Offspring Perth Autumn 2016 issue

Autumn 2016

The juice on

Sports for kids

Benefits of breastfeeding

Janine EMPOWERING FERTILITY

Kids autumn fashion Performing Arts special

FREE

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We make your birthing experience as smooth as...

St John of God Health Care is the leading provider of private maternity and related services in Western Australia.

We are dedicated to providing the highest standards of quality care for you and your baby to ensure complete peace of mind for your birthing experience.

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Hospitality I Compassion I Respect I Justice I Excellence

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contents

autumn

6

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.

perth | autumn 2016 | Offspring

3

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

62

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.

58 A SAD GOODBYE What to do when it’s Mum crying at the school gate

SPECIAL FEATURE

52

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

SPECIAL FEATURE 72 FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME We look at some great sports options for your child.

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

Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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.

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Ready to learn Kindergarten is a crucial year for your child’s development.

We can help. With the right mix of fun, structured learning and physical activity, the Goodstart Kindergarten Program is delivered by qualified teachers in a safe, nurturing environment. With long day hours, our wrap–around care offers your family convenience and flexibility whilst helping your child develop the confidence and skills they need for school and life beyond.

Register now. Search Goodstart Kindergarten or call 1800 222 543.

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 Perth! 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!

oo

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eb

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fa w.

sign up for our enewsletter.

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For your chance to WIN Family Passes to see Mister Maker live simply LIKE Offspring Magazine’s Facebook page & visit Offspring Magazine website and

Like Offsp ring Magazine’ s Facebook page to W IN great priz es!

az

Mini Makers, get ready for some amazing arty creations and book your tickets today!

in e

This show is tons of arty fun for all the family!

k .c o

m / O ff s p

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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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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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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.

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

The revolutionary role of ultrasound in the betterment of a woman’s life

E

stablished in 2012 by Dr.

Anjana Thottungal,

POGU is a specialist practice established by Dr. Anjana Thottungal with state of the art facilities with high end imaging capabilities using 2D and 3D/4D ultrasound technology

Perth Obstetrics and Gynaecology (POGU) offers comprehensive specialist ultrasound services in both Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Dr. Thottungal is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist with specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology ultrasound.

A very caring and dedicated team at the clinic delivers the highest

“From little acorns, grow mighty oaks” - development of the fetus captured on 3D images at POGU

standard of care to Dr. Thottungal has a special

• Early pregnancy scan / dating scan

interest in endometriosis and she

• First trimester screening & non-invasive prenatal tasting (NIPT)

patients in a friendly and professional environment.

POGU has state of the art facilities with high end imaging capabilities using 2D and 3D/4D ultrasound technology.

PREGNANCY ULTRASOUND

was the first sonologist in WA to offer sonovaginography and assessment of deep infiltrating endometriosis for

• Amniocentesis and Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Dr. Thottungal uses 3D capabilities of the

patients with severe endometriosis.

ultrasound machine, in order to obtain

Endometriosis is one of the most

• Fetal anatomy survey and 3D/4D screening

higher accuracy in the diagnosis and to

common and challenging gynaecological

• Fetal growth and wellbeing scan

provide better details in her reports to the

disorders, affecting 10-15% of women

clinicians treating the patients. A small

in the reproductive age group. Common

sample of scans done in POGU is provided

symptoms include pelvic pain, pain with

to give you an idea of what you can expect

periods, pain with sex, bowel pain or rectal

from POGU services.

bleeding during periods, and infertility.

Role of 2D/3D ultrasound in the assessment of delayed fertility - What POGU can offer you

GYNEACOLOGY ULTRASOUND • Pelvic ultrasound

One of the common

• 3D pelvic ultrasound

reasons for major delay

• Saline infusion sonography (Sonohysterography)

and misdiagnosis of this condition is the

• HyCoSy

suboptimal primary

• Sonovaginography & assessment of severe endometriosis

assessment of patients with pelvic pain and suspected endometriosis.

The availability of expertise in ultrasound diagnosis of the extent of endometriosis can be very crucial for early diagnosis and appropriate management.

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TICKEts to see SCOOBY DOO e, Scooby, urite Great Dan aggy, Fred, vo fa ’s ne yo er Ev -solving crew—Sh stage for e and the mystery a, will take to th Daphne and Velm ld Premiere of Scooby-Doo or the Australian W uring, touring Australia at fe Live! Level Up Holidays. ol these July Scho

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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

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Jacket, $99.95 Miah kidsfashionrepublic.com

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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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

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

Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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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

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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The Joy of Dance CLASSES LOCATED THROUGHOUT PERTH EXPERT TUITION FOR CHILDREN FROM 4 1 2 YEARS OF AGE Phone 08 9475 0320 | www.charlesworthballet.com.au

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 | perth

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

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

Pixie Market pixiemarket.com

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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.

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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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 | perth

Maximise your impact and connect with a readership of 400,00+ this Winter with Offspring Magazine’s ‘Education’ Special Feature!

“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.”

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

EDUCATION SPECIAL FEATURE Perth families want to know about your school.

BOOK AN AD IN THE FEATURE AN D RECEIVE FR EE EDITORIAL !

Maximise your impact and connect with Perth families with these special offers from Offspring Magazine.

If your school or organisation provides great education for Perth children then this special feature is for you! This is a great opportunity for you to tell Perth families how they can benefit from your services.

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,

Australia’s largest gloss A4 parenting magazine

door wench at night clubs, a camp counsellor in the USA, a nanny 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.

Spaces are limited so call us now on 02 4326 1178 advertising@offspringmagazine.com.au

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perth | 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 | perth

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.

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

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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, 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.

“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,”

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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,

Australia’s largest gloss A4 parenting magazine

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 TV or leisurely going out to dinner; my life in the early days of Boost

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perth | 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 | perth

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 | perth

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.

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 23 JULY Riverside Theatre, PCEC, Perth lifeliketouring.com/offspring SCOOBY-DOO and all related characters and elements © & ™ Hanna-Barbera. WB SHIELD: TM & © WBEI. (s16)

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

perth | autumn 2016 | Offspring

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 | perth

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 perth | 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 | perth

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

recognition of Aboriginal people within Australia’s Constitution.

know and that’s where Lauren’s really good because it’s really

“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

Where has Jade Dolman, Narelda

in York, in the Western Australian Wheatbelt. His

Jacobs’ daughter, come from?

father, a shearer, moved the family around the area

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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The new 37-bed Telethon Children’s Ward is now underway and due to open in mid-2016. The family friendly ward will feature interactive play areas for children and overnight facilities for parents.

From the birth of your child through to their growth and development we’ll be there with you.

34

Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Celebration Season in Perth’s Eastern Region

From March to May, Perth’s Autumn Festival will celebrate the season with more than 60 events across Perth’s Eastern Region.The excitement for this autumn spectacular can be found everywhere in the eastern region with food and wine experiences, leisurely bike rides, family activities and community events all part of the Perth’s Autumn Festival.

T

April, Riverside Gardens and Garvey Park), the Bickley Valley Harvest Festival (30 April – 1 May, Bickley) and the #ride2market events

he Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council’s (EMRC) CEO

(12 March, Maylands; 13 March, Mundaring; 10 April, Kalamunda;

Mr Peter Schneider said that autumn is the perfect time to get

17 April, Guildford; and 24 April, Bassendean).

outdoors and enjoy the cooler weather, sample harvest produce and explore the region’s hidden treasures.

Perth’s Autumn Festival is a collaboration of local governments, community groups and individuals working

“Perth’s Autumn Festival welcomes visitors and residents to

together to create a lively and entertaining season of activities for

the region to experience the boutique wineries in the Perth Hills;

residents and visitors to enjoy. Most of the events offer free or low

enjoy fantastic walking and cycling trails; explore numerous

cost activities, and include everything from wine-tastings and art

picturesque parks and reserves on the banks of the Swan River;

exhibitions to family fun days and classic cars.

and enjoy an extensive range of family activities and heritage, culture and arts attractions” Mr Schneider said.

The events are held in various locations across the region ranging from the Bickley and Carmel Valleys to the inner suburbs of Bassendean and Maylands. Highlight events include the City of Bayswater’s and the City of Belmont’s Autumn River Festivals (3

MARCH TO MAY

2016

The festival is proudly brought to you by the Town of Bassendean, City of Belmont, City of Bayswater, Shire of Mundaring, Shire of Kalamunda and EMRC and is supported by Lotterywest.

More information on the festival and a program of events is available from perthtourism.com.au

Fish & Chips

With something on every weekend, Perth’s Autumn Festival will take you on a journey through Perth’s Eastern Region.

SUPPORTED BY

bikefriendly

BROUGHT TO YOU BY For more information visit perthtourism.com.au www.offspringmagazine.com.au

perth | autumn 2016 | Offspring

35

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 | perth

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.

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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

The School that Kids and Parents Love 359 Arthur Street, Dayton, WA 6055 P: 08 9250 6444 E: admin@riverlands.wa.edu.au www.riverlands.wa.edu.au

perth | 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

in his mobility prove their worth.

experiences offer her insight to

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-year-

but I know some things I will never be able to do, nor share that

old woman with SEDc gives

experience with him.”

Michelle hope Joshua will attain

The unstable bones in his neck increase Joshua’s risk of spinal

a normal life expectancy, but

cord damage. It’s highly likely surgery will be required to fuse his

due to his diminished lung capacity, a common cold causes serious

vertebrae in an attempt to stabilise his neck.

complications. A bout of gastroenteritis prior to Christmas, cost

Initially Joshua’s intellectual and physical development were

Joshua one third of his body weight and admission to hospital.

delayed but now appear on track. Michelle says, “Because he had

Michelle shares these details of Joshua’s condition and

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.

It prepared him to sit unaided at 16 months. He spoke at 14 months,

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

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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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

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perth | 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 | perth

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

K BOO FOR Y A TOD n Autu1m6 20

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30/09/2015 19:13

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 | perth

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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perth | autumn 2016 | Offspring

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.

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sydney perth| |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

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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 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

www.boldpark.com

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.

registrar@boldpark.com (08) 9387 5050 46

Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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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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 | 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

perth | 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 | perth

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.

TM

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51

By Ann Marie Bradstreet

e y B Bye e i b o o B

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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.

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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

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perth | 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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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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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.”

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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.

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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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57

Ad sa odbye go What to do when it’s Mum crying at the school gate

By Brooke Evans-Butler

When your child started school a few weeks ago, were you surprised that it was you who struggled to say goodbye?

Perhaps your child is starting day care soon and you are dreading the thought of being away from them? We think about how our children will adjust to the change of being away from us, but for many mothers, they can also struggle with this change. We speak to the experts and share tips to make the transition easier for mums.

W

hen my eldest son started school, I climbed into the car and cried. In the weeks leading up to my youngest starting school, I was constantly told by family and

friends that I should be so excited…to have time away from both of the kids…to have ‘me’ time during school hours. As a workingfrom-home mum this would mean I could get so much done in peace! But to be honest, I struggled with it. The longest I had ever been away from the kids before they started school was a few hours, and the thought of a silent house was not something I looked forward to.

I was not worried about my youngest at all. “When I start school, I’m not going to cry,” he boldly announces. “I will be having fun – I’m not going to miss you at all!” (insert sound of my heart breaking). No, it wasn’t my child who was going to cry…it was me.

“When our children are small, we tend to get emerged in the role of being a mother. After the children have been dropped off at school, it might be difficult to find a sense of purpose for the day that is not necessarily linked to being the best mum you can possibly be,” explains Janalie Nelson from Relationships Australia.

So what should mothers do to adjust to this change? Janalie says a great place to start is to take the time to reflect on what you would like to achieve for yourself – even formulate some short-term and long-term goals. She says she finds parents benefit from the Act-Belong-Commit message to maintain their mental health and wellbeing. There are some great tips at www. actbelongcommit.org.au

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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Whitney Yip, respectful parenting coach, counsellor and single mum, offers some great advice: • Think back to pre-baby days.

What was one hobby that you loved but let fade away? Maybe reading, or dancing or even video games. See if you can join a group that meets during school hours (or maybe even start one).

Meetup.com would probably be a good place to start. The change can be hard, as society puts so much into the identity of ‘Mother’, but when school starts, we have the ability to be ourselves again.

• If possible, spend one whole day

Why not try these ideas while you adjust to the new routine? e a parent helper in B your child’s classroom.

Put yourself on the roster to cut fruit or help with reading time or activities. nrol in a short course E or hobby during school hours. et together with other G school mums and set a time once a week to go out for a coffee or a walk.

making dinners for the whole week that can be frozen, so when your children come back home from school (and on the weekends), you don’t need to stress about getting dinner ready or the groceries. Instead, use that time to connect and spend quality time with your children. Plus less stress for the whole week!

• Wake up earlier, or pack lunches the night before, so that you can spend 5 to 20 minutes quality time reading a book or kicking a ball with your children before going to school without feeling rushed or stressed. Starting the day with

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59

connection time helps ease the feeling of ‘missing’ a child as you’ve already connected with them.

• Be kind to yourself, it’s a big change. It’s ok to feel that you miss your children dearly, or the complete opposite! Take yourself out for a walk, have a cup of tea and be mindful about the whole experience while acknowledging your feelings.

After school hours Janalie says re-connecting when the children get home from school is very important (but don’t expect too much because kids need down-time and time to relax).

“Play still remains the most important job for children and they love doing it with Mum and Dad as it is a way to truly connect,” she says. Janalie says finding the time to play with your child when they are going to school might feel impossible, but she suggests some ways to integrate playfulness into your time together, such as: • Bedtime rituals: incorporate gentle play and nurturing during the bedtime routine.

• Playing games while driving or walking them to school.

• Special “Hello” or “Goodbye” games or rituals that can also help with separation anxiety.

“For weekends, it’s good to plan simple things like picnics or trips to the beach,” she adds. “You don’t have to fill weekends with lots of exciting activities and outings.”

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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: s e c n ie r e p x e ir e h t e r a h Our readers s will do tremendously well in class – she did! I do still miss her ‘baby days’ though.

‘I’m psyched’ My son is an extrovert and craves stimulation, whereas I am an introvert and crave downtime, so I am absolutely psyched for the both of us, for my son to be starting school! We both will get our needs met without one or the other feeling put out. I’m also looking forward to being able to get more than two hours to get stuff done child-free.

Ellison Nonis, mum-of-two

‘I struggled’

Ellison Nonis with family

Whitney Yip, mum-of-one, Victoria

‘At home was the hardest’ At home was the hardest. I recognised both the challenges and opportunities for myself and my family as Deora started school. While on one hand, I welcomed freedom (well not 100 per cent, as I still have my second child at home), I also recognised the opportunity for change.

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Jo Frendo

“I began to spend most of the time one-to-one with my second child, watching him grow and focus on his ability to be independent and prepare him to start kindy. I tried to prepare food for lunch or dinner and keep the house tidy, so that I could concentrate on other t hings when my first child got home from school. I reminded myself to keep an open and positive mind that she will be fine and

Initially I really struggled when my youngest started school. He was my shadow, either playing beside me or helping with daily tasks like hanging the washing and weeding the garden. I felt quite lost on the first day of school. There were tears of course (mine not my son’s) as we said goodbye.

My saving grace that day came from a friend who had been in the same position the year before. She kindly called and took me out for a coffee. I did take a few weeks to adjust but soon new routines were established.

Jo Frendo, mum-of-three

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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.

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Concentration - The ability to listen, retain and contribute

Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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,

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

cheerleading and hip hop.

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

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63

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

Let your child shine T

he David Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) loves helping kids discover the joy of performing arts through Singing and Musical Theatre and understands that performing arts is singular in its ability to develop the whole person.

When you choose DAPA you are choosing training of the highest quality - a school genuinely dedicated to the success of its students. The Academy’s goal is to make your child’s dreams come alive and it promises to overjoy you with the results.

DAPA has trained thousands of students in Vocal Technique and Musical Theatre in Perth and overseas, sharing in their triumphs and joys as they blossomed in to the stars they were meant to be.

For more information visit dapaaustralia.com

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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.

Michelle Babicci School of Dance Fun and caring classes Creative & non competitive fun for 3yrs old to adults.

Beginners to advanced.

Also classes for intellectually disabled • Jazz / hip hop • Classical ballet • Contemporary

Phone: 9243 6946 Email: michellebabicci@yahoo.com.au www.michellebabiccischoolofdance.com.au

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Michelle Babicci School of Dance welcomes all

M

ichelle Babicci School of Dance has been successfully serving the community for over 25 years. Offering an encouraging, relaxed and fun environment to help students discover their own creativity, students learn confidence and appreciation for one another and are taught to foster team spirit through their genuine love for dance.

Michelle Babicci School of Dance offers Classical Ballet, Jazz/Hip Hop, Contemporary and Creative Dance for all levels - ages three to adults - including intellectually disabled; with an end of year performance brings the talents of all students together.

Call Michelle today about enrolling your little star!

Ph. 9243 6946. perth | autumn 2016 | Offspring

65

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

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

EXCELLENCE IN DANCE

or Looking f y it l a u aq l? o o h c s pre

Welcome to Banksia Montessori School Dianella • A parent governed Montessori preschool for 3-6 year olds (Pre-Kindy to Pre-Primary).

• Full 3-year school preparation program.

• Small class size and an excellent child-teacher ratio.

We are currently taking enrolments. School Tours by appointment or register your interest for the next Parent Information Night.

17 Chatton St, Dianella • Ph 9275 5997 • info@banksia.wa.edu.au

www.banksia.wa.edu.au 66

Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

M CLASSES FRO TO ADULT 18 MONTHS

OR

FIND US ON

www.jmdc.com.au • JAZZ • LYRICAL • BOYS ONLY

• TAP • HIP HOP • CLASSICAL • ACROBATIC • MUSICAL THEATRE

enquiry@jmdc.com.au 0418 957 965 www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Choosing an instrument

experience.”

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:

Your child doesn’t have to be a prodigal musician to

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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+

get involved either, King suggests a group participation

• 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+

activity such as a choir or a band is a great place to start a child as it removes

• 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)

the pressure and stresses associated with solo

• 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)

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

• Drum and guitars tend to be a big favourite among kids. Recommended age: 7+

their brain for a while and ignore homework and the politics of home and school life. Music gives them enormous stress relief,

• Singing is something that can be enjoyed at all ages, but it is best not to start learning formally until 9+ years.

comradery and confidence,” King told Offspring.

Tumble, climb, bounce and roll!

C

ircusWA ‘Tiny Tumblers’ classes provide a fabulous environment for energetic children aged 2 to 4 to discover the thrill and joy of Circus.

Guided by professional trainers, your child will explore a range of Circus equipment including trampolines, tightwire, hoops and scarves. They’ll have heaps of fun learning how to safely tumble, climb, bounce and roll.

Parents, grandparents and carers are encouraged to join in the one-hour sessions. No need to book.

‘Old Customs House’, 8 Phillimore Street Fremantle 10.00 am – 11.00 am Tuesdays Wednesdays Thursdays (08) 9335 5370 | www.circuswa.com

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perth | autumn 2016 | Offspring

67

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FUN DRAMA CLASSES for 3 – 5 year olds!

Give Your Child the Gift of Music!

N

orthside School of Music believes every child should have the opportunity to embrace music. .

Their dynamic group classes are especially designed to provide children between ages 18mths and 6yrs with the first stepping stones towards musical development by teaching them the fundamental concepts of music in a fun learning environment. Children above age 7 are offered flexible private tuition to support their music learning path.

By giving your child the gift of music you are giving them a gift for life. Get in contact to book a FREE TRIAL today! Contact 08 9246 7588.

W

hy drama? Children love drama and parents love the results! Fun and exciting drama classes are held weekly by the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in many areas around WA. The Academy’s enthusiastic, qualified teachers make sure each child has a great lesson, including speech training, lots of dramatic play, creative movement, music making, books, story-telling, dressing up and heaps more!

Kindy Drama Classes are held for 3-5 year olds, and the Academy also runs programs for 5-8 year olds, 9-12 year olds and teenagers too!

Classes fill fast, so call 9242 4722 or visit the Academy website: www.helenogrady.net.au. ACT NOW!

Stimulate your child’s social skills, creativity and confidence!

Drama Classes For 3 – 5 Year Olds

G ET

IN ON THE ACT!

• Dramatic Play • Creative Movement • • Story Telling • Songs • Language Skills • WEEKLY NEARYOU! YOU! WEEKLYCLASSES CLASSES NEAR

NorthernSuburbs Suburbs Northern Duncraig, Greenwood Greenwood Duncraig,

Ph:9402 94028744 8744 Ph:

EasternSuburbs Suburbs Eastern Morley,Kalamunda Kalamunda Morley,

Ph: 9378 4332 Ph:9378 4332

Justin.Lowson@helenogrady.net.au Justin.Lowson@helenogrady.net.au

Merylena.Sulak@helenogrady.net.au Merylena.Sulak@helenogrady.net.au

Western Suburbs Western Suburbs Wembley Leederville, Scarborough, Leederville, Wembley Ph: 9402 5849 Ph: 9402 5849 Justin.Lowson@helenogrady.net.au

Rockingham/Mandurah Rockingham/Mandurah Greenfields, Cooloongup

Justin.Lowson@helenogrady.net.au

Southern Suburbs

Greenfields, Cooloongup

Ph: 9593 7194 Ph: 9593 7194 Kristen.Matthey@helenogrady.net.au

Kristen.Matthey@helenogrady.net.au

Also teaching exciting

Also teaching exciting programs for year olds programs for 5-17 Canning Vale, Kardinya throughout 5-17 year olds throughout Perth Perth

Ph: 9446 6535

www.helenogrady.net.au www.helenogrady.net.au

Kerry.Jones@helenogrady.net.au

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Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Music and movement with Sarah At Music Together® With Sarah you can enjoy weekly classes where fully trained, registered Music Together teachers lead small groups of children aged 0-5 years and their parents or caregivers in 45 minutes of music and movement experiences.

E

ach weekly class offers songs and rhythmic rhymes, including finger play, small and large movement activities and instrument play. Children and their carers have opportunities to create and improvise making up new words to songs, silly sounds, and sharing musical and movement ideas from the family’s play at home.

Families receive song collection CDs and an illustrated songbook filled with music-making ideas for spontaneous music play beyond the weekly classes.

The relaxed, playful, non-performance oriented setting respects and supports the unique learning styles and developmental levels of all participants, creating a strong sense of community in a world where it is increasingly rare to see families coming together to make music.

Sarah Walker, teacher and director of Music Together With Sarah, says “There can be all kinds of wonderful musical bonding that happens within a family. A beautiful aspect about the Music Together program is that it’s for mixed ages, allowing siblings to attend class together.

“The program also realises that the most influential

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

teachers at this age are parents and you don’t need a musical background to teach your child to love and want to make music – they just need to see your enthusiasm.”

For more information visit www.musictogetherwithsarah.com.au

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The Bettina talent scouts are on a mission!

B

ettina is casting nationwide to find the new FACE OF BETTINA Australia’s most successful modelling & talent agency for kids!

This begins 5pm AEST on Monday 15th February 2016. Entries close at 11:59pm on Thursday 31st of March 2016.

Eight lucky stars-to-be will win the chance to feature in their print and digital promotional campaigns and get the full ‘model package’ with all the bells and whistles that comes with being represented by Australia’s top agency.

The competition is open to all nationalities between the ages of 5 months to 15 years.

EACH WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

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.

7. Full Bettina Management Talent Package – including a complimentary 6 month photo shoot (for children under 4 years of age) or a complimentary industry workshop and a Lifestyle Rewards membership. 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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SPECIAL FEATURE

Excellence in ballet training Start your journey here…

From first ballet steps to pre professional training, Charlesworth Ballet Institute provides the finest in ballet tuition for your child…

C

harlesworth Ballet Institute (CBI) has an esteemed history that dates back to 1960. The Institute is recognised and acclaimed nationally and internationally for its training methods and has produced dancers who have gone on to achieve successful careers throughout the world.

Those students, who have chosen not to make a career in dance, have walked away with an appreciation of dance as an art form, sharper minds, a strong body, good co-ordination and greater confidence.

Lessons are carefully planned to cater for the student’s age and ability with awareness of the emotional, physical, and intellectual development of the child or young adult.

CBI offers two programs: the School and the College.

The Charlesworth Ballet School’s (CBS) philosophy is to provide a nurturing and gentle introduction to classical ballet.

Lessons are carefully planned to give children an inspirational introduction to the world of ballet first and foremost, and a love for dance and beautiful music. A perfect first point of call for any young boy or girl who loves music, movement and dance. Classes are located throughout the metropolitan area with central studios in Burswood and North Perth.

The Charlesworth Ballet College (CBC) is a professional ballet-training program designed to nurture and develop the young dancer to enable him or her to achieve a career in dance. Classical Ballet makes up the major component of the courses studied and uses the Vaganova method of training, considered the finest syllabus for classical ballet. Spanish &

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Lessons are carefully planned to cater for the student’s age and ability with awareness of the emotional, physical, and intellectual development of the child or young adult.

Contemporary Dance, Drama, Musical Theatre and music studies compliment the ballet program.

Two training options are available: Full time training from 10 years combining academic and ballet studies on site; or after school training from 8 years with classes being held weeknights and Saturdays. Entrance to the College is by audition only.

“Precision. Quiet power. Controlled strength. Regal carriage” Vaganova-trained dancers are easy to spot: Their technique is deeply internalised and their bodies naturally breathe classical movement—a result of years of a highly structured class.

Agrippina Vaganova revolutionized the art of ballet with the technique that bears her name.

CBI’s faculty is composed of a diverse group of brilliant teachers whose backgrounds provide students with an outstanding variety of artistic influences. All staff members undergo continual professional development throughout the year; particularly in the Vaganova methodology of training, ensuring the highest quality tuition for your child.

For more information contact the Institute: T: School 08 9475 0320 | College 08 9201 1812 E: collegeadmin@charlesworthballet.com.au www.charlesworthballet.com.au

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SPECIAL FEATURE

For the love of the game

BY BROOKE EVANS-BUTLER

There are so many reasons parents want their children to take part in a sport – after all, being physically active is important as part of a healthy lifestyle and of course it is fun! So what sport is best for your child? We look into some popular options to help you make the decision.

Swimming It is an exercise that is good for all ages and provides a workout for the whole body - and with our hot summers and access to indoor swimming pools yearround - swimming is a wonderful sport to consider for your child.

Swimming lessons can teach children how to swim and about water safety (although it is important to note swimming lessons do not replace the need for parents and carers to always supervise children around water).

Most swim schools will start lessons for babies from six months of age, although, you can introduce your baby to the water earlier through some post natal physiotherapy programs, which include activities for mums and bubs.

Swimming can also be a good option for busy families as there

If you have an energetic little performer on your hands, try

are various ways to participate. You can enrol your child for lessons

out calisthenics. This colourful and exciting sport combines

through private lessons at a swim school or at a local pool or leisure

gymnastics, ballet, folk dance, jazz ballet, apparatus, figure

centre held after school, on weekends or in the evening. Many

marching, mime and singing. Like dancing, children are able

schools run swimming lessons at the local pool (or at the school if

to take part in concerts and competitions which is a wonderful

they have a pool), or many swim schools offer vacation swimming

opportunity to work hard towards a goal and take part in

programs during the school holidays.

the excitement of putting on a performance. Children can

Another option if you want your child to have fun, learn about water safety and be active is the Surf Lifesaving Nipper program.

The program is aimed at children from five to 13 years old and is offered at surf lifesaving clubs around Australia.

For details go to www.sls.com.au

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Calisthenics

Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

participate from around the age of four years old – right into adulthood.

For more information contact the Australian Calisthenic Association www.calisthenicsaustralia.org

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Many sporting organisations offer a free trial so you can see if the sport will be a good fit for your child

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TIP

Gymnastics Gymnastics helps develop coordination, confidence, posture, agility and strength and is a great boredom buster!

Gymnastics Australia offers a ‘KinderGym’ program for young children, right up to programs for adults, including trampoline gymnastics (now, how much fun does that sound!). Check out Gymnastics Australia www.gymnastics.org.au Another great option to consider is Jungle Gym – a fantastic facility in Perth offering fun classes to introduce your child to gymnastics from the age of three years – such as jumping on trampolines, swinging on Tarzan ropes and more through their age-appropriate and fun obstacle course.

Contacts: Jungle Gym, www.junglegym.com.au Gymnastics Australia, www.gymnastics.org.au

Martial Arts It’s easy to see why many parents enrol their children into some form of martial arts – not only is it fun and good exercise - it develops self-esteem, confidence and respect and teaches safety skills.

Some parents will find the life skills that children learn through martial arts very appealing – and some kids just love it for the fun! Contact your local martial arts centre to see what programs they offer

TIP

If your child is passionate about a sport, it is wonderful to get involved as well. You don’t have to play the sport to be able to support your child – but put in the effort to be interested. Learn the rules of the sport (you might be able to offer assistance keeping score or assisting the coach/ trainer). Also help your child practice – whether you are throwing a ball in the backyard or cheering as they show you a new skill, parent encouragement is very important.

for children. Many offer programs for children as young as three years old.

Check out: Shobukan Martial Arts www.shobukan.com.au Australian Martial Arts and Fitness Academy, www.australianmartialarts.com.au KMA Champion Martial Arts, www.maritalartsforlife.com.au

Athletics If your child has lots of energy to burn, Little Athletics might be the perfect choice! A modified athletic program for children, more than 100,000 children participate in Little Athletics across Australia. Suitable for children aged five to 15, children get the opportunity to try sprints, hurdles, relays, shot put, javelin, high jump, long jump and more. Little Athletics encourages children of various abilities to come and achieve their personal best.

Check out www.littleathletics.com.au

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Multi-Sports

Netball

Multi-sport exercise programs offer exercise programs for young

Netball is a non-contact team sport, suitable for children

children that enable them to get a taste of various sports in a fun

from age five up to adults. Although very popular with

and age-appropriate way.

girls, boys are welcome and encouraged to play as well.

Jungle Sports WA have various programs – from Jungle Cubs

Your child might be shooting goals or playing in an attack

for toddlers, which focusses on developing coordination and ball

or defence role depending on their position. Netball is a

skills and for older children- Jungle Soccer, Jungle Rugby and

great game to encourage team work and fitness.

Jungle Multi-Sports, which gives kids a taste of a different sport each week, including rugby, AFL, soccer, cricket, basketball,

Go to Netball Australia, www.netball.com.au for more information.

netball, hockey and more! Sports are held indoors, so the kids can participate year round.

For details go to www.junglesports.com.au Ready Steady Go Kids is a preschool sport and exercise program, suitable for children from two and a half to six years old. Children are introduced to soccer, tennis, basketball, hockey, golf, AFL, rugby, athletics, cricket and T-ball – so there is little chance they will get bored! The program is held indoors so children can take part year-round, and there are many locations throughout the country.

For details go to www.readysteadygokids.com.au

TIP

Get a basketball hoop and ball for your own backyard – and encourage them to shoot some hoops in their own backyard.

Party Fun includes: •Bottle & bucket feeding cute baby animals •Undercover bouncy castle •Unlimited tractor-train rides •Merry-go-round, Playground, BBQ & Picnic facilities.

Cuddly Animal re Farm Parties a e!

Fun for Everyon

•A pony ride for the Birthday Girl or Boy. •Self-Catered or Catered options available.

FOR THE ADULTS Swimwear for Ladies & Men right through to 7XL 20+ Famous Lycra brands Hats, Towels, Bags, Sunnies Ladies Gym & Leisurewear Maternity & Mastectomy Duchamp, Kita Ku, Sportswave, Leisurewear & lots more!!!

KIDS’ STUFF

olours NEW c ITA & K N U S F TRUNK FUNKY REE GIFT F r Ask fo while stocks last

•’All Weather’ under cover party areas.

Lots of very friendly farm animals to touch & hold for memorable photos The farm is open for visitors every day from 9.30 till 4pm at 128 John Street Henley Brook We also have TRAVELLING FARMS that can come to you!

ALL THE FAMILY

TOWELLING HOODIES

FIGURE CONTROL

HUGE RANGE AVAILABLE - Summer & Winter

Bookings/Enquiries: 0424209730 OR info@cuddlyanimalfarm.com

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SPECIAL FEATURE

FOR BABY

Although soccer classes are not offered for a small baby, there are many options to introduce your baby to the joys of being active and healthy from a young age. Consider the following: l Mums and bubs yoga l Mums and bubs swimming l Pram walking groups l GymbaROO BabyROO program

Basketball THE MANY BENEFITS We all know there are many health benefits for children who are physically active – their risk of obesity and associated health problems is reduced, they learn better and they are able to concentrate more. But there are many more pluses for a child taking part in sport including: l Learning how to follow instructions l Being part of a team l Learning how to share and take turns l Learning the importance of practicing something

Basketball is a wonderful way for children to learn ball skills and to burn off some energy! As an indoor sport, basketball can be played year-round and children of all abilities are encouraged.

‘Aussie Hoops’ is a program to introduce children from 5 years old to basketball in a fun, modified program.

Go to Basketball NSW for details, www.nswbasketball.net.au

Soccer If your child loves kicking a ball around the backyard, soccer might be a perfect fit. With the approach ‘Play not Push’, Little Kickers offers four fun modified programs, suitable for children aged from just 18 months up to seven years.

For details go to www.littlekickers.com.au

KIDS SPORT IS BETTER THAN EVER! 11 - 22 APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM

UWA sports holiday programs for kids A

n active child is a happy child and UWA understand it can be a challenge to keep children active, healthy and happy during the school holidays.

The UWA Kids Sports Holiday Program is a sportorientated day camp for children between the ages of 5-13 during the WA school holidays. Each leader is grouped with 10 children of similar ages and all have their Working with Children check and First Aid. These day camps utilise the sporting facilities and wide open spaces at the University of Western Australia’s Crawley campus.

For more information and to secure your child’s place visit www.sport.uwa.edu.au/kids-sport.

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To enrol or for more information go to

sport.uwa.edu.au/kids-sport or call 6488 2286

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AFL

TAKING PART

If your child is an Eagles or Dockers fan, they have probably asked to play football. However, before your hair starts to turn grey thinking about the rough and tumble; check out NAB AFL Auskick. The program introduces boys and girls to Australian Football and aims to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

For details go to www.aflauskick.com.au www.footyfundamentals.com.au

Taking part in a sport is a great way to get active as part of a healthy lifestyle. Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines recommend: l For children aged 2 to 4 – at least three hours of physical activity per day. l For children aged 5 to 12 – at least 60 minutes

of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day. l For children and young people aged 12 to 18

– at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.

Are your children getting the required amount of physical activity each day? If not, taking part in a sport is a great start.

Cricket There is a reason cricket is known as a ‘gentleman’s game’ – it highly focusses on the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, as well as physical activity, so is a great sport for boys and girls try.

A great introduction to the game is through the MILOin2CRICKET program, which introduces girls and boys

Building Healthier Bodies and Minds

Karate kids learning life skills S

WANGARA

Unit 4 ‐ 26 Bare�a Rd WANGARA WA 6065

76

HBF ARENA

Kennedya Dve JOONDALUP WA 6027

WHITFORDS

Wes�ield Shoppin� Centre Level 1 ‐ Shop 64

Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth

NOLLAMARA Our Lady of Lourdes 29 Marda Way NOLLAMARA WA 6061

GOSNELLS

Richard Rushton Comm Ctre 24 Baron Way GOSNELLS WA 6110

hobukan Martial Arts has a unique program where they not only teach kicking and punching, but have developed unique teaching methodologies to embrace education & martial arts together.

Beginner classes are for children 3 years and above.

Children learn traditional martial arts in a formal but fun environment. The curriculum is enhanced to suit their skills and age-specific learning capabilities.

They work to build the attributes such as self esteem, self confidence, respect and self discipline.

Call on 9309 1444 or visit www.shobukan.com.au

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ANZ Tennis Hot Shots is played at more than 2000 venues around Australia.

SPECIAL FEATURE

FA CT

Tennis To find out more go to www. playcricket.com.au If you have a budding tennis player on your hands, ANZ Tennis Hot Shots is a great way to introduce them to tennis, with a modified game using lighter racquets on a smaller court.

For more information go to www. from five to eight years old to the game of cricket.

There is also the option of joining a local club to play club cricket. Local cricket clubs can become like a family and a child may continue playing at their local club into adulthood.

Indoor cricket is also an option, which is a fun, shorter version of the outdoor game, which uses a softer ball suitable for the indoor court.

HOME AT

Remember to try out some modified versions of sports in your own backyard! Get outside with the family and try: l One-on-one basketball l Backyard cricket l Totem tennis

Footy Fundamentals F

ooty Fundamentals is a structured AFL toddler (2 years – 5 years) program, which encourages your active toddlers to develop fundamental movement skills in an AFL environment.

Footy Fundamentals prepares our kids for the future helping build fundamental movement skills such as running, hopping, catching, throwing, striking

and balancing. Each week, participants will focus on a set of movement skills, and play fun team-work based games aimed to develop and build confidence. Active parent participation is a requirement.

Footy Fundamentals runs each school term as a seven week program at HBF Arena (Joondalup) and Lords Recreation Centre (Subiaco).

Register at www.footyfundamentals.com.au

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Footy Fundamentals aims to prepare our kids for the future. Footy Fundamentals is a carefully planned and structured toddler AFL program, which encourages your active toddlers to develop their fundamental movement skills in an AFL environment, using AFL equipment. Active parent involvement is required in all of our toddler AFL programs.

THE PROGRAM WORKS ACROSS THREE AGE GROUPS TIGER CUBS (2 yrs to 3 yrs)

FALCONS FLEDGLINGS (3 yrs to 4 yrs)

LION KINGS (4 yrs to 5 yrs)

Get your active toddler involved in our toddler AFL classes held in Joondalup and Subiaco &OOTY &UNDAMENTALS s s WWW FOOTYFUNDAMENTALS COM AU wpjfl@falconsdistrict.com.au FALCONS "Growing our Great Game"

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OL ENR AY! TOD

Swimming WA’s learn to swim school is now taking enrolments for Term 2 - April 26th to July 1st Chisholm College 1104 Beaufort Street, Bedford Ph 9328 4599 E westswim@wa.swimming.org.au W wa.swimming.org.au/westswim

Your child’s opportunity to learn to swim well!

Learn to swim well P

erth parents are travelling up to 90 minutes return to ensure their children take part in the WestSwim Learn to Swim school.

Run by Swimming WA – the state’s peak swimming body – WestSwim specialises in small class sizes, personalised lessons and correct technique.

The school is open to children aged between 2.5 and 15 years.

WestSwim Supervisor Rachel Pedersen says the focus on technique sets children up for a lifetime of enjoyment in the water.

“Lots of our kids graduate into the fun swimming club environment, where they put everything they have learnt into practice.”

For more information phone 9328 4599 or visit wa.swimming.org.au/westswim.

CATCH , WeAVE

chase, run but

most of all

have fun!

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L

ittle Rugby classes are sister to award winning Little Kickers. Your child can catch, weave, chase, run, but most of all have FUN! Little Rugby runs a national network of fun, safe and non-contact footy classes combining a Union and League approach for boys and girls aged 2 years to 7 years.

Their imaginative classes are run in a dynamic and fun, non-pressured group environment,learning concepts such as listening to instructions, sharing and taking turns as well as kicking techniques, passing and scoring promoting learning through play.

Sign up and find a class near you at www.littlerugby.com.au

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Don’t leave your child on the bench!

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Learning through play

A

ward winning Little Kickers football sessions are held throughout the Perth area for children aged 18 months to their 7th birthday.

Little Kickers friendly and unique classes are run in a dynamic, fun and pressure free group environment. Your child will enjoy imaginative games to improve kicking techniques, passing and scoring goals as well as learning concepts such as listening to instructions, sharing and taking turns.

So whether you’re nurturing a future star or just want a happier, healthier child – why not sign up and have a ball with Little Kickers!

Find a class near you at www.littlekickers.com.au

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Kids Gymnastics in Mt Claremont Junior Soccer Clinics in Joondalup A

ussie kids loves soccer, in fact it’s the second most played sport for kids aged 6 – 13 years! It’s no surprise then the Junior Soccer Clinics at HBF Arena (Joondalup) are as popular as ever. With qualified and experienced coaches, these clinics are designed to develop individual and team skills for ages 5 – 7 and 8 – 13 years.

The progressive lesson structure focuses on one key skill each week, with individual skill training, partner based activities and a friendly game simulation. Held indoors on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, this program is offered all year round with protection from the sun and rain.

They have also introduced some money saving benefits. Ask about their second lesson and family rate! Call 9300 7111 or visit hbfarena.com.au

ENJOY A FREE COFFEE! just mention this ad when you enrol.

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W

elcome into the home of the WAIS Gymnastics team at WA’s leading Gymnastics Training Centre. HBF Stadium’s Kids Gym classes (Mt Claremont) are designed to build the foundation of your child’s gymnastics skills, developing coordination, confidence and balance for kids 18 months to 10 years.

With springloaded floors to soften their falls, and access to balancing beams, bars, rings and even the foam pit – this environment is perfect for developing motor skills.

Their awesome instructors keep the classes fun and interactive. With a progressive program structure, your child will have ongoing assessment. It’s not uncommon to see a child progress all the way through the stages, from toddler to advanced primary levels.

Try a holiday class first! Call 9441 8233 or visit hbfstadium.com.au

KENNEDYA DR JOONDALUP

Stephenson Ave Mt Claremont www.offspringmagazine.com.au

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Beatty Park gets the whole family fit T

he iconic Beatty Park Leisure Centre in North Perth, which recently went through an exciting $17 million dollar makeover to make it one of WA’s premier leisure facilities, has a great range of health and fitness options for the whole family.

There are five pools of varying depths and temperature both indoors and outdoors, with child-friendly water slides and water features making for a fun environment to cool off or have a play with friends and family. Two water polo clubs (Phantoms and Triton) call the facility

Home as well as a synchronised swimming club and the historic Perth City Swim club.

The Centre’s Swim School operates seven days a week and is taking new enrolments into its award-winning program for both children and adults of all abilities.

The industry-leading Health and Fitness facility with more than 700m2 of gym floor has all the latest equipment, two group fitness rooms running more than 100 classes per week, an RPM ™ room with 40 Keiser M3 spin bikes and separate change

*F

facilities from the pools.

The cafe is well stocked with indulgent treats and healthy options with many items sourced from local suppliers and the Swimwear shop has all your swimming needs, plus, if you buy a pair of bathers your next swim is free. (T&C’s apply) Beatty Park Leisure Centre is open every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday. For a full list of opening hours, please visit www.beattypark.com.au

IM W S REE

K R A P TY T A E B

OP H S SWIM

*BUY ANY PAIR OF BATHERS OR RASHIE FROM BEATTY PARK SWIM SHOP AND GET ONE FREE SWIM (VALID FOR 3 MONTHS FROM PURCHASE)

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220 Vincent Street, North Perth WA 6006 | T: 9273 6080 | beattypark.com.au |

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

@beattypark

perth | autumn 2016 | Offspring

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