Offspring Melbourne Autumn 2016 issue

Autumn 2016

The juice on

Sports for kids

Benefits of breastfeeding

Janine EMPOWERING FERTILITY

Kids autumn fashion Performing Arts special

FREE

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

contents

autumn

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EDITOR’S NOTE

8

THE CONTRIBUTORS

KIDS FASHION 12 COOL & CUDDLY From warm onesies rocking all sorts of cool patterns to hoodies with mouse ears and adorable beanies, Autumn is the perfect time to get playful with fashion for your bubs.

14 MINI STYLE ICONS Style your beauties in timeless black and white this Autumn.

16 BOYZ IN THA HOOD For swaggin boys’ fashion this Autumn, you can’t go past irresistible hoodies and sweaters in all shades of gray, black and denim and statement patterns

22 12

36

MUM’S FASHION 18 STYLE UPDATE AUTUMN 16 Get fashion forward with four of the season’s most inspiring trends to try.

FEATURE ARTICLE 22 THE JUICE ON JANINE Boost Juice founder, Janine Allis, shares her secrets to entrepreneurial success and raising a family.

FUNNY MUMMY 28 STUFF AND NONSENSE Ari decides to declutter her home.

REAL LIFE 30 BEHIND THE NEWS WITH NARELDA Channel 10 news presenter, Narelda Jacobs, opens up about her family history, being a single mother and being in a same-sex relationship.

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

28 36 JOSHUA’S JOURNEY At six months Joshua was diagnosed with a rare type of dwarfism that results in multiple physical problems and means he may only grow to be three feet tall.

40 SUPPORT SYRIA This is what cash assistance means to a Syrian family living in abject poverty.

PARENTING

42 CHILDREN FACING DISASTER How to help your child deal with the fear around natural disasters.

INTERNET PICKS 45 Our selection of websites offering great products for your family.

melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

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DAD’S WORLD 46 FEAR FACTOR Gary contemplates the value of forcing his daughter to face her fears versus the prospect of creating worse problems.

PREGNANCY & BIRTH 48 FACING INFERTILITY FEARS We share some tried and tested methods to empower your fertility journey while nurturing your relationships and yourself.

48

BABIES 52 BYE-BYE BOOBY Ann Marie Bradstreet shares her melancholy at ending breastfeeding after 13 years.

EARLY CHILDHOOD 55 NEW BABY, JEALOUS TODDLER Bringing home your new baby can spark a range of emotions in your toddler, from joy and curiosity to confusion, frustration and jealousy.

SPECIAL FEATURE

52

58 PREPARING FOR BABY !

We’ve created a guide to make sure you’re ready for the arrival of your bundle of joy.

62 SPECIAL FEATURE 74 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Our special performing arts guide to dance, drama or music for your little ones.

82 DIRECTORY

ISSUE 30 AUTUMN 2016 Produced and published by Offspring Magazine Pty Ltd. ABN: 95 159 474 245 Website www.offspringmagazine.com.au Editorial enquiries editorial@offspringmagazine.com.au Advertising enquiries Phone 02 4326 1178 Mobile 0415 267 414 advertising@offspringmagazine.com.au Subscription enquiries subscription@offspringmagazine.com.au

JANINE ALLIS

Managing Editor Kate Durack Contributing writers Ari Chavez, Gary Ausbruch, Kate Bullen, Ngala Parenting Education Team, Brooke Evans-Butler, Elise Papamihail, Claire Armstrong, Tania Connelly, Ann Marie Bradstreet, Karen Campbell.

Graphic Designers Steven Lillywhite, Anna Drake Printed by Offset Alpine Printing

✱ Circulation: 130,000 copies per edition across Melbourne, Sydney and Perth (Melbourne due to be CAB Audited in April 2016).

80,000

Average Net Distribution per issue.

This publication has been independently audited by the Circulations Audit Board.

Audit Period: March 2014 - September 2014

4

Distribution 130,000 copies distributed in Sydney (50,000 copies), Perth (30,000 copies) and Melbourne (50,000 copies) by paid subscriptions and for free at selected locations.

Also available online via www.offspringmagazine.com.au Offspring magazine is an independent magazine published quarterly by Offspring Magazine Pty Ltd. Opinions represented are not necessarily those of the publisher. Offspring magazine contains general information and does not claim to substitute for health or parenting advice. All content is subject to copyright, and may not be reproduced without permission.

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

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Photo: Hilary Adamson, www.hilaryadamsonphotography.com.au

Editor’s note

autumn 2016

I

love this edition for the inspiring and diverse female role models we’ve been

“I have never been a canteen mum or on the parent council and at one time I

privileged to represent, starting with Boost

did feel guilty about it. But there are other

Juice founder, Shark Tank mentor and

mums who probably want to do it and

mum of four, Janine Allis, who shares her

will do it better than me and it isn’t what

secrets to managing family commitments

I want to spend my time doing,” Janine

while building a business empire, that has

says.

her ranked Number 24 on the BRW Rich Women List.

As a single mum and business owner

My favourite article in this edition is “Behind the news with Narelda” (p.30), an insightful profile of Narelda Jacobs, who is

who, like me, truly loved the breastfeeding

who struggles with Working Mother

Australia’s first indigenous news anchor,

experience is “Bye bye Booby” (p. 52).

Guilt (markedly during these periods –

reading Perth’s nightly news on Channel

deadlines!), and is yet to reconcile not

10. As well as achieving career success

very relevant, topic in this era of rising

contributing my time to the school

in a competitive industry, Narelda is an

natural disasters and media saturation

P&C Committee, among other ‘optional’

inspiring role model for several minority

into our children’s lives: “Children facing

parental duties, I was comforted by

groups – She is aboriginal, a single

disaster” (p. 42), which recommends how

Janine’s ideas on the topic. [Although, I

mother and is openly living in a same-sex

we as parents can help our children deal

suspect that not all parents actually want

relationship. Admirably, she works hard to

with fear around natural disasters.

to put their hand up for these jobs but

support these groups in the community.

rather have to help out because someone’s gotta do it!]

WIN TICKETS TO

A sensitive piece in this edition that is bound to elicit nostalgia for any mother

This issue also includes a unique, and

I hope you enjoy this edition as much as I have.

KATE DURACK | EDITOR

Get ready Melbourne! Mister Maker is coming

back with his brilliant, fun and interactive live show.

Come and join your ultimate arts and craft hero Mister Maker when he tours Australia during the June/July school holidays.

Featuring brand new songs and makes, Mister Maker is returning to Australia following his sold out 2015 tour with his new show that promises once again to be the hottest family ticket for 2016!

Packed full of arty adventures there’ll be a big ‘ make’ to take part in, super songs to join in with, a fabulous supporting cast and not forgetting, The Shapes!

Yes, you’ll be able to share the fun with Mister Maker’s colourful all-dancing friends Circle, Square, Rectangle and Triangle too!

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

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When your baby becomes the next big thing.

Answers to the big questions about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Download the app now at mymedela.com.au for free !

our contributors

ARI CHÁVEZ COLUMNIST has had work published in Australia, England, Japan and Singapore. She has a delightful toddler, Gabriel, who was born with coffee in his veins. She is currently completing her first novel as part of a PhD project.

ELISE PAPAMIHAIL FASHION & STYLE is Mummy to Chloé and Olivia and is a passionate stylist and fashion writer, embracing the latest trends without compromising on timeless style.

LETITIA ROWLANDS JOURNALIST Letitia worked for daily newspapers for 20 years covering a wide variety of topics but since becoming a mother five years ago, her writing has focussed on family and parenting topics. Letitia lives in Sydney with her husband and two young sons Hugo and Jasper and enjoys a freelance career writing for magazines and websites.

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GARY AUSBRUCH ACCOUNTANT/COLUMNIST is financial controller for a Perth-based mining company.

He has had columns published on the challenging subject of the lighter side of accountancy, and has written for SBS TV. He is married to Sue and has two young children, Ella and Sebastian.

NICOLE COX JOURNALIST has worked in print and online media for 15 years in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Now she has the most adventurous job of her life - mum to energetic toddler, Matteo. Nicole says the flexibility of freelance journalism allows her to combine her two loves, motherhood and writing.

CLAIRE ARMSTRONG JOURNALIST of 10 years across a range of mediums and publications from mining and financial to bridal and pregnancy.

She has a passion for all things parenting and a love of sharing stories about the parenthood journey. She is also a busy mum of three beautiful girls and is a trained post-natal doula.

DEVON PLUMLEY MIDWIFE believes her work is most satisfying when she can empower a woman and her partner to birth their baby naturally; and the new little human being thanks his mummy with a squeal!

KATE BULLEN DIETITIAN runs www.dietitianonline.com. au and is mum to three young children. Kate has translated her love of all things online to providing expert nutrition coaching online – it works well for anyone who is busy! Kate’s passion lies in making healthy eating simple and enjoyable.

BROOKE EVANS-BUTLER JOURNALIST has written for home improvement, bridal and women’s lifestyle publications, but says Offspring enables her to combine writing with her new favourite hobby, being a mum to her boys Caleb and Jonah.

JANE MILLINGTON INTERIOR DESIGNER has over 15 years’ experience in all facets of the design industry including Interior Design, Styling, Sales and Business Development. Jane specialises in colour design and styling of children’s bedrooms and nurseries with her biggest fans being her two children, Samson and Liv.

COLLEEN WILLIS TRAVEL WRITER has roamed the world for many years on her own and with her husband and daughter, Rebekah. During this time, Colleen has been a teacher and an award-winning travel advisor for Australia and overseas. Colleen will guide you through family travel the way she knows best!

TANIA CONNOLLY JOURNALIST Tania Connolly is a freelance writer who has been published in a variety of magazines. Her passion is people and sharing their inspirational journeys. With a husband and two teenagers life is hectic but she wouldn’t want it any other way.

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

By Elise Papamihail

Baobab Designs baobab.com.au Fabrik fabrik.com.au

Huxbaby huxbaby.com

Cool & Cuddly BABIES

Bloomers Beau Loves beauloves.co.uk

AUTUMN STYLE UPDATE From warm onesies rocking all sorts of cool patterns to hoodies with mouse ears and adorable beanies, Autumn is the perfect time to get playful with fashion for your bubs. Style up kitty kat two pieces with booties and don’t be afraid to mix pattern on pattern.

Dress, $70 Beau Loves eye4kidsfashion.com.au

Beanie, $24.95 Seed seedheritage.com

Pants, $70 Tocoto Vintage kmhcollections.comÂ

Booties, $35.95 Little boy Lamb littleboylamb.com

Jacket, $99.95 Miah kidsfashionrepublic.com

Tocoto Vintage kmhcollections.com Whistle and Flute Clothing whistleandfluteclothing.com 12

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

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We check our prices to the big supermarket chains, so you won’t pay more on 100s of everyday products.

IT PAYS TO SHOP INDEPENDENT Participating stores only. Price matched weekly to lower of Woolworths or Coles everyday shelf price on hundreds of everyday products. Excludes promotions and liquor. Terms and conditions apply. To find out more, visit iga.com.au/pricematch

By Elise Papamihail

Baobab Designs baobab.com.au

Whistle and Flute Clothing whistleandfluteclothing.com

Dollcake Vintage dollcake.com.au

Mini Style

ICONS Autumn style for girls

Jumper Beau Loves beauloves.co.uk

Style your beauties in timeless black and white this Autumn. Pair classic pussy-bow blouses with tutu skirts for a stylish occasion or team up stripes and statement sweatshirts with leggings. Layer over scarves and beanies to complete the look.Â

Tutu, $64.95 kidsfashionrepublic.com Bardot Jnr $12.95

Booso eye4kidsfashion.com. au Vest, $69.95 Witchery witchery.com.au

Dress, $54.95 Whitefilly Clothing whitefilly.com.au Blouse, $79.90 Carbon Soldier carbonsoldier.com 14

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

By Elise Papamihail

Booso eye4kidsfashion.com.au

Baobab Designs baobab.com.au Booso eye4kidsfashion.com.au

Boys in tha HOOD

Autumn style for boys

e eet Child of Min Tank, $26.95 Sw u .a globalkidz.com

Jumper, Minti iloveminti.com

For swaggin boys’ fashion this Autumn, you can’t go past irresistible hoodies and sweaters in all shades of grey, black and denim and statement patterns. Add drop crotch trackies and a pair of uber cool boots. Style it up with a leather jacket for special days out.

Jumper $74.95, Beau Loves beauloves.co.uk

Trackies, $55.95 Witchery witchery.com.au

Beau Hudson globalkidz.com.au Cons, $60, Myer myer.com.au

Boots, $95 Akid akidbrand.com

Jeans, $72 Haus of Jr kmhcollections.com 16

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

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Interactive Wildlife Education

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Style UPDATE

Nasty Gal Australia nastygal.com.au

By Elise Papamihail

Autumn 16

One Teaspoon oneteaspoon.com.au

Get fashion forward with four of the season’s most inspiring trends to try.

Oilily runway oililyworld.com

PASTEL POWER One Teaspoon knit $69.50 oneteaspoon.com

Straight from the NYFW runway, pastel pinks,

grays and lilacs made their way into the ready-

to-wear collections. This colour trend has always

Tony Bianco scarf $69.95 tonybianco.com.au

been a classic, updated with the contrast of soft knits paired with masculine footwear. Layer soft knits, shirts and flowing skirts and add pastels to your activewear wardrobe.

Michael Kors sneakers $233 shoes.com

60’S AND 70’S ERA

Oilily runway oililyworld.com

The continuing trend of the 60’s and 70’s eras is still making a bold statement. Focus is on a-line mini skirts and dresses, pussy bow blouses, bell sleeves, florals, earthy camel colours, suedes, ankle boots and oversized sunglasses.

Pixie Market pixiemarket.com Alice and Olivia dress aliceandolivia.com

Witchery dress $499.95 witchery.com.au 18

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

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Krystle Knight x Pared Eyewear $280 krystleknightjewellery.com www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Introducing the new PLUM Pod

We have designed the new PLUM Pod to combine the unique benefits of both bamboo rib and bamboo muslin fabrics to provide baby with a snug fit over the arms and generous space for the legs and hips.

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MASCULINE MEETS FEMININE Soft jumpers paired with tailored and relaxed pants, brogues and sneakers bring a fresh approach to masculine styling. Layer oversized shirts over drop crotch pants and cropped knits.Â

Witchery blouse $159.95 witchery.com.au

Atticus | articleand.co m

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Swimsuit $15.35 zaful.co

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Brogues $128 articleand.com

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Sunglasses Dior $670 tuchuzy.com Custom Made custommade.dk

Adidas sneakers adidas.com Country Road pants $139 countryroad.com.au

Pixie Market pixiemarket.com

Steele steelelabel.com Sass and Bide sweater $290 sassandbide.com.au Dress $239 steelelabel.com

BOLD Tapestry patterns and florals as seen at Gucci in hues of reds, navy, blues, golds and greens are bang on trend this Autumn. Also trending are eclectic other worldy patterns, tweed and stripes.

Go bold in an all-over printed shirt-dress or add a tweed blazer to distressed denim.

For the complete look, pair with clog footwear.

Oilily runway oililyworld.com Alice and Olivia skirt aliceandolivia.com Thurley blouse davidjones.com.au Heels $299 themodecollective.com Dolce Vita clogs articleand.com

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

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Expiration date: 31/07/16

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the juice on

Janine Allis, founder of retail giant Boost Juice, chats with Claire Armstrong about how the simple idea of selling juices and smoothies grew through sheer grit and determination from her kitchen table to an international empire. But the down-to-earth mother of four’s path to entrepreneurial success has been far from ordinary.

T

rying to lock in a time to interview Janine Allis, it is plainly clear her life remains a whirlwind of

an unwavering nerve to try and explore anything life throws at

commitments, despite her repeated insistence

her. The self-proclaimed ‘Miss Average’ student never finished

she has discovered the elusive work-life

high school and never attended University a day in her life,

balance. But when your history is logging 17-

instead setting her sights on exploring the world, complete with

hour work days anything less could easily be considered blissful.

Fresh from interstate travel for the filming of Channel

Ten’s latest reality hit Shark Tank, Janine breezily declares her investor role on the prime time show kept her interstate

22

Janine is no stranger to travel. An adventurer at heart, she has

cliché blue backpack. She left behind her suburban Knoxfield family home in Victoria in the 1980s after telling her mum she would be home in three months (she came back six years later).

“Life took me on a journey in those years, there was no

for ‘only three weeks’ and with a visit from her daughter and

planning and I left home very naive about the world and

husband and the opportunity to connect with her sister, it was

people, but my travels taught me so many life skills whether

almost like a holiday.

that be problem-solving, conflict management or emotional

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

NE

“I have always been a great believer in the idea that children should be in your life, not you in their’s , and they will have a richer life because of it. That is how I resolve the guilt that comes from being a working mum.”

W

BECAUSE EVERY DROP OF BREASTMILK COUNTS

intelligence,” she says reminiscently.

Janine - who is currently ranked at number 24 on the BRW Rich Women List - is proof there is no conventional path to commercial success (and even if there were she probably would have hiked around it).

From a junior role in an advertising agency, to becoming the House model for sports brand Adidas, an aerobics instructor, door wench at night clubs, a camp counsellor in the USA, a nanny

Turn the page to find out more...

in France, selling Time Share in the Canary Islands, to working on David Bowie’s opulent yacht in the south of France, Janine’s younger years meandering through an eclectic mix of jobs taught her more about the business world than any classroom. melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

23

“Anything you do in life can give you skills for business,” she reveals. “I believe people need to have a life full of experiences to find out what they’re really passionate about.”

Janine’s first zealous awakening was Motherhood.

At 27, she returned home from abroad with a two-year-old son Samuel in tow, feeling like a failure for mistakes and misjudgements that left her financially and emotionally downtrodden. But rather than sink in self pity, Janine set a steely focus on finding a career to support herself and her young son.

My kids are my priority.

I have never been a canteen mum or on the parent council and at one time I did feel guilty about it. But there are other mums who probably want to do it and will do it better than me and it isn’t what I want to spend my time doing.”

Janine’s fun-loving spirit, headstrong determination and inquisitive nature often lead her to say ‘yes’ to opportunities as they presented, and landed her a role with Village Roadshow in Melbourne, which spring-boarded her to Singapore, only to return to Melbourne as a publicist with United International Pictures (all this despite no experience in management or public relations).

Her quintessential Aussie give-it-a-

“But we respect each other’s abilities and when it comes to our expertise his weaknesses are my strengths and my weaknesses are his

go approach to life also lead her to

strengths. We complement

meeting and marrying the man of

each other perfectly and are a

her dreams, Jeff Allis, who at the

great example of when you get

time was head of programming at

the right team together anything

Austereo, Australia’s biggest radio

can happen.”

network.

Janine candidly explains the fast-paced romance, moving in together six weeks after their first date, engaged after four months, married after eight months and expecting their first baby, Oliver, after 12 months.

24

“We are complete opposites,” she laughs.

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

Just nine months after the birth of Oliver, the couple discovered they were expecting another bouncing bundle, son Riley, pivoting their ambitions on taking control of their destinies. A dabble in publishing and touring comedians Photos: Courtesy of Network Ten.

Introducing

making life simple for mums who express.

Our Express and Go range makes everything easier.

By using a single pouch to EXPRESS, STORE, WARM and FEED, there’s no need to transfer breastmilk between bottles so you’ll never lose a precious drop!

failed to get the juices flowing - until the concept of bringing juice bars to Australia was presented.

The revolutionary idea was sparked after the notable success of

1 express

directly into a pre-sterilised pouch using any breast pump you like*

the juice and smoothie industry in the United States. As a mum of active kids and a bit of a health nut, Janine saw the Aussie market was seriously lacking healthy fast food options despite the warm climate and health conscious outdoorsy lifestyle. Fresh juice bars were something she knew she could get excited about.

“I wanted to give my kids something quick and healthy when we were out and about but there was only fatty, sugary, empty calories

2 store

up to 12 pouches in fridge or freezer in specially designed compact case

as far as the eye could see,” she says.

Janine and Jeff trialled the juice concept with several business partners, throwing open the doors to Sejuice on Chapel Street in Melbourne. But lacking internal support and respect the experience quickly soured and a lesson in the hardships of working in an unsupportive team was realised. In true Janine style this failure only spurred and inspired her to create her own brand,

3 warm

to the perfect temperature using the bottle and pouch warmer

own style and vivacity.

And so Boost Juice was born, inflaming Janine’s primal steadfast passion.

This year marks sixteen years since the first store opened its doors on King William Street in Adelaide, even though Janine and Jeff were living in Melbourne juggling the responsibilities of three young children, Samuel (6), Oliver (2) and Riley (7 months) across two different states.

4 feed

easily by clicking the pouch into the bottle so your baby can enjoy every drop!

“It is difficult to run and grow a business when you have kids, you don’t want to be an absentee mum,” she says. “I have always been a great believer in the idea that children should be in your life, not you in theirs, and they will have a richer life because of it,” she writes in her book The Secrets of my Success. “That is how I resolve the guilt that comes from being a working mum.”

Janine describes a life in the early Boost days having very little time for herself, working ridiculous hours and multiple travel, professional and personal commitments, few friends, no hobbies outside of the business, yet her high achieving determination to make it work was evident.

“I was constantly ‘on’, there was no sitting down and watching

closertonaturebaby.com.au *As well as Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature, the breast pump adapter set allows you to use Express and Go pouches with the following brands of breast pumps made by other companies: Ameda® Evenflo® Medela® Philips Avent®

TV or leisurely going out to dinner; my life in the early days of Boost melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

25

wasn’t segregated - work,

daughter, Tahlia. Her

life, parenting was all

eldest son was 16.

jumbled in together,” she

The journey not only

recalls. “You can make it

required a vasectomy

work, you just have to set

reversal and four rounds

yourself up to succeed

of IVF, but was swept up

and well, you might also

in Janine’s dizzying life

need to ask your mum to

holding the reins of the

help look after the kids.”

Boost Juice steam train,

She excitedly divulges

taking the first steps to

the breakneck speed

diversify the brand and

of her growing empire

also a director of the

which rocketed from

Hawthorn Football Club.

zero to 100 stores in four years, earning her the

“The birth of Tahlia gave Jeff and me time to

Photos: Courtesy of Network Ten.

prestigious Telstra Business Woman of the Year Award in 2004.

“It was like riding a train going really fast. You just don’t realise how fast while you’re on the journey, but it’s exactly how we would have wished it would be.

reflect on what was important in our lives,” she says. “In 2007 Jeff took over as CEO of Boost Juice and I stepped down from the daily dues of powering the business along.”

And in 2010, the couple made a deal with private equity group

“And when we needed to grow the business we sold the only asset we had, the family home, and moved our three kids into a

The Riverside Company.

“Selling part of my fifth child was an excruciating experience

rental. We were completely committed to the success of Boost

for me,” she says. “However, I knew it was the right move to

Juice. We couldn’t let it fail. It was exciting, addictive, exhilarating

make on a very personal level and we maintained over 25 per

and terrifying at the same time.”

cent of the business.

Today, Boost Juice stands as a monolithic

“My kids are my priority. I have never

retail phenomenon with some 350 stores

been a canteen mum or on the parent

throughout Australia and in 12 countries around the world, growing at a rate of 30 stores a year. It has also been joined by Salsa’s Fresh Mex Grill, Cibo Espresso and a trial of Hatch, a fresh approach to takeaway chicken, under the umbrella of parent company Retail Zoo, of which Janine wears the hat of executive director.

Janine jokes she has always been

council and at one time I did feel guilty about it,” she muses. “But

w “When we needed to gro only the business we sold the me, asset we had, the family ho into a rental. and moved our three kids itted to the We were completely comm couldn’t success of Boost Juice. We addictive, let it fail. It was exciting, at exhilarating and terrifying the same time.”

there are other mums who probably want to do it and will do it better than me and it isn’t what I want to spend my time doing.

“I think people need to see their life in totality and do what is best for them. If you would rather spend your

too busy building the business in its upward trajectory to spend much time scoping the competition.

“When you copy something, you can’t innovate. But when you create a brand, you can have fun with it.”

She has the same ideology when it comes to parenthood and her family. She has always made the decisions that were right for her, even if it raised some eyebrows.

“I had an epiphany when I was in South Korea on business to

at the school canteen don’t put the pressure on yourself to please other people, it won’t make you a better mum, a better wife or better person. You need to do what makes you happy in life.

“If you are unhappy with your life, stop, and make a change. You always have the power to change. Do what you love.

“My family and being fit and healthy are key to my happiness.”

She’s at a point now, she says, where she can finally appreciate

have another child,” she muses. “Whether it was due to this need to

her own success, balance work and family, take time out for yoga

nurture something because the womanhood side of me had been

and surfing and share her wisdom with others by putting her mind

lost in the daily grind of the man’s world of business or because

and energy into projects like Shark Tank, writing books and blogs

I was 39 and the biological clock was ticking loudly, but I knew I

including mentoring as a Linkedin influencer and in her spare time,

wanted another baby.”

take her daughter to her Year 2 classroom.

It took three years for this epiphany to come full circle. Janine was 42 when she became a mother for the fourth time to her first 26

time meditating than helping out

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

The love-life philosophy that Janine created for the Boost Juice brand is one she clearly lives by too.

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FUNNY MUMMY with Ari Chávez

Stuff and nse Nonse Ari decides to declutter her home.

O

kay, so here’s the thing. We have way too much stuff.

WAY. TOO. MUCH. STUFF. We also don’t have enough storage. I foresaw this when we were building our house

– the Stuff/Storage debacle, I mean.

We were kid-less then but, in a startling display of insight, I realised we’d want somewhere to put plastic crap and the odd hockey stick if we ever had children. I went into battle with our

him like a psychedelic toy store. This is incredibly annoying from a

Building Guy about including hidden cupboards in the hallway

tripping over point of view, especially if you wake at midnight and

and a double sized walk in linen closet, plus extra storage in the

tootle out to the kitchen for a glass of water and catapult over five

kitchen and wherever else I could think of. Building Guy looked

plastic blocks and dismantle your knee. It’s also disappointing from

at me incredulously and asked me how much storage I needed,

a mothering point of view, if you had planned to be a Wooden Toy

exactly. My husband, much to his current regret, sided with

Mother who only bought one wooden toy for birthdays and one

Building Guy and made an uncalled for comment about culling my wardrobe, which would undoubtedly

wooden toy for Christmas, and otherwise sent the children out to play amongst the birdsong and fruit trees.

I was going to be a Wooden Toy Mother before I

solve All The Problems. The two of them chuckled, guy like, about all my clothes. So funny! Ha ha ha!

So, yeah. I didn’t get the extra storage.

Building Guy said it would cost close to a gazillion dollars to put all my cupboards in, and we needed to be thinking about rollout lawn and reticulation and maybe a pizza oven. Guy stuff, in other words.

Fast forward a few years, and we now have a kid who seems to breed plastic crap, stickers, Lego bits, books, soccer balls, marbles, glitter and goddamn play-dough.

When I remained unconvinced - who cares about a pizza oven when you can have a double walk in robe with a dressing area - he told me I had

Anyway, over the summer, I decided something Had To Be Done about all our Stuff. So I bought a book by a Japanese clutter expert about how having a crap free house makes you happy. Basically, you have to chuck everything out that doesn’t make you extraordinarily joyous in the way, say, a double walk in robe with a dressing area would. That’s the

gist of it, anyway. Chuck stuff out, especially clothes.

And the clothes you have left, you have to fold in a weird

champagne tastes and a beer budget and that was a big problem

way. And you need to think about the emotional health of your

for me, and maybe not just when building houses. I didn’t love

socks, or something. I skipped that bit because I have longstanding

Building Guy. No, it wasn’t love.

issues with finding sock pairs, so I am not yet at the level of worrying

Fast forward a few years, and we now have a kid who seems to breed plastic crap, stickers, Lego bits, books, soccer balls,

28

actually became a mother. Ha ha ha. That is all.

about my socks’ emotional health.

Look, it’s a good idea - the chucking stuff out bit - but I am pretty

marbles, glitter and goddamn play-dough. He walks around the

sure the author doesn’t have any kids at all, let alone a kid like mine

house and a proliferation of stuff somehow snakes along behind

who has a memory like an elephant and will, no joke, ask me where

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

a scrap of book he had, and ate, when he was two years old is, and then hunt for it for a Very Long Time.

Nevertheless, culling had to be done. I started to fill up garbage bags from - yes, okay - my closet. I filled a lot, in fact, and took them to the Goodwill. Then I went through my son’s clothes and chucked half of them out and lots of his toys. I filled some more bags. And then I stopped and had a cup of tea because it was all feeling rather tedious.

And while I was recovering from the tedium, my son squirreled his way towards his pile of bulging bags and began extracting Toys of Interest and spiriting them back to his room. When, after a biscuit or few, I returned to the task at hand, I found three very deflated bags full of Clothes of Little Interest, and empty of plastic crap and books and matchbox cars et al.

I followed the characteristic trail up the hallway and into my son’s room, where he was sitting, face alight with joy, amongst a ruin of garish plastic toys, babyish stuffed animals and books he hadn’t looked at for years.

“Look, Mama,” he said delightedly. “Look at all my marvellous stuff!”

I stared at his shining sun of a face, and leant my head against the doorframe and closed my eyes. Yes, this is what I am up against.

Joy abloom in wastelands of neon plastic, and a heartfelt devotion to the playthings of yesterday.

These are the things that bring my son joy. Stuff and Nonsense.

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29

BEHIND

THE NEWS

a d l e r a N h t wi

by Ann Marie Bradstreet

Socially conscious Channel 10 news presenter, NARELDA JACOBS, opens up about her poignant family history, raising her daughter, Jade Dolman, as a single mother and the importance of positive mentorship for Australia’s youth…. Oh, and she would also like the opportunity to marry her partner, Lauren Swinfield.

Photo: Courtesy of Network Ten and Krystle Ricci www.krystlericci.com

N

arelda Jacobs won the coveted position in 2008 to

sense of culture and belonging, an environment which fostered

become the first Aboriginal female newsreader

the belief that goals could be achieved.

to anchor a leading commercial station, and has now been reading Perth’s nightly news for

Network Ten for nearly eight years. This fascinating woman and

our culture and pride in being able to share it with others. I never

mother generously shares her story to reveal a life of enviable

had a sense of being part of a minority. I never thought, ‘I can’t do

achievement against the odds..

that because I’m a girl’ or ‘because I’m Aboriginal’.”

Jacobs graciously attributes her achievements to great role

Strong family threads are woven tightly into the fabric

models and having had a lot of help along the way. Her journey

of Jacobs’ story and her identity and culture, which to her is

began as the youngest of five daughters to Reverend Cedric

indistinguishable, is dependent on family bonds. “Our sense of

Jacobs, a Whadjuk Nyoongar man and member of The Stolen

identity, our culture gave us confidence and a sense of belonging

Generation, and his wife Margaret, a Belfast born woman of Irish

and protected us from feeling misplaced.”

and English descent. Jacobs was raised in a family with a strong 30

“I had fantastic role models,” she says. “My parents were leaders in their community. There was always a sense of pride in

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

Jacobs took this confidence to her first job where, aged 18, she www.offspringmagazine.com.au

began working on the front desk of The National Native Tribunal (NNT) but, with a long-held desire to be a reporter, soon made her way into the organisation’s media department. She knew in Year Seven that she wanted to be a journalist.

“I had little interest in Maths and Science and had always enjoyed storytelling and writing stories. My parents were current affairs junkies and I was always interested in what was making news.”

Jacobs humbly credits the support of others as the recipe of her success, although she shrugs off suggestions she has ‘made it’.

“I guess you just put a goal out there, try to reach the goal and people help you reach it. I wanted to get a job as a reporter and I tried for that and everything that has happened after that I just can’t believe. So many people have helped me along the way and for that I am extremely grateful. You can’t get anywhere on your own, everyone needs help, don’t they?”

While working at the NNT Jacobs fell pregnant to her boyfriend of two years, succumbing to family pressure and a religious upbringing she got married at 19. It was a mistake and within six months the marriage was over.

“I found myself a single parent and living back home with Mum and Dad,” she reveals.

Returning to the NNT from maternity leave, Jacobs describes managing life as a young single working

so before and after school care became

mother. “Family pitched in and helped,”

difficult. Family often helped out. Marion

she says. “Mum and Dad were amazing;

(Towndrow, Jacobs’ ex long term partner)

when Jade was a baby Mum would

was very good when Jade was young and

help look after her until I eventually

very good at the discipline side of things. I

used childcare. I couldn’t have done it

was a bit of a cotton wool mum but Marion

without their support.”

would say what needed to be said. They’re

Jacobs freely admits the importance

Socially family played in raisingconscious Jade.

Channel 10 news Mother and Aunty in Nyoongar presenter, NARELDA JACOBS, opens culture are interchangeable, the up about her poignant family history, parenting role stretches beyond the daughter Jade Dolman I never had a as sense of biologicalraising mother andher Narelda and her being part of a minority. I anurtured singleJade mother five sisters and her 12 and the importance never thought, ‘I can’t do cousins within this maternalmentorship structure. of positive for Australia’s that because I’m a girl’ or “Jade is an only child but she doesn’t youth…. Oh, and she would also ‘because I’mlike Aboriginal’. feel like one. If she needed telling off the opportunity to marry her partner, then one of her aunties would tell her off and I was completely comfortable Lauren Swinfield. with that,” she says.

Jacobs had been working at the NNT for five years when, after

still close, despite all the tears (Jade’s from getting told off ),” chuckles Jacobs.

Jade also shares a close bond to her father, an Eastern Arrernte man from the Alice Springs region.

“Work and family life balance is better these days,” tells Jacobs. “Jade is older (aged 21) and has her independence and my work hours are less stressful.” As a newsreader, Jacobs’ day generally begins at 11am and finishes shortly after the nightly news.

Life in Jacob’s Mount Lawley home in Perth’s northern suburbs is good. Lauren

Swinfield, her partner of four years and four months, a detail

two failed attempts, her boss encouraged her to again audition for

tenderly offered, is a happy addition to Jacobs’ family life. Asked

Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Third

how a change to marriage equality laws would affect her family

time lucky, she describes her acceptance into Broadcasting as

she simply states, “Lauren and I would get married. We would like

‘The beginning of the rest of my life’.

to be married and recognised in our own country”.

Post WAAPA, she worked at GWN, a country television station

Jacobs is proud of her daughter who is studying Fine Art and

and then joined Ten News as a court reporter which meant her

Indigenous Culture. Jade has also been co-ordinating Aboriginal

hours were less predictable.

Art and Cultural Workshops for schools, organisations and

“As a reporter I worked really odd hours. Jade was about six, www.offspringmagazine.com.au

community events. Workshops include learning about Dreamtime melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

31

and figures in authority, like the police, might be saying the same thing but sometimes it takes hearing it from someone they can identify with.”

Jacobs concedes there can be an inherited mistrust of authority within the Aboriginal community and acknowledges the legacy left behind by cultural traumas such as The Stolen Generation but insists there is a need to move forward. Jacobs does not see the point of, “laying guilt trips on anyone about the past”, but expresses the importance of being aware of Australia’s cultural history.

“Sometimes I’m shocked when people don’t know about the massacres (referring to mass killings of Aboriginal people Australia wide during White Settlement), you just kind of expect people to know and I suppose this goes back to education.

Teaching this in school can help to shape the minds of young students and inform their attitudes as adults. Then attitudes can shift from a place of complaint such as ‘why are these people receiving hand-outs?’ to a point of understanding as to why some people need extra help.”

Jacobs is also quick to point out that progress and understanding must be a collaborative pursuit, that choosing to hide behind injustice or using it as an excuse is unhelpful and that at some point everyone must be accountable for themselves, “We’ve all got to wise-up”, she says.

storytelling and Nyoongar

Jacobs discusses the sense of shame

seasons, which culminate into the production of individual

that can surround culture and explains

artworks or large scale

that at times shame is perpetuated

collaborative murals.

within one’s own family. “Kids may hear

“It turns out that there is a real need for these kind of workshops in schools,” says Jacobs, who goes on to explain that Jade has also extended her workshops into The Deaf community.

“Yes, I’m very proud of her and all the things she is doing; sometimes I just think

I believe that if we love our bodies our children will love theirs ensuring that they grow up having positive self-esteem and positive self-worth.

Jacobs is involved in mentoring Indigenous youth, is an ambassador and patron for a number of community organisations, including the David Wirrpanda Foundation and Breast

Our sense of identity, our culture gave us confidence and a sense of belonging and protected us from feeling misplaced.

own family, but there is no shame in success. If you’re good at something – great, you should be proud.”

Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transexual (LGBT) community.

Jacobs has been involved in a youth mentorship program with The Smith Family and also periodically visits Indigenous youth at Banksia Hill Detention Centre in Perth’s East.

“A lot of people don’t have good role models and these kids need to hear good messages from a variety of people. Teachers

justice system. “It’s important to have mentors from all different walks of life and we shouldn’t give up on giving out those positive messages.”

Positive mentorship is something Jacobs values and is also mindful of upholding within her own family and it is clear how much she values her

role model for Indigenous Australia and the

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

back and being limited within your

Indigenous youth caught up in the

Cancer WA and stands out as a glamorous

32

it can be a matter of pulling each other

a sense of pride and self-belief with

Jacobs, a formidable inspiration in her own right has not only juggled motherhood, a is also an active member of the community.

think you’re a big shot or something?’,

Jacobs expresses the need to share

‘Where have you come from?’”

successful career and a loving relationship, she

things like, ‘you can’t do that, do you

partner’s influence, “Lauren coming into our life has been great timing”.

As a step parent, Swinfield has assumed a role of confidante.

“Lauren came into our lives at a really good stage for Jade,” Jacobs explains, and says that she is able to empathise with the issues Jade may be facing. “She can relate because she’s younger and is www.offspringmagazine.com.au

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able to give really good advice. At 30, those issues are fresher in her mind and let’s face it, there are some things mums shouldn’t know and that’s where Lauren’s really good because it’s really

recognition of Aboriginal people within Australia’s Constitution.

“It’s something Dad feels really

important for Jade to get the right advice from the right people.

passionate about. It’s an act of healing

Peers and others may not always be giving good advice.”

for him and something he has been

Jacobs has provided a solid foundation for her daughter to build upon and she credits her own mother and father for

campaigning for his whole life. It goes beyond symbolism and to him it holds

instilling her strong sense of family, culture and community

real practical meaning, something that the

values.

whole community acts upon.”

Jacobs’ father, Reverend Cedric Jacobs was born in York, in the Western Australian Wheatbelt. His father, a shearer, moved the family around the area

Where has Jade Dolman, Narelda Jacobs’ daughter, come from?

Like her mother, she appears

following the shearing seasons. At eight years old,

to be the product of a strong

Cedric and his brothers were forcibly removed

family, grounded in culture,

from his parents’ care and sent to the Mogumba

belonging and good values.

Native Mission near Moore River, an hour and a half North East of Perth. The Mission was brought to national attention when portrayed in 2002 film Rabbit-Proof Fence. Reverend Jacobs remained at Mogumba until he was 16.

Tragically, he was never reunited with his parents who passed away while he and his brothers were held at the Mission.

Reverend Jacobs has been an Aboriginal activist and advocate of Constitutional Change for many years, raising awareness for the need of appropriate

Sometimes I’m shocked when people don’t know about the massacres (referring to mass killings of Aboriginal people Australia wide during White Settlement), you just kind of expect people to know and I suppose this goes back to education.”

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34

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Joshua’s

Journey

At six months Joshua was diagnosed with a rare type of dwarfism that results in multiple physical problems including skeletal abnormalities, an unstable neck, club foot and means he may only grow to be three feet tall. By Tania Connolly 36

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

J

oshua walks confidently around the room, talking and smiling cheekily, like any two year old. Clamouring for his mother’s attention, he trips and she gasps, flinging her

hands out to catch him. He clutches the sofa and giggles, and she visibly relaxes. If her reaction seems overly dramatic, it’s not.

Unlike other two year olds, a simple fall could prove fatal.

After a straightforward pregnancy with son Jesse, now three, Michelle Xavier and her partner James Paulson conceived again, just nine months later. The pregnancy progressed smoothly until a 20-week scan revealed their unborn child had congenital talipes equinovarus, more commonly known as club foot. Their shock turned to relief when they realised it was treatable.

At 26 weeks they received another shock when Michelle says, “We got told his limbs weren’t growing as they should and were up to three to four weeks behind.” Doctors suggested they terminate the pregnancy, or brace themselves for the likelihood their baby would die due to a suspected lethal form of dwarfism.

Michelle is still astonished

Doctors suggested they terminate the pregnancy, or brace themselves for the likelihood their baby would die due to a suspected lethal form of dwarfism. that medical professionals continually urged her to end her baby’s life.

“That is something I will never forget. To be honest, it wasn’t an option for James and me. We just thought, he’s still our child and there’s no way we could do that. We stuck to our guns and it’s such a good thing we did.”

With no history of dwarfism in either family, Michelle admits she felt like a “lab rat” as doctors attempted to understand the cause and extent of her baby’s issues. She was told Joshua’s condition was “a freak thing that happened at conception”, occurring in less than one in 100,000 pregnancies.

On New Year’s Eve 2013, Joshua arrived via caesarean in a room filled with breathing apparatus and an entire team of doctors. Only 41cm long, the focus was his tiny chest. When Michelle heard “a magnificent roar” she knew his lungs were fine and the breathing machines remained unused. Monitored in ICU for a few days Michelle took Joshua home a week later, overwhelmed by how to care for him.

At six months Joshua was diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDc) – a rare type of dwarfism that results in skeletal abnormalities, extremely short stature, unstable neck, club foot and problems with the spine and joints.

Joshua’s uniqueness raises questions about his future prognosis.

Michelle says, “I kinda wish there was another family in WA to talk to,” but she has found solace communicating with others via the www.offspringmagazine.com.au

C SC ATCH AND OOBYDO TH STA E GA O ALL GE IN NG ON NEW THIS MU HI-TE SIC C AL! H

SAT 9 JULY Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne lifeliketouring.com/offspring SCOOBY-DOO and all related characters and elements © & ™ Hanna-Barbera. WB SHIELD: TM & © WBEI. (s16)

melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

37

He still wears size 00 and doctors predict Joshua may only grow to three feet, so Michelle’s worries include everything from bullies, school playtime, reaching door handles, turning on switches and flushing toilets.

SEDc facebook page. Their experiences offer her insight to

in his mobility prove their worth.

Everyday activities are potentially life threatening for Joshua.

what lies ahead, including the

“The doctors have told us no rough play, no jumping castles, no

possibility Joshua may suffer

trampoline.” It saddens Michelle to explain to Jesse why his little

ongoing chest complaints and

brother is unable to join him on playground equipment. “It’s hard

become wheelchair-bound.

to think about because I want to do the same things I did with Jesse,

Speaking to a 60-yearold woman with SEDc gives Michelle hope Joshua will attain a normal life expectancy, but due to his diminished lung capacity, a common cold causes serious complications. A bout of gastroenteritis prior to Christmas, cost Joshua one third of his body weight and admission to hospital.

Michelle shares these details of Joshua’s condition and

but I know some things I will never be able to do, nor share that experience with him.”

The unstable bones in his neck increase Joshua’s risk of spinal cord damage. It’s highly likely surgery will be required to fuse his vertebrae in an attempt to stabilise his neck.

Initially Joshua’s intellectual and physical development were delayed but now appear on track. Michelle says, “Because he had such a big head for his body size he found it difficult to hold his head

development on a Facebook page she created called, ‘More Than Just

up.” At 13 months of age, Joshua sat in a special chair for 20 – 30

Small’, in the hope it may bring comfort to others around the world.

minutes a day for three months, enabling him to strengthen his back.

She documents his operation at seven weeks old to uncurl his feet.

With such a small chest, any sedation is dangerous and Michelle says,

It prepared him to sit unaided at 16 months. He spoke at 14 months, stood at 17 months and took his first step at 18 months.

“It look longer than expected for Josh to wake up.”

Joshua attends up to eight appointments

For three months Joshua endured plaster

a month but these are dwindling as he gains

casts so heavy, they would slip off. “Most of

independence. Since his birth Michelle admits

the time I sat in a nursing chair with him on my

to suffering anxiety. He still wears size 00 and

shoulder and that’s how we’d both fall asleep.”

doctors predict Joshua may only grow to three

Once removed, for 23 hours a day Joshua’s

feet, so Michelle’s worries include everything

legs were encased in “boots and bars” – shoes

from bullies, school playtime, reaching door

connected to a shoulder-width metal bar to

handles, turning on switches and flushing toilets,

ensure his feet remained at right angles. Now

to the fact the world does not accommodate

he must wear them for 12 hours each night,

people of his small stature.

until he turns four. Getting tangled in sheets,

Michelle also worries how she’ll explain

banging the apparatus on the bars of his cot or

everything to him. “It makes you think

wanting a feed, means he rarely sleeps for long

when Joshua is a bit older … he’s going to ask

periods. It breaks Michelle’s heart when Joshua

questions. Why aren’t I taller like Daddy? Why

cries at being strapped in, but the improvements

can’t I go on that with Jesse? I have to brace

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38

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

myself. I still think about it every day. What do I tell him?

How do I tell him?”

She will be his advocate for as long as possible but concedes it can be overwhelming when people stare and comment. Having a child with special needs who requires constant supervision places added pressure on Michelle and James but she says, “James is my rock. He’s such a great dad. I think our relationship is definitely stronger since having Josh. It’s opened our eyes to different things we used to take for granted.”

She adds, “We could easily be angry all the time ... I know we’re going to have some people who [are nasty], but we also have people who are genuinely interested in him, as a person, not just his size.”

She hopes her smallest son soars to incredible heights in his life and says, “He was born to stand out, there’s no point hiding him. As long as we make Joshua feels comfortable with his condition and show that we love him no matter what, I think that will be enough to make him venture out there.”

Photo: Krystle Ricci Photography www.krystlericci.com

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

39

‘The future will be bright, not like this’ This is what cash assistance means to a Syrian family living in abject poverty.

E

mir and Sabeen never thought their four young children would grow up in a barn that once housed chickens and sheep. The lingering smell, dampness, and insects make it

uncomfortable to say the least.

But they have little choice. When they fled Syria for Jordan over two years ago they left with nothing, not even their passports.

In Syria they were living comfortably on a school teacher’s income. As refugees in Jordan, they struggle to keep even this roof over their heads. Emir teaches his landlord’s three children for a small weekly fee of 15 Jordanian dinar (30 Australian dollars), while Sabeen is sometimes able to earn five dinar a week making and selling Syrian food. This barely covers their rented barn, let alone groceries, water, electricity and medical fees.

Sabeen with her two youngest children. Sabeen and her family fled Syria two years ago after their hometown came under attack.

They can’t afford to change their eight-month-old’s nappies more than twice a day. ”Now, he has rashes. We feed him biscuits with water, he is sick. We took him yesterday to the doctor, he said he has problem

While the cash assistance is a welcome relief, Emir and Sabeen know that the impact of their family’s ordeal runs deep.

Their five-year-old daughter Mala bears the psychological scars

and we need to give him healthy food…the doctor told me that

of seeing her father injured and their neighbours killed during an

he doesn’t have teeth because of the lack of calcium in his body,”

attack on their hometown of Damascus.

Sabeen says.

“She saw dead bodies in the street. There was a huge attack in

“Our older daughters ask me why they should suffer. ‘Why

our town; many people were in the streets with cut hands and heads.

do we live in this situation?’ They don’t have winter clothes or a

When she draws, she draws dead people that the army attacked. She

winter jacket.”

refuses to talk to people, she refuses to go to school,” says Sabeen.

The family will receive 180 dinar each month ($85 Australian dollars per week), plus a 438 dinar emergency winter allowance to purchase a heater.

But where there is kindness, there is hope.

“We love Jordan; Jordanian people they are so kind. Even poor Jordanian people are feeling sorry for our situation and helping,” says Sabeen.

“We are trying to give our children hope, that the future will be bright not like this,” adds Emir.

More than 16 million Syrians urgently need humanitarian aid. Of these, 4.2 million Syrians have fled the country, mostly to neighbouring Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq.

Red Cross Red Crescent is providing psychological support to Syrian refugees, children and families and Jordan.

Many children draw pictures of the bombs, fighting and horrors they’ve faced.

40

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

Distributed by Jordan Red Crescent and partly funded by Australian donors, the cash assistance helps the poorest Syrian families to meet their everyday needs.

Please make a tax-deductible donation to the Syria Crisis Appeal www.donations.redcross.org.au/donation

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EARLY CHILDHOOD

Children facing

By Wendy Muller, Ngala

DISASTER

An increase in natural disasters and a growing media coverage of catastrophic world events can be very confronting for children, making it necessary for parents to help them cope with any related fears that might arise as a consequence.

in their lives and may become very anxious about being separated from you.

•

Becoming upset easily and more difficult to comfort.

N

•

repeatedly through play or drawings.

atural disasters, such as

they have seen, so they may act them

bushfires, floods and severe

out. As a result, you may see changes in

act out with disruptive or aggressive

storms, can have a strong impact

their behaviour, sleep and eating patterns.

behaviour eg. might bite or hit more.

•

They might become withdrawn or

on families, especially children. Indirect

However, not all these changes are due to

•

They may become hyperactive.

exposure to these events through media

exposure to natural events – some of them

•

They may react negatively to changes

coverage or through them overhearing

may be a result of normal development

conversations, might have more of an

and life event.

The good news is, most children who are impacted by such natural disasters – whether directly or indirectly – are able

observe in your child include:

Behaviour Research shows that empathy plays

to recover with the support of important adults in their life.

Children are active participants in their

Sleep •

Sleep patterns may change: eg. they may seem very restless in their sleep or have difficulty falling and staying asleep.

ability to: •

Returning to earlier behaviour eg.

see and hear, they are finely tuned to the

they may suck their thumbs again or

emotions and feelings of the important

wet their beds.

•

More fearful of strangers, darkness or monsters.

Very young children do not have the

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

and pains.

wellbeing of any person, including their

understand the meaning of what they

words to talk about their feelings or what

May complain of unexplained aches

a key part in the future happiness and

world. Even though they might not fully

people in their lives.

in routines and environments.

•

Some of the changes you might

effect on children than we realise.

42

They may express their trauma

•

More clingy with the important adults

For more information on

Nutrition children’s development, please go

• toEating patterns may change: eg. they www.ngala.com.au and book may refuse to eat certain foods yourself and your partner into aand want to drink from aand bottle again. free Understanding Guiding If the changes in behaviour continue Children’s Behaviour Workshop.

for longer than a few weeks, or suddenly www.offspringmagazine.com.au

on the best way to support your child.

manner as children absorb your

appear much later, you may need to seek

I t is alright for your child to see that

emotions along with your words.

professional help from your local GP,

you are sad or teary. However try not

Give your child lots of cuddles, verbal

child health nurse, parent helpline, child

to show intense emotions such as

support and your full attention. They

psychologist or counsellor.

uncontrollable sobbing or screaming,

need that extra loving devotion to

as this is scary for children. It is also

help them feel safe and secure when

adults, do? Whatever you say or do, be

a good idea for you to label or name

things are so uncertain.

guided by your knowledge of your child’s

your own feelings, such as being sad.

Reassure your child that you will and

temperament and age.

P ay close attention to your child’s

can look after them and that you love

What can you as parents, or significant

Look after your own physical and

feelings. Let him know you understand

them.

mental health. Seek the support of

by naming their feelings: “I know you

Use language that your child

families, friends and professionals if

are ‘scared,’ ‘sad,’ or ‘angry.’” Ignoring

understands and give basic facts

required.

feelings does not make them go away.

as appropriate to their age and

Discuss and agree with your partner

C ommunicate in a calm and clear

temperament.

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43

EARLY CHILDHOOD

If your child wants to talk repeatedly about the disaster, listen calmly.

Provide opportunities for your child to express their feelings through play or drawings, and possible re-enactment using dress-up clothes – this is how your child tries to make sense of what has happened.

Maintain, where possible, predictable and consistent routines. Tell your child about what is happening next and details of what to expect.

Routines make children feel safe. It can be very comforting for them to sing the same goodnight songs or play the same games.

Spend time together doing activities they enjoy. Laughter is a great stress

understanding: “Yes, a bad thing

reliever!

happened but we are keeping you

You may need to spend extra time

safe.”

with them prior to bedtime.

P rotect your child from seeing and

Some children might prefer to share a

hearing troubling media coverage.

bedroom until they can return to their

Turn off the TV, iPad and radios.

own without fear.

D on’t talk about scary events

Answer your child’s questions

around your child. Young children

according to their level of

understand more than we can know.

ASK ABOUT YOUR FREE TRIAL!

If you feel you need additional support and information, contact the Ngala Helpline on 08 9368 9368 or 1800 111 546 for country callers, or email helpline@ngala.com.au. Other sources of information include your GP, child health nurse, child and adolescent health service in your health area, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

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INTERNET PICKS

Our internet picks SHOPPING online is fun and convenient. Now there is fantastic range of fashion items and great buys for the family. However, looking for good-quality sites can be overwhelming with such a large number from which to choose.

Finding your way around can be daunting! We’ve provided a few good Australian sites, which offer a great range of stylish, beautiful and practical items to help point you in the right direction.

www.tinc.net.au Tinc is a funky new range of kids stationery, gifts, bags, gadgets and gift sets. Its a little bit of British, but a whole heap of fun, funky and cool products that kids aged 4 to 104 will love.

But things aren’t as they seem!

Waxy highlighters, nail polish is really a highlighter, the calculator includes a game, zippy pencil case becomes a skipping rope and our pencils are covered in Velvet! Tinc can even cover your party bag needs quickly and easily!

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Their products range from necklaces to customised bookmarks.

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melbourne sydney | |summer autumn 2016 | Offspring

45

DAD’S WORLD

with Gary Ausbruch

Fear factor Gary contemplates the value of forcing his daughter to face her fears versus the prospect of creating worse problems.

M

y daughter desperately wanted to go down the big

I thought of last year’s series of The Bachelorette, where Sam made

waterslide at the fun park. She made it to the top twice,

all the contestants jump off a cliff as a test of their devotion to her,

and both times she ended up descending down the stairs

and there was one guy who was petrified of heights who just couldn’t

instead of on her bottom. The second time, I was up there with her

jump. She booted him off the show shortly after. Cruel to be kind, I

as she sat at the top of the slide in tears, wrestling with the decision

guess. For the briefest of instants I contemplated giving Ella a gentle

of whether to go or not. The people in the queue below craned their

nudge to the back with my foot, just enough to get her on her way,

necks to see what the hold-up was, and the slide attendant started to

and soon she’d realise that there was nothing to worry about.

get impatient. I was trying to talk Ella into doing it, pleading with her to go, that she could do it and she’d be okay.

But I didn’t. To use The Bachelorette as a tool to make a parenting decision was a bridge too far, even though I really like it. Or if I was to be one hundred percent truthful, what actually stopped me was the cost of years of counselling for Ella’s paternal abandonment issues that flashed through my head.

Afterwards, Ella was pretty down on herself for not being brave enough and couldn’t understand why her mind wanted her to go down the slide but her body just wouldn’t let her. I told her that fears can be irrational and everyone has them. Even though I was able to

Even though I was able to go down the water slide (just wanted to make that clear), I told her that I was afraid of things too. go down the water slide (just wanted to make that clear), I told her

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

that I was afraid of things too.

I mentioned the things I’m most afraid of: birds (ornithophobia), clutter (knickknackphobia) and tools (bunningsphobia). Some pretty heavy things in that list, I know. And things – with the exception of clutter, surely – other people might actually find fun. But where do these fears come from?

The bird fear, I’m convinced – even though my parents insist this wasn’t the case – was from being attacked as a child by a blackbird who, due to our similar features, mistook me for one of his own and considered me a threat.

I’m far from a psychologist, but I would imagine the genesis of most of our fears is from childhood, and particularly where we were made to do something against our will, like being dragged along to a hardware store. Or pushed down a waterslide you really don’t want to go down.

wouldn’t cross one of those wobbly bridges. Come to think of it, both of these incidents were with Ella, so perhaps it’s already too late to avoid the counselling for at least one of my kids. My poor first born!

But even though these types of incidents are tricky, I’m encouraged by the fact that I seem to have learned something by my past mistakes. I think I’ve learned to lose the expectations when it comes

The bird fear, I’m convinced – even though my parents insist this wasn’t the case – was from being attacked as a child by a blackbird who, due to our similar features, mistook me for one of his own and considered me a threat to what should be fun for the kids, and more importantly, when it Thinking about it, this scenario had happened before; when I’d gone to the effort of doing something with or for my kids that

should be fun.

Experiencing anything for the first time can be daunting, and

I thought was supposed to be fantastic fun, but they actually

it takes time to figure out what is really worth being fearful of and

considered pretty terrifying.

what can be accepted. Plus, kids seem to have their own in-built

A couple of instances stick in my head which I hadn’t handled

mechanism to protect themselves from harm that works pretty well.

well where I got upset with my kids’ inability to enjoy something

It actually overrides any desire or bias a parent has for them to be at

supposedly enjoyable. The first one was at the beach when I

the “right” developmental age and stage compared to other kids, or

repeatedly tried to take a freaking-out child into the ocean, and

to do what the parent thinks they themselves were capable of at an

the second at a playground where I couldn’t understand why they

equivalent age.

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melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

47

Facing Infertility Fears When you are unsuspectingly thrown on the infertility rollercoaster looping through hope and disappointment cycle to cycle, the reins of control over your life seemingly slip with the consuming desire to conceive a baby. Offspring shares some tried and tested methods to empower your fertility journey while nurturing your relationships and yourself.

M

any of us grow up assuming that one day, just like our mums and dads and their parents before them, that we too will have children.

But it is a confronting reality that one in every

six couples face difficulties trying to get pregnant.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF) may be hailed a revolutionary

miracle for those unable to conceive naturally, but it is far from a quick fix to the plethora of complex and complicated medical and financial hurdles some couples face in their quest for parenthood.

Infertility, an emotionally-loaded word, is simply defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. The causes of infertility are many and varied.

For women, age is the single most important factor affecting fertility. No matter how young you feel, after 35 years old your eggs are considered more fragile and declining, and it doesn’t help that the term ‘elderly primagravida’ is added to your medical notes, meaning older first time mum.

There are many reasons the modern woman may delay parenthood including meeting a partner later in life, focusing on a career or travel, experiencing a medical issue and for many it is simply thinking there was more time left on the biological clock. Tick Tock. All these personal reasons for

48

Offspring | autumn 2016 2015 | melbourne perth

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

HEALTH

tip 1 Start with the right expectations putting off having a baby can compound intense feelings of blame, anger, shame, guilt or regret, when slapped with the infertility label.

IVF is a journey which may take 1-6 cycles or more. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking each cycle is a process itself.

Infertility counsellor and principal life coach at Authentic Empowerment, Claire Hall, says a life crisis such as infertility can make a woman take a very severe inventory of herself: “While you may not get a choice in the matter, it is an opportunity to question who you are and decide what you actually want from life and empowering yourself wherever your journey takes you.”

“People like being in control of their lives and when faced with infertility there is a monumental sense of losing control,” she says, which, if left unchecked, “can lead to a diminished sense of self worth and ripple through to profoundly impact relationships and even cause marriage breakdown and loss of friendships.”

tip 2 Keeping it together Keep all your treatment and research in one central location so it is not scattered all over the house, impacting every aspect of life and constantly reminding you.

Treat your experience with the importance and care it deserves.

The modern woman may delay parenthood, including meeting a partner later in life, focusing on a career or travel, experiencing a medical issue and for many it is simply thinking there was more time left on the biological clock.

Sydney-based Hall explains her book, Empowered Fertility: A Practical Twelve-Step Guide, was written with a focus to help empower women to manage their psychological and emotional wellbeing, expectations and attitudes in the face of infertility.

A key recommendation for people taking the first daunting steps in fertility treatment is to get back to basics, put thoughts down on paper and keep communication channels open, especially with partners and doctors. It is also advisable to think about restricting fertility discussions and time spent online,

tip 3 Call on your supporters Ask for support and a listening ear.

Remind them they can’t fix the problem or

take the pain away.

Ask for private notice of pregnancy

announcements.

Be honest with family and close friends and let

them know you need space, this may include declining invitations particularly those related to babies.

which can lead down a wayward isolating and discouraging path. www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

49

PARENTING

tip 4 Empower yourself Accept your journey is personal and unique.

“If you have engaged a doctor that you truly trust, and you

Start a journal.

surround yourself with a solid support team, you have no need to

reate a vision board of who you wish to C become as a result of the fertility journey.

be online seeking further answers,” Hall says. “You are not alone,

I dentify what you can and can’t control and manage your expectations. ositive and proactive thinking. Practice P daily affirmations: “I am worthy of happiness and love”; “I am grateful for my body”; “I graciously accept my life”. earn to say ‘no’ to events that cause you L undue stress.

Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Support and love your partner. ook some pamper time to rejuvenate and B calm your nervous system.

Visit new places or learn a new skill to escape the reminders of infertility. ry yoga or meditation to quiet your inner T dialogue.

Be kind to yourself.

you have a whole team on your side barracking for you, knowing your unique story and wanting the same outcome.”

Co-author of Hall’s book and well-respected fertility and women’s health specialist, Dr Devora Lieberman, says there has always been plenty of counselling available but what are lacking are concise tools for helping patients positively and confidently navigate the treatment phases, especially if the couple make the tough decision to stop and implement their ‘Plan B’ lifestyle choice.

“Some couples start treatment already knowing the number of cycles they are willing to try, while others receive medical advice or stop due to financial constraint or physical and emotional strain,” Lieberman says.

“When the decision to stop trying is finally reached there are many mixed emotions, like a grief process. The realisation you can start redesigning your life may not come immediately, but there are so many possibilities and opportunities for an empowered, meaningful and fulfilling life with or without children.”

tip 5 Know your triggers Be prepared for questions from family, friends, work colleagues and even strangers. Brainstorm your personal triggers and prepare calm and collected responses. Practice your comebacks to build confidence using them.

Here are some responses to dispel the well intended question “When are you going to start a family?”

• When the time is right

• That is not something I can answer right now • Why, are you selling yours?

• Or change the subject back to them.

Remember you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

HEALTH

tip 6 Nurture your relationship Attend fertility specialist appointments

together.

Limit fertility talk to 20 minutes a day.

Remove inflammatory words from

conversation such as ‘why’ and ‘you’. isten without judging and explore how each L other is processing the journey.

Remember love is your core motivation for this journey. Keep the reasons you are together at the forefront of your mind: 1. Send love notes.

2. Go on a date night.

3. Keep a happy memory snapshot close at hand, in your wallet or on your desk.

Because your emotional health is essential for your family’s health.

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melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

51

By Ann Marie Bradstreet

e y B Bye e i b o o B

52

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

A sweaty little head nestled in the crook of my arm drains my knotty, aching breast. I am emotional. I’ve been weaning my two year old for the past week and I feel like an elite athlete taking to the field for the last time.

I

am sad yet philosophical as I look back over my breastfeeding career, spanning almost thirteen years and yielding three beautiful boys; it is now time to pass the baton

onto the younger up and coming mothers.

This last season of feeding has been by far the easiest and the longest of all three stints. Being a veteran and knowing well the state of play, I brought that newborn to my breast still standing by the hospital bed from his birth while praising his brave passage into the world, “What a good boy you are to do so well getting here”, I cried onto his little screeching head as he latched on for the first time. I decided to stay a night in hospital so I would be brought cups of tea, my sole motivation, I kid you not. I held him all night and he fed like he’d been born to it as, of course, he had.

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

The next morning during a feed, a matronly midwife doing her rounds reached out to grab my breast. “Let me show you…” she said before I firmly arrested her wrist mid-lunge and calmly spoke the words, “Don’t touch me please”. She respectfully apologised, I accepted and got on with my task.

of their imminent decline into sad little

96 per cent of Australian mothers initiate breastfeeding yet only 39 per cent of babies are being breastfed to three months and only 15 per cent to six months.

It hadn’t been like that in my first season

deflated balloons harking to a party long dispersed, to inspire some mums to push on through those hard times and share in the wisdom and joy of feeding your children the easiest, cheapest, most nourishing and portable food source you could possibly provide.

According to the ABA (Australian

as a rookie. Countless midwives, lactation consultants and even,

Breastfeeding Society), a 2010 survey indicates that 96 per cent of

horrifyingly, a mother-in-law all traipsed through my personal,

Australian mothers initiate breastfeeding, yet only 39 per cent of

physical and emotional boundaries to grab, pull, push and flick at

babies are being breastfed to three months and only 15 per cent to

what I was, apparently, doing so wrong.

six months, falling well short of The World Health Organization’s

After eight tear-stained weeks of tri-hourly nipple gratings,

recommendation that babies be exclusively breastfed to six months

a midwife suggested my son and I may have thrush. A simple

of age, and thereafter with complementary foods up to two years

treatment had us successfully feeding and within a week we were a

old and beyond. This tells me that the majority of mothers want to

contented little symbiotic duo.

breastfeed their babies but six months on, the breastfeeding mother

It is easy to reduce that time to another parenting anecdote, relaying none of the potent despair I was living at the time but

is a member of a minority group.

Breastfeeding can be stressful, difficult and confusing for a lot

thinking about it now, I understand why mothers become so

of new mothers and feeling unsuccessful at something continually

discouraged and give up within those first crucial weeks, where

described as “natural” can be discouraging but surely the statistics

supply and demand must be met to get that factory up and running.

above show that struggling with breastfeeding in our current

I would love, if I could, in the swan song of my boobs, in honour

society is a pretty common situation. Learning to breastfeed can

Sebamed Australia

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

y, nc na g e Pr po he s Ex t t n e s a re T ntr t u hild GUS on Ce i s C U ti i d v & 1 A ibi rf an bies 19-2 e Exh Wha 21 e rn th M m Ba ou Sou nd Co elb Sta M

melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

53

be really hard, at first. Persistence,

a love - when first encountered

however, is worth it as breastfeeding

- seems impossible to extend

becomes the easiest thing in the world

until the next child is born

and it saves the day, day after day.

and miraculously it multiplies,

The women in my life, other

with the lithe ease of a ballet

breastfeeding mothers, have helped

dancer executing a monumental

influence, inspire and inform my

manoeuvre.

choices. Watching other mothers

I even feel grateful for the

normalised the practice even when

honour of having doughy little

negative messages persisted around

hands yank down my top in front of

me. As I have become a wiser and more experienced mother I have become more confident and assured in my choices and ability to trust that my body will provide what my child needs.

The emotional nourishment I have had the privilege to offer through the bond of breastfeeding is something I will cherish

the maintenance man come to fix

The nursing of high temperatures and annoying colds, the quelling of infantile rage, calming the calamity of a fall, these boobs have been the masters of multi-tasking.

for the rest of my life. The nursing of high

my pantry door because, despite the odd glitch in my dignity, even though it hasn’t always been easy and it can be tiring and physically draining, it has been so worth it.

The positive benefits have far outweighed the bad.

So, it is with sadness and a great deal of gratitude that I announce my retirement,

temperatures and annoying colds, the

with injury pulling me up short (I have some

quelling of infantile rage, calming the calamity of a fall, these

health treatments on hold until I finish feeding). This two year old

boobs have been the masters of multi-tasking.

and I, despite some considerable bereavement, are saying “Bye-

I look at my three sons and my heart bursts with fierce love,

bye Booby�.

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Bringing a new baby into a toddler’s life has been likened to your partner bringing home someone new. The new “family member” moves in, their stuff is everywhere, they take up your partner’s time and attention, and everyone who walks through your front door asks how you’re feeling about them. You’re expected to not only like but love this person and feel excited that they’ve arrived into your home.

BY KAREN MENZIES CAMPBELL

New baby, jealous toddler “You might see behavioural outbursts such as tantrums and acting out, or behavioural and emotional regression such as regressing in their toilet training, wanting to be rocked to sleep or demanding attention at your baby’s feeding time.”

B

ringing home your new baby can spark a range of emotions in your toddler, from joy and curiosity to confusion, frustration and jealousy. If you look at the

changes from your toddler’s perspective, it makes sense that they need some time to adjust to your new baby’s arrival.

According to Clinical Psychologist (Reg) Emma Cole-Henley, your toddler could show their mixed emotions through a range of behaviour changes. “You might see behavioural outbursts such as tantrums and acting out, or behavioural and emotional regression such as regressing in their toilet training, wanting to be rocked to sleep or demanding attention at your baby’s feeding time,” says Cole-Henley. “They might even ask for the baby to go back to where they came from.”

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

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55

While your toddler might embrace their role as a big brother or sister, they can also feel confused about the changes to their routine and why you’re not as available as you used to be.

“You might see behavioural outbursts such as tantrums and acting out, or behavioural and emotional regression such as regressing in their toilet training, wanting to be rocked to sleep or demanding attention at your baby’s feeding time.”

“Much like any change, the impact of a new baby on a young child’s life will vary from child to child. Most children may find the change somewhat tricky at first but will adjust fairly quickly without lasting psychological impact. Others may need some extra help and support to adjust to this change.”

How to help your

toddler cope

n Be

patient. It’s all just part of everybody getting used to “the new normal” in your home. n Have

some easy activities ready to offer, particularly when you need to feed or bathe your baby. Colouring in, blocks and no-mess water paintings are easy to set up quickly. n Get your toddler involved in caring for your baby.

They can help choose outfits, bibs and suitable toys. n Praise

them. “Thank you so much for sitting and playing with your blocks while I fed the baby. You have been so patient, well done! Let’s play now.” n Re-read

any story books you might have read about having a baby before your baby was born.

Now with some actual experience with a baby at home, you can talk about each story in a new way. n Look

through your toddler’s baby book or baby album to show them what they were like as a baby and point out how much they have changed since then. n Try

to stick to a familiar routine. Young children find routine very comforting, so keep things the same as much as you can, particularly at bedtime. n Let

them just be themselves, not always a big sister or big brother. Acknowledge that it’s tough for them and spend time with them doing things not related to your baby. n Get

other family members or friends involved to help you spend time one-on-one with your toddler.

56

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

At some point, it’s very likely that your toddler will act out in an attempt to get your attention. It can be very stressful as a parent to suddenly need to protect your new baby from the little person you have spent the past few years protecting from every imaginable danger.

Cole-Henley’s advice is to stay calm. “When your child is experiencing big emotions, they need a calming adult presence to help them understand their feelings and help them to calm down.”

“If your toddler shows signs of jealousy through their behavior, avoid blaming, shaming or isolating them. This will only make your toddler feel disconnected and can perpetuate any feelings of resentment they might have towards your baby.”

“When your child is experiencing big emotions, they need a calming adult presence to help them understand their feelings and help them to calm down.”

At a time when you’re not getting much sleep and exhausted from the demands of your baby and toddler, it can be easy to forget that your toddler is adjusting to huge life changes too. Instead of seeing your toddler as misbehaving or acting out, try to reframe their behaviour as not coping at that particular moment and give them extra reassurance. www.offspringmagazine.com.au

“Helping your child to deal with their feelings of jealousy means that as your toddler and baby grow, you are more likely to foster a positive sibling relationship between your children.

Sibling rivalry is normal and will likely still occur, but helping the children understand and negotiate their big emotions during the early years can help them to better deal with conflict later on.”

It may be hard to imagine now but in years to come, all the things your toddler is doing now may one day become funny anecdotes around your family dinner table.

For more information on adjusting to life with a new baby and toddler, see More Kids Less Stress: 17 easy ways to enjoy a calmer, happier home with a new baby and toddler available on Amazon Kindle.

“When your child is experiencing big emotions, they need a calming adult presence to help them understand their feelings and help them to calm down.”

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melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

57

Preparing for baby

By Brooke Evans-Butler

By Brooke Evans-Butler

Finding out you are having a baby is without a doubt one of life’s most exciting experiences – but it can also be overwhelming when you start thinking about everything you need to do before you welcome your bundle-of-joy into the world. Fear not, the Offspring Preparing for Baby Guide will Convertible Car seats help keep you on track.

Convertible Car seats start off as rearward facing child restraints, then once

CAR RESTRAINT

marker, the car seat can be turned around

Travel checklist

This is a very important job to tick off

as a forward facing seat. These are a

Car restraint

the list – after all, you cannot bring your

handy and often economical option,

baby home from hospital without a car

because the one car seat can be suitable

restraint.

for your child from birth until they are

months must use an approved child

available that are suitable from birth until

aby carrier/sling (this can be a B good option for those times you don’t want to use a pram – some mums find carrying the baby in a sling is also great for around the house).

restraint that is rearward facing. Your

eight years.

Pram

Kidsafe advises children under six

options include:

Capsules

around four years old, with car seats also

Remember – It is not only important to have your baby in an approved restraint – it is imperative the car restraint is fitted

Pram Liner Pram rain/sun/insect cover

facing child restraints. Many parents love

do this (you don’t want to be working out

them for their ease-of-use, and some

how to install the restraint in the hospital

rolley cover (great for comfort T and to protect your baby from trolley germs when you go shopping).

brands offer a complete ‘travel system’,

carpark). All car restrains will come with

whereby the capsule can be moved from

installation instructions but for peace-of-

Baby on Board sign

the car to a specially-designed pram, so

mind it is great idea to get pay a small fee

you don’t have to disturb your baby when

to have your car seat properly installed

you are out-and-about. It should be noted

and checked by an authorised fitter –

that these capsules are only suitable from

some Kidsafe locations offer this service

birth to about six months of age.

or can point you in the right direction.

Capsules are dedicated rearward

58

baby’s shoulder reaches the appropriate

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

correctly. Give yourself plenty of time to

Blanket/rug Portable cot (optional) Nappy bag

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

PRAM / STROLLER

pram for when you go to the shops, it will not be a good choice

You might think you are buying a small car when you look at

to get a pram that is so wide it is difficult to fit down the aisles.

purchasing a pram. Indeed, there are many features to consider –

• Consider features. Do you want a reversible handle so you have

and the price can also range drastically (with some prams costing

the choice of your baby facing towards you or

thousands).

away from you? This can be a handy feature if

So, what do you want in a pram? It is important to consider how

you want to face your baby away from sun

you will be using the pram before you go shopping.

glare or wind – or simple so you can look

Consider the following:

at your gorgeous baby as you

• Check that the pram you buy is suitable for newborns and that the pram meets Australian Standards. Like all baby equipment, safety is very important. Ensure that the pram has a five-point harness and tyre brakes.

• Do you want to run/exercise with your pram? If so, check where you buy your pram that the tyres are going to be suitable.

• Are you planning to use your pram mainly for getting

push the pram!

•

NAPPY BAG Goodbye tiny clutch or sleek

handbag and hello nappy bag!

Never fear, gone are the days of the ghastly bulky nappy bag (there are

around shopping centres? If so, a pram that features a basket

now a range of design options and

underneath can be handy for storage.

some look like designer handbags).

However, the baby bag is an essential item when you go out-and-about with your baby.

Consider the following: • The style – yes, of course style is important! This bag will essentially replace your handbag so ensure you are happy with the look. However, remember that other people are likely to be using this bag too (for example, your partner or the grandparents).

www.babybathaid.com.au

A must for every new born

• Is this your second child – or are you expecting twins or planning on having children close together? If so, a double or twin pram might be the best option (or look at prams that have added options, such as a toddler seat/or skateboard attachment).

• Remember some accessories can make a big difference! Buy a rain cover and sun cover just in case. Another great option, which can be just as much a fashion statement as a practical accessory, is a pram insert/cover, which makes the pram much easier to clean if needed.

• How easy is the pram to fold down/put up? Try it out at the shops when you buy.

• Size matters. Check that the folded pram will fit into your

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melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

59

Disposable nappies checklist

compartment for bottles.

Once you have chosen your nappy bag

Nappies

include: a couple of outfit changes for

Wipes

baby, hat/beanie, bibs, nappies, wipes,

Wipe warmer (optional) Odour neutralising bags Nappy bin (optional)

• Get two baby bags if possible. It is

feed? Many baby bags feature an insulated

MCN nappies checklist

hand sanitiser, scented nappy bag, ageappropriate toy, nappy rash cream, bottle/ formula, dummy (optional) and a change of top for mum in case you are the one that ends up messy after a feed or nappy change.

CHANGE TIME Changing nappies is something you

handy to have one to use and one

Nappies

do a lot when you have a newborn, so it is

that is packed and ready to go in the

important to have everything you need to

second car, ready for babysitters or

W ipes (either cloth or disposable)

just in case of last minute outings.

Nappy liners

• A baby bag that comes with a travel/ inbuilt change mat is very handy.

• Check that the bag is easy to clean – inside and out.

• Ensure it has enough storage. You don’t want to overload your baby bag, but some easy-to-access pockets/zips can be a good feature.

make this task a simple one.

The first decision to make is if you want

Night-time boosters ‘ Wet bags’ (to carry dirty nappies in) N appy bucket (for nappy storage between washes) A ppropriate washing powder (such as Rockin’ Green)

to put your baby in disposable or cloth nappies.

Disposable Disposable nappies are very convenient – no washing, drying or folding required. You can get nappies easily from most shopping centres and when it comes to change time; you just chuck out the dirty nappy and put a

• Are you planning to formula

Cloth

new one on your baby. Easy!

Modern cloth nappies are so easy to use. With either press studs or Velcro, they are easy to change (no sharp and fiddly nappy pins).

They are also easy to take care of. You store the dirty nappies in a

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dry bucket (no soaking required), until cleaning time, when then they are simply washed in the washing machine. Disposable liners are available – giving you the option of simply flushing solid waste straight down the toilet. They are also suitable to wear at night – with boosters available for heavy night-time wetters.

TIP: Even if you are planning on using MCNs for your baby, buy a packet of disposable nappies for the early days/weeks.

Newborn babies can go through many nappies (and an infant first bowel movements, Meconium, is very sticky) so using disposables even for the first few days can be good option so you don’t have any extra washing while you are recovering from the birth.

BABY ROOM

Sleep time A bassinet is an ideal sleeping place for a baby in the early weeks/months. It is much smaller than a cot and if on wheels can easily be moved around the house during the day and then beside

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

your bed at night. If you do not want to purchase a bassinet as it will be only be used for a short amount of time, bassinets can be hired.

An alternative to the traditional bassinet or Moses basket is a ‘Baby Box’ from the Baby Box Company. This product stems from the tradition in Finland where mums-to-be were given a box of www.offspringmagazine.com.au

baby essentials. As well as housing clothes and

pillows, doonas, soft

accessories for the baby, the box that the goodies

toys, cot bumpers or

came in is used as a sleeping place for the baby

lambswools in the cot.

(without the lid of course), with a fitted mattress handy option.

The cot Walk into a baby store and you could be overwhelmed by the number of cots to choose from – it’s not a simple choice

An infant sleeping bag

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making this specially designed box a very

is a handy option – and ensures your baby stays covered (because they cannot kick it off ) and

Note

without the need for

Kidsafe recommends babies sleep in their own cot or bassinette in the same room as you for the first six to 12 months.

blankets, it is a good way to ensure your baby’s head and face remain uncovered. It is important if you are using a baby sleeping bag that the

between timber and white!

Some cots may have clever storage options and drawers.

Some may have the option of converting into a toddler bed or a day bed.

It is important to ensure the cot you choose meets Australian Standards – and that the cot mattress is clean and fits snugly.

correct size is chosen and the correct weight for the season, so your baby doesn’t overheat.

Remember to buy a couple of good quality mattress protectors to protect the mattress in case of late night nappy leaks.

Furniture A change table is not essential, but many parents find them handy. They are also a good height, especially for mothers who

Linen

have had a C-section, because you do not have to bend over a bed

Cot mattresses can vary in size – so check the measurements of

or low surface to change the baby. If you don’t want a dedicated

your mattress before you buy sheets and then buy at least two sets

change table, you can get a change mat for on a set of drawers.

– one for the cot and one in the wash.

Or portable baby baths that double as a changing facility are also

TIP: Safe sleeping: SIDS and Kids does not recommend using

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melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

61

IKEA SUNDVIK Changing Table & Chest of Drawers $199 ikea.com.au important that everything you need to change your baby (nappies/wipes etc) is within reach and that the baby is never left unattended for any amount of time in case the baby falls.

Storage is important for any room – and remember, your baby is going to grow! A tallboy is a good option for any bedroom (but remember to fix it to the wall to prevent it tipping over). A toy box is also a great

Bottle feeding checklist Formula Bottles and teats

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Bottle brush Chosen formula Formula dispenser Steriliser

addition to the nursery to store toys or even

Bottle warmer (optional)

linen, but ensure it is a safe toy box, with soft-

Feeding pillow or wedge

closing lid to prevent pinched fingers, so it is a safe addition to the room as your baby grows.

Although, again not essential, a feeding chair is handy in the nursery for late night feeds and cuddles.

Décor You don’t have to have the baby’s room complete and perfect by the time they are born (many parents choose to keep the baby’s

Bottle feeding There are many formulas on the market, so talk to your health professional about how to choose the right option for your baby.

Starting solids A high chair is also an important feeding tool (but not

cot in the parents’ room for the first year), but the décor available

something your newborn will need until they start solids, so this

is just irresistible!).

can be a later purchase). As with all other baby equipment, safety

A theme is a great way to bring a room together and looks very

the most important feature. A great tip is for whatever highchair

effective – but you don’t have to go overboard. You can introduce

you are considering – imagine how easy it would be to clean if it

colour or animal/pattern theme simply by adding a few well-

was covered in spaghetti bolognaise. Always go for the easy-clean

chosen key elements – perhaps some wall art, linen in your chosen

option.

colour/theme a floor rug or accessories on a shelf.

Personalised options are a great addition to the baby’s room – and now with so many online options, no matter how unique your

Accessories Depending on your feeding choice you will need bottles (don’t

baby’s name is, you can order custom-made décor – from canvases

overstock on these before your baby is born – many babies take

to their name for the door.

to certain bottles and teats so you may go through several brands

FEEDING Are you breastfeeding or formula feeding? Your essentials will differ depending on the feeding option that is best for you and your baby.

Breastfeeding is very convenient – the milk is always the right temperature and you can feed your baby anytime, anywhere.

62

Tip

When your baby starts solids, invest in a ‘mess mat’ to go under the highchair. It will catch most of the food the baby drops, and will save you time cleaning the floor.

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

before settling on one.

If you are breastfeeding, consider breastmilk storage containers, so you can freeze expressed milk if needed. Storage cups or special freezer bags are available.

When your baby is ready to start solids, stock up on baby bowls and spoons (there are spoons available that change colour if the food is too hot, which is a clever safety option). www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Clothes It can be very easy to go

Bath time checklist

overboard when it comes to buying baby clothes. However, remember this is a very popular

Baby bath (optional)

gift item (so you are bound to get

ath support B (optional)

some from excited friends and

aby body wash/ B shampoo (optional)

•

Singlets

•

Onesies

•

Socks

•

Beanie/hat

•

Mittens (for

family when your baby is born).

Thermometer Towel

BATH TIME Newborns don’t need a bath every day, but many parents like to give their baby a bath every night to make it part of a

Wash cloths

in the hospital

afety products (such S as slip mats and tap covers)

to stop baby scratching

relaxing pre-bed routine.

themselves)

Baby baths are available; however you can bathe your baby

•

Bibs

in a sink or laundry trough.

A water thermometer is essential (Kidsafe says 38°C is the

Remember to choose something special

recommended temperature for bathing young children). However,

to bring your new baby home from the

it is also important for a parent to check the water temperature as

hospital in. It is a very exciting day (and

well as checking the thermometer to prevent accidental scolding.

lots of photos will be taken) so definitely

There is no need for fancy bathing products as newborns can be bathed in plain water, but again, some parents like using specific

take a super-cute outfit to the hospital with you.

products to establish a familiar routine.

Because your emotional health is essential for your family’s health.

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melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

63

Labour bag checklist

FOR MUM

Aromatherapy oils

Toiletries Maternity pads are must for the hospital bag – take a couple of packs. A packet of breast pads is also a good idea (even if you are not planning on breastfeeding, your breasts might leak after birth, so it is best to be prepared). Of course, you will need the usual basics including deodorant, lip balm, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, brush/comb and toothbrush and toothpaste.

Remember some little luxuries, as they will help you feel a bit better when you are recovering from the birth. A rich hand cream or beautiful body wash can make you feel great.

Lip balm Refreshing facial mist ENS machine – these can be hired and offer T another pain-relief option if you prefer (ask your hospital if they supply or hire these) omfortable nighty/t-shirt that you don’t mind C getting stained Lollies Some snacks for your partner/birth support person

Hospital bag checklist

Clothes It is also important to pack appropriate clothes. Most of us will not walk out of the hospital looking like Kate Middleton after the birth of Princess Charlotte; you will still probably look like you are about five months pregnant. So leave the pre-pregnancy clothes at

Pyjamas/nightie Maternity bra/singlet Underwear

home and pack your trusty maternity clothes and comfy yoga or

Maternity pads

track pants.

Comfortable clothes (yoga pants, track pants)

If you are planning to breastfeed pack nursing tops or a nightie that has buttons down the front for easy feeding.

Things ‘down there’ can be messy, so take comfy black underwear that you don’t mind throwing out afterwards. If you have a caesarean, ‘granny undies’ or full briefs are best; they sit higher so will not rub against your new and sensitive caesarean wound.

Comfortable slippers oiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, hairdryer, T shampoo, body wash, lip balm) Book/magazines Camera

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which deliver home-style meals to your door.

Cleaning – When you are recovering (especially from a c-section) housework will be very low on the list of priorities. If you don’t have a partner or family close by to help, organising a reputable house cleaner (even just to do the floors and the bathrooms) is a good idea, if budget allows.

Medicine cabinet – Ensure the medicine cabinet is stocked with the essentials to prevent late night dashes to the chemist.

Include a digital thermometer, baby saline nasal drops and Baby Panadol (but ensure you check the age and dosage recommendations before use).

Furry friends – Is your furry friend prepared for the arrival Remember the bed socks! It can get cold in hospital, so take

of your new baby? Preparations are best to start early (such as

bed socks, comfy slippers or slip on shoes (note that your feet may

keeping pets out of the baby’s room or on the furniture). When

swell after birth so take something comfy).

the baby has been born, bring home a blanket the baby has been wrapped in so your dog gets familiar with the new scent is

AT HOME

often recommended. Enlisting the help of some friends or a dog

Before you go into hospital, organising a few things can make your homecoming less stressful.

walker/pet sitter to take your dog on extra walks or give some extra attention during the early weeks is also a good idea.

Food – Stock up the freezer so you and your partner can spend

Siblings – A new baby can be a big adjustment for an older

less time in the kitchen and more time gazing at your precious

child, so make some preparations to help ease the change.

newborn. Make things that are nourishing, easy-to-reheat and

Organising some special outings with friends or grandparents for

that can be cooked in bulk, such as casseroles and hearty soups.

your older child is a great idea when you are busy with the new

Remember to also freeze some snacks (very handy when hungry

baby. If you have a toddler, organising a box of quiet toys and

strikes during late feeds), such as sausage rolls and fruit muffins.

activities (such as building blocks, books and arts and crafts) are

If budget allows, there are also various home delivery services,

handy to get out when you are feeding or settling your newborn.

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65

Uncomplicated nutrition

Bellamy’s Organic take the guess work out of feeding your family convenient healthy food and snacks.

T

standards of food regulations, so they must make them appropriately to ensure

here is a lot of uncertainty around

available. This is a practical step to ensure

safety. So, no, they’re not pretending to

the concept of ‘organic’ when

that they look for, and use, the same

be Grandma’s kitchen: it’s not possible.

it comes to food choices and

But they think she would like their passion

decoding what organic certification means

because, for Bellamy’s, a pure start to life

for you and your family.

embodies uncomplicated nutrition. The

In a nutshell, choosing certified organic food provides the assurance of feeding your child a product that hasn’t been produced with harmful chemicals at a

Not every mum has the time to prepare her own baby foods and healthy snacks.

time when developing immune systems Bellamy’s Organic are proud to produce wholesome, nutritious, organic foods and drinks, for babies, toddlers and children.

At Bellamy’s they seek out the finest

practical without chemical preservatives and additives.

So in making a promise to mothers that Organic is simply saying that they are

quality foods as you would if you were

trying to do the right thing. Not every

doing it yourself.

mum has the time to prepare her own

It is also how they treat the ingredients they use. To the best of our ability they try

organic ingredients, staying as close to

to do as little as they can to their foods.

home as they can, but choosing only

All their produce is certified organic

to partner with the best like-minded

and that’s a pretty good start, but what

producers to source the highest quality

happens next? Well, let’s keep it real. Baby

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

best they can get, prepared as simply as is

they offer a “pure start to life”, Bellamy’s

are at their more vulnerable.

66

food and formula must meet the highest

baby foods and healthy snacks. Bellamy’s Organic is for you.

To learn more about Bellamy’s Organic visit bellamysorganic.com.au

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GA NI C C OR

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melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

67

The benefits of infant-parent proximity Here are just a few of the overwhelming benefits of mum and baby sleeping in close proximity.

immune system and central nervous

Breastfeeding

Reducing the risk of SIDS

Professor James McKenna (Baby Sleep

between mum and baby meaning the

babies who sleep in close proximity to

Specialist) insists that close infant-parent

communication can be used to share

their mothers have better outcomes in

proximity reduces the risk of an infant

feelings from a very early stage.

successful initiation and duration of

dying of SIDS. Studies suggest that if the

breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is especially

parent and infant are sleeping in close

important because breastmilk contains

proximity that the infant’s chance of dying

all of the nutrients an infant requires for

from SIDS reduces by between 33 to 50 per

proximity, mum can respond more quickly

the first six months and helps an infant’s

cent.

to baby which means that there is a better

Several studies demonstrated that

resistance against disease.

Infant development

system and the close proximity with a parent represents an important form of physiological regulation.

Secure attachment

Paediatrician Dr William Sears says

Less sleep disruption

When mum and baby sleep in close

chance that baby can be re-settled before fully waking. This will lead to both the mother and baby receiving more and

At birth an infant’s brain is only 25

close proximity helps new mums to bond

per cent developed! That means babies

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When Dani and Pete received the news that no parent ever wants to hear they were grateful they’d taken out an insurance policy from the day their first son was born.

Miles’ life was saved by his brother Jasper’s cord blood stem cells.

blood was an insurance policy for our children’s future health.

We have two beautiful little boys, Jasper 8 and Miles 6. On Monday morning, 17th August 2009, I received news that no parent ever wants to hear. Miles, then 10 months old, was suspected of having a rare form of leukaemia known as JMML (Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukaemia). JMML is a cancer of the blood and is found in infancy or early childhood. It is fatal if left untreated and the only treatment is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.

Miles’ only chance of survival was a bone marrow transplant.

Pete, Jasper and I were all tested to see if we could donate our bone marrow. At this stage we told the doctors that we had stored

I

both Jasper and Miles’ cord blood. Would this help? The doctor

n November 2006, my partner Pete and I possibly made the

was pleasantly surprised and confirmed it was great news! I

smartest decision of our lives! It was when we decided to store

remember feeling like we had won the lotto. Since the nightmare

the cord blood of our children with Cryosite, a private cord

began, we had felt totally helpless, now maybe we had done one

blood bank we discovered at a parenting and baby expo. We were

thing right that could potentially give Miles a better chance of

expecting our first child, Jasper at the time..

survival!

Collecting and storing the cord blood from the placenta at birth meant that our babies could benefit from stem cell advancements in the future. Stem cells are cells in the blood or bone marrow that are capable of producing all mature blood cells including both red and white blood cells and platelets. There are current studies showing

Early October, it was confirmed Jasper

Our two children often stun adults with the story of their ‘superhero blood’ that came together and now they can fix everything!

the potential for stem cells from cord blood

70

was a match for Miles. What a magic moment!!! This meant we would be able to use Jasper’s stored cord blood to treat Miles. Having the cord blood meant Miles would have a pure source to go to transplant – reducing the likelihood of infection post transplant. We had the ‘golden ticket’ to give Miles the best possible chance of survival!

to repair damaged spinal cords, or to help stroke or liver failure

Once the transplant was complete there was a long, 120-

patients. Cord blood is also widely used to treat leukaemia and

day rejection countdown. Miles had his up and down days, but

several other types of cancer. Pete and I felt that storing the cord

overall with the cord blood and our quarantine boot camp, we

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

were extremely lucky to avoid any major infections through the transplant period. It was fantastic. Miles was recovering extremely well and left the hospital after just 8 weeks, not the usual 6 months. We had broken hospital records!

Miles is now completely drug free, which is hard to believe as he was on 45+ medications at one point. Now his overall health, weight and growth are all going along spot on. He is the most social little boy who sings everywhere he goes and has the most amazing outlook on life. He is very aware of what happened to him, and understands that tests must

We had the “golden ticket” to give Miles the best possible chance of survival!

still be done from time to time.

In fact, it really is quite magical to hear the two brothers talking about the transplant. Miles often asks Jasper to remind him about what happened because he was only very young and doesn’t remember all the details. The two of them often stun adults with the story of their ‘superhero blood’ that came together and now they can fix everything!

We have learnt from this experience to take life one day at a time, that there is nothing more important than family and no one really knows what is around the corner. Appreciate every second!

I would like to appeal to everyone to become bone marrow donors and for new mums, please make the effort to store your cord blood as an insurance policy for your child’s future health.

For more information on how you can store your baby’s stem cells call Cryosite on 1800 220 410 or visit cryosite.com

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

71

Let your child walk on the

WILD SIDE! Why not enrol your ‘animal-crazy’ child into TV Zoologist Chris Humfrey’s Junior Zoo Keeper Experience! It’s the perfect way to kick-start your child’s passion for all things Wild.

O

wner and Director of Wild Action Zoo Chris Humfrey says, “I personally guarantee that my program is the most interactive wildlife

day around! I’ll give you a 100 per cent money back

from feeding the little penguins,

guarantee if your child is not well and truly WOWED!

or sticky clothes from mixing

“All of my life I have been mesmerised by wildlife,

up fruit for the cassowary. But

I want to share my passion with your child in a fun and

that’s all part of being a Zoo

supportive environment.”

Keeper.”

Nestled in the picturesque Macedon Ranges, just an

Not only do participants

hour’s drive North of Melbourne the Junior Zoo Keeper

have the exceptional

Workshop is a whole day experience (9am to 4pm).

experience of handling a

School aged children between the ages of five and 17yrs

diverse array of wildlife, Chris

are accepted into the program.

will teach your child about the Limited numbers of ten

at his facility, including tiger

students ensure

quoll, southern cassowary,

a truly hands-on

brush-tailed bettong, various

and interactive

owl species.

wildlife experience!

Wild Action Zoo has been operating for more than 22 years. It’s

Humfrey says “Nowhere

Chris’s passion to instill a wonderment and responsibility in all

else can you get this close

Junior Zoo Keeper Participants to protect our precious Australian

to a myriad of Australian

wildlife. Who knows this could be your child’s calling in Life?

Animals.” Chris and his

Each child receives a USB flash drive loaded up with fabulous

team make sure that

photographs depicting their wild day with Chris Humfrey and his

every care and attention

animal friends. Chris says the only ‘draw-back’ to his Junior Zoo

is given to your child.

Keeper program is “your child will hound you to come back for

Unlike the larger zoos, Chris Humfrey personally teaches your child to help run a large wildlife

more!”.

Chris Humfrey’s Junior Zoo Keeper experience costs $300 plus GST for the day. Your child will need to bring a packed lunch and

collection. Participants learn the intricate husbandry details of

snack, and wear suitable clothing to work outside in the elements.

koalas, bats, dingoes, eagles, cassowary, little penguin, reptiles

The program operates every school holidays and one weekend

and bottle-feeding joey kangaroos, just to name a few.

Your child actually gets to go inside each animal’s enclosure!

Humfrey laughs, “Your child may get very stinky, ‘fishy’ hands 72

many conservation programs

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

day a month during school term. For more details on upcoming dates and the Junior Zoo Keeper schedule check out www.wildaction.com.au www.offspringmagazine.com.au

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SPECIAL FEATURE

, s t h g i L ra, came action

BY CLAIRE ARMSTRONG

Most children delight in taking part in some sort of performing art, whether it is dance, drama or music, but did you know it is good for their wellbeing? And there is plenty you can do to harbour your child’s enthusiasm without the need to enrol them in formal classes.

The

driving force behind many parent’s desire to encourage their offspring in performing arts isn’t to create starlets of the future or precocious brats, it is

Finding a teacher Word-of-mouth is always a great way to start looking for a teacher is any art form. Check with your child’s primary school to see if they offer a music program.

Check the qualifications of the teachers and find out costs, expectations and ensure they match your child’s desires, some will be more casual and others will expect participation in examinations and recitals. Ask for a free trial class and the ability to hire instruments before committing.

BRING IT INTO YOUR HOME:

social and educational paybacks including:

• Have the radio or CD playing during the day instead of the TV. It will encourage you and your child to sing and dance along.

parents or peers will help a child get comfortable stepping out of

• Construct your own musical instruments such as shakers, drums and cymbals from pots and pans, household and craft items

about stimulating the body and mind and the wrath of emotional,

Confidence – Performing in front of an audience whether it be

their comfort zone, allow them to make mistakes and learn from them and give them a voice to speak up for themselves.

Team work - Through the arts, children work together, share

responsibility as well as accept responsibility, problem solve,

experience empathy for others and learn to compromise to achieve

involves a great deal of focus. The ability to concentrate for

a common goal. By learning collaboration kids begin to see their

extended periods in an artistic setting will not only assist when it

contributions have value even if they don’t have the biggest role. It

comes to school work, it will also encourage creative thinking and

is also a great way to make new friends with similar interests.

help a child be able to think on their feet and ‘outside of the box’.

practice, patience and persistence. On the journey to success

performance is astounding, dating as far back as ancient Greek

children learn that receiving constructive feedback is a regular part

philosopher Plato who said, “I would teach children music,

of any arts instruction with a goal to improve skills, not personal

physics and philosophy; but more importantly music for in the

attacks, which will prove a vital skill in later life. Once completed,

patterns of music and all the arts are the keys to learning.”

Perseverance – Learning an instrument or dance requires

the sense of accomplishment will drive perseverance in the next endeavour.

74

Concentration - The ability to listen, retain and contribute

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

The link between performing arts and improved educational

With so many benefits, how can we most effectively engage our children in these activities? www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Wales this year, was designed to entertain and inspire kids to make positive, healthy choices

SPECIAL FEATURE

Queensland and launching into New South

for themselves through dance, puppetry, magic and song.

“There is nothing more important than our children’s health, well-being and happiness.

Nothing more valuable than their sense of spirit.” McColl says.

Dancing has recognised social and psychological advavntages to a child’s

Dance D

ance is active and a great way to improve fitness, body awareness, motor skills, strength, posture and flexibility.

“Dance, laughter and exercise trigger the release of endorphins

development from problem solving and critical thinking to developing resilience and empathy for others. Another wonderful attribute of dance is its suitability to a wide range of ages, interests and abilities. Many dance schools offer classes from toddlers to adults.

“Dance can cross all social and cultural barriers,” McColl says.

Dance classes focused on enjoyment and movement are perfect

which help reduce stress, prevent illness and relieve pain. It is

for younger children where technique, routines and costumes are

proven that people who exercise are happier, and that goes for

not so important. For older children looking for more structure

children as well,” former fitness instructor and founder of the

and the opportunity to become involved in concerts, there are so

Happy Feet Fitness program Donna McColl told Offspring.

many options including: ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, acrobatics,

Her program delivered primarily through child care facilities to around 10,000, 2-5 year olds in Western Australia, Victoria,

cheerleading and hip hop.

Talk to your child about their interests, visit a few studios and

Skills, creativity and self-esteem through dance

B

aby Toes Ballet is the perfect introduction to dance for your little one. Hawthorn Studio of Dance has successfully run its Baby Toes Ballet program for more than 25 years in both Surrey Hills and Hawthorn locations.

Ballet classes help to develop motor skills, creativity and musicality, as well as build self-esteem.

Many life-long friendships have been formed at the Baby Toes program as lots of children progress through to the senior school, Hawthorn Studio of Dance.

Experienced and caring teachers make learning ballet an exciting journey of discovery of different types of music and movement.

Hawthorn Studio of Dance offers classes in all styles and for all abilities. Call 03 9888 4759 or email info@hsod.com.au to book your trial classes today!

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

75

SPECIAL FEATURE

Drama D

rama puts children in exciting, funny, thought-provoking and interesting circumstances to expand their view of the

world and the people within it. It is not just limited to stage shows but encompasses circus acts, illusions, puppetry and theatre sports.

“Not every child that takes drama will become a famous actor, but they will walk away with the tools to speak in public and speak up for themselves. They don’t have to be the best, they just have to be involved,” Australian Performing Arts Centres Association (APACA) Executive Director Bronwyn Edinger says.

There is a healing power in drama. Edinger describes the success of an initiative by the Bell Shakespeare theatre company, of which she is a former General Manager, of providing theatrical opportunities to those of social and geographic disadvantage, including remote indigenous communities and juvenile detention observe a class or two and ask about trial options. Local dance

facilities, who would otherwise not experience the power and

schools will often advertise in parenting and local papers or can be

magic of Shakespeare or live theatre.

found online listed according to locality.

BRING IT INTO YOUR HOME:

• Y our little one doesn’t need to attend a formal dance class to start moving, there are plenty of free online tutorials to follow, computer games specifically designed to get you dancing in your lounge room. Or just put on some music and jump around!

“The programs, like drama itself, are designed to develop life skills including decision-making, empathy, conflict resolution and self-confidence. After taking part in the program there is a notable improvement in behaviour and school attendance, interest in education and feelings of self worth,” Edinger says.

Drama, like dance, is suitable to a range of ages and abilities from three years through to adults. Many primary and high

Forte titled ‘School of the Year’ T

he high notes are still being sung by director Kia Leong and her staff at Forte School of Music in Wantirna after winning the prestigious ‘School of the Year’ award.

As well as being applauded for their innovative classes and teaching practices, Forte Wantirnawere were recognised for their exceptional AMEB exam results and the outstanding effort with their annual Forte Festival, which is a magical opportunity for each student to showcase their talents on stage.

Kia and her team are very proud to teach and share the gift of music to almost 500 students every week.

For more information www.fortemusic.com.au

76

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

provide opportunities to be involved in regular theatrical

Performing isn’t for everyone so don’t push too hard, there are other ways to expose your child to the wonders of the art form:

productions. Otherwise, ask for recommendations of a good drama club.

BRING IT INTO YOUR HOME:

SPECIAL FEATURE

Not keen on the spotlight?

schools offer a drama program and some local youth centres

• A trip to the circus - there is nothing quite as awe inspiring as aerial acrobatics.

• S et up a box of dress-ups and props to help children create imaginative scenarios, include a large sheet to use as the stage

• A dance performance - seeing classical ballet at the theatre or a local dance school’s concert is a lively and colourful experience.

curtain.

• C reate your very own sock puppets.

• I nstead of simply reading a story

• A balloon twisting, puppet or magic show; the illusions will captivate your child’s imagination and open them to the possibilities within performing arts. Activities like these are easy to create at home and occasionally local councils and libraries run demonstrations or workshops.

with your child, why not role play and act it out?

• A concert - there are many touring music acts specifically designed for young ones especially around school holiday times.

• Local community events - whether it is the local choir, carolling, a drama production or a idol contest there are often opportunities to see an array of performances in your own community.

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melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

77

SPECIAL FEATURE

Music

R

esearch indicates that the earlier music is included in a child’s development,

the better. This does not need to be limited to structured lessons. You can sing with your child at home, play music and expose your child to live performances.

Music educator and conductor Richard Gill believes physical education and arts education should book-end the Australian curriculum, with music being at the forefront, as early as possible in the life of a child.

“The impact this type of education would have on children, with respect to creative thinking, imaginative problem solving, resulting in classrooms full of engaged and interested minds with the capacity to think, perceive, analyse and act upon ideas, would turn the educational decline on its head,” he said during a speech to the Collegiate of

also declined somewhat in the past 20 years. Life seems so much

Specialist Music Educators.

busier, plus lots of people don’t have the confidence to sing even if

Vicki King, Artistic Director at the Australian School of Performing Arts, says, “The educational value placed on music

78

it is at home with their child.

“You don’t need to be a wonderful singer or musician to share

and song seems less of a priority in Australian schools compared

music with a child, unstructured musical play is so important

to some European countries, which is a great shame. And sadly,

because that is where children’s inspiration will come to life

parent’s singing to their children from infancy appears to have

because they aren’t having to sit and learn the notes, they are

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Choosing an instrument

experience.”

Your child doesn’t have to be a prodigal musician to get involved either, King suggests a group participation activity such as a choir or a band is a great place to start a child as it removes the pressure and stresses associated with solo performances.

“For many of our senior students the Australian Girls Choir provide a beacon of light in their otherwise chaotic lives. A place to park their brain for a while and ignore homework and the politics of home and school life. Music gives them enormous stress relief, comradery and confidence,” King told Offspring.

ASK ABOUT YOUR FREE TRIAL!

Most formal music lessons start between the ages of five to nine, group classes are recommended for younger children. The Forte School of Music gives these ages and instruments as a guide:

SPECIAL FEATURE

simply enjoying the

• The piano is highly recommended as a child’s first instrument, it can be played as soon as a child can reach the keys and has enough strength to press them down.

Recommended age: 5+ • The recorder is a common choice in a school setting.

It is cheap, children can play it easily and it provides a good introduction to making music.

Recommended age: 5+ • Stringed instruments often come in smaller sizes specifically for kids. Some children can handle a violin from the age of four.

Recommended age: 5+ (violin); 9+ (viola and cello) • Other wind and brass instruments should not be attempted before your child’s permanent teeth come in because of the pressure on the teeth when they are played, the actual size of the instrument, the lip strength required and the “puff” needed to make a noise. Recommended age: 8+ (flute, clarinet); 9+ (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, french horn) • Drum and guitars tend to be a big favourite among kids. Recommended age: 7+ • Singing is something that can be enjoyed at all ages, but it is best not to start learning formally until 9+ years.

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melbourne | autumn 2016 | Offspring

79

SPECIAL FEATURE

Yamaha create a ‘complete musician’ T he Yamaha Music Education Method was developed in Japan 1954. Over years of research, training and further development this method is now established as the international leader in music education.

Yamaha Music Education provides a comprehensive music education system for children. Yamaha Music develops a wide range of important musical skills in order to create a ‘complete musician’. Yamaha Music courses promote children to acquire and enhance sensitivity and imagination through creativity, composition and improvisation within the classes.

In order for students to develop their creative abilities it is important to nurture them in developing the necessary skills to express themselves by thinking freely. This is developed through keyboard/piano playing, ear and rhythm training, keyboard harmony, music appreciation, ensemble playing as well as many other researched aspects of our courses.

Yamaha understands the importance of timely education, supportive of a child’s physical and mental developmental stages and abilities. Research has shown that learning music from an early age strengthens

a child’s educational, physical and emotional development.

Through extensive research and development of the Yamaha Music Method, Yamaha has established a course structure supportive of children’s learning and development stages. In understanding children’s developmental stages, the Yamaha Music Method ensures educational efficiency and fostering of natural abilities is maximised.

With more than 600,000 students worldwide, 15,000 locations and 2,000 teachers, the Yamaha Music Method is the best investment in your child’s education a parent can make.

Learning music from an early age strengthens a child’s educational, physical and emotional developmen t.

If you would like to join the Yamaha Music classes or find out more, please contact their Education Team or visit their website www.yamahamusicschool.com.au

Yamaha Music Education

Enrolments Open 18 may yamahamusiceducation.com.au 1300 139 506

80

Offspring | autumn 2016 | melbourne

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5pm AEST on Monday Their talent feature 15th February 2016. in fashion parades, Eight lucky stars-to-be Entries close at musical theatre, will win the chance to 11:59pm on Thursday mini-series, feature in their print 31st of March 2016. productions, and digital promotional The competition is promotions and campaigns and get the open to all nationalities events. Odds are, full ‘model package’. between the ages of 5 you have seen months to 15 years. their talent shine on your TV screens or on billboards in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth!

Eight lucky stars-to-be will win the chance to feature in their print and

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1. 12 months representation by Bettina Management.

2. A portfolio photo shoot with Attitude Studios valued at $145 3. A single disk with high & low resolution edited images from the portfolio photo shoot valued at $395 4. Two 8x12 prints of your choice from the portfolio shoot valued at $95 each 5. One $100 gift card from Lifestyle Rewards 6. Exclusive representation with Bettina Child Model Management for 12 months.

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Valued at $295 8. A brand representative package for 12 months 9. Feature in Bettina Management’s promotional campaigns 10. The chance to feature on the front cover of a newly launched industry magazine

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