Offspring Melbourne Winter/Spring 2019

WINTER/SPRING 2019

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influencers share Meditation magic

BEING VEGAN

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Bold, brave & beautiful life of

Lucy Durack

Self compassion heals

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Baby’s cry signals

contents Winter/Spring 6

8

EDITOR’S NOTE

8 BABY FASHION

ONE WITH NATURE This Spring, let your baby roam in adorable, lightweight outfits where spots and frills will lead the way!

10 GIRLS FASHION

FLOWER POWER!

Girls will bask in the warm spring sun this season as cool and chic meets flower power!

12

BOYS FASHION JOIN THE SAFARI! Let your boys run free this Spring in vivacious bold colours that make every day feel like an adventure!

10

14 MUMS FASHION

PRETTY & FIERCE This Spring, emanate warmth with free-flowing outfits in soft hues of pinks and apricots.

14

16 16 COVER STORY THE BOLD AND BRAVE LIFE OF LUCY DURACK

Darling of the Musicals, Sweetheart of the Screen, hardworking mum and all-round Good Witch, Lucy Durack, shows the value in seeking the support of family, friends and the odd stranger on social media.

22 WELLNESS

WHAT’S UP BUTTERCUP?

Kristin Neff PhD discusses the antidote to harsh self-talk and the benefits of Self-Compassion.

34 SOCIAL TOP INFLUENCERS TO FOLLOW IN VICTORIA Here we’ve collected our favourite influencers to follow for your daily dose of motherhood, fashion and travel and lifestyle inspiration.

40 HEALTH PREVENTABLE DISEASES KILL: A CASE FOR VACCINATION Dr Adam Coulson talks vaccination and why you shouldn’t entrust your child’s health to celebrity chefs or footballers’ wives.

28 SPIRITUALITY THE BENEFITS OF MEDITATION FOR FAMILIES Meditation is being praised by researchers for its stress-relief and effects on the behaviour and educational performance of children.

30 FOOD

BACK TO OUR ROOTS We examine the health benefits of a vegan diet, as well as some delicious and nutritious vegan recipes.

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

30

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

76

54 TECHNOLOGY

HERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but there are lots of useful apps to make various stages of parenting a bit easier.

We look at some great options – whether you are a new parent or raising teenagers.

46 44 BABIES

BABIES’ CRY SIGNALS Is he hungry? Tired? Sick? These signals might help you understand the reasons behind why your baby is crying.

46 PARENTING 6 TIPS FOR PARENTING ANXIOUS KIDS

We can’t rid our kids of their anxiety, but we can help them to manage it – here are 6 tips to support you to parent your anxious child. ` 50 SPIRITUALITY TAKING EMOTIONAL CHARGE Renowned empath and spiritual teacher, Oscar de Souza, speaks to Offspring about the purpose of emotions and building positive relationships.

WINTER/SPRING 2019

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WIN

$50,000

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TOP

influencers share Meditation magic

BEING VEGAN

PARENTING

Bold, brave & beautiful life of

Lucy Durack

Self compassion heals

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Baby’s cry signals

01 PER COVER.indd 1

5/8/19 5:01 am

Lucy Durack

50

56 EDUCATION

IF THE SCHOOL FITS Choosing where to send your child to school is a big decision – Claire Armstrong investigates the educational options.

68

64 PARENTING LIFE CHANGING TIPS FOR MORE PEACEFUL MORNINGS Mornings are hard. Make them easier with these game-changing tips from some of our clever readers.

66

SPECIAL FEATURE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 12-year-old Aria from Adelaide has a special message for parents about Coles Little Shop.

68

SPECIAL FEATURE OFFSPRING PERFORMING ARTS AND SPORTS GUIDE There are many sports and performing arts options for your child to try. We look at the options, so you can make the best decision for your child.

ISSUE 32 WINTER/SPRING 2019 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

76 TRAVEL

VICTORIA GETAWAY GUIDE It’s time to dust off those winter woolies and put a spring in your step as the days grow longer, the sun warmer and evenings balmy to have some family fun in Victoria!

82

BOOK REVIEW Our favourite books to tuck into this winter!

Managing Editor Kate Durack Contributing writers Brooke Evans-Butler, Claire Armstrong, Ann-Marie Bradstreet, Colleen Willis, Kate Durack, Sophie Phoon, Natalie Coppolelli, Gabrielle Platt.

Graphic Designers Naomi O’Bryan, Keely Goodall, Nathalie Berger, Veronica Dahdal Printed by Blue Star Group Cover image: Kurt Sneddon

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.

80,000

Average Net Distribution per issue.

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

Audit Period: September 2017 - March 2018

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Australia’s biggest parenting magazine

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6| Editor’s Note: Winter/Spring 2019

10 years of Offspring

It’s been 10 years since I had the lightbulb moment to start Offspring while meditating, after yet another sleepless night with my 16 month old daughter.

T

he sleep-deprived, random

through our Facebook page

idea to start a magazine

(Offspring Magazine) and by

augmented Offspring’s

joining our newsletter www.

inaugural edition, in Perth with

offspringmagazine.com.au

breakfast radio host Lisa Fernandez on the cover.

Four years in, I took the opportunity

It’s a delight to have Lucy Durack’s lovely face on this cover. An advocate of Self-

better family relationships and manifest our desires (“Honouring our emotions”).

Children suffering anxiety is a growing condition that is explored in an article based on the book by Michael Grose and Dr Jodi

to expand Offspring, and moved my

Compassion and a hardworking

family to Avoca Beach, a pretty seaside

mum, her positive energy

children can turn their anxiety

town north of Sydney. Two months

shines through.

into resilience.

after arriving my marriage ended, but Offspring kept growing.

I was excited by the opportunity for us to interview

Richardson, Anxious Kids, How

Also on child health, Emergency Hospital Director,

We launched the Sydney edition

the leader in the field of Self

at the end of 2013 and the Melbourne

Compassion, Dr Kristen Neff

edition in 2015.

(“What’s Up Buttercup?”),

“Preventable diseases kill: A case

who has based her academic

for vaccination”.

The digital side has continued to expand during that time with a new

research on Buddhist

website due to go live any day.

principles. I also recommend

To celebrate 10 years, I’d like to

Dr Adam Coulson, urges parents to vaccinate their children in

We provide information on various education options to

her free meditations, which can

consider when choosing a school for

give another Mumpreneur a $50,000

be listened to on Insight Timer. Self

your child (“If the School Fits”) and we

marketing campaign with Offspring.

Compassion is valuable in helping us

explore the benefits of extracurricular

This will include advertising across

be kinder to ourselves and a great skill

activities for a child’s development in

all three of our hard copy and digital

to teach our children.

our Performing Arts and Sports Guide.

publications, online exposure, a Cover

In this issue, we look at the benefits

We only publish Offspring magazine

Story and a photo shoot. The selected

of meditation for families and have

biannually but have lots of content

Mumpreneur will be the Cover model

a piece on the rising health trend

on parenting, families, wellness and

of our next edition.

towards veganism, including some

lifestyle, regularly appearing on our

lunchbox ideas for kids.

website and in our newsletter so please

You can apply for the Mumpreneur marketing package, or to nominate

I interview spiritual healer, teacher

someone whose business you think

and medium, Oscar de Sousa, on how

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

might benefit from this opportunity,

honouring our emotions helps us have

Kate Durack

join us there until our next edition

“To celebrate 10 years, I’d like to give another Mumpreneur a $50,000 marketing campaign with Offspring.”

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“Chris and I try to keep really open about communicating how we’re feeling because we’ve both had stints as the main carer.”

Offspring | WINTER 2019 | perth

© KURT SNEDDON

16 | cover story

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

cover story | 17

The bold and brave life

of Lucy Durack

Darling of the Musicals, Sweetheart of the Screen, hardworking mum and all round Good Witch, Lucy Durack, shows the value in seeking the support of family, friends and the odd stranger on social media.

BY ANN MARIE BRADSTREET

W

hen Lucy Durack got her childhood dog, her

hankering for the lead in school musicals, she’s mindful not to

outnumbered dad, on learning it was a girl

narrow down her daughter’s choices and says, “Polly is very keen

had one demand – a tough name. Born and

on singing and dancing, and she’s got a smart little brain, so I want

raised in an unashamedly girly girl house

her to see what other things are out there.”

in Perth with her two sisters and a bitch named Bandit, this Fairy

Lucy, a Helpmann Award winning actress, (she won the

Princess was, as every good tale goes, destined for the stage. With

coveted theatre prize playing Elle Woods in the Australian season

a wicked talent and spellbinding mix of resilience and charm,

of Legally Blonde) has broadened her own horizons. Not confining

Lucy chats to Offspring from

her talents to the stage she has

her home in Melbourne about

a growing number of screen

family and her magically

credits, including cop, Tugger,

crafted career on both stage

on popular Nine Network

and screen.

series Doctor Doctor, and

“Polly wants to be The Fairy

wayward, Roxy, in Network

Queen of the Theatre when

Ten drama Sisters. She’ll

she grows up,” Lucy laughs

soon return to Sydney to

of her daughter. Clearly keen

resume filming, as a judge on

to follow in Mum’s footsteps,

Seven’s revival of family hit,

Polly must have been taking

Australia’s Got Talent (AGT).

note of Lucy’s Glinda during

Mercifully, without hyperemesis

last year’s GFO’s production of

gravidarum, the debilitating

The Wizard of Oz, her four year

morning sickness that plagued

old being no stranger to The

her in early production.

Good Witch.

Polly, imbued in show business from the womb, (she was in

She’s expecting her second child, a baby boy in October and describes her recovery as a

utero during her mother’s reprisal of a fleshed out Glinda, in the

“Miracle,” after suffering from the condition throughout her

smash hit musical, Wicked) will likely be understudying in the

entire pregnancy with Polly which she says, “Was really hard,” a

wings in January when Lucy treads the boards as Princess Fiona in

believable sentiment when considering the first five months were

Shrek the Musical. Although Lucy held similar childhood dreams,

spent on stage. Relieved the symptoms subsided much earlier this

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

18 | cover story

about, because it was just this moment where I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’m not alone, and we’re all just trying to figure this out in the middle of the night.’”

When Polly was six weeks old, Lucy auditioned for the role of Sophie in Alison Bell and Sarah Scheller creation, The Let Down, screened on ABC & Netflix. Now in its second series and steadily gaining cult status, the wry triumph peels back child rearing to its bare bones.

Lucy, in a fluster before the audition when the babysitter called

pregnancy and grateful for the solace she sought in a Facebook group of fellow sufferers she says, “It was a really useful group to just connect with complete strangers that were also going through this really terrible time.

“Just having people who are going through exactly the same thing is really

“

in sick, had no choice but to take her newborn with her.

Luckily, the role of Sophie called for a shiny new mum, who almost has it together when encountering an

POLLY IS VERY KEEN ON SINGING AND DANCING, AND SHE’S GOT A SMART LITTLE BRAIN, SO I WANT HER TO SEE WHAT OTHER THINGS ARE OUT THERE.

useful. I found having a Mothers’ Group really helped. I remember once we finished our four weeks, or whatever you do with the nurse , she was like,

”

eclectic mix of characters at Mothers’ Group.

Polly, not only welcome at the audition, scored her first screen credit starring as Sophie’s baby in the pilot episode. Lucy’s agent called saying, “Well, if ever there was an audition where it’s appropriate to bring your baby, this was it.”

Childcare, a tricky balance to strike for most working parents is no different

‘Right it’s now up to you girls to meet on your own’, so I started up

a WhatsApp Group, but I started it in the middle of the night when I was up feeding Polly.

“Polly was born in June, so it was winter, and it was dark and cold, that isolating time when you feel like, you’re the only one in the world awake feeding your baby,” Lucy laughs. “And so, I thought I’ll just add the mums and when they wake up in the morning, they can join, but at around 2am I kept getting this ‘ding ding’. All the mums were up feeding their babies, it was so heartening and it still gives me warm fuzzy feelings to think

for Lucy and her theatre director/choreographer husband, Chris Horsey, who face their own specific challenges piecing together the irregular shapes of their showbiz schedules. Sitting down, at least monthly, with their calendars they nut out the gaps, Lucy says, “As long as we’ve kind of organised the next month or two, and I know in my heart that Polly’s looked after in the best possible way, then I can keep going.”

Lucy says it couldn’t work without Chris and his hands-on approach to fatherhood, “Chris is absolutely brilliant, such an

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

cover story | 19

“

OH MY GOD, I’M NOT ALONE, AND WE’RE ALL JUST TRYING TO FIGURE THIS OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.

”

excellent husband and dad. We don’t live the traditional roles of how we grew up, where our mothers were the main carer. Chris and I split it pretty evenly.” At times, that means either one stepping up to care for Polly while the other works. When schedules collide, they arrange day care, a nanny or call on family. Once, when Chris was choreographing in Paris while Lucy filmed Sisters, they got a live-in au pair. Lucy’s mum is booked in for August.

“Mum’s super helpful. She flies in and saves the day multiple times a year.

She’s brilliant.” Lucy says.

With the long term future often difficult

“

OH, THE WORST THING THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IS, I’M NOT GOING TO DO A VERY GOOD JOB, BUT I’M NOT GOING TO DIE.’

to predict Lucy relies on her and Chris talking things through, “Chris and I try to keep really open about communicating how we’re feeling

”

because we’ve both had stints as the main carer. It’s great because we both know how isolating that can be and so we can be a little more open about that. It’s constant negotiation, a jigsaw puzzle that we’re trying to sort out.”

Connecting industry parents who share tips and contacts for juggling parenthood and career through Facebook Group Actor/ Singer/Dancer/Mother also helps Lucy piece the puzzle together.

“It has been an invaluable source, very, very useful. It’s a really great support network and for those really specific questions that come with being a mum, that are coupled with the uncertainty of

performing life. That Facebook Group, on a weekly basis, gives me such help and support, and just makes me feel happy that we’re all there looking after each other.”

Being open to support and asking for help has perhaps enhanced the bold and brave life of Lucy Durack. Suffering stage fright while studying Musical Theatre at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy for Performing Arts), she sought guidance from teachers and read

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

perth | WINTER 2019 | Offspring

20 | cover story

books on the fight or flight response.

on stage. Some of the acts are heart

On realising her worst fears would not

wrenching, some hilarious and others

result in being eaten by a wildebeest,

are just ridiculous. So you have this

she overcame the anxiety. Laughing, she

roller coaster of emotions throughout

remembers, “Once I discovered ‘Oh, The

your filming day. I’m really enjoying it

worst thing that is going to happen is, I’m

and I’ve learnt a lot.”

not going to do a very good job, but I’m

Lucy’s next big act will be welcoming

not going to die.’ That really helped me.”

her son and brother for Polly in

Accepting the possibility that, not

October. She says, “Polly is super

doing a very good job, needn’t equal

girly. Everything has to be pink and

disaster has undoubtedly allowed Lucy’s

purple, rainbow and sparkles. I think

talents to flourish and fostered her

having a boy will be really good for our

connections with others through the admirable mix of humility

household, to balance us all out. It will be interesting to see what

and optimism.

personality this little guy will have and who he’ll take after.”

Discussing the bravery of vulnerability, Lucy says, “Even to

The little guy will be around four weeks old when Lucy starts

just reach out and say, ‘I feel like I’m failing,’ and everyone says,

rehearsals for Shrek the Musical, opening at Sydney Lyric Theatre

‘Yep, we all do. Don’t worry,’ can help to know you’re not the only

in January 2020. She says, “Knowing that Shrek is coming up, and

one. I don’t think anyone escapes that feeling, at some point. I love

we as a family will be in Sydney for a few months with a newborn

Brene Brown, and I read a quote from her the other day where she

baby, we’ve got some beautiful nanny contacts from when we lived

says, ‘If we all operate from the perspective that we’re all trying our

there, so I’ve put them in place. I’m pretty excited because I love

hardest, then everyone’s life’s better.’ You know, it’s true. Everyone

Shrek. Now my life is so much about my family, a whole new part of

is trying their hardest, it’s just sometimes things are hard.”

my career that is really family friendly, that I can bring my family

Moments of vulnerability abound in the current season

to, has all of sudden become such a high priority. Knowing

of AGT. Judging for the first time, Lucy has found the experience more emotionally fulfilling than expected and explains, “You’re watching people bare their souls and try things they, maybe, don’t do in their normal lives. It’s their big chance in the spotlight. It can be emotionally draining because you want to give them all your attention, but it’s also emotionally fulfilling and beautiful to watch.

“Every single filming day, probably because I’m pregnant as well, I cried at least

“

that can happen with Shrek, I’m looking forward to it. It’s a really funny, well written show.”

EVEN TO JUST REACH OUT AND SAY, ‘I FEEL LIKE I’M FAILING,’ AND EVERYONE SAYS, ‘YEP, WE ALL DO. DON’T WORRY,’ CAN HELP TO KNOW YOU’RE NOT THE ONLY ONE.

once at something beautiful that happened

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

”

Another well written show, however, comes first. Lucy needs to prepare for Bonnie Lythgoe’s panto spectacular, Jack and the Beanstalk, and this Fairy Princess doesn’t fit into any of her clothes. She’s off to buy maternity leggings from Westfield, she’ll probably drive. But perhaps, with a click of the heel or a wave of a wand, she might just fly in a pair of glittering wings, making every day fairy tales

(like only Lucy Durack can) come true… n

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22 | self compassion

What’s up Buttercup?

How being kind to yourself can make you a happier, healthier parent.

Kristin Neff PhD, Associate Professor at the University of Texas and global expert on the academic study of Self Compassion, discusses the antidote to harsh self-talk and how a swathe of worldwide study is proving the benefits of befriending yourself.

BY ANN MARIE BRADSTREET

D

o you have a nickname for yourself? Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way writes about her inner critic she calls Nigel, “He looks down on the rest of me. Nothing is ever good enough for Nigel.”

As a child I heard my mum call herself, Stupid, hyphenated

with Idiot. She called me Darling, like I do with my kids.

Dr Kristin Neff, Associate Professor of Human Development and Culture at the University of Texas thinks I should start calling myself Darling instead of Stupid-Idiot; as a breadth of research indicates I could have better physical health, happier relationships, more motivation, less anxiety and depression and a stronger resilience for coping with stress and trauma.

But where would we be without Nigel?!” asks the stiff upper lip of our collective Western psyche. “People have false beliefs

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

self compassion | 23

PhD in the examination of children’s moral reasoning when she became interested in Buddhism.

“

It was a difficult time, as she was suffering the break-down of her first marriage and had begun questioning her prospects and self-worth.

OUR SELF-DIALOGUE IS COMMONLY VERY SEVERE, FULL OF ADMONISHMENT AND CRITICISM WHICH QUESTIONS SELF-WORTH AND OFTEN LEADS TO FEELINGS OF ISOLATION, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION.

”

Through Buddhism, she found relief and noticed that Self Compassion, a central construct of Buddhist Psychology, had never been examined empirically and thus began her passionate devotion both personally and professionally to the practice and study of Self Compassion.

Neff explains that you don’t have to be a Buddhist or spend hours meditating to practice Self Compassion to gain the benefits but there are three components that all need to be practised in order for the concept of Self Compassion to be complete.

The Three Components of Self Compassion

1

MINDFULNESS. Firstly, you must be willing to acknowledge that you are going through difficulty. Often,

during hard times, people are caught up in the narrative and don’t identify their own suffering.

“We can get so lost in the struggle, the storyline, that we have no perspective, we’re trying to fix it, trying to problem solve,

about Self Compassion. They think it’s going to make them weak,

we’re sometimes trying to shove it under the rug, we don’t even

undermine motivation, make them complacent or self-indulgent

look because it’s too hard. And, it actually doesn’t make sense

but once you have the research it shows, well actually, it’s just the

to be supportive of ourselves if we don’t know we’re struggling,”

opposite. It helps people say, ‘Well, maybe I’ll give it go,’’’ says

explains Neff. So, the first step in practising Self Compassion is

Neff, an academic pioneer of the subject who, in 2003, developed a

voicing what is going wrong and how that feels so we notice our

ground-breaking research tool called The Self Compassion Scale.

own suffering.

Designed to evaluate trait levels of Self Compassion within an individual’s thoughts, behaviours and emotions, the scale has since been used in over 2000 studies with the concept continuing to gain mainstream interest.

What is Self Compassion?

“It’s a very simple idea,” says Neff, “It’s a common sense idea, it’s not actually radical. You just ask people to think about how they treat their friends’ struggles or a loved one and the type of things they say to help them in difficult times.”

Our self-dialogue is commonly very severe, full of admonishment and criticism which questions self-worth and often leads to feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression.

Neff has found, being harsh and critical doesn’t motivate but rather undermines motivation. She says, “It just makes sense that you’d want to encourage and support yourself and let the voice inside your head be a friendly and supportive one as opposed to a hostile aggressive one. Once people get that, they make the switch for themselves.”

Neff made the switch during her last year of Graduate School at the University of California, Berkeley. She was completing her

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

24 | self compassion

“

2

SELF KINDNESS means responding to yourself during imperfect

SELF COMPASSION IS COMMON SENSE BUT FOR SOME REASON OUR CULTURE DOESN’T ENCOURAGE IT.

times with a kind, internal voice such as, ‘I know you’re feeling scared and overwhelmed right now and this is a difficult time but I’m here for you.’

Placing a hand over the part of your body that is feeling

”

The Best Way to Foster Self Compassion in Children

MODELLING “Is the best way to foster compassion in your children. Model it out loud.

A lot of parents are really careful of what they say to their kids but what they’re modelling is, ‘What??!! I’m so

stressed, stroking your arm or giving yourself an endearing name

stupid, I lost my car keys.’ Children pick up those messages and

can soothe the emotions experienced, not with the intention of

think, oh that’s the way you’re supposed to be,” says Neff.

overcoming them immediately, but rather responding with love and support so the problem becomes less overwhelming and

MIRROR NEURONS The Mirror Neuron System is

easier to bear.

somewhat debated in the field of Neuroscience. Mirror Neurons,

3

special brain cells, which are activated both through action and

COMMON HUMANITY. “Is what distinguishes

observance are said by some neuroscientists to represent, among

the practice between Self Compassion and Self Pity.” By

other things, the capacity for human empathy. Others have

acknowledging everyone has flaws and bad experiences, it allows

challenged the strength of this claim. However, Neff says, “We’re

not only an extension of compassion to oneself but also others,

designed to feel each other’s messages. A huge proportion of the

leading to less feelings of isolation.

brain’s real estate is evolved for feeling others’ emotions.”

“The problem, overall, is most people know logically we are

Neff believes humans do this at a primeval level and thinks what

all imperfect, but emotionally, when a person makes a mistake or

happens internally is just as critical as outward behaviour, in terms

something difficult happens, they react as if something has gone

of what children are capable of picking up on. “We aren’t silos,”

wrong. As if this is not supposed to be happening, if it’s not perfect

she says, “What we cultivate inside impacts others outside.”

then something is terribly amiss, which isn’t true,” says Neff, who believes that within our inherent connectedness, “That all people

SELFISH COMPASSION, Neff believes, is of benefit to

struggle, all people make mistakes, everyone is imperfect,” we are

our children. She explains, a lot of parents think, “‘Oh it’s selfish,

able to accept and cope better with our own failings and be less

I shouldn’t be focussing on myself,’ But what I tell them is, ‘Who

critical of others.

do you want your children to interact with, someone who’s full

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

26 | self compassion

Self Esteem vs Self Compassion Western Culture has become reliant on Self Esteem gauging self-worth. Boosting a child’s Self Esteem requires the child be special or above average, placing others below them. The hierarchal demands of high Self Esteem create a risky, cut-throat validation system which fluctuates at the mercy of achievement. Self Compassion, on the other hand, shows up amid failure and encompasses compassion for others, who also fail, which provides a more constant guard of self-worth, leading to better outcomes for overall wellbeing.

of compassion, kindness and calm, so they get that through their mirror neurons? Or do you want them to interact with someone who’s frustrated and angry?

“My son’s autistic and I talk a lot about him and what a huge difference we’ve made. If he was in a space where he was really anxious and I felt really frustrated and anxious myself, I wouldn’t even say anything but he would ramp up, he would feel my tension. If then, I could just say (and I don’t say it out loud in this case, just to myself ), ‘You know, this is really hard for me, I’m feeling really overwhelmed and I just don’t know what to do.’

“I then try to be kind, supportive and say (to myself ), ‘It’s Okay.

I’m here for you.’ As soon as I’d changed my internal mind-state he would almost always calm down. So, those messages were High Self Esteem can also lead to an over estimation of one’s abilities and reduce the motivation to improve. A 2012 study conducted at University of California, Berkeley, involved students sitting a difficult test they were designed to fail. Two groups were formed, the first being told not to feel alone as others had also found the test hard and they’d do better next time. The second group was told not to worry because they’d got into Berkeley and so, must be really smart. Students were then provided notes with unlimited time to study before taking a second test. Students from the first group, who were encouraged to be Self Compassionate, spent more time studying than the group who had been boosted and were more realistic about what was required to improve.

“You don’t want to hate yourself, you want good Self Esteem, but we can’t always get it right, we can’t always be the better than others. Be a compassionate mess instead,” says Neff.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

received. That’s why I think Self Compassion is one of the biggest gifts we can give children. But we have to be willing to say that it’s hard to be a parent, it is hard, not always, it’s also joyous, but sometimes it’s really hard.”

“So, it’s at those worst of times,” says Neff, “That if we can acknowledge the pain and just give ourselves kindness and support, then the pain won’t overwhelm us. It’ll be more temperate, it won’t last as long, and then we actually learn to cultivate calm, kindness and connectedness in the midst of the worst of times and it helps everyone, yourself and your kids. Self Compassion is common sense, you know, but for some reason our culture doesn’t encourage it.” n

RESOURCES Kristin Neff shares many free resources

on her website selfcompassion.org and has developed an 8-week program to teach Self Compassion skills with colleague Chris Germer. She has also published a book, Self-Compassion. www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Kids helping Kids!

28 | meditation

The benefits of meditation for families Have you been hearing people ‘stress’ the benefits of meditation to you? A growing amount of Australian parents are looking to meditation to alleviate stress, whilst research is praising its effects on the behaviour and educational performance of children.

s m u M r o f s t i f bene Meditation helps with memory. Studies have shown that consistent meditation can slow the aging process of the brain.

For mums, multitasking is a way of life.

Meditation aids focus by reducing worrying and restless thoughts.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

Many Australian mums struggle with overwhelming stress and anxiety, regular meditation decreases the volume in the area of the brain that governs fear, anxiety and stress.

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

meditation | 29

n o i t a t i d e m n a c how n? benefit childre

Pre-school Aged Children: Meditation grows the place in the brain that affects self-regulation. It helps children manage their impulses. You can try and use meditation methods in your pre-school aged children before and after Time Out.

It makes you happier. A study done on Buddhist monks found that while they were meditating the part of their brain that controls happiness (the prefrontal cortex) was extra active.

Heart disease is the leading killer of Australian women and having high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to a range of complications. There is increasing research that suggests meditation assists with lowering blood pressure.

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Primary Aged Children: Schools are increasingly trialling ‘short meditation breaks’ and some are even replacing detention with meditation. Over in the US, a Baltimore school has seen an increase in attendance and a reduction of suspensions after introducing mandatory meditation rather than detention for poorly behaved students.

High School aged children: Meditation can increase student’s performance in school, help with mental health conditions which are increasingly prevalent among high-school aged children such as ADHD, depression and anxiety.

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

30 | mindful eating

Back to our roots

.Kids eating for. .a healthy gut. .and mind.

Veganism is a hotly contested diet and way of life. Many argue that the absence of dairy and meat from a child’s diet is a recipe for disaster, however, science has continually proven the health benefits of a vegan diet, provided it is balanced and well-planned.

BY NATALIE COPPOLELLI

F

How? The livestock industry produces 60 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in farming, not to mention the global acidification of ocean water, and the impacts of eutrophication which is the build up of nutrients in water bodies that destroys wildlife.

Researchers estimated a vegan world would produce 49 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions from food, 50 per cent less acidification, and would reduce water use by 19 per cent.

ad diets have come and gone but veganism continues

Oxford University researcher Joseph Poore says that going

to take over the world as scientific evidence behind

vegan “is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact

the health trend has changed the eating habits of

on planet Earth.”

millions of people. To be vegan is to maintain a diet

!

without the consumption of animal products. This means no meat, dairy, cheese or eggs.

For those who have enjoyed an omnivorous diet throughout their life, eating cake and a hearty steak without a care, this diet may seem extreme and overwhelming.

Why should I eat vegan?

A well-balanced vegan diet has shown to provide health benefits,

NEED TO KNOW

Ensure a balanced diet so that children still receive adequate amounts of vitamin D, calcium, iron and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is hard to find in a vegan diet so a B12 supplement is recommended

such as the reduced risk of chronic diseases associated with highsugar and high-preservative diets. This includes:

n Obesity n Coronary artery disease (damage or disease to the heart’s major blood vessels)

n Type 2 diabetes n Hypertension (high blood pressure) Some types of cancer, specifically bowel cancer which can be caused by a high consumption of red or processed meat.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

mindful eating | 31

Can we get all the same nutrients on a vegan diet?

Yes, of course! However, it is recommended that vegans eat legumes and nuts every day to ensure enough daily nutrient intake.

Iron in a vegan diet is surprisingly, not hard to come by. The best sources of iron include cereals fortified with iron such as Weet Bix and All Bran, legumes, tofu, green leafy vegetables such as spinach and dried fruits. The most crucial times for a child

CHICKPEA SWEETCORN. BURGER PATTIES.

raised on a vegan diet is under the age of five, and when girls hit puberty as that is when iron levels drop.

Recipe makes 5 patties.

Ingredients:

1 peeled sweet potato cut into chunks, then steamed VEGAN PROTEIN MUFFINS. 200g (1 cup) fresh (or well drained) corn kernels Recipe makes 10-11 muffins OR 1 cup frozen kernels, thawed Ingredients: 250g (1.5 cups) cooked or tinned chickpeas, rinsed and 2 flax eggs (2 Tbsps ground flaxseed + 5 Tbsps water) drained well 1 1/4 cup dairy-free yoghurt, unsweetened (soy can be used) 2tbs olive or rice bran oil 2 medium (very ripe) bananas 1 peeled white onion, finely diced 2 cups GF rolled oats 1 peeled and crushed garlic clove 1/3 cup vanilla flavoured protein powder 3tbs millet or quinoa flakes Nutritional Booster 3tbs washed parsley, finely chopped 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/2tsp ground cumin Going vegan 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2tsp paprika “is probably the 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4tsp ground turmeric single biggest way 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1tsp salt or to taste to reduce your 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2tsp ground black pepper Your favourite topping such as berries, granola, impact on planet 2tbs ground flaxseeds + 6tbs water vegan chocolate chips, chopped nuts, seeds, dried Earth.” fruit, rolled oats, crushed cookies

INTERESTING FACT

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

Place the cooked sweet potato in a food processor with the well-drained and dried corn and chickpeas.

Blend until the mixture is smooth - with some chunky bits left for texture - and well combined. Keep in the food processor.

Heat some of the oil in a saucepan and sauté the onions and garlic for a few minutes until the onions are translucent.

Method: Preheat oven to 200 degrees C. Lightly grease each slot of a standard muffin tin. Use paper liners to keep the recipe oil-free.

Prepare flax eggs in a small bowl, by mixing together the ground flax and water.

Set aside about 10 minutes. It will thicken up and become gel-like.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly, then add the onions and garlic to the chickpea mixture and pulse briefly in the food processor.

When the flax eggs are ready, add all the ingredients (except the toppings) into a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape down sides as needed.

Transfer the mixture to a large bowl, add the millet/quinoa flakes, parsley, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt and pepper and mix well. In a small bowl, whisk the ground flaxseeds with the water. Then, using your hands, incorporate the flaxseed mixture into the chickpea mixture until fully combined.

Pour mixture into each slot about 3/4 of the way full. Sprinkle each one with your kids’ favourite toppings. Don’t press the toppings into the batter. It may yield a flatter muffin.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, until lightly golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the middle of a muffin or two. If it comes out mostly clean, they are cooked.

Shape everything into 5 evenly sized patties and place on a prepared lined baking sheet. Heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan and then pan fry each patty for 2-3 minutes on each side. Once done, transfer the patties back to the lined baking sheet and bake for 25- 30 minutes, or until cooked through.

Let muffins cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a cooling rack, then cool for another 10-15 minutes. It is normal if the muffins might flatten out a little bit *To avoid the liner sticking to the muffin, let them completely cool before enjoying. If not using liners, gently pop out each muffin with a butter knife.

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melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

32 | mindful eating

Zinc allows for the development of our immune system and so they are vital in a healthy vegan diet. Zinc is commonly found in nuts, miso, tofu, legumes and wholegrain foods. A lack of zinc can make your child more susceptible to disease and illness.

Calcium is needed for a child to build strong bones and teeth.

It can be found in cereals fortified with calcium including Corn Flakes and Raisin Bran, soymilk, Asian green vegetables, almonds and Brazil nuts.

Protein is important for building bones, muscles, repairing

VEGAN CASHEW: CACAO BLISS BALLS: Ingredients: 1 cup of raw cashews 8 pitted dates 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1/2 cup of shredded xunsweetened coconut 2 teaspoons agave syrup Method:

skin and blood. It is found in tofu, tempeh, lentils, chickpeas, seeds, oats, soymilk and vegetables such as peas, sweet potatoes, broccoli, potatoes and asparagus.

Add cashews, dates, cacao powder and vanilla to a food processor and blend. While blending add the agave syrup.

Form the mixture into small balls and then roll them in a bowl with the coconut until coated. Place in fridge until balls are hardened.

What goes in my child’s vegan lunchbox?

Dietitian Amber Sewell-Green, who specialises in plant-based nutrition, suggests:

n Wholegrain wraps with fillings such as hummus, avocado, tofu or tempeh

n Lentil or quinoa salads n Enchiladas with beany fillings n Homemade bliss balls n Homemade popcorn n Snack packs of crunchy fava beans

While ensuring your child is attaining the necessary vitamins and nutrients that are essential for their healthy development, a vegan diet can be cleansing and even strengthening for a growing child. As a diet that separates itself from preserved meats and cheeses, a vegan diet can reduce the chances of several lifethreatening illnesses while also having a positive impact on the environment. n

Your dinner party can make wishes come true Join Make-A-Wish’s largest fundraising campaign.

To find out more, head to www.bakeawish.org.au/dinnerparty

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

“When I put on my uniform in the morning, I look so happy because in my uniform I look so smart ... So when I am in my uniform, I am always happy.

“Going back to school has changed my life completely.

Completely!”

– Bintu* a One Girl Scholar in Sierra Leone.

When you educate a girl, everything changes.

By joining One Girl’s Graduation program and becoming a monthly donor, you can give girls in Sierra Leone and Uganda the opportunity to complete high school and reach their full potential!

To find out more and start changing lives, visit onegirl.org.au/graduation or call us on 03 9913 4818.

*We’ve changed Bintu’s name to protect her identity. Photo: Olivia Acland/One Girl.

34 | social

TOP

influencers To follow iN

VICTORIA

2,3k Like

2k Comment

I

In recent years we’ve seen the explosion of a brand new profession – social media influencing.

ncreasingly, new mums take to social media as a creative

photos of their kids; they are content creators and successful

outlet while adjusting to motherhood, with some building up

businesswomen, who share advice on pregnancy, style, health,

enough of a following to turn it into a career.

travel and fitness. They have created a community of mums

Marketers and brands know that in 2019 audiences are after

authenticity, so they flock to these mums who are open and honest about their journey through motherhood – the good, the bad and the ‘insta-worthy’.

These Influencer mums do a lot more than just post cute

who can relate to their struggles and learn from their tips and sometimes just share in a laugh.

Here we’ve collected some of our favourite Victorian Influencers to follow for your daily dose of motherhood, fashion and travel and lifestyle inspiration.

1. @flatoutmum After having four boys in five years (including identical twins!), Olivia Anderson saw a gap in the market for a twin feeding pillow. Busy Mums need an extra pair of hands, so the Twincredible was born. From there, arose a website and social media for twin families and the natural evolution was Olivia sharing more of her life, tips and products she loves to a wider audience.

This platform allowed Olivia to share more of her busy life with four young boys, but also her love of flat shoes. Always showing a real and honest take on motherhood (not just the highlight reel) with the mission to empower, inform and celebrate #Mumlife Olivia prefers to encourage Mums to look after themselves as much as they do their children. She introduced the first Retreat designed specifically for Mothers back in 2016 and now they have extended from Melbourne to Bali, where her third sold-out international Retreat is about to be held.

Visit Olivia’s websites at www.flatoutmum.com.au, www. twincredible.com.au, www.flatoutmumretreats.com.au Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

social | 35 3. @mama.duck.said Ange Cowan is a Ballarat mum sharing her mum life stories in a light hearted way.

It took her two years to get pregnant with her first child as she has endometriosis and also polycystic ovaries.

She then went on to have three kids under three, and tries to share her high and lowlights so other mums don’t always feel so alone.

Ange wants all mums to feel supported and to know that we are all going through struggles (some just hide it better than others).

Ange also loves to share her favourite parenting jokes and quotes along with some of her favourite products helping her get through motherhood (including wine).

2. @bambiandbaby_ Elizabeth Anile, like many 20-something-year-old women, had a pretty straightforward plan for her life. First came the career, then love, a home and a family. She got all of these things; an accomplished journalist at 25, she got the man, the fairytale-style proposal, and ultimately the pitter patter of tiny feet.

At 26, Elizabeth’s life was torn apart. A young woman who barely a year before hadn’t even thought about motherhood suddenly found herself alone with a new baby. A former career woman was, overnight, a full time single mum.

Despite the curve balls life has thrown, Elizabeth’s positivity shines through her writing and her love is personified in her beautiful, happy, bubbly baby boy.

“I guess what I want to get out there is the message that you’re not alone,” she says. And her most important message?

‘Its not a bad thing being a single mum, it’s empowering and a blessing’.

You’ll find Elizabeth’s blog at www.bambiandbaby.com www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

36 | social 4. @houseofharvee Krystal Giardina always wanted to be a mum. She always wanted to be a Disney Princess too, but she knows you can’t have everything.

Turns out, being a sleep-deprived, clean freak, pasta eating mother of three, led her to social media where she began to share images of her home. Now, only a short few years later, while pregnant with her third child she appeared from behind the camera and is now a familiar face.

Juggling motherhood, owning a business, wife, blogger, Influencer and cleaner (someone’s got to do it), Krystal shares her life and family through her platform and her positive, encouraging, yet REAL attitude to life and parenting resonates with mothers everywhere.

Krystal is mother to Vienna, Harlow and Baby boy, Avery, wife to Aldo, body image and self-love advocate and long-time Grey’s Anatomy fan.

Krystal hopes to continue to share her love of style, interiors and motherhood journey with her followers for as long as they want to follow along.

You can also find Krystal at houseofharvee.com

5. @amypapadatos_ Determined, aspirational, resilient and ambitious - she is Amy Papadatos. Above all else, she is a wife, a mother and a successful business owner.

With a love for adventure, travel, fashion and a keen eye for detail, Amy is courageous in the pursuit of what sets her soul on fire. A goal getter and a trend setter, Amy is a dynamic woman who beautifully shares her experiences of the world around her one Instagram square at a time.

It is impossible to ignore her happy-go-lucky personality that shines through her pictures - lusting over her locations and outfits each and every time.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

social | 37 6. @justamelbournemama Amanda Morley (@justamelbournemama) started her Instagram page towards the end of 2017 as a means to share snaps of her unborn son, Hudson.

Already a mama to a teenage girl, having a baby again was exciting and Amanda couldn’t wait to share this new journey through her page.

Showcasing her newfound love for baby boy fashion, with Hudson as her muse and at-home baby model, Amanda’s page began to grow. At just three months old, Hudson made his first career move from modelling for his mama to modelling in campaigns.

In a twist of awesomeness, Amanda also learnt that she was three months pregnant and Hudson was soon to be a big brother – both Hudson and Easton shared the exact due date a year apart!

Amanda and Tinashe (@justamelbournedad) quickly learned the term Irish twins … and yes they have their hands full!

At 11 months and 3 weeks between them, Easton has joined Hudson in his modelling career. Life in Melbourne is definitely busier, but lattes, brunches and Melbourne events are still on the menu for this family.

7. @real_mumma Adele Barbaro is the ‘mumpreneur’ and blogger behind The Real Mumma, where she shares an honest and raw insight into motherhood.

In 2018 Adele started MAMA Wine Co. Adele wanted to take the confusion out of the hundreds of wines on offer with a range that has been developed, tried and tested by everyday mamas.

“One day I was hosting a dinner party and the men were talking about the wine pairing well with the dinner and commenting about its complexity and legs. I turned to my friend and said, I wonder if there is a wine that pairs well with all my washing? And then and there, the cheeky Mama Wine Co. began,” Adele shares.

MAMA is 100 per cent Australia made and comes from only the best vineyards, sourced after countless trips to find the perfect drop for having a cheeky little giggle at motherhood.

The all new ‘It’s Me Time’ Moscato and the ‘Pairs Well With Bad TV’ Pinot Noir is available for a limited time only from www.mamawineco.com n www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

38 |

Recovery and care paramount at St John of God Berwick St John of God Berwick Hospital offers maternity services that go above and beyond patient expectations.

I

t’s the little things that are making a huge difference for families who are choosing to have their babies at St John of God Berwick Hospital.

St John of God Berwick Hospital offers a parental education

program which includes free paediatric First Aid and sleep settling workshops for past patients and expectant parents.

Music therapy and art therapy are on offer, along with the ability to book an on-site photographer to capture those special first few days. For families who prefer to take their own photos,

can have their babies cared for by their midwife while they

the hospital provides loan of a free photography kit that consists

indulge in a peaceful and relaxing salt bath to help heal and

of wooden boards with carefully hand painted wording on

cleanse the body.

them, such as “Hello world” and “Proud big brother/big sister” so

St John of God Berwick Hospital is known for its hospitality.

parents can announce the arrival of their little ones to the world.

That’s why when a patient arrives in their room, they are greeted

During a patient’s stay at the hospital, they can take advantage of the Relax, Recover, Recharge Bath Experience Rest and recovery is an important part of the birthing experience. The hospital understands how overwhelming and tiring those first few days can be and does everything it can to make the transition to parenthood just that little bit easier.

During a patient’s stay at the hospital, they can take advantage of the Relax, Recover, Recharge Bath Experience — where mums

with a complimentary snack pack and their fridge stocked with drinks to make getting through those late-night feeding sessions just that little bit easier.

A daily high tea, consisting of soft and hard cheeses, herbal teas, coffee, petit fours and fruit is also made available to patients. Exclusive to the maternity unit, the high tea serves as a celebration of life and is designed for new parents to take some time for themselves to relax.

The hospital intends to continue to roll out new services for patients with yoga, mindfulness, baby massage, feeding clinics and wellbeing classes for new parents on the horizon.

If you’d like to know more, weekly tours and monthly information sessions are held on an ongoing basis where visitors can ask questions and meet the highly-skilled team of neonatal midwives and caregivers at St John of God Berwick Hospital.

To find out when sessions and tours are being held or to make a booking call 8784 5300 or visit www.sjog.org. au/berwickmaternity

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

New! Paediatric First Aid classes New! Sleep and settling classes New! Celebration photo signs New! Mum’s Rest, Recover & Recharge Bath experience PLUS MORE!

Where mums-to-be choose to be

Tours: Tuesdays 8pm and alternate Saturdays 1.30pm Obstetrician run open days are also held once a month.

75 Kangan Drive Berwick p: 8784 5300 For tour dates: www.sjog.org.au/berwickmaternity Photo credit: Clarisse Newborns

40 | health

Preventabl

e

diseases

kill: A case for vaccinatio n

Would you let a carpenter operate on your child? (and why you shouldn’t trust your child’s healthcare to celebrity chefs, footballers’ wives & other charlatans).

alive today he could recount how his eldest daughter, Olivia, died

BY DR. ADAM COULSON

than 30 years. The six-year-old unvaccinated boy spent 47 days

BA BM BCH (OXON) FACEM About the author: Dr. Adam Coulson is a Practising Specialist Emergency Physician. He is a father to six children all of whom are vaccinated. The views expressed in this article are those of the author. The names and details of any patients have been changed to protect patient confidentiality.

C

Measles is not benign.

If one of our favourite children’s authors, Roald Dahl, were tragically of measles encephalitis (infection and inflammation of the brain) aged just seven years old in 1962. He was a passionate advocate of vaccination. He had reason to be.

Recently, Oregon State recorded its first case of tetanus in more in Intensive Care. Tetanus is vaccine preventable. I have cared for patients suffering tetanus - an extremely unpleasant and lifethreatening illness.

Australia has seen a surge in self proclaimed “experts and champions” of antivaccination. Many of them have celebrity status. They make false and unsubstantiated claims about vaccination.

Make no mistake, these self-proclaimed experts lack any

hloe was a beautiful infant child. Loved by her doting

formal recognised training or education in health sciences let

parents and grandparents. Chloe took several agonising

alone medicine. They are charlatans and should be called out.

days to die of whooping cough in a modern Intensive

Care Unit in one of Australia’s best children’s hospitals.

Whooping cough is vaccine preventable, Chloe was not vaccinated.

The year was 2004. Her death rocked me. I still see her pretty face.

Would you allow a well-meaning carpenter to operate on your child? After all, they’re good with tools. Would you?

Let’s think about that for a moment.

If your child needed surgery would you entrust their care to a charismatic and charming carpenter who lacked any formal surgical training? Would you?

More than 150 people have recently succumbed to Measles in

Isn’t it reassuring that Australia has a rigorous system of

New York State. The US had eliminated measles in 2000. Measles

surgical training and registration that guarantees the expertise

is vaccine preventable.

and competence of Surgeons?

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

health | 41 So why do intelligent and well-meaning Australian parents entrust their children’s healthcare to untrained professionals?

Footballers’ wives might be good for a bit of lighthearted TV entertainment but would you really turn to them for healthcare advice?

When childhood vaccination was launched in Australia during the last century parents had a lived world experience of the devastation that vaccine preventable diseases caused.

From 1944 to 1954 polio was responsible for more than 1000 deaths in Australia. The reality of this disease was ever present in communities. This devastating illness crippled and killed children.

Its vaccine was welcomed. Many elderly Australians still live with the devastating neuromuscular disability wrought by the polio virus.

Modern Australia, with its public health advances, has seen our communities thankfully grow healthier and safer. The lived world experience of the destructive power of vaccine preventable diseases is no longer in our consciousness.

More than 150 people h ave recently su ccumbed to measles in New York state. The U S had eliminated measles in 2000.

Make no mistake, vaccine preventable diseases kill and are ready to strike the unvaccinated, and the “herd”, if vaccine

viruses and bacteria many of which are largely vaccine preventable.

Think about that for a moment.

Would you want to be the parent that has to bury your child of an entirely vaccine preventable disease?

Would you want to be the parent that has to apologise to

rates continue to decline. Remember that the natural world isn’t

your child for their lifelong disability as the result of a vaccine

all paleo and wholefoods. The natural world is life-threatening

preventable illness?

Foster Care

Can you help a vulnerable child in your community?

If you have space in your heart and home for a child, you can become a foster carer.

You can provide care for a weekend, a few weeks, a few months or even years. You choose the period that suits you. We understand every family is different, and we will support you so you can provide the best care possible to a child in need.

Find out more today 1300 791 677

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

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melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

42 | health Intelligent, caring and well-meaning Australian

If you have a number of

parents are right to question the healthcare

questions you would like to

their children are offered. So where should

ask your GP about vaccination,

you turn for credible advice to answer your

request a long appointment to

questions on vaccination?

allow you the time to explore

I recommend that your

your issues. Complex

“health home” should be your General Practitioner.

These highly trained doctors have undertaken years of postgraduate medical training to specialise in providing holistic healthcare advice for

Would you want to be the parent that has to apologise t o your child for t heir lifelon g d isability as the resu lt of a vacc ine preventable illness?

the whole family.

Australia has an outstanding system of primary healthcare that allows consumers to choose their own General Practitioner. Take the time to find a GP that you like & trust. Recommendations from friends & family can be a good first step.

The Royal Australian College for General Practitioners also has an informative website that provides advice on finding a GP in your area: https://www.racgp.org.au/information-for-patients/ find-a-gp Many General Practices undergo rigorous accreditation as evidence of their quality. A list of these can be found at: https:// www.agpal.com.au/for-consumers/

questions might require several

consultations.

If your child has complex healthcare needs impacting

on vaccination decisions your GP can refer you to a paediatrician or paediatric immunologist for more specialized advice.

Child health nurses are highly skilled registered nurses with postgraduate training and expertise in child health. They can be an invaluable source of credible advice on the healthcare needs of your child.

Make sure you entrust the healthcare needs of your child to credible health professionals with the appropriate training & qualifications.

You wouldn’t let a carpenter operate on your child? Would you? n

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www.offspringmagazine.com.au

| 43

Mobile Midwife available to all Epworth Maternity recently launched their Mobile Midwife, a series of videos on pregnancy and the postnatal period, which is available to the whole community, not just Epworth HealthCare patients.

I

n this digital age, there’s never been more information at our fingertips. The only problem is, how much of it can you trust – particularly when it comes to parenthood.

From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, it’s likely that

you’re searching online for information on how to take care of yourself and your baby.

U.S. researchers found that 8 out of 10 pregnant women searched online for information about pregnancy and birth.

Covering nutrition and safe exercise while pregnant, right through to swaddling and settling your precious new baby, these Epworth midwives have your back.

Alarmingly though, the vast majority of women wouldn’t admit to what they’d found, when talking with their healthcare provider.

The study found that while the internet and social media can play a positive role in helping women stay connected, that misinformation can easily result in anxiety.

Taking all of this into account, Epworth Maternity recently launched their Mobile Midwife, a series of videos on pregnancy and the post-natal period. The site is available to the whole community, not just Epworth HealthCare patients.

Covering nutrition and safe exercise while pregnant, right through to swaddling and settling your precious new baby, these Epworth midwives have your back.

“Our popular childbirth education classes cover a large amount of information about pregnancy and childbirth. This series compliments what our patients learn and makes it that much easier to go back and watch again – whenever and wherever they need to,” Jennifer Francis, Associate Director of Clinical Services at Epworth Freemasons Maternity says.

“The transition from hospital to home can be daunting. Our patients spend four days with us and during that time we’re able to help guide and empower new parents to care for their precious newborn. But there’s a lot to take in. During those early days, you’re recovering from birth and adjusting to a new life, so we wanted to find a way to support our parents beyond our hospital walls.

“Many women these days don’t have a large support group around them. We hope that we can be part of their online village, by sharing expert knowledge and decades of experience in a way that’s easy to access.”

Epworth Maternity patients also now receive a beautiful new ‘Welcome to the World’ gift box. Inside is an exclusive Purebaby growsuit, Franjo’s lactation cookies and Epworth milestone cards to give parents an indication of what their baby might be doing in the weeks, and months, ahead.

Discover the Mobile Midwife, here: https://landing. epworth.org.au/maternityvideos

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

44 | baby cry signals

Hush little baby

A baby’s cry is their only way of communicating with their parent so knowing their reason for crying is essential! The sound of a baby’s pained cries can break any parent’s heart. Using our tips and tricks for identifying the reason for your baby’s tears can put a smile on everyone’s faces.

Here is your guide to decoding the five most common baby cries.

UNCOMFORTABLE:

HUNGER:

❥ A whiny, nasal, continuous

❥ Typically, a low-pitched,

cry usually means your baby is uncomfortable. They’re itchy, wet, cold, or want to be in a different position.

rhythmic, repetitive cry. ❥ It’s best to respond quickly so the baby doesn’t get too worked up and swallow air which can trap gas or cause them to spit up.

Look out for… ❥ Your baby’s sucking reflex will kick in here so babies may also put their fingers in their mouth or try gnawing at their hand.

❥ It may also be discomfort so check for a dirty nappy!

SLEEPY:

❥ The cry of a tired baby will be longer and slow. ❥ The cry typically builds in intensity and is usually a

baby’s signal that they want to sleep (in which case, the cry is typically accompanied by yawning, eyerubs and ear tugs).

GAS:

❥ This cry will come from the lower

abdomen and will often see it accompanied by your child pulling their knees up or pushing out with their legs. His body will be uncomfortable because he’s experiencing lower gas and looking for a way to manoeuvre it out.

❥ When your baby is feeling gas in

the upper part of his digestive tract, he’ll push his breath out like he’s trying to burp.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

baby cry signals | 45

HOT TIP!

Try comforting positions such as laying her on her tummy on your forearm or across your knees, supporting her head and rubbing her back.

SICK/COLIC:

â?Ľ Colic often occurs in the late afternoon or evening, and the episodes can last for hours. It typically peaks around six weeks after birth and goes away by the time baby is three to four months old.

â?Ľ Intense wails or screams accompanied by fidgeting movements can signal the baby is feeling unwell.

â?Ľ A sick baby will typically let out soft whimpers that are weak and nasal sounding.

â?Ľ If you suspect your baby is sick, be on

the lookout for additional symptoms that warrant a doctor’s visit such as fever, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting and rashes.

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melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

46 | anxiety in kids

6 tips

.for parenting. anxious kids.

As much as we’d like to, we can’t rid our kids of their anxiety, but we can help them to manage it in ways that enable them to move it from centre stage and get on with living a vibrant, rich and meaningful life.

BY MICHAEL GROSE & DR JODI RICHARDSON

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

anxiety in kids | 45 47 family

I

f you’re parent of an anxious child, you’re most certainly NICE TOtheHAVE not alone. The number of children experiencing an anxiety

disorder istable currently estimated at 117 million worldwide. Here Change in Australia, there’s an average two anxious kids in every For some parents, a change table isofessential as a dedicated nappy

classroom; and they’re ones might with a use diagnosis.

Many changing space.

Otherthe parents a change matmore on top of a

TEACH YOUR ANXIOUS CHILD THAT THE PART OF THEIR BRAIN THAT PROTECTS THEM FROM DANGER IS ALWAYS ON HIGH ALERT.

anxious kids are yet to have their anxiety and understood. dresser or might change their baby on a identified bed. Do whatever works forHere you! are six tips to support you to parent your anxious child:

them up to fight or flee. They can experience an increased heart

1

rate, rapid breathing and an upset stomach. They might even feel

Explain anxiety Barrier creams

dizzy, hot, sweaty and panicked. Anxiety effects thinking and

Anxious kids can get struggle explain they and Your baby might never nappytorash, but how if they dofeel there are

behaviour too.

worry no one understand what they’re many can nappy rashthat creams on will the market.

Some parents likegoing to use a

2

through.

That’saswhy explaining anxiety is after an important stepchange in barrier cream nappy rash preventative each nappy supporting anxious child.

The knowledge that anxiety well (talk to youranpharmacist or health care professional aboutisthe best understood, thatbaby). other kids experience it and that it’s manageable option for your brings them immediate relief.

Teach your anxious child that the part ofto their brain that Other nappy change products consider:.

Respond with empathy In the midst of an anxious moment it’s natural to want to reassure anxious kids they’ve got nothing to worry

about. Reassurance works in the short term but soon wears off and they’re coming back for more. This can become an unhelpful

protects them from danger is alwaysbucket. on high alert. Called the Wipes warmer, nappy bin, soaking

pattern. Instead, respond with empathy and validation. Use ahhh

amygdala, it’s meant to protect them from genuine danger but for

statements like “Ahhh, I see you’re feeling really anxious right now,

!

how hard is for you” or “I know you’re feeling really anxiousTIP kids, itNappy can be almost constantly activated. changes can be tough on yourI know hands, sothis get a good quality hand

worried right now, it’s not much funhand feeling like that is it?” Anxious Explain that when they feel their amygdala sends in good moisturiser to anxious, help keep your skin shape after all that washing.

kids need to knowin youyour understand what they’re going through. signals to their body to fight or flee Hand sanitiser is from alsotheathreat, goodwhether ideathe to have on-hand nappy bag for nappy threat is real or imagined.

changes on-the-go.

Next, talk about the changes that happen in the body to power

PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR YOUR CHILD’S DIFFICULTIES Do you have concerns regarding your child’s mental health? If they, or you, are having any difficulties, ACU can help.

The ACU Melbourne Psychology Clinic (MPC) is based in vibrant Fitzroy and is easily accessible. MPC offers a professional psychology service staffed by postgraduate psychology interns who are supervised by experienced psychologists. MPC has a long history of providing very affordable child focused therapeutic work and assessment. Younger children through to young adults are seen. Support is also available to parents in managing their parenting goals.

When you come along to MPC, expect to receive an empathic, thorough approach to managing concerns you may have for your child, or for yourself, as you progress in your parenting role.

The issues treated are varied and include separation anxiety, general anxiety and phobias, friendships issues, challenges within the home, depression, assessments for learning issues, behavior problems, and difficulties with transitions. Parents seek support with assisting their child in managing these difficulties.

Please feel free to call or email with enquires.

When you come along to MPC, expect to receive an empathic, thorough approach to managing concerns you may have for your child, or for yourself, as you progress in your parenting role.

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Phone: (03) 9953 3006 Email: melbournepsychologyclinic@acu.edu.au Web: www.acu.edu.au/psychologyclinic

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING melbourne | SUMMER 2019 | Offspring

48 | anxiety in kids

3

Show the amygdala they’re safe Once the amygdala senses danger, the cascade of events that follow can’t be stopped. The body and

brain will respond as if the danger is immediate. The only way to help an anxious child to calm their anxious brain is to teach them to show their amygdala they’re safe. This can be done with breathing.

Deep and intentional breathing helps an anxious child to calm their amygdala and will begin to reduce their anxious symptoms. Practice intentional breathing regularly in between anxious times before applying this in the midst of an anxious moment.

4

The antidote to worrying It’s often said that anxiety is distress now about a possible future which is why worrying is so

common among anxious kids. When their minds fastforward to an upcoming event or expectation, their amygdala can respond as if the ‘threat’ to their safety is immediate. The antidote to worrying is mindfulness. Put simply, mindfulness is paying attention to what’s happening in the present moment. It’s a skill that can be learned, it takes time but is a powerful anxiety management strategy.

DEFUSION HELPS KIDS (ALL OF US) TO LOOK AT OUR THOUGHTS BY REMINDING US THAT THE WORDS IN OUR HEADS ARE INDEED JUST WORDS, THOUGHTS THAT COME AND GO, NOT OUR REALITY.

5

Practice defusing sticky thoughts Anxious thoughts can get stuck and refuse to budge no matter how much attention is paid to them. Defusion is a

strategy that helps anxious kids look at their thoughts rather than run from them. Let’s say your anxious child is worried about an upcoming test. They’re thinking “I’m going to fail the test”. The thought makes them feel awful.

Defusion helps kids (all of us) to look at our thoughts by reminding us that the words in our heads are indeed just words, thoughts that come and go, not our reality. Thoughts can be defused by putting a statement in front of the thought such as: “I notice I’m having the thought that I’m going to fail the test” or by saying the thought in a character voice like Darth Vader or Peppa Pig or singing it to the tune of happy birthday or a nursery rhyme.

Defusion puts distance between anxious kids and their thoughts.

6

Get the fundamentals right Ample sleep, good nutrition and exercise are essential for anxious kids. Support your child to adhere to their

optimal bedtime so they wake naturally around the time of their alarm, reduce their sugar intake to support their gut health and to exercise regularly for optimal mental health.

For more information on anxiety in children read Anxious Kids, How children can turn their anxiety into resilience by MICHAEL GROSE & DR JODI RICHARDSON published by Penguin Life.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

These are some of the many strategies that you can share with your child to support them to recognise their anxiety, understand how it impacts their body and brain, how they can manage their symptoms and, importantly, how they can turn down the volume on their anxiety and live life in full colour. n www.offspringmagazine.com.au

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50 | spirituality

Honouring our emotions Spiritual teacher, healer and medium, Oscar de Sousa, shares why we need to acknowledge and nurture our emotions.

BY KATE DURACK

E

xperiencing emotions is our soul’s purpose, according to spiritual mentor and medium, Oscar de Sousa.

Honouring our emotions can also help us maintain positive relationships and manifest our desires.

We arrive here alone with nothing, and we leave alone with

nothing, except the emotions we acquire, says Oscar de Sousa, speaking from the Spirit Energy Centre on NSW’s Central Coast.

Acknowledging our emotions prevents us from offloading them onto others, especially our children and partners, and subsequently them rippling through society Most excitingly, working with our emotions, rather than ignoring them, helps us manifest what we truly desire.

Despite the importance of valuing our emotions, Western society teaches us to disregard them, and worse, to feel ashamed

Oscar’s been told by his guides, “Emotions are variable frequencies of energy operating simultaneously”, which is why some people can have various emotions at the same time.

Oscar says, “The simplest form to expand the neurological system of the conscious brain to be able to harness, access and be attentive to the energy that resonates within us that’s constantly, forever fluctuating, is to first observe our mind, observe ourselves and not be puppets on a string.”

If we acknowledge our emotions, even understand why we feel

for having them, which is not something we want to be infiltrating

that way, and to honour them, we are less likely to be puppeted

to our children.

by them and lash out at others. Unfortunately, those we love are

The best way we can become attuned to our emotions is to observe ourselves, says Oscar. [Meditation is a great way to develop this skill.]

He says we need to be observant of the emotion that’s resonating within us, rather than being subjected to it controlling us, dominating us, and enticing us to act out.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

often the first to be hit by our emotional releases.

“Instead of articulating what we’re feeling, we’re often being controlled by what they’re feeling,” Oscar says.

Oscar explains a typical household scenario: “The husband (or wife) comes home stressed. They’re going to be communicating on that level of emotion. We’re not usually

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

spirituality | 51

observant and noticing these emotions inside. We don’t decide to calm them down or be attentive to them, so we don’t impose them on our children or each other (we don’t

Men need to start being more intuitive, talking about their emotions, listening to their inner self, not being just driven by the mind.

– Oscar de Sousa

impose them consciously, we don’t even know they’re doing it).

“We get home, our own fuse is already at the end of its tether.

Perhaps we’ve been treated badly at work, there’s traffic, bills, expenses, and then we have to clean, cook, wash up … it’s all

The more we understand our emotions, we’re less likely to be subjugated by them, and will be able to articulate in language by talking about them.

“People don’t want to say to their partner they’re feeling a bit insecure and feel like their energy is no longer connected to

putting you on edge.

“It’s then easy to turn around to your child and say, ‘Turn off that machine!’ or ‘Get off that computer!’

them,” Oscar says.

“Rather than asking questions based on this, such as ‘Do you

“Now, that child foremostly heard “Bang!”.

want to do more things in life without me?’ we tend to brew, be

“Secondly, the words that were spoken.

fearful, and then start to fish … ‘What did you do today? Who

“Months later our child speaks to us that way and we wonder why.

were you with?’ or even go through their phone, which just makes

“We have just been puppeted by our emotions. We are all guilty

people feel violated.

“Emotions people have shouldn’t control their dialect or

of that.

“Everyone gets puppeted, and the problem is we indirectly, and even innocently, jab that pain and stress that we’re feeling onto

behaviour, but moreso be a language to the brain to go this is what’s resonating, let’s attend to it.”

Oscar says it’s even worse for men as they have been conditioned

the other person.

“So, it becomes a virus because that person jabs another person with it and it just swims through society.”

to not feel or show their emotions, “don’t cry, suck it up”. “Poor men innocently have been trapped into a void that is not natural,” he says.

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melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

52 | spirituality

into the future, so naturally start to have those experiences; and it’s a vicious cycle.

When we realise the energy that resonates within us, the energy we’re emitting, the thoughts that carry it, we can stop causing that ripple effect.

Affirmations, prayer, spells, incantations, are effective when we feel the word, when we mean it and we say it with sentiment, says Oscar.

“And women, being intuitive, are hit with a brick wall when they try to broach this. They feel a storm inside, they feel fear, they

Emotions people have shouldn’t control their dialect or behaviour, but moreso be a language to the brain to go this is what’s resonating, let’s attend to it.

– Oscar de Sousa

feel confusion.

“The man’s like, I don’t know what you’re talking about, and it takes a while for them to process.”

Oscar says the consciousness of femininity and the consciousness of masculinity is the concept of Yin and Yang.

We all have that in us, whether we are male or female.

Some are slightly off balance, some have more of either.

“Men need to start being more intuitive, talking about their emotions, listening to their inner self, not being just driven by the mind.

“I can’t say that women now need to start applying the

If we’re panicking on the inside and reading this word, then fear becomes the dominant emotion.

“The key is, when we do feel afraid, we comfort ourselves, ‘It’s ok, I’m afraid,’ that’s ok,” he says.

“Once we acknowledge it, we can move from there but when we’re fighting against it that it’s not going anywhere, so it helps to acknowledge the fear and

where it came from. What experiences have led me to have this fear?

“When we know what caused this, ok it’s failed relationships that make us afraid of falling in love again, for example, it’s not so dominant in our psychology or our energy.”

Oscar advises writing down an affirmation in our own handwriting because our brain will absorb it much better.

We should then read it out aloud at least 20 times with no intention, just so the wording becomes familiar to the brain.

And then our focus can be on feeling each word.

For example, when someone says, “I love you,” it feels different when they really mean it. Quite often we want others to say it,

male consciousness because unfortunately 2000 years of

but we rarely look in the mirror and say it to ourselves, it’s quite

male dominance, a patriarchal system, means women have

confrontational. And it’s the most important thing. n

already had to assimilate the masculine consciousness within themselves. But men are yet to assimilate the feminine consciousness within themselves.”

Not only can honouring our emotions be great in maintaining more harmonious relationships and averting the ‘virus’ of offloading onto others, they can help us manifest what we want in our lives.

The effect of our emotions was explored through water experiments conducted by Japanese author and pseudoscientist, Masuru Emoto, whose work demonstrated how the sentiment of a word, which is energy, can affect the molecular structure of water. Keeping in mind we’re made up of about 78 per cent of water, words said to us can impact us strongly.

“If our thoughts (sentiments) on a piece of paper affects water, imagine we have that thought going over and over in our brain, ‘I’m not good enough, I’m not good enough. Life is shit.

Life is shit,’” says Oscar.

People are not only putting that energy back into their whole water aspect and altering the energy there, they’re emitting it

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

54 | technology

Here’s an

app

for that!

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but there are lots of useful apps to make various stages of parenting a bit easier. We look at some great options – whether you are a new parent or raising teenagers.

BY BROOKE EVANS-BUTLER

Our top app pick for new parents Feed Baby Are you a sleep-deprived new parent? This app allows you to keep track of your baby’s feeds, nappy changes and routines. It clearly fills a gap – it has been downloaded over one million times.

Go to www.feedbaby.com.au

Our top app pick for toddlers Macleans Nurdle Time Do you struggle to get your young child to brush their teeth?

Our top app pick for pregnancy Sprout Pregnancy Having a baby is such an exciting time, and with great pregnancy apps, you can access daily information about you and

This free app features a catchy song and reward points (so they can ‘buy’ clothes and accessories to personalise their ‘Nurdle’) to encourage your child to brush for the whole recommended two minutes. It features a countdown timer, so your child can see how much longer they have to brush.

Parents will love that it even features some simple tips about

your baby, and access handy tools, including a contraction counter

brushing properly before the start of the song. To download and

for when you go into labour. For details go to www.sprout-apps.

for more details, go to www.macleans.com.au/kids-products/

com/sprout-pregnancy-iphone-app

macleans-app.html

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

56 | education

Choosing where to send your child to school is a big decision - so how do you make the right choice for your family?

CLAIRE ARMSTRONG investigates the educational options.

S

chool days make up an enormous part of a child’s life, so you want to set them on the right path with a productive and supportive learning environment. There are many wonderful schools which can make things confusing for parents. Finding the right school for your family involves research and careful consideration. Offspring takes a look at the schooling options to help make your planning a little easier.

Government/Public

The local primary school is the natural choice for many

parents, with some choosing their residence with a school’s proximity in mind. A school close to home can have the key advantage of having friends in the neighbourhood, a guaranteed enrolment acceptance and the ability to walk or ride.

“In 2018 at a primary school level, 70 per cent of all Australian students attend government schools,” Australian Bureau of Statistics Director, Michelle Ducat, says.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

56 | education

Choosing where to send your child to school is a big decision - so how do you make the right choice for your family?

CLAIRE ARMSTRONG investigates the educational options.

S

chool days make up an enormous part of a child’s life, so you want to set them on the right path with a productive and supportive learning environment. There are many wonderful schools which can make things confusing for parents. Finding the right school for your family involves research and careful consideration. Offspring takes a look at the schooling options to help make your planning a little easier.

Government/Public

The local primary school is the natural choice for many

parents, with some choosing their residence with a school’s proximity in mind. A school close to home can have the key advantage of having friends in the neighbourhood, a guaranteed enrolment acceptance and the ability to walk or ride.

“In 2018 at a primary school level, 70 per cent of all Australian students attend government schools,” Australian Bureau of Statistics Director, Michelle Ducat, says.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

education | 57

If the school fits The Discovery Science & Technology Centre dedicated to teaching kids

L

ocated inside Bendigo’s old Railway Goods Shed, an open exploration into science and technology is currently taking place and it is family friendly. The Discovery Science &

Technology Centre is a facility dedicated to teaching kids the importance of science in our everyday lives, from physics to robots.

The centre features hands-on exhibits, a planetarium to explore the night sky, an under-five play area and an eight-metre-tall vertical slide, for those brave enough to try it.

The Discovery Centre is open Tuesday - Sunday during the school term. Extra activities and live science demonstrations are put on during the school holidays, open every day during the holidays.

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

58 | education If you wish to put your child’s name down at a government school outside of your local catchment area (for example one close to your workplace), a place is not guaranteed. You must also consider enrolling subsequent children and hoping for a place, as well as shuttling children to and from school.

Most government schools have minimal fees, while encouraged, these are usually voluntary ranging from $50-$300.

For Amanda Taylor the decision to send her children, Chase (11), Kobe (8) and Emerson (5) to the local public school was an easy one because they live in a great school district.

“Before we went to the school parent feedback helped us know that the school community was positive and wants the kids to strive to do their best in all areas. I think knowing that their academic and sporting needs are being met is important and I have confidence in the teacher’s ability to extend the kids if needed.”

“We plan to send the kids onto the local high school, which is a great school with lots of quality programs and also the same school I attended.”

Independent/Private

If you’re interested in independent or private education, which

covers a range of religious and community schools including Steiner and Montessori, it is vital to start looking early as there are often waiting lists and fees to consider. For parents, the wide range of independent schools means they have more say on the type of education they want for their child.

The Independent Schools Council of Australia (ISCA) currently has 1,123 member schools in Australia (as per 2018 ABS data). The median price of an Australian independent school per student is $5,330 per year.

ISCA Executive Director Barry Wallett says independent

“In 2018 there was a net increase of independent student numbers by over 12,000. These numbers show that parents have strong confidence in independent schools.”

For information on independent schools, visit the Independent Schools Council of Australia website, www.isca.edu.au Montessori Montessori education is growing steadily in Australia. Its philosophy, based around Dr Maria Montessori’s approach, emphasises independence by providing an environment for children to learn at their own pace.

Children are free to choose activities within a prepared

schools represent 14.7 per cent of all Australian school enrolments

environment. This allows children think for themselves and help

and is continuing to grow.

them to develop confidence, concentration, creativity and inner

”Independent schools have been Australia’s fastest growing school sector over the last decade,” he says.

discipline. Classes are grouped in a three year age range.

For more information visit www.montessori.org.au

Libby Oteri chose a two stream Catholic coeducational school to send Frank (8) and Sofia (7).

“We wanted a school that offered pastoral care and a strong sense of community. We also wanted the choice to select the school that felt right for our family. After meeting with the principal we knew the school was the right ‘fit’ for us.”

“We will also make the decision for secondary school on what feels right for Frank and Sofia individually.”

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

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education | 59 attend an interview and then a preference scheme is in place with

Steiner Steiner, or Waldorf education is based on the methods of Rudolf Steiner aiming to educate artistically and holistically.

A unique feature of Steiner education is the same teacher stays with the class throughout their primary years aimed at creating strong relationships between teacher, student and the student’s family.

The use of electronic media is strongly discouraged and all toys are made from natural materials. While there are fewer Steiner

first round offers given to students of the religion within the parish.

Community/Alternative/Open Learning Another option is community schools, sometimes called alternative or open learning education. The schools act independently and form their own curriculum and ethos and are often small, co-educational, multi-cultural and nondenominational.

schools than Montessori, they are gaining popularity.

For information on Steiner schools visit www.steinereducation. edu.au Religious The majority of religious schools in Australia are Catholic, with the latest ABS data showing one in five Australian students are educated in Catholic schools. However, there are a number of other major religions represented including Anglican, Baptist, Greek Orthodox, Islamic, Jewish, Lutheran, Seventh Day Adventist, Uniting Church and Presbyterian.

If you want to enrol in a religious school, you must contact the individual school to put in an application and usually pay a small fee. Some schools do not require you to be of the faith to attend. However, you will be asked to

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60 | education

out Things to think ab when doing your research: . If you

 Visit the school and meet the staff nding the ady atte can, speak with parents alre school.

h the out as music or STEM and find us practices and policies on homework, religio bullying.

ilities for  Think about travel and the facuire d. if req before and after school care

fees,  Look at the overall cost includingknow and ps cam uniform, stationary and your budget.

suc  Check out the special programssch ool

HOME SCHOOL

Home based education is another alternative option and not

just for people in remote locations. Other factors such as disability, behavioural issues, gifted children, bullying, cultural or religious beliefs, or lack of confidence in mainstream schooling system can lead families to opt for home schooling.

Home schooling is a growing community in Australia with lots of support available for parents wanting to take the plunge.

Each state and territory in Australia has its own set of legal requirements for registering to home school, some stricter than others. Some parents choose not to register, however this can

, www.

Visit the MySchool website s of file pro a get to u u.a myschool.ed icators. ind nce schools, as well as performa

impact government payments and benefits. n

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62 | education Ruyton’s academic programme is broad, challenging and creative with an emphasis on personalised learning.

RUYTON UNDERSTANDS WHAT REALLY MATTERS FOR YOUR DAUGHTER’S EDUCATION Choosing the independent school to meet your daughter’s needs can be overwhelming. Ruyton Girls’ School understands what really matters in girls’ education.

R

uyton is a high performing academic school in the Melbourne suburb of Kew, and for over 140 years, has inspired girls to live lives of impact and purpose.

Principal of Ruyton Girls’ School, Ms Linda Douglas,

knows what really matters and explains how Ruyton measure success in educating girls.

SENSE OF BELONGING When girls feel connected and valued, they thrive. Their school is located on one campus by design with Early Learning, Junior and Senior Schools at the one location in Kew. This builds a strong sense of belonging that fosters mentoring opportunities and meaningful connections.

Transitioning from Early Learning to Prep and from Year 6 to Year 7 is a positive experience as the girls continue their journey supported in familiar surroundings. Girls who join us in later years quickly settle into a warm and welcoming environment.

POWERFUL LEARNING Confidence and self-belief are essential to realise

and engage. In Junior School our girls experience specialist lessons in Drama, Library, Languages (Chinese or French), Music, Physical Education and STEM. In addition to a broad academic curriculum our girls have the opportunity to engage in a range of co-curricular opportunities. These experiences broaden the perception of self, provide challenge and connection, develop a strong sense of purpose. The girls are given a well-rounded start to their education journey.

These learning foundations continue into Senior School, where an extensive selection of subjects and co-curricular options allow our girls to follow their passions and challenge themselves in different ways to discover their true capacity.

The girls are seen to be bold, be adventurous, challenge thinking and expectations to be the best version of themselves.

THE MEASURE OF SUCCESS Ruyton is acknowledged widely as a high performing school. They never lose sight of the grit and determination behind every girl’s endeavour and achievement. Success is not a single goal, it is developed, built upon and celebrated from Early Years through to Year 12 with the spirit of lifelong learning. The school’s holistic approach empowers their girls to lead lives of impact and purpose with courage, character and compassion, both now and in the future. This is how they define success.

individual potential. Ruyton’s academic programme is broad, challenging and creative with an emphasis on personalised learning. Strong foundations in literacy and numeracy are established from Prep along with a rich inquiry-based programme that not only gives our girls an understanding of

Find out more about Ruyton Girls’ School www.ruyton.vic.edu.au Follow Ruyton on Instagram or Facebook @Ruytongirlsschool

their world but also opportunities to problem solve, create

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

64 | tips for busy mums in the morning

Life changing tips for more peaceful mornings Mornings are hard! With the help of our readers, we have put together a list of tips and tricks to help your mornings run smoother.

BY SOPHIE PHOON

T

here was a time, before kids, when you could wake up at a leisurely pace, pee in peace, drink your coffee hot, shower as long as you liked and still make it to work on time. Now, you’re lucky if you remember to brush your teeth.

We hear you, Mumma! If you’re looking for more peace and less fuss in the morning, check out these tried-andtrue tips and tricks from some of our readers.

1

2

Take Care of Yourself First

We cannot recommend this highly enough. Waking up 10-15 minutes earlier than the kids should give you enough time to do the following:

n Drink a big glass of water. n Get showered and do your hair / make-up. n Have some coffee (One mum suggests pairing this with some Cadbury’s Chocolate Fingers. We don’t disagree.)

n If you’re feeling extra brave, try waking up an hour earlier to meditate and start the day off right.

The Night Before

Your mornings begin the night before:

n Lay out clothes (yours and theirs) the night before. n Prepare and pack lunches and put them in the fridge to be packed into school bags the next morning.

n Make some grab-n-go breakfasts if you’ve got the time

and/or inclination. Muffins and granola bars tend to work really well.

n Get enough sleep. Kids generally need between 10-12 hours at night, while you need 7-8 on average.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

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tips for busy mums in the morning | 65

3 Waking Them Up

Try these at your own peril:

n Start the day with a hug. This lets them know they are loved and puts them in a good mood.

n Sing loudly as you’re walking through the house on your

way to their room. By the time you arrive, they’ll be wideawake. Grumpy, sure. But awake!

n For older children, put their alarm at the other side of

their room so that they have to get out of bed to turn it off.

n Let older children be responsible for getting themselves up on time. If they’re not ready, then they’ll learn from that.

n If your child is really upset about going to school, it

4 Morning Procedure

might be worth talking to their teacher and checking that nothing is going on that you should be concerned about.

n Get dressed AFTER having breakfast to avoid having to get changed if there are any accidents or spillages.

n Use a checklist so that they know what they need to do.

Little kids who can’t yet read can use picture reminders (toothbrush, clothes, cereal bowl, etc.).

n Parents should be sharing morning duties between them; one getting the kids fed while the other gets them organised/dressed.

n Give yourself more time than you need. If you allocate the time in advance for any accidents, tantrums or spills, you won’t go into panic-mode when they happen.

n Limit time on showers and have an agreement on who will use the bathroom first, while the others have their breakfast.

n No TV or electronic devices in the morning. It’s too much of a distraction, and they won’t want to leave before the end of their show/game/viewing segment.

Them 5 Getting Out The Door

n Leave on time, even if they’re not 100 per cent ready.

They’ll soon learn to hustle.

n Do a quick tidy-up before you leave. It’ll make coming

home in the evening much more restful if you’re walking into a reasonably clean house.

n If they are late because they refused to get out of bed or dawdled in the morning, let them take responsibility and tell the teacher themselves.

The most important thing is to relax. Kids will usually take their cue from you. If you’re stressed out and panicked, chances are they will be too. So, take a deep breath. Things don’t always go the way we plan, and that’s okay. Mumma, you’re doing fine. n

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

66 | coles

Little Shop of Horrors

Just a few weeks ago, we got a letter from 12-year-old Aria from Adelaide, who has a bone to pick with Coles Little Shop.

P

arents will be very familiar with Coles Little Shop, a promotion that awards Coles shoppers with a free collectable toy for every $30 spent in store. The toys are miniature plastic versions

of everyday products, such as Nutella, Vegemite, Colgate Total Protection, Weet-bix and more. They proved extremely popular with both children and parents alike, with one toy being re-sold online for $500.

But not everyone is so impressed with them. The problem is that these toys are not recyclable. And because they are novelty items, as soon as people lose interest in them, they will most likely end up either in landfill or in our oceans. In fact, one of the Little Shop toys was even found on a beach in Bali last year.

“It only takes a simple, ‘no’ from parents to teach their kids about the hurtful, long-term effects of these shortterm plastic collectables.”

We have been inundated recently with campaigns to reduce our plastic waste, from our children marching against Climate Change in March, to nationwide bans on single-use plastic bags.

This is something our kids are passionate about. They startle us with facts like, “87 per cent of plastic waste DOESN’T get recycled” and “the garbage patch in the North Pacific Ocean contains 80,000 tons of plastic.t” With Little Shop returning (ironically) just in time for the end of Plastic Free July, environmental enthusiasts, like 12-year-old Aria, have made their sentiments known: we don’t want more plastic.

Maybe it’s time we started listening to them. n *Article titled “From little things, Coles hopes sales will grow” from The Weekend Australian, July 13-14 2019

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

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coles | 67

Here is Aria’s letter.

Dear Offspring Magazine, My name is Aria. I live in Adelaide, and I am 12 years old.

I recently read an article* in The Weekend Australian saying that Coles is bringing back its “Little Shop” collectables campaign, hoping to boost sales of products in their supermarkets. I am in no way a fan of this promotion. It seems highly contradictory that, after banning single use plastic bags from their stores, they are now giving away hard plastic toys with every $30 purchase. This promotion will clearly have a damaging effect on the environment, as they provide short-term entertainment before being discarded. I would also like to point out that the wrong message is being sent to the targets of this campaign - kids.

The rise in sales is what motivates supermarkets to undertake promotions, so, in order to reduce the demand, we must teach people not to be persuaded

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

With Little Shop returning (ironically) just in time for the end of Plastic Free July, environmental enthusiasts, like 12-year-old Aria, have made their sentiments known: we don’t want more plastic.

by these marketing ploys. The campaign will be launched this coming Wednesday as a result of the success from last year’s promotion. It seems as though Coles may only be interested in Aria Bradley. profit, and they will do what they want without consideration for the environment or their customers, so let’s get the parents on-board to take a stand against it and not perpetuate it. If we can decrease the demand for these collectables, there will not be as much of an increase in sales, so will be seen as an ineffective marketing tool.

I have therefore made it my mission to tell as many parents and children as possible just how unnecessary this promotion is, and teach them to refuse the excess pieces of plastic. Being a parenting magazine company, I would highly appreciate it if you could include an article in your next issue about avoiding these kinds of fads, mentioning Coles’ “Little Shop 2”, and Woolworth’s competing promotion “Ooshies”. I think that it would be effective to say that it only takes a simple, “no” from parents to teach their kids about the hurtful, long-term effects of these shortterm plastic collectables.

Please help me spread the message that parents can choose to refuse, and reduce the demand for these needless wasteful items.

Thank you for taking the time to read my e-mail, and I hope that you will take my idea into consideration. Please contact me if you would like me to do anything else.

Aria Bradley, Adelaide SA

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

Offspring Performing Arts and Sports guide Whether for participation or for passion, there are many sports and performing arts options for your child to try. We look at the options, so you can make the best decision for your child.

BY BROOKE EVANS-BUTLER Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

offspring performing arts and sports guide | 69

Janine Ripper, Marketing Officer, Act-Belong-Commit, says some of the advantages of children taking part in activities such as performing arts and sports are: ❥ Boosts their mental and physical health and overall wellbeing. ❥ Builds resilience. ❥ Helps them to develop a sense of belonging and connection to others through forming new friendships and feeling a part of something. ❥ Improves confidence and self-esteem. ❥ Adds meaning and purpose to their lives.

If you are worried about not doing enough activities (or doing too much), Janine says there is no ‘ideal’ number of activities for children, “it all depends on the individual child and the family”.

“We highly encourage parents to strive for a sense of balance, especially between structured and unstructured activities, free time and rest.”

!

Remember there are so many activities that your child can try! If none of the featured sports/activities appeal to your child, why not try something a bit different, such as parkour, fencing, breakdancing or archery.

DANCE.

Dance is a popular activity for toddlers

right through to adults, and for good reason. Jerrika Howley, head of the ‘Petite Performers’ and ‘Young Performers’ departments at Brent Street, says there are many advantages of dancing, including social relationships, balance and coordination, as well as confidence, respect, fun, sportsmanship, teamwork and goal setting.

There are many types of dance your child can try, but Jerikka recommends a beginner try ballet and/or jazz. “Ballet is the foundation of dance so all dancers will benefit from ballet training, and the co-ordination of jazz technique is always fun with the upbeat songs,” she says.

Liliana Maddams, principal at LA Talent School, recommends children try out a trial lesson. “Some kids love ballet but some find it a little bit slow,” she says. “Others love hip hop, which is very popular, and they love jazz. The best way to decide is to come along and try a class because every child is so different.”

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

70 | offspring performing arts and sports guide

DRAMA

To increase self-esteem or to bring out their inner actor – why not consider a good drama program for your child?

“Although there can be a misconception that a Performing Arts program is all about the performance side of things, it is often more about learning life skills,” says Helen Davey, Executive Principal, Helen O’Grady Drama Academy WA. “Drama in general can help children with confidence, selfesteem, creative thinking, language skills and communication.

MUSIC

The wonderful part about it is that all children have amazing

Whether you take your baby to a music class or encourage your

on which to build these skills. Creative programs can really help

child to learn an instrument – there are a number of options

children to articulate their thoughts, feelings and emotions – to

available to immerse your child in music.

help them find their voices.”

Professor Alan Lourens, head of UWA Conservatorium of

imaginations which can be tapped into and used as a platform

Helen says performing arts programs suit everyone. “All young

Music, recommends children take part in music from a young age.

people enjoy creativity, when presented in the right environment.

“We know that students who take part in musical activity before

Some children come along to classes to increase their confidence

the age of 12 develop very particular pathways in the brain, in a

and self-esteem, while others attend drama classes as a creative

way that no other subject does,” he says. “What they do is connect

outlet, and to improve on their drama skills.”

the right and the left side of the brain very strongly.”

He adds the sociological benefits are also massive. “One of the things about having students take part in music is that it is a social activity,” he says. “They have to learn to work with others in a way that is positive. There is no one trying to stop them from being their best because there is no opposition. For young kids, they are learning things like having to give things back, having to wait their turn, and having to put things in a particular place.”

!

Do you have a shy child? It doesn’t mean they will not love performing arts, according to LA Talent School’s Liliana Maddams. “A lot of the kids come through the door who are really shy,” she says. But within two or three months they are a completely different child; they have so much confidence, they can relate better to others.”

Students who take part in musical activity before the age of 12 develop very particular pathways in the brain, in a way that no other subject does.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

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offspring performing arts and sports guide | 71

MARTIAL ARTS

There are many types of martial arts, including judo, karate, mixed martial arts and more – and they are great not only for fitness, but to learn self-defence and increase confidence.

Celeste Knoester, coach at Kano Judo Schools, says judo and many other martial arts have physical benefits for children, such as improved gross motor coordination, spatial awareness, strength, balance and overall fitness levels. “The aspect that sets martial arts apart from other sports however, is the impact it has on the whole person,” she says. “Children will learn respect, friendship, confidence, emotional and physical self-control, conflict-resolution and self-defence skills.”

There are various martial arts classes, so when choosing a class for your child, Celeste advises to ensure it is something your child enjoys and looks forward to attending every week, while you as the parent feel they are learning something of value.

“Trust your gut as a parent and if you are not comfortable with something being taught, there are plenty other martial art options for you and your child. A good martial art will keep your child active, while building them into the best version of themselves.”

SWIMMING

Swimming is a great bonding activity for parent and baby (and is a perfect way to introduce young children to water). As your child grows, swimming lessons allow them to learn their strokes and develop water safety.

VenuesWest spokesperson and manager of Aquatics and Swim School, Taryn deLestang, says swimming lessons should be appropriate to the developmental age of the child, be fun and engaging, and include safety skills.

“When choosing a swim school parents should look for experienced and competent instructors who can guide your child through the learn-to-swim process in a safe and compassionate environment,” she advises. “It should be a positive experience for children and parents. As with learning any new skill, practice is key and being able to attend classes at a suitable time and location is also a major consideration. If the classes are close to home and at convenient times then you are more likely to be able to commit to regular lessons.”

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

72 | offspring performing arts and sports guide

LITTLE ATHLETICS

If you are worried about your child becoming bored with a repetitive activity, why not try Little Athletics?

Little Athletics Australia CEO Martin Stillman, says there are a wide range of events for children from 5 to 15 years of age in Little Athletics including running, jumping, throwing and walking and the events are modified to suit the age, developmental stage and ability of the children.

“Little Athletics promotes that it is important to ‘Be your Best’,” he says. “The emphasis being on fun, participation, performance, technique and getting involved with your family in physical and healthy activity.”

NETBALL

Ball sports are great to promote team work and skills – and with

Regardless of the type of sports your child wants to try out, Celeste Knoester, coach at Kano Judo Schools, offers her advice about making the right decision for your child.

“Find an activity that your child enjoys doing.

Any form of movement or activity that they love doing and is of benefit to their health, should be encouraged,” she says. “We, as adults, know that people have different preferences, and this applies to your child and their chosen form of activity too. There is something out there for everyone, be patient while your child tests the waters, however trying it may be.”

options including netball, basketball, soccer, football and more, there is sure to be a suitable ball sport for your child.

Kobie Combes, Netball WA’s Participation Manager, says Suncorp NetSetGo (Australia’s official netball starter program) is suitable for girls and boys aged 5 to 10.

“One of the biggest advantages of the Suncorp NetSetGO program is the use of modified equipment and rules,” Kobie says.

“This allows the participants fundamental movement and motor skills to develop at an appropriate pace while allowing them to feel success and confident. Suncorp NetSetGO is also a very inclusive program for all boys and girls of all abilities aged 5-10.”

Kobie adds that playing a team sport such as netball from an early age holds many physical and mental advantages including developing self-esteem, teaching leadership skills, improving team building friendships and developing

NetSetGO participants and Jess Anstiss,from West Coast Fever.

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

communication skills. n

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A motherless newborn child is one of the most heartbreaking sights imaginable.

Your gift can help save a mother’s life in Papua New Guinea.

In a country like PNG where there are some of the highest maternal and child death rates, baby Tessie* managed to survive.

She is one of the lucky ones.

Tessie’s mother, Rose*, was not so lucky. She died from postpartum haemorrhage, one of the most common causes of maternal death in PNG. Imagine this happening to 1,500 different families in PNG each year.

This is a tragic event that you can help stop.

* This is a real story from PNG, but all names have been changed for privacy reasons.

You can give a gift to other babies like Tessie – the gift of their mother’s life.

To make a tax deductible donation or to find out more about our Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies program visit burnet.edu.au or call Burnet Institute on (03) 9282 2111.

burnet.edu.au

74 |

The Australian Ballet School nurtures young talent The Australian Ballet School is Australia’s national centre for elite vocational classical dance training and the school of The Australian Ballet.

T

hrough the (audition-entry) After School Program, Intra/ Interstate & International Training Program and Full-Time Program, the Australian Ballet School’s eight-level training

program produces dancers of the highest calibre for The Australian Ballet as well as world class international companies.

The school aims to nurture young talent so that every provision is made for the best, to be the best – to guide students to develop into well-balanced human beings, with a strong ethical sense – well fed in body, mind and spirit.

Throughout the year, the school also offers a number of open

The school aims to nurture young talent so that every provision is made for the best to be the best – to guide students to develop into wellbalanced human beings. enrolment opportunities for young dance students who would like to experience training with some of Australia’s leading dance teachers.

Early Learning & Boys Program are term-based, regular weekly classes offered at the School’s Southbank studios in Melbourne. Taught by vocationally trained teachers and

featuring live piano accompaniment, the Early Learning Program caters to girls and boys aged 3 to 10, with the Boys Program extending the opportunity for boys aged up to 15yrs to learn from celebrated male classical ballet teachers. No audition is required for either program and enrolment is through the school’s website.

Open Masterclasses are held in major Australian capital cities every year and run for approximately 1.5 hours. These classes offer students aged 9 to 17 years the exclusive opportunity to work with and experience the high level of expertise on offer at Australia’s national centre of excellence in dance training. All students are welcome to enrol, regardless of previous dance experience.

The Australian Ballet School’s annual Summer and Winter Schools attract both national and international students, and offer comprehensive training in classical ballet and other dance styles. Held at The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre in Melbourne, the artistic faculty for both is drawn from staff of the school as well as guest teachers from The Australian Ballet and the wider dance community.

The Summer School is delivered across two 5-day weeks (3-7 Jan & 8-12 Jan) with four alternate streams (Creative, Open, Boys & Pre-Professional) each stream catering to differing needs of students aged between 6 to 18 years. Winter School is a 3-day workshop open to students aged 9-16.

To learn more about The Australian Ballet School and any of its training programs, please visit www. australianballetschool.com.au

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

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National Tour 2019 Auditions & Open Masterclasses Experience The Australian Ballet School’s high level of expertise and work with some of Australia’s leading dance teachers. Auditions are for students aspiring to join our interstate or Melbourne-based programmes. Students who simply love to dance can participate in an Open Masterclass, and no audition is required. Tour schedule and dates are listed below.

Enrol now by visiting australianballetschool.com.au Open Masterclasses

Auditions

Cairns

Sydney

Adelaide

Brisbane

Perth

Cairns

Sunday 14–Monday 15 July Sunday 21 July Tuesday 23–Thursday 25 July

Sunday 7–Wednesday 10 July Thursday 11–Friday 12 July Sunday 14–Monday 15 July Adelaide

Sunday 21 July Perth

Tuesday 23–Thursday 25 July Melbourne

Monday 29–Wednesday 31 July

Follow us Facebook /theaustralianballetschool Instagram @theaustralianballetschool Twitter @austballetschool

With thanks to

76 | getaway

Victoria Getaway Guide

It’s time to dust off those winter woolies and put a spring in your step as the days grow longer, the sun warmer and evenings balmy to have some family fun in Victoria. BY COLLEEN WILLIS

Magical Melbourne What better place to start than the grand old lady herself?

Highlights include:  The Galactic Circus  Melbourne Zoo  Fairy Park (perfect for little princes and princesses)  Science Works  Melbourne Aquarium  The Queen Victoria Markets  Cooks Cottage  Federation Square  Melbourne Trams For more information visit www.whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/ placestogo/attractions/familyfun/ pages/familyfun

after, then why not take a picnic to the gorgeous Royal Botanical Gardens. A good place to start is the Visitor Centre which is on Birdwood Avenue, where you can get maps and information on how to spend your time.

Once there I recommend a visit to the Children’s Garden, a fantastic spot for children who love to get their hands dirty!

www.rbg.vic.gov.au Accommodation Like all cities, Melbourne has a plenty of accommodation, and apartments tend to be the most popular for families.

For more information visit www.questapartments.com.au www.oakshotelsresorts.com www.mantra.com.au

It has been designed specifically to help teach and excite children about the importance of conservation and caring for the environment.

Other highlights include:  Guilfoyle’s Volcano  Lakes and Islands C anna Bed Rain Garden T he Melbourne Observatory

If it’s something more laid back you’re Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

 Top Tip

We all lo ve a goo d playgro see the und, so link belo w for a g reat list playgrou of nds and parks! www.vis itdande nongran au/thing ges.com s-to-do/p . icnics-p laygroun ds

For more information visit

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

getaway | 77 For more information visit

 Binjarra Cultural Centre  Healesville Sanctuary

www.treesadventure.com.au/glen-

S kyHigh Mt Dandenong

harrow-park

Restaurant and Attractions

Wineries

For more information visit www.skyhighmtdandenong. com.au

family friendly and offer playgrounds and

www.visitvictoria.com

other activities.

Puffing Billy Steam Train

Accommodation  Big4 Dandenong Tourist Park

For all the little (and big!)

 Quest Dandenong

train lovers out there Puffing Billy is a must. This well-loved steam train is over 100 years

DANdenong ranges & yarra valley What a wonderful place to visit. So much to do! The Dandenongs and Yarra

For more information visit

Trees Adventure Glen Harrow Park

Creamery Yarra Glen  Yarra Valley Dairy in Coldstream  William Ricketts Sanctuary Park

high country If you thought the snow fields were just for winter, you’d be wrong!

Mt Hotham

Fancy an amazing adventure? Ever felt like walking through the treetops? Then this is for you! Anyone from the age of four and above can enjoy this. Bookings are essential.

G olf W ineries G liding For more information visit

 Horse Riding

www.fallscreek.com.au

 Bushwalking

Mt Buller

 White Water Rafting on the Mitta Mitta River  Mountain Biking  Visit the Onsen Retreat and Spa at Dinner Plain Accommodation  Davenport village in Hotham.  Dinner Plain, 10kms away, is a good alternative.

For more information visit www.mthotham.com.au

Falls Creek  Canoe on Rocky Valley Lake  Horse Riding  R ide the Trails  S egway Tours

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Valley-and-Dandenong-Ranges

and gullies of the Dandenongs.

activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Y arra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice

www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Yarra-

Gembrook through the beautiful forests

Valley are home to a multitude of fun

 Hedgend Maze Healesville

For more information on wineries and accommodation visit

old and runs from Belgrave to

www.puffingbilly.com.au

Highlights include:

Where to start? You could spend months exploring them! Several places are

An easy three hour drive from Melbourne, Mt Buller offers a perfect summer escape.

Highlights include:  Mountain Biking  Bush Walking  Horse Riding

Mt Baw Baw

 Chairlift Rides

 Mountain Biking

 Four-wheel Driving

 Fishing  Hiking

Accommodation Arlberg Hotel – Has a kids stay free offer and a kids area with a pool table and x-box. It also has a kids ‘chill zone’ with bean bags, meals and movies

 Bush Walking Accommodation For something different, why not try ‘Glamping?’

For more information visit

For more information visit

www.mountbawbaw.com.au/glamping

www.mtbuller.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

78 | getaway

The Great Ocean Road This is one of the most stunning

 The Twelve Apostles  Tiger Moth World, Torquay (Lots of fun!)

ocean drives I’ve ever been on. Some of the amazing things on offer include:  Bells Beach  Apollo Bay

If you feel like a swim then head to the famous Bells Beach or take a stroll along the Surf Coast walk.

 Kennett River Koala Walk  Cape Otway  Port Campbell National Park

For more information visit www.visitgreatoceanrd.org.au www.travelvictoria.com.au/regions/

greatoceanroad/ Accommodation There are plenty of choices on this route, from caravan/holiday parks, B&B’s, apartments and resorts.

For more information visit www.big4.com.au www.topparks.com.au www.greatoceanroadtrip.com

The Grampians The Grampians have much to offer families, from camping, scenic walks, animals and more.

Highlights include  Little Desert National Park  Grampians National Park  Mt Arapiles  McKenzie Falls  The Stawell Gift at Easter For more information visit www.grampianstourism.com.au

Halls Gap Zoo Halls Gap Zoo is Victoria’s largest regional zoo. It has a giraffe, water buffalo, meerkats, rainbow lorikeet and more.

Why not consider ‘adopting’ one of their beautiful animals? How awesome would that be!

Accommodation Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. Here you can camp, stay in a cabin or rent a house!

For more information visit www.hallsgapzoo.com.au www.hallsgaplakeside.com Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

getaway | 79

Phillip Island What a gorgeous spot with lots of things to do. With everything close together you don’t have to spend ages in the car going from place to place.

Highlights include:  Phillip Island Chocolate Factory. Yum yum! A Maze’n’Things A ntarctic Journey C hurchill Island Heritage Farm W ildlife Coast Cruises C aldermeade Farm and Café

Penguin Parade Who doesn’t love a cute penguin? Every day at sunset the penguins arrive and strut their stuff while waddling over to their burrows. Truly awesome.

Accommodation  A Maze’n’Things Holiday Park  The Waves Apartments

 Top Tip

For more information visit www.visitphillipisland.com

Follow th e link be low for a compre hensive list of fo wineries od and in the M orningto www.vis n Penins itmornin ula. gtonpen insula.o rg/ foodand wine

Mornington Peninsula The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for being a popular holiday destination with lots to do.

Highlights include  Diving, fishing  Swimming with dolphins  The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park  Wineries www.offspringmagazine.com.au

 Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm

Accommodation

 The Big Goose

 Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats (Some of

 Visit village markets

these are even pet friendly)

 The Enchanted Maze

 Trumans Cottages (Mostly pet

 Cape Schanck Lighthouse and Museum

friendly) For more information visit www.familyfriendlyaccommodation.

For more information visit www.thebellarinerailway.com.au

com.au/mornington_peninsula

www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

80 | getaway

 Top Tip

treats galore!

Victorian Goldfields Gold was discovered over 160 years ago…will you be the one to make the next big find??

Highlights include:  Ballarat - See the Lal Lal Falls  Bendigo – Vintage ‘Talking’ Tram Tours  Castlemaine – Old Castlemaine Gaol  Heathcote – O’Keefe Rail Trail  Maldon – The Maldon Lolly Shop.

An old time shop filled with sweet

For more information visit www.visitvictoria.com/regions/ Goldfields

Sovereign Hill Pan for gold at Sovereign Hill!

Sovereign Hill is a living museum with working exhibits. It’s home to shops, schools, gold digging, underground mines and more. It’s been named Australia’s best ‘Major Tourist Attraction’ three times.

For more

ook , pre-b k times a e p out. g Durin issing avoid m to ts e tick

information visit www.sovereignhill.com.au Accommodation For something different why not stay at Kryal Castle? It’s located approximately 8km’s east of Ballarat.

Kryal Castle is a replica medieval castle with plenty of shows and attractions.

For more information visit www.kryalcastle.com.au

 Watersports

captain! Kids and captains alike will love

 Paddle steamers

an adventure like this. You might just

 Houseboats

have to stop at one of the many wineries

 River Cruises

though!

 Port of Echuca Discovery Centre

Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement Swan Hill is a town that carries a rich pioneer heritage. The Pioneer Settlement will really

Accommodation Lots of choice! Houseboats, tourist parks, resorts, camping and more.

For more information visit www.murrayriverhouseboats.com.au www.visitthemurray.com.au

help you to embrace Australian history. You can chat to people

The Murray Region The Murray River is Australia’s longest river and a great place to visit. It’s home to

from a bygone era while cruising the Murray on the PS Pyap. In the evening, enjoy a light and laser show.

wonderful wineries and gourmet food as

For more information visit

well as many other exciting things.

www.pioneersettlement.com.au

Highlights include:

House Boating

 Fishing

Offspring | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | melbourne

Hire a houseboat and be your own www.offspringmagazine.com.au

| 81

REFLECTIONS HOLIDAY PARKS: Perfect Getaway

With 37 parks located across New South Wales, Reflections Holiday Parks showcases Australia’s most breathtaking scenery in idyllic locations for the perfect getaway.

F

rom surfing to hiking or hanging out in a hammock,

$100 discount on accommodation after $1000 is spent on your

families can choose from a range of accommodation to

holiday with Reflections.

suit each holiday. Whether it’s relaxing in the cottages,

Leave the kids to run free amongst the greenery, while

cabins and safari ‘glamping tents’, or a caravanning or camping

parents can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery with each

adventure from a mix of unpowered and powered sites,

destination offering the best of Australia’s beautiful landscape.

Reflections has every experience covered.

Holiday makers can now get the most of each stay with the

If you are looking for a dog-friendly camping experience or maybe a cabin that feels more like a retreat, a getaway with

NEW Reflections Rewards Club. With access to exclusive benefits

Reflections beats all expectations when travelling with the

and deals, members will also save $25 off their next stay.

family.

The Rewards Club is perfect for those who enjoy the good things in life, like spending time with the kids in nature and a

Plan your next getaway at www.reflectionsholidayparks. com.au.

Introducing the NEW Reflections Rewards Club

Join for free and instantly receive a $25 discount towards your next stay

+

Spend $1,000 throughout the year and receive a BONUS $100 voucher

What can we say? Giving back is in our nature.

Our new Rewards Club is perfect for those who enjoy the good things in life. It’s a great way to get back-to-nature and spend quality time with the family in one of our 37 Reflections Holiday Parks, each located in some of the most idyllic holiday spots in NSW. Far North Coast • Coffs Coast • Mid Coast • South Coast • Country NSW

Sign up for member only discounts & benefits

reflectionsholidayparks.com.au/rewards

RE WARDS CLUB

www.offspringmagazine.com.au

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring

82 | books health

Book REVIEW

Here are our top picks for young readers this Winter season.

18 MO+

The Adventures of Twinkle the Unicorn, Splash the Mermaid and Belch the Monster

Author: Rhiannon Fielding Illustrator: Chris Chatterton

Three beautifully illustrated stories follow the enchanting adventures of three adorable protagonists - Splash the Mermaid, Twinkle the Unicorn and Belch the Monster – which will have little ones drift off into a peaceful slumber!

4+ YEARS

Ella and the Ocean Author: Lian Tanner Illustrator: Jonathan Bentley

Join Ella as she helps her farming family find joy in life’s simplicities with a family adventure to the ocean as they are struggling from the drought. Upon returning home from the ocean, life doesn’t seem quite so hard: the land, while still dry, is a beautiful colour, and the birds are singing!

12+ years

promise

Author: Alexandra Alt

Follow teenage lovers Lene and Ludwig as they navigate the complexities of love and war.

As Ludwig is recruited onto the Eastern Front by Nazi Germany, Lene moves to Hanover and the couple becomes estranged, that is, until Lene returns to Germany years later on a quest to find out what happened to her lost love.

82

www.offspringmagazine.com.au Offspring | winter 2018 | perth

3+ years

The Furfins: Tinytail and the Lost Treasure Author: Alison Ritchie Illustrator: Aless Baylis

Dive into this charming underwater adventure and explore a magical kingdom filled with FurFins and other friendly sea creatures, in the first of a series of collectable, glittery picture books.

7+ years

Ninja Kid 4

Author: Anh Do Illustrator: Jeremy Ley

Nelson is every child’s nerd-to-ninja hero! As he auditions for the circus, Nelson will need to use all of his ninja skills to pull off his greatest escape act yet!

ADULTS

The Art of SelfKindness Author: Rebecca Ray

Reconnect with yourself in an age where social media causes you to lose sight of what is important in life. This book will guide you as you face the world with courage, grace and heart.

melbourne | WINTER/SPRING 2019 | Offspring www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Overcoming barriers to healthcare

Keep the Flying Doctor flying.

Donate today. www.flyingdoctor.org.au

HER FUTURE Part of ensuring every girl can achieve her best is our focus on personalised learning experiences. Curiosity, creativity and confidence are encouraged every day, so she’s empowered to make her own choices and develop her passions. It’s all about her and her future.

We provide helpful resources, including events, parenting information and more, to support you in making the best choice for your family.

Visit mggs.vic.edu.au/herfuture to learn more.