response to proven demand and in accordance with the State Office of Early Childhood Education and Care’s model. Parents recognise the benefits of having their children ready for school - to wear uniforms, become accustomed to a school environment and tap into resources that primary schools have to offer, but in a safe play-based environment that caters for individual families and children’s needs. The college recognised that the State Government initiative to assist kindergartens in a school environment was the way of the future.” Kindergarten Director, Freshwater Christian College
the way they jump, land or squat & all that is needed is for the correct technique to be learned. Another important skill that is essential for a healthy body is flexibility & this is achieved through stretching. If stretching after exercise becomes second nature from childhood, this will persist into adulthood & could prevent those painful muscle strains.
We all want our kids to: Be Polite Have Good Communication Skills Have Good Reading & Writing Skills Know Right from Wrong
Cairns Parenting Companion would love your feedback! Email us at
info@parentingcompanion.com.au
Happy Children
Another life skill that should also be on this list is ‘be active’. Habits you pick up as a child stay with you through life. You want the ‘habit’ of activity to be ingrained in your child to set them up for a healthy life. Getting children involved in sport from a young age not only encourages good physical health it also provides the opportunity to achieve, feel good about themselves, make new friends & learn good discipline & behaviour. Also, things like coordination & balance are never lost if you learn them early.
Growth adds a challenge to the active body. Kids’ bodies are constantly changing & the neuro-musculoskeletal system must adapt to this. For example, the running style & technique of your 10 year old may not work for them at the age of 16 as their body proportions & strength & flexibility requirements change. Sometimes, poor posture & bad techniques can sneak in, but bad habits can be fixed. Luckily, it is much easier to change a habit in a child because so much change is already happening in their bodies. A physiotherapist can identify the specifics of the problem and, most importantly, teach how to correct it.
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The way we walk, sit, stand & run are things we take for granted but there is a right way & a wrong way, even for these simple tasks. As Physiotherapists, the prime reason people come to see us is because of faulty movement patterns. Even active kids can sustain injuries - some are just unlucky, but many are due to poor technique. For example, we commonly see active kids with knee pain due to faulty biomechanics in
Physiotherapists are movement analysis specialists. We work in with parents & coaches to analysis, diagnose & correct both normal movement patterns & sporting techniques. Being active is a habit that should be apart of you & your families life & the aim is to create this life skill early.
Amanda Gale's
‘STRONG KIDS’ program
The way children walk, sit, stand and run are things that are taken for granted but there is a right way and a wrong way, even for these simple tasks. Even active kids can sustain injuries - some are just unlucky, but many are due to poor technique. For example, we commonly see active kids with knee pain due to faulty biomechanics in the way they jump, land or squat and all that is needed is for the correct technique to be learned. JUST $30 per claSS. DiScoUnTS for groUp or SporT & rec clUb bookingS
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Music program for children 0-7yrs Give your child the gift of music. Enrol them in a Kindermusik class. Four levels of developmentally appropriate music and movement activities. Providing babies and children with music education in Cairns continuously since 1998.
e: kindermusikwithnicole@yahoo.com.au Contact Nicole m: 0418 772258 ph: 40342219 www.parentingcompanion.com.au 32
GET THE RIGHT FIT
BOOK FEATURE
Podiatrists are often asked by parents if their kids should wear shoes & if so, what type is best, especially with toddlers & pre-school age children.
feet measured for their shoes whilst standing, & keep in mind one shoe manufacturer’s size 11 could be another’s size 13. The sole should be textured to prevent slipping, & the heel height shouldn’t be more than 2.5 cm.
Really, the advice is not that different than that for adult, but because the foot is still developing in a young child (in fact, most of the ‘bones’ in the feet are still mainly cartilage) it is really important to get a good fit, otherwise the child’s feet could be permanently deformed, or at the very least will cause the child discomfort when wearing the footwear.
Spend time choosing the right shoe to get the right fit. Don’t necessarily pick the 1st pair you or your child sees, try a few on, & if they wear orthotic devices always make sure you have them with you when you shop for new shoes.
Make sure the shoe is not too short or long use the ‘rule of thumb’- there should be about a thumbs width from the end of the child’s longest toe & the end of the shoe. They should be able to wiggle their toes & the shoe should be wide enough for their feet. Opt for a shoe with a retaining medium, laces or Velcro, so that they can be adjusted—avoid ‘slip on’ type shoes. Always have your child’s
Steven Lynch is a Podiatrist in private & public practice in Tully, Innisfail, Cairns, & the Tablelands. He is consultant Podiatrist to the High Risk Foot Service at the Cairns Base & Innisfail Base Hospitals, & is Team Podiatrist for the Northern Pride Rugby League Club, & the Cairns Taipans Basketball Team.
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CURIOUS & CURIOUSER RRP AUS $32.99 by Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
How fast would Santa have to travel to make it around the whole world in one night? Why does alcohol make the opposite sex more attractive? Are cooked mussels safe ONLY if they are open? Does soap REALLY kill germs? All is revealed in the new book from Australia’s best loved science guru, Dr Karl.
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TITLE HERE
DADS COLUMN
STAY MOZZIE FREE IN DENGUE TIME Dengue mosquitoes are domestic mosquitoes that live around and inside homes choosing to lay their eggs in containers such as pot plant bases, buckets, roof guttering and boats and only feeding on humans. They breed in still fresh water, not swamps, drains, creeks or open wetlands and generally live within a 200 metre radius around homes and businesses.
SPREAD SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER Donate to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal You can help make Christmas merrier for hundreds of needy local families by contributing to the Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal. Your monetary donation will be used to buy food hampers that will be packed and delivered to eligible families in December. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Donations can be made online at www.cairns.qld.gov.au, at Council’s Customer Service Centres, any branch of Cairns Libraries, in specially marked collection boxes at selected businesses, or posted to: The Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Appeal, PO Box 359, Cairns 4870.
Prepare your property: • Eliminate mosquito breeding sites in homes and yards, such as pot plant bases, tyres, and buckets, tin cans, plastic containers
• Use personal insect repellent and reapply it according to the directions on the label
• Use plug-in mosquito zappers and use surface spray in dark and shady places such as under furniture, inside cupboards and behind curtains in the home
• If household members display any symptoms of dengue, apply insect repellent and see a doctor immediately. For further information visit Council’s website www.cairns.qld.gov.au.
None of the following is representative of the views of Parenting Companion & for reasons of personal safety the author wishes to remain anonymous. Yep! He’s a bloke. & he’s confused! Let’s talk female hormones for a moment. Chemically,
From that fateful pregnancy on, any, & all, resurrections of
they’re innocent enough; delivering messages from
the nesting hormone resulted in me taking the orders, & then
one cell to another just like Postman Pat.
taking revised orders including furniture moving, painting,
But sometimes, for no logical reason, they become evil flying monkeys randomly dispensing confusing & dangerous “man-harming” packages. It’s fair to assume that female hormones, & especially those active during pregnancy, perform an important & noble service. But let me give you my particular slant on just one of these
In practical terms, the hormonal inspired, but often spontaneous preparation of the nest, during the last stages of pregnancy, is an extremely useful driving force.
Like during pregnancy number two; when she’d tried rearranging a heavy wardrobe that originally came with a printed warning
These simple preparations can help you avoid the last minute supermarket frenzy when a cyclone warning is declared. Remember water, batteries, canned food and masking tape can be gone from stores in a few short hours.
& eventually got it moving along the floor, across the closed
• Check your family emergency kit is ready and nearby • Make arrangements for your pets in an emergency • Those people living in storm surge or ood areas should arrange a
place to stay with friends in ‘higher places’, in case they are advised to evacuate
she’d been inspired to by the flying monkeys to make my life miserable, could wait.
she, & those demented
not to move without the help of two mates & a “slab-o-beer”.
• Prepare an emergency plan with all members of your household
had enough. I was off to play footy, & whatever torment
than I, have carelessly named; “the nesting hormone”.
The cyclone season has started and it’s time to prepare an emergency plan, pack an emergency kit and stay informed.
Don’t get caught out this cyclone season:
Then one ominous day, late in pregnancy number four, I’d
However, by the time I got home
wife’s most “stranger than fiction” moments.
Up-to-date disaster information is provided on Council’s website (www.cairns.qld.gov.au/disaster) – including announcements and road closure notices, media messages, storm surge mapping. For updates sign up and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
repairing & even dabbling in dainty decoupage decoration.
rampant chemical commandos. It’s the one less foolish men
In reality, it’s been responsible for some of my wonderful
PREPARE NOW FOR THE CYCLONE SEASON
repainting, plastering, & carpeting, repainting again, cursing,
By clever use of the time-honoured “bum power” method she sat with her back to the wardrobe, pushed with her legs door & up against the far wall. She was trapped, cornered, & by the time I got to the home an hour later, not at all amused.
primates, had torn up the carpet from three rooms & thrown it onto the front lawn in readiness for me to drum-sand, stain & varnish the floorboards. The hormones had got me again! Now, after seven pregnancies, we’ve finally reached a kind of hormonal truce. Life is good & the furniture stays put. & although I never even caught a glimpse of Postman Pat, at least I don’t have to sweep up any more monkey droppings.
For all your Families Podiatry Needs Cairns | Innisfail | Tully | North Queensland
Shop 1, 157 Mulgrave Rd Showgrounds Shopping Centre Cairns, Q, Australia, 4870 info@insteppodiatry.com.au Ph: 1300 INSTEP (1300 467 837) shoe advice & gait (walking) analysis
• Prepare your property by trimming trees and tidying the garden • Check your insurance policies are current and provide adequate cover.
Cairns Regional Council: P: 07 4044 3044 | A: 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns | E: council@cairns.qld.gov.au | W: www.cairns.qld.gov.au
www.parentingcompanion.com.au 36
HAVE YOU BECOME THE FUN POLICE
FUN
KIDS & EXERCISE
Have you become the
Naomi Wilson
I
ask the question - “Do Mums & Dads know their role in the family?”. Of course you are going to say “What a question!” Mums will say, “I am the mother & I look after the children, & (some will say) I also go to work!” Dads will say, “I am the breadwinner & go to work to look after the family!”, & that is fine but they are roles FOR the family. What about their roles WITHIN the family? I am talking about the sharing role, both for when times are good, & when the going gets tough – as happens on a daily basis. Today parenting roles differ greatly from the “traditional” family when Dad went to work as the primary breadwinner, whilst mum played the primary role in child rearing. We all know that parenting sometimes is tough work, & we need to recognise that we are not all 100% good at everything. The trick in parenting is to raise our children by being our best self – by discussing with our partner what it is we are good, & not good, at doing. What are my best parenting attributes? What do I find difficult? Then share the load between each other. Sometimes I hear the comment “he is so good with the children as he plays with them, & does the rough & tumble, while I cook & do the housework”. In that comment I hear a certain resignation that “hubby has all the fun, while I stay in the kitchen”.
Or I get the comments “when we get home from work, I get the dinner & he plays with the children – he seems to have all the fun. I have to tell them when to stop & have a bath, or to tidy up the toys – & I feel like a policeman sometimes – always directing with my finger, & dealing with rudeness, defiance, disobedience, temper tantrums, & irresponsibility!”. If that is the case & the rut has set, it is time to unset the rut & talk about routines, chores, & roles in the family, so that the end of the day it can be fun for all. You see parenting roles can be shared (particularly sharing the housework if both parents work). Remember your children will mirror you as parents when their time comes. So if you can question your family of origin with reference to upbringing, & you can see flaws – now is the time for change. You owe it to your children. Many of my clients talk about their childhood & the impact it had on their adulthood.
Your “Family of Origin” plays a very large part in influencing how you behave with your children when disciplining them & it may be helpful to be aware of this. The Prepare-Enrich pre-marriage course identifies that each person’s background is different & that each person comes from their own family that lived with different levels of flexibility & connection. How flexible are you & how flexible is your partner? What was the level of connection that was modelled to you & your partner by your parents when you were disciplined? Was it an authoritarian style, or a more gentle style? It is important for you both to understand each other’s history, so that you know what the polar ends you are moving from are to then find the common middle ground. a So what about finding the time to sit & talk with your partner about roles. Who likes cooking? Maybe you both do, so share it. What about shopping? Can you do it as a family outing, or agree that one partner stays home one night a week whilst the other does the “big shop without the children”? What about the ironing? Ah yes, the ironing – it can be a shared job you know. Can you have a look at “yours” & “mine” activities? As adults we do not all have the same interest, so it is great to have the ability to share with our partners. What about disciplining the children? In some homes dad is the disciplinarian? Were you a “wait till dad comes home” threatened child? Poor dad, identified as the lone policeman in discipline. Well the good news is that discipline can be a shared facet of parenting. Talk with your partner about how is it you want the children to be disciplined. This must be discussed, particularly in a blended family, where two families might come together with totally different discipline styles. Remember there is no right or wrong way – but it must be agreed upon. Dad as home parent is common today, & the same applies – discuss things as suggested above & the path will be so much smoother. Research shows that men “play” with their children more, & families today do more together than was the case years ago. So sharing the chores & roles has had a great impact on families, & has given a greater boost to “family time together” than was the case.
How do you & your partner share the load in chores, discipline & other family activities? Please send me an email on naykww@austarnet.com.au & I will share your successes with other parents. Of course names will be confidential.
37
DECEMBER
JANUARY taipans vs wollongong hawks 7.30pm Cns Convention Centre
< Australia day
ease on down the road
11am & 7.30pm Cns Civic Theatre
christmas in the park - mossman
what’s on this month..
9am - 12pm George David Park
Twelve Days of < Christmas in the City Live entertainment programs featuring the best of our local performers will maintain the Christmas spirit in City Place & the Esplanade. An eclectic group of Christmas carollers will congregate in front of the Christmas tree each afternoon from 13th December spreading the festive season joy. Toad Races at the Courthouse 7.00pm Courthouse Hotel
UNDERAGE RAGE 12-17yrs 7.30pm Brother’s World of Entertainment - A safe, supervised environment where kids can hang out with friends, dance & just be kids! strictly to high school aged students, high school ID must be presented on entry. Tickets $13 Presale, $15 at the door.
edmonton carols by candlelight last day of school
6pm Ravizza Park, Edmonton
Joseph & the technicoloured dreamcoat
1.30pm & 7.30pm Cns Civic Theatre
7.30pm Cns Civic Theatre A popular, family friendly hit musical.
Mt sheridan markets
9am - 4pm Mt Sheridan Plaza
MT SHERIDAN < MARKETS
7.30pm Cns Convention Centre
6.30pm Kuranda Amphitheatre a unique & inspiring mixture of reggae, funk, blues, folk & roots music. All tickets are $48.15 Children 12 & under admitted free if accompanied by a paying adult
9am - 4pm Mt Sheridan Plaza
Christmas holidays workshop
10am - 12pm Cns Regional Gallery
Yorkey’s carols by candlelight 5.30pm Community Centre Grounds
NEW YEARS DAY
celebrate you
taipans vs townsville crocs
the official blues brothers revue 8pm Cairns Civic Theatre - Stars Wayne Catania as Jake & Kieron Lafferty as Elwood, & is the only Blues Brothers show to be officially sanctioned by Dan Ackroyd & wife of the late John Belushi, Judith Belushi Pisano.
SAGITTARIUS - 22 Nov to 21 Dec - Sagottarius Kids - Sporty kids
Yorkey’s Knob Breakfast Celebrations 7.30am with live entertainment, market stalls & a FREE BBQ Breakfast plenty of fun for the whole family. Australia day Awards & Citizenship Ceremony 10.30am Cairns Civic Theatre Esplanade Family Fun Day an afternoon full of Aussie fun, sun flip flops, music & laughter what more could anyone want
what’s on this month..
They are the fun loving children of the zodiac. These children are enthusiastic, optimistic & generally happy. They are very active physically & mentally. These children often love school & the process of learning. They definitely have their own idea of what is the truth & love to tell the world. Very generous & friendly, they love life & people. They are so honest, that they can be tactless. These children love sports & should be encouraged to participate, as well as, watch others playing. They are not often interested in doing chores or homework because they do not look like something that would be fun. They can procrastinate better than any other sign. Teach them tact & diplomacy towards others.
chinese new year
7.30pm Cns Convention Centre
2011 is the year of the Rabbit. The festival will take place on the western side of the Cairns Esplanade lagoon & will blend in with the Cairns Regional Council’s popular Saturday Craft Markets
Taipans vs melbourne tigers
KINDERMUSIK WITH NICOLE, RECOMMENCES
7.30pm Cairns Conventions Centre
northern beaches market 9am - 3pm Smithfield Shopping Centre The Smithfield Community Markets are staged on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of each month between 9am & 3pm in air-conditioned comfort.
taipans vs new zealand breakers 4pm Cairns Convention Centre
Butterfly effect 8.30pm Brother’s World of Entertainment
CAPRICORN - 22 Dec to 19 Jan - Capricorn Kids - Kid Serious
One of the most serious of all the zodiacs. These children appear to be grown up at a very early age. They do become more comfortable as adults than as children. They seem to become younger as they age. They look very young when they are older. They have a difficult time having fun. They see homework & work in general more fun then playing. They are very ambitious, practical & hard working. The Capricorn child is very good with their money & learn at an early age the value of money. Depression is a major problem for these children. They work toward perfectionism & get very disappointed when they cannot achieve it. Encourage them to be children when they are young & teach them the value of playing & having fun.
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FEBRUARY
mt sheridan markets
what’s on this month..
9am - 4.30pm Mt Sheridan Plaza With a range of local hand-made wares, always something new & exciting. The markets are on the second Sat of each month.
sT VALENTINS DAY < There are many legends behind Valentine’s day & St. Valentine one of the most popular is based on a romantic-at-heart priest, Valentine, who risked his life to marry couples in secret the orders of Emperor Claudius of Rome. He was put to death on February 14 about 270 AD he was named a Saint after his death for his martyrdom and service lto lovers.
UpSTairS OrChid plaza, abbOTT ST CairnS
“Love your healthy sushi?
PORT DOUGLAS MARKETS 8.30am - 2.00pm Operating for over 20 years, the Port Douglas Markets are a must for locals & tourists alike. You will find arts & crafts, clothing, jewellery, pottery, fruit & vegetables, glassware, homemade food, unique Australian goods & souvenirs. It’s a great day out for the whole family.
Earlville library baby rhyme time 10.30am
Weddings
Corporate Functions
Birthday Parties
Baby Showers
Tea Parties
Festive Seasons
North Queensland’s largest Wedding Expo is happening again at the Cairns Convention Centre. The event boasts over 100 exhibitors with 3 fashion parades, fantastic prize giveaways & a huge major honeymoon prize! 10am - 4pm $8pp
taipans vs perth wildcats 7.30pm Cairns Convention Cetre
nq fury vs brisbane roar 8.15pm Dairy Farmers Stadium Townsville. Love Football, Love THE FURY. North QLD Fury is playing their last season game at home against the Brisbane Roar. Get in now & get your tickets & be part of the FURY
> TAIPANS VS SYDNEY KINGS 7.30pm Cairns Convention Centre
AQUARIUS - 20 Jan to 18 Feb - Aquarius Kids - Weird Brains
These children seem strange & a little weird. Being different is their specialty. It can be in dress, thought or behavior. These children are inventors & creators. They need more freedom than any other sign. Computers can be of great value early in life to these children. They seem to be intrigued by any type of technology. Being dramatic & spontaneous are in their nature. Humanitarian is the keyword for Aquarius. They will be charitable to all people & animals. They do have trouble committing to people or projects but they need to be taught to stick with things until completion. Teach them early to honor all people, not just to honor group beliefs & norms so they will then become both humanitarians & care
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CONTRACEPTIVES - A BASIC GUIDE
CONTRACEPTIVES - A BASIC GUIDE Contraceptive implants (e.g. Implanon) A hormonal method of contraception. It is a single rod containing etonogestrol progesterone) that is inserted by a GP, gynaecologist, or sexual health physician, into the woman’s upper non-dominant arm as a minor surgical procedure. It works by suppressing ovulation, & releasing the hormone periodically over three years. It can be replaced or removed at any time within the three year period and, as such, is a reversible form of contraception. Failure rate: 0.5 in 100 per year.
There are many & varied types of
contraception
available,
&
the method you choose will depend on &
your
general
relationships.
health, GP,
Liz
lifestyle Chappel,
explains the latest in contraception &
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or “the needle” – Is a progesterone-only, reversible form of contraception. This is injected every 12 weeks by your GP, sexual health physician, or gynaecologist. It is thought to inhibit follicular development & prevent ovulation. It also changes the cervical mucus to minimise sperm penetration. Once injected, it cannot be removed, so side effects must be tolerated or treated until the effects wear off. It can take up to 18 months to reverse effects on fertility after an injection. “The needle” has also been shown to reduce bone density. Failure rate: Between 0.3 & 3 in 100. Nuvaring - A flexible, plastic (ethylene-vinyl), ring that is placed into the vagina, remaining in place for 3 weeks. It releases progesterone & oestrogen & can help regulate periods. Failure rate: Approximately 2 in 100.
what to expect.
Be ca u s e a s a b pa re nt y ou h a vue s y bett e r t hi n g s t o wo rry a bout
Vasectomy -
Fertility Awareness Various means can be employed to establish when a woman is ovulating & thus when to avoid intercourse. These methods include calendar based routines (rhythm method), measuring basal body temperature, checking cervical mucus or using ovulation sticks. Once a woman has passed menopause she is unable to conceive naturally. Establishing exactly when menopause has occurred however, is not always so clear cut & can lead to what is often termed a “change of life baby”. **Warning! You can fall pregnant even when breastfeeding.** Essure (brand name) A form of permanent contraception that is irreversible. It is performed only by gynaecologists who are trained in the procedure & does not involve any general anaesthetic or incisions. A small plug is placed in each fallopian tube which over a period of 3 months causes permanent blockage. Failure rate: 0.2 in 100 Female Condoms Another barrier method of contraception, which may also provide protection against some sexually, transmitted infections. These are made of nitrile rubber (and much less noisy during intercourse than their previous version made of polyurethane!) Failure rate (again depends on consistency of use): Between 5 & 21 in 100
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Tubal Ligation Another permanent form of contraception performed by a gynaecologist using either a general anaesthetic, epidural, or spinal anaesthetic. It requires an abdominal incision. Differing techniques can involve clipping or cauterising the fallopian tubes, or partially removing part of the tube. Failure rates: 0.5 in 100 Cervical caps – Are rarely used. They are much smaller than the diaphragm & fit over the cervix. They are mainly used by women who find it difficult to keep the diaphragm in place because of the shape of their vaginas. Failure rate: As high as 40 in 100! Diaphragm Another barrier method of contraception. It is made from latex or silicone, & is a dome with a spring moulded into the rim. The spring creates a seal against the walls of the vagina preventing the sperm to reach the cervix. The woman must be fitted for the diaphragm by a GP, sexual health physician, or gynaecologist. It is placed in the vagina before intercourse & left in place for up to eight hours after intercourse. A spermicide may also be used in addition to the diaphragm. The diaphragm can be reused for one to three years assuming good hygiene techniques. It can lead to an increased risk of urinary tract infections, & very rarely toxic shock syndrome. Failure rate: Is user dependent & up to 20 in 100.
“The Pill” – Is a hormonal form of contraception, arguably one of the more popular forms. There are numerous different brands & hormonal combinations, & a good GP will be able to discuss the type of Pill best suited to your needs. The risks include a reversible increase in deep vein thrombosis, stroke & cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, it may offer some protection against ovarian & endometrial cancer & can also be used to treat acne, endometriosis, & polycystic ovarian disease. The “combined pills” contain oestrogen & progesterone whereas the “mini pill” contains only progesterone, which is suitable for lactating mothers & women unable to take oestrogen hormones. Failure rate: Between 2 & 8 in 100 in 100. Intrauterine devices (IUD) These are fitted by a GP, gynaecologist, or sexual health physician. They are placed into the uterus to prevent fertilization of the egg, inhibit tubular transport, & prevent implantation of the egg into the uterus. There are two main types, one is copper-based, & the other releases a progesterone hormone (levonorgestrel). They usually remain in the uterus for five years before needing to be changed. Failure rate: About 2 in 100
Should be regarded as a non-reversible form of contraception. This is usually performed under a local anaesthetic by a GP or surgeon. The procedure involves making one (or two) small cuts in the scrotum, & ligating the vas deferens (the tube that conveys sperm from the testicles). Failure rate: approximately 0.5 in 100
Condoms A barrier method of contraception which can also give protection against some sexually transmitted infections. These are usually made of latex so be sure to check for allergies. They can also be made of polyurethane or polyisoprene. Condoms can be damaged by the use of oil-based lubricants. Failure rate (depends on consistency of use): between 2 & 18 in 100
Withdrawal – (Coitus Interruptus) - This is when the man withdraws his penis prior to ejaculation. The semen is then ejaculated outside of the vagina. Failure rate: Can be up to 29 in 100
Birth control is a personal & individual choice. Contraceptive advice can be sought from a number of sources in Cairns:
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• Your local GP • Family Planning 4051 3788 • Sexual health Clinic 4226 6205 Should contraception be free in Australia? Contraception is generally free in the UK, but in Australia it costs up to $30 a month. Do you think free government funded contraception will encourage safe sex & unwanted pregnancies? Comment at our blog www.parentingcompanion.com.au
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www.parentingcompanion.com.au 44
MUMMY MAKEOVER
DIRECTORY LISTINGS
Desperate mother in need Stephanie Bedford
Awakening Therapies
“I really enjoy studying as an external student. I like the flexibility of being able to study when and where I want to, and that’s why I decided on this degree”
Reds Salon & Spa
Jemma Regan , Studying Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) externally
Study with JCU Do you love children and want to make a difference in their lives?
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CRICOS Provider Code: 00117J
Study online where and when it suits you, and complete your teaching qualifications with a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) online from James Cook University. The course focuses on children from birth to eight years of age, with particular emphasis on children from preschool or preparatory year to Year 3. The course will prepare you for working in education and care services, including teaching in schools and preschools. Enrol now for 2011. For more information call 1800 246 446 or visit www.jcu.edu.au/soe
Looking to
If you have your own home based business and are looking at taking it to the next level, or are looking at starting your own business, you may need to consider updating your qualifications or up skilling. There are some fantastic ways to do this with so many courses available with flexible delivery. Here are some options locally that offer a range of courses with flexible delivery to suit all.
TAFE TNQ Whether it be learning new skills or just updating those you already have – Tropical North Queensland TAFE has some fantastic training courses that will help you to boost your business. TNQ TAFE has more than 300 courses to choose from in 2011 ranging from short courses through to Certificate & Diploma level, in everything from MYOB to hairdressing, plumbing, nursing & aged care. TNQ TAFE also offers courses specifically designed to help small & home-based businesses, including Business & Financial Services & Information Technology. TAFE also provides flexible learning opportunities that include online, part time, after hours & distance delivery so your education at TAFE can be tailored to fit into your lifestyle & personal commitments. Fast track options also exist at Tropical North Queensland TAFE, with a Recognition of Prior Learning service available for experienced people who may not have formal qualifications. There are campuses across the Far North, including Cairns, Atherton, Innisfail, Mareeba, Mossman, Tully & Weipa. And childcare need not be an issue when you are studying at TAFE, with the Cairns TAFE Community Childcare Centre onsite. The 2011 Program Guide is available online at www.tnqit.tafe.qld.gov.au You can also visit your local campus or talk to a course advisor to find out more about study or enrolment requirements by phoning 1300 656 959. I Want That Course.com I Want That Course is a Cairns based company that works to provide innovative ways to train & educate, & offers a large range of courses to assist you in reentering the workforce, starting your own
business or gaining quality work from home. I Want That Course is Australia’s leading provider of learning & development programs. They provide hundreds of courses that are simple to access, available on payment plans and they offer multiple modes of delivery, from online to workbooks to classroom environments, whatever works best for you. Payment arrangements are also available for many courses, making your journey to up-skill even more achievable. All courses are focused on real skills & outcomes that employers value & look for in their staff. From real-estate to floristry, hospitality to administration, horticulture to management, If you want to stand out in the crowd, if you want to ensure you have something current & relevant on your resume when getting back into the workforce, enrol in a stimulating and motivational training course with I Want That Course today. Challenge yourself, reward yourself, live your dream. With I Want That Course you can compare, aspire, and succeed. What are you waiting for? Check out their website www.iwantthatcourse.com and see where you can up-skill today! Study at James Cook University A dynamic university with more than 17,500 students, main campuses in Townsville & Cairns & satellite campuses in Brisbane & Singapore, James Cook University (JCU) is Queensland’s second oldest university.
2010 the Institute listed JCU in the top four percent of universities globally.* JCU’s courses can be studied full-time or part-time to suit your busy lifestyle. We also offer a range of courses off campus via flexible delivery so you can study from home. There may also be oncampus workshops plus some travel for professional placements. • Bachelor of Arts • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) • Bachelor of Nursing Science Flexible Delivery (Pre Registration) • Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Flexible Delivery) • Bachelor of Social Work
jump back into the workforce?
SAGD11834
WAHP - UPSKILLING
Queensland’s number 1 public training provider can help.
Tropical North Queensland TAFE offers over 200 courses ranging from Certificate to Diploma level to give you the skills and confidence to take on new challenges and re-enter the workplace.
Contact TAFE today! 1300 656 959 | www.tnqit.tafe.qld.gov.au
For more information or to apply to study in 2011, call 1800 246 446 or visit www.jcu.edu.au
*The Academic Ranking of World Universities, Institute of Higher Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Online learning If you need help developing the business skills that you require, the Queensland Government also provides assistance by way of seminars, workshops & on-line webinars. The Smart Skills website enables business owners to complete several business & management skills programs in an interactive, online format. The modules are free & cover a range of topics including: Getting ready for business, Business planning, Marketing & promotions, Selling & sales planning, Negotiation & networking, Running your business & Finance & cash. www.skills.business.qld.gov.au
Now you can buy business supplies online with your own money. Talk to a Small Business Specialist in branch today about an ANZ Business Visa Debit card.*
A JCU qualification is internationally recognised for excellence. JCU is regarded as one of the world’s leading academic & research institutions by the Institute of Higher Education, which compiles the official ranking of world universities. In
Do you have your own home based business and would like to share your story? Send us an email to info@parentingcompanion.com.au Information sourced from www.business.qld.gov.au
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*Terms and conditions and fees and charges apply. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522. ANZ’s colour blue is a trade mark of ANZ. ANZSB0158 Cairns Parenting Mag Ad_136x190.indd 1
29/10/10 5:14 PM
WAHP - A DAY IN THE LIFE
WAHP - PROFILE
Name: Melissa Aardema
A freelance writer & part-time manufacturer.
Name of Business: Spirit of Birth
Main Concept of Business: My name is Shannon du Plessis & I’m the sort of person who likes to wear many hats. I’ve worked as a journalist & sub editor for more than 14 years both in Australia & overseas, but when I turned 30 & discovered I was pregnant, my focus shifted to my family & my career took a whole new direction. My obsession with nappies & natural products for babies inspired me to start my own business, Berry Baby. My recipe took a lot of perfecting in the early days, but I am now very happy to offer families a natural, safe & effective alternative to those on supermarket shelves. Many insect repellents contain DEET, which is toxic if ingested or placed near the eyes or wounds. Research has found that prolonged exposure to DEET can impair functioning in parts of the brain & could result in problems with muscle coordination, muscle weakness, walking or even memory and cognition. Alarmingly, DEET is often combined with other insecticides in household products, which intensifies its toxicity.
I aim to source ingredients from Australian manufacturers & use certified organic ingredients. Berry Safe Insect Repellent is used in childcare centres & by many families in Far North Queensland, & the best thing is I encourage everyone to bring their bottles back for a refill at a greatly discounted price. Working from home certainly has its pros & cons, & I guess every working mum wonders whether balancing work & family is truly achievable. Quality time with family is wonderful, & being able to set your own daily schedule is a plus, particularly since I also have rheumatoid arthritis & some days I struggle to get out of bed! If you run a business from home, it can sometimes take over your life, so it‘s important to keep work & family time separate. I have often found myself chained to my computer at all hours of the day, not realising just how many hours I have spent working, instead of spending with my family, which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve as a workat-home-mum. There is also the reality that
Are you a Work At Home Parent and would like to tell us your story? Send us an email to info@parentingcompanion.com.au
Providing caring support for pregnant Shannon & her 2 daughters Laura 4 & Paige 4 months
you will put far more time into your work than what you ever get in financial reward. And I suppose the biggest advice I could give another mother who wants to work at home, is to not forget why you’re doing it. Try not to let work overshadow all else... satisfaction at the end of the day usually comes if you prioritise family first.
women & their families through a range of services including Spirit of Birth Doula Care (professional labour & birth support), regular Pregnancy & Birth Talk Circles, & workshops covering a range of related topics. We’ve also created Spirit of Birth Organics, 100% natural herbal products, hand-crafted especially for pregnancy, birth & baby.
Philosophy of Business: Birth is a natural, sacred & transformative event, & every woman
KidS Stay, Play & Eat for frEE from $155 PEr room
aims to help women empower themselves through information,
Call 1800 666 614 www.paradisepalms.com.au
support & a holistic approach to birth where we love our bodies,
*Subject to availability and conditions apply
deserves to feel empowered during her journey. Spirit of Birth
love our babies & love our Earth.
What inspired you to start the business? You can purchase Berry Safe Insect Repellent from Enviromart in Aumuller Street, or by phoning 4055 6670
My initial inspiration to become a Birth Doula arose from a lack of support during my first pregnancy to achieve the kind of birth I desired. The inspiration to start Spirit of Birth came from an inner calling to help others have an empowering birth experience, as I did with my second baby.
Biggest Cost: Doula training & all the wonderful pregnancy & birth books in my collection.
Things you didn’t factor on: My husband being such a strong team player in setting up the business.
Best piece of advice for other WAHPS: Dream big & work towards your goals without fear of limitations or setbacks. The Universe always supports initiative.
5 Year Plan: To create a strong & compassionate team of several Doulas & other care providers who share the Spirit of Birth philosophy & vision. To expand awareness of holistic & empowering services available to women & their families in FNQ.
Most Challenging Part of Being a WAHP Attempting to work in the home environment with two little ones running around. Are you a work at home mum? Parenting Companion would love to hear your story email info@parentingcompanion.com.au
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www.parentingcompanion.com.au 50
Party
at the
CRC CAIRNS RECREATION CENTRE
• Rolle
more! g • and n i b m i l r Skating • Rock C
Various Party Plans available to suit your special occasion. Including food platters, birthday song, party bags, tea and coffee for mum and dad and so much more. Visit our website for more information on packages.
www.cairnsrecreationcentre.com.au Phone: 4053 5353 Address: 44 Behan Street, Manunda 4870
1 STOP SHOP! b u b d n a m u m r fo
► Quality, affordable maternity clothes & accessories ► huge range of secondhand baby goods including
everything from prams & cots to toys & clothes
► We also offer a hire option for anyone who has
family coming to stay, or hotels who have guests who require baby equipment. We hire everything from car seats, cots, prams, trikes, toy packs, baby baths and so much more
Baby Equipment Hire and Sales
corner of mcleod & Upward streets, cairns p 07 4041 0468 f 07 4041 1172 m 0417 632 982
At
Therapies Birdwing Therapists offer: Counselling and Therapy Sandplay and Expressive Therapies Strength Based and Solution Focused Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Behavioural and Family Therapy Relaxation Therapies
Group work programs for children Women’s Group Work Programs Parent & Carer Workshops Practitioner Supervision and Training
FAMILY FINANCE
The drafting of a Financial Plan is an important issue for any young family. Many young families get so caught up in living their day to day lives that planning often takes a back seat and the best of intentions can often be way laid as busy lives take over. Some believe there will be “time” later, or “we don’t have anything now, so what are we going to plan for?”
can be taken now, with very little to no expense to consolidate
Planning is about realising your limitations, constraints and
binding thread between all of these entities. Good Financial
opportunities and navigating so that if you aren’t in a position
Advisers will document the advice and work with each of these
to invest, you are taking the necessary steps to allow you to
advisory entities to provide you with comprehensive opinions.
later. Financial Planning is not just about getting money into an investment, there are a host of other equally important short term considerations that need to be factored in. These include where is my Super? Where is it invested? Does my family have any Insurance in case anything happens to either of the parents? Are wills and enduring powers of attorney updated? All of these facets are strategically important and they all work together to help build a rounded and established
your financial plan and ensure you are on the right track. Many people think that financial planning is a solo event. Our experience has been anything but with the construction of a well rounded financial plan considering Legal advice, Accounting Advice, Insurance Advice, Mortgage Brokers, Insurers and Real Estate Agents. Financial Planners are really the consistent
Trying to complete a plan without these considerations and without involving these entities is like playing basketball 1 on 5... No matter how good your adviser is, without the necessary skillsets, you are still grossly outnumbered, which ever way you look at it. When seeking out a good Financial Adviser, be sure to
PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY MATTERS TO TO US US MATTERS BDO Financial Planning BDO Financial Planning
ask about the quality of their referral networks and be very wary of “jacks of all trades” for they can often be masters of none...
plan. Each of these queries are the more “simple” steps that
Consider the effect to your family if you or your spouse did not come Consider the effect to your family if you or your spouse did not come home yesterday due to death, disablement or permanent injury. home yesterday due to death, disablement or permanent injury.
From health & safety to education & happiness – we all want the best for our kids. Raising children is a commitment of love & emotion, but it’s also wise to recognise the long-term financial costs. After all, one of the biggest ongoing investments you’ll make is in your children.
Understanding the costs of raising children highlights the importance of planning so your children can be raised in comfortable circumstances. With this in mind, each issue we’ll bring you financial tips to help you plan to meet the goals you have for your children’s lifestyle, education & future. This issue’s focus is on debt management. Managing your debts carefully if you have a mortgage, review it to ensure it is the right one for your particular circumstances be careful with credit & store cards & try to pay the balance before interest is due. There’s usually up to a 55-day period when you can use a credit card without incurring interest. Check the times your bills become payable & be wary of high credit card limits be careful with your borrowings. For example, if you have $10,000 in the bank earning a small amount of interest, why borrow $10,000 for an overseas holiday at the standard personal loan or credit card rate?
Protecting your family financially helps to alleviate some anxieties Protecting your family financially helps to alleviate some anxieties through these difficult times but many people do not consider this until through these difficult times but many people do not consider this until it is too late. it is too late. BDO Financial Planning can help you protect your family with a simple BDO Financial Planning can help you protect your family with a simple analysis that will give you a realistic level of protection that would be analysis that will give you a realistic level of protection that would be required to make a difference to your family. required to make a difference to your family. Clear outstanding loans as fast as possible. The larger the repayments & the more frequently you make them, the sooner you’ll be debt-free consider the total cost of borrowing by comparing interest rates as well as other costs, such as establishment fees, account-keeping fees & ongoing management charges Debt Consolidation helps if you owe money on one or more credit cards & have other loans. Consolidating debts under one personal loan or your mortgage (if your mortgage allows this) may make your financial life less strained & less expensive.
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited, ABN 11 005 357 522, the holder of Australian Financial Services Licence No. 234527. The information provided is general in nature only & does not take into account your personal needs, objectives or financial circumstances & ANZ recommends that you consider the appropriateness of any advice of financial product to your personal circumstances & read the Product Disclosure Statement.
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Contact us today on 07 4046 0000 Contact us today on 07 4046 0000 www.bdo.com.au www.bdo.com.au
ROUND TABLE
ROUND TABLE
The Place: Blue Sky Brewery The Blokes: Tony Jones, BJ and Mick Evans The Beer: True Blue Stout; Cairns Gold; Blue Sky Pilsner
It didn’t take much convincing to gather a few Dads
Owner of Talk To the Mac, MEL Productions Recording Studio & ishop Cairns.
together & head down to the pub to catch up over a few beers. Cairns Parenting Companion’s mission
Mick has 3 kids aged 29, 27 & 8 plus eight grandchildren with one more on the way.
was to find out what the boys really thought about parenting, & of course sample some fine gold nectar.
“My kids are procreating for the rest of Australia!” BJ is a stay at home Dad who lives in Kanimbla with his wife and their 2 children, a 4 year old girl and a 2 year old boy. “Theres not much support out there for stay at home dads!”
Tony is a Kiwi, but has lived in Australia since 1990. He’s the owner of Flower Central and lives with his wife (also a Kiwi) and two sons aged 22 and 25.
“I thought we got rid of them, & then they moved back in again!” Mick Evans, BJ and Tony Jones enjoying a beverage at Blue Sky Brewery
THEY’LL LEarn THE ropEs, so THEY don’T HavE To Hang on To THEm TAS AQUATIC CENTRE LEARN TO SwIm
TAS AQUATIC CENTRE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Phone: 07 4036 8195 Email: aquatic@tas.qld.edu.au www.tas.qld.edu.au Progress Road, White Rock.
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• • • • •
Held in a fun and friendly environment with experienced staff Class sizes that allow individualised instruction For ages six months to adults with classes to cater for all skill levels All new TAS Aquatic Development programmes Private ‘Learn to Swim’ classes available
To FinD ouT more, SPeAk To one oF our FrienDLy STAFF ToDAy by CALLing 4036 8195 or emAiL AQUATIC@TAS.QLd.EdU.AU
CPC: Describe how you felt when your first child was born?
CPC: What are some of the values you hope your children will learn from you?
MICK: It was like I was touched by a higher power. I immediately sobered up. BJ: Scared, overwhelmed. Frustrated that there was nothing I could do to help with the delivery. & then she stopped breathing & had to be resuscitated, & I fell apart. Thankfully all was well. TONY: I was over the moon & even shed a tear.
MICK: Not to do wrong by other people & treat everyone with equal respect. BJ: I hope they get a good BS meter. Watching them now I can see that they are getting a good grasp of the emotional intelligence side of things. From there it’s only a short step to training that BS meter. TONY: Honesty & a good work ethic. Treat people the way you wish to be treated.
CPC: What was the hardest adjustment to make when you became a father? MICK: Staying at home & getting up early. BJ: Realising that I need to make time for the family, I can’t just go out fishing overnight anymore. TONY: Realising that I now would have less time for my own interests. I immediately gave up a lot of my sporting commitments because I enjoyed just being with the kids.
CPC: As a parent, what is the biggest concern you have for your child?
BJ: Will they grow to be a confident, healthy person? One who is not bullied, or a bully, but is also willing to stand up for themself. TONY: Staying healthy & outliving me. Staying safe & away from any violence. CPC: What’s been the proudest moment you’ve had as a father? MICK: Every day is the proudest moment for me watching my girls grow up. BJ: Seeing their face when they’re proud of themselves. The first time they take their first steps, finish a jigsaw puzzle or they swim the length of the pool. TONY: When they learnt to walk.
MICK: Health & wellbeing, & hope the journey of life is good to them.
CPC: Did becoming a father change the relationship with you & your partner & if so, how? MICK: Yes, The instant love the mother has for the baby is unbelievable. All of a sudden you are not the centre of the universe, so deal with it. BJ: We realise that we rely on each other more now. TONY: Our focus changed from being all about us to a family unit. CPC: What would be your best piece of advice to first time fathers? MICK: Learn to be patient & not to be selfish. BJ: Buy a wet & dry dustbuster.....you’ll find out why. TONY: Enjoy them because they grow up fast! & don’t teach them how to talk.
Blue Sky Brewery Cairns CBD 34-42 Lake Street
BLUE SKY BREWERY Whilst relaxing over a few beers at Blue Sky Brewery we found out that three of Blue Sky Brewery’s award winning beers will now be sold at 31 First Choice Liquor Stores throughout Queensland. So next time you’re at your local First Choice, buy FNQ Larger, Blue Sky Pilsner or Cairns Gold
Curtis Pitt MP
and support our very own taste of Far North Queensland. Cairns City Lake Street And by the way, don’t Cairns Domestic Airport forget to sample Blue Sky Brewery Beer next time you visit the all new Cairns Domestic Airport.
Curtis and his wife Kerry - pictured with son Tristan - understand the issues being faced by young families.
State Member for Mulgrave
‘Working for you’ Phone 4056 3175
Fax 4056 3340
www.curtispitt.com.au www.parentingcompanion.com.au 56
FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Amanda gALE pHYSIOTHERAPY & wELLBEING cLINIC
USEFUL NUMBERS 13HEALTH
PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH & POST NATAL
13 43 25 84 (24Hrs / 7Days) www.health.qld.gov.au/13health Qualified staff will give you advice on who to talk to & how quickly you should do it.
Maternity Wear • Pregnancy Yoga/massage or other type classes • Support Services • Retail shops PG.
CAIRNS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER SUPPORT GROUP
SHOPPING FOR KIDS (ONLINE & RETAIL STORES)
email: cairnsasg@gmail.com web: www.casg.org.au Support, advice & a sympathetic place for parents & carers of those with ASD.
Gift retailers • Baby Specialist Stores • Kids Products PG.
LEGAL AID
PHOTOGRAPHY & KEEPSAKES
1300 651 188 www.legalaid.qld.gov.au Legal Aid QLD works to provide access to justice for disadvantaged Queenslanders by providing legal information, advice & representation.
Photographers • Jewellery PG.
IMMUNISATION INFORMATION
KIDS WELCOME
1800 671 811 www.immunise.health.gov.au
Family restaurants • Family venues • Accommodation with kids clubs • Travel Agencies for Families • Fun things to do with the kids PG. FOR MUM
1300 224 636 (24Hrs / 7Days) www.beyondblue.org.au Assistance with depression, anxiety & post natal depression
Hairdressers • Beauticians • Masseurs • Day Spas PG.
PLAYGROUP QLD
CHILDCARE, BABY-SITTERS & EARLY EDUCATION
07 4033 6566 or 1800 171 882 www.playgroupaustralia.com.au/qld Playgroups, nurture young children, connect families & build communities through play.
Primary Schools • Day Care Centres • Baby sitting services PG.
PARENT LINE
HEALTH SERVICES
1300 30 1300 (8am – 10pm / 7Days – cost of a local call*) www.parentline.com.au We provide support, counselling & parent education for the cost of a local call*.
GPs • Gynaecologists • Obstetricians • Dentists Paediatricians • Gyms • Pharmacies PG.
SANDS STILLBIRTH & NEONATAL DEATH SUPPORT
BIRTHDAY PARITES Face Painters • Jumping Castles • Dress Up Great Venues • Decorator Retail Stores • Clowns Kids Entertainers PG.
KIDS HELPLINE
KIDS DEVELOPMENT
1800 55 1800 (24Hrs / 7Days) counsellor@kidshelp.com.au www.kidshelp.com.au Over the phone or online counselling for children & teens. Free & confidential support.
Swimming Lessons • Music Lessons • Gymnastics Sport Groups • Child Behaviour Development PG.
MISSION AUSTRALIA
TRADES & SERVICES
07 4035 2722 www.missionaustralia.com.au Assistance for families & individuals in need.
Swimming Lessons • Music Lessons • Gymnastics Sport Groups • Child Behaviour Development PG.
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17 Anderson Street, Cairns Ph: 07 4041 7717 Fax: 07 4041 7718 Web: www.amandagalephysio.com.au Email: agphysio@bigpond.net.au
Shop 61, Smithfield Shopping Centre Cptn Cook Hwy, Smithfield Ph: 07 4038 2777 Fax: 07 4038 3077 Web: www.appletreemedical.com.au Email: reception@appletreemedical.com.au
Physiotherapy & Wellbeing super clinic for all of your physiotherapy, wellbeing & fitness needs for the whole family. Specialist services for physiotherapy, pilates, massage, naturopathy, personal training, pregnancy fitness classes, beauty, yoga & health retail.
Apple Tree Medical at Smithfield Shopping Centre is the Northern Beaches newest General Practice offering a full range of GP services with male & female GPs & a midwife for postnatal & ante-natal support.
Refer to page 6
Refer to page 4
CAIRNS AUDIOLOGY GROUP
13 Anderson Street, Manunda Ph: 07 4031 1124 Web: www.awaken.com.au Email: julie@awaken.com.au We are a multimodality clinic dealing with a wide range of health issues. We offer acupuncture, massage, kinesiology, psychotherapy, dietary & nutritional advice, live blood analysis & specialised regimes for weight loss, fertility & stop smoking.
Refer to page 16
Healthy Inspirations is a one-stop, women’s only weight-loss solution. Using healthy nutrition, exercise, relaxation & one-on-one coaching we empower ladies to make positive changes to improve their quality of life.
SPORTSWORLD
Cairns Audiology Group is an independent Audiological practice which specialises in Paediatric hearing assessments from newborn babies through to school age children. We have the experience and skills to make the hearing assessments fun & easy for you & your children.
spectrum counseling & life coaching
Shop 20, Redlynch Central Shopping Centre, 20 Larsen Rd, Redlynch Ph: 07 4039 4902 Fax: 07 4039 4897 Web: www.healthyinspirations.com.au Email: cairns@healthyinspirations.com.au
Refer to page 1
Suite 17, Calanna Medical Centre, Cnr Bruce Hwy & Toogood Rd, Woree Ph: 07 4054 5561 Fax: 07 3036 6928 Web: www.cairnsaudiologygroup.com Email: info@cairnsaudiologygroup.com
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HEALTHY INSPIRATIONS
Suite 9, Calanna Medical Centre, Cnr Bruce Hwy & Toogood Rd, Woree Ph: 0418 772 615 Web: www.spectrumlifestylecoach.com Email: naykww@austarnet.com.au Sometimes we need some counselling from professionals when things do not go the right way, or there is an issue affecting relationships & family. Sometimes life needs a change in direction – Spectrum Life Coaching can help you.
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v pHARMACY – CAIRNS & SMITHFIELD
268 Gatton Street, Westcourt Ph: 07 4051 2863 Fax: 07 4041 2040 Web: www.sportsworldcairns.com Email: sportsworldfitness@bigpond.com
86 Lake Street, Cairns or Smithfield Shopping Centre Ph: 07 5051 2137 (cairns) Ph: 07 4038 8900 (smithfield) Web: www.vpharmacy.com.au Email: cairns@vpharmacy.com.au smithfield@vpharmacy.com.au
Sportsworld Fitness Centre is Cairns biggest & Best health club offering state of the art facilities in a warm & friendly environment with child minding facilities available mornings & afternoons. Gym, classes, pool, sauna - you get the lot at Sportsworld.
When you leave a V Pharmacy, you don’t just leave with a product or prescription, you leave with a total health solution. At V Pharmacy you’ll feel V good, look V good.
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1800 228 655 (24Hrs / 7 Days) Supporting families who experience miscarriage & still birth. See our calendar for dates of monthly support group.
13 11 26 www.health.qld.gov.au/poisonsinformationcentre Providing advice to assist in the management of poisonings and suspected poisonings.
Apple Tree Medical
Awakening Therapies
BEYOND BLUE
POISONS INFORMATION SERVICE
HEALTH SERVICES
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ALLERGIES? Sme l Dust l Call ? US! www.parentingcompanion.com.au 58
FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
KIDS DEVELOPMENT
KIDS WELCOME CAIRNS WILDLIFE SAFARI 2577 Kennedy Highway, Koah Ph: 07 4093 7777 Fax: 07 4053 1098 Web: www.cairnswildlifesafarireserve.com.au Email: info@cairnswildlifesafarireserve.com.au Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve is home to many of the world’s exotic & endangered animals. Set on 200 acres, 40 km west of Cairns. Experience Breakfast with the Beasts - surrounded by 19 lions while you enjoy your morning coffee.
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fuller sports club edmonton
sushi express Shop 28 Orchid Plaza. Abbott Street Cairns Ph: 07 4041 4388 Fax: 07 4052 1277 Sushi Express & the synonymous Sushi Train make Sushi Express a great place to eat & meet. Open from 11am your kids will love the healthy sushi delivered right to them on the sushi express!
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brothers world of entertainment
BIRDWING THERAPIES Ph: 07 4041 3504 Fax: 07 4041 4359 Web: www.birdwingtherapies.com.au Email: birdwingtherapies@bigpond.com
At Birdwing Therapies our qualified social workers/therapists specialize in counselling for children, adults & families. We offer home visits for parents & carers having difficulties with child behaviour. Check out our website for more information!
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essential skills swim school
CHILDCARE, BABY SITTERS & EDUCATION sheridan meadows child care centre 2-6 Fretwell Rd, Whiterock Ph: 07 4036 2777 Fax: 07 4036 2201 Web: www.childcarecairns.com Email: vicki@childcarecairns.com Let your child become part of the Highly Accredited, custom built, Sheridan Meadows Child Care Centre where trained & experienced professional staff offer families comfort, knowing children are safely cared for, in a home away from home learning atmosphere.
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CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF CAIRNS
24-26 Armstrong Street, Edmonton Ph: 07 4045 4757 Fax: 07 4055 4599 Web: www.fullersports.com.au Email: info@fullersports.com.au
99-105 Anderson Street, Manunda Ph: 07 4053 1053 Fax: 07 4053 1098 Web: www.brotherscairns.com.au Email: admin@brotherscairns.com.au
32 Fishburn Street, Bentley Park Ph: 07 4045 2782 Web: www.swimskills.com.au Email: info@swimskills.com.au
The Family club on the Southside. Great children’s meal deals at the restaurant, & a state-of-the-art supervised Kids Play Area. Superb Dining, Bar, Café, Gaming & Entertainment facilities for mum & dad.
Great children’s dining deals at Sunsets Family Buffet Restaurant & a fully supervised Kids Play Room for 3-12yr olds! Playstations, Games, Toys, Colouring in & so much MORE. Open 6pm- late every day & Sundays 9-2pm, 6-9pm.
Boutique swim school with over 30 years of caring offering small class sizes: BABIES MAX 4 PER CLASS, LEARNERS MAX 3 PER CLASS, STROKERS MAX 4 PER CLASS. Fully enclosed & heated to 33 degrees all year round.
For a caring, safe & disciplined environment for your child & an education that is more than academic, consider a Catholic school. They’re welcoming to all & more affordable than you might think. Outside schools hours care also available.
KINDERMUSIK WITH NICOLE
executive babysitting
130 Lake Street, Cairns Ph: 07 4050 9700 Fax: 07 4051 2859 Web: www.cns.catholic.edu.au Email: enquiries@cns.catholic.edu.au
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dundee’s restaurant on the water front
BLT - Travel with kidz
1 Marlin Parade Harbour Lights, Shop 3 Cairns Water Front Ph: 07 4051 0399 Fax: 07 4031 4292 Web: www.dundees.com.au Email: dundees@dundees.com.au
Sheridan Street, Cairns North Ph: 07 4080 4000 Fax: 07 4031 7222 Web: www.blt.com.au Email: enquiries@blt.com.au
Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront specialising in … Australian Beef, Fresh Seafood, Pastas, salads free parking when dining! Lunch & dinner seven days a week from 11:30am to late. A great family dining experience.
Whether it’s planning a trip of a lifetime, a simple holiday, traveling for work with the family, single parents taking the kids for the annual holiday, blended families, BLT Travel With Kidz are the specialists.
9 Donnelly Close, Brinsmead Ph: 07 4034 2219 Fax: 07 4034 2886 Web: www.kmusikcairns.com Email: kindermusikwithnicole@yahoo.com.au
Music & movement developmentally appropriate classes for children 0 – 7 years. Classes held in air-conditioned studio in Brinsmead. Business established since 1998. Call or email Nicole for more information.
Tari Place, Trinity Beach Ph: 07 4055 6510 or 0417 612 975 Web: www.executivebabysitting.com.au Email: pauline@executivebabysitting.com.au Professional, reliable & affordable babysitting servicing Cairns & Port Douglas since 1986. We service hotels, resorts, weddings, conferences & locals. Our team is committed to providing a safe nurturing & supportive environment. All babysitters are holders of “blue cards”
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PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH & POST NATAL muddy’s playground Corner of the Esplanade & Minie Street, Cairns Muddy’s Playground on the Esplanade is an award-winning children’s attraction featuring a range of both wet & dry equipment. The playground has special facilities for children in wheelchairs as well. Includes BBQ, picnic areas & ‘Skippers’ café.
cairns multiple birth association 9 Zebrina Street Redlynch QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4039 0303 Mob: 0439 797 221 Email: fnqmba@yahoo.com.au Cairns Multiple Birth Association Inc is a Family Welfare business & is located in Redlynch QLD. Call us for coffee mornings & support.
queensland health community health centres Smithfield - 16 Dambulan Street, Smithfield Ph: 07 4226 4800 Westcourt - 277 Mulgrave Road, Cairns Ph: 07 4226 4333 Edmonton - 10-12 Robert Road, Centenary Park Ph: 07 4226 4900 Web: www.health.qld.gov.com.au Queensland Health provides child health services which operate from Smithfield, Westcourt & Edmonton community health centres. Services include support for parenting, infant feeding, growth & development & referral for complex family issues.
Dr. NATALIE KEISY-CALDING The Pier, Pierpoint Rd. Cairns Ph: 07 4031 5711 Web: www.nkcmedical.com.au Dr. ROGER WATERFIELD Flecker House, 5 Upward St, Cairns Ph: 07 4051 3855 Fax: 07 4031 1659 Dr. TOM WRIGHT Flecker House, 5 Upward St, Cairns Ph: 07 4041 2600 Fax: 07 4051 0075
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australian breastfeeding association
91-97 McNamara Street, Manunda Ph: 07 4053 1532 Fax: 07 4053 6268 Web: www.cairnspcyc.org.au Email: scott.pottle@pcyc.org
Breast Feeding Helpline - 1800 mum2mum or 1800 686 2686 Locally Call Julie-Anne 07 4055 6552 Web: www.aba-cairns.com Email: abacairns@gmail.com
The Cairns PCYC now provides more activities including badminton basketball, Circus, State of the Art Gymnasium & ZUMBA. We also offer kindy gym, recreation classes up to level 4 for your kids. PCYC for FAMILY FUN & FITNESS.
ABA is an Australia-wide volunteer non-profit group. Our vision is for Australia to achieve the World Health Organization’s recommendation that babies are exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age, with continued breastfeeding following the introduction of other foods until 2 years of age.
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zoe strickland - pre & post natal massage Body Mind Breath Centre, Level 1, 55 Spence Street Cairns Ph: 0420 504 421 Web: www.bodymindbreathmassage.com.au Email: zoe@bodymindbreathmassage.com.au Specialist ante natal, post natal & ladies therapeutic massage. Experience & caring professional with certificate in pregnancy massage to facilitate relaxation relief from discomfort & to help cope with stress & fatigue.
PHOTOGRAPHY & KEEPSAKES your local ob/gyn
cairns pcyc
Shaz Spannenburg Digital images Lot The Rocks Rd, Redlynch Ph: 07 4039 0442 Fax: Web: www.digitalimages.com.au Email: shaz@digitalimages.com.au
07 40390551
Shaz specialises in producing beautiful pregnancy & baby images from the privacy of her studio in Redlynch, Shaz. Have your maternity & baby images printed into a beautiful lay flat photo book to keep your memories in forever
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FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
FAMILY BUSINESS DIRECTORY
SHOPPING FOR KIDS baby yeti Shop 1, 72-74 Grafton Street, Cairns Ph: 07 4031 6767 Fax: 07 4031 6767 Web: www.babyyeti.com.au Email: info@babyyeti.com.au Baby Yeti is Cairns’ first eco-friendly baby shop offering eco & skin-friendly products for pregnancy, birth, & beyond; specializing in certified organic clothing, bedding, carriers, & skin-care. Good for you, bub, & the environment!
baby beehinds - cairns product consultant Ph: 0431 606 797 Email: juanslade@gmail.com Contact me for a free product demo, & learn about our gorgeous, modern cloth nappies – use cloth the easy way! *Natural Fibres, *Soft Comfort, *Ultra Absorbent, *Fashionable – We’ve got your baby’s behind covered
juniors cairns & atherton 183 Bruce Highway, Edmonton or 32 Main St Atherton Ph: 07 4045 4044 (cairns) Ph: 07 4091 2732(atherton) Web: www.juniorsonline.com.au Email: cairns@juniorsonline.com.au or info@juniorsonline.com.au Your one-stop-shop with EVERYTHING FOR KIDS. We stock all the leading nursery brands like Safe-N-Sound, Boori & Phil & Ted. Ask our knowledgeable & friendly staff about our great package deals. Lay-bys available.
megan ceely - Bright Star KIDS AGENT Cairns Ph: 0411 426 797 Web: www.meganc.brightstarkids.com.au Premium removable wall art, personalized stick-on & iron-on labes, bag tags & canvas art. Free standard delivery within Australia if order is over $10. Orders dispatched within 2 working days.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES brothers world of entertainment
cairns recreation centre
michael aw - the good guys
99-105 Anderson Street, Manunda Ph: 07 4053 1053 Fax: 07 4053 1098 Web: www.brotherscairns.com.au Email: admin@brotherscairns.com.au
44 Behan Street, Manunda Ph: 07 4053 5353 Fax: 07 4053 3606 Web: www.cairnsrecreationcentre.com.au Email: geoff@cairnsrecreationcentre.com.au
285 Mulgrave Road, Cairns Ph: 07 4046 7900 Fax: 07 4046 7999 Web: www.thegoodguys.com.au/cairns Email: cairns@thegoodguys.com.au
Kids Disco Parties for 3-12yr olds with Crazy Bron & the Disco DJs, every Sunday from 3:30-6pm. Dancing, games, music, prizes, food & fun fun fun! Birthday Parties book fast so call now.
Cairns Recreation Centre is Cairns’ true rock n roll centre! For skating, rock climbing, parties, functions, conventions, trade shows & much more. Cairns Recreation Centre – promoting family, fun & fitness.
The Good Guys Cairns now gives you the option to buy online & pick up in store within 60 minutes! All your household electrical & more, now conveniently available online. Visit www.thegoodguys.com.au/cairns” www.thegoodguys. com.au/cairns & start shopping today.
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La murtanie kidswear Shop 15, Charlotte Close, Woree Ph: 07 4033 1227 Web: www.lamurtaniekidswear.com Email: lamurtaniekidswear@gmail.com
La Murtanie Kidswear specializes in infant to Pre Teens clothing & accessories. Christening & some formal outfits. Themed umbrellas, Wooden toys, Hats, Swimwear ,Backpacks. Everyone is welcome, you will be pleasantly surprised at our range & prices.
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FOR MUM CUPCAKE CREATIONS
KIDS MOVES
unique 4 kidz
Rossi real estate
Civic Shopping Centre, 113-117 Sheridan Street Ph: 0408 772 590 Web: www.cairnscupcakes.com.au Email: info@cairnscupcakes.com.au
7 Hodel Street, Whitfield Ph: 0408 772 590 Web: www.kidsmoves.com.au Email: sheridan@kidsmoves.com.au
PO Box 2890, Cairns, QLD 4870 Ph: 0404 020 741 Web: www.unique4kidz.com.au Email: diane@unique4kidz.com.au
Cupcake Creations involves a spoonful of laughter, a pinch of fun, sprinkle in some happiness & decorate with love! Cupcakes are available for Birthdays, Weddings, Baby Showers, Work Functions, Charity & Corporate Events & for those of you with a sweet-tooth.
Kids Moves is solely based around children’s health, wellbeing, self esteem, & having fun! We specialize in birthday parties, special functions, & children’s fitness…We come to you! Check out our website for more information!
8 Kite Close, Cairns QLD 4870 Ph: 07 4041 7668 Fax: 07 4041 1973 Web: www.propertymanagercairns.com.au Email: rentals@rossirealestate.com.au
Unique personalised gifts for children. Specialising in Music, your child’s name is used to create the songs, titles include all their favorite characters, Elmo, Wiggles, Mickey Mouse, Disney Princess, Barney, also the Kids Jukebox range.
Rossi Real Estate is a solely property management focused real estate agency. We offer a comprehensive real estate service through the Cairns region and are proud of our management style & the exceptional level of service we offer or clients. Rossi Real Estate - Growing Your Investments!
cairns beauty academy
REDS SALON & SPA
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paradise palms resort & country club
zoo to you
Paradise Palms Drive, Kewarra Beach Ph: 07 4059 9999 Fax: 07 4059 1120 Web: www.paradisepalms.com.au Email: sales@paradisepalms.com.au
PO Box 335 Redlynch 4870 Ph: 0415 696 439 Web: www.zootoyou.com.au Email: info@zootoyou.com.au
Children’s birthday parties have never been made easier at Paradise Palms. Prices start from $15 per child & include food, drink & access to Pelicans in Paradise Playground & swimming pool. Call 4059 9916 for further information
Zoo to You provides an interactive, up close wildlife experience. A variety of Australian native wildlife will be brought to you, in a range of educational or entertainment presentations for school groups, daycare centers & birthday parties with a difference!
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Sumphun KidzcrafT
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For a more reasonably priced beauty treatment with a prompt & professional service, treatments available by a qualified beauty therapist & nail technician or with a practicing beauty student. Pregnancies massage or learn how to massage your baby also available.
Refer to page 15
The Lakes Resort, 2 Greenslopes Street, Edge Hill Ph: 07 4032 0445 Fax: 07 4032 0448 Web: www.redssalon.com.au Email: info@redssalon.com.au Reds offers complete hair, spa & beauty treatments in glamorous surroundings.
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the skin care centre of cairns
268 Gatton Street, Westcourt Ph: 0410 041 633 Web: www.sumphunkidzcraft.net.au Email: susteve@westnet.com.au
1st Floor Traveltown 19 Lake Street, Cairns Ph: 07 4051 3087 Fax: 07 4051 3197 Web: www.skincarecentrecairns.com.au Email: info@skincarecentrecairns.com.au
SANDART & other great crafts available to keep the kids happy & occupied. Ideal for birthday parties & functions. Available for hire or retail sale.
Since 1972 we’ve been helping you with your skincare. Try ‘Environ’ – proven to be one of the world’s most effective skin care products. For a natural look that is concealing with a sun-block you can’t go past Jane Iredales 100% pure mineral make up.
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97 Spence Street, Cairns Ph: 07 4051 3882 Web: www.beautyacademy.com.au Email: cba@beautyacademy.com.au
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THE CONFESSION BOX
CAIRNS
I resent not being able to do to the things I want to do, when I want to do them. Don’t get me wrong, I knew the deal of kids when I signed up, I was prepared for the sleepless nights, the never ending washing, cooking & cleaning, what I wasn’t ready for was the fact that becoming a mummy meant I was bumped to the bottom of the priority list. I am resentful that my husband, as wonderful dad as he may be, can still just live his life. He is still his own top priority. If he has something important on, it’s just a given that I will have the kids. When there is something important to me, I have to pre-arrange him to have them, if he’s busy, then I have to line up a babysitter, which aren’t always easy to come by, and, if no babysitter is available, well too bad for ‘Mummy’ I just don’t get to go. I am resentful at the feminists of yester year who told us that we could do it all…. Well guess what?! We may be able to, but crikey it is so flippin’ hard that it’s not really worth it. Either your family or your work goes by the way side…. It is just so hard to juggle both. I cannot physically do all the things I need to do in one day & still get enough sleep to function rationally the next day. I love my kids & I love my husband – I think I just need to learn to love me a little more & give myself a break, then, just then maybe I won’t be so resentful. - Anonymous
I CONFESS..... As a single mum, the time of the day I love the most is 7.30 pm when my two girls are tucked up in bed, the washing & tidying is done & I am able to sit on the couch & enjoy the silence. Love those girls to bits, love “me” time almost as much!
Fan blades ‘chop’ the airflow, causing buffeting. The new Dyson fans work differently. A jet accelerates the surrounding air and amplifies it up to eighteen times. There are no blades to chop the air so the airflow is smooth – it cools without the unpleasant buffeting.
- Anonymous
I CONFESS..... I am not a super mum or a super wife for that matter, though is anyone really? Yes, I admit I can’t do it all! I can’t run a small business, spend as much time as I think I should with my 2 children, keep a clean house, make sure everyone has clean ironed clothes, cook healthy meals, pay the family bills, keep in touch with the family (& extended family), get involved with kindy & daycare & be the wife my husband has always wanted. So with that in mind can someone please tell my husband that next time he sits down to watch some mind-numbing television he might like to help fold the clothes or God forbid, do the ironing. Or next time he comes home from a hard day at the office, take over the cooking so I can be the ‘fun’ one for a change. - Anonymous
I CONFESS..... My 6 year old eats yoghurt & garlic bread on some Sunday mornings, because I sleep in & it’s the only things he can get for himself for breakfast.
Learn more at www.dyson.com.au
I CONFESS..... Occasionally I leave my Master 4 in PJs ALL day, it means one less outfit to wash! - Anonymous
I CONFESS..... I have asked my mum to look after my newborn & 2 year old for a couple hours to give me a break, telling her I was stressed & tired, when really I just wanted to watch a bit of day time TV – love you Dr Phil & Oprah! - Anonymous
- Anonymous
TGG018473
I CONFESS..... I am resentful. I love my kids more than I ever thought possible. I love my husband as much as the day I married him. What I don’t love sometimes is my life – sometimes I am resentful.
MICHAEL AW CAIRNS
Email your anonymous confessions to confessions@parentingcompanion.com.au or submit your blog at www.parentingcompanion.com.au
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