Offspring Autumn 2013

Autumn 2013

Justine Clarke

Popular Aussie actress on being a mum and children’s entertainer

Madonna’s ex-nanny works for Perth family Perth mum’s Caesar diary KIDS ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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contents

autumn

6

Editor’s Note

8

The Contributors

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ELMO’S WORLD TOUR presented

by SESAME STREET or WIN 1 of 20

packs of Teza juiced teas!

FEATURE ARTICLE 12 She likes to sing

Justine Clarke chats to Offspring

about being an actor, singer, mother

and working in the world of

children’s entertainment 17

36 12

Cake lingerie Find out why Cake’s so special.

18 FASHION

Stylish gear for kids this autumn 22 Off the air -

Just for laughs

Lisa decides 2013’s the year to

tackle the number one item on

her Bucket List.

24 BABY LOVE

Madonna’s ex-nanny, Perth-based

Angela Jacobsen, chats to Offspring

about the challenges and benefits of being a nanny.

REAL LIFE 30 If love could have

saved you

A tragic accident on Perth’s Mitchell

Freeway left a family shattered

and struggling to find a new sense

of normal without their husband

and father.

34 Funny mummy - Kochie, We Have A Problem...

From labour to breastfeeding - Ari

looks at the business of making

babies amid calls to be “classy”.

46 BUSINESS MUM 36 The magic touch

Founder of the successful Yummy

Mummy Beauty Pregnancy Day Spa,

Amy Mitchell, talks about her love of

helping women through pregnancy,

and the challenges of balancing

work and time with her family.

39 Dad’s worLd - All in vain

A return to pre-kids state or a midlife

crisis? Gary has a revelation that

makes him look deep within.

PREGNANCY & BIRTH 40 Diary of a Caesar

A Perth mum shares what it’s like to

give birth by caesarean section.

40 44 Internet picks

Our selection of websites offering

great products for your family.

46 Children’s bedrooms A vintage edge Vintage nursery furniture &

accessories. There’s nothing more

stylish than a contemporary SPACE

with a touch of vintage. Give your

child’s room an Edge this autumn

with a few nostalgic pieces.

Offspring | autumn 2013 3 3-4 CONTENTS.indd 3

24/02/2013 09:31

48 Baby steps

Magic Shoebox owner and

podiatrist, Kath Lloyd, answers

some common questions parents

have when choosing their child’s

first shoes.

50

SPECIAL FEATURE 50 Kids activity guide Get busy!

We’ve rounded up a wide range of

sports, arts and other fun activities

that will entertain your children from

toddlerhood onwards.

PARENTING 63 School 2014 – Ready Set Go!

The Ngala Education Team

provides helpful ideas for parents

to help prepare their children for

starting school.

SPECIAL FEATURE 66 Offspring eco guide

The benefits of being

environmentally friendly are many – better for the environment, better

for your health and better for your

hip pocket. We look at some ways

the entire family can jump on the

eco bandwagon.

72 JESSICA ALBA MODELS SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Jessica explains why she likes to

72 encourage her children to be

eco-friendly

FOOD AND NUTRITION 74 GREEN SMOOTHIES - What’s

all the fuss about?

Green Smoothies are a convenient,

tasty and simple way to consume

significant amounts of greens.

75 How to read a food label

Dietitian Kate Bullen explains how to

read and interpret important

information on food labels.

78 AUTUMN TRAVEL

Now’s the time to start thinking

about a warm getaway in the cooler

months. We guide you on travelling

to Malaysia or WA’s North West.

66 82

Calendar of events Free Autumn events for WA families

85 Party directory 86 General Directory

ISSUE 13 AUTUMN 2013

Justine Clarke

Produced and published by Offspring magazine Pty Ltd. ABN: 95 159 474 245 PO Box 724 Claremont 6910 Contact Phone 08 9499 1291 Website www.offspringmagazine.com.au Editorial enquiries editorial@offspringmagazine.com.au Advertising enquiries advertising@offspringmagazine.com.au Subscription enquiries subscription@offspringmagazine.com.au

Distribution 30,000 copies distributed by paid subscriptions and for free at selected locations throughout Perth.

Also available online via www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Publisher / Editor Kate Durack Contributing writers Ari Chavez, Gary Ausbruch, Lisa Fernandez, Ngala Parenting Education Team, Claire Armstrong, Kate Bullen, Brooke Evans-Butler, Jane Millington, Zoe Deleuil, Melanie Hearse, Colleen Willis, Shannon Meyerkart, Kath Lloyd, Rachel Turner.

Graphic Designers Steven Lillywhite, Sally Travis Printed by Scott Print

prepare print deliver

Offspring magazine is an independent magazine published quarterly by Family Life Publications. 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.

4 Offspring | autumn 2013 3-4 CONTENTS.indd 4

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INCINEMAS CINEMASMARCH MARCH 28 28 IN

5 CENTURY FOX AD.indd 5

24/02/2013 09:32

Childhood interrupted T

oday is Sunday and my daughter’s gone to the beach with

some children off school

a good friend she hasn’t seen for awhile. Her friend lives

altogether, which will

in a different area and goes to a different school so they don’t

be more damaging that

see each other often now. She’ll be out all day. It’s a wonderful

helpful in the long run.

opportunity for her as she loves spending time with her friend

I also think there’s a

and it’s a great day for the beach. However, I sit here wondering

whole lot more to learning,

if it was the right thing to do, to let her go to the beach. She has

and developing a well-

school tomorrow and I know she will be tired. She has a full

adjusted child, than

week of school ahead of her. I’m nervous. The week hasn’t even

academic achievement. There’s emotional development and

started and by Tuesday she’ll be exhausted.

nurturing, which parents give best.

She has school every day this week, next week, the week

At home, we chat, cuddle, do fun things together. She

after, and the week after that, in fact Monday to Friday all day

spends time with her brother, playing nicely rather than

long, for about nine weeks straight, then holidays, then all over

grumpy and tired after school. We visit her grandparents’

again, for about 225 days this year, I calculate. And long days.

farm, go on stimulating holidays and have play dates. We

8.30am until 3pm every day Monday to Friday. That’s a 30 hour

make things, dress up and do jigsaws. She’s learning, and it’s

week, which is more than some adults can manage working

one on one. How can that be replaced?

(myself included).

After school is a write off and weekends are catch-up from

And, she’s only four.

the school week.

My daughter just started compulsory, full time, Pre-

25 years ago, when I was in Pre-Primary, it was part time

Primary and I am concerned. And, she’s a kid who loves

and a parent’s choice as to whether they felt their children

school. She loves socialising, creating, drawing, singing,

were ready or would benefit from formal schooling.

interacting, learning.

It is now compulsory for a four or five year old (depending

Kindy was a dream, save for a few tearful, gut-wrenching initial departures in which all the heart strings and apron

when their birthday falls), regardless of their personal development stage, regardless of their individual needs and

strings were tightly knotted up and took a bit to unravel. But then we both saw the light of day. Her, with a new found sense of FUN in discovering peers are more entertaining than Mummy, and me with a few more moments peace in the day from the chatter of an inquisitive, little three year old’s incessant observations and enquiries. It was sad saying goodbye initially but I knew I still had her at home a

regardless of the feelings of the parent,

In some ways she seems to have lost the zest she had for learning and school; I fear due to too much, too soon.

few days a week.

This year, however, is a totally different situation. She’s

who knows their own child’s ability to cope, function and succeed.

I’m concerned about the pressures we’re placing on our children so young with a system of learning that is focused on results.

I’m yet to see compelling evidence that whacking our kids into full time school at four or five years of age will

lead to brighter outcomes. Studies have shown in many Scandinavian and European countries, where children don’t

falling asleep every day in the classroom and comes home

start school until they’re six or seven, they perform better

exhausted, grumpy and too tired to engage with her family. She

academically. Finland, for example, is a global leader in

goes to bed at 7pm and still she’s worn out. In some ways she

education performance and there children don’t start school

seems to have lost the zest she had for learning and school; I

until they’re seven.

fear due to too much, too soon.

I was tucking her into bed the other night and asking how she was enjoying Pre-Primary and she responded: “I really like

Many of these countries also support parents by paying them a wage to stay at home.

I am a little cynical that our new educational standard

school, Mummy. I just wish I didn’t have to go all of the time, I

might have more to do with economic policy (i.e. getting

want to go but just some times, not all the time.”

mothers back to work) than a child’s best interest.

Bingo.

I’ve been assured she’ll “settle in”, adapt, get used to it, and “learn so much this year”, and all the guff about catching up with the eastern states and “rest of the world’s” standards of

As parents can’t we have our kids around for a little longer?

Or can it at least be our choice whether we want to put them into fulltime schooling so young?

I worry we’re robbing our children of their precious

academic aptitude. Yes I know she will. As will every child,

childhoods and forcing them to grow up too soon. We’re

including the poor little kids who cry and beg not to go, and fall

forcing them to obey rules, fit a mould way too early. There’s

asleep at midday and decide, from such a young age, school’s

plenty of time for that. And I wonder about the ramifications

something to be endured rather than enjoyed for this reason.

down the track of a whole generation of children who have

They will cope. Kids are resilient. But, that’s not the point.

been institutionalised from as young as four.

I fear forcing long hours in a structured setting will turn

Kate Durack

6 Offspring | autumn 2013 6 EDITORS NOTE.indd 6

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our contributors

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

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

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

LISA FERNANDEZ RADIO ANNOUNCER is a Perth girl who co-hosts 92.9’s Lisa, Paul & Baz breakfast show with Basil Zempilas and Paul Hogan. As a mother, Lisa wants to “nurture, encourage, teach, inspire and give my love unconditionally... because the reward is so incredibly great.” Keep up-todate with Lisa daily on Twitter at @Lisa_Fernandez.

MELANIE HEARSE JOURNALIST and mother of seven and four year old boys, has worked on a range of local and national publications, focusing on parenting, health and lifestyle articles. She worked for 10 years in the public health sector before deciding to follow her passion to be a writer when her first son Max was born.

TARA DRYLAND JOURNALIST When she’s not managing the family business (Cafe 58), Tara is busy being a single mum to her two-year-old son, Jett. She loves working for Offspring, as it allows her to merge her passions for writing, parenting and kids fashion!

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

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

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

CLAIRE ARMSTRONG JOURNALIST a journalist of five years and a mother of two. “I love a challenge, journalism provides me with a mental challenge and motherhood has the ability to challenge every aspect of my being, and I wouldn’t have life any other way.”

BETH JOHNSTON JOURNALIST worked in print media before welcoming baby boy Sam into the world. She is now doing freelance writing and absolutely loving being a mum.“Sam changes so much every day, so it’s great to be able to keep that passion for writing but not miss a thing.”

JANE MILLINGTON INTERIOR DESIGNER has over 14 years experience in all facets of the design industry including Interior Design, Styling, Sales & Marketing.

As owner of Happy Go Lucky www.happygoluckykids. com.au and mother of two children, Samson and Liv, Jane specialises in children’s bedrooms and nurseries.

COLLEEN WILLIS TRAVEL WRITER has roamed the world for many years on her own and with her husband and daughter, Rebekah. During this time, Colleen has been a teacher and an awardwinning recipient of Flight Centre both in Australia and overseas. Colleen will guide you through family travel the way she knows best!

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10 Offspring | autumn 2013 10 COMPETITION.indd 10

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s e k i l e Sh to sing

BY MELANIE HEARSE

Your kids know her from Play School and the infectious tunes on her children’s albums, including the best selling I Like to Sing, but Justine Clarke is also a celebrated Aussie jazz singer and actress on both the small and silver screens. She’s also Mum to Josef (11), Nina (9) and Max (3).

J

ustine Clarke has that look that manages to slide

she’s been a jazz vocalist at the Starfish Club, the Wine Banc

between glamorous starlet and the pretty gal next door

and other well-known Sydney venues, and has sung with

you could see yourself catching up with for coffee.

Tom Burlinson in a Frank Sinatra big band tribute.

The chameleon looks have lent themselves to many

Justine has also moved into children’s publishing with her

different characters, a plus for a lady who divides her time

picture book, Gobbledygook is Eating a Book, released through

between apple-cheeked Play School presenter and children’s

Penguin Books late last year.

entertainer, television shows including Love My Way, Home

Landing a role on Play School was a long-held dream for

and Away and A Country Practice and grittier roles in films

Justine, who told her agent at the tender age of 18 to please

like Blackrock and In Her Skin.

put her name forward if auditions came up (which she says

Justine started out in her first stage role as an 11-year-old Brigitta in The Sound of Music, and landed her first film role aged 12, as Anna Goanna in the blockbuster action feature

she now realises she would have been far too young to be considered for back then).

“At the age of 28, when I’d recently got married, there was

Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome with Mel Gibson. Her role

a casting call and I got in. It was a real career highlight for

call is impressive, she’s been in The Water Diary, Look Both

me, something I’d always wanted to do and it was

Ways, Japanese Story, Danny Deckchair, Bootmen, Tangle,

every bit as rewarding and fun as I’d hoped.”

All Saints, Come in Spinner and Princess Kate, among

Collaboration with a fellow Play

many others. She continues to regularly book major roles in

School presenter, Peter, brought

Australian theatre productions and film and television.

about the next stage in her career

Justine has a long standing musical career, both in the Australian jazz scene and with a much younger audience.

as a children’s entertainer.

“We were working on some

She spent plenty of time in the school choir at Woollahra

songs together which he

Public School, danced across countless shopping mall stages

had written, and decided

and in 1991 (at the age of 18) was encouraged to continue

it would be fun to record

performing jazz by Aussie jazz icon Vince Jones.

them,” she says. “The

“Vince happened to be having dinner at my boyfriend’s

ABC picked them up

restaurant one evening while I was singing, he was very

and released them,

complimentary and encouraging,” recalls Justine. Since then,

and they were

12 Offspring | autumn 2013 12-16 JUSTINE CLARKE.indd 12

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Music is what separates us from other animals – singing is magical, it’s accessible to everyone; we all have a voice.

Offspring | autumn 2013 13 12-16 JUSTINE CLARKE.indd 13

24/02/2013 16:57

massively successful (in fact, the first album, I Like to Sing, was an official gold seller, rare in children’s music).

“This led to more albums, and it also led to performing Live for kids, including Christmas concerts and a gig at the Sydney Opera House, which was an amazing experience. To see kids become part of the music – singing and dancing along, clapping, and telling me their favorite songs, it is just so personally rewarding,” says Justine.

If you’ve ever been to one of Justine Clarke’s concerts and thought she seemed to be enjoying it as much as the children, you’d be correct – Justine says getting up close and personal with little people enjoying music, and helping be part of that joy, remains one of her favourite parts of her career.

Music is clearly a core part of Justine’s being - as we talk about her music career, the passion she feels for it is palpable. “Music is what separates us from other animals – singing is magical, it’s accessible to everyone; we all have a voice. We can create a wonderful, joyous sound that tells a story and makes us feel energised, sad, reflective or happy; music can express all these feelings.”

Justine says music should be encouraged for all kids. “If you have kids who have an interest in music, you can encourage them by getting involved yourselves – have music on in the background, sing, let them see you enjoying the feeling and they will feel encouraged to do the same. If they do lessons or have an instrument encourage them to play for you.”

Justine’s childhood home was one which celebrated creativity and expression, her mother being a dancer, choreographer and actress. “There was always music in our house and I was encouraged to pursue my interests – I had music, dance and singing lessons.”

When asked if she would encourage her children to pursue a career in music, she says she would if it was their passion and if they were prepared to study, but as her offspring are more into sport than music it’s probably not going to be an issue. “They do take music lessons and enjoy music, but they are very sports focused, so I don’t think they’ll be pursuing music or acting as a career.”

Justine is grateful for a husband who is interested in sports. “Luckily for me, he encourages physical activity in the kids and they are actually more into their team sports than they are the creative arts. I say lucky for me because it’s just not something I enjoy doing – at school I had to join in at netball and it was just scary, balls flying at you, girls running at you on a mission, just scary!

We can create a wonderful, joyous sound that tells a story and makes us feel energised, sad, reflective or happy; music can express all these feelings.

14 Offspring | autumn 2013 12-16 JUSTINE CLARKE.indd 14

24/02/2013 09:38

away from technology, so I am glad they are into sport.”

As we chat, Justine is in the process of packing up one house in preparation to move States. “We move a lot, always have.

We both have to go where the work is and for the kids it means moving back and forth between Sydney and Melbourne. They stay in the same school in each State and they have their sports, but it is hard work and it is an adjustment for them and for us.”

Justine is matter of fact when she talks about the day-to-day life of her family. She and her husband, Jack Finsterer, also an actor, maintain two homes, one in Sydney and one in Melbourne, in order to follow the work. “Our industry means having to go where the work is, and this does unfortunately mean two homes, two sets of schools and “But it’s more important nowadays – back then, we didn’t

sports teams for the kids,” she explains.

have television, phones or computers like we do now, so

“It’s not easy, not on the kids, but it’s part of how our

we’d naturally get more exercise just from playing. It used

family runs, and we do our best to make it as easy as

to be an hour or two in the morning and maybe some in the

possible for them – they go to the same schools and are in

afternoon. Now you have to make a point to drag yourself

the same teams depending on which State we are in, but

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work hard and are fortunate. They also

Have music on in the background, sing, let them see you enjoying the feeling and they will feel encouraged to do the same.

see that it doesn’t come without some sacrifices.”

In terms of help, they rely on immediate family members and nannies. “In Sydney, it is me and my hubby doing the juggle, with our parents, aunties and uncles jumping in to help out. Because we have no family in Melbourne, we have a couple

at the end of the day, in order for us to

of nannies that the kids adore, they have

have the careers we have, and for us to

become like family members, and that is very helpful.”

make a living to raise our kids, this is

Asked if her kids find it weird that

the reality of it.”

she is so popular with their peers, she

On the plus side, Justine says she loves that her kids get to see

says not really. “When they were younger, it was

her doing so many different

just a thing that happened, it seemed normal

things that she enjoys.

to them. It wasn’t until they got older that they

“They see me move

noticed the people who would come and talk to

from movies to TV, to

their mum were actually strangers – they knew

kids entertainment, to

me, but I didn’t know them. My youngest recently came and saw one of my shows and after I came

jazz music – they see that a

off stage, he said ‘I just saw the other Justine’ – not

career can be multidimensional, and

entirely sure what that’s about!”

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24/02/2013 09:46 23/02/13 9:02 PM

OFF THE AIR

with Lisa Fernandez

Just for

that to yourself...are you crazy?’

But I knew for sure that my new pastime was a real winner when my incredibly supportive dad, after hearing what I had embarked upon, sat down, shook his head sadly and inquired what had happened to me in my childhood so that I would WANT to pursue such a humiliating venture.

But before I let you in on this new pastime I feel it would be relevant to discuss the subject of Bucket Lists.

Please. Stay with me on this one. I used to think Bucket Lists were only for greyhaired folk who hadn’t yet purged the desire to jump out of a plane or visit a nudist colony.

I didn’t see the need for such a list as I’m neither old nor dying and quite frankly thinking about being seventy

Lisa decides 2013’s the year to tackle the number one item on her Bucket List.

I used to think Bucket Lists were only for grey-haired folk who hadn’t yet purged the desire to jump out of a plane or visit a nudist colony

I

resolutions but after an average

quality time with Isabella now that

few years both professionally and

she is three, and I absolutely, definitely,

socially I knew I wanted 2013 to be

needed to have more fun in my life.

is too depressing because if the next

a great year. I knew I had to make

So this year, in an effort to kick-start

thirty years go as quickly as the first

changes to my lifestyle if I didn’t want

all of the above, I embarked on a new

thirty I’ll be seventy by the time Isabella

to remain partnerless for the rest of

pastime. I have wanted to take up this

is five, in which case I’m screwed.

my life and end up at eighty drinking

particular pastime for many years and

Then I started to panic. My

sherry out of a jug while watching

finally found the courage, and made the

subconscious began to rant. “Time is

Oprah re-runs with my fifty seven cats.

time, to make it a reality.

running out!!! The years are flying by

’m not one to make New Year

But most importantly, this year I

I knew I wanted to have more

I called my brother, Andy, in London

you! What if it gets too late? What if

wanted to enjoy and celebrate all the

and told him about my new pastime

you get to seventy and you make a

good fortune that has come my way

and the shock of hearing what it

Bucket List and this pastime is on it but

over the last ten years rather than focus

entailed rendered him temporarily

you’re too old or mentally muddled to

on how hard I work (complain) or rue

speechless. I thought we had a dodgy

attempt it?! What if you always regret

the numerous commitments I juggle on

phone line until he found his voice and

not taking a risk and not getting out

a very small plate every single hour of

began to yell something along the lines

there and just doing it? In fact, you’ve

every single day (whinge).

of...‘My God, Lisa, why would you DO

GOT to do this NOW!!!”

22 Offspring | autumn 2013 22-23 OFF THE AIR.indd 22

24/02/2013 09:49

When writing, I find I can express

So by the time I picked Bells up from

Charles Hotel. The RAW Comedy

Day Care I was resolute. I don’t care

parts of my personality that would

competition is part of the Melbourne

if I’m forty. I decided that 2013 is the

normally be kept hidden, and I can

International Comedy Festival. And

year I will finally attempt IT. And that

share my frequently offbeat opinions

yeah, I’m not ashamed to say I’m really

IT is stand-up comedy. Yes. I know.

and thoughts through humour.

chuffed. There were eight heats over

It’s completely insane. I’ve already got

Mentally, it’s a Win-Win for me as

eight weeks with fifteen comedians per

a full-time job. On top of that I’m a

heat fighting for a spot so I’m pretty

single mother with a super active three

bloody thrilled!

I am a bit crazy. And I’ve found comedy to be an outlet for that craziness.

year old and more functions to host than I’ve eaten hot dinners. I’m too busy to have a social life and I haven’t been on a date in four years, yet I have this need to spend the precious few spare hours I do have writing jokes that are probably mildly funny at best,

I’m also realistic enough to know I probably won’t make in any further in the competition but I’m proud of myself for having the courage to enter. I’m not sure what performing regularly in front of a Live audience will mean for my future career but I’m willing to get on the bus and see

harbourers of shame at worst, and I actually WANT to stand in front of a

comedy enables me to clear my overly -

live audience and tell those jokes. I’m

cluttered mind and allows me to vent.

where it takes me.

But just one more thing. If you see me around the place, at the shops or

a bit crazy right? But that’s the point. I

As I write this piece for Offspring I

am a bit crazy. And I’ve found comedy

can see an email telling me I made it

in a pub, please don’t ask me to tell

to be an outlet for that craziness. As

to the WA semi-final’s of RAW Comedy

you a joke. I couldn’t bear not hearing

well as my secret morbidity.

being held on the 7th March at the

you laugh.

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Offspring | autumn 2013 23 22-23 OFF THE AIR.indd 23

24/02/2013 09:49

love Baby

By Ari Chavez

Madonna’s ex-nanny, Perthbased Angela Jacobsen, chats to Offspring about the challenges and benefits of working for high profile families.

W

hen Angela Jacobson decided to swap her dream of flying planes for a living for a career in childcare, she couldn’t have foreseen

she’d end up dancing with her boss, Madonna, for the royal family in India, as a kind of cobbled-together entertainment. The down to earth thirty-three-year old laughingly describes the experience as her, “most bizarre nanny moment,” yet.

“When I was in India with Madonna on her family vacation, we were staying with a king and queen in a palace and all the women were forced to dance for the king, and the princes around them actually, because of the sexist world that they live in,” she explains.

“Madonna made me dance, and she made me wear a sari. That was my weirdest boss moment...I just had to. All the women had to get up and dance for the men.

We were in the palace...so I, very begrudgingly, danced around in a sari.”

It was one of many strange celebrity encounters Angela experienced in her eighteen months working for the Material Girl who, during her tenure, acrimoniously divorced film director Guy Ritchie. As the sole carer of Madonna’s adopted son, David Banda, Angela joined the singer’s entourage and toured with her, as well as jetting to far-flung locations from her New York base.

Madonna, famed for her discipline and work ethic, is also notorious for demanding her staff work equally punishing hours. According to media reports, the gruelling lifestyle eventually took its toll on Angela

24 Offspring | autumn 2013 24-28 BABY LOVE.indd 24

24/02/2013 09:51

She was a great boss and I mean it was obviously quite a full-on experience. She was fantastic to work for and a big motivation for me...She’s very much a loving mother. and, when she handed in her notice after a year and a half, the furious pop star told her to leave immediately.

“All Madonna’s employees work incredibly long hours, so it’s no surprise that Angela had had enough,’’ a source told a newspaper, at the time.

“If you work for Madonna you are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There’s no such thing as a weekend.’’

Angela later refuted rumours of a rift with her famous employer, saying, “She was a great boss and I mean it was obviously quite a full-on experience. She was fantastic to work for and a big motivation for me...She’s very much a loving mother.”

Offspring | autumn 2013 25 24-28 BABY LOVE.indd 25

24/02/2013 09:51

Melbourne-born Angela’s experience as Madonna’s nanny was a far cry from her childhood goal of being a pilot. It was a dream she was forced to jettison after her parents divorced when she was seventeen, and she was left in charge of her brother and the family home.

“I didn’t foresee this path,” she says. “I wanted to be a pilot and I was in the Air Force Cadets...It wasn’t as though I set out to do this, it chose me. And as much as I’ve tried to move away at different times, it’s brought me back. It seems that’s what I am now. I’m a carer, and that’s what I do.”

Nannies inhabit a rarefied space in families. They’re privy to the day-to-day interactions between spouses and parents and children, while being required to maintain a discreet distance from the inner workings of a family. It can be an uneasy mix, this intimacy with strangers.

“You learn a lot,” says Angela, diplomatically, of the trusted position most nannies hold.

“You learn how to treat your husband, how not to treat your husband, what to do with your kids, what not to do with your kids. It’s trial and error for everybody but you learn so much just by being in someone else’s family...I’ve got kids, now, all over the world so to speak...A lot of them are teenagers now and I’ve got them on Facebook...There’s so many positive rewards to come out of it.”

Indeed, Angela, who studied childcare, and has worked as a nanny

properties. One overseas, and

for average families as well as elite

one here in Australia in the city.

sports people, royalty and celebrities,

They were from two different

believes that working overseas as a

jobs...I basically just set a

nanny is one of the best options for

budget for both jobs.

You don’t pay for

young, travel-loving Australians, who

anything. You don’t pay for

might otherwise earn their keep toiling

accommodation, or travel. I

in a cafe or a pub.

had a driver in Asia and I had

“If you’re a nanny you get to live in a beautiful house, you eat lovely food,

a driver in America too. Or you

you go on lovely holidays...it’s hard

have a taxi account. All the food

work but everything in life is hard

is cooked by chefs and all the

work. I think that for a young girl, it’s

housekeepers are buying your

the best way to see the world and also

food, and what have you, and

save money. It can set you up for later in life.”

While Angela has used her earnings to invest wisely for her future, she reveals that working for a celebrity boss doesn’t necessarily mean getting paid a celebrity salary.

they give you a phone and the internet, all that sort of stuff, so it’s a great way to save some cash. It definitely beats working in a pub!”

Not everyone is cut out for looking after other people’s

Payment for working for a ‘civilian’ family is on a par with,

children, however Angela cites flexibility and patience as

for example, working for royalty in an Asian country.

the key qualities for being an effective nanny.

“You generally get paid a weekly rate as a nanny,” she

“You need to be very hard working, as all women do,

explains. “The saving side of it is just incredible. I’ve got two

and all mothers need to be. You need to be flexible, patient,

26 Offspring | autumn 2013 24-28 BABY LOVE.indd 26

24/02/2013 09:51

obviously loving and caring. The upside is that it’s a job, so

you move on but, also, you’re a young person that needs

you can leave at the end of the day, or have the weekend

their own life. So there’s a fine line.

free to yourself, and still have your own life, whereas

So, now I like to go in and go ‘okay, I’m doing this for eighteen months or I’m doing this for two years’. It can’t be

mothers don’t get that break.”

The downside to the job that can offer worldwide travel,

too short either because that’s not fair on the children to go

a luxurious lifestyle, numerous perks and a window into

in and only work for a few months and move on. So to have

the cocooned world of the super wealthy, is leaving the

an outline of how long you’re going to stay for makes it

children you have become

easier...you can see a finish,

so attached to.

because sometimes things

“They’re not your actual children and leaving them would be the hardest part of being a nanny,” Angela says.

“I now put a two year maximum, because I stayed

If you work forMadonna you are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There’s no such thing as a weekend.

with a family in England for about three years and it just

aren’t that great. So... you... set a goal and say, ‘okay I’m going to work this long and I’m going to earn this amount’. ” That focus and determination have seen Angela use her years

is so hard on me and the children. The baby had grown up

of professional experience to develop a burgeoning,

just with me. She didn’t know anything else so it was really

nanny-related, media career, as well as a number of side

difficult for me to leave.

businesses. She has written two books, Baby Love and Baby

There becomes a lot of emotional blackmail with the parents as well, at that point, because you are going to upset their children and you are going to upset their life if

Food, and is just about to start filming a new television show Family 360 (working title) in Singapore.

The show, which Angela describes as having a different

Offspring | autumn 2013 27 24-28 BABY LOVE.indd 27

24/02/2013 09:51

focus to the phenomenally

site, utilising Facebook, are

successful Super Nanny program,

also in the works.

Despite her budding

will see her work with local Singaporean families on any

media and business careers,

problems they may have.

Angela is keeping her hand in with the work she knows

“We go in at the top level, being

best and, this time, she’s

the parents, and work out the issues that are going on there,

staying close to home. She

because they obviously stem

recently turned down a job

through to the kids,” she states.

working for the royal family

“So whether it be nutrition

in the Middle East, for a stint

or fitness, or what have you,

as a nanny for an ordinary

we tackle it as a whole family

family in suburban Noranda,

and not just go in and put a

Perth.

“I’ve been there and done

band aid on and leave. We’ll do eight episodes with one family...and really make it more

that with the celebrities and that kind of lifestyle,” she

educational than drama.”

explains, cheerfully.

Family 360 is a concept she has discussed with

“I’d much prefer to work in the suburbs of Perth...

Australian media personality, Steve Vizard, and Profile

Everything’s just normal. The kids muck in and help you

Talent Management, in the hope the show will be developed

with the dishwasher unstacking. There’s no maids running

in Australia. It’s early days but, so far, the feedback on her

around, and all that sort of stuff that I’d got used to.

idea has been encouraging. Along with her TV show, a project with Google and an interactive Nanny/Babysitting

She pauses for a moment, then laughs. “It’s kind of refreshing to be working back in Australia.”

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24/02/2013 17:08

Real Life

If love could have saved you

BY CLAIRE ARMSTRONG

On Saturday 25 June 2011, Graham Santich kissed his wife and two young children goodbye and left for work. He never returned home. A tragic accident on Perth’s Mitchell Freeway left a family shattered and struggling to find a new sense of normal without him.

T

he Santich family were in a state of bliss with their

had been in an accident and I needed to get somebody to

tenth wedding anniversary celebrations quickly

drive me to Royal Perth Hospital as soon as I could. All I

followed by the birth of their second child Darcy,

could think was that he was not going to make it and had

a much loved brother for three year old Charlotte. Sadly,

horrific images going through my mind of what he might

their time together as a family of four was to be brief. Just

look like when I finally got to him.”

eight weeks.

Michelle, still recovering from the caesarean delivery, vividly remembers the phone call from police telling her Graham had been in a car accident and how her world stopped in an instant.

“I have thought back many times to things that

Her parents rallied to her aid, and soon they were met by uniformed police at the emergency department doors and led to a small conference room.

“It was then that I really knew,” she says. “I knew he was gone and the police confirmed my worst fear.”

Reliving the events, Michelle recalls seeing Graham for

happened that day,” she recalls. “I was at the shops with

the first time after what seemed liked an eternity, on a

the two kids when the police called and told me Graham

hospital bed, in a hospital gown, with not a scratch on him.

30 Offspring | autumn 2013 30-33 GRIEF & LOSS.indd 30

24/02/2013 09:53

“He was perfect,” she says. “His eyes were closed. He looked like he was sleeping. There looked to be nothing wrong with him.

“I am grateful he looked the way he did but it was also very confusing, because what was in front of me didn’t match the images in my head.”

The details surrounding Graham’s death quickly raised more questions than answers.

Police explained their suspicions that Graham had passed out while driving. It was a relatively minor accident, with minimal damage to the car. He became a case for the Coroner. And so began the long wait for answers.

The question of organ donation was raised and consent was given to retrieve his corneas. DonateLife quickly became the liaison between Michelle and the Coroner because, despite the retrieval, a transfer could not be made to a recipient until a

“...the difference will always be that Charlotte will have three years worth of photos with him, while Darcy has very few.”

cause of death was found.

In the weeks after the accident, as

have of Graham and how the organ donation services have offered them ways to make special connections to him, including adding his name to a memorial wall at Lake Monger honouring all Western Australians that have made the ultimate gift and donated their tissues and organs.

“Since Graham passed we have always told Charlotte that her daddy is magic and lives amongst the stars,” she says. “So when DonateLife

Michelle and her family struggled to come to terms with

adopted a star for WA Donors, it gave us a place to send

their loss, DonateLife offered counselling and information

our goodnight wishes. Charlotte is always so eager to see if

packs which included Bunnings vouchers to purchase a

her daddy’s star will be the first one out.”

tree to grow in his memory. Michelle now utilises the free

“For me, putting his name on the wall and having the

counselling service, which also provides some counselling

coordinates to a star gives us more connections to him,

to young Charlotte, and attends support groups.

more than just our memories. The kids will always know

Michelle describes one of the things that plays constantly on her mind is the memories the children will

their daddy was someone special and did something wonderful. It gives us places to go and prompts us to tell

®

Offspring | autumn 2013 31 30-33 GRIEF & LOSS.indd 31

24/02/2013 09:53

stories about him.”

But it is the lack of personal memories the children will have that causes Michelle angst, in particular that Darcy will never have memories of his own and eventually Charlotte’s will fade.

“While family and friends will tell stories and teach Darcy about his dad, the difference will always be that

“As time goes on I know I am going to become more my own person and less the person I was with him.

I don’t want to but I can’t stop it. I hate this new sense of normal.”

Charlotte will have three years worth

many hours as a keen player.

Meanwhile, balloons and rainbows have become symbolic with balloons often released in his memory and rainbows bridging a connection to his unforgettable grin.

“Any chance I can get to keep remembering him, I do it. I want to feel like he is still part of our family and to include him in our lives even if though he isn’t here,” she says.

of photos with him, while Darcy has very few,” she says.

Listening to Michelle describe how she is learning to live with only half a heart without her

“I hope Darcy will develop a strong connection with

soul mate, it is obvious the love and adoration this couple

Graham through our family, our love and our memories. I

shared. Michelle describes Graham as loyal and loved by

know that Charlotte will always feel close to him, she was

many.

his little girl and they thought the world of each other.”

Michelle has tried hard to establish traditions in

“He was one of those people who made friends wherever he went,” she explains. “He always had time

his memory such as taking the kids to the beach and

for his family and was passionate about sport and music

collecting shells on Graham’s birthday, something he

of all genres, and he was exceptionally dedicated to his

loved to do with Charlotte. On his anniversary there is the

landscaping business. But above all he was thrilled to be a

Crackerjack Cup lawn bowls tournament at the Fremantle

dad, uncle and godfather and was always full of life when

Bowls Club, the place of his wake and where he spent

he was with the kids.”

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24/02/2013 09:53

Real Life Michelle recalls how she often had to pull the reins to get him to hurry along putting Charlotte to bed after numerous songs, books and giggling, and how at birthday parties he was termed King of the Kids, usually swamped by a pile of ankle bitters vying for his attention. But for Graham, it was never a chore. He saw it as a privilege and revelled in it.

“As much as I still expect him to walk through the door each night after work and sometimes still pick up my phone to send him a text, I have settled into this new life and it is hard to accept, especially because it is starting to feel normal without him. As time goes on I know I am going to become more my own person and less the person I was with him. I don’t want to but I can’t stop it. I hate this new sense of normal,” she says with a heavy heart.

An answer to his death finally came almost five months after the accident. The Coroners Court ruled that Graham died from choking. Michelle still

But other than perhaps isolating him from vital assistance,

finds it incredibly hard to accept this simple answer.

three independent mechanics ruled the car played no role.

She, like many others, suspected the Used car, which he had owned just two days, had played a part in his passing.

“I have had lots of appointments with police, DonateLife and even the Coroners Court to try deal with my ongoing confusion about how he died,” she says. “I still go over the accident in my head and ask why him, what could I have done differently, worrying he was alone and if he suffered, and my anger that no one stopped to help him. More recently I have struggled with the terminology used to represent his cause of death.”

As horrible as the circumstances, Michelle marvels at the love and beauty she has discovered exists in the world through the seemingly endless lengths of support and

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explains there have been donations to a trust fund for the children, grocery shopping and cooked meals, Graham’s team signing a card and the drummer of one of his favourite bands visiting and having a mini jam session with Charlotte, and everything in between.

“I know people often didn’t know what to say or do but somehow they got the balance right. And clearly the willingness to help me and the kids is a testament to the person Graham was and the influence he left on the world,” she says.

And so the saying goes, and never rings more true

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than here, if love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.

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Offspring | autumn 2013 33 30-33 GRIEF & LOSS.indd 33

24/02/2013 09:53

FUNNY MUMMY with Ari Chávez

KOCHIE, WE HAVE A PROBLEM...

From labour to breastfeeding - Ari looks at the business of making babies amid calls to be “classy”.

O

Anyway, after lugging their babies around in their bellies for months, feeding them healthy non-listeria-type

h, I don’t know. It’s not easy

and common courtesy – you know, that

foods and the correct vitamins, singing

being a mother sometimes. Not

thing that went out with the dark ages?

and talking to them and hanging out

only do you have to get on with

Plus, not to put too fine a point on it,

at pre-natal yoga classes practising

the business end of mothering, basically

he’d like breastfeeding mothers to, “be a

squats, mothers go into labour. This

until you’re pushing up daisies, you

bit classy”.

can turn them into foaming, howling

critiquing you from the sidelines if they

like one, but I’m a little unsure about

don’t like what you’re doing.

the detail. Is Kochie talking Kate

And mothers have a lot of

Middleton classy, or Audrey Hepburn

commentators who don’t like what

classy or, lest-we-forget, Queen

they’re doing. Trust.

Victoria button-up-gels classy? He

Take David Koch, for example, or

Banshees that are, quite frankly,

Uh oh. Is that an order? It sounds

have to put up with commentators

didn’t elaborate. That’s all kinds of

Kochie as he’s better known, from

bothersome, because “classy” can be

Sunrise. Middle-aged chap. Father of

interpreted in so many ways. Kochie,

four. Never breastfed a baby in his life,

old chap, we may have a problem...

Or, maybe not.

as far as I can ascertain. Probably had

See, here’s the thing that Kochie may

a mother who made sure he was fed, though. As they do. Probably enjoys a

not realise. Mothers grow a baby, and

snack every now and then when he’s

it takes a lot of work getting it right.

out and about, at the beach or the

Sometimes mothers grow three or five

movies or the park. Without necessarily

or eight babies at one time. I wouldn’t

draping his head in a blanket, you

contemplate that myself, because I

terrifying. They are almost certainly not

understand. As you do.

might get five of the toddler I currently

classy in the traditional sense, and I say

have. Or eight! Eight versions of my

this from personal Banshee experience

about mothers breastfeeding their

child would be so mind-bogglingly

and with no judgement. That business

babies in public. Something about the

exhausting that I’d have to lie down

cannot be tamed.

need for discretion, what with all that

forever, but more power to mothers of

bare boobage flashing about the place,

multiples. Or as Ali G says, “respek.”

Anyway, old Kochie is all het up

Not all women are Banshees, of course. Some are Earth Mothers, who

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34 Offspring | autumn 2013 34-35 FUNNY MUMMY.indd 34

24/02/2013 09:54

loll around birthing suites breathing

party tricks before he lectures

a lot and listening to calming

mothers about discretion. Just for

music. More power to them, too.

research purposes. He’d discover

I thought I’d be an Earth Mother.

that discretion is not, unfortunately,

Just me and my TENS machine and

a glaringly obvious part of birthing.

my yoga breaths and my squats.

In fact, having 500 people in a room

That was before I understood that a

poking interestedly around your

contraction is like a medieval torture

cervix, while you alternately vomit

device, and started demanding

and howl, can make other things,

morphine NOW, because the

such as breastfeeding your newborn

anaesthetist was too busy dealing

in public, akin to a classical music

with another Banshee howling

concert in the Botanical Gardens. Tra

down the hallway to give me my

la la la la.

In fact, if Kochie ever did manage to birth a ten-pumpkin baby he’d

‘Is Kochie talking Kate Middleton classy, or Audrey Hepburn classy or, lest-weforget, Queen Victoria buttonup-gels classy?’

realise that, before enjoying a little recovery snooze or, heaven forbid, a restorative liquid snack, a midwife wacks said infant on the breast and encourages feeding, often quite sternly and with a great deal of boob tweaking. Most mothers try to breastfeed. Some can, some can’t, some won’t. Whatever. Some continue, some don’t, some won’t.

Whatever. Mothers usually ensure their babies are fed, one way or t’other, and babies usually thrive, one

epidural. It’s called A-G-O-N-Y. I don’t recommend it.

The Banshee Mothers and the

way or t’other.

That’s the thing. The babies are fed - breast or bottle – and

Earth Mothers end up doing the

they thrive. Sometimes they are

same thing, eventually. They push

breastfed in public. They thrive.

said baby, who is usually the size of

Sometimes mothers go to great and

ten large organic pumpkins from

painful lengths to breastfeed their

the local Farmers Market, out of

babies when they have mastitis,

their nether regions. That is a lot of

and they’re exhausted and it’s

pumpkins and it is not to be sneezed

like a never-ending marathon of

at. Alternatively, they hitch a ride on

NOT-FUN-NESS. A simple, “great

a hospital trolley to the operating

job, mum” from the likes of Kochie,

theatre and have said baby cut out

while staring at the sky so as not to

of them, because their ten-pumpkin

feel offended by a patch of breast

baby is simply too large for their

skin, obviously, would not go astray.

nine-pumpkin pelvis. That is not to

Mothers are mothering their babies

be sneezed at either. No sneezing at

the best way they know how, and

birth options, here. None.

that looks pretty classy to me.

It’s probably petty of me, but

Does your pre-schooler love to

And they do know how, of course

I’d quite like Kochie to try either

they do. After all, they spent nine

one of those baby-expulsion-style

months growing the darn things.

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Offspring | autumn 2013 35 34-35 FUNNY MUMMY.indd 35

24/02/2013 09:54

BUSINESS MUM

the magic

touch BY ZOE DELEUIL

Founder of the successful Yummy Mummy Beauty Pregnancy Day Spa, Amy Mitchell, talks about her love of helping women through pregnancy, and the challenges of balancing work and time with her kids.

PHOTOS: HILARY ADAMSON WWW.HILARYADAMSONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM.AU

P

regnancy. A time of joy, glowing health and a blooming

work as a therapist at the age of 19, and particularly enjoyed

figure. Not to mention cankles, backache, heartburn,

working with expectant mothers. “I’d get all warm knowing

piles and, at times, a less than serene temper. It’s a life

that there was a baby in the room, benefiting from the

event that has always fascinated Amy Mitchell, from when she was at high school and guessed there was a pregnant girl in her class, weeks before anyone knew.

“I can pick a pregnant woman a mile away,” Amy says. “It’s

massage, too.”

But it was only while pregnant with her first child that she spotted that elusive gap in the market. “I felt so sick in my first few weeks, and all I wanted was a good massage, but every

something I’ve always been tuned in to. I don’t enjoy being

spa I approached refused to treat me because they didn’t

pregnant myself, but I love helping women through it. You

touch anyone who was less that twelve weeks pregnant.”

never have that time again that you have with your first baby.

It’s such a precious thing.”

Amy studied massage therapy after leaving school,

After the birth of her daughter Macy, now four, in 2009, Amy started talking seriously with her husband, Dan, about establishing a pregnancy spa. Taking a leap of faith, they

completing a business unit as part of her course. “That was

sold their house, and the proceeds – their life savings – went

a real light bulb moment,” she says. “Marketing and business

towards establishing the first Yummy Mummy Pregnancy

development are my thing; I have idea after idea.” She started

Day Spa in Leederville in September 2010.

The day the family moved out of their house Amy realised she was pregnant again, with son Fraser, now two. “I know my brain turns to mush at six months so I worked incredibly hard to establish the spa in the first few months. Luckily, we got busy really quickly.”

36 Offspring | autumn 2013 36-38 YUMMY MUMMY.indd 36

24/02/2013 09:59

BUSINESS MUM

Taking a leap of faith, they sold their house and the proceeds – their life savings – went towards establishing the first Yummy Mummy Pregnancy Day Spa in Leederville in September 2010.

Since then the business has steadily expanded, with the original spa followed by additional spas in Woodvale and Kalgoorlie in 2012. “I only ever planned to have one, but the opportunities have just fallen into my lap. I’m now thinking of a franchise across Australia,” she says.

As with any small business, finding staff is the number one challenge. “There’s a high turnover in this field as girls tend to start young and by the time they’re 22 they’re ready to do something else. I have some mums doing two or three days a week, which is great as they can share their wisdom with clients. I do find, though, that there isn’t much support or incentive for mums with more than one child here to keep working unless they are on a huge salary, because childcare is so expensive here compared to places like New Zealand.

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36-38 YUMMY MUMMY.indd 37

24/02/2013 09:59

BUSINESS MUM

Having said that, all the girls who work for us are gorgeous – you have to be caring and generous to work in this industry.”

Another early challenge was having their work – a range of massages, facials and beauty treatments – covered with suitable insurance. Despite the treatments being checked and approved by local midwives and obstetricians, finding suitable Australian insurance proved impossible, and it was only in London that Amy found an insurer willing to provide cover.

Like many self-employed mothers, Amy has mastered the art of working in short bursts, and switching from work to parenting as required, with a bit of paid childcare thrown in.

“Being my own boss means I’ve been able to find the right work-life balance. It hasn’t always been like this, I’ve had to learn along the way. I once sent out 30,000 flyers

“I’d get all warm knowing that there was a baby in the room, benefiting from the massage, too.”

with the wrong telephone number on them, and that was when I realised I couldn’t do both mum and work at once, so about a year ago we found some part-time childcare for the kids. I generally do a couple of hours

a day and have two full days when the kids are at day care. I have a very short attention span so it happens in spurts, and then the rest of the time I’m just Mummy.’

She’s also highly appreciative of her husband, who provides both practical support and a patient sounding board for her endless business ideas. “He’ll take the kids to the park if I need to get something out fast. And he’s the polar opposite of me, more of a details person. I’ll come up with an idea and he’ll say, ‘So how are you going to do it?’ He’s been an awesome support, I couldn’t do it without him.’

And her number one tip for success? “Prioritise. My To-Do lists are huge, but I have to be content with what I can realistically achieve – I do absolute essentials, and just try and take a couple of steps forward each day so I am constantly moving forward.”

38 Offspring | autumn 2013 36-38 YUMMY MUMMY.indd 38

24/02/2013 09:59

DAD’S WORLD

with Gary Ausbruch

All in vain A return to pre-kids state or a midlife crisis? Gary has a revelation that makes him look deep within.

I

It wasn’t just beauty products that I ripped open with glee, it was anything that arrived at the house or office addressed to me. Which were lots of things. I became on first name terms with the Express Post men, such was the regularity of parcel deliveries. Some of it was due to

t was an innocent mistake. Blinded by my love of

my exercise regime requiring the appropriate apparel and

karaoke, I flippantly forwarded the email about

equipment, and some of it due to a more general internet

Thursday’s work function to The Omnipotent One with

shopping addiction. The fruits of my exercising meant

a note, “FYI I’m going to this xx”, without paying much

I’d dropped a clothing size so couldn’t be expected to

attention to the date. Well, without paying any attention

function without a range of new pants, which of course

whatsoever to the date, because if I had, I would (surely)

meant I needed new shoes to match them. Oh, and some

have realised that Thursday was her birthday. So, depending

belts as well.

on how strict your interpretation is of the incident, you might consider that I forgot my wife’s birthday.

Fortunately, there was still enough time to remedy the

Things were spiralling out of control, and I had a feeling the birthday incident was the last straw. I put on my new cleansing skin masque with antioxidants and took some time to reflect. What was

situation with a visit to a particular shop on King Street. But it got

happening to me? Was I

me thinking, and it wasn’t

reverting back to my natural

just about this incident.

state? Was I having a midlife

What was wrong with me

crisis? Was I turning gay?

What I came up with

lately that I seemed to be so much more into myself?

was that what was

I’d always been slightly vain

happening to me was most probably a combination of

and had superficial tendencies, but recently even I would have to admit I’d taken it to another level.

I considered my exercise regime.

Previously I’d been content with a couple of light jogs a week “to

these things. Except the gay one. But I also pinpointed the root cause of why it was happening. You see, my kids are now five and three, and for the first time in five years, I have some spare time on my hands. Not a lot, but a bit, and I feel like I have some of my old life back - when

keep the kilos down”. Now, I was

I bought what I wanted, went to the gym most

showing anyone who showed

days and got my chest waxed. The problem is that

the slightest interest, and even those who

I caught a sniff of that life and started gulping it in and in

didn’t, my extensive Runkeeper stats. And there’s no doubt

doing so over-indulged.

I’d have paid more attention if the karaoke invite had been

As I washed off the masque and started toning and

for a Tuesday, because Tuesday night is Pilates and I couldn’t

moisturising, I looked in the mirror and liked what I saw.

miss that, what would happen to my core strength?

Not only because of the expensive skin products and my

Then there were my preening routines. The Omnipotent

chest looks okay with a bit of fur, but it felt good to have

One’s tweezers now lived in my bathroom cupboard and

done some self-reflection of the inner variety, and I made

their daily tasks were monobrow plucking and earlobe hair

a commitment to myself to try and be less into myself and

reconnaissance. Visits to the hairdresser had increased in

live with more balance.

frequency and I was ordering three tubs of hair product

But as I went downstairs, bursting to impress The

at once, claiming this was to make more effective use of

Omnipotent One with my revelations, I got a text from a

the flat shipping rate. In reality, I’d actually started buying

mate asking if I wanted tickets for the cricket on Saturday

three different types of product so I could adapt my level

night (Yep!)... and instead, I told her that’s where I was going.

of hold and shine to different moods, occasions and weather conditions.

“That’s great Babe,” she said. “I’ll just find someone else to go out with on our wedding anniversary…”

Offspring | autumn 2013 39 39 DADS WORLD.indd 39

24/02/2013 10:03

Diary

Real Life

of a Caesar

Perth mum, Shannon Meyerkort, shares what it’s like to give birth by caesarean section.

8.00am: Despite already having breakfast, I decide to eat again. I am supposed to fast for six hours before my 3pm Caesar. Asking a pregnant woman to abstain from food for this long is rather cruel. I was told to have something ‘light’ – apparently the Anaesthetists don’t like it when their Caesar patients eat Whoppers just before surgery.

11.00pm: I am restless, bored and hungry. I also miss my two other girls, Alexis (5) and Emilie (2) who are with their grandparents. I envy women who go into natural

pile of hair that I frantically try to clean away before my

labour: they have the element of surprise. I have known

husband returns.

since Week 24 the exact time and date of my baby’s birth,

3.00pm: After being delayed (emergency twins), I am

but these last few hours are the most excruciating.

wheeled out of pre-op and into theatre. I sit on the cold

1.00pm: At the hospital we are shown to a room. My

metal table, and am acutely aware of my bottom being

husband flicks on the TV and I lie on the bed, pretending

exposed to everyone. The Anaesthetist talks me through

I am not nervous. A nurse asks if I have been shaved. My

each step so there are no nasty surprises. She asks me to

husband discreetly leaves the room. I remove my knickers

bend forward, an impossible task with a belly as large as

and pull up the sheet while the nurse fusses around with

mine. And then the numbness starts in my toes, not near

an electric shaver.

A screen is erected across my chest, so we can’t see the blood and gore of the surgery.

I had considered going for a bikini wax but was told attempting a wax at 38 weeks was a ‘very bad idea’...

Something about extra blood flow to the area and looking like I attempted it myself with a lawn-mower.

I stare at the ceiling and politely respond to her cheerful questions. She leaves me with a wet towel and a

my bottom as you’d expect. My legs feel heavy and I begin to topple onto the floor, but am caught by a nurse who lifts my legs onto the table. I feel exposed and try to adjust my gown but there is little point.

us blue 2.15pm: I am given an enormo requires gown that gapes at the back and to tie. My three people to figure out how blue scrubs husband is given a pair of dark a showerto wear over his clothes and a photo of cap to cover his hair. I snap alongside my him. Camera in hand, he walks . bed as I am pushed to pre-op

A screen is erected across my chest, so we can’t see the blood and gore of the surgery. My husband sits near my head: his primary job now is to hold my hand. Watching the reflection in the overhead lights I realise they have opened my legs and are inserting a catheter. I feel embarrassed and hope my husband isn’t watching. There are eleven people in the room: my husband and myself, five doctors - my obstetrician, the anaesthetist, their

40 Offspring | autumn 2013 40-43 CAESAR DIARY.indd 40

24/02/2013 10:04

any pain, I will experience strong pulling and pressure. I just nod, I want to get started. A nurse asks if we want her to take pictures with our camera, and my husband hands it over. It’s not until a few days later I realise how graphic the pictures are.

3.40pm: When they make the incision, they also break my waters. I don’t actually notice the warm water gush over my legs. A good reason for everyone to wear rubber shoes I suppose. I feel intense pressure as they reach in to grab the baby. It’s very uncomfortable. I don’t realise I am holding my breath until I hear a cry, and suddenly the curtain is being lowered and the doctor is lifting my baby girl so I can see her.

My new daughter is brought to me for

assistants and a paediatrician – and four nurses. Everyone is in a fine mood, chatting and relaxed. I just want it to be over.

And I wish I was wearing knickers.

My obstetrician comes around to our side of the curtain and tells me what will happen. It will take five minutes to remove the baby and another 25 minutes to sew up afterwards. Although the epidural means I will not feel

My husband is asked to cut the cord, but really he is just trimming it. I find it difficult not to cry; I am so happy, yet desperate to hold my child. Th e baby is wiped and has another set of observations before being wrapped and handed to me for my first cuddle. She is trying to open her eyes.

The nurse keeps snapping pic tures of us.

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Offspring | autumn 2013 41 40-43 CAESAR DIARY.indd 41

24/02/2013 10:04

Real Life

a quick kiss and then taken by the paediatrician to be

will stay in place until I am up and walking. In Recovery, my

checked and weighed. She weighs 3.2kg and is 48cm long

husband stares at the little bundle in his arms and I snap

but we haven’t decided on a name yet. The obstetrician

photos of them. The midwife then asks if I am ready to

is reaching inside me and removing the placenta before

attempt a breastfeed. I can’t stop looking at her little face.

beginning the tedious task of sewing up seven different

[Later] The first night is exhausting, despite the baby

layers of muscle, skin and fat.

sleeping for most of it. I am unable to move my legs.

4.15pm: The curtain comes down and the doctor tells me

A nurse offers me a sponge bath. Again, my husband

he is finished. I am now wearing compression stockings to

discreetly leaves the room. I may have no dignity left, but at

reduce the chance of blood clots. The catheter and epidural

least I am no longer covered in blood and goo.

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42 Offspring | autumn 2013 40-43 CAESAR DIARY.indd 42

24/02/2013 10:04

I find it difficult not to cry; I am so happy, yet desperate to hold my child.

Photo of Shannon’s daughters by www.dilkarraphotography.com .au

It is frustrating being stuck in bed. On the plus side, I don’t have to change the first meconium nappy, which – judging by the look on my husband’s face – was pretty horrific. Baby still doesn’t have a name.

A nurse asks if I have ‘passed flatus’. It takes me a while to realise she’s asking if I have farted. They need to check that the bowel has not been damaged by surgery. It’s the first and last time you are happy to fart in public. I have sandwiches for dinner, and then I eat my husband’s.

[The next morning] The epidural has worn off overnight and I attempt a shower. Slowly. I’m on an assortment of pain relief but I feel sluggish and very sore. I quickly get used to pulling down my knickers for complete strangers: the Caesar scar is constantly checked. It’s very

If you’d like to read more from Shannon Meyerkort you can follow her blog Relentless at www.frommumtome.blogspot.c om

small considering how large the baby was, maybe only 10cm.

I am determined that we name our baby before she meets

long as I am careful I am able to do pretty much everything.

her older sisters. We decide on Mia-Rose Kelley, a mix of

It will be a couple of weeks until I am strong enough to drive,

family names.

but I have no desire to be anywhere other than with my three

[A few days later] I am released from hospital on nothing

little girls. Our family is now complete.

stronger than paracetamol and anti-inflammatories. As

Let the fun begin

Offspring | autumn 2013 43 40-43 CAESAR DIARY.indd 43

24/02/2013 10:05

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44 Offspring | autumn 2013

OS Autumn 13 Internet Picks.indd 44

24/02/13 7:54 AM

INTERNET PICKS

www.thebabyemporium.com.au

The Baby Emporium offers a great range of modern and innovative baby and children’s products. Whether you’re looking for something for the bub or tot in your life, we have a huge selection of great products to choose from.

We are a Perth based online store and the proud stockist of: • Babychic • Bibska Bibs • Little Num Nums • MummaBubba Jewellery • On the Gro • And many more Like us on facebook to keep up to date with new products and promotions.

For 15% off your purchase, simply enter the code OFFSPRING at the checkout

www.skiptomylou.com.au

Skip to my Lou is a Perthbased online boutique stocking some of the coolest clothing, accessories and giftware from Australia and around the world for babies and children aged 0-7. Brands include Mini Rodini, Sudo, New Generals, Moi, Paper Wings, ESP No.1, Alex & Ant, Dandelion, Sudo, Mini & Maximus and Little Titians just to name a few! contact@skiptomylou.com.au

15% off store wide with the code offspring

www.perthtoyandpartyhire.com.au

Perth Toy Hire offers an exciting range of different and imaginative toys, rockers, slides and ball pits. Their range includes a rare selection of toys that are just perfect for the crawling and newly walking age groups, right up to the older busy and more imaginative 5 year olds. The toys are all easily set up indoors or out, meaning you can plan your event at any time of the year. With the different options available, including self pick up and set up, or delivery to selected Perth Suburbs, packages can be organised to suit your budget.

To view Perth Toy Hire’s full range of toys and hire equipment please visit them at www.perthtoyandpartyhire.com.au

www.asterandruby.com.au

Tucked away in Dolphin Quay, Mandurah, you’ll find a little boutique called Aster & Ruby.

Filled with gorgeous handmade and Australian designed products for babies, women and children, this is a shop not to be missed. In store you’ll find clothing, gifts, toys, nursery, maternity, shoes, accessories and so much more!

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Cath Kidston cowboy or dinosaur pillowcase RRP $29.95 www.cornerstore.net.au

Be in wallpaper heaven by visiting Wallcandy, Highgate www.wallcandywallpaper.com. au Isobelle Duck Egg $79 per roll (left). All rolls are 10 m x 52cm.

Vintage

Edge

Lakeland timeless vintage bedding.

Many designs & sizes available. www.ballandskittle.com.au

By JANE MILLINGTON www.happygoluckykids.com.au

Blue or pink children’s school desk & chair. $195. Supplied by Corner Store, Claremont, www.cornerstore.net.au

There’s nothing more stylish than a contemporary SPACE with a touch of vintage. Give your child’s room an Edge this autumn with a few nostalgic pieces.

Handmade Mexican tin mirrors. Arch mirror RRP $59.95 Square mirror RRP $39.95 www.cornerstore.net.au

Handmade crocheted garlands by Melbournebased designer Crayon Chick. RRP $40.00 www.mrsparrow.com.au

Penny Scallan apple range supplied by Ball & Skittle, Mt Hawthorn, www.ballandskittle. com.au Bedside lamp RRP $70.00 Storage box RRP $40.00

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Splash Cushion Cover designed and made in Sweden. RRP $67.00 www.mrsparrow.com.au

A classical and timeless single or king sized bed. Expertly crafted of sturdy and strong iron with simple curves. Available in solid white, dark brown, yellow, pale pink or spearmint. RRP $549.00 + Shipping from Incy Interiors, www.incyinteriors.com.au

Authentic Acapulco chair made in Mexico. Many colours and available in two styles. RRP $530.00 supplied Mr Sparrow, Subiaco, www.mrsparrow.com.au

Harry’s Garden $249 per roll. www.wallcandywallpaper.com.au

14

Handmade Rainbow Blanket (Limited Edition). RRP $79.95 www.littleposh.com.au

RockyourBaby’s new RockyourCrib Cushions.

RRP $44.95 with filling.

Little Posh, Mount Hawthorn, www.littleposh.com.au

FANTASTIC

SALE Brands include: · Milk Baby · Cheeki · Vizzy Kidz · Snug as a Bug · and much more...

DON’T MISS OUT LIMITED STOCK ONLY VISIT YOUR LOCAL ONLINE BUSINESS

www.bellybabyandbeyond.com.au or contact us at sales@bellybabyandbeyond.com.au or 0402 660 242

Below Wholesale Prices!

Mechanical vintage rocking horse by Mapplewood.

The horse neighs and gallops at the press of an ear! Available at Sosi, Maylands for $124.95.

•Babies •Children’s •Women’s

Aster &Ruby Shop 16/17 Dolphin Quay Mandurah Ocean Marina M: 0434 142 838 W: asterandruby.com.au

•Clothing •Accessories •Gifts •Nursery •Maternity Offspring | autumn 2013 47

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y b a B steps Podiatrist and owner of Magic Shoebox in Maylands, Kath Lloyd, answers some common questions parents have when choosing their child’s first shoes.

Q A

Does my “cruising” child need shoes?

Cruising is the stage where children begin to stand up and use the furniture, or their parent’s hands, to

walk. The function of the foot is to read the ground and

be light and flexible, which is necessary as they begin to

keep the body upright. This is best done barefoot when it

negotiate a range of surfaces. The collar of the shoe should

is safe to do so. Your child will gain confidence much faster

be soft and hug the ankle. The shoe should also be firmly

with direct contact with the ground. It will improve balance

affixed to the foot. Shoes with closed-in toes and a toe cap

and coordination. Shoes with a structured sole should not

are a great option as there is still a tendency to return to a

be considered until your child has been walking confidently

crawl. A closed toe will also protect toes from bumps, scrapes

for six to eight weeks. Socks or shoes with very soft suede

and foreign objects like twigs.

soles can be worn in the interim for fashion, warmth or mild

It is vital that shoes fit correctly. Please refer to a

protection.

professional fitter as they can ensure an accurate fit and

Q A

recommend the best shoe style to suit the foot. Be prepared What do I look for in a first shoe?

that until the age of five shoes will need to be replaced often.

Once your child is a confident walker they will require

If cost is an issue you are better off buying quality shoes but

their first pair of shoes. These first shoes need to

fewer of them. One pair of shoes for your new walker is fine.

www.paperposy.com.au

Birth Announcement Cards * Party Invitations Christening Invitations * Party Accessories

202 Nicholson Rd, Subiaco Ph: 08 9380 4799 www.cakebdc.com.au

48 Offspring | autumn 2013 48-49 BABY'S FIRST.indd 48

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Q A

To check your child’s shoes for length always ensure

A

they are standing and bearing their full weight across

the upper and not necessarily reflective of a wider sole. There

How do I know when my child needs new shoes?

Yes. Only a limited number of brands offer a width fit option. However, a width fit is often only an increase in

both feet evenly. Feet can lengthen and broaden significantly

are many brands that accommodate different foot widths and

whilst standing. Press the toe and there should be a gap

a professional fitter will be able to advise you.

between the end of the longest toe (not always the first toe) and the end of the shoe. You need to check regularly as children cannot determine whether their shoes are too short or tight. If your child is going up in clothes sizes they will be going up in shoe sizes too. Children’s footwear

Q

Is it worth buying good shoes when children grow so fast?

A

Absolutely! Shoes that fit perfectly will be worn as they feel good. They will also last longer as

an incorrect fit will cause shoes to distort faster.

Incorrect sizing can also cause issues with

stores are happy to check the sizing of your child’s shoes if you are unsure.

tripping if they are too long and they can cause

Q A

soft tissue damage if they are too small.

What are the best brands?

The better the construction of the shoe, the less the likelihood of children wearing out their

Brand is not the most important consideration - fit is! Different brands

shoes before they have grown out of them. We tend to invest

will suit different feet. It’s always best to find shoes that suit

heavily in our children’s eyes and their teeth. Feet deserve the

the purpose for which they are needed and try a range of

same consideration....you only get one pair and they will travel

brands. There is now an excellent range of shoes available for

about 128 000 km in a lifetime. Shoes that keep growing feet

children, so try a few brands.

healthy are vital.

Q

For help with finding suitable shoes for your little ones Is width fit important?

please visit Magic Shoebox, 70 Eighth Ave, Maylands.

Looking for great toys or gifts?

• • • •

makes it easy with: quality toys and gifts Free gift and great gift wrapping free delivery fast delivery (Perth based) within Perth Code: OFFSPRING easy returns

Ends 30 June 2013

Offspring | autumn 2013 49 48-49 BABY'S FIRST.indd 49

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SPECIAL FEATURE

! y s u Get b

BY ZOE DELUEI

L

ging kids is A surefire way of enga ve a go at encouraging them to ha if they love it, something new – and ded up a wide even better. We’ve roun d other activities range of sports, arts an children from that will entertain your toddlerhood onwards.

T

here are so many options for extra-curricular activities, it can be hard to know where to start.

Remember that there’s no pressure to be the best at everything; the ultimate aim is for kids to enjoy themselves by doing something they love, whether that be jazz dancing or running around a soccer pitch.

Sports for bo ys, arts for girls?

u the Australian Burea Research last year by rticipate pa s boy re mo t tha of Statistics shows s with 66 percent of boy in sports than girls: rt spo d ise one organ involved in at least the cent of girls. And for per 54 h wit red pa com per (47 true: Nearly half arts, the reverse was e ipated in at least on rtic pa ls cent) of all gir 24 per h wit red pa ivity, com organised cultural act ivity act al tur cul lar pu po st cent of males. The mo er art qu a ng with almost among girls was danci s wa it s boy for ting, whilst (27 per cent) participa (16 six in e on h wit nt trume playing a musical ins g. tin ipa rtic pa t) cen per

SPORTS “We know that kids who are more active do better at school, and being part of a sport or recreation club is good for their physical and mental health. Clubs are great places to meet friends, build a support network and offer an excellent environment to meet great role models,” says KidSport project leader Paul Goodley, Department of Sport and Recreation.

Parents play a key role in getting kids into sport. From kicking a ball with your toddler to driving older kids to netball training, every effort made now will pay off, helping to prevent modern-day diseases such as obesity and diabetes. For more information on family sports programs contact Funky Monkey Sports www.funkymonkeysports.com.au or Jungle Sports

50 Offspring | autumn 2013 50-55 KIDS ACTIVITIES.indd 50

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SPECIAL FEATURE for strengthening discipline and self-belief, as well as providing an aerobic workout. Children can begin playing with a racket and ball as toddlers, while classes begin at age five. Tennis Australia has an MLC Tennis Hot Shots Programme for children aged 5-12, visit www.tennisaustralia.com.au for details. www.junglesports.com.au

Swimming and Diving

But participation in sport is about so much more than just good health. Research proves that sport can improve

Swimming and diving promote relaxation and good sleep

attentiveness, self-discipline, the ability to work well in a

(and a chance to cool off) as well as all-over toning and

team and confidence, as well as providing valuable social

improved cardio fitness. Swimming is a low-impact sport

interaction.

so great for the injury prone, and anyone growing up in

Here are some ideas for sports for your kids to try:

Australia will benefit from being able to swim well in our sometimes treacherous oceans. As well as dedicated swim

Soccer

schools and classes provided public swimming pools, the

The most popular choice for boys in Australia, soccer classes

VacSwim programme is open to all school-age children in

for toddlers start at just 18 months. Like all competitive team

the holidays.

sports, soccer increases confidence and agility, as well as introducing children to a structured activity and the

Surf lifesaving

responsibility of being part of a team. For more information

If your kids love a trip to the beach, they might also be

visit Little Kickers www.littlekickers.com.au or

suited to a surf lifesaving programme. All surf lifesaving

Jungle Sports www.junglesports.com.au

Football Aussie Rules is also worth considering for both girls and boys – the NAB AFL Auskick programme is designed to introduce children aged 5-12 to this most Australian of sports, with modified rules including nocontact to ensure a safe, fun experience for all. Find your local club at www.wafootball.com.au

Netball Second only to swimming and diving when it comes to participation for girls, netball is a highly competitive sport and those who enjoy the intensity of the game will often continue into adulthood. Like soccer, netball is great for improving agility, burning off excess energy and team-building. To find a programme, visit www.netballwa.com.au

Tennis Anyone who has ever watched a professional tennis match will know how good this sport is

Ideas for extrac activities througurricular h the ages: Up to age 2: Le t your toddler

be active, play Baby swimmin with them. Show g lessons are fu praise. n if your child en indoor gym cla joys them, while sses are a great wa y to escape the heat Gymbaroo is a in summer. great movemen t and music prog development (w ram for childre ww.gymbaroo.c n’s om.au). Look fo and indoor softr toddler playgr play areas with ou nds a to ddler area. Baby massage classes signing and baby are a good way to co m municate with one-on-one tim and spend e with your baby , as well as prov for parents in th iding a social ou e early months. tlet The local library resource with Ba is also a fantas

by Rhyme Time, tic St orytelling and Ac planned for youn tivity sessions g children.

Age 3-5: Childre n are really lea rning to use th running, jumpi eir bodies now, ng and sliding.

An ything with an good. Swimmin obstacle course g lessons should is be started or co a good time to nt inued. Now is als look into short o football classes sessions, age ap , early dance an propriate early d m us ic lea rning courses if would benefit, you feel your ch library reading ild sessions‌. the also a good tim list is endless. Th e to begin mus is is ic tra in in g as reading skill in a particular s will have deve instrument, loped to allow for reading mus ic.

Offspring | autumn 2013 51 50-55 KIDS ACTIVITIES.indd 51

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SPECIAL FEATURE

clubs offer a Nippers program that introduces children

from the ages of 5 to 10. This programme introduces the

aged 5-13 to surf lifesaving – a great way to make friends

basic skills of the game, using soft balls, in a 6 to 12 week

and learn about beach safety. Visit www.sls.com.au to find

programme, and is great for developing ball skills, teamwork

out more.

and making friends. There is even a Boy’s Free Zone for girls who are interested in the sport. Visit www.cricket.com.au for

Yoga

more information.

This ancient discipline has now found its way firmly into the mainstream, and even onto school curriculums. Classes

Rugby

offered in Perth include holiday and afterschool sessions,

Although a high-contact sport, modified rugby classes are

which parents are often welcome to join. Yoga is non-

available for children aged 3-7 in a safe, fun environment,

competitive but gently strenuous, and usually includes a

before they join a local club. Like football and soccer, rugby is

meditative relaxation session at the end – a useful skill for

great for building team spirit and getting a good workout on

your child to learn if he or she is prone to anxiety.

the field. Visit www.rugbywa.com.au or www.junglesports. com.au to find suitable classes.

Martial arts Martial arts are non-competitive, and fantastic for improving

Gymastics

concentration and discipline, as well as teaching valuable

With everything from trampolining to trapeze work on offer,

self-defence techniques. Children’s classes in kung fu, karate,

gymnastics is great for improving balance and coordination

tai kwan do and more are available, and many venues offer

and strengthening muscles, and has the benefit of being

trial sessions.

an indoor sport so suitable year-round. It may also include

Cricket

elements of dance and music, so great for the more

MILO in2 Cricket is a well-priced entry-level programme

artistically minded child. Visit www.gymnasticswa.asn.au to

run by Cricket Australia in the summer, offered to children

find out more.

Montessori Education for 3–12 year olds Herdsman Lake

Open Day

Shop 3, 16 Dolphin Drive Mandurah Ocean Marina Ph: 08 9582 8522 Open Mon to Sat 9am to 4.30pm Sun 10am to 4pm

Registration is essential.

9.30–11am, Wednesday 13 March 2013

Call (08) 9444 6025 or visit www.chrysalis.wa.edu.au

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THE ARTS “The importance of arts-based activities for children at every stage of their development can never be underestimated. From infancy onwards, exposure to colour, sound and movement helps produce imaginative and creative young adults.” Allanah Lucas, Director General, Department of Culture and the Arts Early involvement in the arts is a great way to foster your child’s creativity and confidence.

Whether your child loves drama for self-expression, dance classes to burn some energy or music classes to explore rhythm and songs, a growing body of research indicates that participation in the arts improves communication, and encourages original thinking, cooperation and problem solving. It’s about trying new things and finding new ways of looking at the world and, most importantly from your child’s perspective, it’s great fun.

Early Orthodontic Treatment Can give your child beautiful straight teeth with less invasive procedures

no extractions of adult teeth are needed · Often as we develop the jaw to fit the teeth children avoid braces altogether, whilst · Many other children spend a reduced time wearing them surgery is often avoided by starting treatment · Jaw at a young age Our patients travel from all over Western Australia and interstate seeking non extraction and early treatment.

As featured on A Current Affair Assessment for suitability required.

Not all children will be candidates.

www.nobraces.com.au

9342 0066

1 Wingham Street, Marangaroo

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Dance Classes range from traditional ballet to hip hop, jazz, contemporary, tap, cheerleading and simple music and movement for younger children. A great alternative for kids who aren’t keen on swimming or contact sports, dance will also help your little one to appreciate a wide variety of music.

Kids can start from two years

National University “A recent Australian t exercise, rather study has found tha to preventing than diet, is the key is study of more childhood obesity. Th ool children over sch ry than 700 prima t lean kids were four years found tha This suggests doing more exercise. rtant, we should po that while diet is im reasing physical inc on s focus our effort sity.” activity to prevent obe 012-11-22/ s/2 ew u/n t.a ne bc. www.a nt-inrta po exercise-not-diet-im ty/4387216 esi -ob od ho reducing-child

old and move into more formal

Drama Not just for aspiring film stars, drama allows children to express their emotions through acting in a supportive environment. Through learning about storytelling, role play and movement, children with improve their public speaking skills, coordination and hopefully make some new friends, too.

training as they get older. Popular

Helen O’Grady Drama

dance classes in Perth include Kindy Dance Time www.

Academy (www.helenogrady.com.au) offers classes

kindydancetime.com.au, Graduate College of Dance

in dramatic play, storytelling and songs to children as

www.tgcd.com.au, Michelle Babicci School of Dance

young as three at several locations around Perth, while

www.michellebabiccischoolofdance.com.au and Jodie

the West Australian Youth Theatre Company (www.

Marshall Dance Company www.jmdc.com.au

waytco.wordpress.com) offers Sunday Theatre courses for

Circus skills

teenagers to develop their theatre skills.

Circus skills classes will improve confidence and

Singing and music

coordination and expose children to a new experience.

Whether playing an instrument or joining a choir,

With an emphasis on fun rather than competition,

introducing your child to music is a gift for life. Singing

circus classes are great for kids who don’t relish more

is related to language and communication, and children

competitive sports, and can start from the age of three.

generally love it from a young age, as shown by the

The Circus School of WA in Fremantle offers classes

enduring appeal of nursery rhymes set to music. There

for toddlers all the way up to children looking for more

are a great range of music classes in Perth for young

professional training www.circuswa.com. “Apart from

children and babies, including Early Learning Through

the fact that it’s awesome, circus training is a fun, non-

Music (ELM) www.earlychildhoodmusic.com.au, Rock

threatening activity that allows our students to stay

n Toddle www.rockntoddle.com.au, Yamaha Music

active,” says David Bowyer of the Circus School.

www.yamahamusicschool.com.au and Jo Jingles www. jojinglesperth.com.au. jojinglesperth.com.au Singing classes can also assist with speech development and the construction of sentences, as

Ideas for extrac activities througurricular h the ages: Ages 6-8: You’ll have a

better idea now of what your ch really enjoys in ild a sport: encour age participatio sport to see wh n in organised at your child en joy s most or is mos classes in gymna t adept at: stics, martial ar ts, football, socc tennis lessons… er, netball, the list in endles s! Ask about tri Also look into af al sessions. ter-school artsbased activities dance, ballet, m such as usic and theatre arts or circus sk ills.

Age 9-12: Child ren should now be participating of sports – not in a variety just one. Talk to them about their and help them interests choose the ones they like best.

54 Offspring | autumn 2013 50-55 KIDS ACTIVITIES.indd 54

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well as improving tone, beat and rhythm, and solo classes are good for boosting confidence and relieving stress.

If you’re thinking of formal music classes, piano and violin are popular choices, or you could also consider a local choir group, which doubles as a good way for kids to make new friends. The Junior Music School is another popular choice; email www.junior-music@ uwa.edu.au to find out more. “We’ve got highly qualified musicians teaching the classes, from toddlers upwards, and there’s a lovely atmosphere in the classes, and a concert at the end of the year,” says Laura Connell from the UWA School of Music.

learn about the animals, help with their care and visit areas usually restricted to the public. Visit www.perthzoo.

LEARNING

wa.gov.au/learn/wildlife-programs-for-everyone for a list

Wildlife

Language classes

The Perth Zoo offers a range of wildlife learning

Studies suggest that bilingual people have better lateral

programmes for toddlers and upwards, including the

thinking, and the benefits of learning another language

popular and free Night Stalk, as well as opportunities to

for children are multiple: an improved appreciation of

of programmes on offer.

their native language, better job opportunities later in life, and a greater awareness of other cultures. Popular classes

Cockburn Family Day Care

Home-based Work Opportunities Available ARE YOU: Interested in establishing a profitable ‘home-based’ childcare business (support provided)?

Experienced in the care of young children?

Understanding of individual children’s needs and child development?

RECRUITING NOW! We need YOU! PHONE NOW for further information on T: 9411 3312

include Indonesian, Mandarin, French, German, Spanish and Japanese.

Cooking With interest in food exploding in recent years, it’s no surprise that cooking classes for kids are now available at workshops and restaurants around the city. They’re a great way to learn more about healthy eating as well as creating something delicious to take home. One-off classes also make a welcome gift for keen junior cooks, and if they enjoy them you could enrol them in a longer course.

Specialising in location and outdoor shoots, including newborn, children and family portraits.

Photoshoot and 10 full size images on a disk start at $250.

Quality Support for Educators Quality Care for Children Supported by the City of Cockburn

For more information visit amberscobie.com.au, or to make a booking amberjane@iinet.net.au or 0457 999 174

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SPECIAL FEATURE

ELM promotes lifelong love of music Early Learning through Music (ELM) provides a musical learning environment for toddlers to children aged around seven, in partnership with their parents or caregivers. The aim of the program is to encourage the musical growth of each child in an enjoyable and enriching environment, promoting a lifelong love of music.

Through a variety of fun activities such as singing, movement, playing, listening and games, presented in a fun-filled musical environment, children develop rhythmic and melodic skills, understanding of musical concepts and basic notation, and general musicality and imagination. This provides the foundation for future music-making and is the ideal preparation for those children who wish to move into instrumental lessons.

www.littlewoodentoybox.com.au

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Kindy Dance Time demand explodes throughout Australia!

Kindy Dance Time has firmly established itself as Australia’s favourite dance program for toddlers and preschoolers offering classes in Perth, Melbourne and now Sydney.

With the primary aim of encouraging the joys of dance in toddlers and pre-schoolers, with no stress, and highly experienced and passionate teachers, Kindy Dance Time provides an expertly crafted syllabus with age specific themed lessons for 2 to 5 year olds.

It’s all about creativity, fantasy and, of course, FUN! Kindy Dance Time has 20 locations throughout Perth. Class places are strictly limited and fill fast, so book early.

For further information or to secure your child’s place call 1300 922 892 or visit www.kindydancetime. com.au

es is le ch ab an il Fr ava

For NOR call Michelle

SPECIAL FEATURE

Fun with Little Kickers Little Kickers soccer classes are held throughout the Perth area for children aged 18 months to 7 years.

Their classes are run in a dynamic and fun group environment, enabling children to learn concepts such as listening to instructions, sharing and taking turns, as well as kicking a ball.

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

Franchises now available as well.

For more information on classes or franchises please email mlacey@ littlekickers.com.au

Come and join the fun!

Kindy Dance Time is Australia’s leading Dance programme for 2 to 5 year old girls and boys.

Enrol Online e Now! w!!

Offering quality age-specific classes, delivered by highly trained teachers, thousands of toddlers and preschoolerss nationwide attending Kindy Dance Time me e are gaining the finest introduction into the world of Dance.

Kindy Dance Time is all about creativity, fantasy and of course FUN! N!!

Locations throughout the Metro area. To find your nearest branch and to BOOK ONLINE visit www.kindydancetime.com.au

For SOR call Diane

0466 606 890 0438 884 702

Fun Creative Dance

perth@littlekickers.com.au dcousins@littlekickers.com.au

Call 9299 6611

for Toddlers and Preschoolers

www.kindydancetime.com.au Offspring | autumn 2013 57 56-57 KIDS ADVERTORIALS.indd 57

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Fun for all at Gymbaroo Dance in a fun and relaxed environment Michelle Babicci School of Dance have been successfully serving our community since 1990. Their focus is on developing a variety of dance skills in a caring and non-competitive atmosphere to enable each student to discover their own creativity.

Classes are currently held at The Uniting Church Hall, 35 Pangbourne Street in Wembley for Beginners to Advanced stages (3 yo to adults) and classes for intellectually disabled primary school students and teenagers.

Contact Michelle on 9243 6946 or www. michellebabiccischoolofdance.com.au

It’s not just fun, it’s the head start that your child deserves. GymbaROO is Australia’s leading parent and child education program.

Modern life, with all of its unarguable benefits, bypasses many natural developmental triggers from birth that allow optimal development. GymbaROO helps parents understand the hows and whys and enables parents to implement fundamental steps into their children’s daily development, in a fun way.

The GymbaROO program specialises in programs from six week old babies to school readiness for five year olds. GymbaROO programs are lead and supported by vocational and early childhood professionals and their patrons include recognised world leading authorities in early childhood development.

For more information about a GymbaROO centre near you visit: www.gymbaroo.com.au

Fun and Learning too!

“An innovative Australian Program” American acadamy of Pediatrics

Gymbaroo centres Booragoon: Debbie 9330 3836 Balcatta: Pauline 9240 4220 Joondalup: Fiona 9301 4282 Nedlands: Brenda 0451 656 636 Dianella: Angela/Natalie 9275 9299 Canning Vale: Debbie 6254 2254 • • • • • •

Structured program supported by current research.

Movement, music and specially designed equipment.

Encourage critical skills for early learning and literacy.

Professionally qualified instructors/educators.

Parent information and home activities.

30,000 children & parents attend this program every week.

BabyROO (from 6 weeks) Toddlers (1-3 yrs) Preschoolers (3-4 yrs) School readiness (4-5 yrs)

Michelle Babicci School of Dance Fun and caring classes

Creative & non competitive fun for 3yrs old to adults.

Beginners to advanced. Also classes for intellectually disabled • Jazz / hip hop • Classical ballet • Contemporary

www.gymbaroo.com.au Accepted as sole major sponsor AAMCFHN (Maternal Child and Family Health Nurses) National Conference 2005/7/9/11

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

Program approved by Institute Neuro-Physiological Psychology – UK

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Fun kindy drama classes!

Educational gigs rock the future generation The Rock ‘n’ Toddle’s “gigs for kids” phenomenon is spreading fast and furiously across the Perth Metro area.

With a reputation as one of the only pre-schooler activities which has broad appeal and is both educational and entertaining, the program also boasts recent alignment with the Early Years Training Framework, a national priority which, as of this year, requires compulsory compliance from all Australian childcare centres.

The Rock ‘n’ Toddle program is presented in a live gig format introducing music, singing, dancing, movement, literacy and drama using pop music, professional performers, props, puppets and stardust. Enrol today for amazing Offspring Savings! See website for a venue near you www.rockntoddle.com.au.

Children love drama and parents love the results! Fun and exciting drama classes are held weekly by the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in many areas around Perth.

The Academy’s enthusiastic, qualified teachers make sure each child has a great lesson, including speech training, lots of dramatic play, creative movement, music making, books, story-telling, dressing up and heaps more!

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

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

Ph: 9402 8744

Ph: 9242 4722

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Celebrating 40 years – dancing kids classes Does your little girl or boy want to learn proper classical ballet and express their joy of movement in creative dance? The Graduate College of Dance offers a specifically designed ballet syllabus for children aged four to eight.

The Introductory Dance Performance Course is about giving young children the correct basic training in classical ballet in a disciplined and caring environment.

Located on the grounds of Perth Modern School in Subiaco, The Graduate College of Dance also offers a Vocational Dance Training Course for young dancers aged nine to 17 by audition only.

Please contact 9380 0551, gradcollege@ perthmodern.wa.edu.au or visit www.tgcd.com.au

Fun fitness with Funky Monkey Sports As our children progress through their primary school years it is essential that they develop their Fundamental Movement Skills. Competency in gross motor skills and a childhood enjoyment of physical activity are linked to better academic performance and healthier choices later in life.

The Funky Monkey Sports Family Programs are specifically designed for adults and kids to engage in regular, fun, outdoor activities. Being active together improves overall family fitness levels, enhances communication and promotes healthy lifestyle choices.

For more information see www.funkymonkeysports. com.au

T H E G R A D U AT E COLLEGE OF DANCE

INTRODUCTORY DANCE PERFORMANCE COURSE Photograph: Nigel Ethrington

Make your dreams come true!

Healthy, Active, Confident Kids Birthday Parties

High-Energy, Hassle-Free Fun!

Specifically designed for boys and girls from age four in an environment that promotes confidence and self-esteem, creativity and teamwork.

Previous ballet experience not necessary. info@tgcd.com.au | +61 8 9380 0551 | www.tgcd.com.au

Sports Parties for 5-12 Year Olds Activity Parties for 1-4 Year Olds Custom designed e-invitations, exciting equipment, creative coaches & catering options – choose a sporting theme or leave the funky fun up to us!

Phone 0448 093 027 or email admin@funkymonkeysports.com.au

www.funkymonkeysports.com.au

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24/02/2013 10:14

SPECIAL FEATURE

Play’s fun at Jungle Sports

Free trials with Yamaha Yamaha Music Education offers group keyboard classes for children aged between 3 1/2 and 8 1/2 years.

Their courses provide children with a fun and interactive musical experience. The progressive courses explore music through hearing, singing, reading and keyboard performance.

Music Wonderland classes for 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 year olds are designed to educate and foster a musical ear at an early stage. Children will gain the foundational music skills for their Junior Music Course, which focuses on developing aural and keyboard skills to the optimum.

Book into a Free Trial Lessons before term starts!

Visit www.yamahamusicschool.com.au for more details.

The firsT choice sports programs for 18 months - 7 years

Jungle Sports for 18mth to 7yr children has the first choice sports programs in WA. Soccer, Multi-Sports, Footy and Rugby action for children and parents.

Weekend and weekday sessions, 10 indoor venues and 4 terms a year. Parents and Children learning and laughing together.

Visit www.junglesports.com.au or call 9499 1800 for more details and to register online. Fun to Play, Play for Fun!

Yamaha music school Classes for children aged from 3 years.

Book into a Free Trial Lesson R

www.junglesports.com.au (08) 9499 1800

Follow us

before term starts.

Canning Vale & Morley yamahamusicschool.com.au 1300 139 506

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Dancing at Disneyland What child doesn’t love to skip, bop and wiggle? Taking a dance class or enrolling your little one will foster many a benefit. Jody Marshall Dance Company is the perfect place for you and your child to meet new friends, have fun moving to the music or nurture your little star’s talent for performance.

Classes are available in many dance styles including jazz, tap, hip-hop, classical, lyrical, musical theatre and acrobatics. Under the direction of Jody Marshall, students receive high quality teaching by Perth’s most qualified dance teachers in a very friendly environment.

Children of all ages are catered for with classes available for those as young as 18 months to teenagers and adults.

The Jody Marshall Dance Company has a reputation for producing outstanding dance artists, with dancers gaining positions in the Australian Ballet, Tap Dogs and the movie Bootmen. The Jody Marshall Dance Company dancers have even danced at Disneyland!

For more information about enrolling you or your child in a dance class, contact Jody Marshall Dance Company on 0418 957 965 to enrol or visit www.jmdc.com.au

EXCELLENCE IN DANCE

• JAZZ • TAP • HIP HOP • ACROBATIC • CLASSICAL • BOYS ONLY • LYRICAL • MUSICAL THEATRE

M CLASSES FRO TO ADULT 18 MONTHS

FIND US ON OR

www.jmdc.com.au

enquiry@jmdc.com.au 0418 957 965 62 Offspring | autumn 2013 62 KIDS ADVERTORIALS.indd 62

24/02/2013 10:14

early Childhood BaBies

School 2014

Ready Set Go!

By RosemaRy Redden, susan BiRnie and Wendy mulleR, ngala education team

school readiness covers two categories: a) readiness to learn and b) readiness for school. sometimes in the rush to organise uniforms and stationary, parents overlook the need to prepare their child for their first day at school.

P

arents can help their child prepare for school by talking positively

about attending school, talking about what

about groups of people and opportunities to

experiences their child

develop social and emotional skills. Children are

can expect, visiting the

more likely to be ready for school if they come

school grounds during

from families which value relationships, security

the holidays and being

and a love of learning.

sensitive to their child’s fears and how quickly their child adjusts to new experiences.

In the lead up to the first school day,

Engaging in conversation with your child from an early age (talking and listening) and responding sensitively and promptly to their needs builds a feeling of security within your child. A secure child is more likely

parents can match snack and lunch times to the school

to explore their environment which helps develop an

breaks and practice taking out and eating from a lunch

understanding of their world and develops resilience

box, saving some for lunch and drinking from a water

and confidence. This in turn impacts on their openness

bottle. Some children may be overwhelmed by the new

to learn. Reading books, singing songs and providing

experiences of school and don’t eat – don’t worry if this

opportunities to “write” and draw, also encourages

happens at the start – eating their lunch box food on the

learning.

way home or having a big mid afternoon snack will help.

Research shows that getting a child ready for school

Children are motivated to learn and they learn through play. Play encourages children to acquire maths

actually begins much earlier than we think. The family

and science skills, enhances co-operation and problem

provides a child with their first experiences for learning

solving skills and fosters an eagerness to learn. Parents

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early Childhood BaBies

can support this motivation from an early age by taking advantage of the moment-to-moment playful nature of children and encouraging their babies and toddlers to take the lead in play, exploration and problem solving. Toys are acceptable but the best play comes when household or natural items (like tongs, tissue boxes, sand, water or leaves) are used in play and when children are encouraged to spend time in non-directed free play. Some examples of play that may help prepare your child for school include: - Playing games with your child that use co-ordination skills and different muscles: running, jumping, climbing, dressing themselves, writing, turning pages and opening lunch boxes - Providing opportunities to build and join items and different materials together (e.g. small blocks, stacked boxes, sheet cubbies) - Helping investigate answers to questions (especially “why?”)

- Using names of colours and counting in everyday conversation (“pass the green cup” or “let’s get out one spoon, one, two, three”)

For all your kids fur niture, linen, clothing, toys & gifts.

NB – 7yrs clothing Wooden Toys Baby Gifts Gift Vouchers & Laybys Karrinyup store open Sundays

20% OFF Voucher PLUS 50% OFF In Store SPECIALS Valid until 31st May 2013 *Conditions apply

www.funkykids.com.au Nurture, Love, Give Wembley 352b Cambridge Street Wembley Karrinyup shop F122 Karrinyup Shopping Centre

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24/02/2013 10:19 23/02/13 9:05 PM

Telling stories and making up stories (ask your child to

It is well known that parents who are involved with their

help with ideas about what comes next or how a character

child’s school (e.g. attending special days in the classroom,

feels after an event)

chatting with teachers on drop off or pick up, attending

Throughout life social skills are important. These skills

events, volunteering for canteen or the P & C), enable their

include an understanding that rules are needed in order

children to develop to the best of their abilities. So get ready

to develop respectful social and learning communities

to be involved and enjoy the ride!

together, as well as having rights to learn within a respectful community. Rules and rights mean that there is individual responsibility in creating and maintaining

To book an Understanding and Guiding Children’s Behaviour workshop please go to www.ngala.com.au Ngala Helpline 9368 9368.

relationships. Belonging to a circle of friends often begins with the learning of rules and rights; and parents can foster this development before their child reaches school by providing numerous play opportunities for their child and setting realistic and consistent boundaries regarding behaviour and manners.

Good nutrition is important as your child starts school, and breakfast is vital. Sugary cereals (99 per cent of them!) may be appealing, but do not provide the nutrition or long-

KRAFTY kids corner

Great Kids Parties at Krafty Kids Corner!

lasting satiety required to concentrate or last until the first break. Essential fats are important – after all, the brain is composed of over 60 per cent fat. Good sources of fats are found in butter (not margarine), coconut oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, eggs, salmon and other oily fish. If you find it hard to encourage your child to eat fish, omega 3 EFA’s (essential fatty acids) can be supplemented with a good brand of liquid fish oil from a pharmacy.

Some parents may feel sad or nervous about the

Mention ‘offspring’ an d the birthday child is free!

transition to school. Separation anxiety can occur both for the child and for the parent, and is normal. Children may protest at the beginning of a school day for the first few times or weeks and require reassurance that all is well in their world despite this change. Parents may not be aware that the look on their face does not match their words “you’re ok” or “have a great day!”, which may cause anxiety for their child. Advance preparation is the key - meet with the school staff, talk to your partner or with other parents so that you can be a positive role model for your child.

2 hour parties where children create their own piece of artwork with glass to take home with them!

There’s a large variety of activities to choose from including mosaics, sun catchers, jewellery, coasters and name plaques to name a few.

Call Gina NOW as parties are booking fast Phone: 0412724127 or email directly: gina@glassbygina.com.au www.glassbygina.com.au Offspring | autumn 2013 65

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24/02/2013 10:19 23/02/13 9:05 PM

eco guide

By Brooke

The benefits of being environmentally friendly are many – better for the environment, better for your health and better for your hip pocket. We look at some ways the entire family can jump on the eco bandwagon.

Evans-Butler

to bypass the usual bleach-based cleaners and look to natural products you probably already have in the pantry.

In the kitchen Clean the sink with bi-carb soda and distilled white vinegar.

Clean cutting boards and freshen and clean plastic food containers with lemon juice.

Clean and freshen the microwave with vinegar.

Freshen and remove smells from the fridge with

Switching to more eco-friendly

bi-carbonate soda placed

cleaning products is not only

in an open container. (The

better for the environment, but better for those who have allergies or suffer reactions to certain chemicals. One of the easiest

bi-carb soda will absorb the smells).

Use diluted white distilled vinegar to clean your fridge and microwave.

Mix bi-carb soda and water to form a thick paste and use to clean grime from the stove top and oven.

ways to make an eco-friendly

In the bathroom

change to your

Clean the shower and tiles with

household is

vinegar – it will smell like a fish and chip shop – but it cleans well!

Planet TIP: Look for products, Ark endorsed entally for environm ns. Visit friendly optio ark.org www.planet dorsed and go to ‘En s’ Product .

In the laundry Get your towels fluffy and fresh by

Use vinegar to clean the mirrors –

adding vinegar to the final rinse cycle

buff with a microfibre cloth to make

of the washing – the vinegar removes

the mirrors sparkle.

detergent build up. Do not worry –

Clean and deodorise the toilet with vinegar.

there is no vinegar smell once the towels are dried in the sun.

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Remove perspiration marks from clothing by dabbing diluted vinegar onto the area, before washing as normal. *Note: White distilled or cleaning vinegar is best for cleaning. Always test cleaning agents (even natural ones) on an inconspicuous area of fabrics or surfaces first).

Other eco cleaning choices: Enjo has a large range of microfibre products for the home, car and your body. The products are great investments when you consider that you only need water to clean with them. www.enjo.com.au Method is a green range of products including all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners and body products. www.methodhome.com.au

Miessence

formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

A great range of certified organic

The nail polish does not contain the

skincare, grown without the use of

usual overpowering smell either,

detergent, soap nuts (also known

synthetic chemicals, fertilisers or

which is a plus! www.zoya.com.au

as soap berries) are a biodegradable

genetically modified organisms. www.

product grown in India. Soap nuts are

miessence.com

An eco-friendly alternative to

increasing in popularity and generally

Beauty and the Bees

recommended by cloth nappy

These beautiful products are made

Get the entire family involved in

businesses, but are an option for all of

from scratch in Tasmania, without

sustainable living by growing your

your washing needs.

artificial chemicals or preservatives.

own food. What better way to teach

www.soapinanutshell.com.au

Their range includes baby products,

your children about sustainable

skincare and hair care products.

living (and encourage them to eat

www.beebeauty.com

their greens) than to grow their own

GAIA

vegetable garden?

Have you ever looked at the

This brand has a range of organic skin

ingredients list of your beauty

care products for the entire family –

round and will be a hit with the kids

products? It may scare you to realise

including Mum, Dad and Baby.

include carrots and rainbow kale. Talk

that you have no idea what most of

www.gaiaskinnaturals.com

to your local garden expert about the

the ingredients are – so are they safe?

There are some wonderful products

Jurlique

Vegetables that can be grown year-

best times to plant particular fruits

This Australian beauty brand has

and vegetables and with the right care

available that are better for you and

its own certified biodynamic farm

and watering you can create quite an

the environment. Consider some of the

and the ingredients used in their

impressive crop. The best part is by

following companies that are taking

products are free from nasties

tending to the vegetable garden the

the nasties out of beauty products:

including pesticides, herbicides and

kids get out in the sunshine and get

insecticides. They have skin care

dirty! What kid wouldn’t love that?

bhave This range of hair care products are

products for Mum and for Baby.

not tested on animals and are free

www.jurlique.com.au

of nasties including formaldehyde,

Zoya

Fun idea: Why not incorporate a bit of fun into the vegetable garden for the kids? You could create a “fairy”

parabens and sulphate. www.

Zoya nail lacquers do not contain

vegetable garden by placing fairy

bhavehair.com

toxic ingredients such as toluene,

statues around the vegetable garden

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23/02/13 8:54 PM

- Use old newspapers to make Paper

and making sparkly and colourful sign

eat a range of vegetable scraps, paper

stakes (that your child can decorate)

and hair and turn it into rich castings

for each vegetable to make them more

that will be wonderful for your

attractive to the child…things like

garden. You do not need much space

materials to set up a craft table for

‘Tinker Bell broccoli’, ‘Sparkle beans’

either – worm farms are compact

the kids.

and ‘Princess carrots’ will be a hit!

units so even a small household can

Have you heard of upcycling?

Mache creations.

- Use scrap paper and other scrap

take advantage of all the benefits a

Upcycling involves finding a new use

consider a small herb garden – some

worm farm will provide. Go to www.

for your old goods – and the options

small pots or a window box will do the

wormshed.com.au for advice.

are endless! You could start as small

If you do not have much room,

as making gift tags from empty tissue

job perfectly.

boxes. For the crafty people, there

Other sustainability ideas:

are some wonderful upcycle ideas on

Consider keeping some chickens so you can always have a fresh supply

We all know about ‘Reduce, Reuse,

Pinterest, including making a clock

of eggs. Check with your local council

Recycle’ but this can go beyond

out of a hat, an old chair into a shoe

regarding requirements or restrictions.

separating your newspapers and

rack and pretty glass bottles into soap

plastics from your general household

dispensers.

Invest in a worm farm! Worms will

rubbish.

Get the kids involved with this one.

They’re bored? Get them to make

DID YOU KNO W? If you do not have much sp ace, you can still gr ow your own fruit trees. Ask at your specia list garden centre about dwarf fr u it trees. There ar e many range s available, incl uding dwarf apples, nectarines an d peaches. Th ey can be grown in la rge pots or hal f wine barrels, so you can ev en turn your veranda or balcony into a mini orchard.

their own new toys out of things you

Rethink your shopping habits. Instead

have around the house. And of course,

of buying new, mass-produced items,

as most parents will know, an empty

head to the op shops. The vintage

box can be many exciting things for a

movement is huge – after all, finding

child, so let them create their own box

an item that is unique or something

car or cubby house – they are ‘reusing’

that has an interesting story behind

in a wonderful way!

it is much more appealing than

Some of the many options you can

something that is like what everyone

try include:

else has. Look for vintage options

- Create a cubby out of a box.

when looking for clothing, furniture

- Make little people out of old pegs.

and accessories.

- Make maracas out of plastic drink bottles.

When shopping for gifts, check out local markets. Support local

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w.

TIP: Go to ww u o rY .com.

RecyclingNea rmation au to get info ff locations about drop o tion about and informa lities in recycling faci your area.

from rashes and irritations caused by disposable nappies.

Yes, using cloth nappies does mean more washing, but modern cloth nappies are much more user-friendly than the traditional terry-towelling squares of the past.

If you do not think you can make the change to cloth, consider using cloth nappies part time. An easy way

According to the Organic

businesses and buy handmade, local items. You will not only find

Association of Western Australia

use disposable when going out. Think

(www.ogawa.org.au), “Certified

about it – every disposable nappy you

Organic means the food was grown,

do not use is one disposable nappy

harvested, stored and transported

that will not end up in landfill, so

without the use of synthetic chemical,

every nappy counts!

irradiation or fumigants.”

Look for products labelled as

a large range of unique gifts, it is a

‘certified organic’ to ensure you are

greener choice by not purchasing

getting the real deal.

mass-produced items, which have

is to use cloth nappies at home, then

Buying organic food is a more

Remember, becoming an eco-friendly household does not mean taking cold

to be transported from interstate or

expensive option, however fans of

showers and reading by candlelight.

overseas.

organic food claim the produce tastes

Some simple steps really will make a

better, and is healthier for you and the

big difference:

Check out The Eco Providore, a Perth-based online store focused

environment. Why not try it and taste

on products that are good for the

for yourself?

planet! The range includes baby

their showers to four minutes or less.

gifts, stationery, toys, water bottles,

Catch shower water in a bucket to

bags and much more. Go to www. theecoprovidore.com.au

Organic food is more accessible than

Get a shower timer to remind all members of the household to limit

then use in the garden (be sure to take Even the smallest member of the

the bucket of water out to the garden

household can make environmental

straight away; buckets of water left

changes. Have you considered

in the house could pose a drowning

switching disposable nappies for cloth?

hazard for young children).

Switching to cloth can:

Turn appliances off at the wall to

ever – with selections even available

- Reduce waste of approximately 7000

at mainstream supermarkets. But

nappies in landfill.

Wash clothes in cold water.

what are the benefits and what

- Can save up to $6500 per child.

Buy a stainless steel, BPA-free bottle

should you look for?

- Your baby is less likely to suffer

and fill at home with water, instead of

prevent wastage on standby power.

buying plastic water bottles.

Walk or take public transport instead of driving.

Put a ‘no junk mail’ sticker on your letterbox.

Do not use the clothes dryer if possible. Dry your clothes in the sun instead.

If replacing an old appliance, choose an energy efficient model.

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Try before you buy with Booty Crawl Booty Crawl is a local Perth business specialising in modern cloth nappies and eco-friendly baby products.

Stocking only the best nappy brands, Booty Crawl allows parents to play with modern cloth nappies before they buy. Services include free one-on-one consultations, group demonstrations, nappy Road Tests (try before you buy), newborn nappy hire, gift registries, lay-by and VIP discounts. Hammond Park showroom now open.

For more information call Rebecca on 0422 404 751.

Photo courtesy of The Sailor & The

Butterfly ~ Boutique Photography

The Eco Providore: boutique, green and local!

Local online retailer www.theecoprovidore.com.au retails products that are good for you and the planet too! From homewares to everyday eco essentials, and everything in between. There are gorgeous recycled paper products, clever upcycled gifts, green shopping bags, stainless steel water bottles, organic baby toys and more.

A hand picked ‘boutique’ selection of the best in organic, green, eco, upcycled, recycled and fair trade.

All in the one convenient place with prompt delivery Australia wide.

Inspiring you to take that next ‘eco’ step – so our kids can enjoy this wonderful planet too!

Ca no ll u w Coyour fo s ns f r an ult rEE dis d $5 atio Co .00 n *Condit unt ions A pply

cute, comfy & chemical free find out why WA mums are making their next nappy change with us

help@bootycrawl.com.au • bootycrawl.com.au www.bootycrawl.com.au • 0422 404 751

Green gift giving made easy!

The Eco Providore is a boutique online eco store retailing products that are good for you and the planet too!

From homewares, through to face & body products, and everything inbetween.

Free delivery offer for Offspring readers Promo Code: Eco Guide Expires May 31

www.theecoprovidore.com.au info@theecoprovidore.com.au 1300 ECO PRO

70 Offspring | autumn 2013 70-71 ECO ADVERTORIALS.indd 70

24/02/2013 10:19

Thoughtful gifts at ibuTrade

Children’s Forest Fun The Whiteman Park Children’s Forest is a community conservation initiative where children are encouraged to explore the many wonders of the Forest. Each child member is recognised with a certificate, collectable membership stickers and a personalised tile which is placed within the forest.

Men of the Trees also offer natural fundraising opportunities for schools. Why not sell Kangaroo Paws to students to give to their mums this Mother’s Day? Men of the Trees take the stress away and you make the profits.

For more information, contact Paula on 9250 1888.

ibuTrade is a small family business with a big heart. Their philosophy – to tread lightly on Mother (Bahasa: ibu) Earth, to live thoughtfully and generously. Their carefully selected range of products is original, ethical and eco-logical. You’ll find thoughtful gifts for men, women and children, beautiful homewares and fine teas.

Recycled, natural, organic, handmade, fairtrade – their products tell a story, have a soul and make a difference!

T: 0424 225 236 E: enquiries@ibutrade.com.au W: www.ibutrade.com.au

WATCH YOUR KIDS GROW WITHIN OUR CHILDREN’S FOREST.

WONDERFUL

BECOME A CHILDREN’S FOREST MEMBER FOR ONLY $35

Bring your whole family to WHITEMAN PARK on 9th June for our Children’s Forest Planting.

Offspring | autumn 2013 71 70-71 ECO ADVERTORIALS.indd 71

24/02/2013 10:19

Jessica Alba

models sustainable living

BY CELEBRITYBABYSCOOP.COM

Jessica opens up to CelebrityBabyScoop about her daughters Honor, four, and Haven, one, who “like to play, explore, get messy, and are creative.” She goes on to talk about modeling “eco-friendly habits for the girls,” her book that will hit shelves in March, and her upcoming film that she can’t wait to take “Honor and her friends to see.”

S

he’s one of our favorite celebrity mums.

From her chic sense of style, to her handson playdates at the park, to her eco-

friendly business, we can’t get enough of Jessica Alba. After creating The Honest Company last year, the mum-of-two is now joining forces with Zulily to share her safe and sustainable products with a new audience.

CBS: We hear The Honest Company has joined forces with Zulily. Tell us all about the new partnership.

JA: “The Honest Company and Zulily both believe in simplifying families’ busy lives by bringing them affordable, stylish, and trusted products every day. Our companies also support using business for social good and are committed to giving back to families in need.

So, I knew working together would be a great extension of our Honest mission.

Because Zulily is about helping mums discover new brands and products, we’re excited to reach this new audience, share our safe and effective eco-friendly products with them, and grow our communities together.”

CBS: How are your daughters doing? What are they into these days? What do they do to make you laugh?

JA: “Every day with my girls is a dream and just hanging out with them is the best thing ever. They’re happy and healthy one and four year olds who like to play, explore, get messy,

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OM

24/02/2013 10:19

together similarly shows the girls about repurposing old items.

Involving children in gardening and cooking is another great way to inspire eco-friendly living. Caring for the plants in our herb wall garden helps Honor understand the steps to growing food (including patience!), how it ultimately lands on her plate, and about being a good steward of the planet.

Honor is also a great sous chef when we’re in the kitchen, so being a part of the dinner process encourages her to eat the foods she grows and develops her taste for fresh ingredients. Hopefully, this lays the foundation for children to prioritise their health and that of the planet.”

CBS: What’s up next for you?

JA: “I’m very excited to publish my first book The Honest Life this March! It’s a colourful How-To guidebook for people who want to make a healthy and non-toxic home without giving up the fun, fashionable things. I hope people will be inspired

“We try to model and practice eco-friendly habits for the girls”

to make the ideas their own and find what works for them.

Also, I’m looking forward to taking Honor and her friends to see my upcoming animated film Escape from Planet Earth because it’s really

and are creative. And since they’re typical kiddos,

a sweet story. I had a lot of

they’re bound to make me laugh.”

CBS: What are some of the ways you get your girls to be

fun working on this film — it

eco-friendly? What are some tips in teaching our kids to

was great to play the nemesis since I don’t often get to

love our environment?

play that role.”

JA: “First and foremost, we try to model and practice

CelebrityBabyScoop.com is one of the most popular blogs

eco-friendly habits for the girls. Otherwise, we talk to

on the topic and the foremost provider of everything celebrity-

them about being mindful and explain that things can be

baby, featuring baby fashion, baby names, baby trends

turned into something else one day. This can be as simple

and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby gossip and pics. Get

as teaching them about recyclables and showing how to

all the latest news, updates, and photos about Hollywood’s

sort bottles and cans from trash.

most beloved celebrity mums, dads and their babies. Who’s

We also do a lot of DIY crafts like using cardboard boxes to make airplanes and dollhouses - our creative playtime

the latest Tinseltown baby? Who’s due next and who just announced a pregnancy? It’s all on Celebrity Baby Scoop.

Offspring | autumn 2013 73 72-73 JESSICA ALBA.indd 73

24/02/2013 10:19

FOOD & NUTRITION

What’s all the fuss about?

Green smoothies There’s a health revolution occurring globally centred around Green Smoothies, which are a convenient, tasty and simple way to consume significant amounts of greens.

BY RACHEL TURNER Certified Holistic Health Coach DANDELION HOLISTIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS www.rachel-turner.com

L

TIP: As you become accustom ed to the taste reduc e the amount of fru it keeping in mind you want to enjoy th e taste and look forward to the next one!

eafy greens are the most deficient of food in today’s diets. A Green Smoothie can be the perfect way to increase your consumption of daily greens. Most of

us wouldn’t have the time, patience or fortitude to eat a very large amount of leafy greens on a plate. However, if we blend the same amount into a smoothie, the perceived

ALKALISE: They have an alkalising effect on the body.

intake seems minimal, it is far more palatable and it can

be consumed relatively quickly. Even our children are

In modern diets people consume large quantities of meat,

participating and loving the “green monster” revolution.

dairy, refined sugar and grains, thus creating a more acidic,

Here are some of the many health benefits that can be attributed to having Green Smoothies:

WEIGHT LOSS: The fibre and water consumed in a

Smoothie provides perfect sustenance to maintaining REDUCED CRAVINGS: Nourishing Green Smoothies will

and detoxifier. a good blender and some fresh produce - leafy greens like spinach, kale and silverbeet blended up with some fruit and

naturally crowd out desire for junk food.

DETOX: Greens are rich in chlorophyll, providing oxygen

to the body’s cells. Chlorophyll is known as a blood purifier To make a Green Smoothie the only thing you need is

fullness and hydration.

disease-thriving environment in the body.

ENERGISED: They provide a powerful boost of nutrition,

loaded with calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and vitamins A, C, E and K, as well

water. Here’s how you too can try out the Green Smoothie.

1. Use your favourite fruit such as a banana, avocado or mango as the base

as many other micronutrients and

2. Select a leafy green vegetable - start

phytochemicals.

off with a light tasting one such as

IMMUNE BOOSTING: Blending

leafy green vegetables and fruit makes digestion easier and nutrients more accessible, while providing an antioxidant-rich meal that provides the body with the best defence against disease.

CLEAR SKIN: They’re high in

fibre which is essential for good colon health. This allows the elimination of toxins the right way instead of through the skin.

Dandelion’s Daily Special

verbeet leaves • 42 sil alks • 12 cemilernt yleastves • 2 banana frozen • 2 Tablespoon flaxseeds • 3 cupsl filtered water • 1 teaspoon Macca not essential • 1 cup ice • Blend until desired consistency • is reached and serve

spinach 3. Avoid dairy products 4. Try adding Chia or Flax seeds which are rich in omega 3 and high in protein 5. Keep your blender countertop so you’re not reaching into the cupboard every day.

So why not jump on board, get those blenders out and start making green smoothies! Do it for a week and see how you feel. You won’t want to miss a day!

74 Offspring | autumn 2013 74 FOOD & NUTRITION.indd 74

24/02/2013 10:20

FOOD & NUTRITION

How to read a

food

label

BY KATE BULLEN

Almost every packaged food we pick up in the supermarket will have a food label. Armed with some handy information, food labels can become useful tools in helping choose the right foods for you and your family.

H

ere in Australia, food that is packaged and manufactured must have a food label. There are a few exceptions to this rule including fresh food

such as fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, very small packages or single herbs and spices. A food label includes the following: ■ Ingredient list

■

Nutrition information panel

■

Allergen statement

■

Use by date or best before date

■

Product and brand name of the food

Ingredient list

Other names for Sugar, Fat & Salt Sugar

Fat

Salt

Brown sugar

Vegetable oil

Sodium

Maple syrup

Animal fat

Na

Raw sugar

Shortening

Monosodium

Sucrose

Copha

glutamate (MSG)

Maltose

Lard

Sodium bicarbonate

Let’s start by looking at the ingredient list. I will often refer

Lactose

Coconut

Yeast extracts

to the ingredient list first when I look at a food label as I like

Dextrose

Coconut or palm oil

Baking soda/powder

to know what I am buying and eating. Ingredients are listed

Fructose

Butter

Garlic salt

in order of descending weight, so the first ingredient listed is

Mannitol

Milk solids

Celery salt

the main ingredient in the food and the last ingredient is the

Sorbitol

Monoglycerides

Rock salt

smallest. If you see that sugar, fat or salt are one of the first

Xylitol

Diglycerides

three ingredients, then perhaps that food isn’t the healthiest

Glucose Syrup

Hydrogenated oils

choice. It’s also important to note that sugar, fat and salt can

Corn Syrup

be listed as many different names.

Honey

Offspring | autumn 2013 75 75-77 FOOD & NUTRITION.indd 75

24/02/2013 10:25

FOOD & NUTRITION

Nutrition information panel

■

Energy (kilojoules/calories)

The nutrition information panel is that

■

Total fat and saturated fat

confusing box you would have seen on

■

Total carbohydrate

food packages. It contains a whole heap

■

Sugar

of information – the key is deciphering

■

■

Protein

Sodium/salt

Other nutrients that can be included

this information so that we can compare

on a nutrition information panel include

products and make the best food choices.

dietary fibre (often on breakfast cereals or

Food labelling laws require that a nutrition

other foods that make a claim about fibre),

information panel includes:

calcium or trans fats.

Left is a copy of a nutrition information panel from a yoghurt that was in my fridge.

Nutrition Information Panel Servings per package: 4 Serving size: 250g

Here are my five steps to successfully reading a nutrition

Per Serve

Per 100g

Energy

943kj

377kj

Protein

13.0g

5.2g

Fat – total

10.0g

4.0g

The other column ‘per serve’ is determined by the food

Fat – saturated

7.0g

2.8g

manufacturer and may be much smaller than the amount of

Carbohydrate – total

18.0g

7.2g

food that you eat. Breakfast cereals are a good example – the

Carbohydrate – sugars

18.0g

7.2g

serve size of breakfast cereals will be different from Weetbix

Sodium

125mg

50mg

to Cheerios to muesli, for example. But if you look at the

Calcium

425mg

170mg

per 100g column you will be able to compare and decide

information panel:

1

Always look at the ‘per 100g’ column as this is always on foods and allows you to compare between products.

which is the best choice for you.

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76 Offspring | autumn 2013 75-77 FOOD & NUTRITION.indd 76

24/02/2013 10:25

Choose

Fat Saturated Fat Sugars Salt

Less than 3g/100g Less than 1.5g/100g

Avoid

coming from? Is it coming from dried fruit (where you also get the benefit of fibre) or is it from honey that is used in

More than 20g/100g More than 5g/100g

toasting the muesli? Again, this is shown in the example

More than

sugars is from lactose. Next best option is to look for sugars

12.5g/100g

between 5.0-12.5g sugar/100g.

Less than 5g/100g Less than

More than 1500mg/100g

300mg/100g

FOOD & NUTRITION

How to Choose Healthy Foods

nutrition information panel, as the extra carbohydrate and

5

Sodium/salt – look for foods with less than 300mg salt/100g.

There are always exceptions. For example choosing an olive oil means that you will not be able to find one with

2

Energy per 100g –

less than 3g total fat/100g – so here is where common sense

after the ingredient

needs to kick in.

list, this is the second thing that I look at on a food label as it gives me

I would encourage you to be a savvy label reader. Food

a quick idea of whether

manufacturers want us to buy their products. Here are a few

a food is going to be

common claims that you may see on food packaging – and

a good choice. Great

what they really mean:

when you don’t have

■

much time and a child or three in tow!

3

Nutrition Claims

‘Lite’ or ‘light’ does not necessary mean it is low in fat. It

may also be referring to the colour or taste of the food.

Total fat and saturated fat – As a quick scan, the best

■

choice is to look for products with less than 3g total

Always check the nutrition information panel as it can have

‘Baked not fried’ sounds like it must be healthier doesn’t it?

fat/100g and less than 1.5g saturated fat/100g. Next best is

just as many kilojoules and fat as a fried food.

between 3-20g total fat/100g and 1.5-5g saturated fat/100g

■

’93 per cent fat free’ still contains 7 per cent fat (or 7g

– which is where my yoghurt from the above nutrition

fat/100g) which doesn’t make it the healthiest choice.

information panel fits, as this is a full fat yoghurt.

■

4

‘Reduced fat’ means the product should have at least 25

Sugar – look for foods with less than 5g sugar/100g.

per cent less fat than the original product. But the food may

Keep in mind that sugar includes naturally-occurring

still have more fat than another similar food.

sugar, such as lactose in dairy products, as well as added

Kate Bullen is an Accredited Practising Dietitian

sugar as in biscuits. So if you are choosing muesli, you might

and Mum to a six year old, three year old and nine

see it is high in sugar and wonder why. This is where it can

month old. More information can be found at www.

be useful to look at the ingredient list – where is the sugar

dietitianonline.com.au

Subscribe online today www.offspringmagazine.com.au

Subs third v2.indd 1

75-77 FOOD & NUTRITION.indd 77

11/05/11 9:45 AM

Offspring | autumn 2013 77 24/02/2013 10:25

TRAVEL

BY COLLEEN WILLIS

SALAMAT DATANG ! ia s y a l a M o t e m o c l e W With summer slowly disappearing and winter soon creeping in, now’s the time to start thinking about a warm getaway in the cooler months. ota Kinabalu is the capital of the Malaysian state of

K

There are many fun and interesting things you can do

Sabah and is located on Borneo. It’s a great place to

in Kota Kinabalu that cater for all the family, big and small,

travel with family for several reasons:

including:

• The weather is usually around 30°C for much of the year

• Diving

• The Australian dollar goes a long way

• Golfing

• No jet lag as it is a short flight from Perth

• Gaya St Sunday Market

• Food food food! The food’s fantastic and ranges from

• Waterworld Theme Park

Malay, Chinese, local and Western • Malaysia loves tourists of all ages

• Jungle Trekking • Aquarium and Marine Museum

• Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site.

For more information visit www.kotakinabalu.com www.sabahtourism.com

PHOTOS: Malaysia Tourism

www.tourismmalaysia.com.au

Orang-utan Sanctuary The highlight of any trip to Kota Kinabalu would have to be a visit to the Orang-utan Sanctuary which is located at the Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort. It provides a home to endangered species of animals until they are ready to be returned to their natural habitat.

There are many activities on offer at the Sanctuary which cater for different ages including: • Orang-utan Viewing and Canopy Walkway • In Search of the Orang-utan • Jungle Walk • Bird Watching One of the most exciting and interesting activities for children would have to be ‘Ranger

78 Offspring | autumn 2013 78-82 TRAVEL.indd 78

24/02/2013 16:08

TRAVEL PHOTOS: Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort

For The Day’. It is a half-day programme where children assist the rangers with their daily duties.

Highlights include: • Special Ranger uniform to keep • Feeding the animals • Taking care of the animals • Fun and educational • Cost is approximately $18 - $20 We stayed at the Rasa Ria Shangri-La which was a fantastic resort. It’s very family friendly, yet has all the touches you expect from a high end property. The staff are wonderful and go out of their way to be helpful, learn your name and also bond with your children.

Highlights: • Family friendly • Beautiful location • Golf • Deep sea fishing • Horse riding • The Spa at Dalit Bay • Kids Pool • Kids Club

Offspring | autumn 2013 79 78-82 TRAVEL.indd 79

24/02/2013 16:09

TRAVEL Reso PHOTOS: Shangri-La Rasa Ria

rt

We had never used a Kids Club before but the one

Enticing Exmouth

at this resort was excellent. We would let our daughter

If staying closer to home sounds more appealing, then

go some mornings then come back at lunch time. The

why not consider heading up north to visit Ningaloo Reef?

advantage of the Kids Club is that the children are being

Ningaloo Reef is listed as a World Heritage Site and is

cared for in a safe and secure location while allowing the

Australia’s largest fringing coral reef.

adults some “grown up” time.

Exmouth is ideally situated to explore the reef and

Some of the activities on offer for the children include:

its many attractions. Exmouth was originally a support

• Batik Painting • Face Painting

for the communication base in the North West Cape,

• Nature Detective • Traditional Dance

however tourism has now taken over as the town’s major

• Scavenger Hunt • Lighting Ceremony

contributor.

For more information visit

Exmouth is great for:

www.shangri-la.com

• Swimming • Snorkelling • Scuba diving • Cruising on a glass bottom boat

Getting There

• Fishing • Coral Tours

Currently, Malaysian Airlines is offering non-stop

• Whale sharks

flights from Perth to Kota Kinabalu, which takes 5

For more information visit

hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, you could do a

www.exmouthwa.com.au

stopover in Kuala Lumpur and for a spot of shopping

www.ningaloodreaming.com

and sightseeing!

For more information visit

The Ningaloo Whale Shark Festival will be held May 24-26 this year. Did you know the largest living fish is the

www.malaysiaairlines.com.au

Whale Shark? It can grow up to 18 metres in length! The festival is a great way to celebrate the yearly visit of the whale shark.

Some activities on offer include: • Circus workshops • Entertainers • Beach activities • Beach family day on Sunday 26th May – one of the activities will be digging for treasure!

For more information and tickets visit www. ningaloowhalesharkfestival.com

Getting there Exmouth is approximately 1270

80 Offspring | autumn 2013 78-82 TRAVEL.indd 80

rt PHOTOS: Novatel Ningaloo Reso

Exmouth

24/02/2013 10:29

TRAVEL PHOTOS: Tourism WA

For more information visit www.australiascoralcoast.com If you prefer somewhere quieter than Exmouth, Coral Bay is a great option. It’s approximately 120km south of Exmouth and is a popular holiday destination, especially in the school holidays. kilometres from Perth. If you are planning on driving

For more information visit www.coralbay.org ** During our colder months the northwest can get

with children, then it’s advisable to allow for stopovers en route. Two main towns along the way are Geraldton

booked out quite early. It is advisable to plan and book as

and Carnarvon and both are good places to stop, refuel

early as possible. **

and refresh. Why not even consider stopping for a few days in each place and enjoying the local hospitality?

For more information visit www.geraldtonvisitorcentre.com.au www.carnarvon.org.auww If driving isn’t for you, then flying is the way to go. Currently, Qantas and Skywest fly to the nearest

FOR THE ADULTS

KIDS’ STUFF

airport, which is Learmonth. The airport is located 36km from Exmouth and there are a few ways you can head into town. You can hire a car or the Exmouth Bus Charter company can be booked to pick you up at the airport.

•

Duchamp, Kita Ku, Jendi summer ranges & lots more !!!

For more information visit

olours NEW c ITA & FUNK RUNKS T FUNKY REE GIFT r F ks last Ask fo stoc while

www.qantas.com.au 13 13 13 www.skywest.com.au 1300 66 00 88 Exmouth Bus Charter 08 9949 4623

Accommodation There are a variety of accommodation styles to choose from, ranging from backpacker to the Novotel Ningaloo Resort.

For more information visit http://www.novotelningaloo.com.au

BRIGHT COLOURS

HEATSEEKER THERMAL

LADIES FASHION

HUGE RANGE AVAILABLE - Summer & Winter

Another popular option is the holiday parks which offer several styles of accommodation including chalets, bungalows, cabins and powered and unpowered sites.

Offspring | autumn 2013 81 78-82 TRAVEL.indd 81

24/02/2013 10:30

calendar of events Friday 1, 8, 15 and 22 March Twilight Hawkers Market Spice up your evening in the city, with the City of Perth summer series of Twilight Hawkers Markets in Forrest Place.

Sample mouth watering cuisine from around the globe including Chilean pies, Angolan gluten free food, Korean rice plates, deep Southern Cajun tastes from Louisiana & Latin flavoured corn on the cob.

• COST: Entry free, meal prices vary • TIME: 5pm – 9pm

Saturday 9 and 16 March Eat to the Beat As the hot summer weather cools off, what better way to enjoy a weekend than with a lazy Saturday late lunch catch-up with friends and family in the park. Add some free outdoor tunes and some great food and you’ve got yourself the perfect afternoon.

• COST: Entry free • TIME: 1pm – 3pm • VENUE: Northbridge Piazza • CONTACT: www.showmeperth.com.au

clean up followed by lunch • VENUE: Forrest Place • CONTACT: www.showmeperth.com.au

Sunday 3 march Clean Up Australia Day at Mosman Park Help keep Mosman Park beautiful by participating in Clean Up Australia Day 2013. Get out in the sunshine, make new friends enjoy a free BBQ lunch – hop to it!

• COST: Free with BBQ lunch provided for all volunteers • TIME:

Sunday 10 March Music by Moonlight Come and enjoy a spectacular evening concert under the stars performed by the WA Youth Orchestra with special guests from WAAPA. The orchestra will play songs from blockbuster movies including Harry Potter, Star Wars, Batman, Les Miserables and Up! Bring a picnic, family, friends and enjoy a great night out.

9-11am clean up followed by lunch • VENUE: Minim Cove, Mosman

• COST: Free • TIME: From 7pm • VENUE: Burswood Park Foreshore,

Park (gather at the Cooling Ponds) • CONTACT: Heidi Khostajeh

Resort Drive, Burswood • CONTACT: www.victoriapark.wa.gov.au

(08) 9384 1633; Email: bco@mosmanpark.wa.gov.au

Saturday 16 March Sunday 3 march Piazzarama – Teddy Bear’s Picnic The teddy bears are coming out to play for the Piazzarama teddy bear’s picnic. Bring your teddy down to enjoy all the fun and excitement of the different activities and games on offer.

Feature at Lightning Park Pack your low chairs, picnic rugs and dancing shoes for a night of all things ABBA under the stars! Get ready to dance the night away with ABBASALUTELY and their glittery salute to ABBA! All the songs! All the moves! All the looks!

• COST: Free • TIME: Children’s activities 5-7pm. Concert 7pm •

• COST: Free • TIME: 12pm – 6pm • VENUE: Northbridge Piazza

VENUE: Lightning Park, Cnr Reid and Tonkin Hwy, Noranda (Access

• CONTACT: www.showmeperth.com.au

from Tonkin Hwy travelling North ONLY) • CONTACT: Events Team 9272 0622

Sunday 3, 10, 17 and 24 March Perth Home Grown Eat Drink Perth is bringing country charm to the city. Spend a relaxing Sunday shopping for fresh organic produce, delicious preserves and homemade wares in the heart of Perth. The many market stalls will offer the best local products and ingredients that will inspire you to be creative in the kitchen.

• COST: Free • TIME: 10am – 3pm • VENUE: Forrest Place

Saturday 16 March The Great Big Easter Egg Hunt An Annual Easter Egg Hunt for 1-12 year olds where children learn the story of Easter whilst playing games, making crafts and hearing stories! Finishing the afternoon off with the Easter Egg Hunt so bring a picnic and join the fun!

• COST: Free • TIME: 2-4pm • VENUE: Subiaco Theatre Gardens, Bagot Rd Subiaco • CONTACT: Meredith Oh 0439 938 439

• CONTACT: www.showmeperth.com.au

Saturday 16 March Saturday 9 March WASO City of Cockburn Regional Concert This free family event will transform Manning Park into a symphony of sound with the WA Symphony Orchestra’s 72 piece show-case filling the park with an array of sound you will recognise from popular movies.

• COST: Free • TIME: 6pm- 10pm

Act-Belong-Commit Sunset Fiesta Celebrate the diversity of our community in the name of Harmony Week with an evening of music, international food, stall-holders, entertainment, art and craft and costume. A carnival of multicultural commemoration and awareness, the new Sunset Fiesta offers a family friendly recognition of our proud harmonious society.

• VENUE: Manning Park, Azelia Rd, Hamilton Hill

• COST: Free • TIME: 5pm • VENUE: Centennial Park, Bertram

• CONTACT: City of Cockburn 9411 3444

• CONTACT: 9439 0419

82 Offspring | autumn 2013 82-84 CALENDAR OF EVENTS.indd 82

24/02/2013 10:30

calendar of events Friday 22 March fAMIly MOVIE NIGhT - frEE Come along and watch ‘We Bought a Zoo’ under the stars at Nicholson Reserve. There will be FREE popcorn, tea, coffee and Timtams and also a FREE sausage sizzle for the first 200 people.

• COST: Free • TIME: 6pm- 10pm • VENUE: Nicholson Reserve, Osprey Drive, Yangebup • CONTACT: City of Cockburn 9411 3444

Saturday 23 March yUM ChA IN ThE pArk This flavoursome Chinese feast once again takes to the streets of Northbridge and the Northbridge Piazza. Enjoy the colour and culture of Yum Cha in a relaxed and fun outdoor setting with family and friends.

• COST: Entry free, meal prices vary • TIME: 11.00am – 2.00pm • VENUE: Northbridge Piazza • CONTACT: www.showmeperth.com.au

Saturday 23 March tO Sunday 24 March JOONDAlUp fESTIVAl Follow your senses to the festival hub in Central Park and enjoy magic, vaudeville, swing dance, circus, jazz, fashion, cabaret, projections and illuminations after dark. Making its debut in 2013 is the Festival Tent. Enjoy non-stop entertainment and participatory activities with performances by local and international award-winning artists.

• COST: Free • TIME: 2pm – 10pm on Saturday and 2pm – 9pm on Sunday • VENUE: Joondalup City Centre • CONTACT: 9400 4705 or www.joondalup.wa.gov.au

Saturday 23 March tO Sunday 7 aPriL CITy Of MElVIllE SCUlpTUrE wAlk AT DEEpwATEr pOINT In its 10th year, the City of Melville Sculpture Walk 2013 will showcase 26 exciting new sculptures and installations in this picturesque location with artworks available for purchase.

• COST: Free • TIME: N/A (Artworks best viewed during daylight

hours) • VENUE: Deep Water Point, The Esplanade, Mount Pleasant • CONTACT: Phone 1300 635 845 or visit www.melvillecity.com.au/arts

Saturday 23 March wAApA IN ThE pArk Bring your family and friends, a picnic rug and hamper and enjoy a truly magical evening under the stars. At 6.00pm the park will come alive as Defying Gravity performs John Luther Adams’ extraordinary environmental percussion work Inuksuit. Thirty musicians glide around the park and lake, weaving a web of magic and drama – melding the grandeur of nature with the power of music. At 7.30pm, be entertained by the powerhouse 18 piece WAAPA Big Band followed by WAAPA’s Contemporary Groups playing favourite hits from award winning artists.

• COST: Free • TIME: 6pm – 9.30pm • VENUE: Ron Stone Park, Bradford Street, Mount Lawley • CONTACT: 9205 8555, www.stirling. wa.gov.au, culture@stirling.wa.gov.au

Sunday March 24 COOBy fEST This all ages event will showcase local creative, groups, businesses and community, and all that the greater City of Cockburn has to offer. There will be live music, free children’s entertainments and activities, market and food stalls, Silent Disco, a chill out zone and free coffee for early birds!

• COST: Free • TIME: 10-4pm • VENUE: Hargreaves Park, Counsel Road, Coolbellupo • CONTACT: coobynow@gmail.com

27 March 2013 hEllO BABy Just had a baby? Or have little ones at home? This event is tailored to you. Come along and get great information on all there is to know about babies! Information for parents and carers with lots of fun things to take part in.

• COST: Free • TIME: 10am – 12.30pm • VENUE: Manning Park, Azelia Rd, Hamilton Hill • CONTACT: City of Cockburn 9411 3444

Just in time for Christmas!

• Exquisite .925 Sterling Silver Jewellery • Unique handcrafted designs • Expert Quality Craftsmanship • Prices range from $20 - $150 • Host a party for Free jewellery • Buy online with Free shipping

✶ Offspring Special ✶

Spend $50 or more and receive a pair of sterling silver cubic zirconia studs valued at $35 absolutely free

shaping your

child’s future TM

with fitness and fun!

Leeming South Lake Beeliar Canning Vale

We e mix music with dancing & rhymes with singing, come along and join in, it’s s the best fun you’ll have all year! $15 per child (extra child $5) for 1 hr class

Casual attendees welcome!

www.jazziecazzies.com.au 0404 072 944

Designed specifically for boys and girls under 5 years

Offspring | autumn 2013 83 82-84 CALENDAR OF EVENTS.indd 83

24/02/2013 10:30

calendar of events Saturday 30 March 2013 IllUMINATE Illuminate will include a range of activities for the whole family including lantern making, craft activities for the kids, games, fire shows, plus the ever popular glow ride will take place around the lake.

• COST: Free • TIME: 5pm – 9pm • VENUE: Lake Gwelup, Gwelup • CONTACT: 9205 8555, www.stirling.wa.gov.au, culture@stirling. wa.gov.au

Saturday 30 March tO 1 aPriL frEMANTlE STrEET ArTS fESTIVAl Fremantle Street Arts Festival will showcase some of the world’s most acclaimed street, outdoor theatre, music, comedy, circus and cabaret performers. French company Bilbobasso will headline the Festival this year with ‘Polar’, a visually stunning performance combining bold flame work and the intensity and infinite tenderness of Argentinean tango.

• COST: Free • TIME: Throughout the day refer to program out in March • VENUE: South Terrace, Esplanade • CONTACT: City of Fremantle 9432 9999 or festivals@fremantle.wa.gov.au

Saturday 6 aPriL 2013 GlOBAl BEATS AND EATS prESENTED

By ACT-BElONG-COMMIT Experience the amazing sound of ARIA nominated artist Blue King Brown and taste some fantastic selections from around the world in an evening that promises to be a sensation for the senses. There will be ample activities for families including workshops, a bouncy castle and face painting. See the website for more information.

• COST: Free • TIME: 5.00pm – 9.30pm • VENUE: Liddell Park (Corner Wanneroo Road and Beach Road), Girrawheen • CONTACT: City of Wanneroo on 9405 5000 or www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au

Stalls, Arts & Crafts, Live Entertainment and loads of Children’s Activities & Entertainment. Food vendors will be on site.

• COST: Free • TIME: 10am - 4pm • VENUE: Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater • CONTACT: Events Team 9272 0622

Saturday 20 aPriL tO Sunday 30 JunE 2013 wAr TO rEMEMBrANCE - A lIVING hISTOry Of ThE rSl The RSL is proud to present War to Remembrance - A Living History of the RSL, an exhibition created in partnership with the State Library of Western Australia. The exhibition will include an art installation, memorabilia, film, guest speakers, self-guided tours for schools and a Family Day to celebrate the formation, purpose and varied activities of the RSL throughout WA. • COST: Free • TIME: Mon to Thurs 9am to 8pm, Fri 9am to 5.30pm, Sat and Sun 10am to 5.30pm. Closed all Public Holidays • VENUE: State Library of Western Australia, 25 Francis St, Northbridge WA • CONTACT: 08) 9287 3799 or email rslcentenary@gmail.com

MOnday 22 aPriL tO Sunday 5 May CITy plAyGrOUND pASS, prESENTED

By ThE CITy Of pErTh Enjoy family fun with the City Playground Pass during the school holidays. Pick up a free pass and experience great discounts and special offers only available in the City. Get your pass from the marquee in Murray Street Mall, the City of Perth i-City Kiosk or at participating Playground Pass venues.

• COST: Free • TIME: Daytime • VENUE: Murray Street Mall • CONTACT: 9461 3368 or www showmeperth.com.au

18 tO 26 May 2013 CITy Of MElVIllE ArT AwArDS AND EXhIBITION2013 Community Art Exhibition and Awards for emerging and professional artists.

• COST: Free • TIME: 10am – 4pm Monday to Friday; 11am – 4pm

Sunday 7 aPriL

Saturday; 10am – 2pm Sunday • VENUE: City of Melville Civic Centre,

AUTUMN rIVEr fESTIVAl Patrons are encouraged to invite their friends and families down to this great FREE event. Everything from Community

Level Two, 10 Almondbury Road, Booragoon • CONTACT: www.melvillecity.com.au/arts; Phone 1300 635 845; Email artawards@melville.wa.gov.au

Smiley Cakes

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on presentation of this advertisement on orders of 12 or more cupcakes. Valid to December 31, 2013

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Offspring | autumn 2013 85

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New stock arriving soon Organic towelling beach robes for women and children

My Baby Bundle Baby Goods, Toys and Beauty Products FREE SHIPPING

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86 Offspring | autumn 2013 86 DIRECTORY.indd 86

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Reach your target market with Offspring Why advertise in Offspring?

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