Offspring Winter 2013 issue

Winter 2013

Natalie Barr WA’s Sunrise presenter on her career & motherhood

Eating out with kids guide Meet Funky Kids founder

Anna Abelha

Winter Wonderland

Family holiday ideas

FREE

Education Special Feature

Affordable early learning and care

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contents

winter

6

Editor’s Note

8

The Contributors

10

Funky fun for Bub We’ve found some cute and nifty fashion for Baby this winter

20

12 Rock-a-bye baby

Beautiful bedtime products for

your baby 14 Baby product showcase

Look what’s new, practical and super

stylish for your baby 15 Offspring Facebook Competition

Join Offspring Magazine Facebook

page to WIN great prizes!!

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36

16 STYLISH MAMA

Stylish & classy winter fashion

for mums

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18 Smart, savvy & streetwise

We bring you cool gear for boys

this season 20 Girls fashion

Soft, pretty, winter clothing for girls

FEATURE ARTICLE 22 Raising The Barr

West Australian-born Sunrise

presenter, Natalie Barr, chats to

Offspring about growing up in

Bunbury, motherhood and how she

balances work and family life.

OFF THE AIR 28 The sleep stealer

Lisa laments the pre-child days of

sleeping in and lying on the couch

and watching TV all weekend.

BUSINESS MUM 30 A funky business

Meet the lady who has taken the

effects of the Global Financial Crisis

and online shopping in her stride and built a strong brand - Anna Abelha, creator and owner of Funky Kids.

FUNNY MUMMY 34 The Witching Hour

in 20 easy steps

Ari gives a humorous take on the

notorious dinner-bath-bed routine

endured by parents of toddlers.

PREGNANCY & BIRTH 36 My home birth story

A new-to-Perth Mum shares her birth

story, including how she found out

about the Community Midwifery

Program (CMP) and had the birth

she wanted.

DAD’S WORLD 40

Life’s little treasures Gary shares what he really hates about having kids.

NATURAL HEALTH 42 In awe of Paw Paw

Tom McArthur shares why many

people are utilising the natural

benefits of paw paw.

Offspring | winter 2013 3

59

INTERNET PICKS 44

Our selection of websites offering great products for your family.

46 10 Celebrities Who Used Surrogates

From Elton John to Nicole Kidman,

to Giuliana Rancic, to Sarah Jessica

Parker, gestational carriers have

helped change the lives of some

high-profile families.

52

Free to be me Amy Coombe is teaching kids the art of resilience and helping to build the foundations of a strong sense of self-worth and a positive body image.

56 “I have to get out of here” Relocation and Family Law

Peter Curry-Jones, Principal Solicitor,

Curry Jones Lawyers, looks at

issues involved with relocating

and Family Law.

SPECIAL FEATURE 59

Eating out with kids We recommend some wonderful Perth dining establishments that go beyond ticking the standard ‘family-friendly’ boxes.

SPECIAL FEATURE 65 Off to school

Zoe Deleuil looks at the options for

primary school education in WA.

65 PARENTING 74 Beware the additives

Managing children’s behaviour

– Free of food additives!

FOOD AND NUTRITION 77

Eat right Dietitian Kate Bullen helps us make sense of the new Australian Dietary Guidelines.

WINTER TRAVEL 81 Walking in a Winter Wonderland

New Zealand’s Queenstown is

arguably one of the most exciting

places to visit because there are so

many different things to do and try

no matter what your age.

81

83 Balmy Broome

If the thought of the snow sends

shivers up your spine then why

not consider heading up to

sunny Broome?

85 Party directory 86 General Directory

ISSUE 14 WINTER 2013 Produced and published by Offspring Magazine Pty Ltd. ABN: 95 159 474 245 PO Box 724 Claremont 6910 Website www.offspringmagazine.com.au Editorial enquiries editorial@offspringmagazine.com.au Advertising enquiries advertising@offspringmagazine.com.au Subscription enquiries subscription@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, Zoe Deleuil, Melanie Hearse, Colleen Willis, Tara Dryland, Jane Bigelow, Celebritybabyscoop.com, Peter Curry-Jones.

Graphic Designers Steven Lillywhite, Sally Travis Printed by Scott Print

Natalie Barr

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

Also available online via www.offspringmagazine.com.au 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 | winter 2013

prepare print deliver

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With up to 60% pawpaw extract, and no nasty petrochemicals, McArthur Natural Products soothe and moisture even the most sensitive skin. Our range of natural creams help relieve redness and dryness, and are perfect for both baby’s nappy area and scalp. To learn more about our product range, and see why we’ve been featured on TV so many times, visit mcarthurnaturalproducts.com.

Available at mcarthurnaturalproducts.com and good pharmacies and health food stores

Welcome to winter I

love Winter. There’s nothing like the rumble of a good

“Beware the Additives;

Perth thunderstorm to get the blood pumping. I love

Managing Children’s

seeing my parents’ drought-affected farm transformed

Behaviour – Free of Food

into a luscious hinterland and I love not having to worry

Additives!” (pg 74). This

about whether our pot plants are revivable after forgetting

contains insights that

to water them for weeks on end.

have long been known

I love snuggling up on the couch with Hubby and kids

by parents of children

and watching silly, escapist family movies, and making

who react badly to these ingredients, but have rarely been

uggies and trackie pants my standard uniform. I love that

acknowledged by mainstream industry bodies, so to now

covering up means I can save hours each week avoiding

be backed by science is a real breakthrough.

hair removal rituals and wondering whether a deeper shade of pale is fashionable this year.

I love that I can save on hours of food preparation and

Contributing writer and Dietitian, Kate Bullen, helps us make sense of the new Australian Dietary Guidelines in “Eating Right” (pg 75), which, interestingly, have a focus

cooking by stewing and souping in vats, freezing and

on eating more “real food” over nutritional supplements.

reheating for the whole of winter.

This guide also includes recommended portions, which

In fact the only thing I really don’t love is the steroidal effect the wet weather has on my laundry mountain. Still stuck in some romantic notion of fresh air and sunshine

is helpful to understand through our children’s changing ages and sizes.

A stand out article in this edition for me is “Free to be

being good for the laundry, combined with a frugal

Me” (pg 52) by Claire Armstrong. This is a story about an

philosophy embedded in my psyche from a “waste-less”

inspiring, young woman, Amy, who has transformed herself

upbringing, means I don’t own a dryer.

and her life after suffering serious eating disorders and low self esteem, to now become a valuable role

I love snuggling up on the couch with Hubby and kids and watching silly, escapist family movies, and making uggies and trackie pants my standard uniform.

model for girls. Although she deals a lot with pre-adolescents and teens, and this magazine is more focussed on babies and young children, it occurred to me that this is the time that it is critical. It’s when it all begins.

My daughter is five now and already I see a preoccupation with looking beautiful and wanting to be like Disney princesses. Not that there is anything wrong with this in itself, but, as Amy points out, it’s important to teach our children, particularly our daughters, about the importance of appreciating nonaesthetic virtues too. She also discusses the value of teaching children to have a go, have fun and enjoy being creative, without the pressure to excel or be perfect. Again, this is vital to develop in these younger years, so this article, for me, was very insightful and helpful as a parent.

Our winter edition also includes some

But what I really love about winter, albeit in places other

great family-friendly dining options for Perth families in

than sunny WA obviously, is playing in the snow. Here in

“Eating Out With Kids” (pg 59). Our other special feature,

this edition, in “Winter Wonderland” (pg 81), we have great

“Off to School” (pg 65), is all about local education options

tips for families who are keen to holiday in New Zealand’s

and provides useful information for parents to consider

snow this winter. Also in our travel section, for those who

when selecting schools for their children.

prefer to escape the chills and travel north, we’ve included fun family things to do in “Balmy Broome” (pg 83).

We have quite a lot on healthy eating in this issue.

We’ve got some great competitions (pg 15) for families to win movie tickets, books and baby swaddles. Don’t forget to join our Facebook/Offspring-Magazine page to

It’s interesting that Ngala have provided information on

enter the competitions and stay up to date with the latest

findings from the esteemed medical journal, The Lancet,

news from Offspring.

on the negative effects of certain preservatives and food additives on children, in their contributing editorial

6 Offspring | winter 2013

So grab a cuppa, snuggle up and enjoy the read :) Kate Durack

www.danishbydesign.com.au

Available from Babyland, 30 Frobisher Street, Osborne Park Babyroad, 4-260 Leach Hwy, Booragoon

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.”

08 Offspring | winter 2013

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!

OM 0613

funky fun

for bub

We’ve found some cute fashion and nifty wear for your baby this Winter

Funky, fun silicone jewellery for Mum and Bub!

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Soft snuggles These super-soft, silky, all-natural baby products

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They’re BPA free, phthalate free and PVC free, making them also a practical, fun piece for mothers to keep their teething babies soothed. www.jellystonedesigns.com

Fan Necklace

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1. Baby Sleeping Bags: $79 2. Baby Blankets: $89.95 3. Baby Rompers: $69 4. Baby Singlet Suits: from $20 www.ewenique.com.au Fiesta Bangle $15

First steps Stylish, unique and all-natural pre-walker shoes with adjustable drawstring so they won’t kick off. $39.95, www.moosaidthecow.com.au

Lil Missy Munster Melted Long Sleeve Tee, $34.95

Cute & comfy fashion Keep Bub in style with these great mix and match items from www.moosaidthecow.com.au Lil Missy Munster Lil Flutter Leggings, $44.95

Lil Missy Munster ShowGirl Leggings, $34.95

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Rock-a-bye baby BEAUTIFUL BEDTIME PRODUCTS FOR YOUR BABY

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Linen & Accessories Great design for contemporary parents range includes quilts, sheets, hooded towels, wall art, scatter cushions, blankets and bibs & burp sets.

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12 Offspring | winter 2013

Baby

NEW Stokke® Scoot A lightweight, compact, easy to fold stroller. It offers higher seating and both parent and outward facing.

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product showcase

Sensational strollers NEW Stokke® Crusi The Stokke® Crusi strollers include a durable chassis with soft suspension that transforms into a range of stroller options including the Crusi Carry Cot for babies up to 6 months of age and then there can be fitted with the Stokke® Xplory & Crusi seat and Stokke® Crusi sibling seat for a single or duo seating combination.

Stokke Crusi starts from $1699, www.exquira.com.au

R BABY LOOK WHAT’S NEW, PRACTICAL AND SUPER STYLISH FOR YOU FOLDABLE BAby BATH Stokke® Flexi Bath™ is a unique, foldable children’s bathtub that folds flat for easy storage when not in use.

Bounce ‘n’ Sleep Stokke® Bounce ‘n’ Sleep is an innovative multi function bouncer and daybed combination that adapts to the changing needs of your family throughout the day. The bouncer reclines fully and is the only chair of it’s kind to offer a flat, ergonomic resting position. It can then be placed into the daybed.

Stokke Bouncer $299.00 Stokke Daybed $250.00 Stockist see www.exquira.com.au

14 Offspring | winter 2013

Stokke Flexibath $59, www.exquira.com.au

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Be classy

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stylish this winter You can shimmer with metallic and gold

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16 Offspring | winter 2013

4. Have Heart Ring Stack, $149, www.mimco.com.au 5. Academy Twisted Neck, $249, www.mimco.com.au 6. 100% leather clutch - Gold flecks and scribbles on tan cow hide leather clutch or makeup bag, $90.00 www.dontblamebetty.com 7. Verona Stud Point, $129, www.countryroad.com.au 8. Metallic Jean, $99, www. countryroad.com.au 9. Military Pea Coat, $349, www.countryroad.com.au 10. Lucid Baby Bag, $249, www.mimco.com.au 11. Pipduck Rubber Wellies / Gumboots Peta Croc Black, $139, www.pipduck.com.au 12. ACADEMY DROP EAR, $129, www.mimco.com.au 13. Mimco Enamel Bangle, $99.95, www.mimco.com.au

IN CINEMAS JUNE 20 IN

IN SELECT CINEMAS

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18 Offspring | winter 2013

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IN CINEMAS JUNE 20 Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. ‘Monsters University’ unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends. © Disney•Pixar

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WIN great prizes at www.facebook.com/Offspring-Magazine/ Offspring | winter 2013 19

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8 Offspring | winter 2013 21

There’s not a lot of ‘nicely drawing at the table’ type moments, my boys are literally like puppy dogs, full of energy and laughter, it’s great fun.

22 Offspring | winter 2013

Raising the Barr

She’s the Sunrise presenter that lights up our lounge rooms each morning, but Natalie Barr says her most important role is that of Mum to her two young boys. The West Australian-born journalist chats to Offspring about growing up in Bunbury, motherhood and how she balances work and family life.

N

atalie Barr is one busy lady. It’s late afternoon on a Thursday and I get confirmation from her publicist that Nat is ready for our phone interview. “Sorry!” she sighs as she answers

my call, “I’ve been so busy today, I hope you weren’t waiting too long”. It’s this kind of sincerity I’m sure, that has made Nat a favourite on Australia’s number one Breakfast Show. She’s had a jam-packed day – After presenting the morning news on Sunrise in Sydney, she’s flown to Melbourne, had lunch with Channel Seven executives, done a photo shoot and has prepared stories for tomorrow’s 5.30am news broadcast. “It never stops!” she says, “But I love it.”

From humble beginnings in the small city of Bunbury, WA, Natalie has carved herself an impressive 25 yearcareer in Journalism that has taken her from community

By Tara Dryland

newspapers to breakfast radio, and eventually, to Channel Seven. After studying at Curtin University, Nat’s first job was as a cadet at the Wanneroo Times. “I was so excited!” she exclaims, “But I didn’t have a clue what I was doing.”

From there, she worked for GWN in Kalgoorlie, learning the art of broadcast on the job and eventually, after a few voice lessons, Natalie landed her dream job as a freelance journalist for Channel Nine, Perth. “I had this great job, I was learning heaps and then my boyfriend (now husband - Andrew) got offered a job in Los Angeles…that really threw a spanner in the works!”

Although it wasn’t an easy one, her decision to follow Andrew, a film editor, to the States, paid off. She won a Golden Mic for Best Newscast Writing in 1994 and a Los Angeles Area Emmy Award nomination for her work on the LA-based Television station, KCOP’s coverage of the OJ Simpson car chase. Upon their return home to Australia, the couple were married before Natalie started

Offspring | winter 2013 23

I don’t know where this idea of “Supermum” comes from or the notion that we all have to create meals like Jamie Oliver every night. It’s ridiculous.

24 Offspring | winter 2013

at Channel Seven in Sydney as an on-the-road reporter,

lifestyle. There’s not a lot of ‘nicely drawing at the table’

and for the next seven years covered some of the biggest

type moments, my boys are literally like puppy dogs, full

stories in the country before being offered an anchor

of energy and laughter, it’s great fun.”

position on Seven’s Late Night News. “Ironically, the week

Proudly admitting to being a ‘soccer mum’, Nat also

I got the job was the week I found out I was pregnant

helps to manage the boys’ football teams. She says she’s

with Lachlan (now 12). So working and motherhood has

thankful the erratic Sunrise hours allow her to remain

always gone hand-in-hand for me,” she says.

involved with her children’s lives. “You can find me on

Lachlan was then followed by Hunter (8) and Nat

the sidelines of Footy games most weekends. I think it’s

soon found herself juggling motherhood with her early-

really important to be there and be interested. It’s such a

morning Sunrise role.

small snapshot of time; I really want to make the most of

“I’m up at 3am and after a quick shower and scan of the newspapers, I’m on-set and reading the news by 5.30am.

it with them.”

When asked if she ever feels overwhelmed by such

My husband gets the boys up, makes them breakfast and

a hectic schedule, Natalie is quick to divulge: “Some

drops them at school.” Depending on the day’s demands,

days are great, everyone remembers their hats and

Nat says she’s usually out of work by mid-morning and at

library books and things are going along smoothly but of

school pick-up virtually every day of the week.

course there are days when the wheels fall off and I’m

“Then there’s food shopping, homework, footy and basketball training and all the other things the boys are involved in. It’s a noisy, frantic, crazy

exhausted and over-it and screaming at the kids as I’m fishing rotten apples out of their school bags - we all have our moments.”

Nat says the key to her happy home is organisation and sacrifice. “Bed-time is strictly 7pm. I have no social life and sometimes I won’t see Andrew before we’re in bed. But I’ve chosen this lifestyle, I have a great career and I’m there for my kids too, and for that I’m really grateful.”

Despite the pressure, Nat says the key to finding a balance is to let go of any guilt. “I try not to feel guilty if the house is a mess or if I pick up a roast chicken from Coles for dinner, we’re all trying to do too much. I don’t know where this idea of “Supermum” comes from or the notion that we all have to create meals like Jamie Oliver every night. It’s ridiculous.”

Taking time out for herself if also important to Natalie, and she credits walking, jogging and Xtend Barre classes (a mixture of Pilates and Ballet) to both her physical and mental fitness. “If I finish work early, I’ll have a nap, or do some light exercise or even sit in the sun and eat a sandwich, anything to just relax and take some time to unwind.”

Although she has a busy timetable she says that for her, this year is all about learning to relax.

Offspring | winter 2013 25

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It’s almost like women don’t know how to stop. We don’t know how to chill-out and it sometimes seems to be a competition amongst mums of who accomplished the most that day.

“It’s almost like women don’t know how to stop. We don’t know how to chill-out and it sometimes seems to be a competition amongst mums of who accomplished the most that day. You never hear anyone say they read a book or went for a walk. Now I tell people that I like to nap in the sunshine, so what?”

This laid-back approach to motherhood could be due to her easygoing upbringing in Bunbury. “The West Coast was such a relaxed, beautiful environment to grow up in. The days were long and the summers were longer. WA just doesn’t feel as frantic as the Eastern States, it doesn’t have that constant ‘hum’ that Sydney does.” And

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this is a feeling she endeavours to pass on to her children. “I’m raising my children in the busiest city in the country, so it’s important we get our ‘WA fix’ once a year. We try to visit the family beach house in Dunsborough each January. We throw meat on the barbie and play at the beach and read books, it’s like being a kid again, and it’s wonderful.”

As I glanced up at the clock and realised that we had been chatting like old friends for just over an hour, it dawned on me just how warm and down-to-earth Natalie has remained. And as we finished giggling about the highs and lows of parenthood she offered me some advice:

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26 Offspring | winter 2013

“Right when you think you’re on top of everything, something changes.

You have to be prepared to roll with the punches. Just be the best mum you can be, you don’t have to be amazing, just be ordinary. Let’s aim for ordinary! And make your kids spaghetti on toast for dinner, we all had it when we were kids, and we’re fine.”

OFF THE AIR

with Lisa Fernandez

The sleep stealer Lisa laments the pre-child days of sleeping in and lying on the couch, watching TV, all weekend.

I

miss lying on the couch. Fact. I miss

duck feather doonas and fluffy pillows

what? Talk?” But of course you don’t

lying on the couch doing nothing

on a deliciously comfy bed that I just

answer because you’re too bloody tired!

except watch meaningless TV for

want to throw myself onto and…..

It’s madness. And just for the record,

Zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

I get up at 3.45am on weekdays. And

hours on end whilst eating a family size block of Fruit and Nut Dairy Milk

I miss waking up in the morning

weekends…there are NO SLEEP INS!!!!

Now I don’t know about you but I’m a

chocolate. All. By. Myself. I miss lying on

after 6.30am and having the luxury

the couch mindlessly flicking through

of lying in bed until LUNCHTIME if

big fan of the blame game. If something

reality shows where women don’t

I felt lazy, just reading my book and

goes wrong someone must be at fault.

realise they are pregnant until the

hearing the sounds of….ABSOLUTELY

This whole ‘collective blame’ or, ‘let’s

baby pops out into the toilet and crazy

NOTHING!!! Okay. You get it. I’m tired.

take one for the team’ is rubbish. In my

animal lovers share their beds with 800

I haven’t had a sleep-in since 2009.

humble opinion, it’s a dog-eat-dog world

feral cats watching on ambivalently

Exhausted would probably be a better

and if you don’t look after number

as their partner walks out of the feral

description. In fact, what IS it called

one no-one else will. So my lack of

home disgusted by feline excreta in the

when your eyes are so tired they

sleep leading to feelings of homicidal

microwave.

involuntarily close mid-conversation

exhaustion must have a causal root.

I miss watching this reality rubbish

with another person and you find

And I’m prepared to name and shame

until my eyes become blurry and sleepy

yourself saying, “Sorry, I just can’t

the reason for my inability to converse

and when I open them it’s two hours

do this anymore” and they reply, “Do

with workmates in a cohesive manner

later and a man is practically buried

post midday due to sheer exhaustion.

in his kitchen surrounded by piles of

The perpetrator of this heinous

newspapers he’s collected over twenty years because he’s a hoarder and can’t bear to throw anything away.

I miss having no other agenda other than what my brain told me which was, “Don’t bother getting up Darlin’, you’re too bloody comfortable”. I miss lying on the couch having absolutely nothing to do and absolutely nowhere to go. But most of all, friends, I MISS SLEEPING IN!!! Oh God the thrill of the words SLEEP-IN as they pass my lips is enough to bring forth images of huge

28 Offspring | winter 2013

I miss having no other agenda other than what my brain told me which was, “Don’t bother getting up Darlin’, you’re too bloody comfortable”

crime of sleep deprivation against me is three years old and her name is Isabella Fernandez; otherwise known as the saboteur of sleep, the evil empress of exhaustion. She is the child who no longer has an afternoon nap and, like a reverse vampire she is attracted to the first light of day, bounding around at 6am like a new puppy screeching, ‘Play with me! Play with me!’

If this demon of daylight were a puppy I’d be calling the pound and asking for a refund. Too harsh? Well,

I’m crazy with a lack of sleep I tell you!

How I am functioning on a daily basis is beyond me. I regularly put the milk in the cupboard. Just last week I washed our clothes with bleach. And I fed the dog amazing spaghetti bolognaise thinking it was his dinner so we had to eat Deb mashed potato and fried

The perpetrator of this heinous crime of sleep deprivation against me is three years old and her name is Isabella Fernandez; otherwise known as the saboteur of sleep, the evil empress of exhaustion.

sausages instead of pasta. And I blame Bella the sleep stealer!!

If you are nodding your head in agreement then I thank you for your

watch it. All day. While prone on the

do while child free.

1) Do NOT get out of bed on a

couch. Do nothing else for 24 hours.

understanding because you obviously

weekend unless you are forcibly asked

4) Get a job that starts at 10am.

have children and understand what

to do so by persons in authority. These

5) If you have to be at work before

it’s like to spend years dreaming of the

do NOT include partners, siblings,

8am consider quitting and finding a job

SLEEP-IN. It’s tough. All I can say is stay

grandparents, friends or neighbours

like the one above.

strong. It will happen. In sixteen years

whose houses are being robbed.

time when I am probably too tired to

6) If you are with someone who says

2) Purchase black-out curtains and

“I’m a morning person”, break up with

sleep in I’m sure I’ll get one and not

NEVER set your alarm on a weekend.

them immediately. Explain it’s for the

know what to do with it. But to those of

It’s not life or death if you sleep though

best when you have kids.

you who haven’t yet had children I offer

a day. It’s bloody marvelous.

you some advice for things you MUST

You’ll thank me when you finally

3) Get a Foxtel subscription and

pop out a sleep-stealer. I promise you!

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Offspring | winter 2013 29

BUSINESS MUM

y k n u Af s s e n i s bu

By MEL HEARSE

Meet the lady who has taken the effects of the Global Financial Crisis and online shopping in her stride and built a strong brand Anna Abelha, creator and owner of Funky Kids.

Photos: Hilary Adamson www.hilaryadamsonphotography.com.au

A

nna Abelha is an unashamedly glass is half full gal. Creator of popular kids clothing, toys and gifts store, Funky Kids, Anna says while setting

up and running a business is not without sacrifices, being passionate about what you do and having a realistic and flexible approach to your business makes for a happier and arguably more successful ride, not to mention a positive role model for her kids, Sarah (13) and Jayden (11).

Pre Funky Kids, Anna was a full time, stay at home mum – something she is grateful for. “If you are lucky enough to be in the position to stay at home for those early years, it’s a blessing. They really do go so fast, and it means a lot to me and the kids to have had that time together.”

Funky Kids first opened its doors in 2004 when Anna’s and husband Vasco’s daughter Sarah was on the cusp of five, and son Jayden was almost three and a half.

Anna had become increasingly frustrated by the lack of fun and contemporary bedroom furniture, linen and clothing for children. Having grown up with parents in the supermarket trade, and therefore being at home in the retail sector, she decided she was up for the challenge of filling the gap. “The first store I opened was in Wembley on the Cambridge Street shopping strip. I knew we were offering something truly unique, as we

30 Offspring | winter 2013

BUSINESS MUM had customers travelling from all over Perth to get there.”

The retail industry obviously agreed - in 2009, TNT Ragtrader magazine awarded Funky Kids the accolade “Fashion Retailer of the Year: Independent Youth/Kidswear”.

Having a hands-on husband and plenty of family support was as essential in the beginning as it remains today, with Anna’s parents chipping in on school runs. They also incorporated their family life into the shop. “We had a playroom in the store that Jayden was happy to play in, and I found the customers very understanding of his typical toddler

“Everything in life is about reinventing yourself – whether it’s your relationship, your friendships, or business; every now and then you need to change things to stay in front.”

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Offspring | winter 2013 31

BUSINESS MUM

behaviour – pulling on my leg or wanting attention. If anything, it helped the customers relate to me, and also showed that I understood my market well – I was part of it!”

“Our kids love the stores, but more

“It’s way too easy to go online for customers,so bricks and mortar stores have to provide a high level of service, a good range of products, and something memorable to successfully vie for their dollars.”

than that, I think the stores have shown them that with persistence, you can start something

have to provide a high level of service, a good range of products, and something memorable to successfully vie for their dollars.”

Three years after Wembley

opened, a spot came up at Garden City Shopping Centre. In March of 2012, another

you believe in from scratch and build it into something

opportunity arose in the form of a twelve month trial at

great. They’ve learned there are sacrifices that come with

Whitfords Shopping Centre. “Whitfords was a struggle

achievement – I miss out on weekend fun sometimes, or

from the beginning, just to get the traffic and sales needed

have to stay up working out a problem after they go to bed,

to be viable, so when the trial was up, I made the call not

but they also see that hard work is rewarded in the big

to renew. We made the same call for the Garden City store

picture.”

when the lease came up in December of 2012.”

A short eighteen months after opening the Wembley

The big reason for not renewing Garden City was because

store, the opportunity to open at Karrinyup Shopping

Anna saw a different path forward for the partnership

Centre arose. “These two stores still thrive today – if

between Funky Kids and the popular shopping centre. “Back

anything, they continue to grow.” Anna has put a lot of

at the time we opened in Karrinyup, I was concerned about

the success down to two factors – great merchandising

others seeing what I was doing, how much success I was

and a unique in-store experience; both of which were

having, and opening up something similar. It was around

commended by TNT Ragtrader. “It’s way too easy to

this time I thought about harnessing the popularity of the

go online for customers, so bricks and mortar stores

brand and the business model and getting into franchising.”

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32 Offspring | winter 2013 30-33 BUSINESS MUM.indd 32

26/05/2013 22:53

specialists with expertise in franchising, and then spent ten months learning as much as she could from them. “They’ve worked with some pretty big names - Boost Juice, Flight Centre, Forty Winks, Matchbox, Bank West, Darrell Lea, Telstra, CBA, NAB, Hairhouse Warehouse and Australia Post, so

loSe weigHt in a healthy way breastfeedlying friend

they know their stuff. ” Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t right, and the GFC saw less interest in the market for buying into a franchise. This was the part of the story that best illustrates her belief that to succeed, you need to have realistic and flexible goals for a business.

“I decided that rather than push ahead while the market was flat, I’d focus on the two stores we had, and revisit franchising when the market perked back up. For me, the success of my business has always been about acknowledging and accepting things as they are, and also reminding myself the bad or hard times aren’t forever.”

BUSINESS MUM

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Anna went to went to Melbourne and met with DC Strategies; who are business growth

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Use our best selling Things in the retail sector are turning around and Anna is hopeful the franchising dream may be realised in the future. “I’d really like to take on a mentoring role – I’ve been here for nine years and rode out some bad periods for the sector, so I think the business model is a strong one and I have a lot of knowledge to share. I don’t think running four stores is going to happen for me again; what I really want to focus on is finding other people as passionate about the brand who want to take on their own store, and help them build what I have – that is how I see more Funky Kids stores opening up.”

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30-33 BUSINESS MUM.indd 33

THM_OFFSPRING_TPV_0413.indd 1

22/04/13 AM 26/05/201311:16 22:53

FUNNY MUMMY with Ari Chávez

The Witching Hour Ari gives a humorous take on the notorious dinner-bath-bed routine endured by parents of toddlers

in 20 Easy S teps 5

Run Toddler’s bath. Fill with bubble liquid. Pause to load washing machine and survey laundry mountain,

which expands daily. Maybe laundry mountain should be on The Biggest Loser, not Dog.

1

Dinner is served at special Toddler-sized table. Child sits. Surveys meal. Picks out microscopic zucchini

6

Go outside. Stalk Toddler. Toddler thinks this is VERY FUNNY. Speeds off. Dog follows. Hurtle after

pieces hidden in vegetables and deposits them wordlessly in my hand. Toddler is too smart for his own good. And mine.

Toddler. Try not to trip over Dog, who can take up a lot of

Also, I am a rubbish bin.

room sometimes. Grab Toddler in a self-developed manoeuvre called

2

Toddler returns to plate. Eats half his dinner, mostly

The Octopus. Wrap all limbs

the meat. Feeds stuff he doesn’t like to the Dog, who

around Toddler and DO

is circling the table like a hungry wolf. Dog thinks we starve

NOT LET GO. Toddler can’t

her. We don’t. Dog is a Labrador aka Eating Machine. Vet said

thrash arms or legs but

she (Dog) should be on the The Biggest Loser. I think Vet

can yell a lot. Toddler

meant we’re Bad Parents. Dog is therefore on a diet, except

starts yelling.

Grab Toddler in a self-developed manoeuvre called The Octopus. Wrap all limbs around Toddler and DO NOT LET GO.

Toddler keeps feeding her. Toddler gives Dog some carrot then frowns because Dog eats it. Chucks tantrum. Throws

7

Octopus yelling Toddler into

rest of food on floor. Starving Wolf-Dog pounces on mess and vacuums it up. Toddler stares. Computes he has NO FOOD

bathroom. It’s not elegant but

LEFT because Dog has hoovered it. Flings himself on floor.

it works. Toddler spots bubbles

Turns air and self purple with rage.

and screams. Tries to scramble into bath fully clothed. Wrangle clothes off him. T shirt gets stuck

3

Open can of beans for Toddler in an effort to un-purple

on Toddler’s head. Yank shirt. Comes off. Head stays on,

air and entice him to eat a vegetable. Win win. Toddler

luckily. Toddler looks indignant. Plonk him in bath to distract

smiles. He likes beans. Eats three. Is full. Feeds unwanted

him. Toddler plays with bubbles. Eats wads of bubble foam.

beans to Dog. I grab plate before Dog puts on ten more kilos

Obviously Toddler is starving. Splashes water on me for

and Vet signs her up for reality TV. Certainly don’t need bad

starving him.

parenting skills beamed to nation via Dog’s belly. Toddler and Dog look tetchy. I eat beans. Sustenance.

8

Empty bath to avoid complete soaking. Have standards. Octopus Toddler into towel and look in

4

Ask Toddler if he wants

the mirror at how handsome

a bath. He says no. Ask if

he is. Toddler smiles. He is very

he wants a lot of bubbles in his

handsome. Take advantage of

bath. He says no. Ask Toddler

Kodak moment to dry Toddler’s

if he wants to play with his

hair. Toddler jerks head. Screams

special boat in the bath. He says

blue murder.

no. Tell Toddler I am going to run his bath. Toddler howls, “NOOOOOO!” Crawls out Dog’s

9

Trip over Dog on way to Toddler’s bedroom. Mutter

door and bolts for slide. Dog

something under breath because

follows, wagging tail.

Toddler mimics EV-ERY-TH-ING.

34 Offspring | winter 2013

Dog follows us to nappy table. Lies down, head on paws.

Toddler demands Nemo nappy. Tell Toddler Nemo nappies

1

are for swimming not sleeping. “Nemo, please,” says Toddler, remembering his manners for once. Shake head. “NEMO PLEASE, MAMA!” bellows Toddler, urgently. Curse freaking Nemo and pull out a Winnie-The-Pooh nappy. Toddler starts thrashing. Pin him down in a Nappy Table version of The Octopus. Wrestle nappy and PJs onto him. Toddler is speechless with purple rage. Enjoy silence.

1

0

Put Toddler in cot. Toddler requests 500 books. Give

1 1 1 1

2

Toddler is distracted by avalanche of toys and lack of personal space.

3

Take advantage and sneak out of room.

4

Dog follows.

5

Sit down on sofa to enjoy restful period of catatonia.

6

“Mummmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyyy” calls Toddler.

7

Pretend I am deaf, even though Toddler has

“Mummmmmmyyyyyyyyyyyyy, please!!!!!”

him books. Toddler requests Teddy, Mama Rabbit,

Baby Rabbit, Wombat and Hairy Maclary. Give them to him.

Toddler requests plastic crap. Gather plastic crap off floor -

1

remembered his manners again.

about two tonnes - and plonk it in cot. Notice how nice floor looks. Toddler requests singing giraffe. Give him enormous and ridiculous giraffe. Toddler requests xylophone. Give him xylophone AND guitar.

Dog stares at me. Ignore her, too.

9

Dog gets up. Goes and lies in hallway, halfway between Toddler’s room and lounge room.

Toddler’s cot looks like rubbish tip with a small child poking out.

2

0

Dog is very smart. Knows every way her bread is buttered.

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Offspring | winter 2013 35

Real Life

A new home

By Jane Bigelow

and a home birth

Jane Bigelow shares her birth story, including how she found out about the Community Midwifery Program (CMP) and had the birth she wanted.

I

arrived in WA already having had my two boys in hospital in

Orange, NSW. Orange had no CMP available, however I seemed to be a natural at having babies and my two births had been

uncomplicated. On arriving in WA, pregnant with baby number three, I found out about the CMP through a friend who told me about her positive homebirth experience so I looked up their website.

I was attracted to the idea of having a known midwife but was unsure about birthing at home. At first I was leaning toward the birth centre option; the CMP offers care with a known midwife at King Edward Memorial Hospital’s Family Birthing Centre. Given that I live in the hills, however, and this was baby number three, I began thinking about the option of the Kalamunda birthing rooms.

This is a neat little facility for CMP mothers not wanting a home birth but wanting a low intervention birth with midwifery care.

There was so much to think about in coming to the right decision. My parents were uncomfortable with the home option so I figured if my mum arrived from Sydney before the birth, then the Kalamunda Birthing Rooms seemed a great option.

Mum was scheduled to arrive when I was 40 weeks. My husband, Jeffrey, was overseas until week 38 and both he and I were very comfortable with the home option. So my ideal scenario was Baby arriving between weeks 39 and 40, to be born at home.

The stars all aligned, and with some reassuring words from my midwife to relax about it all, I went into labour at 39 weeks plus 3 days. I went to bed on Tuesday night feeling really restless,

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“I was listen ed to, reassured and gently guided to ha ve the birth I wanted.” and told my husband I thought tomorrow would be The Day. I got up at 3am and started pacing; it was so lovely to be in my own environment with

midwife arrived but I was lost in labour. The kids were happily playing in the lounge room while my husband put up the birthing pool and made the

birthing space beautiful.

I started to get a bit more vocal and they suggested that

everyone in the house peacefully asleep. From about 3 to

I might like to hop into the water. I felt my waters break, it

6am the contractions started increasing in intensity and I

was transition and very intense! A sense of calm overcame

decided to wake my husband at 6am so I could shower and

me however and after several big pushes his head was born.

call the midwife.

At 10.24 am I then called in my two boys, Jonathan, five, and

By the time my midwife arrived, I was having to stop and

Jace, three, who were fascinated by our baby’s impending

breathe through contractions and I asked her to check how

arrival. I birthed him into my arms and we all enjoyed our

far along I was. I was almost 7cm! She got her bag out so I

first moments as a family of five. Our third child, Thomas

knew I was in business! The student midwife and backup

Dean Bigelow, was a healthy 3.84kg and 52cm long.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE 13 weeks pregnant or less Previously had gestational diabetes Be in Perth up to 28 weeks pregnant

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MuMs without MuMs Many mums are raising young families without the support or presence of their own mother.

The city runs a free fortnightly mums without mums group, which is open to all, regardless of where you live.

This is a chance for women in similar situations to support each other, talk about raising children and share their stories. Tea and coffee is provided and Lords crèche is available for $7 a session.

when: Tuesdays fortnightly from 10.30am to 12pm (except during school holidays) Upcoming dates – 4 and 18 June, 2 and 30 July, 13 and 27 August

where: Lords Cafe, 3 Price Street, Subiaco Visit us at www.thecyclestudy.com.au

or call our Research Midwife at King Edward Memorial Hospital on 0457 123 407

For more information, or to attend, please contact the city on 9237 9317 or email communitydevelopment@subiaco.wa.gov.au

Offspring| |autumn winter 2013 37 Offspring

push immediately, almost as if they also felt that I could not do it and a crisis was imminent! My CMP midwives on the other hand beautifully held the space of transition, gently diverting me until the urge to push overcame me; a feeling I had not been able to experience in my hospital births. I was listened to, reassured and gently guided to have the birth I wanted.

My midwives believed in my baby, they believed in me and understood the normal effects of transition and helped me to have the birth I have always wanted.

Having a Baby in WA Website Needs You! My midwife made me tea and toast and I felt so nurtured in my home. Everyone waited on me and it was just wonderful. My friend who had recommended the CMP brought me a meal the next day – such lovely support!

So baby boy number three arrived safely at home just when he needed to; when Dad was home and before Grandma arrived, but not too soon before Grandma arrived so he was still a delicious newborn.

Afterwards, I reflected on the contrast between my hospital births and my homebirth, and for me the strongest contrast came when reflecting on the transition phase.

When I reached the transition “I can’t do it” stage, the

WA Health has over 300 websites relating to its services, and the Having a Baby in WA website has been chosen as one of the few to be upgraded and enhanced with better content, navigability and visual appeal.

Community Midwifery WA has been asked by WA Health to facilitate a range of forums to get your feedback. So they need you! They warmly invite you to a 2.5 hour focus group session to provide your opinion about how to improve this important resource for women and families.

The session will include morning tea and crèche facilities will be provided. It will be an interactive forum where you get to play with and explore the website to enhance the feedback that you can offer.

If you would like to attend please RSVP to andrea.johnston@ health.wa.gov.au. Please advise of any dietary requirements or if you will require the crèche facilities.

hospital midwives had gone into action, directing me to

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38 Offspring | winter autumn2013 2013

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DAD’S WORLD

with Gary Ausbruch

Life’s little treasures Gary shares what he really hates about having kids

T

hank God I don’t have kids,” said one of my work

with apologies to B2), these are minor inconveniences,

colleagues upon returning from a few days off to

and unlike my colleague, I’ve signed up to them by

look after her sister’s children. “If I wasn’t taking

making the decision to have children in the first place. The

one of them to karate, I was taking the other one to

conversation with her made me think about what I really

calisthenics, if one had a sore throat, the other one had a

do hate about having children – and the list is comprised

headache. I kept forgetting who only ate sandwiches made

mainly of the things that are out of my control as their dad.

from bread with seeds in it and who ate square crumpets

I hate how their innocence is gradually sucked out of

but not round ones, and whether it was Miffy or Hello Kitty

kids as they grow up. For how long can my son, Sebastian,

they were scared of. I love them to bits but I hated it.”

without a care in the world or prejudice to anyone, proudly say that his favourite TV show is about a princess, play with

For me, like most parents, having kids is an overwhelmingly positive experience. However, there are

a black Ken doll that he calls Chocolate, and twirl around in

certainly some things I hate. It’s not only the obvious things

a Supergirl outfit with nothing on underneath the skirt?

like losing your ability to spend all of Sunday on the couch

I hate how life’s small wonders get lost in the overload that

recovering from a hangover, or being woken up at 3am

is everyday being, and the need to just

because someone’s had a bad dream about the Bananas in

get stuff done. The other day as

Pyjamas where B1 killed B2. In the scheme of things (and

we were walking home from the park, my daughter Ella stopped so she could look at an ant carrying a crumb.

For ten minutes she lost track of what was going on around her and delighted in the achievement of that

“I got annoy ed with her for delaying me returnin g home to get on wit h the weekend ch ores, which ironic ally, included kil ling ants.”

ant. Rather than share her joy, I got annoyed with her for delaying me returning home to get on with the weekend chores, which ironically, included killing ants.

I hate how I am forever destined to worry about my kids’ wellbeing. Sebastian had a health scare about a year ago, and it still makes me feel sick in the stomach when I think of his motionless little body lying on the floor. Its incidents like these that make me grateful he’s around to wake me up at 3am once in a while.

Even if my groggy brain then needs to explain that if B1 wouldn’t kill B2 because they love each other, which of them is the mummy and which is the daddy.

I hate how most of the negative qualities I see in the children are mine, whilst the positive qualities seem to be The Omnipotent Ones. Ella accidently lets a little fart slip out, and in accordance with the exemplary behaviour her mother expects from her, says, “Excuse

40 Offspring | winter 2013

Untitled-2 1

21/05/13 8:24 AM

to provide him with some fatherly words of wisdom.

Disappointments will happen and they make you stronger.

Try and look deeper than the pretty face. And get used to the guy with the bigger car getting the girl, even if the car is a toy dump truck.

But I think the thing I hate the most about having kids relates more to me than them. It’s how they make me hate myself for being so impatient. As they natter incessantly around me, “I want to help you fix the sprinklers”, I swear under my breath because a job I already resent doing is about to impede even more into my weekend. And as they’re dragging their little stepping stools over to the kitchen bench as I’m trying to make breakfasts before work, “I want to pour the milk,” I’m seeing the extra time it’s going to take to clean up the impending spillage. I’ve me. I just did a fluff”, while Sebastian pushes out a grunt,

started thinking about how at some stage this situation will

laughs, and sticks his hand out to me to give him five.

reverse, where I’ll need to cajole them into doing things

I hate how I will be helpless to shield them from all of

with me or nag them to help out around the house, and

life’s disappointments. Sebastian burst into tears when a

this, along with all my other “hates”, is helping me focus

pretty little girl in the playground who he had a mini-crush

on being there for them, and also be in the moment with

on walked off holding another boy’s hand. I felt his pain,

them. To man up, basically.

but all I can do in this situation is take it as an opportunity

Now, where’s my Supergirl outfit?

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Offspring | winter 2013 41

NATURAL HEALTH

The power of

paw paw Labelled the “Paw Paw Man” due to regular appearances on Today Tonight following the amazing results of McArthur Natural Products, Queensland father, Tom McArthur, has made it his mission to help young and old around the globe using paw paw extract.

What was your background and how did you come

containing this paw paw extract available to the general

across paw paw?

public, to help as many people as possible.”

“I was in the British Army and stationed in Borneo during the 1960s. I found that trekking through jungles on patrol for

How have people found out about your product? Where is

up to 21 days straight resulted in horrendous skin infections

it currently available?

in different areas around my body. I observed local villagers

“Initially most people heard about the products from

using fruits, plants and roots, especially paw paw to treat

my appearances on Today Tonight, which created a huge

their wounds. I decided to stuff paw paw into my boots and

amount of public interest. Since then most of our new

noticed this helped relieve skin ailments on my feet.”

customers find out about our products through word of mouth from family or friends or through reading our

What made you want to develop the paw paw fruit into a consumable product ie. your own formula? How did you

Facebook page.

We currently sell our products online at www.

go about this?

mcarthurnaturalproducts.com and

“After my stint in the army Lynda and

more than 700 chemists and health

I worked tirelessly to discover how

food stores have it on their shelves.”

they could extract paw paw’s qualities for a wider application. Eventually,

Reports indicate that your products

Lynda was able to create a secret

have helped with nappy rash,

formula, McArthur Pawpaw Extract™,

eczema, skin conditions and arthritis,

which had incredible results. She

are there any other conditions people

made a cream that could treat all sorts

have found your paw paw formula

of skin effects. Together we made a

has helped with?

commitment to use its potency to help

“As our products do not currently

people have a better quality of life.

have Therapeutic Goods

I promised Lynda before she passed away that I would have products

42 Offspring | winter 2013

Administration registration I cannot make any therapeutic claims about

with thousands of posts about how well our products have worked.”

Mothers are some of your biggest supporters, why do they

NATURAL HEALTH

our products, however, we have a facebook page filled

We will never be able to truly thank Tom McArthur for what he has done for Noah. Noah is our everything and we thank you for taking us into your heart and for giving him a much better life. We don’t like to think of what our today would be without you but we know all our tomorrows will be better because of you. All our Love Kat, Mark and Noah xxx” - Kat, VIC.

like your products?

“Having children suffering from dry, red and irritated skin can be very stressful for parents. It can be a delicate balancing act for parents, between finding products

products or for families where our

that work and using products that don’t

products can be used for babies

have any long-term complications.

through to the elderly.

To date we have received

Most mothers tend to like our natural products because they have no added

thousands of phone calls and emails

parabens, sulphates or petrochemicals.

from happy customers.”

Most importantly our products work You’ve provided your product to

effectively on the skin even when other

a hospital in Chile, how did this

products don’t. This can be attributed to the products having very high amounts of active ingredient

come about and what motivated you to do this?

with the Complete Skincare Cream having 60 per cent

“I was particularly moved after a chance encounter with

McArthur Pawpaw Extract™.”

a person who brought back a video from a hospital in Chile. It is a rural hospital staffed by nuns from the nearby

What sort of products do you have available and what are

convent. It is officially a 50-bed hospital, but regularly

they useful for?

holds over 300 patients. I was shocked by the footage and

“We have a full product range which is effective on the skin

knew we needed to help.

and scalp, which include the Complete Skincare Cream,

A team from McArthur Natural Products travelled to

Natural Facial Crème, Complete Skincare Soap, and we’ve

Chile with 180kg of products which we donated to the

recently launched a new range of shampoos, conditioners

hospital. The results from the use of our products were

and body wash.”

profound.”

Where have you received most support from the

What would you like to see in the future for paw paw

product and why?

products such as McArthur Natural Products?

“We have received a tremendous amount of support

“Our main goal is simply to help people to achieve a better

from our customers who after using our products have

quality of life. We have many exciting projects underway

experienced a healthier quality of life. In particular we

including launching new products, expanding overseas and

receive a lot of support from people interested in natural

continuing to help with humanitarian projects.”

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Offspring | winter 2013 43

INTERNET PICKS

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

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

www.maternityandbaby.com.au Maternity & Baby is a WA based online boutique stocking a wide range of stylish maternity clothes and gorgeous baby clothes and accessories. Our maternity range includes well known Australian and international labels, with something for every occasion. Our baby range goes up to size 2 and includes a variety of organic cotton baby clothes.

We also stock blankets, wraps, nappy wallets and more. Visit us online today.

Contact: info@maternityandbaby.com.au

10% off your order total when you enter the code “OFFSPRING10” at the checkout!

www.avidiva.com.au Avidiva is a Perth based online boutique filled with homemade, eco-friendly and organic baby products.

Our collection of more than 40 brands includes: Aden & Anais Milk Baby Dandelion Kicky Pants Charli Bear Free gift registry available for baby showers Contact: 0420 720930 info@avidiva.com.au

Free shipping Australia wide for all orders over $50

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

44 Offspring | winter 2013

OS Winter 13 Internet Picks.indd 44

24/05/13 9:01 PM

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.indigokidsglobal.com

The Bali favourite Indigo Kids is finally launching their baby and children’s wear online store next month shipping worldwide. The long established brand features playful designs for baby, girls and boys at affordable pricing that doesn’t compromise on quality. Fresh and unique prints with an emphasis on handcrafted embellishments such as beading, embroidery, lace and crochet. Adorable pieces perfect for your little ones.

Sign up to their newsletter online for the chance to win a $200 online shopping voucher.

Don’t forget to follow Indigo Kids on facebook for the latest updates and promotions.

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!

Shop 5 Dolphin Quay, 37 Dolphin Drive Mandurah Ocean Marina

Offspring | winter 2013 45

OS Winter 13 Internet Picks.indd 45

24/05/13 9:01 PM

special feature

10Used Surrogates

Who

Celebrities

By CelebrityBabyScoop.com

Not everyone can conceive a baby, which makes the option of surrogacy so rewarding.

By Zoe Deleuil

CelebrityBabyScoop takes a look at ten celebrities who have used a surrogate mother to expand their families.

From Elton John, to Nicole Kidman, to Giuliana Rancic, to Sarah Jessica Parker, let’s hear how gestational carriers have helped change the lives of some high-profile families.

Elton John: Sir Elton John and David Furnish welcomed their second son Elijah on January 11, 2013. The doting daddies used the same surrogate mother for their two year old son Zachary.

“She is a wonderful, kind and loving woman,” Elton says of their surrogate, who thinks of her as “part of our family”.

The couple used the same egg donor for both boys and

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Amber Scobie.indd 1

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special feature

Nicole Kidman:

last a lifetime. I am

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban welcomed daughter

also so very thankful

Sunday on July 8, 2008. But after a “roller-coaster ride

to our family and

with fertility,” the couple used a gestational carrier for

friends for their

their second child, Faith, now two years old.

support throughout

“Having given birth and then being there to see

this process, as well

my child born in that way, I felt so much love for our

as the Center for

surrogate, gestational carrier,” Nicole says.

Surrogate Parenting for helping make all

The Academy

this possible.”

Award winner

“It was a womb

went on to discuss why she uses the

issue for me. Embryos wouldn’t

term “gestational

implant,” she says of her fertility issues. “It’s a big leap,

carrier” as opposed

inviting this person into your life to do this amazing,

to “surrogate” –

important thing for you. And it’s hard losing that kind of

something she was

control. But our surrogate is so extraordinary, and she’s

criticised for in the

still in our lives. She’s like an auntie.”

days following the

Neil Patrick Harris:

announcement of Faith’s birth.

How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris (NPH)

“We were trying

and partner David Burtka are dads to two year old

to be accurate,” she

twins Harper and Gideon. The Doogie Houser alum opened

shared. “The term ‘gestational carrier’ is used if it’s your

up about welcoming the twins via surrogate mother.

biological child and if it isn’t, then you use ‘surrogate’.

I mean, who knows what it is. But she’s the most wonderful woman to do this for us.”

Elizabeth Banks: What to Expect When You’re Expecting actress Elizabeth Banks and husband Max Handelman have welcomed both sons – Felix, nearly two, and Magnus, three months – via surrogate mother.

“Like Felix, Magnus was born via gestational surrogate,” she shares. “This experience has exceeded all expectations, taught us a great deal about generosity and gratitude, and established a relationship that will

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Offspring | winter 2013 47

special feature

Chris Daughtry:

“We really, really wanted kids,”

American Idol star Chris Daughtry and

NPH says. “We

wife Deanna welcomed fraternal

really had thought it

twins Noah and Adalynn via gestational

through financially,

carrier in November 2010. The couple

emotionally,

used a surrogate to carry their twins

relationship-wise.

due to Deanna’s partial hysterectomy.

We didn’t just

“Our family is overwhelmed

accidentally get

with joy by these two precious

pregnant and decide

gifts from God,” the Grammy

that now we need to

nominated singer says. “The

make this work. These

babies are both healthy and

kids come into our

resting. Thanks to everyone for

world with nothing but love.”

their love and prayers.” The twins

The handsome couple talked the science behind the birth of the fraternal twins, revealing each father fertilised one egg and the twins were carried and born via one surrogate.

Burtka explained that the twins were conceived by “two eggs, two embryos, one of mine, one of his.”

The couple knew the surrogate, whom Burtka described as “more like the oven”. And they found an anonymous egg donor through a donation bank where they were able to research her personal and medical history.

joined the couple’s teen children, Hannah and Griffin.

Sarah Jessica Parker: Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, welcomed son James Wilkie in October 2002. But the couple struggled to conceive again. “[We] tried and tried and tried and tried and tried to get pregnant, but it just was not to be, the conventional way

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special feature

— I would give birth as often as I could, if I could. I cherished all the milestones, the good and the bad,” SJP shared.

The Sex and the City star spoke very highly of their gestational carrier, calling her “strong, bright, independent, thoughtful, caring, gracious and generous.”

She went on to talk

found surrogacy, and I was like:

about meeting her

‘Woah! This looks really interesting,’”

daughters – now 3-year-old

the sexy singer says. “I interviewed

twins Tabitha and Loretta – for

so many people that were part of this

the first time in the delivery

beautiful world, and I decided this was

room.

going to be my way.”

“Meeting your children rather than giving birth to them, it’s as if, um, it’s — suspended animation. The gestational experience is gone,” she says. “It’s as if everything

And what about more kids in the future with his longtime love, Carlos Gonzalez Abella?

Saying that he’d love to have “a daddy’s girl,”

else disappears for a moment, and the world goes silent and

Ricky says he plans to go the surrogacy route again soon.

— I can’t explain it except to say that nothing else existed.

“I’ll be steady in New York, and then, after I do the play

I don’t remember anything but the blanket on the bed that

[Evita], the baby [will be] born, and I’m going to be able to

they were lying on and my husband’s face and their faces

spend time with her.”

and my son’s. It’s literally as if sound is sucked from the room. Time stands still. It’s so different, and equally extraordinary. I am very poor at describing it. But it’s amazing.”

Ricky Martin: Ricky Martin welcomed his twin sons, Valentino and Matteo, via surrogate in August 2008. The Livin’ La Vida Loca singer recalled his path to fatherhood, saying that he first felt the urge to start a family many years ago.

“OK, what are my options? Am I going to adopt? I

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Offspring | winter 2013 49

special feature

Giuliana Rancic:

Michelle Stafford:

After a long road to parenthood, Bill and Giuliana

Emmy Award-

Rancic welcomed son, Duke, in August 2012 via

winning The Young & the

gestational carrier. The proud new mum gushed

Restless star Michelle

to Celebrity Baby Scoop about the experience.

“We had an amazing gestational carrier who we

Stafford is Mum to daughter Natalia thanks

cannot thank enough for all that she has

to a surrogate mother.

done for our family,” Giuliana says.

“After a three-year

After Giuliana’s battle with

journey through hell,

breast cancer and subsequent

I’m elated, ecstatic and feel ultimately lucky

double mastectomy, her chances

to be able to announce

of carrying a child has been

I’m expecting my own

delayed.

“We’d have to go down the

child via surrogate in December,”

surrogacy path again,” she says.

Michelle shared before

“Thankfully, before I went on my medication, we did another round

Natalia’s arrival in December 2009.

of [in vitro fertilisation], so we have

After unsuccessful attempts to conceive with several failed surgeries for egg retrieval, artificial insemination and

embryos ready to go.”

After such a positive experience with

invitro fertilisation, the star says the process of trying to become pregnant was “the hardest thing I’ve ever done in

their son’s gestational carrier, Delphine,

my life.”

they would consider her again. “She’s

online kids clothing store

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50 Offspring | winter 2013

Pyjamas now

$25

.00

and Under!

no looking back. But for

texts Delphine and plans to visit her throughout

a lot of women, there are

the year.

lots of different options,

Marissa Jaret Winokur: Broadway actress of the famed musical

special feature

just a good person,” says Giuliana, who regularly

so it’s important to figure out what’s the best option for them.”

Mum to four year

Hairspray, Marissa Jaret Winokur underwent a hysterectomy at the age of 27 after being

old son Zev with

diagnosed with cervical cancer. Surrogacy was

husband Judah Miller,

her “last chance” to become a mother and she

Marissa says they hope for

has spoken on the decision to use a gestational

another baby one day soon.

carrier.

“For people out there who don’t understand surrogacy, it’s very important that they understand it’s not about someone in Hollywood

CelebrityBabyScoop.com is one of the most popular

who doesn’t want to gain weight. It’s not like Sarah Jessica

blogs on the topic and the foremost provider of

Parker didn’t want to have her own baby,” she says. “For

everything celebrity-baby, featuring baby fashion, baby

everybody who has a surrogate, that was their last chance.

names, baby trends and up-to-the-minute celebrity baby

That was their last option – that was their only option. It’s

gossip and pics. Get all the latest news, updates, and

the most amazing, wonderful thing, but it’s also a really hard

photos about Hollywood’s most beloved celebrity moms,

decision to make because you’re trusting the most important

dads and their babies. Who’s the latest Tinseltown baby?

thing to somebody. For me, that was the only way I was

Who’s due next and who just announced a pregnancy?

going to have a baby, so I was like ‘I’m in, let’s go.” There was

It’s all on Celebrity Baby Scoop.

Offspring | winter 2013 51

Real Life

Free to be me

By Claire Armstrong

It is sad, but not unique, to find stories of young people suffering from eating disorders and depression, and engaging in self harm.

Amy Coombe is one person to have battled those demons and survived. She is now bringing the fight to the aid of others, teaching kids the art of resilience and helping to build the foundations of a strong sense of self worth and a positive body image.

M

fight for survival.

her feet. But Amy’s journey to this point has been far from

mind, my illness and my life around,” Amy reveals. “It didn’t

smooth sailing. She describes her teenage years spent as a

matter how much love I had around me, it didn’t matter

perfectionist and a people pleaser who wanted to be liked

how many doctors I had – it all came down to me.”

eeting Amy Coombe in a Perth coffee house, I am greeted by a cheerful, confident and articulate young woman who seems to have the world at

by everyone. She explains how she didn’t know how to deal with rejection or failures.

Amy tells the tale of a young girl striving for control

The hospital stay was the fuel Amy needed to ignite her “I realised that I was the only one who could turn my

It was a slow road to recovery, but eventually Amy moved to Perth where she joined a speaking club to help with her confidence, and in 2009 she was a finalist in the WA

in all aspects of her life who began to obsess about food

Rostrum Speaker of the Year competition. It was here she

and exercise. And despite an upbringing in a family full of

shared her story for the very first time.

love and support, at the age of sixteen Amy was officially

The reaction from people who heard her made Amy

diagnosed with anorexia and severe depression and

realise the value of her experience towards helping others

admitted to an eating disorder unit in Adelaide. She had also

and she set about finding ways to build a future generation

begun engaging in self harm to cope with her internal pain.

confident with their bodies, encompassing positive self

52 Offspring | winter autumn2013 2013

esteem and armed with the skills to overcome challenges and adversity.

Amy became a nationally Accredited Life Coach in 2010 and began speaking at schools and events, sharing her story and raising awareness. She also started providing mentoring and coaching services to both youth and adults, and facilitating workshops to help students work through their thoughts, challenges and issues in a more intimate and thorough way.

“Sometimes just showing someone that they are not alone, that someone else understands what it’s like and that they will get through if they choose to never ever give up is the strength they need to keep fighting,” she says.

“The pressure to be skinny, sexy and popular continues to increase and as a result more and more teens are on fad diets, intense exercise regimes and are struggling with their own thoughts and feelings.”

“Sometimes it’s easier to relate to someone who has been there, more than someone who has studied text books, on what you’re going through. My business is designed to fit in alongside the professionals as an extra resource.”

Her work in schools has shown her that eating disorders, depression and self-harming continue to be a problem, and are in fact fast growing with the compounding pressures of social media.

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Five positive actions to building resilience in your child: answers 1. Quality questions get quality

ren, but all humans, use is a The language that not only child and beliefs going on within. roadmap to the type of thinking t”, “I don’t know how”, “What Frequent comments like “I can’ enough” are indicators that if I get it wrong?”, “I’m not good they are not capable or not that your child has some beliefs try and learn and don’t need accepting the fact that they can to know it all. those words, challenge their Positive Action – when you hear r ability by asking quality thought process and belief in thei thoughts don’t define them. questions. Reinforce that their a fact or what you’re just For example: “Says who?”, “Is that w that if you don’t give kno you do choosing to think?”, “How learn and grow”, “What’s it a go?”, “You can never fail, only pen?”, “What’s one thing can the worst thing that could hap feel better?” you do to turn this around and

2. Release rather than bot tle up

“I see many young people seeking approval and basing their self worth on social media by how many ‘Likes’ a photo gets or how many friends they have. It is hard to turn off from that sort of pressure. I encourage students to counterbalance this by spending time doing something they enjoy and that makes them feel good, not judged,” she says.

Her belief is that a first step in the fight against negative body image would be resilience education in all Western Australian schools, so kids are never in a position where they hate who they are and want to end their life.

If your child tends to bot tle things up, it’s a great idea to help them find way s to not only cope with their thoughts and feelings but to release and learn to let them go.

Positive Action – Buy them a diary or a white board/chalk board and wh en they show signs of negative emotions wel ling up within them, ask them to write it out.

When it’s out of their head and onto paper or the board, reinforce that it’s just a thought and tho ughts come and go.

This will also help show you what’s going on within them and allow you to pick up on any reoccurring trends of dou bt, self worth, low selfesteem etc.

“The pressure to be skinny, sexy and popular continues to increase and as a result more and more teens are on fad diets, intense exercise regimes and are struggling with their own thoughts and feelings,” she says. “They are creating warped perceptions and expectations around what they should look like, who they need to be and how they need to act. Not everyone is lucky enough to be taught at an early age how to manage their mindset and overcome inner demons.”

Amy ‘s website (www.amycoombe.com) contains a quote that she hopes young people will one day accept and truly believe, “You are not as ‘fat’ as you think you are. You are thought of highly by more people than you would know. You deserve to be happy; truly happy. Your love is worth sharing. You are worth loving. You are love.”

Her immense passion for her work and the rise of sufferers means demand for her services is growing faster than she ever anticipated. Offspring first heard Amy present at the WA Every Women’s Extraordinary Breakfast, the launch event for the WA

54 Offspring | winter autumn2013 2013

being perfect 3. Getting comfy with not fectionist,

s of being a per Children who show sign good enough or pinning fearing failure, not being actions alone, often will their self worth on their ng ressing, creating and bei stop themselves from exp it ting get of r fea for ivities involved in child-like act enough. wrong or not being good ments of play time where Positive Action – create mo me’, not about being it’s framed as ‘just being g a beautiful picture or perfect, not about creatin it’s about having fun. s, line drawing within the be e that it’s okay to create, Reinforce during this tim a As t. wan y the ver ate s wh silly, be messy and expres es bbl scri ate cre and le mp parent, you can be an exa e and boundaries and hav and set aside your rules pure, non-perfect fun!

Every Women’s Expo in 2012. By the end of that year Amy had spoken to more than 3000 people at events, businesses

Over our coffee Amy describes the

and schools and appeared in CLEO magazine. This year is

recent experience of appearing on The

already shaping up to be even bigger, with an appearance in

Project as pivotal in her own recovery.

the Sunday Times, the Autumn edition of the Mental Health

Real Life

orders already being taken.

“I was watching myself on the screen and thought

Commission’s magazine and most recently the prime time

how happy and healthy I looked,” she says. “It was a huge

television show, The Project. All this while holding down a

realisation for me. I have never sat back and watched

full time job as an executive assistant.

myself like that before. I have survived and come through

Amy is also in the process of completing a National

the other side. It has been a long road to that point and

Accreditation as a Practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic

after the segment aired I sat there and cried, really sobbed

Programming (NLP) and Time Line Therapy and is writing

and released many years of emotions.”

a book about her experience. The book, sharing her

“I am truly happy with the person I am. I treasure who

journey and learnings, while providing love, hope and

I am inside and out. I want to do whatever I can to help

inspiration, is due to hit the shelves this year, with pre-

others achieve the same.”

Amy urges any young person who is struggling or families who are concerned to seek help early and not ignore the warning signs that someone is struggling.

4. Accepting our uniqueness

The focus on body size, shape and uniqu eness is often increased during primary school and intensively focus ed upon during the transition to high school. It’s important to spend some time focusing on how different we all are, what is real beauty and what expectations your child puts on them selves. Starting at an early age, help your child notice and accept their uniqueness and not pick themselves apart when lookin g at their reflection, this will give them a strong foundation to look back on and remember during the challenging body imag e years.

Positive Action – Create a “Happy Mirror” and have it available for use somewhere in your home. Fill the frame with positive pictures of things that are important in life such as family and pets and stick quotes and words around it that reinforce the child’s worth as a person, that their body doesn’t define them and being happy is founded on much more than looks. Set up a game that every time they look in the mirror only positive thoughts are allowed. If they think a negat ive thought they have to look away immediately and replace it with a positive thought.

Make and create it with them (maybe durin g ‘just being me’ playtime, so they feel they own it).

For more information and help contact: Youth Beyond Blue (Depression and Anxiety) – www.beyondblue.org. au or 1300 224 636. Reach Out – reachout.com. Butterfly Foundation (Eating Disorders) - thebutterflyfoundation. org.au or 1800 ED HOPE / 1800 33 4673 Monday–Friday 9am to 5pm.

To contact Amy visit www.amycoombe.com

Carramar

different 5. We’re all made to be attention they pay on

, the more The older children get ial media dia, television and soc me e Th looking ‘perfect’. to be like k loo uld sho y what the influence the belief on d beautiful. considered pretty an shop, you’re out at a coffee Positive Action – When shopping, d foo the ing ool or do driving home from sch ng how king around and notici spend some time loo y shapes, bod t Talk about differen different everyone is. ’t esn do it t tha and reinforce skin colours, weight ors act the ut abo k Tal s. any les make us any better or the hin ters and the people wit on television as charac y oka l fee ld ple. Help your chi shops as everyday peo d un aro s on ati ect t and create exp about being differen the us Foc ic. list rea d an ievable their body that are ach that truly hy and what’s inside alt he ng bei on n tio atten who are ers oth help them accept counts. This will also es. elv accept thems different and in turn

Offspring | winter 2013 55

LEGAL PARENTING

“I have to get out of here”

Relocation and Family Law

Principal Solicitor at Curry Jones Lawyers, Peter Curry-Jones, discusses issues involved with relocating and Family Law.

W

hen a relationship breaks

test is the desirability of the child

stand a good chance of obtaining

down, former partners

having a substantial and meaningful

court orders either preventing

usually want to put

relationship with each parent.

relocation, or returning the children

some distance between themselves,

• I n most parenting cases, the court

sometimes to the extent of moving

is obliged to consider whether the

interstate or even overseas.

child spending equal time with

Where a separating couple have children, things aren’t that simple.

One or both parents may still wish to relocate, but because of the

to their previous place of residence if relocation has already occurred.

each of the parents is both in the

So Can I Relocate?

best interests of the child and

Family Courts in Australia have a

“reasonably practicable”.

wide discretion when they come

• Where a court does not make

to decide parenting cases, so it is

children that basic freedom is often

such an order, it must in most

impossible to provide “a one size fits

effectively limited or removed.

cases consider whether the child

all” answer to that question.

Peter Curry-Jones, Principal Solicitor,

spending substantial and significant

Curry Jones Lawyers, looks at

time with each parent would be in

in favour of a parent relocating with

issues involved with relocating

the best interests of the child, and

a child concerns the mental health

and Family Law.

“reasonably practicable”.

and well-being of that parent, which

One common argument advanced

usually directly affects the welfare of

Relocation and Parenting – Basic Concepts

What’s the combined effect

• In a parenting dispute, the

of all of these principles?

their children.

Other considerations include

In most cases they mean that

enhanced opportunities for the child

paramount consideration is the best

a parent will be able to bring

whether in terms of family and

interests of the child, which prevails

significant pressure on the other

friendship relationships, schooling,

over the various rights, interests

parent not to relocate.

medical care and other opportunities

and wishes of the parents.

• One major plank of the “best interest”

56 Offspring | winter 2013

If that pressure is ignored, the “remaining” parent will usually

and benefits.

On the other hand, a parent can

B

oth the Father and the Mother had very limited income. The Mother

LEGAL PARENTING

Case 2 wanted to relocate from Melbourne to Tasmania, where some of her

family members lived, and where she hoped to live more cheaply. However the lack of funds on both sides meant that the Father could not afford to travel to see the child.

The Court decided that the Mother’s hope of family support and an improvement in her finances was “nothing more than a hope” and that if relocation occurred the child would be deprived of any meaningful relationship with the Father.

For this and a number of other reasons, the Court refused the Mother’s application to be permitted to relocate to Tasmania. prevent or reverse relocation by

between the child and the

reference to similar aspects of the

“remaining” parent. In many cases

original location. If the child is well

that relationship will be damaged

settled in an area, with strong family,

or diminished by the move, with a

friendship, school and community

corresponding impact on the best

connections, the court may be

interests of the child.

reluctant to see that disturbed.

The Court will almost always be

Perhaps the best way to demonstrate these matters is by

asked to consider the effect of a

reference to a couple of real-life

proposed move on the relationship

examples.

Case 1

Looking for great toys or gifts?

T

he mother travelled from Sydney with her children to escape a violent relationship,

moving to Adelaide where her family was located.

The Father applied to the court for an urgent interim order that they return to Sydney.

Unsurprisingly, the Court refused the father’s request, stating that the mother was the primary carer of the children, and that it would not be in the children’s interests: …[To order] the mother to come back to a situation that she says she has fled in fear, leaving behind her family supports, and leaving behind the other support mechanisms that she has begun to engage with through the domestic violence service that she engaged with upon arriving in Adelaide…

Even though there was family violence in this case, the Court also noted that it was still

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practicable for the children to be spending time with their father on a fortnightly basis, which was another factor in the decision.

Offspring | winter 2013 57

LEGAL PARENTING

I Want to Move.

What Should I Do?

I Need More Information

Get legal advice.

is a good place to start, with links to

This is important in every

other information providers, such as

family law matter, but

the Family Law Section of the Law

when you are considering

Council of Australia. Relationships

relocation with your kids after

Australia can also provide good

separation you need detailed

information about parenting issues

and specific legal advice from

along with mediation and other

an experienced family lawyer.

services. Legal Aid may be able to

Getting advice is especially

The Family Court of Australia website

give you specific advice, and an

important if you plan to

experienced family lawyer should

move overseas, or if you

be consulted if possible.

suspect the other parent

Family or Domestic Violence is

might take the children

a crime. If you are experiencing

overseas. There are steps

violence you should notify the

you can take to prevent this

police, who can also refer you to

happening, but you must

other services that can help and

act immediately.

support you.

Curry Jones Lawyers offer a free no-obligation first telephone consult for people dealing with family law issues. For more information visit www.curryjoneslawyers.com.au

Useful websites www.familycourt.gov.au www.relationships.org.au www.legalaid.wa.gov.au www.dcp.wa.gov.au/crisisandemergency/pages/ domesticviolencehelplines

Domestic Violence hotline Free call 1800 000 599

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t u o g n i t a E

Who says eating out with kids in tow has to be difficult? There are wonderful Perth dining establishments who go beyond ticking the standard ‘family-friendly’ boxes.

We look at some options.

By Brooke Evans-Butler

Salt on the Beach The owner of this establishment says you would be hard-pressed to find somewhere to eat that is more child-friendly, and we have to agree it certainly ticks the boxes. This is a place that welcomes children. There is a full-sized outdoor playground within the venue – they even have their own bouncy castle. A kids’ club is held on Friday nights, which includes face-painting and games – but even if you are there on another day there is always an activity table set up for the kids. The venue’s mascots, Salty the Dolphin and Peppa the Penguin, are a hit with the kids. The venue also holds children’s festivals and birthday party packages.

Kid-friendly checklist: children’s menu, change table facilities, kids’ entertainment, playground.

Contact details: Port Beach Road, North Fremantle,

free! There’s also a large range of meals

08 9430 6866, www.onthebeach.net.au

fresh from the grill, including steak and seafood.

With over 60 fresh choices available

Sizzler

on the Legendary Sizzler Salad Bar,

For over 20 years, Sizzler has been offering a

parents can rest easy knowing there’s

relaxed, casual dining experience for Perth

something to satisfy even the fussiest

families.

of tastebuds. There’s also the famous

For many young families, Sizzler is a great transition into restaurant dining, where kids can learn to dine out in a

Dessert Bar, with everything required to create the ultimate ice-cream sundae!

There are five restaurants in Perth,

relaxed atmosphere, and experience new

located in Beldon, Innaloo,

foods. Best of all they can go back to the

Kelmscott, Morley and Riverton.

Salad Bar as many times as they wish,

Contact details:

and for kids under four, the Salad Bar is

www.sizzler.com.au

Offspring | winter 2013 59

Eating out with kids There are times that you cannot (or do not want to) dine somewhere that is family-friendly. However, if the family-friendly options are not available, it is easy to keep the children happy with some planning. Consider our eating out with kids tips: No kids menu? Order a few entrée or starter dishes to mix and match your own kid-friendly menu.

Take a mess mat with you – if your child makes a mess under the high chair, it is easy to contain the mess.

Sometimes waiting for a meal to arrive at a restaurant can seem like an eternity for small children, so keep them entertained. If it is not possible for them to be away from the table until the food arrives, take things that will keep them busy and quiet. Colouring pencils and paper, as well as small containers of modelling clay, are great options.

Little Creatures

Order the children’s meals to arrive at the same time

Fremantle is a great place for families

as your entrees, so they don’t have to wait until

– and Little Creatures is one Fremantle

the mains arrive (which can be a long wait at

TIP:

Take some antibacteri al wipes with you to clea n the highch air before your baby eats.

Although m ost restaurants are very go od at keeping their highch airs clean and maintained , some babie s can make quite a me ss.

establishment catering for families.

some restaurants).

Little Creatures is known for their

Eat early if possible. That way you hopefully

sandpit, which is a hit with the kids.

avoid meltdowns from tired, hungry

The kids are also provided with chalk

children. Not many children can last until

so they can draw on the floor (just

9pm before they get their dinner.

make sure they don’t do this when

When you make a booking, check if the

they get home). A balloon artist also

restaurant has highchairs available. For older

frequents Little Creatures to entertain

toddlers who might not like to sit in a highchair,

the kids on Friday evenings and

taking along your own booster seat is a good idea.

Sunday mornings.

If your child is getting the hang of a cup or plate, take your own – suction

Kid-friendly checklist:

bowls are a good option as they prevent the child tipping the contents

children’s menu, sandpit play area,

on the floor.

chalk for drawing, change facilities.

Remember most meals at restaurants are brought to the table piping hot,

Contact details: Mews Road,

so ensure any meal or

Fremantle, 08 9430 5555,

hot beverage is placed

www.littlecreatures.com.au

out of your child’s reach until you can ensure it is a suitable

Siena’s The indoor playground at

temperature to prevent accidental burns.

Siena’s is definitely a plus for both children and parents. This restaurant has a great kids menu, including pizzas, for which Siena’s is of course well-known.

Kid-friendly checklist: kids’ meal options, play area, change facilities.

Contact details: Oxford Street Leederville, 08 9444 8844, www.sienas.com.au

60 Offspring | winter 2013

TIPan:y eating

m There are ids eat offering ‘k ts n e y to m h s great wa establi d this is a n you a t a ts h th ig free’ n d know n a y e n o te em at ca rs save som taurant th s re a to rms and are going heck for te as many C . n re d il – for ch ou book s when y eals to be m e ir condition u q s, ts will re me frame restauran certain ti in h it to w meal ordered an adult’s ry free or require e v e r ased fo be purch eal. child’s m

NOTE: Please contact the individual restaurants to check about terms and conditions for ‘kids eat free’ nights and kids entertainment as days, times and details may change without notice.

In the heart of Ellenbrook, this bistro is popular with families

special feature

The Brook Bar and Bistro because children are easily accommodated. The kids menu has a number of options, including healthy choices. Activity packs with colouring pencils and paper are available to keep the kids busy at the table. A kids’ club is held on Monday nights to entertain the kids, and this includes games and arts and crafts (children under three must be accompanied by a guardian). The kids’ club also runs for Sunday morning breakfast (between 8 am to 10.30am). The Brook also has a ‘kids eat free night’ on Mondays (check about terms and conditions when you book).

Kid-friendly checklist: children’s menu, change table

Whistler’s Chocolate Company

facilities, kids entertainment, kids eat free night.

Did someone say chocolate? This is a wonderful

Contact details: Main Street, Ellenbrook, 08 9296 5699,

place to take the kids for a milkshake, an ice-

www.thebrookbarandbistro.com.au

cream or a light lunch.

The kids will love the outdoor area – there is a generous grassed area, large shaded sandpit area and long blackboard and chalk for the kids – this is somewhere you know the kids will be entertained.

The venue also caters for children’s birthday party bookings, with party packages including facepainting and balloon twisting available (check for terms and conditions when booking).

Kid-friendly checklist: children’s menu options, great outdoor play area.

Contact details: Great Northern Highway, Middle Swan, 08 9274 7777, www.whistlers.com.au

The Beach Shack Hillarys is a fantastic location for

Wagamama

a family day out, and if you are

Wagamama is a great casual

looking for a great casual dining

dining option that caters for kids.

option, this café is a great family-

Kids eat free every day when a

friendly choice. There is an enclosed

main meal is purchased.

play area so the kids can play, and

Colouring and activity books are

colouring books, pencils and board

also on-hand to keep the

games are available to keep children

kids busy.

(big and small) entertained.

Kid-friendly checklist:

Kid-friendly checklist:

kids eat free, children’s

children’s menu, play area,

menu, colouring/activity

change facilities (outside

books.

premises).

Contact details:

Contact details: Hillarys Boat

Roberts Road, Subiaco,

Harbour, 08 9246 4155,

08 9380 9281,

www.sorrentobeachshack.com.au

www.wagamama.com.au

Offspring | winter 2013 61

special feature

Pancho’s Mexican Villa Restaurant If the kids are stuck in a habit of always ordering chips when you go out, expose them to something a little different.

How about Mexican? Pancho’s is a Mexican restaurant, with a fun vibe, that is also childfriendly. Children eat free on Sunday night and from 5-6pm Tuesday to Saturday (check for terms and conditions when you

Clancy’s Fish Pub Fremantle

book). Activity sheets and coloured

With fun décor and live music, this is a great place to eat out – and it is

pencils are also provided to keep

also child-friendly. As well as an enclosed park area for the kids to play,

the kids busy.

they provide crayons to keep them entertained – and Play-Doh is also

Kid-friendly checklist:

available to purchase.

kids’ menu, kids eat free,

Kid-friendly checklist: children’s menu, enclosed park play area,

colouring/activity sheets and

crayons and Play-Doh, change facilities.

pencils.

Contact details: Cantonment St, Fremantle, 08 9335 1351,

Contact details: Albany Highway,

www.clancysfishpub.com.au

East Victoria Park, 08 9361 2135, www.panchos.com.au

62 Offspring | winter 2013

For a meal or just a coffee, there are great options for kids at

special feature

Dome Dome cafes. The kids’ menu has a range of healthy choices in sensible portions. Their babycinos are a hit with the kids – and the kids’ menu also features a colouring sheet and coloured pencils are available. Another plus is with Domes at so many locations, it is a family-friendly option that is easily accessible.

Kid-friendly checklist: children’s menu, healthy options, colouring/activity sheets and pencils.

Contact details: www.domecoffees.com.au

Blu Grill If you want a more ‘date night’ dining experience, Blu Grill in Woodlands is a wonderful option. This is a stylish and elegant establishment that also welcomes children. Kids

Jamie’s Italian

eat free before 6pm every day when an adult’s main meal is

Jamie’s Italian is a great option for families.

purchased. Children receive their meal, a drink and an ice-

As you would expect from Jamie Oliver, the

cream, and colouring paper is also provided to keep them

children’s meals are tasty and good for you – and

entertained.

of course they are meals made fun! Kids are given

Kid-friendly checklist: kids eat free, colouring paper.

viewfinders, which they can look through to see

Contact details: Rosewood Avenue, Woodlands, 08 9242

their menu options, which is something that will

8222, www.blugrill.com.au

encourage the kids to be involved in their meal choice. Each children’s meal includes a ‘Jamie’s Italian Shake Me Salad’. There are also ‘I ate all my greens at Jamie’s’ badges to encourage the kids to eat all of their greens. Kids are kept entertained with crayons and stickers.

Kid-friendly checklist: healthy children’s menu options, colouring/stickers, change

Consultants Wanted

facilities.

Contact details: William Street, Perth, 08 9363 8600, www.jamieoliver.com/italian/australia/ perth

Do you love wooden toys?

Little Wooden Toybox brings you a fantastic range of stimulating and interactive toys that encourage children to learn and develop through play.

9.30am to 4pm or ONE OF OUR TRAVELLING FARMS CAN COME TO YOU!

www.letterbasics.com.au

Offspring | winter 2013 63

special feature

Enjoy more at Sizzler Enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner at family favourite, Sizzler. With over 60 fresh choices on the Legendary Sizzler Salad Bar, you can rest easy knowing there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a range of salads, or choose from potato wedges, soup, pasta, make-yourown nachos, and more. And you can’t forget their famous Dessert Bar! Kids love creating their ultimate ice-cream sundae, with a range of toppings. Best of all they can go back as many times as they wish, and did we mention the Salad Bar is free for kids under 4!

There’s also an extensive grill menu, plus their famous Cheese Toast. AND right now enjoy their deliciously adventurous NEW Flavours of The Orient menu.

Kids club at The Brook The Brook Bar & Bistro is an ultra modern, stylish venue located in the stunning surrounds of Ellenbrook in Perth’s North. The Brook, as the locals know it, offers a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere, an extensive range of wines, beers and cocktails, a choice of beer gardens and a selection of sumptuous dishes prepared lovingly by their experienced team of chefs.

Kids Eat Free on Monday nights and their renowned Kid’s Club will entertain the little ones with face painting, games and activities on Monday evenings and Sunday mornings for breakfast, so you can sit back and relax.

A sample of our delicioulsy adventurous new line-up of tastes!

Available for a limited time only.

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Mention ‘Offspring’ for fREE BOTTOMLESS cOffEE with any main breakfast item purchased!

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64 Offspring | winter 2013

11 MAIN STREET, ELLENBROOK

ine: z a g a m g Offsprin tion Educa

Off to school

By Kate Bullen

If you’re lucky, the nearest school to your home may be ideal, or perhaps you want to choose something outside the mainstream for your child. Zoe Deleuil looks at the options for primary schooling in WA.

C

hoosing the right school for your child has become serious business in recent years, but it’s worth keeping in mind that WA,

particularly in urban areas, has a high standard of primary education, so it’s not necessary to spend thousands to get your child a good education.

What’s most important is that your child is happy, enjoys going to school and has achieved literacy and numeracy – and much of that comes down to your home environment and reading to your child from a young age.

But a bit of research will still pay off when it’s time to send your little one off into formal education.

A glance at the My School website (myschool.com.

Government primary schools

au) can give you an idea of how your local school performs, but be sure to check it against similar schools in the area, as this will give you a more

All children are guaranteed places in their local public schools from the first compulsory year of schooling,

accurate picture of its performance.

To further complicate matters, about one-third

which is pre-primary in Western Australia. There are

of government primary schools in WA now have

770 public schools in WA, making up some 70 per cent

Independent School status. This initiative, launched

of our total number of schools, followed by Catholic

in 2009, means they have achieved a high standard

(18.2 per cent) and independent schools (10.8 per cent).

of teaching and can appoint a board, choose their

Offspring | winter 2013 65

staff and control their own budget rather

able to enrol your child’s siblings at a later

than have staff and funds allocated by the

date. The most expensive areas in the Perth

Department of Education. As of 2013, there

metropolitan area, such as Churchlands

are 255 primary schools in WA now operating

and Shenton Park, also tend to have high-

independently.

performing government high schools, into

A growing population and the My

which the local primary schools will feed.

Executive Director of Statewide Planning

School website have resulted in some high-performing schools becoming

and Delivery for the Department of

oversubscribed, pushing up local property

Education, Lindsay Hale, says, “Choosing

prices and forcing the enrolment officers to

a primary school can seem daunting, but

become rigorous about their intake areas.

often the best way is to find one you like

Most school websites will include a map

close to your home. This enables your child

showing the cut-off points for each school;

to make friends he or she will also know

you can still apply to go to one if you’re

as neighbours, contributing to a sense of

not in the catchment, but you may not be

community.”

Enrolling for 2014?

The closing date for applications for enrolment for the

The big factor for many parents can be cost,

2014 school year is Friday, 26 July 2013. Parents will

however not all independent schools are expensive,

find out later this year whether their applications were

with co-educational low-fee schools making up the

successful.

largest proportion of the independent sector. The

More information about enrolling children in public

well-known private schools, such as Scotch College,

schools is available on the Schools and You website:

can cost upwards of $20,000 a year, on top of extra-

www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsandyou

curricular activities and a non-refundable $5000 endowment fee payable upon offer of a place, but

Independent schools

many are a fraction of this cost.

Executive director of the Independent Schools Association, Valerie Gould, says, “Parents tend to

This is a broad category that encompasses the well-

do a lot more research now and really think about

known single-sex private schools such as Methodist

what kind of school will suit their child.

Ladies College (MLC) and Scotch, along with some

Children are different and their needs are

Catholic schools; others with a religious emphasis,

different. Some have a particular focus

such as Jewish or Greek

on arts, music or sports, which

Orthodox, independent local

suits some kids, but the most

schools such as Lance Holt

important thing is that the child is

in Fremantle and others

happy. It’s also worth getting it right

that embrace a particular

first time, as it can be disruptive to

educational philosophy, such

move children around too much,

as Waldorf, Montessori and

although sometimes of course this

Steiner schools.

can’t be avoided.”

66 Offspring | winter 2013

Catholic Schools

lle Kidd, chose a Mother of two, Done r her children, Emily government school fo its size, excellent (6) and Josh (11), for location. facilities and central most important “I believe one of the hool is charged aspects a primary sc vironment that is with is creating an en ent centred - which supportive and stud rt is kind, ol. The student coho is evident in our scho sult. This socially aware as a re ry ve d an e at er id ns co use, so their grandparents’ ho school is also close to lle co cting my t in dropping off and sis as to le ab e ar ey th ol that it to and the high scho le ab un am I en wh children hooling.” cellent secondary sc ex es id ov pr to s” ed “fe

There are 111 Catholic primary schools in WA. A daily session each day is devoted to religious education – 15 minutes from Pre-Primary to Year 1, and 30 minutes in Years 2-6; it’s worth checking this with the individual school. Tuition can range from $500 to $3,500 per year.

Director of Catholic Education in WA, Tim McDonald, says, “Catholic schools seek to create environments that enable all students to flourish.

They are committed to nurturing young people, enhancing their learning and empowering them to live in the spirit of Jesus Christ.”

Visit Catholic Education of WA (ceo.wa.edu. au) for more information.

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Offspring | winter 2013 67

FOOD & NUTRITION

ds her Mother of one, Sam Cole, sen holic child, Renee (7), to a small Cat al church school as it is close to her loc friends y and her daughter was alread “When with many of her classmates. my w I first visited the school I kne re,” she daughter would be happy the o belongs als says. “Many of the students it adds to the sense of to the same church as us, so study every day, the community. They do religious is also high and I like that general standard of teaching ual attention.” my daughter receives individ

Montessori

This organisation, which originates from Italy, celebrates its hundredth year in Australia in 2013. There are 13 Montessori schools in WA, with a teaching philosophy that emphasises independence, freedom within limits and respect for a child’s natural development, with multi-aged classes and a choice of activities.

Perth Montessori School Enrolments & Marketing Officer, Alexsandra Galic, says, “Those parents who seek out Montessori schools have come to realise that the

Waldorf (Steiner)

current traditional model of education does not meet the needs of individual children. They want their child to learn self-discipline, confidence, independence and a

There are eight Waldorf schools in Western Australia,

genuine curiosity of the world that establishes a life-

mostly in rural areas. This style of education is markedly

long love of learning.”

different from mainstream schools – textbooks aren’t

For more information visit montessori.org.au

used, for example, although children create their own workbooks – and there’s an emphasis on music, gardening, languages and non-competitive learning.

West Coast Steiner School Community and Business Development Manager, Constance Paul, says, “The Steiner method is the fastest growing independent teaching method in the world.”

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Follow us

What to look for?

A good school is more than just a rating on a website. Here are some things to think about when doing your research: Visit any schools you’re interested in. Talk to the teachers, other parents and the principal.

Look at the classrooms – is there work displayed on the walls, do they seem like good learning environments? Do the students seem happy?

What kinds of extracurricular activities and specialty programs, such as music or drama, are on offer, and will these suit your child?

Think about your commute, both when your kids are young and when they’ll be making their own way to and from school.

What is your budget? If you’re considering a private school but worried about the cost, think about how it will affect your overall lifestyle. Will it curb other potentially educational experiences, such as family holidays?

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Offspring | winter 2013 69

Pre-kindy education programs

With formal education now starting at age four if parents opt for a kindergarten year (and most do), the pressure is on to learn to read and count as early as possible. Early education classes can start from the age of two, and offer short, informal lessons in counting and reading. These simple lessons in basic skills will give children a head start in their learning.

Nurture your child’s uniqueness at Chrysalis Picturesquely nestled in Osborne Park, Chrysalis is a sustainable school that puts your child’s individual learning needs first.

The school is a uniquely close-knit, child-centric community that takes a holistic approach to learning.

They understand AND acknowledge your child is unique and has individual learning styles.

Celebrating differences, Chrysalis fosters individual growth and a lifelong love of learning. Academic achievement is equally valued alongside social capability, practical life skills and independent and creative thinking.

Chrysalis kids are self-motivated learners who develop at their own pace. They thrive in the multi-aged classrooms and learn to confidently interact across all ages and levels in the community.

Non-school education programs

Montessori Education for 3–12 year olds Herdsman Lake

If you think your child has talent in a particular area, such as music or drama, there are many non-school education programs that can nurture this potential, as well as increasing your child’s confidence and familiarising them with formal education.

Other programs focus on core skills such as maths and English, if you feel your child needs extra attention in these areas.

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70 Offspring | winter 2013

Enrol Now!

To enrol or for more information call (08) 9444 6025 or visit www.chrysalis.wa.edu.au

Demystifying Dyslexia Around one in ten students experience Dyslexia, a condition that is typically characterised by difficulties with word recognition (decoding), reading fluency, spelling and writing. In spite of its prevalence, Dyslexia is frequently misunderstood. Here, with the help of Dr Sally Shaywitz from the Yale Centre for Dyslexia & Creativity, we address some common myths.

MYTH Dyslexic individuals are unable to read.

TRUTH Research has

shown that Dyslexia affects similar numbers of boys and girls; the reason why more boys are referred for evaluation appears to be because they are more likely to display boisterous behaviour in the classroom.

TRUTH Most Dyslexics do learn to read, albeit with

great effort. Typical readers quickly become “fluent”, enabling them to read quickly, automatically and for pleasure. In contrast, Dyslexic children read “manually”, causing them to read slowly and with great effort.

MYTH

Smart people can’t be Dyslexic.

TRUTH Dyslexia affects people of all levels of

intelligence, including average, above average and highly gifted individuals. In fact, some Dyslexics perform well at school if they work hard and receive necessary accommodations.

MYTH Dyslexia is a visual problem that causes

individuals to write letters and words backwards.

TRUTH Brain scans have revealed that Dyslexia is

not a visual problem but is fundamentally a language based issue as we read and process language with the same parts of our brain. Many children reverse letters when learning to write but progress past this stage as they become more experienced with reading and writing.

MYTH Boys are more likely to experience Dyslexia.

Our understanding of Dyslexia has come a long way in recent years, with significant improvements in assessment and treatment methods. While Dyslexia was once considered a life-long condition, new intervention methods are capable of ‘normalising’ the brain function of children with Dyslexia and enabling them to learn to read with fluency and automaticity.

For further information about Dyslexia assessments and treatments, call The Dyslexia Specialists on 1300 135 020 or email info@tdswa.com.au

What do the founders of Google, Amazon, Wikipedia & The Sims all have in common? They had Montessori educations!!

Montessori is scientifically proven and has produced some of this centuries BIG Thinkers No wonder parents want to learn about a Montessori education for their children.

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www.perthmontessori.wa.edu.au

Offspring | winter 2013 71

FOOD & NUTRITION

Quality learning at Monkey Bars

Riverlands prepares children for life Riverlands Montessori School caters for children from three to twelve years of age and offers a playgroup for zero to three year old children. It has a learning environment based on Montessori philosophy and educational practices that help to prepare children for life, nurtures their intellect and encourages children to contribute positively towards society.

All classes are multi-age and the children participate in both the local and wider community.

There are experienced Montessori-trained teaching staff and a committed parent body supported by a dynamic Parents and Friends Association and a stable governance structure. Bookings for observations and school tours can be made by phoning 9250 6444.

A Riverlands journey now will give your child an advantage later Children learn best when learning is directed at their own pace, in an environment specially designed to fit them. It becomes their learning, their way in their space. No wonder our graduating students leave with a reputation for a love of learning.

We’re right in the middle of Perth’s most beautiful rural heartland, the Swan Valley, and we can take your children from 0-3 years in our Playgroup, and from 3 years through to Year 7 graduation, and they can start at any time. Why not start today?

We have limited vacancies in all classes so find us today and come for a personal tour.

The School that Kids and Parents Love

299 Arthur Street, Dayton, WA 6055 | Phone: 08 9250 6444 Fax: 08 9250 6333 Email: admin@riverlands.wa.edu.au

72 Offspring | winter 2013

Monkey Bars have built a brilliant reputation on providing children with the best possible start to early education. It is widely acknowledged that the first five years of life are critical to learning, behavioural, emotional and social development. Making the decision to invest in your child’s future is an important choice and hence Monkey Bars’ commitment to not only providing a quality education for your child, but also a dedicated involvement in professional activities that help to promote a superior understanding of key aspects essential to the overall well-being of your child.

From Pre-Kindy programs to Parenting programs, Monkey Bars has something for every family. Contact them on 6254 2555 or visit www. monkeybars.com.au

Rich, integrated curriculum at WCSS West Coast Steiner School (WCSS) is an independent and non-denominational school that uniquely balances practical, academic and artistic education for children of playgroup, kindergarten and primary school ages.

At WCSS, the thriving students are taught the Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework, which is recognised by the Federal and State Governments as meeting the same outcomes as other mainstream schools.

The Steiner approach recognises the three main stages of child development and in each stage the learning processes differ with what is taught and how.

The West Coast Steiner School has 252 students and is one

of five Steiner Schools in Western Australia. In total there are 50 Steiner schools in Australia and 1020 schools worldwide in 65 countries.

WCSS is unique in the fact that the primary teacher will start with a class in year one and continue with them through to year six. This continuity provides great stability and a depth of understanding for each child.

Established in 1995, WCSS prides itself on delivering a culturally rich and integrated curriculum, fostering individual growth and encourages a lifelong love of learning, social and environmental responsibility.

The West Coast Steiner School welcomes the opportunity to discuss and show its school on one of its fortnightly guided tours by contacting the enrolment officer on (08) 9440 1771 or by emailing enrolments@ wcss.wa.edu.au Further information can be found on the school’s website at www. wcss.wa.edu.au

West Coast Steiner School 15 Mayfair Street Nollamara WA 6061 T: 08 9440 1771 F: 08 9207 1532 E: enrolments@wcss.wa.edu.au

Accepting enrolments now for Playgroup through to Class 7

The Gift of Education Offspring | winter 2013 73

FOOD ADDITIVES

By Stephanie Fairbairn and Kim Johnstone, Ngala Education Team

Beware the additives

Managing children’s behaviour – Free of food additives!

Been to a kid’s birthday party recently? No doubt it was a lively affair, especially if the food served was of the highly coloured, sweet variety. Maybe on the way home little Johnny had a post party crash and bed time was a drama?

M

ost of us have suspected for

(not just children who were suspected

a long time that ‘party’ food –

of having ADHD or ADD). What

the colours, fizzy drinks and

makes this study compelling is that it

sweet concoctions of ice cream cake,

evaluated several hundred children in

jelly, lollies and cheese-flavoured puffs

a double-blind crossover study which

were not conducive to calmness. Most

is considered by the medical world

children will react with a mixture of

to be a high standard of trial design.

loss of control, mood swings, difficulty

The evaluations of behaviour were

getting to sleep and the dreaded

undertaken not only by the parents, but

tantrum. There is a growing body of

other health professionals and teachers

research linking ‘deterioration’ in

known to the children. As it was

behaviour and certain additives found

‘blinded’, no one knew who was ‘under

in a variety of foods – mostly marketed

the influence’ of the particular additives.

There are many other sources of

to target children.

A study published in the The Lancet

negative behaviour in studies done in

of Southampton demonstrated a clear

schools and juvenile detention centres.

association between three common

“Why,” I hear you cry “is something

food additives (a preservative and

not being done?” The origin of the way

colours) and the subsequent triggering

our food processing industry is given

of negative behaviours in a large group of children in

74 Offspring | winter 2013

evidence linking poor food choices and

medical journal in 2007 by the University

the go ahead to use certain chemicals and additives in the creation of ‘food products’ is often through a designation

the general

of GRAS (Generally Recognised As

population

Safe). Unfortunately the additives that

FOOD ADDITIVES

However, studies like Southampton (2007) demonstrate that certain expected behaviours like a lively, inquisitive, independently-minded toddler can be disturbed so as to disrupt the course of learning ‘normal’

Unfortunately the additives th at are tested for to xicity are not tested in combination, so there will be an unknown effect of chemicals in th e food supply acti ng in synergy.

self-regulation. If these colours and preservatives are consumed in everyday foods like cordials, rice crackers, certain breads, the alteration of the child’s behaviour will be a permanent feature!

As adults we may be thinking, ‘Well I eat it too and I don’t feel any different’, we need to bear in mind children are more vulnerable by virtue not only of size, but maturation of the detoxifying organs like the liver and kidneys, and the fact that the brain is still very much ‘under construction’.

The good news for parents is that we don’t need to give kids the food additives we are talking about here – they add no nutritional benefit and can be avoided without compromising are tested for toxicity are not tested

the overall quality of their diet. We

in combination, so there will be an

can choose fresh bread without the

unknown effect of chemicals in the

anti-fungal preservative 282; we can

food supply acting in synergy.

buy lollies with naturally-sourced

However, not all additives are

colours, such as chlorophyll (from

suspect, many are simply thickeners

green plants) and beetroot instead of

like gelatine (441) and fillers like

coal tar dyes like 102, 110, 122. Some

calcium carbonate which is essentially

children’s medicines also contain

chalk (170). Some health effects from common additives like the azo dyes (colours yellow, blue, brilliant black and red), some preservatives (eg 282) and flavour enhancers can include

colours, artificial sweeteners and even sodium benzoate - a preservative in many cough mixtures known to provoke asthma!

It can be confusing and time consuming to check labels and be

inattention, loss of impulse control, hyperactivity, restlessness, inability to get off to sleep and mood swings…sounds like a typical range of behaviours seen in preschoolers!

Offspring | winter 2013 75

FOOD ADDITIVES

vigilant about what goes into your

Artificial sweeteners – in all ‘diet’

some kids to buy into,

child’s diet, but if there is something

products (951, 952, 954, 1201)

a regular teaspoon of

in their regular diet which could be

There are some good mobile phone

liquid fish oil (omega 3)

causing anything from sleeplessness,

applications to identify additives by

is the next best thing.

tantrums or mood swings, removing

their number or name and give you

• Keep hydrated – carry a bottle

the offending ingredient is a lot easier

an indication of potential side effects

of water everywhere.

than coping with it or hoping they will

which is handy in the supermarkets,

• Base meals around protein - fish, eggs,

‘grow out of it’. We are all different

but, if you have the time

in the way our bodies tolerate or

and inclination,

operate in the environmental cocktail

there are many

surrounding us, but we know children

websites and

are most vulnerable given their size

books to check

and stage of brain development.

out the issue of

It makes sense to go back to basics

additives and

with what we feed our children; plain

child behaviour

unprocessed food with the minimum

more fully.

of chemical additives. This will give them the best chance of fulfilling

So what to do for

their temperamental and personality

your family’s food?

potential without interference.

• Start with a good

red meat, chicken or pulses.

• Choose a wide variety

urs If these colo atives are and preserv everyday consumed in rdials, foods like co , certain rice crackers lteration breads, the a behaviour of the child’s anent will be a perm feature!

of colourful fruits and vegetables.

• Get a good night’s sleep!

Ngala offers workshops where we discuss foodrelated issues. For further

details visit www.ngala.com.

breakfast. Begin the day with

au and look for “Food Glorious

(Not an exhaustive list):

porridge and banana, french toast,

Food” (introduction to solids),

Colours – (102, 104, 110, 122, 124, 129)

yogurt or nuts, for example.

“Tasty Toddler” (Toddler mealtime

Preservatives – (220, 250, 280, 281, 282)

• Include a fish meal at least once

issues) and “Building Brains” (brain

Flavour Enhancers – commonly known

a week – salmon, tuna, sardines,

development from the earliest days

as MSG (621, 627, 631, 635)

shellfish, pilchards. If it’s all too hard for

in pregnancy to pre-school).

Here are some additives to avoid

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Eating

right The New Australian Dietary Guidelines have just been released and these include recommendations on the amount of food children older than two should be eating on any given day. Dietitian Kate Bullen helps us understand what this means for your family.

FOOD & NUTRITION

Making sense of the new Australian Dietary Guidelines

T

he new Australian Dietary Guidelines are based on current scientific evidence that recommends the amount and types of food that we should all be

eating to be at our best health.

There are no surprises in these guidelines, but since we all want the best for our children, they are a great reminder to pay a bit more attention to how active we are and what we are consuming.

The new Guidelines have a focus on encouraging us to eat more ‘real food’ as opposed to focusing on vitamins, minerals or other nutrients, which is great because I think getting everyone back to real food (and watching portion sizes) is the way forward to improving everyone’s health, particularly our children’s health for the future and reducing the number of children who are overweight or obese.

All the latest research and evidence was gathered in developing the new guidelines and one of the strongest links showed that children who gain excessive weight are more likely to be overweight as adults. We know that currently

Offspring | winter 2013 77

FOOD & NUTRITION

around 25 per cent of children are overweight or obese. Establishing good eating habits is so important for our children – and it is never too late!

A friend was telling me recently how she has overhauled her family’s eating and her three young sons initially turned up their noses at all the vegetables, but after a few months they are now venturing to enjoy the grilled zucchini and tomato that she served up last night!

Before launching in to what the new Dietary Guidelines are, here are a few background tips to keep in mind: n The

Dietary Guidelines are focused on healthy

Australians. Anyone with a specific condition should seek expert advice.

noodles, polenta, couscous, oats, quinoa and barley

n The

n Lean

Dietary Guidelines are just that – guidelines. If we

meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds,

follow them mostly and plan our eating around them, then

and legumes/beans

chances are we will all be ok. But no one is perfect, and

n Milk,

that includes our eating. My children still attend birthday

reduced fat

parties and enjoy the party food, as do I. n Most

yoghurt, cheese and/or their alternatives, mostly

And drink plenty of water.

children eat differently from day to day. In fact most

adults do too! Some days they won’t get all their vegetable

Guideline 3: Limit intake of foods containing saturated

serves in – which is ok. You can try and add a few more

fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol

vegetables on other days to balance it out.

n a)

Limit intake of foods high in saturated fat such as many

biscuits, cakes, pastries, pies, processed meats, commercial

The new Dietary Guidelines

burgers, pizza, fried foods, potato chips and other

Guideline 1: To achieve and maintain a healthy weight,

savoury snacks.

be physically active and choose amounts of nutritious

food and drinks to meet your energy needs. Children and

saturated fats such as butter, cream, cooking

adolescents should eat sufficient nutritious foods to grow

margarine, coconut and palm oil with foods which

and develop normally. They should be physically active

contain predominantly polyunsaturated and

every day and their growth should be checked regularly.

monounsaturated fats such as oils, spreads, nut

Guideline 2: Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods

from these five food groups every day:

age of two years.

n Plenty

n b)

Limit intake of foods and drinks containing added salt

n

n

Replace high fat foods which contain predominantly

butters/pastes and avocado.

of vegetables of different types and colours,

and legumes/beans

n

Low fat diets are not suitable for children under the

Read labels to choose lower sodium options among

similar foods.

n Fruit n Grain

(cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and/or high cereal

fibre varieties, such as breads, cereals, rice, pasta,

n c)

n

Do not add salt to foods in cooking or at the table.

Limit intake of foods and drinks containing added sugars

such as confectionary, sugar-sweetened soft drinks and cordials, fruit drinks, vitamin waters, energy and sports drinks.

Guideline 4: Encourage, support and promote breastfeeding.

Guideline 5:

Care for your food; prepare and store

food safely.

My biggest recommendation when it comes to food for children is to take note of Guideline 3 which talks

78 Offspring | winter 2013

Eat Less

Eat More

White bread Low fibre cereals

Fruit Vegetables Legumes/beans Wholegrain cereals Wholegrain breads Fish, seafood Eggs Nuts & seeds And drink more water

Sugar sweetened drinks Fried food Takeaways Cakes & biscuits Chocolates & lollies

consumers of these drinks. Water is the best choice of drink, followed by milk, as they provide fewer calories and are

FOOD & NUTRITION

The new Dietary t…

Guidelines Tell us to Ea

unlikely to cause weight gain or dental decay. This might be a good time to write down what your child is eating and drinking and see if any improvements can be made.

Each child is different in so many ways and this includes the amount of food that they need. Various factors including a child’s age, whether they are male or female, how much they weigh, and how active they are, all contribute to the amount of food a child will need. This has been a good reminder for me as my six year old daughter will often finish her dinner and still be ravenous, whereas my three year old sometimes doesn’t finish his dinner.

After having a quick scan of the new Dietary Guidelines, I now serve up extra for my six year old on her dinner plate.

Simple solution!

about limiting added sugar. Almost all children love sweet and sugary foods.

You will see from the amounts of each food group that are recommended below that there isn’t much room for

Foods that naturally contain sugar such as fruit are not a

extra foods such as cakes, biscuits, juice etc. These really are

problem; it is the added sugar in foods that are problematic,

‘sometimes’ foods. In addition to the five food groups, there

in particular, sugary drinks such as soft drink, cordials,

is an allowance for spreads and oils, or additional nuts and

fruit juices and sports drinks which now provide the

seeds that can be included in children’s diet. This is listed at

largest amount of sugar in our diet – and children are big

the bottom of the table.

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Offspring | winter 2013 79

FOOD & NUTRITION

Here are details of each of the five food groups and how

An allowance for spreads and oils, or extra nuts is as

much is recommended for children aged two years and older:

follows: 4-5g per day for 2-3 year olds, 7-10g per day for 3-12 year olds, 11-15g per day for 12-13 year

Food Group

Serves per day*

olds, and 14-20g per day for 14-18 year olds.

2-3 years

4-8 years

9-11 years

12-13 years

14-18 years

What is a serve?

Vegetables and

Boy

2½

4½

5

5½

5½

A standard serve of vegetables is about 75g or:

legumes/beans

Girl

2½

4½

5

5

5

n

½ cup cooked vegetables

n

½ cup cooked or canned beans,

Fruit

Bread and Cereals

Boy

1

1½

2

2

2

Girl

1

1½

2

2

2

Boy

4

4

5

6

7

Girl

4

4

4

5

7

peas or lentils n

1 cup salad vegetables

n

½ medium potato

n

1 medium tomato

A standard serve of fruit is about 150g or: Lean meat, poultry,

Boy

1

1½

2½

2½

2½

n

1 medium apple, banana, orange or pear

fish, eggs, tofu, nuts,

Girl

1

1½

2½

2½

2½

n

2 small apricots, kiwi fruit or plums

n

1 cup canned fruit (no added sugar)

seeds, legumes/beans Milk, yoghurt, cheese

Boy

1½

2

2½

3½

3½

A standard serve of bread and cereals is:

and/or alternatives

Girl

1½

1½

3

3½

3½

n

1 slice bread (40g)

n

½ medium roll or flat bread

n

*Additional amounts may be needed by children who are taller or more active

½ cup cooked rice, pasta, noodles, buckwheat, polenta, quinoa

KRAFTY kids corner

Great Kids Parties at Krafty Kids Corner!

n ½

cup cooked porridge

n ¼

cup muesli

n 3

crispbread

A standard serve of the lean meat group is: n 65g

cooked lean meat such as beef, lamb, veal,

pork or kangaroo n 80g

cooked lean chicken or turkey

n 100g

large eggs

n 1

cup cooked or canned legumes/beans

n 170g n 30g

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

cooked fish or a small can of fish

n 2

tofu

nuts or seeds

A standard serve of dairy or alternatives is: n 1

cup milk including cow, soy, rice or other milk

with added calcium

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

n ½ n 2

cup evaporated milk

slices (40g) cheese

n ½

cup ricotta cheese

n ¾

cup (200g) yoghurt

For more information on the Dietary Guidelines, please visit www.eatforhealth.gov.au Kate Bullen is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Mum to a six year old, three year old and eleven month old. More information can be found at www.dietitianonline.com.au

80 Offspring | winter 2013

TRAVEL

Walking in a

Winter Wonderland Pack your bags and get ready to be thrilled! Queenstown is arguably one of the most exciting places to visit because there are so many different things to do and try no matter what your age.

By Colleen Willis

or touched the snow! Skiing and

The two main ski fields around

ueenstown is breathtakingly

snowboarding often play a big part

Queenstown are called Coronet Peak

beautiful and located in New

when visiting Queenstown and all

and The Remarkables and have the

levels of ability are catered for.

following advantages:

Q

Zealand on the South Island on Lake Wakatipu. It’s long been a

When planning a snow holiday

Coronet Peak

favourite with Australians for many

there are many things to think

Diverse terrain

reasons, some of which include:

about. One way to keep costs down

L arge snow making

Its relative closeness to Australia

is to consider booking a package

system

N o language barrier (although

that includes the following:

Approximately 20

some might argue that point!)

Accommodation

minutes away from

There are plenty of things to do

Flights

Queenstown

all year round

Transportation i.e. car hire or

The locals choice

The locals are friendly and

transfers

S ki school

helpful

Ski/snowboard clothing and

caters for skiers 6-12 years and

equipment

snowboarders 8-12 years

winter fun. For some it may be

Queenstown is fantastic for

Lessons

S kiwiland Early Learning Centre –

the first time they’ve ever seen

Ski Passes

All day kids supervised programs

Offspring | winter 2013 81

TRAVEL The Remarkables

If you want a break from skiing or

examples are:

• Perfect for beginners

snowboarding there are plenty of other

• Glebe Apartments

• 3 terrain parks ranging from

things to do in Queenstown and they

• Pounamu Apartments

don’t all have to be adrenalin-inducing

• Copthorne Hotel and Apartments

activities. They include:

• Heritage Heights Apartments

• Ride the gondola to the Skyline

• The Whistler Apartments

beginner to advanced • Skiwiland Early Learning Centre – All day kids supervised programs • Kids 10 years and under ski free

restaurant (amazing views)

For more information visit

• Ozone Snow Tubing Park

• Lake cruises

www.queenstownnz.co.nz

• Family restaurant

• Luge

www.newzealand.com.au

** Skiwiland is available at both sites **

• Underwater Observatory

For more information visit

• Visit nearby Arrowtown, an old

www.queenstown.co.nz www.nzski.com

mining town

Getting there From Perth there are a few airlines you

• The Shearing Shed

can fly with. Air New Zealand flies direct

• Kiwi Birdlife Park

to Auckland from Perth and you can

Snowshoeing

• Shotover Jet

connect from there. Alternatively, you

If skiing and snowboarding sound

For more information visit

can fly via the east coast of Australia

too much why not try Snowshoeing?

www.kidzgo.co.nz

and connect that way. If that sounds like too much flying for little ones then a

Snowshoeing is literally walking on the snow in special shoes. This way

Accommodation

stopover can easily be added in.

you are still getting out on the snow

Where to start? There’s just about every

For more information visit

and having fun.

type of accommodation available to

www.airnewzealand.com.au

For more information visit

suit most budgets. Apartment style

www.virginaustralia.com

www.snowshoeing.co.nz

is one of the most popular, especially

www.qantas.com.au

when travelling with a family. Some

www.jetstar.com

82 Offspring | winter 2013

TRAVEL

Balmy

Broome

Sun Pictures This is the oldest operating outdoor cinema in the world, so you can imagine many movies have been played here over time. Why not enjoy a perfect evening having dinner and a movie?

For more information visit

If the thought of the snow sends shivers up your spine then why not consider heading up to Broome?

www.broomemovies.com.au

The dry season is from May to October which makes

each month from March to October. The full moon rises

winter a perfect time to go. With the maximum

over the mudflats at Roebuck Bay during low tide and it

average temperature hovering around the 30 degree

creates a beautiful optical illusion of a staircase reaching

mark and roughly 11 hours of sunshine a day, what

for the moon. Night markets are also held so why not

more could you want?

make a night of it and take the family?

Staircase to the Moon One of the great natural spectacles Broome has to offer is the Staircase to the Moon and this occurs in three nights

Broome was founded more than 100 years ago and was originally a pearling port that consisted of little more than sand hill camps and a small number of shacks. Today it has a multicultural population and is a much-desired travel destination.

Broome has many family-friendly activities and there are many different things to do and try; an added bonus is a lot of these activities are free.

Highlights include: • Cable Beach • Cable Beach Skate Park • Camel Rides • The Courthouse and its markets (Markets are Saturday and Sunday during peak season) • Cygnet Park (includes a playground) • Dinosaur Footprints • Lurujarri Heritage Trail • Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park • Pearl Farms (and don’t forget to buy some!)

• Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and diving For more information visit www.broomedirect.com.au www.fishbroome.com.au www.broomemovies.com.au www.malcolmdouglas.com.au

Offspring | winter 2013 83

TRAVEL For more information visit www.broomecourthousemarkets. com.au www.westernaustralia.com

Accommodation Broome has really opened up in the last few years and there are quite a few different places to stay. There are hostels, caravan parks, resorts and

If this sounds too much like hard work,

even dog-friendly places.

then there are a few options when it comes to flying. Qantas, Virgin Blue

Cable Beach Hotel and Spa has many

and Skywest all operate flights to and

room types on offer. If this doesn’t

from Perth.

appeal to you it is still nice to go

For more information visit

there for a cocktail and watch the

Getting there

www.qantas.com.au

camel riders on the beach.

At approximately 2415 km from Perth

www.virginblue.com.au 13 67 89

For more information visit

it’s a long way to drive, especially

www.skywest.com.au

www.broomeaccommodation.com.

with children. However, if this is how

au

you prefer to go, make sure you pack

** As Broome is a popular winter

www.broomevisitorcentre.com.au

appropriately for the trip and have

destination it is advisable to plan and

www.cablebeachclub.com

breaks and stopovers on the way.

book as early as possible. **

84 Offspring | winter 2013

13 13 13 1300 66 00 88

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Offspring | winter 2013 85

Directory Horse Riding Lessons for children aged 3+ and adults • Horse Riding Lessons for children aged 3+

• Adult riding lessons on Tue & Thu mornings

• Lessons for children all day Tue, Thu & Sat

• School holiday workshops (every holidays) • Horses available for leasing

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order at www.healthcoachingwa.com.au or contact Theresa on 0438951884 or healthcoachingwa@gmail.com

• Exquisite .925 sterling silver • Quality craftmanship • Handcrafted designs priced from $20 • Host a party to receive a credit of $80 • PopularEuropean/ Overseas designs

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Christening Attire for both Boys and Girls Please phone to arrange an appointment

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86 Offspring | winter 2013

Book today fo Spring r 2013!

Advertising in Offspring magazine offers a unique and value added opportunity for your business to promote exceptional products and services to over 100,000 readers every quarter who are smack bang in the middle of your target market.

Alongside our distribution of 100,000 beautifully presented Offspring hard copies to family oriented locations around Perth, we also have a very active Facebook page with nearly 4000 friends. Perhaps they might like to be your friends too.

Be seen by 100,000 readers from as low as $260 + gst ... with 3 months exposure! phone: 08 9499 1291 kate@offspringmagazine.com.au www.offspringmagazine.com.au www.facebook.offspring.com