FR EE
YO UR S
It’s our 1st Birthday! PARTY PLANNERS GUIDE INSIDE
How
Schooling
has changed
LOSING SOMEONE YOU LOVE stories from the heart
BETWEEN THE SHEETS Let’s spice it up!
How to answer those tricky questions kids ask
Join our Healthy Mummy Crusade and
MEET OUR COVERGIRL
plus others inside
WIN A PRIZE PACK VALUED AT $2,000! PREGNANCY
BABY
TODDLER
Companion P R I M A R Y S C H O Spring O L 2011 CairnsSParenting PRING 2 0 111
WORKING FROM HOME IS WITHIN YOUR REACH Build your own flexible business Determine your own income Assist in providing a warm and safe environment for children
Contact us now to start your career and education in family daycare 2
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
spring 2011
this issue Juanita, Sheryn (our new designer)
and Bec
editors’ note Can’t believe it’s been 12-months since the inception of Cairns Parenting Companion magazine. It’s been a hell of a good ride! Lots
pregnancy
models of care: birthing in queensland planning the biggest day of your life
of highs, a few lows and lots and lots of long
baby
nights, talk-fests, high fives and even tears.
weaning
You might notice that we have refreshed the look of the mag to coincide with our Birthday
toddler
edition and, just like this cosmetic overhaul,
questions kids ask
expect to see some new additions. In this issue, meet our new Mummy Panel (pg 16). These women represent the average mums of Far North Queensland and will become an important part of the publication – welcome to our mummies! We’d like to take this opportunity to thank you – the reader, for welcoming us into your home with such
finance 10 12 24 28
primary school profiling a local teacher 31 remember the days in the old school yard
36
parents
setting realistic goals
62
mortgage stress
67
regular features birth story
09
around town
27
directory with party planner
39
la natural
50
top 5 finds
56
mum behaving badly
70
man about the house ask our experts
73 74
schools out
79 82
between the sheets
48
confession box
the publication. Whether you’re submitting
grandparenting today
52
an anonymous confession for our confession
competitions
box, sharing your story or advice, asking a
health
question or delivering some feedback, this
fighting fatigue
is your magazine so come and join in! And
climbing trees
open arms. Please continue to be a part of
as always, thank you to all our wonderful contributors in this edition. Happy Parenting!
Juanita and Bec
little lifesavers
07
57
mummy makeover
38
58
community photoboard 55
features
losing someone you love
contact us
Local families share their
HEAD HONCHOS: Juanita Soper
heartbreak of losing a loved
Rebecca Waqanikalou
one, remind us how fragile life
DESIGNER:
Sheryn Bewert
is and why we need to cherish
www.engineroom.com.au
every single moment.
PHONE: 0438 811 027 (Juanita) EMAIL: info@parentingcompanion.com.au ADDRESS: PO Box 4620 Cairns QLD 4870 www.parentingcompanion.com.au www.facebook.com/cairnsparentingcompanion
meet our covergirl
20 33
Plenty of keen amateur photographers entered our facebook competition. See some entries and meet our winner, Mya Lee.
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 care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at time of publishing, readers are advised to check details before visiting. Cairns Parenting Companion cannot accept responsibilities for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within the magazine are not necessarily the views of the Cairns ParentingSpring Companion, of the Parenting individual writers. 2011but Cairns Companion 3
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We value your feedback. Please email your comments to feedback@parentingcompanion.com.au
SHOCKED!
‘Shocked’ Blog Response
To start, I must say I have enjoyed reading your magazine and look forward to it each issue. I have often used it as a reference and referred articles to members of my family.
Barbara, from reading this great publication since its inception, I have always felt that the editor’s viewpoint is that of choice for their readers. They simply present options and experiences from other parents for parents to decide for themselves. With all the confusing messages and advice you can receive as a new parent, surely all parents and community as a whole should support each other and decisions we make, which, at the end of the day, does not endanger a child? Posted by Cynthia - Jul 15
However, I was absolutely horrified to read the article titled ‘What to expect when you come home’ – in the winter 2011 edition. On the second page of the article (page 14), Abby says “If you decide
SHAZ SPANNENBURG DIGITAL IMAGES Shaz is well known for her absolutely beautiful maternity, family and baby photos taken from her studio at Redlynch. Lately though Shaz has been helping mothers discover their glamour side. Check out our ‘Mummy Makeover’ on page 38 plus see what happened when Shaz joined the team from CPC and the new Mummy Panel! for a trip in a Hummer!
phone: 4039 0442 www.digitalimages.com.au
‘While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.’ Angela Schwindt
to give your baby a dream-feed as part of their routine, it’s a great opportunity to get your partner involved. These feeds are best given from a bottle and if you are breastfeeding, it’s a great time to start expressing.” WHAT! I can’t believe that your magazine, or someone in Abby’s position, would promote expressing and bottle feeding this way. Sure it is an option, but not the BEST way to dream feed. So much easier not to have to mix bottles or warm them and then to get the child to take a bottle over the nipple he is used to – possibly causing nipple confusion. Really, this is the advice you give new mums? Barbara, Bentley Park
‘Shocked’ Facebook Response Everyone knows breast is best but you know what? Not everyone can breast feed. And what about women with PND? It is a good chance for them to rest and a good time for dad to bond. My husband loves nothing more than feeding our baby, and that includes a dreamfeed. I think a mother’s wellbeing and bond with their baby is most important which can only be achieved if mum is happy. Not by feeding method. Posted by Kirsty B - July 14
editors’ pic - Response to ‘Shocked’ on Facebook Hi Barbara, I think there is really no need for you to be ‘horrified’ or use such emotive language. The article expressed an opinion formed from experience and research undertaken by the author. There is no ONE and only accepted practice that is backed up by research and can be held up as some sort of gold standard. The best advice is to inform yourself and then work out what is BEST for you and your
mu m’s b est frien d 6
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
family. There are as many stories about nipple confusion and breast refusal as there are about devastating, failed breastfeeding and persistent mastitis or fatigue related physical and psychological episodes. Only presenting one viewpoint fails all new mothers. Posted by Marie - Jul 15
s r e v a s e li f lit tle
Parenting tips from our ‘Mummy Panel’
Bag of Goodies
Ten Minute Countdown!
Have a bag of inexpensive toys,
I turn the oven timer on and get the kids to tidy until the bells goes. You can get a lot done in ten minutes. Cheryl Britton
pencils, books, colouring-in books ready to take along to the doctors or other appointments. Not all places are equipped to keep little people happy and entertained. It also makes taking the little ones out a lot less stressful. Amanda Mathiot
A Routine Chart I have charts for my kids outlining routines for mornings and evenings. Beside each task I have a picture of the kids actually doing the task. I like the charts as it encourages independence and I don’t have to do it all. Nancy Johnstone
A Hand Blender! A hand-held blender - what an absolutely brilliant invention for coping with fussy eaters both big and small. It’s a great way of covering a multitude of culinary sins and getting little ones to blindly enjoy eating the most bizarre combinations of anything in the cupboard that looks interesting. Marianne Buchanan McNamee
WIN Email your parenting tips to
What to do with Artwork?
win@parentingcompanion.com.au
I put the kids artwork on the pin board for a few days then take a photo of them with it. I create a file of their artwork on the computer so they can look at it if they want to and then I can throw it in the bin (when they aren’t looking of course)! Cheryl Britton
for your chance to win a floor puzzle thanks to ta-da! toys. Your kids will enjoy assembling this big floor puzzle. It consists of 40 big sized pieces made of flexible and unbreakable plastic and illustrated with a colourful picture
First Aid Kit
of animal acrobats, teaching
My self-made first aid kit includes band aids, sunscreen and mozzi spray. Did you know that a band aid fixes EVERYTHING and by putting one over your belly button it also cures car sickness? That’s what they think anyway. Abbey Dagg
numbers. The kit also includes model pictures, ready to paint and a set of crayons. All the items come in a convenient carry case. Suitable for ages 3-6 years. The size of the completed puzzle is 31x84cm.
Sick Kids If taking sick kiddies to doctors, a quick call half an hour prior to the appointment to see if the doctor is running on time can save on the dramatics of waiting with a sick child in the waiting room, if they are running behind schedule. Emma Hall
home delivered fun
www.ta-datoys.com.au
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 and gait (walking) analysis
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
7
AquaSafe Aquatic Education
AquaSafe
Aquatic Education & Learn to Swim Enquire now at Woree, Gordonvale or Babinda to enrol your child into our AquaSafe program. AquaSafe is YMCA’s unique aquatic education and learn to swim program for children from 6 months to adults. Access for all abilities. YMCA Woree Aquatic Centre Ph: 4054 6964 YMCA Gordonvale Aquatic Ph: 4056 1353 YMCA Babinda Swimming Pool Ph: 4067 1211
Fitness @ YMCA Zumba Fitness Challenge Box Fit Boot Camp Aerobic Pump Aerobics Pilates & Yoga Body Conditoning Pryme Movers 50+ Circuit & more
Creche Available Mon - Friday 9am
Sport @ YMCA Net Set Go Netball Juniors Netball Ladies Netball Mixed Gymnastics (Recreation) Kinda Gym Fit Kids
Vacation Care Monday - Friday 7.45am - 5.45pm
YMCA Marlin Coast Recreation Centre Leisure Park Road Smithfield 4879 Ph: 4057 7507 E: cairns@ymca.org.au www.cairns.ymca.org.au 8
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
e m o c w el
bir th stor y
MITCHELL C ARBIS WORDS
Sophie White
In August 2010 I fell pregnant with our
around and still my situation had not
first child, much to our surprise. We
changed. Tim was encouraged to stay with
were so excited, but faced the challenge
me and we were placed in our own private,
of living in a small town where there
beautiful, newly renovated room – it even
was not an adequate facility to deliver
had a TV and Fridge.
babies. After researching and hearing
By Wednesday lunchtime I was finally
other mother’s birthing experiences my
in established labour. I was already tired
partner Tim and I made the decision to
but utterly excited and determined to
have our baby in Mareeba. Throughout
have our baby!
my pregnancy I completed shared-care with my assigned midwife Steph Bethel in Mareeba and my GP in Mossman.
By 4.30pm I needed a break from the continuous walking, hip-swaying and standing so we re-located to the birthing
At 10.30pm on Monday the 2nd of
suite. I found the bath in the birth suite a
May I started having contractions. The
fantastic way to rest and relieve some of
fantastic attribute to having your own
the pain. Unfortunately, after a couple of
midwife meant I was able to call Steph
hours in the bath my progress had slowed.
at any time of day, and I had her support
I opted to hop out of the bath and crouch
and advice immediately. The contractions
over the bean bag on the bed.
were sporadic and inconsistent. She gave
The contractions took off and I
me the option of going into Mareeba or
was then in a world of pain. It helped
waiting until there was a progression. I
immensely to have my partner and my
opted to stay at home on the couch.
mum take it in turns to rub my back and
After a sleepless night and no
remind me to breathe. By 9.30pm I was
progression we ventured up to Mareeba.
still not fully dilated so Steph organised a
We spent a long day in the hospital,
medical team to be ready in Mareeba in
walking and waiting. Tuesday night came
case of an emergency caesarean.
Hearing this news I was more determined than ever to have a natural birth and meet our baby! To our delight (After two long hours of pushing) a perfect little boy was born at 12.26am on the 5/5/2011 weighing 3.040kg. I recommend anyone who would like an intimate, personal experience throughout their pregnancy and a comfortable, homely birthing experience to contact the ladies in the Mareeba maternity ward. Their care, compassion and facility is first-class.
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
9
e r a c f o models WORDS
Jo Smethurst
birthing in qld Women-centred care is closer than ever, with a commitment from the Queensland Government every Queensland health facility will roll out a new model of care.
Women and their families in North
the number of women they currently
Queensland can expect to receive
service for pregnancy, birth and post-
better pregnancy, birth and post-
natal care.
natal care over the next few years. The Queensland Government has committed to ensuring women can choose a midwife to provide their maternity care during pregnancy, birth and the first six weeks after
In North Queensland the only women who have experienced this type of exceptional maternity
move, the Government has set
care are those who birth at the
targets for every public maternity
freestanding Birth Centre at the
unit in Queensland to have at least
Townsville or Mareeba Hospitals or
ten percent of their maternity care
those who employ a private midwife.
By receiving their care from a
All public maternity units will be expected to improve their care
midwife they get to know during
in some way in order to meet the
pregnancy, women are more likely to
target. No public maternity unit
have a normal birth, without medical intervention and are more likely to be satisfied by their birth experience. Importantly, the continuity of having
is exempt from meeting these ‘continuity of carer’ targets. More than five years ago, an
a midwifery carer is known to be very
independent review of Queensland’s
safe for both mother and baby.
maternity services identified three
For Cairns Base Hospital, which
priorities for change needed in our
currently doesn’t offer women a
current system:
midwifery continuity of carer option,
1 Poor outcomes for Aboriginal and
it means they will need to introduce a model very soon and by 2013 be caring for around 260 women in this way. By 2013, all women who receive
Torres Strait Islanders 2 Care for women who live in rural and remote areas 3 Post-birth care
their pregnancy and birth care at
Women who know their midwife can
Atherton, Ayr, Mareeba, Thursday
contact them at any time during their
Island, and Tully will be cared for by
pregnancy. Instead of experiencing
the same midwife, who will also care
fragmented care from up to 25
for them and their baby postnatally.
different clinicians during pregnancy
As part of these same targets, the Birth Centre at Townsville will double Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
‘continuity of carer’ model.
their baby is born. In an historic
provided in this way by 2013.
10
Today, fewer than five percent of Queensland’s women can access a
and birth, women receive care from the same midwife.
Imagine a woman who has tripped down the last few steps of her high-set home in late pregnancy. She realises that she hasn’t felt her baby move in the last few hours following the fall and is worried about her baby’s health. She can call her midwife who can come and check the baby’s health without enduring an agonizing wait. Women interested in playing a vital role in ensuring these targets are met, and that the new types of care truly meet the needs of women in their local community, might be interested in becoming a consumer representative.
Queensland Health expects each hospital will set up a steering committee to help develop and oversee the new model of care. Queensland Centre for Mothers and Babies, in partnership with Maternity Coalition and Health Consumers Queensland, are holding a one-day workshop in Cairns on Saturday 25th February 2012. To find out more about the workshop or the ‘continuity of carer’ targets, call Jo Smethurst on 07 3256 8127 or email consumerconsultantjo@gmail.com
PHOTO Deidrie Cullen - Split Image Photography. www.split-image.com.au
Model of Care Overview • All of your appointments during pregnancy are with the same midwife (or her back-up midwife). • You have your midwife’s phone number. • When you go into labour, your midwife meets you at the hospital and supports you during the labour and birth.
• When you return home with your baby, she cares for you both in your home on a daily basis for the first few days, then every second day until your baby is two-weeks-old. • She helps you establish breastfeeding, supports you with any advice on sleeping/settling your baby and cares for
your physical and emotional well-being. • You receive weekly appointments after this, until your baby is six-weeks-old (usually in your home). • Your midwife doesn’t work shifts, she manages her clients and her own appointment schedule to fit in with you, and her own family.
Experts in designing personal health and lifestyle programs that are structured to meet your own unique and individual needs
& s e ic v r e s l a n io it Nutr s r e h t o m r o f t r o p sup Nutritional advice & management for: 1. Gestational diabetes
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3. Nutrition for fertility
6. General nutrition
Why choose us?
Support, motivation and resources needed to achieve results Personal health programs structured to your individual needs Your own personal team of experts working with you throughout your health journey Progress monitored regulary providing extra feedback to keep you on track You will feel fantastic and see real results!
Visit our website to find out how YOU can make positive changes to your health & wellbeing TODAY!
www.healthkicks.com.au
Healthkicks | Nutrition, Dietetics & Exercise Clinic 2/163 Lake St, Cairns | Ph: 07 4041 6675
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
11
WORDS
Rebecca Waqanikalou
Planning the biggest day of your life
For many couples the birth of their
to birth our babies. Private or Public
beliefs about birth? What are their
babies is given plenty of thought but not
Hospitals, Mareeba Birth Centre or even
‘intervention’ rates? What percentage
enough planning. There really is so much
at home – it is important that wherever
do they have for inductions, C-sections,
to learn in a brief amount of time and
the mother chooses to birth her baby she
episiotomies and instrumental deliveries?
this can be quite overwhelming. If you
feels safe and secure. It is important to visit
What is their view on the third stage of
arm yourself with the right information
and research each option and get really
labour? Ensure your care provider has
comfortable with the choice for the big
similar views and ideals about these things
day. Also research the pros and cons for
as you do.
each. A great website to assist with this
Choose your support team well
you will be more confident and feel more comfortable in making informed decisions, and the birth should be more enjoyable and empowering. The main points to consider in planning you birth are: Where, Who, How and Why.
WHERE Choose your place to birth
is www.havingababy.org.au. This website provides statistics for birthing women in Queensland that can help with making your decision on how, where and with who you birth your baby.
It is an entirely personal decision as to who attends your birth. It can be just you and your partner, or you can invite the in-laws and cousin Betty. But it is important to ensure your support person or people
We are fortunate in Far North Queensland
WHO Choose your care provider carefully
to have a number of options of where
In many cases women choose a
to stand up for your choices and ask the
specific care provider based on the
questions if you cannot. Another great
recommendation of friends, or because
addition to the support team throughout
a friend or relative also used them.
the pregnancy, birth and after is a Doula (a
Some important questions to ask before
non-medical birth support partner). Find
choosing: What are their views on and
out more at www.fnqbirth.com
12
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
know what you want and support your choices unreservedly, and are prepared
HOW To have a birth plan or not? Birth plans are more like an outline of what you would like to happen – they are also referred to as Birth Preferences. It is important to have an open mind when it comes to your birth plan … they don’t always go exactly to plan. For your plan for the medical staff, be clear and concise. Tell them what you want regarding the medical options and pain relief, should it be necessary. For your support team, you can fill in the gaps – music, candles, back rubs, supportive chants or mantras. Also know ‘WHY’ you are aiming for a certain option. For example,. I choose not to have an ‘actively managed’ third stage (injection of synthetic oxytocic), I wish to allow a delay in clamping my baby’s cord for optimal blood transfer, resulting in higher blood volume, haemoglobin levels and iron stores.
WHY Know all the ‘Why’s’ by educating yourself and your partner or support team. In our modern society birth is regularly seen as a medical condition that needs to be managed, monitored and kept within ‘acceptable limits’. It is perceived as painful and scary. We have forgotten that birth is a natural, beautiful and an instinctive process. In some cases it is pain-free and an ecstatic experience. If you feel that birth is in fact the natural process it is, make sure you spend the time researching all the options and your rights. Look into independent Childbirth Education Classes or one-on-one education with a Doula, this way you will be given completely unbiased and candid information on all topics. Know you rights! No medical professional can do anything to you without your informed consent. If you are offered a treatment and are unsure about it, use B.R.A.I.N; what are the Benefits? What are the Risks? Are there Alternatives? What does your Intuition say? Does it need to be Now or can it wait five minutes, one hour, two hours? You have the right to agree to, or refuse, care by your provider at any time, but it is important that you are informed before you make any decisions.
Here are some of the topics that you many want to research further before your birth: • Inducement • Assisted Rupture of Membranes • Pain Relief (the pros and cons of each) • Augmentation (episiotomy, ventuse/vacuum, forceps) • Delayed cord clamping • Managed third stage of labour
HEALTHY
mummies
crusade
Join our interactive, healthy mission to get Mums ready for Summer and you could
WI N
A PRIZE PACK INCLUDING:
A Mummy Makeover (Hair, makeup and glamour photography) Accommodation and Breakfast Overnight Babysitting 6 Personal Training Sessions
For all the details visit our website.
You must ENTER the competition by November 1st 2011 Each week on CPC’s Facebook page, follow our trainer as she puts you through your paces with tips on how to find the new you!
To have the birth you want, whether it is a completely natural home-birth, a scheduled C-Section or anything in between, be
The Healthy Mummies Crusade is proudly supported by
sure you understand your rights, know the difference between hospital policy and legislation, and take some time to research all your options and preferences. By doing this you will feel more in control to make your own decisions, no matter what is thrown at you. Visit our website www.parentingcompanion.com.au for a fact sheet on great websites and books that can assist you
enter now at
PA L M C O V E
www.parentingcompanion.com.au Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
13
understanding HypnoBirthing WORDS
Zoe Strickland l PHOTOGRAHY Nellie Ireland
Imagine a calm, joyful and comfortable birth for you and your baby. When we understand how to harness the power of the mind and our marvellous birthing body – anything is possible! HypnoBirthing is a fascinating series of childbirth education classes helping couples prepare for a natural, gentle, safe and more comfortable birth – just as nature intended. Our western culture seems to constantly inundate us with negative stories and images of childbirth and it is understandable why women come to anticipate their labour with fear and apprehension. But nature did not intend it to be this way. HypnoBirthing classes show how fear activates the release of the stress hormone, catecholamine, causing the birthing muscles of the uterus to remain tense and the body closed. Too often the result is a prolonged and painful labour. The good news is that when the body is really relaxed, a birthing mum can draw on a wonderful cocktail of hormones and endorphins; our body’s natural anesthesia. HypnoBirthing teaches self-hypnosis. Hypnosis is a very gentle process (a bit like being absorbed in a really good book or movie) where the body is relaxed but the mind focused. This is the magic and simplicity of HypnoBirthing. Mums learn to spontaneously relax in response to their partner’s calm, supportive prompts and maintain this relaxation in labour. This is combined with breathing, visualisation and hypnosis techniques – learned in class and practiced at home. Couples watch dvds of gentle hypnobirths and prepare with positive expectancy for their own experience. Hypnobirthing is now teaching parents about birth in more than 32 countries. Statistics show HypnoBirthing mums experience shorter and easier labours, greatly reducing the need for anesthesia and medical intervention. Research also shows that babies are more alert and settled and mothers recover quicker, allowing for better bonding with their baby.
Zoe Strickland is a certified hypnotherapist and hypnobirthing facilitator. Ph 0420 504 421 or visit www.hypnobirthing.com 14
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
The Nanny Network difference?
"We love what we do"
TIM IT'S
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DIS TO
CO
Call 0403 357 436 or visit
A A N R VE
SER Y N N
V
LIKE E IC
OTH NO
ER
www.nannynetworkaustralia.com to learn more Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion 15
meet our
2011
mummy panel
As we have said previously, we really want this magazine to represent YOU. That is why we encouraged you to join our Mummy Panel, and what a great response we have had! Here are six local mums we believe represent the average mother’s of FNQ. They will be sharing some of their thoughts on parenting with our readers in upcoming editions of the magazine. Meet our very first MUMMY PANELISTS!
Abbey Dagg from Bentley Park “Everything from health to on-line shopping, I have an ABBEYism for it all!”
Amanda Mathiot from Mareeba “I love expanding my horizons and teaching my children to follow their dreams.”
Emma Hall from Holloways Beach “Kids. How they make the most simplest of tasks into a drawn out, six part drama mini-series.”
Nancy Johnstone from Redlynch “I love Cairns and think it’s the best place to raise a family”
Marianne Buchanan McNamee from Mooroobool “I have gained a new perspective and appreciation of how tough it can be, doing it alone.”
Everyday mums... doing amazing things! 16
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
Cheryl Britton from Freshwater “I don’t think I’m an average mum, but I’ve had plenty of average days as a Mum.”
On Friday, the 12th of August we finally got to meet our mummy panellists. Dressed to kill, the girls, and CPC’s own Bec, Juanita and Susan, Sheryn (‘our creative one’), along with photographer, Shaz Spannenburg hooked up at the Vertigo Bar for a quick champagne and brief introduction. Little did the girls know of the big surprise awaiting them just outside... a NQ Stretch Hummer! As this majestic, sleek and very impressive vehicle snaked its way through Cairns city, we took turns introducing ourselves. It seemed everyone was completely comfortable in each other’s company, no doubt helped along by the free-flowing bubbles. We felt like movie stars without the very substantial pay-checks. Camera’s flashed, posing enacted and even a well-sung tune was belted out at the end of our short journey. It was a classy way to start the night.
PHOTOS
Shaz Spannenburg Digital Images
ph: 4039 0442 www.digitalimages.com.au
You can tour in style in a luxury Stretch Hummer! For only $42pp you can enjoy a glass of Champagne as you tour the city on your hour cruise, feeling every bit the VIP you are! It’s not just a ride, it’s an EXPERIENCE you’ll never forget. Also available for exclusive hire for special events. For bookings contact Mike on 0418 847 258 www.nqhummer.com.au
Providing finance to local families for over 10 years
New office now open on Mulgrave Road
• Home Loans • Car Loans • Insurance • Investment Loans
Call Gus Soper 0400 636 953
140 Mulgrave Road, Cairns www.cairnshomeloans.com.au
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
17
party & play 3 Themed Party Rooms • Coffee Shop • FREE wi-fi
IPL underarm and bikini just $60
Relax while the kids play safely. Free coffee with entrance fee. See our website for regular educational activities for the kids & special events for the parents. Available after hours.
www.geckosplay.com.au
Smithfield Centre (next to Overflow) • Ph: 4038 1181
“Cairns Pare Companion nting special!” B ring a friend & you both o nly pay 50% of the advertis ed price, for the first month.
18
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
WORDS
Dr. Clare Curtin - Axis Chiropractic
Chiropractic during
Pregnancy Is it all that it’s cracked up to be?
When you find out you are pregnant your whole world changes. Lots of thoughts and emotions race through your mind. There will be excitement at becoming parents and the elation that you will be this child’s guiding hand throughout their lives. After the exhilaration subsides your mind can turn to the symptoms that await you for the next nine months; morning sickness (why it is called “morning” sickness and not “all day and part way into the night” sickness I’ll never know), lower back pain, sciatica, heartburn, constipation and the practice of yelling “get me the drugs...NOW” becomes the anticipation for your forthcoming labour. Often women think these symptoms have to be part and parcel of pregnancy. Well I am here to tell you that this does not have to be the case. Chiropractic care can be an important part of any woman’s pregnancy, allowing you to stay comfortable, mobile and healthy during this special time in your life.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy allows women to carry and deliver their children with more comfort and ease. International studies have shown that women receiving
challenges. Unfortunately when you return home there is no workplace health and safety officer making sure that there are two other people available to help you lift
chiropractic care throughout their first pregnancy had 24 percent shorter labour times whilst women with subsequent pregnancies reported 39 percent shorter labour times. As well as this, chiropractic care during pregnancy can control symptoms of nausea, reduce heartburn, and relieve back, neck and joint pain without the need for drugs. For such an exciting time in your life wouldn’t you want it to be as pain-free as possible?
and shift you way through the day, that your ‘workstation’ is set up correctly or that you’ll have RDO’s so you can take a day off to recover if you are in pain. Many times women who have never experienced back pain develop neck and back pain after childbirth as they care for their newborns. Feeding, changing, bathing, and dressing your baby all day and night can strain your neck and back in ways you never thought possible.
Chiropractors undertake a full and detailed assessment of each person prior to treatment and tailor a personalised program of care depending on the needs of the individual. We also use gentle techniques suited to your condition.
Chiropractic care is safe and effective and can help restore the body back to functioning optimally, even helping rebalance your body’s emotions and hormones. Your focus is all about caring for your family but if you are in too much pain what will happen? You need to take time to focus on your wellbeing. This is where Chiropractic care can help.
After your bundle of joy arrives you may presume you are out of the woods when it comes to discomfort and health
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Losing WORDS
Naomi Wilson - Spectrum Counseling
someone you love
“Life is not the way it is supposed to be. It’s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.� Virginia Satir Something of which we can be absolutely sure is that at some point of time in our lives we face losing someone or something we love, and we will face the emotions and feelings that come with the loss. Grieving comes in many forms and for many reasons. Children can grieve for the loss of a pet, a friend, a favourite toy, the separation of parents, a family member through death, changing school or a home. The journey for managing grief in children can be eased by parents understanding that each child reacts differently; whatever their age, and whatever the loss. Whilst the loss of a toy or pet may not seem a big loss to an adult, to a child it may be a huge hurdle to overcome. However, with consistent support, understanding, reassurance and love from parents or carers, depending on their age and development, children can manage the loss over a period of time. Their pattern of grief and behaviour may vary from day to day and whilst some children may choose to be isolated, others may lash out in anger. Others may want to ask lots of questions. How do we talk to children who lose a parent or loved person in their family? Children grieve at all ages; however the grief is often expressed differently to adults as young children do not have the language to express their sorrow. Be available to talk honestly, remembering also that children do not need intricate details, but they do need to know what is happening in their lives. There is no set pattern for anyone to follow in the grieving process. Members of the same family quite often react differently over the same loss because every person is unique, is at a different stage of their
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
“I look at our son Christopher and see so much of his daddy, it warms my heart”
life’s journey and comes from a differing
and a desperate feeling of hope waiting
background. Men often believe that they
at the hospital outside the operating
must not show emotions publicly. Let me
theatre. He didn’t recover. I felt I never
say that this is not the case – it is okay for
would either.
men to express their emotions of sorrow. In fact for children to see parents show grief can be of assistance to them – they learn that to grieve is okay. We can learn from grieving, by learning to accept that death is a natural fact of life. Many grieve the loss of pets as they do the loss of a family member or friend. Children can learn from the loss of a pet. The road to recovery for everyone is not easy and for some it takes longer than others. Allow yourself time, allow yourself to grieve, and allow yourself the memories of that which you have lost. There are many places one can turn to for assistance. For some it may be to seek counselling. There are a number of books written by Doris Zagdanski. On the website try the parenting guides found at www.parentlink.act.gov.au
Numb, in shock and disbelief we left the hospital in a surreal state and stayed with friends. We couldn’t go home for some time. For what seemed like months I was incapacitated. Unable to do anything, I was helpless. I was no longer a Mum. The roller coaster ride of grief and trauma took over. With some pushing from my partner Steve, I phoned Compassionate Friends - a volunteer group who have all lost children themselves. Just knowing someone has been through something like yourself was helpful to begin to understand what had happened. Eventually I went to a counsellor but initially I relied on others to look after me. My partner and I soon realised how differently we were grieving and had to accept that this was how it was to be and to support each other the best we could, without judgement. Friends were my biggest ally in healing from this tragedy and continue to be so. My family lives in another state so there was only so much they could do. We received cards from friends, family and even distant acquaintances and the words people wrote really touched me. To this day I still have many ‘triggers’ both known and unknown that can upset me at the drop of a hat. I don’t get to talk
EMMA’S STORY
about Oliver often and I sometimes say
At 16 months and three weeks my first son
I have had three children or I have two
Oliver was a healthy, energetic, blonde,
children, depending on how much I feel
blue-eyed little boy. On October 23rd 2005
like sharing at the time.
he died suddenly in what was termed a “freak accident” by the media. We were sharing a beautiful, sunny day
We have had two more children since Oliver, Scarlet and Onyx. We talk about Oliver and have a token photo on the
at Ellis beach with friends but it turned
fridge. I can’t look at any others. Maybe
into an unimaginable, dreaded event. A
one day I will be able to.
friend of ours went to catch a ball, fell over
The Tuesday that he passed away, I was called to the hospital as he had been asking for me. I entered his room and knew that something was very wrong. He held on just long enough to wait for me to say goodbye, slipping unconscious as he spoke the words “I love you” to me. By his side throughout his entire illness, I was with him until his final moments which gave me peace and allowed me to start the next phase of my grieving journey. As it comes up to the first anniversary of his passing in September, I can smile as I remember the many wonderful memories we made together as a family. There have been many difficult times throughout the last three years, so I hold these memories close to my heart to give me strength on the dark days.
live with what has happened but of course I will never stop missing him.
everything”.
up on me, counselling, my partner Steve
was knocked out.
and having more children. I have learnt to
the hospital, an ambulance change-over
“I love you, I love you”… these were the last words I heard my darling husband say to me as he passed into a coma early one Tuesday morning. Raymond had been diagnosed in June 2008 at 36 years of age with an inoperable malignant brain tumour. He endured 27 months of palliative chemotherapy and radiation which ravaged his body and left him barely recognizable. Once an extremely fit and strong second-dan black belt, his cancer left him wheelchair-bound and so weak that even showering would leave him exhausted. Many times I would see him suffering from the side effects or complications from his treatment and I would ask him whether he wanted to continue with his treatment. He would always answer that as long as the doctors would offer him treatment, he would keep going through it to fight to be with me and our young son, Christopher.
A wonderful husband and father, Raymond was a true fighter until the very end. I wear his wedding ring around my neck on a chain, close to my heart. In the words of our favourite song “You to me are
What helped? Friends that didn’t give
Oliver’s Dad and knocked into him. Oliver From there it was a long, slow drive to
AMANDA’S STORY
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
21
to his anniversary, about 150 friends and family gather at a park and proceed to skateboard for about 6 kilometres to another park for a massive BBQ. For the last three years now, “Benny’s Day” - as it’s called, has become a fun way to celebrate a unique and fun person with more and more family coming to town just for this occasion.
SEAN’S STORY “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare”, they’d say. “I don’t know how I’d cope if it happened to me”. “Well I hope you never have to find out”, I’d reply.
Losing Ben has made a difference to my life. But more importantly, the 20 wonderful years I was blessed with to experience that terrific kid growing up has left a bigger impression on my life. In other words; I can’t deny that this grief is a part of who I am, but there’s no way I will ever let it define who I am.
We still talk about Grandad often and remember all the great things about him. Each year we visit Grandad at the cemetery on his anniversary day – we take him flowers and release balloons.
october 16 walk to remember The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support Group invites all families and friends who have been touched by pregnancy or infant loss to join us on this occasion to honour the babies who will never take their own steps in life. We walk for the steps they will never take.
The reality was; I didn’t know what to say. Our family had been struck by tragedy; suddenly losing our 20-yearold son, Ben in a motor accident. It’s difficult to summarise all the facets of this experience in a few words. All I can really do is communicate how I coped. Being the dad, I focused my concern on what my children, my wife, our parents, our relatives and Ben’s friends were going through. But as much as I could, I exorcised my own grief in private. A grief deeper and more physically painful than anything I’d known, but one I was not prepared to burden anybody else with.
At the funeral we talked to the kids the whole way through and answered any questions they had about what was going on. At the burial we let each of them put something in the grave with Granddad that they felt was special to him and them.
DEE’S STORY In June 2007, Dad passed away after a
In the end it became overwhelming and I did what I said I’d never do. I went to see a grief councillor, but on my terms. I knew what I had to do. I needed to tell someone who was trained to handle it that I was hurting as much as everybody else. I needed to do what blokes need to do, and that was vocalise the darkness I was experiencing so I could understand things more clearly myself. The councillor barely spoke, I felt much better and never needed to go back.
battle with Mesothelioma – an asbestos-
With four brothers, two sisters and a large and diverse circle of friends, Ben was always going to be remembered in a way that reflects his life, his passions and with everyone having a good time. So, each year at 12.30 pm on the Saturday closest
with them and explained that Granddad
related lung cancer. It was a tough time for
The SANDS Walk to Remember will commence at 9am with a name reading ceremony, followed by a short walk to the jetty for a live butterfly release. A memory book will be made available for anyone wanting to write a message for their baby and morning tea will be provided.
kids – Elise was six and Gemma and Declan
WHERE: The Fun Ship Parklands (Pirate Ship) at the northern end of the Cairns Esplanade.
were four at the time. We were lucky in
WHEN: Sunday October 16 2011
the whole family but particularly on my
the fact we had time to prepare the kids and let them come to terms with the fact Granddad was “going to heaven”. They understood that Granddad was sick and he wouldn’t be with us for much longer and they spent plenty of quality time with him. When the day came, we sat down had died and gone to heaven and that we are all very sad. We gave a very literal explanation when they asked what happened – Granddad’s heart stopped and it couldn’t be fixed.
TIME: Please arrive by 8.30am to purchase your butterflies ($15 per butterfly) and register your baby(s) name. For further information and to reserve a butterfly for your baby, please contact Kelly 4033 7917 or go to www.sandscairns.websyte.com.au For anyone wanting to make a donation to SANDS please visit www.everydayhero.com.au/charity/ search_for_a_charity
“We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” Virginia Satir 22maintenance. Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
Foster Carers
make a difference! Children and Young people need someone; who is kind, who is caring, who will listen, who is patient and will be forgiving, who never Give up, who will understand that life has been tough and at times neglectful.
Can you be someone? The difference you could make for a child is unbelievable.
Contact us If you are interested in making a positive difference in a child or young person’s life, please contact Will on 07 4032 8300.
Our foster families and individuals go through a rigorous assessment and training process to ensure they are able to provide a suitable care environment. Each child and young person is then matched to an approved foster carer based on a range of criteria that aims to promote stability and long lasting relationships. All foster families receive ongoing support and training to maintain their capacity to care and assist them to meet the changing needs of each child or young person.
www.lwb.org.au Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
weaning
Midwife Helen Gamble from AppleTree Medical explains some options to wean your little one.
when, why and how to wean
Breastfeeding provides babies with the
FORMULA OR COW’S MILK?
best start to life and is a key contributor
The age of your baby will determine what
so that it gives your baby just enough to
to infant health. Ideally breastfeeding
you replace a breastfeed with. Babies
settle, placing the emphasis on the story
until six months should be the aim for
under 12 months of age aren’t ready for
etc rather than the breastfeed.
every baby.
cow’s milk to drink, so they need to be
When to wean, however, is a very
weaned onto formula.
Gradually reduce the time at the breast
• Use distraction and persuasion tactics to discourage breastfeeding during the day.
personal decision which must take
EXPRESS IF NECESSARY
into consideration the needs of your
If you stop breastfeeding quickly you
Friends and relatives may be able to look
baby, yourself and your home and
might become engorged. You may want
after your toddler for part of the day.
family situation.
to express for comfort, however be
A child usually reacts differently with
The reasons to wean may include:
careful not to express too much or you’ll
people he knows well and may take a
• Returning to work
stimulate an increase in supply. Watch
substitute drink or snack helping him to
• You want to become pregnant and
out for lumpy breasts as this may indicate
forget a favourite breastfeed.
breastfeeding is preventing ovulation
the beginnings of mastitis. Try massaging
from occurring
out the lump but if the lump is persistent
• You are pregnant and you wish to wean
or painful see your GP.
• Your baby has decided to wean himself
WEANING TODDLERS
• You have simply had enough
• Avoid early morning feeds by being out of bed and dressed before your
Here are a few ideas that may assist you in making a smooth
toddler wakes. • Talk to him about what is happening
transition from breast to bottle.
to build up an expectation of eventual
WEAN GRADUALLY
weaning. Emphasise that he is a big boy
The first step is to remove the breastfeed
and he is growing up and that breast
your baby seems least keen on and replace
milk is for babies.
it with a bottle. Sequentially replace another breastfeed each week. Your milk supply will gradually dwindle as the milk is removed less often. Ideally, get your partner to offer the
• Avoid wearing clothes that allows easy access to the breasts. • Reduce feeding to sleep. These feeds are generally the most difficult to stop as it may be the only way your toddler will
bottle as your baby will associate you with
have a nap, go to sleep at night or settle
breastfeeds. Remember if the decision to
again in the middle of the night. Change
wean is yours rather than the baby’s, you
your routine gradually so you are not
might need to offer some extra comfort as
feeding to sleep. Try reading a story or
you make that transition.
singing a song, whatever helps.
Going back to work does not have to mean an end to breastfeeding. Contact the ABA Breastfeeding helpline on 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 268).
• Change your routine during the day.
expressing at work Paid work and breastfeeding? Yes you can! Many employers help by providing time and facilities for mums to express or breastfeed in the workplace. Contact your supervisor or HR department well before your return to work to confirm arrangements. Australian law protects mums from workplace discrimination on the basis of their breastfeeding or expressing needs. The Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace Accreditation program (BFWA) is an initiative of the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) to assist employers in developing supportive policies, practices and facilities. www.breastfeedingfriendly.com.au
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
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Sportsw orld
NOW OPEN
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
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
Around town
CPC’s wrap up on what’s new and available to you
LOOKING TO HIRE A UNIQUE, ALL-WEATHER VENUE?
CAIRNS CENTRAL’S DROP ‘N’ SHOP
Gecko’s Indoor Play Centre offers a unique venue for a special family celebration or Christmas Party. Their large play centre is available after 6pm for exclusive use. Fantastic menu options include the use of the freshest seasonal produce or you can cater your own event. BYO alcohol permitted, (conditions apply). Keep up with the latest news at www.geckosplay.com.au or follow them on Facebook.
GYMSTICK - A NEW WAY TO EXERCISE!
NEW MEDICAL CENTRE COMES TO PALM COVE
The Drop ‘n’ Shop (ground floor - behind the customer service desk) will look after your kids while you shop, dine or pamper yourself. Fully supervised activities for Dr Liz Chappel and husband James Lake of Apple Tree Medical (Smithfield Shopping Centre and Draper Street) have committed to another Apple Tree Medical at Palm Cove. This new surgery is currently under construction on Vievers Road (just behind Angsana Resort) and will open in October. Check the website for updates on opening times and phone numbers; www.appletreemedical.com.au The YMCA in Gordonvale now offers Gymstick classes. A Gymstick is a fitness tool designed to simplify and effectively combine cardiovascular, muscular endurance and flexibility training into one effective aquatic workout. Come and try it out. Where: YMCA Gordonvale Aquatic Centre, 77-79 Sheppard St Gordonvale When: Tuesday and Thursday 6pm, Wednesday and Friday 9.15am Phone 4056 1353 for more information.
3 – 11 year-olds for up to two hours, your children will be kept entertained with face painters, playstation 2, toys, craft activities and interactive games. Cairns Central has significantly subsidised the cost of this service so you pay just $2 per half hour, per child. Open Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm and during school holidays from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 2pm.
NEW CHILDCARE AND COMMUNITY KINDERGARTEN The Cairns Diocese’s Catholic Early Learning and Care will open its first Childcare and Community Kindergarten at Redlynch in 2012. The care services will be for children aged six weeks to five years, from 7am to 6pm. A waiting list is being formed. Visit www.ccelc@catholic.org.au or email the Catholic Early Learning and Care Consultant, Irene Goodrich, on admin@ccelc.catholic.org.au
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
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Birdwing Therapies, Keran Thomas lends some advice on how to have those tricky conversations with kids.
The
estioaskns qukids
As we all know newborns grow up very
Young children often ask their parents
fast. Before we know it they are on the
many different questions about why the
move, talking and taking great delight in
sky is blue, how does a car go, to questions
all that goes on around them.
about making babies, birth and also death
It is really normal for young children
and dying. These are all very important for
to ask questions, lots in fact and I know
a child trying to make sense of the world,
sometimes parents feel like their ears
and also how they fit into it.
cannot take another “why, why, but
In past articles I have discussed the
why!” . Children learn incredibly fast and
importance of protective behaviours
they soak up information like a veritable
being used from birth. Learning about our
sponge.
bodies, including private parts and naming
The types of questions young children
them can create a sense of ordinariness
ask become more complex as they
about the human body and life. This
develop and are often asked at the least
information could be used positively when
convenient time for our sensitive egos.
a child starts asking ‘those questions’.
As parents we often feel inadequate in giving them the ‘right’ answer.
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
A lot of parents have found childfocused educational storybooks about
the human body, feelings, being safe and where babies come from can normalise these areas of interest for young children. These resources are simple and designed to assist families to talk about ‘those questions’. Why do I have to take a bath? No doubt your children have asked this question when you are flat out trying to get them bathed and ready for bed! I bet you sometimes reply “because it is bath time”, then “because I said so”. If you get frustrated your child either complies or digs in and persists! If bathing your child has been a daily and enjoyable experience since birth your child’s question could be a sign of more complex development in the areas of cognition and communication.
Do not get into the trap of bargaining with your child, be firm and consistent, and simply remind them that bathing happens every day to keep our bodies clean, to wash off dirt and dead skin and to help us feel and smell good! How are babies made? I have found that teaching children as they grow up is much easier (for you!) than the big chat when they are older and have already found out answers elsewhere. Only give your child the information they asked for, don’t go into details beyond their question or developmental stage. Check out their facial expression and ask if their question was answered. Use nature to help you build a sense of understanding about procreation, birth and death. There are so many ordinary moments in nature to help parents. Nature in situ and animal documentaries open up opportunities to learn and share information. If your child asks what is happening, give them the age-appropriate answer. “They are making babies” or “they are mating”. Often a child is quite happy with that until they come up with another question about it! Those questions open up ‘teachable moments’ and provide parents with opportunities to share information with their children on their journey of development. Another issue parents are unsure of is that about dying and death. If we ‘protect’ our children from these normal stages in life they may not learn how to handle death appropriately. Your child’s first experience with death or dying might be linked to the death of a family pet. If you allow them to experience the grief and loss associated with death it can help them to understand the circle of life. Children then learn to understand about what happens when you die and the rituals associated with death, such as mourning and a funeral. It is up to each parent how they wish to support their
We offer a range of midwife lead post-natal and antenatal support at all 3 practices!
children’s education and understanding. There are many resources available to help you with ‘those questions’: • Everyone’s Got a Bottom (ages 3-8 years), Family Planning Queensland • Questions Children Ask, Dr Mirriam Stoppard • Did the Sun Shine Before You Were Born?
CASA MEDICALS NOW AT OUR SMITHFIELDPRACTICE!
Smithfield Shopping Centre, Smithfield.
07 4038 2777
(ages 3-7 years), Judith Gordon • How Did I Begin (4 years +), Granstron and Manning • Lets Talk About Sex (8 years +), Robie H. Harris • Lets Talk About Where Babies Come From, Robie H. Harris
Draper Street, Parramatta Park, Cairns.
07 4051 1074
OPENING SOON!
Book Giveaway For your chance to WIN Questions Children Ask by Dr Miriam Stoppard tell us the funniest question you have been asked by your child. Email your entry to:
win@parentingcompanion.com.au
Keep an eye on our website for the opening of our exciting NEW practice!
www.appletreemedical.com.au
reception@appletreemedical.com.au Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
29
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
Teacher feature
Talking with Neil Pritchard from Redlynch State College
When and where did you start your teaching career? I graduated from Teacher’s College in Brisbane in 1985 and began teaching in 1986 in Cairns. Cairns was much smaller then and technology was minimal. My first school was Cairns West State School and schools really hadn’t changed much since I was a student. Principals could still cane children and any educational innovation was viewed with scepticism. As a beginning teacher I felt fairly powerless. What schools have you taught at and what year levels have you taught? In 1987 I transferred to Normanton in the Gulf Country for my compulsory remote service. The challenges presented by an isolated, predominantly indigenous community were huge. They were two of the most rewarding teaching years of my career. I then transferred back to Brisbane where I worked for four years at McDowall State School. This was an excellent experience as I was able to benefit from many experienced colleagues and the students, their parents and the wider school community were wonderful. However the urge to live in remote areas could not be suppressed and in 1993 I moved to Lockhart River on Cape York followed by six years at Weipa. For the last 12 years I have been working at Redlynch State College which I see as the best of all worlds. It combines the benefits of an experienced teaching team with enthusiastic students, a great school community and a wonderful natural environment to share with the children.
What would you say is the most rewarding thing about teaching? Sharing in the children’s achievements. Anything ‘out of the box’ ie: camps, excursions, science, meeting ex-students years later and hearing how memorable their time in my class was. Seeing shy under-performing students grow in confidence and discover talents and abilities previously unknown. Basically the kids’ enthusiasm and curiosity about the world keeps me wanting to do the best I can. I couldn’t imagine doing any other job! What is the most challenging aspect of teaching? Catering for different children’s abilities and learning styles; dealing with an ever-changing and increasingly crowded curriculum and finding time for kids when their families and myself are increasingly time-poor.
What are some of the major changes you have seen in the classroom over the years? Technology has transformed teaching … for the better! There is greater respect for the qualities that make each child unique. Corporal punishment is long gone and parents, students and teachers collaborate to get the most out of the educational opportunities available. School Principals and administration are much more supportive and schools in general are much more child focused. If you weren’t a teacher what would you be and why? I couldn’t imagine not working with kids. Their energy and humour keep me motivated and while the challenges of teaching can be very frustrating, tackling those challenges is where the reward lies. PHOTO
Mr Pritchard with students Kelsi, Stephanie and Jakob
Do you know of a teacher doing a great job? Nominate them now for our ‘teacher feature’ by emailing to info@parentingcompanion.com.au Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
amateury
aph photomgpertit ion co
award people’s choice IVE R WINNER KAI OL
editor’s pic
OUR COVERGIRL MYA LEE ADAMS
The team at Cairns Parenting Companion had such a tough job deciding on our front cover photo. In the end, this gorgeous photograph of 2-year-old Mya Lee Adams won our hearts. Mya’s mum, Renee describes her as “the one who has brought so much more colour into my life”. Renee tells us that, “Mya loves her tools and can name most from her Black and Decker 50 piece play tool set.” Her family practice gratitude every day and Mya is encouraged to give lots of love and kindness. This photo We had an astonishing 468 photo entries in our Amateur Photography competition.
was taken of Mya playing at Muddies. Well
Thank you to all who entered. Congratulations to Shiralee Kidd of Aeroglen who won the
done Renee!
People’s Choice award with 4222 votes for her picture of her 7 ½-month-old son, Kai Oliver.
kai’s prize pack:
Kai’s mum, Shiralee Kidd wins a Canon 450D Digital SLR which comes with a twin lens kit, including a 18-55mm IS lens and a 55-250mm IS lens.
thanks to
MICHAEL AW
PLUS 200 free 6”x4" photo prints! Total prize pack valued at over $1000. Well done Shiralee!
DISCOUNT WAREHOUSES Open 7 days • 285 Mulgrave Road
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
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Crafts, Playstation
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
WORDS Bernadette Rogerson PHOTOGRAPHY Posh Photography
Why we chose
family
daycare
Gary Hunter, 42, a police officer and Bernadette Rogerson, 35, a research officer at James Cook University detail their personal experiences with family day care. They have three children Ellyana-4, Jackson-3 and Maddison-2.
changes to family daycare As of January 2012 Family Day Care will come under a new quality rating system. By 2014 the new National Quality Standard will require Family Day Care Educator’s to hold or actively undertake a minimum Certificate 3 in Children’s Services. Family Day Care in Queensland currently has a ratio of 1:7 with a limit of four children under school age including their own children under school age. Their own school age children are not included in the ratio. Under the new National Quality Standard in 2014 the ratio will shift to 1:7 with a maximum of four children not yet attending school. This ratio will include the Educator’s own children. The Family Day Care Cairns environment is supported by a qualified Coordination Team which has the role of supporting, training and monitoring the quality practices of the scheme. This includes home visits with Educator’s, formal qualification training, workshops and newsletters. The goal of Family Day Care is to provide the highest quality standard of care and education with lifelong outcomes for children. Lisa Seymour Family Day Care Cairns p: 4032 1259
When I was a little girl, just three-years-
Jack at 11 months and Maddie at
old, three of my grandparents died
18 months, filling Elly’s spot. Jack
within 12 months. It was a traumatic
and Maddie now attend four days a
time for my parents and something
week, coinciding with my return to
my remaining grandmother never
employment in January this year.
really recovered from. It wasn’t until primary school that the void became obvious, as I began noticing the close
The benefit to our family is the close personal relationship our children
relationships my friends shared with
have with Angela; tailored activities;
their grandparents.
socialising with children of mixed ages
I was heavily pregnant with our
and consideration given to values that
second child when we considered child
are important to us, such as manners
care. We wanted to ensure that our son
and respect. The limited number of
received some one-on-one attention as
children and providing our own food
his sister had over the past 14 months.
also provides us with peace of mind as
A friend recommended a family
Jack has an epi-pen due to allergies to
day care provider who cared for her
peanuts and tree nuts.
three children over a period of seven years. Angela was a similar age to my parents and I really liked the possibility of my children having a ‘surrogate’ grandmother relationship. We spoke
As a parent it’s extremely difficult to let go and trust others to care for your children. My advice to those who are investigating options for child care is
to the family day care coordinator and
to decide on the basics first (eg, days,
met with Angela in her home. We were
hours, special needs), compile a list
impressed by her level of experience,
of options for care, ask around your
the home setting and overwhelmed by
circle of friends or speak to parents
the plethora of educational toys and
of children already in care and spend
planned activities.
plenty of time getting to know the
Elly started with two days of care with Angela at the age of 14 months,
provider to ensure you and your child are 100% comfortable.
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
35
WORDS
Barbara La Coste and Maree Bowe - Trinity Anglican School
Rememberthe days of ? d r a y l o o h c s ld the o
It’s not just chalkboards and textbooks that have changed in our classrooms. How we teach, how we learn and what we learn are also very different from years gone by. When you went to school was Pluto a planet? Did you learn your times-tables off by heart? Did you find the countries of the world listed in musty volumes of Encyclopaedia Britannica? Did you sit in rows? Did you ever investigate a topic of your choice? Was social and emotional intelligence part of your everyday vocabulary? The nature of learning and teaching today has changed. It is recognised that there needs to be less of a focus on teaching those things to know and more on teaching those strategies for learning the things you don’t know. Learning to be a better learner is now far more important than memorising endless facts and procedures. Learning to bounce back when things don’t go quite right is now part of the daily school and classroom routine. The 21st Century is the information era, where Google has become a verb and anyone can access the incredible amount of information stored on the Internet. We can instantaneously communicate with others across the world using today’s available technologies. Such advances have meant a phenomenal speed of change and an uncertain future. The ever-increasing demand for a technologicalsavvy workforce has had ramifications for education. A new dimension in contemporary classrooms includes media literacy, where students question and judge what they hear, see and read when using digital technologies such as websites, search engines and social networking sites. They have to learn to make good choices when using these technologies and consider the impact of their choices on others. With a rapidly changing world the students in our classrooms have changed too. Students currently in our schools have not known life without the Internet and have never known anything other than a technology-saturated world. They have been online since birth. The majority of today’s students own one or more personal media devices. They use the Internet and go online daily. Growing up
36
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
surrounded by mobile phones, laptops,
learning styles are acknowledged.
resolve conflict, and feel positive about
iPads and social networking has shaped
The teacher’s role is to direct
themselves and the world around them.
their attitudes and beliefs, particularly
an environment of high challenge,
The past 20 years have seen three major
in their interactions with others and
encouraging learning risks and providing
curriculum shifts in Queensland. From
expressions of themselves.
feedback on ways in which students
outcomes to essential learnings to the
can further improve upon their efforts,
upcoming Australia curriculum, subject
They BLOG, they build websites, they post movies on YouTube, they update their
Feedback that clearly shows the way
status on Facebook, they SMS, they email,
forward for each individual student.
they text, they Google and they cut and
Information and communication
paste from Wikipedia. They are constantly
technology is essential, allowing each
interacting and learning through
student greater diversity for global
networking and collaboration. Schools
learning. Lifelong learning is to be
need to acknowledge that the students
promoted providing a range of pathways
of today are very different from previous
to meet the needs of the student, and
and writing, it’s now all about language,
generations. They are global citizens who
communities of collaboration should be
literacy and literature. Primary school
are no longer restricted by the four walls of
built and maintained promoting strong
students have gone from studying Social
yesterday’s classrooms.
relationships between parents, teachers
Studies, to the Study of Society and
and students.
Environment and will shortly embark
In preparing our students for today’s challenges we need to develop them as
(SEL) or social and emotional
areas have remained virtually the same though some subtle differences have emerged. Whereas Mathematics was once about getting the answer right, it’s now about communicating, thinking and reasoning. English is more than reading
upon History and Geography. No matter
being responsible, resourceful and self-
learning is another new buzzword in
the content of each subject field, it is the
directed learners. It is vital to cultivate
modern classrooms. It has long been
development of critical thinkers, creative
cooperative, collaborative, independent
established that SEL is fundamental to
problem solvers, effective communicators
young people, preparing them for a
children’s mental health, ability to learn,
and self-directed learners that forms the
society where knowledge expands at such
moral development and ability to work collaboratively. In modern classrooms
core of each.
an amazing rate and to foster a generation that will be able to solve problems not yet
teachers are providing explicit teaching of
even known to exist.
strategies that assist students in learning
Traditional classrooms have been
to recognise and manage emotions,
teacher-controlled and information and
promote caring and concern for others,
fact driven in a one-size fits all style. It was
make responsible decisions and the
all about recall, specialisation, control and
ability to establish and maintain positive
sameness. It was about teachers marking
relationships.
test papers using ticks or crosses. These no
High challenge teaching requires
Education has changed. It’s far more than learning basic facts rather than timetables. It’s far more than using textbooks rather than eBooks. It’s far more than sitting in rows rather than participating in cooperative learning groups. It’s recognition that society is rapidly changing and the students of
longer fit our dynamic present and even
explicit teaching of strategies that
today need to be fully equipped with the
more dynamic future.
students can use when things go wrong.
skills for the society of tomorrow. In the
Students who have social and emotional
words of educationalist John Dewey, “If
personalisation of learning where learners
competencies and skills find it easier to
we teach today’s students as we taught
are central; their needs, interests and
manage themselves, relate to others,
yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.”
Today’s classroom should be about the
Brothers
cox plate Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
37
Makeover mummy
WIN yourself a makeover! Join our Healthy Mummies Crusade. Check out page 13!
Danielle, our makeover mum, was nominated was by her husband! On 26th February 2011, our first child, a beautiful son was born. When he was 12 days old, I accidentally fell down the front stairs of our house in the rain and snapped my leg in 2 places. In 4 months, my wife has not stopped and not taken any time for herself since the birth of our son or the accident. If it wasn’t for her, we would never have made it here. I love her dearly and want her to have this for herself. - Darren Pill
Danielle before
38
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
Danielle after
D I R E C TO R Y Get in the know!
S PRI N G 2011 w i th PA R T Y PL A N NER i n s i d e. childcare and education
health services
shopping for kids
trades & services
photography and keepsakes
pregnancy, childbirth & post natal
kids welcome
for mum
kids development
Kids Development continued
Childcare & Education
Cheeky Monkey Club Cairns
Sheridan Meadows Early Learning Centre A locally owned 75 place, custom built early learning day care centre. Highly accredited and parent friendly.
Fun performance dance classes for boys and girls aged 2 and up plus hip hop classes from age 5 and up.
2-6 Fretwell Rd White Rock p: 4036 2777 www.childcarecairns.com
sian@cheekymonkeyclub.com.au p: 4057 5412 www.cheekymonkeyclub.com.au
Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns
Choi Kwang Do Cairns Central
For a caring & disciplined environment & an education that is more than academic, consider a Catholic school.
Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control & Indomitable Spirit. Martial arts for the whole family.
130 Lake Street Cairns p: 4050 9700 www.cns.catholic.edu.au
1/ 21 Donaldson St Manunda p: 0414 782 189 www.ckdcairns.com.au
Nanny Network
Kids Moves
Certified & hand picked for your family. Before & After school and Nanny share
We get your kids moving in day care centres, schools, special events, playdays and we come to you!
abby@nannynetworkaustralia.com p: 0403 357 436 www.nannynetworkaustralia.com
sheridan@kidsmoves.com.au p: 0408 772 590 www.kidsmoves.com.au
Trinity Anglican School
Essential Skills Swim School
TAS offers Kindergarten through to Year 12 at White Rock and Prep - Year 7 at Kewarra Beach.
Boutique swim school offering small class sizes. Two specially designed heated pools , fully enclosed.
Progress Rd White Rock • Poolwood Rd Kewarra Beach p: 4036 8111 www.tas.qld.edu.au
32 Fishburn St, Bentley Park p: 4045 2782 www.swimskills.com.au
Cairns Montessori
Tanks Art Centre
Accredited Kindergarten. From 15months to school age. Allowing your children to develop at their own pace.
Offering an exciting range of circus & arts programs for toddlers to 10-year-olds.
9 Brose St White Rock p: 4036 1055 www.cairnsmontessori.com.au
Botanic Gardens Precinct at 46 Collins Av Edge Hill p: 4032 6600 www.tanksartscentre.com
Photography and Keepsakes
C-Me Swim Boutique, learn to swim schools offering quality lessons for children from 5 months. 3 locations.
Family Features Affordable sculptures , perfect for displaying at home or office. Treasure forever - capture the moment! 443 Russell Rd Malanda p: 0488 101 622 www.familyfeaturesfnq.com
Shaz Spannenburg Digital Images
TAS AQUATIC CENTRE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Specialising in beautiful pregnancy & baby images from Phone: 07 4036 8195 her Redlynch studio. Accredited member ofEmail: the AIPP. aquatic@tas.qld.edu.au www.tas.qld.edu.au Lot 32 The Rocks Rd Redlynch Progress Road, White Rock. p: 4039 0442 www.digitalimages.com.au
Cairns Parenting Companion Directory Spring 2011
Edge Hill • Paradise Palms Country Club • Sportsworld THEY’LL LEarn THE ropEs, p: 4053 2549 www.cmeswim.com.au so THEY don’T HavE To TAS Aquatic Centre Hang on To THEm Class for ages 6 months to adults. Classes to cater for all
TAS AQUATIC CENTRE LEARN TO SwIm
• • • • •
skill levels. Swim squads and fitness swimming groups. Held in a fun and friendly environment with experienced staff Class sizes that allow individualised instruction Progress Rd White Rock For ages six months to adults with classes to cater for all skill levels All new TAS Aquatic Development programmes p: 4036 8195 www.tas.qld.edu.au 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
Kids Welcome Little Snappers Swim School
Granite Gorge Nature Park
A boutique swim school featuring uniquely small class
Bush setting, awesome boulders, caves, pools & rock
Cairns PCYC
Gecko’s Indoor Play Centre
A community club offering a wide variety of activities for all ages. Great after school care services and gym!
You can relax, enjoy the café and let the kids enjoy the jumping castle or double speed slide!
91-97 MacNamara St Manunda p: 4053 1532 www.cairnspcyc.org
Smithfield Centre Northern carpark next to Overflow p: 4038 1181 www.geckosplay.com.au
Kindermusik With Nicole
Brothers World Of Entertainment
Music & movement developmentally appropriate classes for children 0 - 7 years, held in airconditioned studio.
Children’s dining deals and a fully supervised kids play room for 3 – 12 year-olds. Open daily.
9 Donnelly Close Brinsmead p: 0418 772 258 www.kmusikcairns.com
99–105 Anderson St Manunda p: 4053 1053 www.brotherscairns.com.au
Birdwing Therapies
Fuller Sports Club Edmonton
Specialising in counselling and therapy for children, adolescents and families. Home and school visits available.
Your family club on the southside. Great kids meals, state-of-the-art supervised kids play area.
| BASKETBALL || CIRCUS || STATE sizes. Opening October 2011. Now taking bookings.OF THE ART GYMNASIUM wallabies to feed. Camp by open fire or cabins. 1 Cumberland Smithfield 332 Paglietta CIRCUS SKILLSAvenue || ROBOTICS AND JUNIOR TAE KWON DO Rd (off Chewko Rd) Mareeba p: 4038 1241 www.littlesnappers.com.au p: 4093 2259 www.granitegorge.com.au ASTICS - RECREATION CLASSES LEVEL 1- 4 BOYS & GIRLS
RA STREET - MANUNDA - PH: 4053 1532
p: 4041 3504
www.birdwingtherapies.com.au
Pregnancy, Childbirth & Post Natal Pregnancy Massage and HypnoBirthing Specialist massage service & Hypnobirthing classes. Support during pregnancy & beyond. Zoe Strickland p: 0420 504 421
24-26 Armstrong St Edmonton p: 4045 4757 www.fullersports.com.au
Cairns Wildlife Safari Home to many of the world’s exotic and endangered animals. Breakfast with the beasts, 19 lions watching. 2577 Kennedy Highway Koah p: 4093 7777 www.cairnswildlifesafarireserve.com.au
Dundee’s Restaurant on the Water Front www.zoestricklandmassage.com.au
Hot Mummies & Baby Equipment Hire Your one stop maternity & baby shop. Selling beautiful maternity wear and hiring goods for bub. Corner McLeod and Upward Sts Cairns p: 4041 0468 www.hotmummies.com.au
Specialising in Australian beef, fresh seafood and pastas. Lunch & dinner, 7 days a week from 11.30am to late. Marlin Parade Harbour Lights Cairns Water Front p: 4051 0399 www.dundees.com.au
Health Services
Spirit of Birth
Cairns Precision Dental Group
Your online directory for Pregnancy, birth and beyond. Support for all growing families in FNQ.
We are the regional leaders in dental services for children. Offering complete care with state of the art facilities.
info@spiritofbirth.com.au p: 0457 129 516 www.spiritofbirth.com.au
546 Mulgrave Rd Woree p: 4054 2203 www.cairnsprecisiondental.com Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion Directory
Health Services continued Spectrum Counselling and Lifestyle Coach
Apple Tree Medical
Need someone to talk to whether it be personal, a relationship, work related or the need to change a lifestyle.
Offering a full range of GP services with male & female GP’s & a midwife for postnatal and ante-natal support.
Room 9 Calanna Medical Centre p: 0418 772 615 www.spectrumlifestylecoach.com
Draper St • Smithfield • Palm Cove p: 4038 2777 www.appetreemedical.com.au
Woree Family Medical Centre
HealthKicks
Continuing to care for our Cairns community and providing a full GP service. All patients bulk billed.
Healthkicks Nutrition, Dietetic & Exercise Clinic. A one-stop-shop for all your nutrition and exercise needs!
600 Bruce Highway Woree p: 4033 2525 reception@woreefmc.com.au
2/163 Lake St Cairns 4870 p: 4041 6675 www.healthkicks.com.au
Trades & Services
For Mum
Williams Graham Carman Solicitors (WGC)
Reds Salon and Spa
Providing quality legal services across a wide spectrum of the law to the FNQ region for over 35 years.
Reds offers complete hair, spa and beauty treatments in glamorous surroundings.
1A Water St Cairns City p: 4046 1111 www.wgc.com.au
The Lakes Resort 2 Greenslopes St Edge Hill p: 4032 0445 www.redssalon.com.au
H&R Block (Cairns)
Peak Physique Coaching and Nutrition
Let us take the burden out of tax. Year-found support and service by a tax professional!
Peak physique Bootcamp Athlete is all about you, your goals and your fitness- we build the inner athlete in you.
Mulgrave Rd and Smithfield p: 4051 6315 www.hrblockcairns.com.au
cliff@yourpeak.com.au p: 0415 310 990 www.yourpeak.com.au
Cairns Complete Clean
Get Fit Personal Training
A complete chemical-free clean of your home. Servicing Edmonton to the Northern Beaches.
Personalised Fitness & Fat Loss Training that gets RESULTS! One-on-one • Buddy or small groups • Beginners bootcamp.
info@cairnscompleteclean.com.au p: 0421 357 909 www.cairnscompleteclean.com.au
info@getfitpersonaltraining.com.au p: 0407 562 314 www.getfitpersonaltraining.com.au
GPS Painting
The Chef’s Toolbox
Catering for all your painting needs, residential & commercial, inside & out. Coolit roof painting also available.
Inspiring Cooking in every home. Spend quality time with children whilst earning an income. Flexible hours.
Po Box 19 Bungalow p: 0408 988 683 www.gpspainting.com.au
sharon.mcwilliams@bigpond.com p: 0408 206 220 www.chefstoolbox.com/my/sharonmcwilliams
Amazing Clean
Cairns Beauty Academy
Bring your dirty or damaged blinds back to life with our ultrasonic process that removes all stains and odours.
Affordable beauty treatments by qualified therapists, nail technicians or with a practicing beauty student.
amazingclean@tropicnet.com.au p: 0414 58 2961 www.amazingclean.com.au
97 Spence St Cairns p: 4051 3882 www.beautyacademy.com.au
Cairns Parenting Companion Directory Spring 2011
NIKKI THE CLOWN
All round entertainer!
Characters Entertainment Venues
clown, pirate, fairy queen and more puppet shows, face painting, music and balloons parties, events, corporate, weddings and shopping centres.
e: nikki@nikkitheclown.com p: 0408 183 032 www.nikkitheclown.com
ber! Make it a day to remem
party PLANNER
If you have a kids birthday party coming up, we’ve put together a few businesses that are there to help make it one to remember. From entertainers, to caterers, venues, suppliers and everything in-between, our party planner is the best way to make it happen.
Get people looking at your business ADVERTISING rates start from as little as $55 per month. Contact Juanita on 0438 811 027 for more information.
www.parentingcompanion.com.au
ACE D.J. & KOOEE KANGAROO We like to party!
DJ MJ loves kids, just ask his daughter. Music and games for all ages. Special guest Kooee the giant cuddly kangaroo. He is cheeky and fun and likes to dance and play with your kids. Contact: MJ p: 0438 045 864
mj.ace@bigpond.com
MUDDY’S CAFE
Birthday’s with the best view in town We now cater for kid’s parties. Offering a range of fairy bread, sandwiches, fruit, and hot food platters. Bring your balloons and we organize the rest. Platters for the parents available too! 174 The Esplanade Cairns p: 4051 0388 www.muddyscafe.com
CAIRNS RECREATION CENTRE Your true rock n roll centre!
Yes, we are your true rock’n’roll centre! But not just roller skating, also rock climbing, parties, functions, conventions, trade shows and more! Cairns Recreation Centre - promoting family fun and fitness. 44 Behan St Manunda p: 4053 5353 www.cairnsrecreationcentre.com.au
NQ HUMMER
ZOO TO YOU
Looking for a ‘different’ birthday party experience for your child’s next birthday?
Bring your birthday to life with some of Australia’s cutest and scariest wildlife.
Call NQ Hummer! We do great deals for birthdays and special occasions from $30pp.
We safely interact with your children with our hand raised animals and give them the chance to hold their favourite animals!
info@nqhummer.com.au p: 0418 847 258 www.nqhummer.com.au
PO Box 335 Redlynch Qld 4870 p: 0415 696 439 www.zootooyou.com.au
Stretch Hummers for all occasions!
Party with Australian Wildlife!
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion Directory
PARADISE PALMS RESORT
BROTHERS WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT
Children’s birthday parties have never been easier.
Kids disco parties for 3 to 12-year-olds with crazy hosts and disco DJ’s.
and Country Club
Parties include food, drink and access to Pelicans in Paradise playground and swimming pool.
Kids Disco Parties every Sunday!
Held every Sunday from 3.30 - 6pm.
Prices start from $15 per child.
Dancing, games, music, prizes, food and fun!
Paradise Palms Drive Kewarra Beach p:4059 9999 www.paradisepalms.com.au
99 - 105 Anderson St Manunda p: 40 531053 www.brotherscairns.com.au
BARRIER REEF JUMPING CASTLES
TJAPUKAI ABORIGINAL CULTURAL PARK
Cairns biggest jumping castle and slide stockists. Inflatable castles, mechanical bull, sumo suits, slides, juke box hire, water slides & slush machines. We provide not just rides but yummy party food too!
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural park offers a showcase of indigenous culture, allowing guests to watch theatrical performances and engage in intertactive activities.
229 Lyons St Westcourt Cairns p: 4051 2424 www.barrierreefjumpingcastles.com.au
Cairns Western Arterial Rd Smithfield p: 4042 9922 www.tjapukai.com.au
CHEEKY MONKEY CLUB
EVENTS NQ
Designer themed parties with lots of fun and imagination.
For extra tables, chairs, BBQs, eskies, marquees and even the kitchen sink, Events NQ have all the extra equipment you need to make your party a success.
Fun for adults & kids parties and functions!
Themed parties for all ages!
Catering for children of all ages. We can design games, activities and characters to make any theme come to life!
Aboriginal culture & interactive activities
Bring your kids birthday party group to Tjapukai!
All your Party Hire Needs
For CPC readers, mention this ad and receive 10% off your hire *excludes labour & linen*
sian@cheekymonkeyclub.com.au p: 4057 5412 www.cheekymonkeyclub.com.au
456 Sheridan St North Cairns p: 4053 4577 www.eventsnq.com.au
CUDDLES THE CLOWN
SEW FUN 4 KIDS
Cuddles the clown loves to do balloon sculptures, facepainting, storytelling, juggling, puppetry, singing and so much more.
Fun and creative craft workshops, great for birthday parties and designed to let children create their own unique and memorable experience.
Perfect for family get togethers, chidren’s parties and functions.
Kids can choose from beading, doll making, polymer clay and much more…
PO Box 480N Cairns North 4870 p: 0412 713 343 marcellekerse@hotmail.com
Shop 1A/8 Carnation Drive Mooroobool p: 0422 296 526 www.sewfun4kids.com.au
GECKO’S INDOOR PLAY CENTRE
KIDS2GO
Your multi-talented clown!
Experts in children’s parties
We have themed rooms with hosts, wonderful food and games also available.
Book a craft party!
Themed Kids Party Supplies Online Party Supply company specialising in themed characters.
Open 7 days, it’s the perfect place to relax and have a coffee while the kids play in a safe, air-conditioned playground.
Save with one of our Party Packs! For CPC readers, you will receive a 15% discount on all products, simply enter the code word ‘Parenting’ in the Coupon section when you are at the checkout.
Smithfield Centre - northern carpark (next to Overflow) p: 40 381181 www.geckosplay.com.au
admin@kids2go.com.au p: 0411 581 451 www.kids2go.com.au
Cairns Parenting Companion Directory Spring 2011
LOLLYPOTZ - CHOCOLATE BOUQUETS
JUMPING CASTLES AND SLIDES
We are an Internet and retail supplier of Chocolate Bouquet gifts. Specialising in corporate gifts for businesses, and centrepieces for functions, corporate rewards or one-off gifts. We offer Australia wide delivery.
Guaranteed professional & friendly service with no hidden costs. All products are always sanitised & hygienically cleaned between hires. You will receive a service that is value for money & the peace of mind that the products all comply with Australian safety standards. Call for quote!
Shop 7 Corner Sheridan and Minnie Sts p: 1300 565 597 www.lollypotz.com.au
p: 0447 747 307 www.jumpingcastlescairns.communityguide.com.au
Australia’s largest Chocolate Bouquet supplier
CUPCAKE CREATIONS Not just birthday cakes!
We specialise in exciting and interactive birthday parties in a fun and safe environment. Kids get to bake and decorate their own cupcakes and indulge in a mini high tea. We also make amazing birthday cakes and cupcakes for your child’s special day! Shop 2B Civic Shopping Centre Sheridan St p: 4051 1600 www.cairnscupcakes.com.au
KISSES & KURLS DESIGNS & ARTWORKS Individual & original birthday presents Hand painted and originally designed gifts by local mum and artist Melanie. Perfect for the child who has everything. Personalised and made with love. Great for kids with unique names. Starting at only $15.
Fun for Kids!
SEVEN STARS CUPCAKERY
Delicious, handcrafted cakes & cupcakes Custom made cakes to suit any occasion. Surprising and unique flavours. Weekly appearances at various local markets (visit our website for details). info@sevenstarscupcakery.com.au p: 0438 106 356 www.sevenstarscupcakery.com.au
FLIP RIPLEY
Cairns Favourite Kids Party Magician Flip’s Birthday Party Magic Show is a back-yard Adventure of Fun and Surprises! Balloon sculpting, magic, slapstick, and circus tricks that will keep you laughing the rest of the day…
kissesandkurls@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/kissesandkurls
m: 0410 510 095 p: 4057 9020 Flip2@westnet.com.au
THE RED BERET
GIFTED MEMORIES
Kids parties are our speciality. We have a secure play area, Xboxes and even a supervised jumping castle. We love to decorate and provide table cloths, balloons, napkins and sparkles at no extra cost. Customize a menu to suit or choose from our Platter Menu. Cakes also available.
Beautiful keepsakes and memorabilia, personalised jewellery, wine hampers, gifts for all occasions and budgets.
Cnr Kamerunga & Intake Rd Redlynch p: 4055 1249 www.theredberet.com.au
jane@giftedmemories.com.au www.giftedmemories.com.au
SUMPHUN KIDZCRAFT
ORANGERIE PATISSERIE
Add a new, exciting dimension to your next Birthday Party or function with SandArt.
Specialising in cakes for all occasions including birthdays, christening, wedddings & corporate. All our products are produced from our own recipies using the highest quality ingredients with no packet mixes or presevatives used. Come in and see us or visit our website to view some of our creations.
We love any type of parties!
Birthday Party Entertainment
Glass deco, shrink art and other great crafts also available. Ideal for birthday parties, Christmas parties and functions. sumphunkidzcraft@gmail.com p: 0410 041 633 www.sumphunkidzcraft.net.au
For Gifts That Create Memories
Try our gift finder to find that perfect gift based on age, gender, budget and occasion.
Open Tues - Sat 9-5.30pm
Shop 15 Redlynch Central Shopping Centre p: 4039 1755 www.orangeriepatisserie.com.au Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion Directory
SHOP ONLINE NOW! Quick, Convenient and Satisfying... Playtime and Educational toys
SPECIALISING in pre-filled TIMBER TOY BOXES DVDs, Books, Games and more!
FREE
upgrade on any hot or cold drink! *mention this ad to redeem special offer
www.ta-datoys.com.au
Muzz Buzz Drive-Thru Raintrees Shopping Centre Manunda
F amily F eatures
Baby and Children’s Hands & Feet Stone Sculptures
SCULPTURES FROM $85.00 SUE GRIFFIN
P: 4096 8180 M: 0488 101 622 familyfeatures@activ8.net.au Web: www.familyfeaturesfnq.com ®
Cairns Parenting Companion Directory Spring 2011
(13 43 25 84)
13 HEALTH Queensland Health’s
phone advice line It’s 3am and your child has a headache and a tummy rash. You’re getting a sore throat. Unsure what to do for an ache or pain? Should you be concerned about the flu? Who should you call? Queenslanders have a 24 hour a day statewide health hotline. For the cost of a local call* you can access child health and parent support services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) service is designed to deal with non-life threatening medical situations, provide preventative health information and advice about referrals to local health care services. By calling 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) you can access a range of services: Telephone Triage Service
It is a specialised service with a focus on supporting and empowering parents and carers of children 0-5 years within a wellness model. Child Health staff have a wealth of experience and expertise, and provide information, advice and reassurance to parents and carers on a broad range of topics. These include, but are not restricted to: • • • • • • •
breast and bottle feeding growth and development infant nutrition, transition to solids sleep and settling techniques toddler behaviours immunisation parenting support.
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Child Health staff can also let you know where appropriate services are located in your area.
You can speak to a qualified nurse who can advise you of the best course of action to take; including whether to attend a hospital emergency department, see your family doctor, or administer home care. The service is not designed to replace your family doctor or the Triple 0 service but to provide advice over the phone when people are unsure if a problem is serious or need advice about accessing health services. In emergency situations always call Triple 0 for urgent assistance. In an emergency always dial 000 Child Health Service The Child Health Line is part of the 13 HEALTH service and offers parenting advice, support and information to families on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis.
w w w. p a r e n t i n g c o m p a n i o n . c o m . a u Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
47
between
the sheets Your relationship with your partner is organic; that is, it is not static, it is ever-changing. And like a garden, relationships need attention. It is unreasonable to expect your relationship not to have some ups and downs. When you decide to have children, all of your time, energy, love and money go into providing the very best for your family. You both do your utmost to ensure that the child (or children) feels loved, cared for, safe and secure. However, as a couple, you and your partner often lose aspects of your relationship in the process. Dr Gary Chapman (author of The Five Love Languages) says, “The object of love is not getting something you want, but doing something for the well-being of the one you love.�
48
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
Jennifer McCabe (BSW) Running on Empathy Counselling www.runningonempathy.com.au
Here are a few tips to maintain a happy
neither party is communicating and
relationship – but they do require effort
both feel misunderstood and hurt. When
and consistency:
cracks begin to appear try to resolve any
• When you leave the house in the
problems as they arise by respectfully
morning, and when you return in the
listening to each other’s point of view. The
afternoon, reconnect with your partner
way to a satisfactory solution is when both
by sharing a big hug. This is a lovely
parties feel they have been heard.
way to give and receive love and it is
relationship the connection between you
provides them with a feeling of security.
will strengthen and your affection for
to ‘catch up’ on the day’s events (a minimum of 20 minutes). Make sure
each other increase – hopefully ending up between the sheets! Don’t leave it too late. Sex therapist, Karol Misso says that
there are no distractions so turn off the
rekindling intimacy after childbirth,
television and your mobile phone. Try
especially if it is the first child, is an
and keep the conversation positive and
investment every couple who value
not make it simply a whinge session
their relationship should make. The
about work or home. Ideally this could
presence of Sexual Desire Discrepancy
be once the children are put to bed.
prior to pregnancy and childbirth will be
Allow each partner a chance to speak
exacerbated by the special challenges
while the other partner listens with
that confront a couple in childbearing and
focused attention. Show interest. The
parenting. These factors could include the
best way to do this is to make eye
woman experiencing pressure to ‘please
contact. This exercise is not as easy as it
her partner’ and the man feeling ‘left out’,
sounds but with practice you will reap
at times even rejected. Fatigue (on call
the rewards.
day and night), lack of time (sex becoming
• Give affection spontaneously – try holding hands when you’re sitting on the couch. • Say something complimentary to each other at least once a day. For example, I like what you’re wearing today, or you have a lovely smile, or I love the way you are with the children etc. It doesn’t take much effort and makes you both feel loved. Sometimes the challenge is accepting compliments, so try and just go with it! • Ask each other out on a date – make this once a week and build it into your routine.
a low priority), low tactile hunger (she is getting as much as she needs from the baby), breastfeeding (who owns it - baby or partner?), decrease in hormones that contribute to Sexual Desire, change in body image and painful intercourse, trauma, and fear of pregnancy are among the frequently expressed concerns of women. How the man responds to these concerns and endeavours to offer support, manage his own frustrations and his feelings of having to ‘compete’ with the baby is critical. How to rekindle sexual Intimacy:
movie on cheap Tuesday or a walk on the
• non-sexual touching: a gentle massage, hugs and kisses
If there is any advice I can give based
• creating time to be a couple, not just
on my experience it’s don’t wait until
Mum and Dad. Give your relationship
the relationship is at crisis point before
the gift of a baby sitter
you do something, as it’s hard to get the relationship back on track when
• putting the woman in charge of the three P’s – Pace, Position, Penetration.
your say from our E-newsletter subscribers: I have found that actually making time to have a night by yourselves without the kids does not help the problem, it creates one. The pressure is on firstly to have sex when it’s still the last thing on your mind!! Then you don’t have a lot to talk about and I’m sure he’s still dreaming about you know what! It’s shocking, I know, but a lot of women are in the same boat - I am just one of them that tells it like it is. Something I have found useful is a great book written about the issues men and women struggle with after they’ve had children. The author’s name is Willard F. Harley Jnr and the title is: ‘His Needs and Her Needs for parents’. It’s helped me a lot. Amy - Cairns
particularly if there has been vaginal
It doesn’t have to be expensive – maybe a Esplanade with an ice cream after.
• maximising enhancers and minimising inhibitors to ‘feeling sexy’
By mindfully attending to your
also great for the children to see as it • Allocate some time each evening
• enhancing sexual repertoire, especially outercourse. What’s wrong with a vibrator?
• negotiating and planning, talking sex, sharing fantasies and erotica
What sex life? Whilst I recognise sex does have an important part to play in a marriage, my husband and I have accepted that in the early ‘child-rearing’ years, it’s not a huge priority. We’re comfortable in the knowledge that as long as we’re a happy family and helping to fulfil each other’s many other needs then sex can take a back step until we have more time for each other again. Theresa – Brinsmead
To subscribe to our monthly e-newsletters head to the home page of www.parentingcompanion.com.au
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
49
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Would you like to: • take the anxiety and frustration out of parenting? • develop a more rewarding relationship with your children? • discover simple tools that can assist you? Courses and One on One Sessions available. Contact Sigrid Welder and Dr. John Thoma Ph: 07 4055 3432 or mobile: 0439 1838 56 Email: j5at@yahoo.com
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
Baby Welcoming Ceremony & Free Family Day WHEN: Sunday, September 25 from 10-4pm WHERE: Cairns Regional Council Building (119-145 Spence Street, Cairns)
Baby Registration Form Families who have welcomed a baby since September 2010 are invited to take part in this special ceremony by registering their baby by Friday, September 16.
Free
ment, ntertain family e ailable, drink av & d o fo g s, jumpin activitie e c fa , talls castle, s ! r o &m e painting
Baby’s Full Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Baby’s Birth Date: ___________________________________________________________________ Parents/Guardians: __________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ________________________________________________________________________ How many other children under 5 years do you have? ______________________________________ (This form is used to produce a commemorative certificate for your baby, so please correctly print your information.)
Post to: Welcoming Babies Ceremony, Cairns Regional Council, PO Box 359, CAIRNS 4870 Fax to: 4044 3953 | Email to: a.lecomte@cairns.qld.gov.au Each baby will be presented with a welcoming certificate and a special gift at an upbeat and delightful ceremony with Mayor Val Schier. 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion 51 Phone 4044 3044 (Cairns), 4099 9444 (Mossman) or 1800 070 444 (STD Spring callers) | www.cairns.qld.gov.au
PHOTO
Pam Plos from Kewarra Beach with grandson, Lachlan - aka Jessie and Woody
today Naomi Wilson from Spectrum Counselling explains the changing role of grandparenting in society today.
Grandparents! What an honour it is to be a grandparent, and what an honour it is to have a grandparent alive and interacting with your family. You see, this is part of the survival need – part of a chain in your history that goes back years, and will go on for years in your genetic link. Over the years the relationship with grandparents has changed as families have gradually fragmented with travel and job relocations, creating a distance that never used to exist in family units. But, with our technological advances, these links now can be maintained with emails, phones and of course Skype.
Times have changed with more parents having to work to balance their family budgets, and in many cases grandparents have taken on the role of carer. According to 2006 figures, 14,000 grandparents raise their grandchildren and that number is growing. There is a catch however, as grandparents are now assuming responsibility on a daily basis, but in many cases they cannot make significant decisions on their grandchildren’s behalf – for instance what to do with health issues if a child is in their care. One of the difficulties many grandparents have found (and this was defined clearly in the UN Year of the
Older Persons 1999) is that they struggle financially caring for grandchildren on a full or part-time basis, particularly grandparents on a low income or pension. Their incomes just don’t cope with the extra child-rearing costs, particularly those who have taken on full-time legal care of grandchildren. An issue with many grandparents today is having access to grandchildren when the parents have separated. The legal implications are not clear for a grandparent when a parent reappears and wants custody of a child in care of their grandparent. The legal rights of the grandparent may not be clearly defined.
In Australia, Queensland was Spring the first state to officially celebrate Grandparents’ Day - on the first Sunday in November, 2010. 52 Cairns Parenting Companion 2011
“The bond between my mother-in-law and my son is so strong. She absolutely loves being a grandmother and is not afraid to get amongst them and use her imagination to have playtime!” – Belinda Rogers, Cairns
There are measures being debated on
with grandparents can teach children
For those fortunate to have a
these issues, as a child’s grandparents are
grandparent nearby (or being an adopted
positive attitudes towards aging. In some
part of his or her ancestry, and many feel
grandparent), there are many ways
cases schools have grandparent days,
that children have a right to access their
children can get to know their older family
and how proud are the children whose
grandparents.
member. Most grandparents have time to
grandparents attend? Just try it.
Another growing issue is that of
tell stories, play games, make playdough,
There is such a wonderful life after
grandparent abuse. This is appearing on
go to the movies, cuddle, laugh or simply
parenting for grandparents; grandparents
the radar more often as situations of abuse
be there to chat.
go to the gym, they ride bikes, they
(such as isolation, financial and safety)
ski, they dance, they go on trips, they
For grandparents who might be
are being disclosed. As they get older and
reading this article – what is so good
cook, they read. Today, grandparents are
need assistance more, some grandparents
about being a grandparent? Usually,
active and they can be active with their
move into the home of one of their
there is the benefit of interacting on
grandchildren by including them and their
children, and unfortunately in some cases,
a level that is removed from the day-
families in so many ways.
this is where the abuse begins.
to-day responsibilities of parents and
Grandparents Day is celebrated on
this can make it easier to develop a
the first Sunday of November each year
is the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ treatment;
close bond with grandchildren. From
– but let’s not wait until November, let’s
placing them into a retirement village or
near or far, grandparents can provide
celebrate our grandparents daily. Give
care situation and forgetting them. Sadly
continuity in a child’s life. They are often
them a call or visit this week, write a letter
this occurs in many situations, when a
the family historians, with a wonderful
or get on Skype with the family, and in
visitation by the family could raise the
background of stories of bygone days, and
November join in and celebrate YOUR
spirits of a grandparent so much so that he
can add a rich sense of family tradition
grandparents with the community. They
or she will relish the memories of the visit.
to a child’s life. Additionally, contact
are special people.
The saddest treatment of a grandparent
Call now for an appointment
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
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WORDS
Anita Tyrrell - Healthkicks
Juggling the demands of kids, home and work often means that diet and lifestyle take a backseat; leaving you feeling tired and lacklustre.
Fighting Fatigue Fatigue and a lack of energy can be a real problem for many people, especially today’s super-mums.
Fatigue Busting Recipe QUINOA PILAF Ingredients (serves 4) 2 cups salt-reduced veg stock 1 cups (350g) quinoa Olive oil cooking spray 1 med red capsicums, roughly chopped 1 small eggplant, roughly chopped 1 med zucchini, roughly chopped 2 green onions, thinly sliced 1 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves 1/4 cup lemon juice Fresh oregano leaves, to serve Optional: Tin tuna for extra protein boost.
Method 1. Place stock & quinoa in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer covered, stirring occasionally, for 10 min or until just tender. Remove from heat. Set aside, covered for 10 min. 2. Spray a heavy-based saucepan with oil. Heat over med-high heat. Add capsicum & eggplant. Cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 min or until beginning to soften. Cook, covered, for 15 min or until softened. Add zucchini, onion and oregano. Toss to combine. Cook, covered, for 5 min or until zucchini is tender. 3. Add zucchini mixture and lemon juice to quinoa. Toss to combine. Season with pepper. Sprinkle with oregano.
Ten steps to help fight fatigue and boost your energy levels: 1 Drink plenty of water
6 Don’t follow fad diets
A dehydrated body functions less
Going on extreme low calorie, low
efficiently. Aim for two litres of
carbohydrate or detox diets will slow your
water daily.
metabolism and sap your energy.
2 Limit caffeine
7 Eat balanced meals
A small amount of caffeine can boost
It is important to eat a combination of
alertness and overcome fatigue. However
protein and low GI carbohydrates at every
overdoing it can keep you awake and
meal to help keep you full and your blood
cause irritability, an upset stomach, nervousness and headaches. 3 Limit alcohol While the occasional glass of red wine may be beneficial, any more than this can deplete your body of vitamin B, zinc and magnesium, which are key elements for your metabolism and releasing energy. 4 Eat breakfast Not having breakfast reduces your ability to concentrate and perform adequately. 5 Don’t skip meals Going without food for too long allows blood sugar levels to drop. Try to eat
sugars stable. 8 Eat iron rich foods Iron is required to transport oxygen in the blood around the body. When the body is deficient in iron this can lead to low energy and fatigue. Women in particular are susceptible to iron deficiency. If you are concerned ask your doctor to check your iron levels. 9 Get enough sleep Aim to sleep well, avoid caffeine before bed and learn how to relax; take a bath or practice relaxation techniques.
regularly to maintain your energy levels
10 Get active!
throughout the day. Eating a low GI
Physical activity boosts energy, helps you
breakfast will also help your waistline as
to de-stress and sleep better. Exercise at
you’ll be much less likely to reach for a
a greater intensity to release endorphins
mid-morning ‘fat’ snack.
and achieve a natural high. Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
57
WORDS Sonya Barber Diploma of Fitness and FitKids Trainer
lc imbing trees? Have kids really stopped
It is hard to believe as we live and enjoy the great family lifestyle of the tropics, that new research has revealed a massive decline in outdoor play across the generations of kids in Australia. Most Aussie kids don’t climb trees anymore, according to new research from Planet Ark.
ensure the social, emotional and physical
Once a symbol of an idyllic childhood, a simple nature-loving pastime has so significantly declined that only 19 percent of Australian children enjoy a clamber in their local tree. Our children’s love affair with the great outdoors is waning so rapidly that ten percent of today’s kids play outside just once a week and only 35 percent of children play outside everyday compared to 72 percent of kids a generation ago.
more often than indoors, compared to
Experts are urging Australian parents to help get our kids back outdoors to
first thing!” humph.
For a complete list of some great
development of current and future generations.
The landscape of childhood has changed so significantly in just one generation that 73 percent of Aussie parents agreed that they played outside only 13 percent of their children. At the halfway point of our hectic first year of the school schedule (which is jam-packed with music, library, Japanese, computers, sport day and so on), I asked my six-year-old, who is jumping on the trampoline, in the sandpit or on the swings whenever he can, “What’s your favourite day at school?” “Mondays mum”, says an
One in four parents say they simply don’t have enough time to play outdoors
So, grab the kids and help them to
The barriers to outside play include crime and safety concerns with 87 percent of respondents saying they were worried about letting kids play games on the street
available to you and your family, visit our website at www.parentingcompanion.com.au
like they once used to.
with their kids anymore. Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
“Our current research stems from the worry that children’s emotional wellbeing, creativity and social skills are impaired by the decrease in outdoor play. While parents understandably prioritise safety, what they seem to forget is that playing outdoors—especially with friends-contributes to experience and skills that promote safety”, said Professor Bundy. This is also something our own council recognises with a Parks and Recreation Strategy being the driving force behind development, building and infrastructure to maximise our green spaces and parks, with an emphasis on physical activity opportunities such as bike tracks, skate parks, safe play areas and even rockclimbing parks – all free.
excited Thomas, “because we play outside
FREE OUTDOOR FACILITIES
58
And then there is the technology – DVDs, TV, Xbox, playstation, Wii … the list goes on! Professor Anita Bundy, an internationally renowned academic in the area of children’s occupational therapy and assessment from The University of Sydney, is leading the charge to address the decrease in children’s play outdoors.
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7-8 year old withmum r e v o g n i k o lo shoulder
60
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
n o o g I n a c , m u M
WORDS our
Mummy Panelist - Nancy Johnstone
? k o o b e c fa
When it comes to Internet use there are some tools that can help you keep your kids safe. I am a Facebook and Internet user and, as
enough to set up a profile. I believe that
a busy working Mum, I love it! I can keep
any younger than 13 is too young though.
my family and friends up to date with our
When it comes to Internet use there
activities (especially as most of my family
are some tools that can help you keep
and friends live interstate), share photos
your kids safe. Your Browser program has a
and see what they are up to. It is also great
History option and this allows you to look
for me, as I don’t have a lot of spare time to
back at past websites they have visited.
chat on the phone.
There are filters and screening programs
However, I am an adult and am aware of
to block entry to certain websites –
Internet safety and the dangers. So when
remembering these are not 100%
my children ask me “Mum I want to go on
effective, but very helpful. Many Internet
Facebook, can I?”, what will my answer be? The Internet and Facebook can be a fun place to spend time but, like anything new our children start, we as parents need to discuss the good points, the dangers, set rules and discuss consequences. age of 13 but it is possible for any child of any age to join. All they need is an email address.
of their service.
the dangers.
My children are only six and four but
Nancy’s Facebook rules:
I already have strict computer rules. Our
I will control their privacy settings.
computer is set up in an open area of our
They are not to post their surname, just an initial.
house, I have a timer and they are allowed computer I show an interest in what they are doing, ask questions and make comments. This sets up a routine to show that when they are on the computer I am
I believe we as parents know our
So my answer is YES, you can go on Facebook once the rules and guidelines are agreed to and the consequences of breaking the rules (eg, no Facebook for a week or fortnight) are clear. As parents our challenge is to help our children enjoy the benefits of Facebook while avoiding
service providers (ISPs) offer filters as part
30 minutes a day. When they are on the
Facebook recommends a minimum
night at the table to encourage discussions and conversations, so this usually leaves little time for the computer anyway.
involved. I try to apply a good balance
children best and we can make the
of homework, sport, social and family
decision of when our children are mature
activities including dinner together every
They are not to post anything inappropriate. They can only accept friends that they know in person. They are not allowed to post our address, phone number or any school schedules.
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61
goals
Jacinta Hoare of H&R Block Cairns explains why it’s smart to have a realistic plan and stick to it.
setting
realistic
Have you ever resolved at New Year to save more or manage your money more carefully only to fall by the wayside within days or weeks? Following through with financial goals takes discipline and single mindedness which can be difficult when time is limited and budgets tight. So if you can set your goals with care each year there is a greater chance of succeeding in your plans. Being SMART when you put your financial goals into words is a sure-fire way to lift vague hopes and plans into clearly articulated goals, increasing your chances of follow through and ultimate success.
Did you know you can save on your child’s education? You may be eligible to receive a refundable tax offset of 50% on your educational expenses like textbooks, stationery, computers, software and the Internet. The Education Tax Refund now also covers school uniform expenses.
Let CPC help you be SMART! Make some cash off those unwanted items around the house. Go to our website to BUY or SELL pre-loved kids toys, clothing and furniture. Listings are FREE! www.parentingcompanion.com.au
62
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
S
pecific goals allow us to focus on one particular goal rather
than a generic wish list. Avoid making sweeping statements such as “I am going to save more”. Instead, set your goal to focus on a specific outcome such as “I am going to save $50 per fortnight in a separate bank account” or “I am going to pay off the balance of ‘xx’ credit card.” If you keep your goal statement specific you are able to limit your focus on the one particular task that is important to your goal’s outcome, which helps in fighting off distractions. With a clear and specific focus you are more likely to follow through and stick to your goal.
Cairns Recreation Centre
“The Rock ‘N’ Roll Centre”
M
easurable goals are an essential element in making your
goals a success. A measurable financial goal is one where you specify a dollar amount as a target. For example you could set the task of paying $200 a month off your credit card balance. By creating a measurable goal you are able to monitor whether you are achieving your target, allowing you to keep track of your progress. There is a rule in business circles that says “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it”. This same rule should apply to your financial goals - measure to manage.
A
chievable goals are essential for planned success. A goal that is achievable has a better chance of success than a grand plan that has been devised from fantasy. For most of us, there will be no visits from a ‘get rich quick’ fairy godmother or a chance windfall such as winning lotto or an unexpected inheritance, so our financial goals need to be set within the context of our current circumstances. The day-to-day realities of life control our short-term earnings capacities, the payments we must make (rent, childcare, groceries, clothing for example) and therefore, to be achievable, our goals and plans need to be set within these constraints.
rograms
P Birthdays & Holiday
Many goals are hastily made without a thought to pre-existing commitments and this can only cause failure and disappointment simply because they weren’t achievable in the first place.
R
ealistic ambitions and goals are more likely to result in success than fanciful plans. For example, if your plan is to pay $200 per month off your credit card balance but your preexisting commitments suggest that only $50 is a realistic target, then the $200 plan is doomed to failure before you even begin. The more realistic and successful approach is to plan for the lesser target. One of my favourite sayings is “its better to underachieve than not to achieve at all” which suggests that an overambitious target is likely to fail and produce no results.
T
ime is critical to measuring whether your movements towards your goal are a success or not. If your plans are open-ended then you cannot determine whether you have been successful or not. You should frame your goals with an end date in mind. Establishing a timeline allows you to work backwards to calculate what needs to be achieved on a regular basis to meet the end deadline.
Full and half day options available every School Holidays Please see our website for more information
4053 5353 44 Behan St, Manunda www.cairnsrecreationcentre.com.au
So do some thinking about your financial goals and dreams and perhaps pick one goal to be SMART about. One SMART goal achieved is better than the many dreams and wishes, no matter how noble or grand. Good luck with being SMART. Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
63
Start your own business and earn extra cash! Spend more quality time with your children. Earn an income whilst having flexibility. Cut down on childcare expenses. Work the hours that suit you. The Chefs Toolbox is an Australian owned company which marries fast yet flavoursome recipes with clever kitchenware, to make cooking easier, healthier, faster and a lot more fun! Sharon McWilliams, mum of three, would like to introduce you to this exciting direct selling company. As a consultant you will run your own business, in one of the most enjoyable possible ways with flexible hours working from home or through running interactive cooking parties which are very social, informative and a fun way to demonstrate professional kitchenware. You don’t need to be a chef or a professional salesperson. Along with great income, training and support The Chefs Toolbox offers you working freedom!
For more info contact Sharon McWilliams on 0408 206 220 www.chefstoolbox.com/my/sharonmcwilliams
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.
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
The
Working Dilemma Ever heard of ‘home-sourcing’? Home-sourcing, home-shoring or homebased working is when a company allows their employees to work from home. Home-sourced workers are still required to come to the office for training from time to time but for the majority, they can work around the kids and home life. Benefits of home-sourcing include: • Employee loyalty. Employees enjoy the flexibility home-sourcing provides and appreciate the opportunity so therefore are very loyal. • Reduced costs for the employer as home-sourced workers often provide their own telephone equipment and computer systems. The Employer also saves on the cost of office space. • Possible tax advantages for the worker as they use part of their home for business purposes. • It provides the employer the ability to provide work to individuals who through disability are unable to travel to a workplace. Home sourcing - It’s a win-win situation for the businesses and the mum-professionals; not to mention an advantage for the economy. Talk to your employer about the potential to home-source your job? (extracted from www. virtualangelsau. blogspot.com)
Whether you work from home, work away, or work at being ‘mum’, all lif estyles come with their own issu es
Here’s what two of our mummy panelists had to say. Stay At Home Parent Cheryl Britton
Working Parent Abbey Dagg
When ticking the ‘housewife’ box at the
When it was time for me to return to
immigration counter, I fight the urge
work after my first child I found myself
to justify this choice by informing the
wondering how I could afford to stay
officer that I have five children. Staying
at home! Now, as I contemplate my
at home versus working is such an
return, I find that I’m asking myself a
emotive subject it can make us feel
question that is quite the opposite.
guilty, regardless of our decision. But in
How can I afford to go back to work?
reality I know I’m very fortunate to stay
This is what my list of PROS and CONS
at home while my children are young.
looks like:
There are nights of longing for the
PROS:
past when staying in hotels, ordering
• Earning money and financially
room service and a peaceful bath were all part of work-related travel, but the delight in my children’s faces when they get to stay with me all day soon puts it into perspective. We get to walk to prep, we don’t rush all the time and I don’t have to really, really hope that
contributing • Using my adult brain again • Being Abbey not just mummy CONS: • The rising cost of childcare and which one best suits my children
they haven’t contracted the latest
• Separation anxiety
contagious day-care disease, because
• Extra responsibility and demands
I can’t take another day off work.
Although nothing beats a hot cuppa
There’s no denying there are times I
and a break from the Alphabet song,
understand why some species eat their
the right decision doesn’t come and
young, but it’s then you turn to other
slap you in the face! Personally, I enjoy
SAHP and over coffee realise that we’re
the challenge that a WORK/ LIFE
all experiencing the same challenges.
balance brings and funnily enough, I
My opinion, however, is they are far
actually seem to be far more organised
outweighed by the rewards.
as a mum who works. Go figure??
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
65
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Gus Soper, mortgage broker for Cairns Home Loans discusses ways to relieve mortgage stress.
Mortgage $tress Mortgage Stress: It’s not much fun and
It is estimated that over one million
sadly something that is more and more
Australians may be experiencing
common. If you’re out there and feeling
mortgage stress at the moment and this
it, don’t panic as you are not alone. The
figure is set to rise if interest rates move
good news is there are ways to relieve
upward in the future.
the pressure with some simple changes. As the fall-out of the GFC and the
If you are currently paying more than 30 percent of your household disposable
downturn of the local economy seems to
income in mortgage repayments, you
drag on, many of us are wondering where
might want to call your mortgage broker
the end is? I don’t know the answer to
to re-check your home loan affordability.
that but I do think that, with the benefit
With the constant threat of interest rate
of hindsight, we all individually know
rises you need to make sure you can still
what circumstances got us in this position.
pay for all necessities and have a safety net
Whether it be losing one income due to
of savings in place.
the arrival of a new family member or a
So how can you fix mortgage stress?
reduction in work hours from an employer,
Put really simply, there are two options
the result is the same - we are now over
when you are over-committed financially:
committed and something has to give.
1. Increase household income
What is mortgage stress and how is it measured in Australia? According to the National Centre for
2. Reduce household expenditure The best way to begin fixing the problem is to work out exactly where you currently
Social and Economic Modelling, University
stand. Begin by putting together a
of Canberra, Mortgage Stress is defined
household budget with everything
as a situation in which homebuyers are
possible factored in, including; rates,
paying more than 30 percent of disposable
electricity, food (all necessities … beer
income on home loan repayments.
money) etc. Queensland Country Credit
Disposable income is defined as what is
Union have a great online ‘budget
left after taxes.
calculator’ found at www.qccu.com.au.
Once those fixed commitments have been established, your finance broker can show you how to save further on the larger monthly commitments - your home loan, personal loans and credit cards. My job as a Finance broker is to try and find some savings in the largest household commitment, your mortgage, and help reduce the burden of mortgage stress. Here’s an example. Let’s say you’re about to leave the workforce to have a baby. By changing lenders to get a cheaper rate of 0.5 percent and maybe switching the loan to an interest-only facility (until you return to work), on a $300,000 loan you could save over $300 per month. This is without looking at the option of consolidating your expensive credit cards and personal/car loans. If they can’t be consolidated then they may be able to be refinanced into cheaper products to help your cash flow further. At the moment there are some good products, rates and lenders chasing business out there. By looking at other lender options and how your loan is structured there are potentially great savings to be made. Phone Gus from Cairns Home Loans for more information on 0400 636 953. Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
67
WORDS
Tori Sudgen - Social Media Outsourcing
Social Medias ways to build your busines
Social media can be a scary prospect for small businesses. Unlike traditional marketing methods, it puts part of the message in the hands of the customers. But while it’s easy to be concerned that the message will go the wrong way, the benefits can outweigh the risks if you use the available services wisely. The most obvious benefits are increased customer loyalty and engagement. Less obvious, but just as important, your business will gain exposure not through your own advertisements, but through people who’ve already been patrons. People are more likely to trust a Facebook update or Yelp review from a friend than from the business itself.
Firstly, can your customers find you? Try the search engines Google, Bing and Yahoo and find out if you exist. It is important to be where your customers are. You may think Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare etc are a waste of time but if your customers are there then you need to be too. A blog on your website is a great place for discussions. If you want to be really daring and clever with your base you might even contemplate a site that permits user-driven information. Make sure your site has sharing tools to help empower others to spread the word about your content. Start slowly. Join a site and spend some time listening, find out what the etiquette of the site is. On Facebook people have profiles and friends, businesses have pages and ‘likers’. When people like your page they are opting in for updates you provide via your page. If you build a Twitter account follow some people (prospects as well as people you find interesting) and pay attention to the flow of conversations. Twitter is a great site to get information out quickly and to monitor your reputation. If someone is getting poor customer service it is easy for them to use their smartphone and send out a tweet about it.
It could be about you or your competition. This gives you the chance to do something about it, if you are listening. On Foursquare brick and mortar businesses can reward customer loyalty by offering specials to people who check-in. Check-ins are posted to people’s Foursquare Friends and if they choose, posted to Twitter and Facebook as well. This means that the potential for your business to show up in a lot of people’s news feeds on Facebook and in Twitter streams is high. Success in social media marketing depends on being useful and developing relationships. If you spend all of your time promoting then no one will want to listen to you. A good rule of thumb is to apply the 80-20 rule to your social media marketing efforts. Spend no more than 20 percent of your time in self-promotional activities and conversations, and at least 80 percent on non-self-promotional activities. And finally, don’t forget to promote yourself offline. Tell people they can find you on Facebook, follow you on Twitter, connect with you on LinkedIn and checkin on Foursquare. Tori Sugden - Social Media Outsourcing www.socialmediaoutsourcing.com.au Ph 0438 552 210
Cairns Parenting Companion Online Visit www.parentingcompanion.com.au • Subscribe for our E-newsletter or leave a comment on our Blog! • Enter some great Competitions. • Check out our Calendar of Events Or why not Join us on Facebook and enjoy our regular community updates and stay in touch with other local mums. 68
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
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69
g n i v a h e B m u M badly
Definitely NOT to be taken seriously!
I used to think that having mum around to guide me through motherhood was going to be one of those lovely female rites of passage.
to help me out. Didn’t expect her to drip-
But having mum around isn’t a pleasure, it’s a head-butting exercise in how I’m not doing things right and what she did “back in her day”. Cos the truth is, if I was doing the kind of stuff that she did, “back in her day”, I’d be in jail. Mum would become a mother all over again, to a six-month-old who’s about to be traded on the prison market for a packet of fags and threemonths supply of Marie Claire.
baby’s not mine (although most of the
thought a steely glance and a strong voice
time I can’t hear him with my ear-plugs in).
would stop my toddler from writing on
He’s not a good sleeper but I follow all the
my white lounge, but no, apparently my
recommendations: dim light, soft lullaby,
‘pursed lips look’ is a challenge. I looked on
regular night-time pattern, DIDO playing in
in protest as mum gave him a quick slap
the background, lavender oil burning. He’s
across the back of the legs. Oh yes there
obviously not metrosexual because none
was a welt … and then a god-awful scream
of this has worked. And apparently it’s all
and then I swear the next-door neighbour
new-age crap according to Mum, who
was on the phone to child protection
proceeds to show me how it’s done with
services. I looked at mum, gob-smacked.
Mum needs a neck-brace. She shakes her head at me so often, I swear it’s going to fall off.
Phenergan. Phenergan is a frikkin’ drug
“What?” she asked. “A little smack never
that’s used for motion sickness, nausea,
hurt anyone. I smacked all you kids at an
allergies etc. But mum stares straight at me
early age and you’ve turned out all right.”
I should have known it would start with alcohol. My three-month-old, like many others, suffered with a case of colic. I tried lots of remedies, did lots of stomach rubs, paced the streets for hours on end … and then mum turns up with a bottle of brandy, which wouldn’t have been so bad if it was
and says ‘You were raised on Phenergan – it
feed it to my 4.5 kg offspring. Jail sentence number one for flambéing a baby. Sleep is another contentious issue. The
Jail sentence number two for misuse of medical products. Jail sentence number three for smacking; the big taboo in raising a child. I
That may be the case mother, but I can’t
was the only way I could get you to sleep’.
talk to you right now and probably won’t
Jeez mum, have you bothered reading the
until I’ve finished this bottle of brandy. In
instructions on this one?
the meantime can you please talk to the
It says don’t use for an extended period
nice people in uniform who are patiently
of time and don’t give it to children under
waiting at the front door. Apparently they
the age of two!
weren’t raised in the 70s.
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
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www.tas.qld.edu.au
70
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
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How to Book (07) 4042 9922 l marketing@tjapukai.com.au
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
71
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Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
Man
! e s u o h e h t t u o ab None of the following is representative of the views of Cairns Parenting Companion and for reasons of personal safety the author wishes to remain anonymous. Yep! He’s a bloke and he’s confused.
At the risk of pain, anguish and torment
insects, cane toads, deranged rodents
this is a topic that all parents, particularly
(even a wounded magpie) in dodgy
fathers, should take very seriously.
containers. We’ve had them escape into
Child Safety. It is best defined as; the
every room of our house over the years.
employment of appropriate security and
Solution; spray loads of Mortein and/or
accident prevention measures to facilitate
open all the doors and windows and leave
harm-free interaction with infant and
the house for the day.
juvenile humans. In other words; how to
Angry Spiders: I remember when
keep yourself safe from your children.
‘Seek’ (the older brother of the two-boy
If you don’t know what I’m talking
destruction gang ‘Seek and Destroy’)
underfoot. Or should that be, breaking into my flesh underfoot? I’ve just stepped on what I can only describe as a threedimensional asterisk with a series of points sharp enough to bring a grown man to his knees in pain. To this day I still don’t know what this toy even was but I do know she had the whole set because I stepped on three more before escaping back to the safety of the play-dough riddled hallway. It only gets worse from there.
about then you haven’t been eye-gouged,
trotted into our bedroom one Sunday
nose-poked or ear-jabbed. You haven’t
morning to proudly show off his pet
been vomited on, had the hair on your
‘spider in a box’. On the way he tripped,
head, beard or chest pulled till your
and ‘Spidey’ went flying onto our spidery-
eyes watered, been punched, bitten
coloured bedspread and of course
and scratched, had hot tea upended in
disappeared, leaving behind three of the
your lap and worse. And that’s just from
I’ve got a litany of sad and horrible child-safety categories that I could tell you about. Some involve fire, aerosols, released handbrakes, soap, rusty forks, fire extinguishers and even electricity. But, as that old, dull pain returns to my right foot,
biggest spider legs I’ve ever seen, still in
the kids under 18 months. It gets more
I think that’s enough for now.
the box. So, with a very agitated, giant,
dangerous as they grow. In fact, up until
five-legged spider roaming free and
they decide to leave home, there are so
seeking revenge, we all left home for a week.
many techniques kiddies use to inflict
Toy Torture: I’m thinking I’ve just snapped
permanent physical and psychological damage, especially on their unsuspecting fathers, that it’s worth mentioning a few.
a hammy as I unsuccessfully avoid stepping on a skateboard left at the top of the stairs. Then, as the play-dough
The Groin Butt: A common occurrence
that’s strewn throughout the hallway
when the little bugger’s run blindly around
starts squeezing up between my toes,
corners at high speed with their head
I limp barefooted and sticky into my
down at just the right height to ram their
book giveaway
daughter’s room in response to her call
armour plated foreheads right into their
For your chance to win Baby
for a goodnight cuddle. After bumping
dad’s tenders. A soft impact for them -
Owners Manual - Fathers Edition
into her low-hanging dream catcher and
doubled-over distress for us.
tell us your funniest dad moment.
lacerating my left eye on the rough glass
Email your entry to:
Pet Collection: The gathering and
beads and cockatoo feathers, I suddenly
win@parentingcompanion.com.au
temporary storage of huge unidentifiable
hear the crackle of hard plastic breaking Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
73
Q &askAour experts
If you have a parenting question, we have experts on-hand to answer it. Email your question to feedback@parentingcompanion.com.au
our experts
ANITA TYRRELL
JACINTA HOARE
QUESTION: My 4-year-old seems to have
QUESTION: I have a primary school age
a lot of trouble with constipation. Do you
child (aged 9) and was wondering what
have any ideas to help prevent this?
sort of things I can claim on his schooling
ANSWER: A good rule of thumb to
st for Health Kicks Anita Tyrrell - Nutritioni u ick ww w.healthk s.com.a
calculate daily fibre requirement for kids is
ANSWER: The Education Tax Refund
to use age + 10 grams. For example, a
provides a refund for school related
5-year-old would need approximately 15g
expenses such as back to school
of fibre every day.
stationery, text books, Internet costs,
Try breakfast cereals that are high in
and the purchase of printers and
instead of white, fresh or dried fruit as a
computers. As a new initiative for
snack, wholemeal biscuits spread with
next year’s claim, parents can include
favourite topping and vegetable sticks as
the cost of school uniforms to help
a snack.
them maximise their claims.
of fluids. Aim for 4-6 cups water daily.
STEVEN LYNCH
furniture, (his money, as I was home with
basketball.
the kids) I have no rights to any of it. I have contributed a little over the years, but of
having major pain in his heels. Can you
course my wage always went on rent, bills
tell me what this could be?
and groceries. Do I have any rights to our
Janine, Holloways Beach.
furniture? Amanda, Manunda
ANSWER: I can put your mind at ease that
ANSWER: Amanda, in your case your
almost certainly what he is experiencing is
contributions as primary home- maker
‘Sever’s Disease’.
and caregiver, together with your indirect financial contributions to property, will be
boys between 9 and 13. It is an
weighted equally against your husband’s
inflammation and fragmentation of the
contributions as primary earner. If you
growth plate at the back of the heel where
are the primary carer of your children and
the achilles tendon inserts into the heel
have a lesser income/earning capacity,
bone.
you could argue for a further adjustment of 5-10% to the value of the asset pool
stretching regimine that needs to be done
in your favour. However, I would suggest
daily and usually an orthotic (arch support)
you try to resolve the division of assets at
with added cushioning in the heel.
mediation because what you’ll likely spend
We can normally settle this condition
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
currently separated and looking at divorce. He is saying that because he bought all the
Treatment includes ice twice daily, a
74
QUESTION: My Husband and I are
of sport including soccer, cricket and
It is common in active kids, especially
Amanda Millyard - WGC Law www.wgc.com.au
AMANDA MILLYARD
QUESTION: My son (aged 10) plays a lot
After exercise though he complains of
ck Cairns Jacinta Hoare - H&R Blo u m.a .co ock rbl w.h ww
printer inks and other consumables
fibre, wholemeal or wholegrain bread
Also ensure your children drink plenty
Steven Lynch- Podiatrist for Instep Podiatry www.insteppodiatry.com.au
costs? - Julie from Parramatta Park
on legal fees to prove you are ‘right’ on a
down within a month when the correct
point of law in court can be used to buy a
treatment is followed.
new house of furniture.
www.parentingcompanion.com.au
state member Curtis Pitt We’re so lucky to be living in such a beautiful place, with so many great facilities for our children and ourselves to enjoy.
I grew up, went to university, got married here and am now raising my own family in the Far North, so ensuring our region is family-friendly is an important issue to me. As Minister for Disability Services, I’m particularly passionate about ensuring families of children with a disability are supported appropriately. In April this year I unveiled a $550,000 Edmonton All Abilities Playground at Sugarworld which features a sand and water play area, sensory and herb gardens, daisy tables, a musical hub, a rope-climbing course and a swing with a high back and harness. This was an important project for me because play helps children learn, to interact with others and to share. It encourages creativity, family bonding and most importantly – it’s fun. But it’s not all about play. Educational facilities are also high on my agenda. More children in the southern corridor of Cairns will get a flying start to their educational journey with a new quality kindergarten service set to open in 2012 at White Rock State School. The new $1.5 million kindy was originally scheduled to open in 2013 but I’ve pushed hard to have it fasttracked to ensure more local children benefit from a quality early childhood education sooner. A $4.3 million Early Years Centre is also under construction at Bentley Park and is set to be completed in November this year. It will provide children with access to a range of services and programs to support their health, safety and development and to expand learning opportunities. The service will be operated by the Benevolent Society which is establishing ‘satellite services’ to complement those provided at the Bentley Park College Hub, for families and children in surrounding areas. The centre will also provide a 44-place kindergarten service on site. Quality education and accessible facilities are just two of the priorities on my agenda for ensuring the Far North is catering for young families. I think I’ve got a good understanding of the challenges facing young families because I’m part of one myself.
www.curtispitt.com.au Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
75
AFTS
A Formula Towards Success With the new financial year upon us, we encourage you to join us for dinner at Whitfield House in Edge Hill to start planning your financial goals and strategies for the year ahead and beyond. Our Private Wealth team will discuss topics such as investment philosophy, decision making, risk, gearing and market updates followed by an open forum to cover any other areas that may be of specific interest to you. The entire evening, including dinner and drinks will be FREE OF CHARGE with no obligation. For more information or to make a booking kindly contact Courtney on 4046 0006 or email courtney.smallwood@bdo.com.au RSVP ESSENTIAL Cairns 25-27 Aplin St 4046 0000 Distinctively different - it’s how we see you AUDIT • TAX • ADVISORY www.bdo.com.au 76
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
Whitfield House, Edge Hill, Cairns 5.45pm for a 6.00pm start Tuesday 27 September Thursday 27 October Tuesday 29 November
WORDS
James Moussa - BDO
A mother’s
work is
never done Are you taking a back seat in your long term financial security? Why is it that many mothers control the
Parenting Companions’ own Juanita
the questions. Ignorance is not bliss …
purse strings with budgeting but not
Soper attended our last workshop, held
it’s just not smart, especially when we’re
many get too involved with long-term
in July and had this to say about the
trying to do the right thing by our families
investment decisions? When I talk to
information:
and create some financial stability. It made
mums about this, they often say that
James: Juanita, we’ve been involved with
me realise that mummies are very capable,
they don’t know enough about this area
supporting Parenting Companion since its
versatile and intuitive so we have a lot to
and they trust their other half to do
inception. Thank you for taking the time to
offer especially when it comes to making
what’s right. I often also hear that this
come to the workshop. What did you take
financial decisions.
area is confusing and somewhat scary,
away from the evening?
James: Were you sold anything or felt
and I have to admit – for the everyday
Juanita: Definitely more of an
any obligation to do anything other than
person, investment can seem like an
understanding about why I’ve taken a
enjoy the night and learn the basics of
intimidating process.
back seat to my finances, what I can do
investment?
to take the next step and a more general
Juanita: The only thing I was sold on
providing advice I have come to learn
understanding about all facets of basic
was how great the cheese, wine, dinner,
that education makes the difference. In
investing.
dessert (in that order) and atmosphere of
many ways, our school system lets us
James: Of all the information that was
Whitfield House was. I left full, inspired and
down when it comes to instituting any real
presented, what did you find the most
informed.
practical life skills when it comes to finance
interesting?
and creates an air of mystique when it
Juanita: Looking back on the statistics
‘guinea pig’ for the thousands of parents
comes to the world of investment which
of how and why we invested in days
in Cairns and open up an invitation to all
makes it intimidating and scary when
gone by. Why there are cycles and what’s
mums and dads to come and learn the
considering any long term investments.
happening today that could affect our
basics of investment – to learn about the
The real truth is far from this.
future.
psychology of investment, how ALL asset
Our educational, no obligation
James: What do you think intimidates most
classes are important for long-term wealth
workshops don’t sell any products or
mums and dads from seeking professional
accumulation and how to make your asset
services – they are geared purely to
advice from a Private Wealth Adviser?
base work for you and not you for it. We
bridging the gap left from our inadequate
Juanita: I guess we probably don’t think
guarantee that all people will leave our
high-school education. We make finance
it’s something we’ll ever understand,
and investment a real world topic in
we think we’ll sound stupid and we have
world de-mystified and that is a great
plain-speak – perfect for mums and dads
no confidence because of this fear.
result!
who may be excellent in their day-to-day
Going along to the information night and
Don’t hesitate to call BDO on 4046 0000
lives and jobs, but who are bewildered
being a part of a small group (rather than
and book space at their next workshop
by ‘finance speak’.
one-on-one) gave me the courage to ask
–a little knowledge goes a long way!
In the many years that I have been
We really appreciate Juanita playing
workshop with some of the investment
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
77
date
SAVERS
Happy Father’s Day - 4th September
11th September FLYNN’S WALK
8.30am 200 meters south of the Pirate Ship. Come and join ‘Flynn’s Friends’ to walk the Esplanade and raise much needed funds for his crucial treatment. BBQ & fun for the whole family to follow the walk. www.developingfoundation.org.au/ family/flynn
playdate in
TROPICAL WAVE FESTIVAL
Paradise
10am to 10pm • Fogarty Park More than 40 Cultural Communities! Finale concert at 6pm featuring Zennith Enjoy the tastes from the international food stands, browse the traditional arts & craft stalls, workshops and cultural displays.
EVERY 2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
17th September
www.carma.org.au
24th October
PINK RIBBON DAY Every pink dollar raised makes a real difference for those affected by breast cancer, so please donate today.
Hosted by Cairns Parenting Companion and Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club
9.30 - 11.30AM Tuesday 13th SEPTEMBER Tuesday 11th OCTOBER Tuesday 8th NOVEMBER
www.pinkribbonday.com.au
28th October
DAY FOR DANIEL Get your school involved
www.dayfordaniel.com.au
1st November
MELBOURNE CUP BROTHER’S LEAGUES CLUB Phone 4053 1053 for details
www.brotherscairns.com.au GECKO’S INDOOR PLAY CENTRE 12-3pm Lunch, fun and fashion. $20 Adult • $10 child • incl entry & lunch. Visit www.geckosplay.com.au for further details.
Check out our comprehensive events guide at www.parentingcompanion.com.au/CALENDAR 78
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
$19 per adult (children FREE) includes morning tea, Adventure Playground entry and kids entertainment with performances by Cheeky Monkey Club!
Bring your mothers group or meet some new people. Bookings essential phone: 0417 762 033 or email playdate@parentingcompanion.com.au www.parentingcompanion.com.au
PARADISE PALMS RESORT KEWARRA BEACH
see you there!
! t s l u o Scho ‘ O
Monday 19th - Friday 30th September
Be amazed these school holidays as we welcome tV’s Mr Magic, Eric Summons, as the King of the Kids
tV’s
Magic Holiday Fun!
All Weather Fun!
Happy image of kid turn this Fit Kids - Free Fitness! Small Whitewater FUN! into the playdate ad
Early Bird Special!
Bowl before 10am for the new early bird special, just $6pp (includes shoe hire). Popular family bowling deals start as low as $39. New meal & snack attack deals are great value combining bowling, drink and food from $15pp. No excuse these holidays not to bowl at Go Bowling Cairns!
Sept 19th - Sept 23rd
There are full day and half day options.
Ph: 4032 1357
Ph: 4053 5353
OPEN: 7 days a week from 9am till late. Ph: 4053 3497
Cnr Alfred & Koch Sts Manunda
www.cairnsrecreationcentre.com.au
www.gobowling.com.au
Ce
Every School Holidays the Cairns Recreation Centre holds a School Holiday Program. A day full of fun crafts, sports and recreational activities. Rockclimbing and skating are just some of the fun your child will have during their stay with us.
C
Hey Kids, join us at the Raintrees Shopping Centre when the hugely popular Eric om n mu Summons presents his verynexciting TV’s Mr ie nit y – Va l u e – C o n V e Magic Show in the Centre Court! Bring your family and friends for some Hokus Pokus fun! You’ll find magic, balloons & lots of fun in centre court Showtimes are at 10.30am & 2.30pm daily.
20–24 Sept at 10.30am & 2.30pm
FitKids is part of Cairns Regional Council’s award winning ‘Active Living - Fun Free Fitness’ program. FitKids will be run Mon, Wed, Fri during the school holidays for children aged 5 and up. Meet at Fogarty Park and join in with an hour of fun activities between 9 & 10am. No booking required.
Aussie Drifterz offers you a unique and eco-friendly tour with small whitewater fun, suitable for children and adults alike. Tube through tree tunnels, freshwater snorkel, make natural facepaints, swim or just chill out: it’s the best value tour in Cairns!
2 weeks of FUN!
Zoo to You Wildlife Shows Monday 19 - Friday 23 Sept • 10am - 2pm 3 shows: 10.00am, 11.00am and 12.30pm Sand Art with Sumphun Kidzcraft Monday 26th - Friday 30th Sept • 10am-2pm
Ph: 4044 3715
www.cairnsesplanade.com.au www.facebook.com/ActiveLivingCairns
Ph: 0401 318 475
Ph: 4051 7244
www.aussiedrifterz.net
www.thepier.com.au Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
79
Dear Dave How do I get my teenagers to turn off lights, fans and air-conditioners when they leave the house? Help!! Zoe Strickland - Massage Therapist
Hi Zoe, My old man was a stickler for the very same thing when I was a teenager and I just didn’t get it because (a) if it didn’t involve having fun I wasn’t particularly interested and (b) back then you didn’t have to sell off a kidney in order to pay your electricity bill. So as I sit here, with my two kids and one kidney contemplating your problem as well as the issues facing the world today, I’ve decided that your kids are environmental terrorists. Explain to them that they’re E.T’s.
Dave DEAR
As a last resort Zoe, I can arrange a special meeting with a contact of mine in India who’s in the transplant business and has never said no to a teenage kidney. But let’s just keep that on the down-low. Dave
Dear Dave My daughter is six-years-old and has always had a fascination with Mice. Her favourite food is cheese and she frequently uses a high-pitched squeaky voice. Please help before I set a trap. How can I get her to stop thinking she is a mouse? Alana from Baby Yeti
Hey Alana, Man, I love cheese. And I love your daughter for loving cheese.
And not in a cute, feel good alien
That’s where the French got it
way. They’re pumping carbon into my
right, hundreds of varieties of
environment for the benefit of no-
fantastic cheese. Yet not one stick
one. So the solution in the Strickland
of deodorant. The French didn’t run
House could mirror the Government’s
away from World War II, they just had
in Parliament House. You need your
more important things to do, like
own Carbon Tax!
make cheese. And bless them for it.
My idea, as a consequence for
I know it probably gets annoying
their E.T. crimes, would be to involve
but it’s terrific that she’s got an
them in physically contributing to the
imagination and at six years of age
household. Every time they leave stuff
there are worse things she could be
warner
on and recklessly spew carbon into
imitating; like Lindsay Lohan. I wonder
the atmosphere their time is taxed by
how long Mike Tyson, David Beckham
doing something for you that involves
and the late Michael Jackson’s parents
Parenting advice dished out, Dave style!
the word carbon. Like cleaning the
thought their kids were imitating
bathroom with bicarbonate soda
mice before they realized, no, that’s
or making the family fettuccine
just how they talk.
carbonara for dinner!
Dave
102.7 Weekdays from ONE STATION ALL THE 5.30am and reheated ROCK LEGENDS from 9am Saturday 80
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
man on a Geoff Byfield’s mission in life is to bring back good, clean, old-fashioned fun for families. Just head down to Cairns Recreation Centre and that’s exactly what you’ll find. We caught up with ‘Sarge’ to find out what else he’s been up to.
The Cairns Rec Centre has roller-skating,
when a huge event is successful because
Through my team-building business I am
hockey, rock climbing, roller derby,
we know that we have achieved this as a
establishing programs in remote areas
team-building activities, boot camp and
team….a family team.
in the Gulf Country through to Mt Isa,
dancing. Was it always your plan to make it such a diverse place?
What does the future hold for Geoff Byfield?
Yes it was. Cairns doesn’t have the
Maximising Cairns Recreation Centre to
population to sustain skating on its own
its full potential and creating something
and I wanted to provide something unique
special for our community. This is a
for Cairns, which was designed around
fantastic facility that went under-utilised
kids and families. I’m reasonably happy at where we are now to date but I have other exciting plans that will take the centre to a new level.
for many years. I plan to make this the ‘funfactory’ of Cairns, which offers every one a unique, fun experience.
Camooweal, Djarra etc. This is a passion of mine as I have experienced first-hand how little there is for kids in these areas to do. It is an opportunity for me to be able to make a difference in these kid’s lives. It is a very rewarding exercise to see them enjoy themselves and to experience what other kids take for granted. What is your mission in life? My mission in life is to provide an
As the Development Officer for Oztag in
environment for kids and families to
Far North Queensland I am introducing
enjoy good, clean, old fashioned fun in
the sport to remote localities. Places like
a safe and secure environment. And just
Cooktown, Doomadgee, Normanton
to continue giving kids the opportunity
Not to take each other for granted.
and Mornington Island. From there it is
to participate as a community in social
Everyone has a role to play and it’s
establishing other competitions in the
and recreational activities and hopefully
paramount that everyone does this to the
Torres Strait and other remote areas within
in doing so, I’m contributing to their
best of their ability. It is very rewarding
Far North Queensland.
happiness in life.
You work alongside your wife, daughter and son in the business. Tell us what the key is to working well with family?
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.
• • • • •
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
Spring 2011 Cairns Parenting Companion
81
Confession mum’s
BOX
fess up and get it off your chest I confess... I recently visited a distant
I confess... I was recently sitting at
I confess... I am a godmother to my
cousin and her new baby, and what a
the GP with my child, and I noticed this beautiful little baby. I was admiring her, and my daughter wanted to go and ‘talk’ to her. I explained to my daughter that even though it’s nice to talk to people we didn’t want the little baby getting sick from being in contact with people who weren’t feeling well.
best friend’s boy and I’m hopeless at it! What exactly does a Godmother do these days? I can’t even remember to call him for his birthday let alone take an active interest in his ‘spiritual journey’ in life. And what’s the right protocol for choosing god parents? She chose me for her child, so is she expecting that I choose her for mine? Help! Anonymous
gorgeous little girl she is, but I am really struggling with her name. It’s not that her name isn’t lovely, it’s how it’s spelt! What happened to giving our kids names with correct spelling! I don’t know how this little one is ever going to work it out. As she grows up, she will realise her name is SO WRONG in so many ways! And she isn’t the only child with this affliction I know. For the purpose of this confession, I went online and found a few more; Khloei (Chloe), Aydyn (Aiden), Kimberlee (Kimberly), Mykal (Michael). I just hope the parents realise that instead of being ‘unique’ all they have done is cause their kids years and years of saying “no, it’s spelt...” Anonymous
I was quite amazed then, to see another parent allow her small child to go up to this baby, and get up close and personal with it. Even more amazed when this child proceeded to cough, and the mother simply sat and watched. I felt really sorry for the mum of the baby who was finding it hard to tell this child to move away, but I was really just amazed that it doesn’t occur to some people that sharing germs is not okay, especially when you’re sick and sitting at the GP’s.
I confess... I am withholding sex from my husband. I am working on the ‘reward for positive behaviour’ technique and until he cleans the kitchen - he ain’t getting ANY! Anonymous
I confess... My toddler loves her bananas but because they are so expensive, I find myself trying to persuade her to have chocolate instead! Bad mother! Anonymous
Email your anonymous confessions to confessions@parentingcompanion.com.au or Submit your blog at www.parentingcompanion.com.au
Woree Family Medical Centre
ALL PATIENTS BULK BILLED
• CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH • FREE CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATIONS • VACCINATIONS • WOMEN’S HEALTH • MINOR SURGERY • SKIN CHECKS • MEN’S HEALTH (including vasectomies) • FEMALE NURSE (for pap smear clinic) CONSULTATIONS: Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 12pm OUR DOCTORS: Dr Robert d’Hotman • Dr Deepa Gadhvi • Dr Matthew Warburton Continuing to Care for the Cairns Community 1/600 Bruce Hwy, Worree (behind Calanna Pharmacy) FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE: 4033 2525
82
Cairns Parenting Companion Spring 2011
Woree Family Medical Centre
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