Autumn 2016
The juice on
Sports for kids
Benefits of breastfeeding
Janine EMPOWERING FERTILITY
Kids autumn fashion Performing Arts special
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contents
autumn
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EDITOR’S NOTE
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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
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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.
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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.
sydney | autumn 2016 | Offspring
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DAD’S WORLD 46 FEAR FACTOR Gary contemplates the value of forcing his daughter to face her fears versus the prospect of creating worse problems.
PREGNANCY & BIRTH 48 FACING INFERTILITY FEARS We share some tried and tested methods to empower your fertility journey while nurturing your relationships and yourself.
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BABIES 52 BYE-BYE BOOBY Ann Marie Bradstreet shares her melancholy at ending breastfeeding after 13 years.
SPECIAL FEATURE 62 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Our special performing arts guide to dance, drama or music for your little ones.
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
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EDUCATION 71 SETTLING INTO SCHOOL Five tips to help your child settle in to Primary School.
SPECIAL FEATURE 72 FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME We look at some great sports options for your child.
BOOK REVIEW 80 HAPPY LITTLE READERS Our choice of great books for your family. 82 DIRECTORY
ISSUE 30 AUTUMN 2016 Produced and published by Offspring Magazine Pty Ltd. ABN: 95 159 474 245 Website www.offspringmagazine.com.au Editorial enquiries editorial@offspringmagazine.com.au Advertising enquiries Phone 02 4326 1178 Mobile 0415 267 414 advertising@offspringmagazine.com.au Subscription enquiries subscription@offspringmagazine.com.au
JANINE ALLIS
Managing Editor Kate Durack Contributing writers Ari Chavez, Gary Ausbruch, Kate Bullen, Ngala Parenting Education Team, Brooke Evans-Butler, Elise Papamihail, Claire Armstrong, Tania Connelly, Ann Marie Bradstreet, Karen Campbell. Graphic Designers Steven Lillywhite, Anna Drake Printed by Offset Alpine Printing
✱ Circulation: 130,000 copies per edition across Melbourne, Sydney and Perth (Melbourne due to be CAB Audited in April 2016).
80,000
Average Net Distribution per issue.
This publication has been independently audited by the Circulations Audit Board.
Audit Period: March 2014 - September 2014
4
Distribution 130,000 copies distributed in Sydney (50,000 copies), Perth (30,000 copies) and Melbourne (50,000 copies) by paid subscriptions and for free at selected locations. Also available online via www.offspringmagazine.com.au Offspring magazine is an independent magazine published quarterly by Offspring Magazine Pty Ltd. Opinions represented are not necessarily those of the publisher. Offspring magazine contains general information and does not claim to substitute for health or parenting advice. All content is subject to copyright, and may not be reproduced without permission.
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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 !
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
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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 | sydney
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.
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By Elise Papamihail
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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.
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Mini Style
ICONS Autumn style for girls
Jumper Beau Loves beauloves.co.uk
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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.
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Trackies, $55.95 Witchery witchery.com.au
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Style UPDATE
Nasty Gal Australia nastygal.com.au
By Elise Papamihail
Autumn 16
One Teaspoon oneteaspoon.com.au
Get fashion forward with four of the season’s most inspiring trends to try.
Oilily runway oililyworld.com
PASTEL POWER One Teaspoon knit $69.50 oneteaspoon.com
Straight from the NYFW runway, pastel pinks,
grays and lilacs made their way into the ready-
to-wear collections. This colour trend has always
Tony Bianco scarf $69.95 tonybianco.com.au
been a classic, updated with the contrast of soft knits paired with masculine footwear. Layer soft knits, shirts and flowing skirts and add pastels to your activewear wardrobe.
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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.
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Offspring | autumn 2016 | sydney
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MASCULINE MEETS FEMININE Soft jumpers paired with tailored and relaxed pants, brogues and sneakers bring a fresh approach to masculine styling. Layer oversized shirts over drop crotch pants and cropped knits.Â
Witchery blouse $159.95 witchery.com.au
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Swimsuit $15.35 zaful.co
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Sunglasses Dior $670 tuchuzy.com Custom Made custommade.dk
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Steele steelelabel.com Sass and Bide sweater $290 sassandbide.com.au Dress $239 steelelabel.com
BOLD Tapestry patterns and florals as seen at Gucci in hues of reds, navy, blues, golds and greens are bang on trend this Autumn. Also trending are eclectic other worldy patterns, tweed and stripes. Go bold in an all-over printed shirt-dress or add a tweed blazer to distressed denim. For the complete look, pair with clog footwear.
Oilily runway oililyworld.com Alice and Olivia skirt aliceandolivia.com Thurley blouse davidjones.com.au Heels $299 themodecollective.com Dolce Vita clogs articleand.com
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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
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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 | sydney
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
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commercial success (and even if there were she probably would have hiked around it). From a junior role in an advertising agency, to becoming the House model for sports brand Adidas, an aerobics instructor, door wench at night clubs, a camp counsellor in the USA, a nanny 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.
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“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 | sydney
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, 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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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 | sydney
The love-life philosophy that Janine created for the Boost Juice brand is one she clearly lives by too.
Uncomplicated nutrition, pure and simple.
bellamysorganic.com.au
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 | sydney
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.
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
sydney | 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 | sydney
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 sydney | 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 | sydney
back and being limited within your
Indigenous youth caught up in the
Cancer WA and stands out as a glamorous
32
it can be a matter of pulling each other
a sense of pride and self-belief with
Jacobs, a formidable inspiration in her own right has not only juggled motherhood, a is also an active member of the community.
think you’re a big shot or something?’,
Jacobs expresses the need to share
‘Where have you come from?’”
successful career and a loving relationship, she
things like, ‘you can’t do that, do you
partner’s influence, “Lauren coming into our life has been great timing”. As a step parent, Swinfield has assumed a role of confidante. “Lauren came into our lives at a really good stage for Jade,” Jacobs explains, and says that she is able to empathise with the issues Jade may be facing. “She can relate because she’s younger and is www.offspringmagazine.com.au
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able to give really good advice. At 30, those issues are fresher in her mind and let’s face it, there are some things mums shouldn’t know and that’s where Lauren’s really good because it’s really
recognition of Aboriginal people within Australia’s Constitution. “It’s something Dad feels really
important for Jade to get the right advice from the right people.
passionate about. It’s an act of healing
Peers and others may not always be giving good advice.”
for him and something he has been
Jacobs has provided a solid foundation for her daughter to build upon and she credits her own mother and father for
campaigning for his whole life. It goes beyond symbolism and to him it holds
instilling her strong sense of family, culture and community
real practical meaning, something that the
values.
whole community acts upon.”
Jacobs’ father, Reverend Cedric Jacobs was born in York, in the Western Australian Wheatbelt. His father, a shearer, moved the family around the area
Where has Jade Dolman, Narelda Jacobs’ daughter, come from? Like her mother, she appears
following the shearing seasons. At eight years old,
to be the product of a strong
Cedric and his brothers were forcibly removed
family, grounded in culture,
from his parents’ care and sent to the Mogumba
belonging and good values.
Native Mission near Moore River, an hour and a half North East of Perth. The Mission was brought to national attention when portrayed in 2002 film Rabbit-Proof Fence. Reverend Jacobs remained at Mogumba until he was 16. Tragically, he was never reunited with his parents who passed away while he and his brothers were held at the Mission. Reverend Jacobs has been an Aboriginal activist and advocate of Constitutional Change for many years, raising awareness for the need of appropriate
Sometimes I’m shocked when people don’t know about the massacres (referring to mass killings of Aboriginal people Australia wide during White Settlement), you just kind of expect people to know and I suppose this goes back to education.”
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34
Offspring | autumn 2016 | perth
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
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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 | sydney
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
J
oshua walks confidently around the room, talking and smiling cheekily, like any two year old. Clamouring for his mother’s attention, he trips and she gasps, flinging her
hands out to catch him. He clutches the sofa and giggles, and she visibly relaxes. If her reaction seems overly dramatic, it’s not. Unlike other two year olds, a simple fall could prove fatal. After a straightforward pregnancy with son Jesse, now three, Michelle Xavier and her partner James Paulson conceived again, just nine months later. The pregnancy progressed smoothly until a 20-week scan revealed their unborn child had congenital talipes equinovarus, more commonly known as club foot. Their shock turned to relief when they realised it was treatable. At 26 weeks they received another shock when Michelle says, “We got told his limbs weren’t growing as they should and were up to three to four weeks behind.” Doctors suggested they terminate the pregnancy, or brace themselves for the likelihood their baby would die due to a suspected lethal form of dwarfism. Michelle is still astonished
Doctors suggested they terminate the pregnancy, or brace themselves for the likelihood their baby would die due to a suspected lethal form of dwarfism. that medical professionals continually urged her to end her baby’s life. “That is something I will never forget. To be honest, it wasn’t an option for James and me. We just thought, he’s still our child and there’s no way we could do that. We stuck to our guns and it’s such a good thing we did.” With no history of dwarfism in either family, Michelle admits she felt like a “lab rat” as doctors attempted to understand the cause and extent of her baby’s issues. She was told Joshua’s condition was “a freak thing that happened at conception”, occurring in less than one in 100,000 pregnancies. On New Year’s Eve 2013, Joshua arrived via caesarean in a room filled with breathing apparatus and an entire team of doctors. Only 41cm long, the focus was his tiny chest. When Michelle heard “a magnificent roar” she knew his lungs were fine and the breathing machines remained unused. Monitored in ICU for a few days Michelle took Joshua home a week later, overwhelmed by how to care for him. At six months Joshua was diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDc) – a rare type of dwarfism that results in skeletal abnormalities, extremely short stature, unstable neck, club foot and problems with the spine and joints. Joshua’s uniqueness raises questions about his future prognosis. Michelle says, “I kinda wish there was another family in WA to talk to,” but she has found solace communicating with others via the www.offspringmagazine.com.au
C SC ATCH AND OOBYDO TH STA E GA O ALL GE IN NG ON NEW THIS MU HI-TE SIC C AL! H
FRI 15 & SAT 16
JULY
Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay, Sydney lifeliketouring.com/offspring SCOOBY-DOO and all related characters and elements © & ™ Hanna-Barbera. WB SHIELD: TM & © WBEI. (s16)
sydney | 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
®
GA NI C C OR
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Offspring | autumn 2016 | sydney
IN
THREAD COUNT
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www.offspringmagazine.com.au
myself. I still think about it every day. What do I tell him? How do I tell him?” She will be his advocate for as long as possible but concedes it can be overwhelming when people stare and comment. Having a child with special needs who requires constant supervision places added pressure on Michelle and James but she says, “James is my rock. He’s such a great dad. I think our relationship is definitely stronger since having Josh. It’s opened our eyes to different things we used to take for granted.” She adds, “We could easily be angry all the time ... I know we’re going to have some people who [are nasty], but we also have people who are genuinely interested in him, as a person, not just his size.” She hopes her smallest son soars to incredible heights in his life and says, “He was born to stand out, there’s no point hiding him. As long as we make Joshua feels comfortable with his condition and show that we love him no matter what, I think that will be enough to make him venture out there.” Photo: Krystle Ricci Photography www.krystlericci.com
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
sydney | 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 | sydney
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
www.firstbike.com.au - info@firstbike.com.au - 02-9679-8400
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 | sydney
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.
offspring_magazine 1/2 page bigger logo.indd 2
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17/02/2016 9:48 AM
sydney | 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.
for fun and practical Christmas gifts
If you feel you need additional support and information, contact the Ngala Helpline on 08 9368 9368 or 1800 111 546 for country callers, or email helpline@ngala.com.au. Other sources of information include your GP, child health nurse, child and adolescent health service in your health area, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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Australia’s largest gloss A4 parenting magazine
30/09/2015 19:13
DAD’S WORLD
with Gary Ausbruch
Fear factor Gary contemplates the value of forcing his daughter to face her fears versus the prospect of creating worse problems.
M
y daughter desperately wanted to go down the big
I thought of last year’s series of The Bachelorette, where Sam made
waterslide at the fun park. She made it to the top twice,
all the contestants jump off a cliff as a test of their devotion to her,
and both times she ended up descending down the stairs
and there was one guy who was petrified of heights who just couldn’t
instead of on her bottom. The second time, I was up there with her
jump. She booted him off the show shortly after. Cruel to be kind, I
as she sat at the top of the slide in tears, wrestling with the decision
guess. For the briefest of instants I contemplated giving Ella a gentle
of whether to go or not. The people in the queue below craned their
nudge to the back with my foot, just enough to get her on her way,
necks to see what the hold-up was, and the slide attendant started to
and soon she’d realise that there was nothing to worry about.
get impatient. I was trying to talk Ella into doing it, pleading with her to go, that she could do it and she’d be okay.
But I didn’t. To use The Bachelorette as a tool to make a parenting decision was a bridge too far, even though I really like it. Or if I was to be one hundred percent truthful, what actually stopped me was the cost of years of counselling for Ella’s paternal abandonment issues that flashed through my head.
TM
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 these fears come from? The bird fear, I’m convinced – even though my parents insist this wasn’t the case – was from being attacked as a child by a blackbird who, due to our similar features, mistook me for one of his own and considered me a threat. I’m far from a psychologist, but I would imagine the genesis of most of our fears is from childhood, and particularly where we were made to do something against our will, like being dragged along to a hardware store. Or pushed down a waterslide you really don’t want to go down. 46
Offspring | autumn 2016 | sydney
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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sydney | autumn 2016 | Offspring
47
Facing Infertility Fears When you are unsuspectingly thrown on the infertility rollercoaster looping through hope and disappointment cycle to cycle, the reins of control over your life seemingly slip with the consuming desire to conceive a baby. Offspring shares some tried and tested methods to empower your fertility journey while nurturing your relationships and yourself.
M
any of us grow up assuming that one day, just like our mums and dads and their parents before them, that we too will have children. But it is a confronting reality that one in every
six couples face difficulties trying to get pregnant. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) may be hailed a revolutionary
miracle for those unable to conceive naturally, but it is far from a quick fix to the plethora of complex and complicated medical and financial hurdles some couples face in their quest for parenthood. Infertility, an emotionally-loaded word, is simply defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. The causes of infertility are many and varied. For women, age is the single most important factor affecting fertility. No matter how young you feel, after 35 years old your eggs are considered more fragile and declining, and it doesn’t help that the term ‘elderly primagravida’ is added to your medical notes, meaning older first time mum. There are many reasons the modern woman may delay parenthood including meeting a partner later in life, focusing on a career or travel, experiencing a medical issue and for many it is simply thinking there was more time left on the biological clock. Tick Tock. All these personal reasons for
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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
sydney | 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. 50
Offspring | autumn 2016 | sydney
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.
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51
e y B Bye e i b o o B By Ann Marie Bradstreet
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.
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www.offspringmagazine.com.au
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
contented little symbiotic duo.
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.
stints. Being a veteran and knowing well the state of play, I brought that newborn to my breast still standing by
It is easy to reduce that time to another parenting anecdote, relaying none of the potent despair I was living at the time but thinking about it now, I understand why mothers become so discouraged and give up within those first crucial weeks, where supply and demand must be met to get that factory up and running.
I would love, if I could, in the swan song of my boobs, in honour
the hospital bed from his birth while praising his brave passage into
of their imminent decline into sad little deflated balloons harking
the world, “What a good boy you are to do so well getting here”,
to a party long dispersed, to inspire some mums to push on through
I cried onto his little screeching head as he latched on for the first
those hard times and share in the wisdom and joy of feeding your
time. I decided to stay a night in hospital so I would be brought cups
children the easiest, cheapest, most nourishing and portable food
of tea, my sole motivation, I kid you not. I held him all night and he
source you could possibly provide.
fed like he’d been born to it as, of course, he had. The next morning during a feed, a matronly midwife doing her
According to the ABA (Australian Breastfeeding Society), a 2010 survey indicates that 96 per cent of Australian mothers initiate
rounds reached out to grab my breast. “Let me show you…” she
breastfeeding, yet only 39 per cent of babies are being breastfed to
said before I firmly arrested her wrist mid-lunge and calmly spoke
three months and only 15 per cent to six months, falling well short
the words, “Don’t touch me please”. She respectfully apologised, I
of The World Health Organization’s recommendation that babies
accepted and got on with my task.
be exclusively breastfed to six months of age, and thereafter with
It hadn’t been like that in my first season as a rookie. Countless
complementary foods up to two years old and beyond. This tells
midwives, lactation consultants and even, horrifyingly, a mother-
me that the majority of mothers want to breastfeed their babies but
in-law all traipsed through my personal, physical and emotional
six months on, the breastfeeding mother is a member of a minority
boundaries to grab, pull, push and flick at what I was, apparently,
group.
doing so wrong. After eight tear-stained weeks of tri-hourly nipple gratings,
Breastfeeding can be stressful, difficult and confusing for a lot of new mothers and feeling unsuccessful at something continually
a midwife suggested my son and I may have thrush. A simple
described as “natural” can be discouraging but surely the statistics
treatment had us successfully feeding and within a week we were a
above show that struggling with breastfeeding in our current
www.
Beat
Baby Blues .com.au
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sydney | autumn 2016 | Offspring
53
society is a pretty common situation.
I look at my three sons and my
Learning to breastfeed can be really
heart bursts with fierce love, a love
hard, at first. Persistence, however, is
- when first encountered - seems
worth it as breastfeeding becomes the
impossible to extend until the next
easiest thing in the world and it saves
child is born and miraculously
the day, day after day.
it multiplies, with the lithe ease
The women in my life, other
of a ballet dancer executing a
breastfeeding mothers, have helped
monumental manoeuvre.
influence, inspire and inform my
I even feel grateful for the honour
choices. Watching other mothers
of having doughy little hands
normalised the practice even when negative messages persisted around 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
yank down my top in front of the
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.
breastfeeding is something I will cherish
maintenance man come to fix 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
for the rest of my life. The nursing of high
gratitude that I announce my retirement,
temperatures and annoying colds, the quelling of infantile rage,
with injury pulling me up short (I have some health treatments on
calming the calamity of a fall, these boobs have been the masters
hold until I finish feeding). This two year old and I, despite some
of multi-tasking.
considerable bereavement, are saying “Bye-bye Booby�.
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54
Offspring | autumn 2016 | sydney
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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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sydney | autumn 2016 | Offspring
55
While your toddler might embrace their role as a big brother or sister, they can also feel confused about the changes to their routine and why you’re not as available as you used to be. “You might see behavioural outbursts such as tantrums and acting out, or behavioural and emotional regression such as regressing in their toilet training, wanting to be rocked to sleep or demanding attention at your baby’s feeding time.” “Much like any change, the impact of a new baby on a young child’s life will vary from child to child. Most children may find the change somewhat tricky at first but will adjust fairly quickly without lasting psychological impact. Others may need some extra help and support to adjust to this change.”
How to help your toddler cope n Be
patient. It’s all just part of everybody getting used to “the new normal” in your home. n Have
some easy activities ready to offer, particularly when you need to feed or bathe your baby. Colouring in, blocks and no-mess water paintings are easy to set up quickly. n Get your toddler involved in caring for your baby. They can help choose outfits, bibs and suitable toys. n Praise
them. “Thank you so much for sitting and playing with your blocks while I fed the baby. You have been so patient, well done! Let’s play now.” n Re-read
any story books you might have read about having a baby before your baby was born. Now with some actual experience with a baby at home, you can talk about each story in a new way. n Look
through your toddler’s baby book or baby album to show them what they were like as a baby and point out how much they have changed since then. n Try
to stick to a familiar routine. Young children find routine very comforting, so keep things the same as much as you can, particularly at bedtime. n Let
them just be themselves, not always a big sister or big brother. Acknowledge that it’s tough for them and spend time with them doing things not related to your baby. n Get
other family members or friends involved to help you spend time one-on-one with your toddler. 56
Offspring | autumn 2016 | sydney
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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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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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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: 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. 62
Concentration - The ability to listen, retain and contribute
Offspring | autumn 2016 | sydney
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 development from problem solving and
Dance
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
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
dance schools offer classes from toddlers to adults. “Dance can cross all social and cultural barriers,” McColl says. Dance classes focused on enjoyment and movement are perfect
which help reduce stress, prevent illness and relieve pain. It is
for younger children where technique, routines and costumes are
proven that people who exercise are happier, and that goes for
not so important. For older children looking for more structure
children as well,” former fitness instructor and founder of the
and the opportunity to become involved in concerts, there are so
Happy Feet Fitness program Donna McColl told Offspring.
many options including: ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, acrobatics,
Her program delivered primarily through child care facilities to around 10,000, 2-5 year olds in Western Australia, Victoria,
cheerleading and hip hop. Talk to your child about their interests, visit a few studios and
READ.
EXPLORE.
Imagine.
LEARN. GROW.
www.thelittlereadingroom.com.au
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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
Inspiring
Pre-K
each learner every Experience every day
a r O ld s For 4 YeOpen Now A dynamic, motivating learning environment for four-year-olds. Regular tours run every term, book online at www.barker.nsw.edu.au/enrolments
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An Anglican School barker.nsw.edu.au
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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.
Nurturing dance for littlies South Sydney’s most family-oriented Dance Studio - TK Dance Stars, run by Tamara Kate, provides a nurturing and inspirational environment which promotes personal achievement and commitment to students.
T Join the TK DANCE STARS family today Call Miss Tamara on 0478 964 722 107 Ramsgate Road, Ramsgate NSW 2217 www.tkdancestars.net www.offspringmagazine.com.au
K Dance Stars offers a variety of opportunities for children of all ages. With a highly qualified teaching team, TK Dance Stars provides classes in many disciplines of dance including Jazz, Hip Hop, Acrobatics and classes for students with special needs. Babies don’t miss out either with Wiggle & Dance classes for parents and bubs and Pre-Primary Tap, Jazz and Baby Ballet for toddlers aged two and a half to four years. For more information visit www.tkdancestars.net
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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
C SC ATCH AND OOBYDO TH STA E GA O ALL GE IN NG ON NEW THIS MU HI-TE SIC C AL! H
FRI 15 & SAT 16
JULY
Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay, Sydney lifeliketouring.com/offspring SCOOBY-DOO and all related characters and elements © & ™ Hanna-Barbera. WB SHIELD: TM & © WBEI. (s16)
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experience.” Your child doesn’t have to be a prodigal musician to get involved either, King suggests a group participation activity such as a choir or a band is a great place to start a child as it removes the pressure and stresses associated with solo performances. “For many of our senior students the Australian Girls Choir provide a beacon of light in their otherwise chaotic lives. A place to park their brain for a while and ignore homework and the politics of home and school life. Music gives them enormous stress relief, comradery and confidence,” King told Offspring.
Choosing an instrument Most formal music lessons start between the ages of five to nine, group classes are recommended for younger children. The Forte School of Music gives these ages and instruments as a guide:
SPECIAL FEATURE
simply enjoying the
• The piano is highly recommended as a child’s first instrument, it can be played as soon as a child can reach the keys and has enough strength to press them down. Recommended age: 5+ • The recorder is a common choice in a school setting. It is cheap, children can play it easily and it provides a good introduction to making music. Recommended age: 5+ • Stringed instruments often come in smaller sizes specifically for kids. Some children can handle a violin from the age of four. Recommended age: 5+ (violin); 9+ (viola and cello) • Other wind and brass instruments should not be attempted before your child’s permanent teeth come in because of the pressure on the teeth when they are played, the actual size of the instrument, the lip strength required and the “puff” needed to make a noise. Recommended age: 8+ (flute, clarinet); 9+ (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, french horn) • Drum and guitars tend to be a big favourite among kids. Recommended age: 7+ • Singing is something that can be enjoyed at all ages, but it is best not to start learning formally until 9+ years.
TM
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SPECIAL FEATURE
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
The dream begins here... Fifty years of teaching Dance makes The Academy of Performing Arts Macarthur an obvious choice for dance lessons for your little emerging dancer.
T
I was very happy with my daughter’s dancing and cried the whole time. I am amazed how much her confidence has grown since starting at your school!
he Academy of Performing Arts Macarthur offers ballet, Jazz,
year ahead. Preparing for what will be the best concert thus far,
Tap, Modern, Hip Hop, Drama, Theatre Arts, Preschool and
as The Academy of Performing Arts Macarthur celebrates “5
Come Dance With Me designed for toddlers 18 months to 3 years. Since its conception 50 years ago, The Academy of Performing Arts, Macarthur (APAM) has been introducing and developing children form all ages, abilities and gender to a world of fun and excitement, through music, dance and performing arts. At APAM everyone is welcome. “Some of our families have been with me for two and three generations. I am so proud that this year marks my 50th year of teaching.” Pauline Hincks, Director APAM Parents can be rest assured that their children will receive fun and inspiring classes, whether attending as a hobby, to make
Decades of Dance”. Enrolments are still open if you want your little one to experience the wonderful world of dance with us. Want to know more? P: 02 4647 0255 | E: info@apamacarthur.com.au A: 24/25 Anzac Avenue, Smeaton Grange 2567 www.apamacarthur.com.au
The dream begins here...
friends or wanting to train to a professional level. The Academy of Performing Arts, Macarthur, provides every student with the opportunity to enter into the magical world of stage and performance through our annual concerts. Their beautiful little dancers wowed the audience in December last year, as they filled the stage with colour and music at the Camden Civic Centre for their Junior Concert ‘The Magic of Colour’. Open to all students form the Wigglebugs 3-4 year olds to the Grade 3 students 9 – 14 years. One parent shares the great rewards her daughter gained: “I was very happy with my daughter’s dancing and cried the whole time. I am amazed how much her confidence has grown since starting at your school!” The senior concert ‘Journey Through Life’, held at the IPAC (Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong), saw the stage buzzing with excitement for two hours as the senior students showcased their talents once again. Another parent (Vicki S.) states: “Renee may or may not take up dancing as a career - if she does, any success she achieves will be because of her determination and the excellent grounding she has received at APAM. I was certainly not aware when I enrolled her in Wigglebugs at age three, she would become so passionate about dance.” Students are back in class, looking forward to another exciting www.offspringmagazine.com.au
• Dance, Singing and Theatre classes • Pre-schoolers to professional level • Fully equipped studios • Classes 6 days per week THE ACADEMY OF
PERFORMING ARTS MACARTHUR
Studio: Unit 25/24 Anzac Ave Smeaton Grange 2567 (Anzac Avenue Business Estate - the same complex as EuroCafe)
Phone: 02 4647 0255 Email: info@apamacarthur.com.au sydney | autumn 2016 | Offspring
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SETTLING l o o h INTOSc By Chris Wyatt, Trinity Grammar School
Here are five tips to help your child settle in to Primary School.
Set up good routines. Children will get tired and
T
getting things done at home at the end of a busy school day can often be challenging. Establishing and sticking to set
he beginning of the school year is always a time of mixed
routines for homework, reading, bath time, dinner time and
emotions for all students, but particularly for those in
(most importantly) bed time are essential. Young children
the younger years of primary school. It is completely
definitely need their rest!
reasonable for students to be excited but also feel slightly uncertain about the unknown. During this time of transition, parents play a key role in
Encourage friendships. One of the most valuable
aspects of school life is socialising and feeling comfortable
partnering with teachers to help ensure the start of the school year
in a social setting. Parents can assist this process by
sets a positive platform for learning for the remainder of the year.
encouraging new and existing friendships by arranging play
While every student is unique, the following tips might prove helpful in navigating this exciting journey:
dates and participating in the community life of the school as much as possible.
Enjoy the holidays before school starts.
The school year, and particularly the beginning, is an intense
essential that children are encouraged to take responsibility
time for young people. They will be tired, both mentally
as early as possible. While helping your child by carrying
and physically. They will face a variety of new challenges.
their school bag or tying their shoe laces may seem like the
Allowing young people the chance to enjoy their holiday
‘right’ thing to do, ultimately it can get in the way of their
experiences by spending time with family and friends creates
natural development and establishing their independence.
informal learning opportunities and is the best platform for
Children can help by packing and unpacking their school
the year ahead.
bags at home each day and they should also be encouraged to
Focus on the positives. The best thing parents can
Allow your child to take responsibility. It is
take out what they need once they arrive at their classrooms.
do is to talk about how positive school is going to be and to
For more advice about educating children and to stay in touch
encourage their children to focus on the positive outcomes
with school news, please visit www.trinity.nsw.edu.au.
from each day. When a child comes home from school, ask “What went well today?”. This simple question helps to focus on all of the good things that take place without overlooking the inevitable challenges they will face. www.offspringmagazine.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
If you have an energetic little performer on your hands, try
there are various ways to participate. You can enrol your child for
out calisthenics. This colourful and exciting sport combines
lessons through private lessons at a swim school or at a local pool
gymnastics, ballet, folk dance, jazz ballet, apparatus, figure
or leisure centre held after school, on weekends or in the evening.
marching, mime and singing. Like dancing, children are able
Many schools run swimming lessons at the local pool (or at the
to take part in concerts and competitions which is a wonderful
school if they have a pool), or many swim schools offer vacation
opportunity to work hard towards a goal and take part in
swimming 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 | sydney
participate from around the age of four years old – right into adulthood. For more information contact the Australian Calisthenic Association www.calisthenicsaustralia.org
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
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: Kanga Karate, www.kangakarate.com 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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SPECIAL FEATURE
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.
Kelly Mini Sports run professional sports programs for 1 to 5
Your child might be shooting goals or playing in an attack
year olds teaching children the specific skills, rules and games
or defence role depending on their position. Netball is a
for different sports in a social and fun atmosphere that is non-
great game to encourage team work and fitness.
competitive with an emphasis on teamwork. The children learn through play in Basketball, Cricket, Footy, Soccer and Tennis as
Go to Netball Australia, www.netball.com.au for more information.
they as the sports rotate every fortnight. For details go to www.kellyminisports.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.
Do you have a pet? Are you expecting a baby?
Educating today, taking care of tomorrow.©
The We Are Family Program provides expectant parents and parents of young children with information and strategies to help minimise the risk of dog bites in the home environment.
www.wearefamily.nsw.gov.au
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Join the TK DANCE STARS family today Call Miss Tamara on 0478 964 722 107 Ramsgate Road, Ramsgate NSW 2217 www.tkdancestars.net www.offspringmagazine.com.au
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 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
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
Little Silver Prints
Silver
Prints
FROM THEIR FIRST DAY AT ROSEVILLE COLLEGE, girls from Kindergarten to Year 12 engage in enriching learning experiences that challenge and empower them to pursue and attain their personal best.
burn off some energy! As an indoor sport, basketball can be played year-round and children of all abilities are encouraged. ‘Aussie
Little
THE MANY BENEFITS
Basketball is a wonderful way for children to learn ball skills and to
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www.littlesilverprints.com.au | 02 9191 7368 | info@littlesilverprints.com.au
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SPECIAL FEATURE
AFL
TAKING PART
Taking part in a sport is a great way to get active as part of a If your child is a Sydney Swans fan, they have probably healthy lifestyle. Australia’s Physical Activity and asked to play football. However, before your hair starts Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines recommend: to turn grey thinking about the rough and tumble; check l For children aged 2 to 4 – at least three out NAB AFL Auskick. The program introduces boys hours of physical activity per day. and girls to Australian Football and aims to encourage a l For children aged 5 to 12 – at least 60 minutes healthy lifestyle. of moderate to vigorous physical activity For details go to www.aflauskick.com.au 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 from five to eight years old to the game of cricket.
Create lasting memories through sport
Keep the kids entertained at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre Make a splash! For bookings call 9714 7500 or visit aquaticcentre.com.au
Sports Centre Fun sports programs! For bookings call 9714 7600 or visit sports-centre.com.au
Archery Centre
We are Australia’s leading sport program for 2.5–6 year olds!
Discover the secret to shooting a bow & arrow!
• Learn the basics of 10 great sports • Over 50 locations across NSW • Sign up now for a FREE trial Franchise opportunities available
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Offspring | autumn 2016 | sydney
For bookings call 9714 7502 or visit archerycentre.com.au readysteadygokids.com.au 1300 766 892
SPECIAL OFFER
Enrol now and receive 4 family passes to Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Offer valid till Sunday 31 March 2016. Terms & conditions apply.
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ANZ Tennis Hot Shots is played at more than 2000 venues around Australia.
SPECIAL FEATURE
FA CT
Tennis 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.hotshots.tennis.com.au
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
HOME AT
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. To find out more go to www.playcricket.com.au
AN BOOK THE AD IN AND RE FEATU E FREE V I RECE RIAL! EDITO
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
Maximise your impact and connect with a readership of 400,000+ this Winter with Offspring Magazine’s ‘Education’ Special Feature!
EDUCATION SPECIAL FEATURE Sydney families want to know about your school.
Spaces are limited so call us now on 02 4326 1178 or email:
advertising@offspringmagazine.com.au
Maximise your impact and connect with Sydney families with these special offers from Offspring Magazine. If your school or organisation provides great education for Sydney children then this special feature is for you! This is a great opportunity for you to tell Sydney families how they can benefit from your services.
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Australia’s largest gloss A4 parenting magazine
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Fun sports for kids K
Ignite your child’s passion for sport
R
eady Steady Go Kids is a high-quality, physio-designed program which teach 2.5-6yr olds the fundamentals of 10 different sports (Soccer, Tennis, Hockey, AFL, Cricket, Athletics, Basketball, Rugby, Golf and T-Ball), the program aims to: • Demonstrate that sport and physical activity are fun • Develop and enhance age-appropriate gross motor skills and coordination • Build confidence and self-esteem • Teach the importance of good sportsmanship and teamwork. • Boost school readiness by incorporating skills such as concentration, listening and following directions Visit www.readysteadygokids.com.au or ring 1300 766 892 for your closest location and to book your FREE trial.
elly Mini Sports provides fun and professional sports programs for 1 to 5 year olds teaching children the specific skills, rules and games for different sports. It’s a great foundation to help your kids become mini sportsmen and sportswomen. They have been teaching over 5,000 toddlers and preschoolers the fundamental skills of Basketball, Cricket, Footy, Soccer and Tennis since 2013 throughout Victoria and now in Sydney! Their dedicated team of coaches are trained to instruct your child in a friendly yet professional manner while teaching you, their parents and carers, how to continue their sporting education at home. For more information, visit www. kellyminisports.com.au
Create lasting memories through sport
We are Australia’s leading sport program for 2.5–6 year olds! • Learn the basics of 10 great sports • Over 50 locations across NSW • Sign up now for a FREE trial Franchise opportunities available
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Offspring | autumn 2016 | sydney
readysteadygokids.com.au 1300 766 892
www.offspringmagazine.com.au
By Rebecca Teaupa,
www.thelittlereadingroom.com.au
Book REVIEW 0-3 years
I Love Me | Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina
I love me. Who else would I be? I Love Me aims to build self-esteem in children through a colourful celebration of the things that make us all unique. The bright, Indigenous style illustrations depict a boy and girl embracing their distinctive attributes, from their curly hair to their laugh. I Love Me is recommended for readers aged 0 to 8 years and is highly recommended with its simple text and uplifting message about embracing individuality.
Please Mr Panda | Zanni Louise & Anna Pignataro Mr Panda has a box of doughnuts and he is on the hunt for the right animal to give them too. Mr Panda asks a number of animals if they would like a doughnut and as each one enthusiastically replies without using their manners Mr Panda revokes his offer, that is, until he meets a very polite Lemur. Please Mr Panda is recommended for readers aged 2 years and over and the bold illustrations and simple text make this book a fantastic teaching tool for everyday etiquette.
3-6 years
What Pet Should I Get? | Dr. Seuss
A brother and sister visit a pet shop to pick a pet, but can’t decide which one to get. The reader follows two siblings tasked with the seemingly impossible decision of choosing a pet. Young readers will identify with the characters’ predicament, understanding the perceived pressure associated with making a choice of any nature. What Pet Should I Get? Is recommended for readers aged 3 to 7 years and with Seuss’ renowned use of rhyme and signature illustration style, it is sure to become a family favourite.
Please, Open This Book! | Adam Lehrhaupt and Matthew Forsythe You opened the book. The animals are saved. You really should leave it open. Stop! Matthew Forsythe’s digital illustrations depict the animals desperately pleading (and demanding) that the reader leave the book open, complete with S.O.S flags and wanted posters. Readers will be laughing out loud at the animals’ stalling attempts and recount of the outlandish injustices that occurred when the book was closed. Please, Open This Book! is recommended for readers aged 4 to 8 years, who will, despite the animals’ best attempts, be turning the pages eagerly until the very end.
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6-9 years
9-12 years
for adults
Olive of groves
Shadows of The Master: Two Moons Book 2
Mastering Your Mean Girl
Katrina Nannestad and Lucia Masciullo
Emily Rodda
Melissa Ambrosini
Olive arrives at Mrs. Groves’ Boarding and is put on probation after Mrs. Groves suspects that she is just an ‘ordinary girl’. Rat roommates, a fainting goose, pyrotechnics and a nasty pig, create constant comedic chaos. The narration is equally hilarious and educational, as sophisticated vocabulary is intertwined with the uncivilised, and completely entertaining, plot, dialogue and characters. Olive Of Groves is a must-read for 8 to 12 year olds, who will be glued to the pages.
Britta unwittingly finds herself in the forbidden swamplands on the island Two Moons and is unsure if she will escape alive. The fantastical elements, including sea serpents and moving clay figurines, will enthrall young readers and Emily Rodda’s writing cleverly creates a mood of mystery and darkness, as readers attempt to anticipate Britta’s fate. Two Moons is highly recommended for readers aged 11 to 15 years, with its fast-paced narrative and very likeable protagonist.
It’s time to sell your penthouse in fear town and live a life of wealth, health and love. Mastering Your Mean Girl guides you to being the best version of yourself, through the mastering of your inner, self-sabotaging, voice. Author Melissa Ambrosini’s personal accounts make her message personal and authentic and affirmations and questions are included to encourage the reader to reconsider their life choices. Mastering Your Mean Girl is like having advice on-tap from a supportive bestie that you never knew you needed.
Dork Diaries: Puppy Love
Ickypedia (A Dictionary of Disgusting Words)
Healthy Food, Healthy Gut, Happy Child
Rachel Renee Russell
Matt Kelly and Richard Higgins
Dr Maya Shetreat-Klein
Nikki and Brandon discover puppies abandoned on the doorstep of the Fuzzy Friends pet shelter. Puppy Love is structured in a series of diary submissions by Nikki, a self proclaimed dork. Nikki’s slang, acronyms and overdramatic narration will leave readers laughing and the books schoolrelated themes of friendship, gossip and popularity, will be pertinent to readers. The Dork Diaries series is recommended for readers aged 6 to 9 years, who will thoroughly enjoy the age-appropriate and humorous narrative.
Melbourne-based comedic duo The Listies have created a book of ‘grosstastic’ words that dictionaries and encyclopedias were afraid to print. Children will find great pleasure in the introduction of important words like Achoospew, that is, when you spew out of your nose and laugh out loud at the humorous caricatures, quizzes and poetry. Ickypedia is recommended for readers aged 9 to 12 years, who will undoubtedly enjoy all that this witty, humorous and disgusting book has to offer.
Dr Shetreat-Klein shares examples from patients and her own children to demonstrate the connection between food and children’s health. Dr Shetreat-Klein believes as a society we treat symptoms rather than vulnerabilities to illness. The book suggests that certain foods are the cause of common childhood conditions and shopping lists and recipes are included to assist parents in making better choices in regards to their childrens’ nutrition. Healthy Food, Healthy Gut, Happy Child is an accessible, relatable and very informative book for all parents or parents-to-be.
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