Caring for New ZealaNd’s Kids
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Cyber-kids:
how modern technology affects today’s children
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A news magazine and online resource for families
Winter wellness
Dr Libby Weaver’s top tips
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inside this issue
Contents
29
6
14 Features 5 6
8 9
Sibling mayhem
Tips on keeping a calm household
The impact of modern technology on kids
Tablets, iPads, Twitter – the way of the future?
Learning disabilities
Identifying difficulties in learning and strategies to help.
Digital goods
Online purchases versus buying from a store
10 Saving money
Help your child develop budgeting skills for life
11 Positive parenting after a challenging childhood Break the cycle!
12 Conscious parenting
Make the most of your parenting role
14 Baby and toddler
Having fun with a cardboard box!
15 Winter wellness
Dr Libby Weaver’s top tips for healthy eating in the colder months
Special features 30 Destination Tekapo
16 Fit families
Much more than a lake!
Their sport, their game.
18 Household chores for older kids
34 Destination West Coast
Advice for help in the home
29 Become a kiwi ranger
Discover the true beauty of the outdoors.
33 Knit a winter scarf
Explore the wild West Coast, just a few hours’ drive away.
Resource information
Keep the kids busy with this timeless craft 13 Help is @ Hand
Comment
23 24 20 Kids’ view 26 We ask kids about their use of technology 31 and rules around it. 35
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3
From the editor
Winter fun
L
Snow may have fallen, clothing applied by the layers with thermals and merinos out in abundance, but the colder weather is no reason to stay inside this winter.
ove it or hate it, technology is a big part of your child’s life in the 21st century. It has the potential to enhance their life experiences, but given its proliferation, it also has the potential to rule it. While a lot of parents have gotten super smart about setting time rules around the use of technology such as computers, phones, tablets, gaming consoles and the likes, there’s also the simple fact that it does keep the kids occupied – and quiet. And as smart as parents are, kids are in fact often the smarter ones when it comes to operating digital goods. They are, after all, digital natives in a digital age. It’s not unusual for my 7-year-old nephew to be found showing my mother how to do something on the computer, or for my 4-year-old nephew to Skype call me. It’s stuff like this that my generation dreamed of as kids. Imagine video calling people instead of using a landline? Now that seems passé. But there’s something important we have to remember here too. Kids have vivid imaginations, but less of a concept between what is real, and what is imagined. All the super-high-quality graphic games and 3D movies can create a world in their minds that’s hard to distinguish from the real one. And unlike traditional games, most technologybased involvement is done individually, which creates unique challenges for parents: how do parents safeguard their kids from predators? How is technology changing the way kids relate to each other, communicate and form friendships? Because let’s be honest - it’s even changing things amongst adults. There was a time when going to a café with friends meant good quality conversation – not checking Facebook messages and Twitter feeds. And call me old-
About Us
Publisher Robyn Willis Design & Production Moody Shokry Advert Production Target Press Production Office Editor Vanessa O’Brien Assistant Editor Rachel Taniwha Digital Editor Rochelle Savage Contributing Writers Karen Theobald, Diane Levy, Rose Blackett, Wayne Webb, Sally Kabak, Kay Douglas, Philippa Ross, Gill Connell, Dr Libby Weaver, Eva Marie Distribution Printed and distributed quarterly approximately two weeks before each major school holiday. 44,262 distributed through early childhood centres, primary and intermediate schools, Christchurch City Council offices, recreational facilities, libraries and service centres, selected medical and midwifery premises and McDonalds restaurants.The
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fashioned, but when it comes to reading a book, there’s something nostalgic about turning actual pages rather than sweeping the screen of a Kindle. I’m not down on technology at all. I think that when it’s used well it’s a powerful tool for education and amusement. I just don’t want to see today’s generation of kids miss out on the experience of building an outdoor hut, going fishing, or riding their bike because they prefer to do it virtually. This edition we tackle the technology issue, and talk to the experts about what it means for kids and parents today. Check out our main feature for the story, and also some tips on how to manage technology with your kids. Of course we have all the regular features too, with heaps of competitions, parenting tips, and entertainment ideas for the whole family. Enjoy!
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hristchurch is still thriving, albeit with road works, road closures, demolitions and rebuilds galore; there’s plenty to keep the family occupied in these upcoming winter months. For the whole family, there’s the upcoming Christchurch Brick Show, New Zealand’s largest Lego show on 20-21 July in the new hangar at the Air Force Museum. The show is organised by New Zealand’s biggest adult Lego fan club: LUG 4/2. It’s the second time the show has taken place: last year was a huge success with more than 10,000 visitors, and this year is expected to be epic. The show will exhibit Lego models by enthusiasts and collectors for all age groups, and children will also have the opportunity to go hands-on with dedicated Lego activities in a dedicated Lego play area, including a robotics competition organised through the first Lego League and Science Alive. Ryan McNaught, Australia’s only Lego-certified professional, will be a key presenter at the 2013 show. One of his most famous creations is the 5 metre tall Lego Saturn V Rocket that will be exhibited at the show. Check http://www.lug4x2.org/ for details. It’s not just all child’s play though this winter. From 11-18 August it’s Parenting Week, and there’s a heap of activities and workshops for parents around the wider Christchurch area. This includes cooking tips with NZ Masterchef finalist Jax Hamilton, a seminar with parenting
expert (and Family Times contributing writer) Diane Levy, tips on managing colic and reflux with Philippa Murphy, plus much , much, more! For more information, visit www.nht.org.nz/ parentingweek.
YOUR CHILDREN ARE AMAZING ALREADY. WE JUST HELP THEM PROVE IT.
opinions expressed in this publication are not those of the publisher unless indicated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Family Times is not responsible for unsolicited material. Family Times is funded and published solely through the support of its advertisers. They support us, please support them.
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Sibling mayhem Let’s start by getting rid of the You see unacceptable behaviour words “sibling rivalry.” This Take action. Exile the offender to their room until they are ready to behave in a civilised way. term implies that the sort of do not need this sort of behaviour in your “stuff” that goes on between You home. siblings has something to do Often, there is one child who sets it up (often provocative words) so that the other one with their rivalry for parental with is always caught in retaliation (often physical). attention, time, goods or Get much smarter at catching the “setterupper.” They are the ones who make sure that services. the peace of your household is destroyed.
S
ince many parents, who give their children a great deal of attention and are doing their level best to be scrupulously fair, still find themselves dealing with warring siblings, I think we can rule out “rivalry.” I prefer the term “sibling mayhem.” When we have more than one child, there is a certain amount of mayhem that does along with sibling interactions. What is a parent to do? How can we make our homes a pleasant oasis in which everyone feels valued and secure, rather than a war zone? Let’s think about three situations:
Someone comes running to you
Forget “don’t tell tales!” Actually, you do want them to tell you. Firstly, it gives you information about whether you need to intervene or not. If there is no blood or teeth-marks, don’t intervene. Your child has done a very sensible thing and got away from a dangerous situation. Let them tell you their tale of woe, hear them out and soothe them down. The most important thing is that mum or dad “gets it” i.e. understands and is empathetic. Once they have calmed down, they can decide whether to go back or to keep away.
When we have more than one child, there is a certain amount of mayhem that does along with sibling interactions. You hear the situation heating up
We’ve all heard escalating noises that indicate the situation is heating up and stayed away hoping they’d sort themselves out. This is known as the triumph-of-hope over experience. Sooner or later there is a crash or a scream or both – and lots of sorting out to do. Stay alert and get in there as soon as you hear the situation escalating. Hold them both accountable for the discord. Use my wonderful “no-blame” phrase – “This isn’t working.” Split the children up and send them to separate rooms and set a timer for 10 minutes. When the timer goes off, just go to their rooms and say, “Time’s up.” They are free to stay separate or to resume playing together. Once they realise that when they scrap, you will show up immediately none-too-pleased and take action, you can just walk down the
corridor heavy-footed and the odds are that they will have sprung apart by the time you get there. Your children will learn one of two things by using this approach each time they fight: • They will learn not to fight or • They will learn to fight very quietly.
By Diane Levy Diane Levy is a family therapist and well-known public speaker. She is the author of the best seller Of Course I Love You…NOW GO TO YOUR ROOM!, “They Look So Lovely When They’re Asleep,” and “Time-Out for Tots, Teens and Everyone in Between.
We would like to hear from you.... In our upcoming Spring 2013 issue, we will be running a question and answer column with Diane offering her professional wisdom and advice regarding parenting concerns. Get those questions flowing! Please email to admin@familytimes.co.nz.
Teachers inspire learning... nominate your
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TODAY
ASG Teaching Awards Cognition Education Leadership Awards Nominate at www.neita.co.nz Or call 09 308 0576 Closing date 30 September 2013 Nominations for early childhood educators, teachers, and leaders are invited from parents and grandparents, boards of trustees, parent associations, management committees, secondary student councils and community organisations.
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feature story
The pros and cons of modern technology for today’s kids It’s not uncommon to see a toddler on an iPad, children with smart phones and the latest “apps,” and to wonder, what has happened to kids these days? Rachel Taniwha investigates.
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eing a child today is very different from previous generations; things are moving at an extra fast pace with modern technology such as the internet offering both benefits and disadvantages to parents, and increasingly, children. It’s no small thing. Sir Peter Gluckman, the prime minister’s chief science adviser, described the internet as “the most profound change” in communications since we learned to speak, and spoke about the impact of the technological world on children’s and adolescent health and behaviour in a report for the Families Commission earlier this year.
Computers – the way of communicating?
Computers were a rare luxury in schools a generation ago – perhaps just a dedicated computer room and limited use for pupils, with limited capabilities as well. Comparatively, technology today is mind-boggling. Now social networking means instant contact at anytime with anybody in the world, plus the bonus of virtually living vicariously through the computer screen. With web cams and online
live streaming, it’s as simple as a click of the mouse. It’s this topic that Sir Peter explored. Modern technology has changed the way we communicate and interact – from verbal and personal, to electronic. And electronic forms of communication that exclude body language, such as text messages and Tweets – leave a lot of room to be misinterpreted or misunderstood. Stuart Wright, of UCANDO, is a leading New Zealand facilitator of Accelerated Learning and Whole Brain Learning Techniques. Wright believes that technology, with all its positives, is now encouraging learning by doing things at great haste without any logical analysis or even concern for the consequences. “The whole culture of text messages and computer games is about speed and instant hits rather than more profound or detailed ways of handling information.”
How technology influences brain development
Sir Peter suggested that the most important period for developing resilience is in early childhood when there is greater ability to influence brain development. He described today’s children as the guinea pigs in “a new world we don’t fully understand.” “The digital world is leading to different ways in which the brain develops, different environments in which we learn . . . and it does seem to be having impacts on cognitive, social and emotional development,” he said. Wright agrees, saying that the nervous systems of today’s tots, tweens and teens are constantly being trained to watch, not listen. “All those
fast-moving primarily visual images that this generation is constantly bombarded with every day arouse the right hemisphere at the expense of the left side. What is the left responsible for? Language proficiency skills, logical sequence and reasoning.”
Are our kids taking more risks?
The Parenting Place creative producer, John Cowan, says that with all the technological know-how, children lack something adults have owned for years - a properly functioning prefrontal cortex. “That part of the brain handles risk assessment and social behaviour, and brain
research says it isn’t working properly until a person is in their mid-twenties … so your young person might be bright and clever but you have instincts, wisdom and risk-assessment skills that they won’t have for another decade.” The Families Commission’s interim chief commissioner, Belinda Milnes, says she has tried to encourage her two daughters (aged 8 and 10) to take calculated risks after they have thought through what could go wrong. “For example we might say, “Sure you can jump off that shed roof, but what do you think is the worst that might happen? Do you think you can do something to make it safer? Do you
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feature story still think it’s a good idea?” It doesn’t always stop them but I guess at least they are learning cause and effect and to take responsibility for their own decisions.”
A pre-digital world?
Cowan says that parents can remember a time before mobile phones and home computers, but kids can’t - their world is digital. “They live in a connected world; they know technology and they love it. They are the first generation that have to show their parents how to do things, rather than vice versa. Can we really guide and protect our kids in a world that they know better than we do?” With guidance, he believes parents can. “While we may not be as familiar with all the gadgets, we know what our kids are doing. They are chatting, flirting, looking at pictures, shopping, fighting, listening to music, making friends, watching movies, arguing, reading, joking, playing games, hanging out… in other words, the same things kids have done for ages, but they’re doing it digitally, doing it more and, increasingly, doing it without adult coaching or protection.” Milnes says the pace of technological change is both exciting and terrifying for parents. “Today’s children really are digital natives and soon even the most technologically-savvy parents will be left behind. I saw my 10-yearold coaxing her 84 year-old granddad to use an iPad for Google searches the other day which was fantastic.” She says she loves the way this generation of kids have no perceived limits on what technology can and can’t do. “The concept of a 3D printer churning out household items from downloadable plans instead of going to the hardware shop really challenges my whole world, but my daughters think it is brilliant and would like one for Christmas!”
The effect on education
Children are becoming more technologically-
savvy, albeit perhaps lacking some awareness of its limitations. But what effect does this greater cyber knowledge have on their teachers?
“Today’s children really are digital natives and soon even the most technologically-savvy parents will be left behind.” Belinda Milnes, interim chief commissioner, Families Commission. Sir Peter argued that children could require a certain type of teacher in order to cope with these changes. Wright, an education specialist, said that the education system is actively encouraging the use of computers in virtually all of the learning activities in which instant communication is paramount. Yet he says that computers should not be children’s main source of gaining knowledge. “I believe schools need to start thinking seriously about providing a refuge from computers for at least part of the day to allow students to start developing the very skills that this technology seems to be quashing: linear analytical thought, sequential argument, reflection.” He feels that students should be taught verbal and logical skills that require concentration and perseverance in their formative years, to counter-balance learning dominated by visual experience that requires little concentration and no perseverance. Furthermore, both parents and teachers shouldn’t cater solely to their “learning style,” he says, as “It is claimed that we remember up to 90% of not only what we see, but what we say, hear and do.” Wright says parents could encourage their
Tips for tech-savvy parents •
Content filters - either programmes you buy or services from internet service providers - make it harder for kids to access unsuitable content on the internet.
•
Limit access to internet in your home. Windows 7 has features that allow you to set up a profile for each member of the house. You can customise the times they can use the net, what sites they can visit, and check who they accept as “friends” on social networking sites. K9 is also a great free internet control programme.
•
Don’t have internet-enabled computers in bedrooms, but rather in hightraffic areas of the house. Be aware that phones and games can also hook up to the net. Change the password on your home network or wireless hub to limit who can log on.
•
Overcome your technophobia and join your kids online! Many parents
children to listen, read stories to them, tell stories about themselves as children, and get them to listen to their grandparents about their days growing up. “Encourage lots of singing with words they can understand. Have a guitar and encourage a singsong at the party. Encourage lots of colour and freehand drawing and doodling, not just on the computer. If they have Lego don’t just design what is on the box but fuel their imagination and then get them to create something and explain what it is.”
enjoy this extra dimension of contact with their kids through Facebook, etc. Tip: don’t make too many comments on their page. Kids hate the idea that parents are “stalking” them…which, of course, they are. Facebook does provide that extra window into what they and their friends are up to. Enforce the age limit on Facebook, which is 13. Facebook boot around 20,000 underage kids off their site every day, but many still slip through. If you have younger children, join up to www. togetherville.com with them – a safe, fun social networking site for kids and their parents.
•
Make phones behave at your place. Good phone manners mean you can’t look at your phone if someone is talking to you, you don’t use it at meals, and it goes off at bed time.
Tips provided by John Cowan, creative producer, The Parenting Place So there are ways parents can help their children develop resilience to modern technology and to make the most of the advantages it provides. Milnes says the ability to think creatively and develop solutions via modern technology is “going to be increasingly valuable, as will the ability to weigh and judge information. And perhaps knowledge won’t need to be held in our brains anymore, but finding it and using it in new ways will be even more important.”
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7
How to identify learning disabilities Does your child struggle with completing schoolwork? Does their teacher describe them as lazy, unmotivated or naughty?
I
s reading out loud worse than eating brussel sprouts in their world? Do writing tasks or simple math problems lead to major meltdowns at homework time? If so, consider the possibility that there is an underlying learning disability. By understanding learning disabilities, you can set your child up for success within the classroom and beyond.
What are learning disabilities?
Learning disabilities are difficulties with learning and processing information. A learning disability does not indicate a child is of low intelligence; however, their academic results may be very low. It is not a motivation issue, although if a child experiences failure continually they may become unmotivated very quickly within the classroom. Children with learning disabilities are certainly not lazy or dumb, but they may have acquired fantastic task-avoidance skills. The most common types of learning disabilities involve challenges with reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking.
Can children with learning disabilities succeed?
When parents first hear that their child has a learning disability, they are often both relieved and scared: relieved to have an answer and scared about what the future might hold for their child. The important thing to remember is that most children with learning disabilities are intelligent and capable of learning if the environment and
teaching methods are changed. These children learn differently and need to be taught in ways that are tailored to meet their needs. By becoming informed about learning disabilities in general, and your child’s learning difficulties in particular, you can help pave the way for academic success and social-emotional wellbeing.
What can I do if I think my child has a learning disability?
Investigate it further. Learning disabilities generally do not improve if left alone, and research indicates that early intervention can be very successful. If a child has reached high school before their learning disability is identified they have often experienced a lonely and academic struggle.
How are learning disabilities identified?
It’s not always easy to identify learning disabilities as they are highly variable and individual. No set of single identifiers exists; however, some common characteristics are evident. Your child might present with some or all of these, and therefore further investigation by a suitably qualified person is suggested.
Signs and symptoms of learning disabilities:
Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, colours, shapes, days of the week.
Difficulty following directions or learning routines.
Trouble with buttons, zips, clothes fastenings, learning to tie shoes.
Trouble learning and remembering the
connection between letters and sounds.
Fidgety, sometimes disruptive. Unable to blend sounds to make words.
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Trouble remembering the sounds that letters make or hearing slight differences between words. Confuses basic words when reading. Consistently misspells common words and makes frequent reading errors. Trouble learning and retaining basic math concepts. Difficulty telling time and remembering number sequences. Slow to learn and demonstrate new skills. Inconsistent learning - may be able to demonstrate a skill one day but not on another. Variable concentration levels. Difficulty with reading comprehension or math skills. Often skilled at task avoidance, often loses personal belongings. May become disruptive and present as a behaviour challenge. Spells the same word differently in a single document. Poor organisational skills i.e. bedroom, homework, desk is messy and disorganised. Poor handwriting. Makes many mistakes when reading aloud, and repeats and pauses often. Messy handwriting or holds a pencil awkwardly. Struggles to express ideas in writing – huge gap between oral language ability and written output. Mispronounces words or uses a wrong word that sounds similar. Confuses math symbols and misreads numbers. May not be able to retell a story in order i.e. what happened first, second, third.
Great difficulty starting tasks, and often unsure of next step to reach task completion. All children are invigorating and exhausting, but these traits are often magnified in children with a learning disability. Both parent and child can experience great frustration. Celebrate what your child can do and have high expectations. A little boy who once disliked school stated so aptly “I was, on the whole, considerably discouraged by my school days. It was not pleasant to feel oneself so completely outclassed and left behind at the beginning of the race.” He became the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill! By Rose Blackett Rose Blackett is the president of NZAGC, SENG Board of Directors, MoE advisory board.
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Digital goods: buying something but getting nothing It may seem like an odd concept but it’s one that kids have taken to very easily and will define the generations that grow up in the digital age.
T
he concept of ownership and access as different values is one that is making a steady inroad into the consciousness of kids today. Most parents and grandparents will by now have come across the idea of the iTunes card and it’s desirability as a gift. However the concept does not stop at the voucher phase; it’s increasingly likely that that $50 card will be spent, and that the consumer whom you gifted it to will get nothing in return. Nothing physical that is. The iTunes model is not one that has a physical footprint: you buy an album or a movie and you download it to your machine. You never get a cover, box or even disc that is associated with it. Instead, your account details are the record of the purchase and you have that movie or album on your account for as long as you have paid for it. That may be as short as renting a movie for a one-time view or as long as owning the material to playback as and when you like, and as often as you like.
The most obvious advantage is that it appeals to an environmentally aware generation; there is no impact on the planet’s ecosystem with discs, paper and plastic.
There are advantages and disadvantages to this model. The most obvious advantage is that it appeals to an environmentally aware generation; there is no impact on the planet’s ecosystem with discs, paper and plastic. Space is at a premium in most houses, so it also means far less clutter. Finally, digital goods like this are usually non-device specific so if you want to you can access the material via phone, desktop or tablet with ease. The downside is that it can be too easy. When you don’t see what you have it can create a digital hoarder mentality without thought to spending habits. Lost passwords, sharing devices, identity theft and other problems of the digital age are also things to look out for. Beyond the concept of ownership though is purchasing “access.” Services like Spotify change the paradigm from material specific purchases to paying a small monthly fee for accessibility to a vast library of music. This model means you do not own anything, but as long as you are a valid subscriber you get a high quality service. You can download and re-use as often as you like from a library bigger than one person could ever get through in a lifetime. Today’s generation of children and youth understand the concepts very easily because they are driven by convenience, instant delivery and value for money. It may be a bit of a leap for some parents, but the consumer is still getting the same value, just without the hard copy in the hand. By Wayne Webb Wayne Webb is a community services manager for SmallWorlds - an online gaming site that caters to a 13-plus age range - an avid technology fiend and the father of two children who also love “screen things.”
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9
Teach your kids to save money Growing up, my mother and father had a beer bottle that they would put their loose change into.
M
It is our responsibility to teach them (children) that if they work hard then one reward is money. Life is not a free ride.
y parents, my brother and I would lay newspaper on the dining room table once it was full. My brother and I would take turns to empty the contents, then we would all sit around the table and count the money. My parents then put the money into a bank account to be used for holidays. Even today I still save my change; the beer bottle is gone and it is now stored in a plastic bag. When that is full I take it to the bank and deposit it. It soon mounts up! I am now teaching my granddaughter Lucy, who lives with my husband and I, to save money. At the age of seven Lucy started earning her pocket money. My husband and I discussed what her chores should be and they are as follows: • Set the table for breakfast. • Clear the table after breakfast and dinner. • Tidy her room. • Make her bed. • Put her dirty washing in the machine. • Dust the skirting boards every Sunday. • Feed the cats. Recently another granddaughter, 15-year-old Bella, came to live with us. Like Lucy, she gets a weekly allowance that she has to earn. Her jobs include: • Stacking the dishwasher in the evening and at weekends. • Emptying the dishwasher at the weekends. • Vacuuming the house every Sunday. • Unloading the groceries and putting them away. • Looking after Lucy on the occasions that my husband and I want to go out.
As Lucy gets older she will get more household chores to do; therefore she will get more pocket money. I do not believe that money should be handed to children. It is our responsibility to teach them that if they work hard then one reward is money. Life is not a free ride. Lucy was given a money box on one of her birthdays. She is paid every Thursday and her money goes directly into the money box. If she wants something in particular then she has to save up for it. There are so many things from which to choose, which is when our guidance becomes very important. We want to teach her to use her money wisely. Recently she saw a little kitten that she fell in love with. We discussed it with her and said that she was to pay a certain amount toward the purchase of the kitten. I informed her that the kitten was her responsibility and therefore every month she was to pay me $4 toward her food. When Lucy first came to us I opened a savings account for her. The account at the moment is in my name. Every month I deposit $20 into it. Hopefully when she is finally given the money she will use it wisely. Some schools offer weekly banking to their students. Open an account for your child and encourage them to put some of their pocket money into it. They will get a thrill watching the amount grow weekly. By Sally Kabak Sally Kabak is the author of Raising Grandchildren. Visit www.raisinggrandchildren.net.nz for more information and to view her blog.
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Kiwiana Cupcakes, Cake Pops and Whoopie Pies by Kirsten Day
Kiwiana Cupcakes offers more than 30 recipes for cupcakes, cake pops and whoopie pies, which includes everything from a chocolate Kiwifruit cupcake to sheep in the paddock cake pops. Alongside these fabulous never-fail recipes are Kirsten’s expert tips and hints. Published by HarperCollins, www.harpercollins. co.nz, in May 2013, RRP $39.99. We have three of these to giveaway. Enter online at www.familytimes. co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Kiwiana Cupcakes, Cake Pops and Whoopie Pies, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 28 July 2013. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.
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Positive parenting after a challenging childhood It is a challenging task to bring up a child successfully. It can be deeply distressing to realise we are not being the parent we want to be, particularly if we have experienced inadequate parenting ourselves as a youngster.
parenting is destructive parenting. Our children are the precious vehicles of hope for the next generation. They deserve to have the very best beginnings we can give them. If you are struggling to break the cycle the following suggestions provide a starting point for change. If it proves too difficult to implement these changes alone you need to seek help. There is no shame in this. In fact, having the courage to seek necessary help to stop hurting children is something to be proud of.
Never discipline your child while angry
M
Build up the relationship with your child
At the very least, time out consists of disengaging from conflict with the child and refocusing your energy into calming down. Ideally it involves leaving the house and taking a walk if there is someone else available to care for the child. Be sure to let people know that you are taking time out and when you will be back. Half an hour is usually a suitable cool down time.
ost of us have the best of intentions when it comes to parenting. We may be very clear that we do not want to hurt our children as we were hurt as a child. When we begin with this kind of clarity we are likely to make significant steps towards achieving this goal. Yet, under stress, we may find ourselves slipping into old patterns and falling short of being the kind of parent we so want to be. The important thing is that if we know we are repeating a negative cycle, we face up to that and take immediate action to stop it. Angry
The important thing is that if we know we are repeating a negative cycle, we face up to that and take immediate action to stop it. Angry parenting is destructive parenting.
ACCEPT LEARN PLAY HAPPY ACHIEVE
Spend quality time together, talking about experiences, sharing activities and having fun. Develop empathy and compassion. Imagine how you would feel in your child’s position and respond gently from that compassionate place.
Avoid getting into power struggles with a rebellious child
This escalates the conflict. The more calmly, firmly and respectfully you handle the challenges, the more likely the child will take notice.
Understand that there is a big difference between fair discipline and harsh punishment
Discipline implies a self-controlled lesson in consequences. Harsh punishment more often provides an outlet for the frustration of the parent. This can be damaging to the child.
It’s very easy to become too punitive in this state. Imagine how frightening it would be, if you were at the mercy of an enraged person twice your size. Wait until you have calmed down and are thinking rationally before attempting to address the issue.
Take time out to allow yourself to calm down
Learn to manage anger well There are skills we can learn that will help us gain self control. There’s a fantastic range of anger management books available. Attend a course if necessary.
Learn new parenting skills
There are parenting courses and support groups available in most communities. Personal counselling can also help.
Put things right as quickly as possible If you know you’ve been destructive it’s vital to take responsibility as soon as possible. Remember the most important thing is the child’s wellbeing and safety. Change is possible; you can break the cycle. There is help available but you need to reach out for it. By Kay Douglas, author and psychotherapist.
St Margaret’s College junior school - certainty in uncertain times St Margaret’s College head of junior school Paula Sheldon says intimate class sizes allow teachers to provide quality feedback and information to children. “We take a holistic approach to our girls’ education based on our Anglican traditional values and nurture them with a high level of pastoral care. We have a big sister – little sister mentoring programme that runs through the entire school.” The junior school (years 1 – 6) enables girls to develop into confident, happy children equipped with skills for a smooth transition to
year seven, says Sheldon. “Our girls benefit from access to specialist teachers and all of the campus facilities.” Principal Gillian Simpson says St Margaret’s College offers individual academic programmes. “We offer academic and emotional certainty in these uncertain times and focus on the emotional and pastoral care of each girl.” For more information about the junior school at St Margaret’s College, please contact Tina Cartwright. Telephone 03-353-2563 or email tina.c@stmargarets.school.nz.
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Our Junior School at St Margaret's College is awesome! We welcome you to visit us and see our primary programme in action. We have intimate class sizes and a caring, nurturing environment. For enrolment enquiries please contact: Tina Cartwright on 03 353 2563 or email tina.c@stmargarets.school.nz JUNIOR, MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL 12 Winchester St | Merivale | Christchurch 8014 | www.stmargarets.school.nz
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Conscious parenting Our role as parents is to help our children discover who they are and what fulfils them, so when they’re ready to go it alone, they can navigate their own course in the world.
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arenting is one of the hardest jobs you’ll ever do. The only training you get is life itself. There is no right or wrong way to do it, so long as you nurture and nourish them to feel safe, secure and loved for who they are. Each and every one of us is conditioned by our upbringing and life experiences. The information acquired from others – their thoughts and feelings - form the basis of the way we live our lives. We then subconsciously use it to bring up our own children. Conscious parenting is about becoming aware of how much of our conditioned learning we’re still using in our lives. It’s like assessing and updating all our data; emptying the trash and making room for stuff that’s relevant to us now so we can create an environment that will nurture and nourish both the needs of our children and ourselves. It’s an opportunity to review our beliefs, attitudes, the words we use, our tone of voice and the way we interact with our children so we can purposefully show them different perspectives on life. It’s about walking the talk and showing them ways to be kind, caring and considerate to others, and why trust and honesty are so important to building relationships. It’s about encouraging their curiosity and helping them to find solutions for themselves, and showing them how to take responsibility
for their own actions and know how to make amends when things go wrong. It’s listening, listening and listening some more (even when you think you know what they’re going to say or they’re talking complete drivel!) Let them have their say – show them respect and let them know you value their point of view. It will encourage them to appreciate different perspectives, to speak up for themselves and negotiate. Most importantly, it shows them that you believe in them, which gives them hope and faith in their ability to accomplish anything in life. Don’t compare them with others. It’s not about keeping up with, or doing what others do or being better than anyone else. It’s about bringing out the best in them. Show them how to create a measure of their own success and ways to manage and achieve the things that matter to them.
Parenting is one of the hardest jobs you’ll ever do. The only training you get is life itself. There’s a myriad of everyday situations you can use to help your child create an understanding of who they are and the world that they want. It’s up to you to consciously become aware of situations in which you can integrate nuggets of wisdom that will enrich their ability to be the best they can be. They are not children for long, so cherish them and look after yourself along the way – you need to be strong to support them. By Philippa Ross, enthusiologist and energy health consultant
Cherish Wellbeing, personal growth and development, www.cherishwellbeing.co.nz
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Marian College girls enjoy their school
Melissa Pearce, a new Year 9 student, said that she had “settled in at Marian College well.” Melissa liked “doing the range of different subjects” and “having a go at different things we didn’t do at primary school.” Krysta Wills, also in Year 9, enjoyed all the opportunities, for instance, “sports for people who aren’t too sporty, such as rock climbing.” Another new girl, Emilie Crosby, finds “everyone is really friendly” and “loves the peer support programme” in which older students help younger ones settle at school.
Your whole family can
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Help is @ hand Usual office hours with late night on Tuesdays Sometimes you need some ‘till 6.30pm by appointment. information or an answer to 336 Cashel Street, P O Box 4237, Christchurch. Phone: 03-379 0012 a curly question. Why not pick up the phone and call the Christchurch Resettlement relative support agency? You’ll Services. Free social services for people from refugee find professional caring people and migrant backgrounds. Interpreters are provided. Phone: 03-335 0311 ready to assist you.
Angel Fund Wahine Putea
Parenting Week
A Women’s Savings and Loan Fund. Phone: 03-366 9978 (city office), 358 8495 (home office) or 022-412 6435 www.angelfund.org.nz Don’t let money hold you back. Save with the Angel Fund and build a nest egg – no fees. Wanting to step ahead in small or home business, education or training? No interest loans of up to $500 available to women on low incomes. Start with $5 or $10 a week.
An action packed week of events, seminars, expos and workshops on the theme of parenting. 11-17 August. For the full programme city wide visit www.nht.org
Catholic Social Services Parenting and family support programmes open to all, free of charge.
Cholmondeley Cholmondeley provides short term and emergency respite care for children aged 5-7 in a holistic, 24/7 care and education environment. Short term group care is directly accessible to the Canterbury community. In an emergency Cholmondeley can respond within 1 hour. Phone: 03 329 9832 Email: info@ cholmondeley.org.nz
Pregnancy Counselling Services Pregnancy Counselling Services can give reassurance, information, advice, advocacy, referral and practical help at this crucial time in a woman’s life. Counsellors help clients to find their own acceptable long-term solutions to problems such as accommodation, lack of material resources, continuing education, and the stress arising from pressure from family, friends,
colleagues and workplace. In coming to their decisions, clients consider the advantages and disadvantages of parenting a child, adoption and abortion. Pregnancy Counselling Services provides: • Non-judgmental, client-focused listening. • Provision of baby clothes and equipment. • Counselling for women disturbed by past abortions or miscarriages.
support services
A matter of instinct A
djusting to reduced sleep is one of the most difficult aspects of becoming a parent. The existence of such an array of baby sleep-related paraphernalia suggests that it’s a problem for many parents. Maybe, however, it’s our expectations, rather than the baby’s, that need adjusting. Babies have only one form of communication; crying. A focus on trying to decipher what your child wants can detract from responding to their needfulness. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by whether to do the “cry-it-out” or attachment parenting approach, try something different. When your baby cries, take a breath, listen to your instinctive and non-conditioned response and go with that. Nearly always your instinct will lead you to comfort and be with your baby, which is all that babies want and need.
Five tips for happier parenting: 1. When your baby cries, follow your instincts. 2. Put yourself in your baby’s place. If you could only make crying noises to get attention, would you rather have a hug or be left alone?
3.
Learning to accept and acknowledge your shadow side that at times gets angry or frustrated means it’ll be much easier to go back to your more nurturing self. 4. We can never give too much love. Babies aren’t manipulative. 5. Self-settling will happen to every child in their own time. It might take a few years, so relax about it. It’s not the badge of good parenting. By Dr. Victoria Metcalf Victoria is a mum of a very busy, attached preschooler and a lecturer in biology and genetics. She wrote this perspective as an alternative to an article Family Times ran in its autumn edition about self-settling babies.
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baby & toddler
What cardboard boxes can teach kids
This very lack of sensory input (or perhaps, person in a room. Everything is sized for big Like red rubber balls and more accurately said, the subtle nature of the people. In small spaces, kids feel big. teddy bears, broccoli refusals, As well, the light-weight construction of a sensory inputs) is an essential contrast to the more powerful and deliberate stimulation cardboard box enables young children to move skipping rope, sticky fingers, we traditionally think of when we talk about and manipulate an object that is bigger than they boo boo kisses, bath time are. In other words, cardboard yields to their will. “sensory play.” This relief from the sensory world may pouts, and nighty-night tuck- Control explain, in part, why kids find the confines of a Cardboard boxes make ideal hiding places, ins, cardboard boxes are cardboard box so appealing. And of course, its and kids love to hide. Now, while there is no very neutrality is the blank-slate upon which essential for little kids. And research to back this up, it seems obvious to children so easily imprint their imaginations. educators that the hiding game may well be the granddaddy of them all is the first experience a child has with knowing Imagination the refrigerator box. something adults don’t know. Put simply, a cardboard box can become
Asensory play
So, why are cardboard boxes great for kids?
Spatial awareness
The first thing little kids do when confronted with a cardboard box is try to get in it. Cute as this is, there’s actually an important reason why they do this. It’s called spatial awareness. Preschoolers spend a good deal of time getting to know their own bodies, and with that comes the necessary question “how big am I?” But they’re growing, so the answer to that question keeps changing. That’s why kids are constantly testing their own size by crawling in, through, around, over and under things. Cardboard boxes are often the perfect size for this kind of spatial exploration.
“Asensory” experiences play an important role in sensory development and the humble cardboard box is a great example of an asensory environment. The brown colour suggests nothing in particular. The smooth sides infer little. The cube structure defines empty space. The subtle smell lacks distraction. The sound of the cardboard folding is muted and music-less.
Comfort and security
Right from the start, children are soothed by a sense of being bundled up or embraced. This need for “denning” continues throughout childhood (and throughout life) because in many ways, it’s a subconscious return to the comfort of the womb.
Empowerment
Imagine what it’s like to always be the smallest
Pegasus Health 24 Hour Surgery With the onset of winter illness, the Pegasus Health 24 Hour Surgery is focused on reducing wait times and ensuring patients receive treatment as quickly as possible. To achieve this they will use a number of methods including their usual triage system to assess patients and assign them to the relevant clinical treatment stream to achieve timely patient care, with safety as a priority. They will also use a Txt To Return system allowing those patients considered well
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anything the child wants it to be. Creating something new from something that exists teaches a child that his view is important and that anything is possible. By Gill Connell from Moving Smart Adapted from Moving Smart Blog http:// movingsmartblog.blogspot.co.nz To find out about the many courses Gill Connell and the Moving Smart team run visit www. movingsmart.co.nz/home/pre-schools/workshopschedule-2/
enough by the triage nurse to elect to leave the surgery and wait for their consultation time at home or elsewhere. Patients are then sent a txt to advise them it is time to return to the surgery for their consultation. During the winter months the surgery can experience periods of high demand and recommend for non-urgent matters, that patients visit during quieter times which are usually before 9am, 2-4pm and after 8pm.
First Learners Preschools
First Learners Preschools are privately owned places where families/whanau are welcome at any time to be a part of their child’s home away from home. First Learners provides all day education and care for children aged 0-6 years, and a special and unique learning environment for your child. Each First Learners centre has an environment resourced to stimulate and challenge children “to grow up as competent and confident learners and communicators,” Rangiora, Mairehau, Shirley and Rolleston. www.firstlearners.co.nz.
Winter wellness – how not to over-eat in the chilly season The lure of the fridge late at night can result in even the most health-conscious person’s downfall. So why is that despite our good intentions, we demolish a block of chocolate after swearing we’d only have two pieces?
the things that truly nourish your soul into your life. Read more often, dance, sing, move, or watch your children sleep and soak up how truly precious they are. Food can never replace the role of soul food in your life. Nor can it make the sun shine. It is no secret that, at times, we may serve ourselves and our family too much total food. The tendency to serve big portions seems to increase as we introduce more hearty fare to our diets. Your stomach is roughly the size of your closed fist and so this provides a good he lure to comfort eat, or to over-eat, indication for portion sizes of concentrated may become even greater as the weather foods such as carbohydrates and protein. begins to get colder. The days become darker The majority of your family’s plate should be and shorter and it seems what you’re having water-based vegetables. There are many ways for dinner becomes all the more important. So of transitioning to smaller portion sizes; using how can you avoid falling into an over-eating smaller plates is a great way of making the meal trap this winter? appear larger than it is. Keeping your nutritional status maintained is 26/02/13 CUSTOMER LIPID DIABETES RESEARCH PUBLISHING an essential component in mounting you and If you were truly eating SALES REP M.RAMSDEN PUBLICATION CHRISTCHURCH PRESS your family’s best defence to winter ailments. ADVERTISING in orderDESIGNER to nourish Wmcelwain SECTION SECTION A In today’s time-poor world, incorporating PROOF warmXyoga your body,PROOFED there would 2/25/2013 7:56:51 SIZE 3.0 class. The energy and optimism you easyAM ways of increasing the nutrient density of 14.00 create from regular movement can help you be a point you would your diet is a must. One of the obvious winter AD ID 5205484AA FAX remain calm, clear and energised in everything feel comfortable and favourites is soup. Soup makes a delicious you do. lunch or a convenient and nourishing snack. nourished. E APPROVE THIS AD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. NOTE THAT ANY ALTERATIONS Make choices that will nourish your body and Green soups, fragrant Asian-style broths, your soul this winter. Don’t let the season classic vegetable soup DEADLINE. and of course chicken BE stop” FINALISED BY OUR MATERIAL “OnceMUST I start I cannot is a phrase I have become an excuse to overeat. Instead, use it as soup are all great options, but one way to heard countless times. This wording gives you a clue. If you were truly eating in order to nourish supercharge them is to use a bone broth as the base or a good quality stock. Kids can your body, there would be a point you would help with the cooking! feel comfortable and nourished. Many people eat to find what I call “soul food.” It’s actually not It is also vital that you and your family continue to move. A winter walk even at night, about the food at all. For some, food is used to rugged up with a friend can be wonderfully replace a feeling in their lives. Food is reliable, consistent and you know it will taste a particular rejuvenating. If the weather doesn’t permit any sort of outdoor activity it might seem rather way. There are not many things in life that do that. Eating for comfort or eating to feel lit up or 1980s, but set aside some time to watch an exercise DVD, stretch or practice simple yoga happy are common scenarios and may be one way you have learnt to cope. To shift your focus poses in your home. Or commit to an exercise class preferably breath-focused to keep your away from eating to fill your soul, bring more of body and mind occupied. Try a restorative or
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a time to get to the heart of the matter, truly addressing why you may consistently overeat or make poor quality food choices. Be aware of how you speak to yourself and be sure to treat yourself with the care you deserve. By Dr Libby Weaver. To read more visit www. drlibby.com
Is your child’s type 2 diabetes misbehaving? If diet, exercise, or medication is not helping your child with their type 2 diabetes, you may be interested in this research study. It is evaluating an investigational drug for children between 10 and 17 years old to see if it helps control their blood sugar levels. Every child who participates receives: Study-related care for type 2 diabetes Diet and exercise counselling Study medication (may include inactive placebo) All at no cost
Can your child participate? Please contact our staff to learn more about the potential benefi ts and risks of this research study benefits and to see if your child may qualify to participate
Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes Research Study
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Please call: Dr Jinny Willis the Lipid & Diabetes Research Group on phone: 03 364 0448 or email jinny.willis@cdhb.health.nz
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15
Fit Families
Your child, their game Armed with oranges, water bottles and folding chairs, parents around the country look forward to watching their kids play organised sport. But is it right for your child?
T
he involvement of children in organised sports is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the early 20th century, physical activity was largely made up of free play and games. This was generally spontaneous, unstructured, and without adult involvement. During the latter part of the 20th century however, free play or unstructured games primarily gave way to organised sport. Often when you see children playing outdoors they wear uniforms and follow the directions of coaches while their parents dutifully watch and cheer. Popular culture is pushing the notion that to succeed at sport, kids need to be in organised sports programmes run by adults at an earlier and earlier age, to the point that early childhood and preschool programmes are now available for many sports.
Which is better – an organised programme or unstructured games/play?
Sport NZ advocates for a balanced approach to sport. Kids should have time to just be kids, as well as take part in organised sports programmes when they show an interest and are ready. Organised sports programmes for children should complement, not replace, the regular physical activity that is part of free play, child-organised games, recreational sports, and physical education programmes in schools. Generally, children under seven-years-old should focus on skill development through
games and play rather than competitive sport. Activities should be fun, allowing children to explore what they can do. Development and enjoyment is fostered in an environment that is caring, safe, and supportive.
Organised sports programmes for children should complement, not replace, the regular physical activity that is part of free play, child-organised games, recreational sports, and physical education programmes in schools. Most children will be at a “stage of readiness” to move into entry level sport activities by the age of 12 years. Continued development is best achieved through a combination of unstructured play in a safe and challenging environment, and quality instruction from knowledgeable teachers, leaders and coaches. Development of skills and positive attitudes in children is more important than winning every week: whilst competition is important, the focus should be on playing, learning and striving for success. Children should experience a wide range of sport activities rather than focusing solely on one activity, as skills need to be developed in a wide range of environments. Although many children at this age have developed a preference for one sport or another, for full athletic development they need to engage in a broad range of activities, playing at least two to three different sports. It is adults (particularly parents) who often have responsibility for leading, managing or supporting the early experiences of children in organised sport. Positive parental engagement
has been shown to have a positive effect on these experiences and kids love it when you get involved. The rule of thumb for parents however is - in whatever capacity you find
yourself and when making decisions for/with your child - always remember that while it is your child, it’s their game. Article provided by Sport New Zealand (Sport NZ)
Twister Rave Skip-It
The longer you go, the more you’ll glow with this super-cool Twister Rave Skip-It game! Put the hoop on one leg and swing the Skip-It while you hop over it. The colours glow as you skip, and when all four colours glow, you’ve made it! RRP $34.99. We have 3 to give away. Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Twister Rave Skip-It, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 28 July 2013. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.
WIN, WIN,
WIN!
PLUS WE CATER FOR YOUNG KIWIS TOO... Jump into a different Les Mills fitness class every time you visit and discover why they’re the best in the world. Or do your own thing with our latest cardio and weights machines. It’s up to you, but whatever you do, do it now – the sooner you start, the more free days you’ll score. Hurry offer only available during July. Come in to Les Mills and get started today. Les Mills Christchurch 203 Cashel Street, Christchurch
*Conditions apply. See lesmills.co.nz/july
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We offer: > Child-care while you work-out at our in-house MOE Early Learning Centre > Get your child moving in a fun and relaxed way with our new BORN TO MOVE™ classes. > Free class for the July school holidays Book today!
Learn to ski or snowboard at Porters T
ucked away in the foothills of the Southern Alps, just an hour’s drive from Christchurch City, lies the alpine playground of Porters ski area - long established as a local favourite amongst snow-loving Cantabrians. Together with its varied terrain, friendly staff and affordability, it’s also the perfect place for those new to skiing and snowboarding to give snow-sports a try.
programme.
Learn to slide $190 family package
Being family friendly means looking after local families with the best deals around. Here’s an opportunity for your whole family to give skiing or snowboarding a try: learn to slide for just $190! The package includes two hour beginners’ group lesson, plus a novice lift pass and hire of ski or snowboard gear for two adults, plus all youths under 18 and two grandparents from the same immediate family are free*.
The Porters passport
Porters is serious about encouraging new skiers and riders, and has created the best value learning platform in New Zealand - the Porters passport. To assist in welcoming beginners, the programme includes: • A clear step-by-step record of your progress as you learn to ski or board. • Significant discounts on lift passes, rentals and lessons via Porters ski and board packages. • A complimentary Porters seasons pass on completion of the Passport
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Masters learn to ski programme
Mother and daughter enjoy the magic-carpet lift at the Porters beginners’ area.
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certificate of achievement. * Some conditions do apply. Check out www. skiporters.co.nz for further details.
Clip ‘N Climb offers healthy, challenging fun for everyone aged two to 92. It has some awesome new climbs: come and try the new “twister” or test your nerve on the “vertical drop slide!” For exciting holiday fun in Christchurch, Clip ‘N Climb is the place to go. It also caters for birthday parties, and is open seven days during the school holidays. Bookings are essential. Visit www.clipnclimb.co.nz for more information or phone 03-377-3000.
Wanted to ski, but thought it only for young people? Porters has a specially designed first-time ski package with your host and well known Porters local, John Dunne. Taking place every Tuesday, the package includes introduction with John, learner lift pass for the day, equipment rental, beginner ski instruction, coffee or house wine and a
YMCA Christchurch holiday programmes YMCA is making some exciting changes to its holiday programmes this July. It’s introducing a brand new performing arts programme that will run at the City YMCA for a 10 to 15-year-old age group. This programme will be run by talented and passionate staff who are determined to make the new programme great! YMCA has also extended its hours to run from 9am-5pm, with the option still open to pick up earlier than 5pm if needed. It will also still offer before programme care from 8am. YMCA’s
annual ski camp will run for both weeks these holidays. YMCA also has a brand new website with all the information you should need. It will be a busy and exciting July for the YMCA, and its staff hope to see you all getting involved in the fantastic programmes they have on offer. For more information, please visit YMCA’s new website, www.ymcachch.org.nz or contact Cass at holprog@ymcachch.org.nz, or phone 03-366-0689.
Clip ‘N Climb Cnr Waltham Road and Byron St Telephone 377 3000
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Awesome new challenges are here for you ! Brand New Climbs All new Leap of Faith
8 Metre High Vertical Drop Slide
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Email : funaddicts@clipnclimb.co.nz with [I’m hooked] in the subject line
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Household chores for pre-teens and teens at home Household chores are probably one of the most debated household issues. As your kids grow up from preteens into teenagers, a lot of conflict may arise from misunderstandings about what the responsibilities at home are.
you see as a consequence and you are the one to suggest it, your teen will quickly start weighing up whether it’s worth it to do the chores, and if they decide that having their phone taken away is not that big-of-a-deal, you may find lots of chores not getting done. So talk the consequences over with them, and make them substantial. 5. Lead by example. Everyone has a part to play. The beauty of the chores chart is that you can assign tasks to everyone. It does not mean you must do an equal amount of chores as your teen; in fact, I advise you do the minimal amount because, after all, you are the one paying the mortgage or rent on your home, and, it should be the teen’s responsibility to
T
eens are the masters of loopholes, so it’s very important to state your rules clearly as soon as you can – train them as preteens before those teen years kick in. So here are some tips to help you out: 1. Give them the rules. Spell them out and write them down. Make a chart that you put up on the fridge, or somewhere in a visible place in the house. Just like a well-organised flat, give everyone responsibilities they can stick to and execute to their abilities. It’s also good because when something isn’t done, you can refer back to this chart. 2. Communicate the rules. Make sure the rules are clear. If the task is to do the dishes, spell out that the task also involves, for example, not only stacking the dishwasher, but also unloading it. Again, if you don’t make the rules clear, it’s easy for them to stray away from responsibility. 3. Keep calm. Don’t get wound up just because your teen hasn’t vacuumed by 6pm on their “chores day.” Some teens are great with their time management and are probably planning
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to do this before midnight strikes. However, if from experience you know that chores may be avoided by your teen, give them a gentle reminder. If you want to avoid conflict as much possible, perhaps on your chores chart, also give a time when the chores must be done, or at least the time they must be done by. Again, you’ll see here my theme of enforcing strict, exact rules that avoid confusion. 4. Have clear consequences. What will it mean if the chores are not done on time? Perhaps this is something you must sit down and discuss with your teen when you’re making the chores chart. The consequence must be something that will motivate them to do the chores. If taking their phone away for two hours is what
help out as much as they can. But make sure that they see that you’re doing something as well so they don’t feel you’re purely taking advantage. About Eva-Maria Twenty-one-year-old bestselling author of the book You Shut Up!, international speaker and certified coach Eva-Maria is living her dream: she is on a mission to help improve 10,000,000 relationships between adults and teenagers around the world. Join Eva-Maria on her journey to bridge the gap of misunderstanding between teenagers and adults around the globe! www.eva-maria.co.nz
Time to nominate outstanding teachers and leaders
Teachers are top-of-the-mind for families as nominations open for the ASG Teaching Awards and Cognition Education Leadership Awards. Boards of Trustees, parent associations, secondary student councils and community organisations can nominate outstanding teachers and leaders who inspire learning in their school community. These awards are an opportunity for education consumers to acknowledge those teachers and leaders whose inspirational approach stimulates student learning and success. “Your nomination demonstrates recognition
of outstanding teachers and leaders at early childhood education centres, primary, intermediate and secondary schools nationwide who provide children with the desire, confidence and enthusiasm to learn and do well,” says Terry O’Connell, chairman of the NEiTA Foundation, which facilitates the awards programme. Nominations are open until 30 September 2013. Nominate online at www.neita.co.nz or download a nomination form. Forms are also available at schools and early childhood education centres nationwide, or through the NEiTA Foundation, phone 09-308 0576 or email mventer@asg.co.nz.
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Karen Theobald from Family Times visited Clearview Primary School in Rolleston to talk with kids about how they use the internet, what they use it for and any rules they have in their family surrounding its use.
Rose Rapana, age 9
I have access to the internet at home, mostly on an iPad. I like to use the internet to search for images for my home learning projects and play games such as Spellodrome. At home, I can only go on the computer if I ask and then only on certain sites. I am not allowed on Facebook. I need to use the iPad where my parents can see me.
Charlie Hofmeester, age 8
I use the internet when I am allowed and only on certain websites I know are safe or ones my friends say are good like Mathletics. Friv Games is a good site too and Flux Time Animation is creative fun. Some websites are educational, others are just cool to play on. The internet can be addictive and you have to be careful as there maybe unsafe images on the internet.
Willow Mountford, age 9
At home we have a Macbook and iPod to access the internet. I like playing games like Moshi Monsters and I use the internet to research for home learning projects. Mum and Dad have parent control on our computer, so they have to authorise new sites and when I go on You Tube. The internet is good for learning and playing fun games. Viruses and people pretending to be someone different to get your information are problems though.
James Cross, age 10
I play social games like Club Penguin and learning programmes like Mathletics on the internet. I use Google to search for school project information. When I am at home I cannot go on You Tube or new web sites without my parents’ permission. The internet is good for communicating with people you have not seen in a while and also for helping to educate children. You have to be careful of your private information though and watch out for viruses.
It’s easy to win fantastic prizes with Family Times. Just fill in the entry form and post it to us by the due date, or enter online at www.familytimes. co.nz. This month we have a fantastic line up of prizes with more great giveaways… Good luck! Check out last issue’s lucky winners online.
WIN, WIN,
WIN!
WIN, W
WIN
WIN, WIN,
WIN!
CAT VS DOG
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principal sponsor
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Despicable Me 2
Get the latest from Transformers Beast Hunters
This ultimate robot prize pack includes: Transformers Prime Commander and Deluxe scale, 2 x Bot Shots Brawlers packs, a KRE-O Microchanger Combiner and a KRE-O figure set. They include all your favourite characters packed out in “beast mode” including Optimus Prime, Autobot and Decepticon as well as new weapons and accessories to take on the vicious villain Predaking. It’s time to “beast up” your collection. Total value RRP $139.99. We have 3 to give away.
In 2010 Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment introduced us to supervillain Gru, his evil sidekick, Dr Nefario, the unpredictably hilarious Minions and the adorable orphans, Margo, Agnes and Edith, to whom he became father. In 2013 prepare yourself for more Minion madness with the return of these beloved characters in the all-new comedy adventure Despicable Me 2 in which Gru, with the assistance of secret agent Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig), is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal who threatens the stability of the world as we know it. In cinemas 4 July. We have 8 x beach towels, 8 x kids (medium) t-shirts, 8 x double passes to give away. Entries close 10th July.
T o C
What would your dream slippers look like? We’d love to see a drawing of them; they could be for you, your mum, your dad or anyone you like. What features would they have? What would they look like? Send us your picture and be in to win an amazing $50 prize pack from Crayola!
LIVE AT A VENUE NEAR YOU! JCD Entertainment Present
Three entry age groups: preschool (age 1-4), 5-8, 9-12. Create your design on an A5 sheet or download the template and entry form from www.familytimes.co.nz. Post in to PO Box 36 004, Christchurch 8146. Entries close on 28 July 2013.
Congratulations to our dream job design competition winners from our last issue. They are:
Featuring JCD Entertainment’s talented cast of young actors aged 7—24 By Arrangement with Origin Theatrical on behalf on Theatrical Rights Worldwide, New York
Asheika Brasell-Jagger (bug collector) – age 4
CHRISTCHURCH
Monday July 22nd @ 2pm - Aurora Centre
Tickets $25 each (+fees) — book at www.ticketek.co.nz or phone 0800 TICKETEK (0800) 842 538
ASHBURTON ! UT
O Tuesday July 23rd @SO2pm 4pm (extra show due to demand!) LD Ashburton Trust Event Centre
Tickets $27 each (including fees) –book at Ashburton Trust Event Centre, phone (03) 307 2010
Ryan Billington (cyber rats shop) – age 7
WIN, WIN,
Jonathon Tokios (boat architect) – age 11
DORA THE EXPLORER created by CHRIS GIFFORD © 2010 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Dora the Explorer and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.
WIN, WIN,
WIN!
WIN!
Monsters University prize packs DISNEY•PIXAR’s MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (In Disney Digital 3D™) In Cinemas July 11 www.disneymovies.co.nz 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. We have 5 prize packs to giveaway each consisting of: A T-shirt A notebook A slapband A double in-season pass to the movie. Entries close 10th July.
Grit Extremist Scooter
Grit Scooters offer a range of complete Grit Scooters, as well as parts and accessories that can be mixed and matched with other scooter brands on the market. Using only the highest grades of raw materials, Grit Scooters design and manufacturing is constantly improving to ensure that Grit products stay at the forefront of extreme scootering. Visit www.gritscooters.co.nz for a list of retailers near you! The Grit Extremist is the perfect quality entry level scooter incorporating the exclusive Grit deck and high Tensile T bars. Enter now for your chance to win a Grit Extremist! We have 4 to give away.
Just tick the things you want to win Winter 2013
Get the latest from Transformers Beast Hunters
Name Address
Grit Extremist Scooter Monsters University prize packs Despicable Me 2
City Phone
To be in the draw to win, enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Christchurch Competition, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch to reach us by July 28th 2013, unless stated otherwise. Only one entry per household.
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Saturday 13 July - Saturday 27 July 2013
Open Streets
Lantern Making Workshops
Where: Central City, Christchurch. When: Sunday 14 July, 10am–4pm.
Where: WEA, 59 Gloucester Street, Central City. When: Monday 15 July to Wednesday 17 July, 10am–noon, 1pm–3pm.
Hop on your bike or scooter and head into town to celebrate the reduction of the central city cordon! Food, markets and entertainment all day.
Make a candle lit lantern in preparation for the MORE FM Grand Parade on Saturday 20 July. All materials supplied.
Singapore Airlines StarFest
TV2 GeoDome Stage Show
Heat 1: Tuesday 16 July, 11am–1.30pm, The Palms.
Where: GeoDome, North Hagley Park. When: Friday 19 July, 10am–11am, noon – 1pm, 2pm–3pm.
Heat 2: Wednesday 17 July, 11am–1.30pm, GeoDome. Heat 3: Thursday 18 July, 11am–1.30pm, GeoDome. Grand Final: Saturday 27 July, 6.30pm–8.30pm, Aurora Centre, Burnside High School.
Throw Wrestling Sharks, Wonkie Donkeys and Fizzunkafones onto the same stage and you’re bound to see some entertaining action!
MORE FM Grand Parade
Christchurch Brick Show
Where: Botanic Gardens, meet near the kiosk over the footbridge from the Armagh Street entrance carpark. When: Saturday 20 July, 5.30pm–7pm.
Where: Air Force Museum, 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram. When: Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July, 9am–5pm.
A mystery twilight parade on a trail full of surprises through the Botanic Gardens.
Come and see LEGO models from collectors and enthusiasts at this amazing brick show.
Kids Market
The Press Scoot and Skate
Where: Addington Raceway, Wrights Road, Addington When: Monday 22 July, 10am–2pm
Where: Thomson Park, New Brighton. When: Wednesday 24 July, 3 to 7 years – 10am–11am. 8 to 13 years – 11am–1pm Where: Jellie Park, Burnside. When: Thursday 25 July, 3 to 7 years – 10am–11am. 8 to 13 years – 11am–1pm.
Come and bag a bargain from kid’s own market stalls while enjoying entertainment from kids buskers.
For information on all events: www.kidsfest.co.nz
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cool activities
Calendar of Events more information or to donate, visit www. This winter the popular TV2 spcacanterbury.org.nz or phone 03-344-2087. KidsFest returns, jam-packed with ideas for the July school 13-14 July Christchurch Toy Fair. Buy, sell or just holidays. Keep up to date with The look. All sorts of toys under one roof. Pioneer other family friendly activities Recreation and Sports Centre, Lyttelton Street over the next few months at from 10am. Entry fee applies, proceeds to charity. Visit www.thechristchurchtoyfair.org.nz. www.familytimes.co.nz. 16-21 July Until 22 September Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Brilliant Brass. Discover the history of brass bands in Canterbury – the instruments, the players and the ever present competitions. At Canterbury Museum, visit www. canterburymuseum.com for details.
Up to 30 June Populate! A new wave of artworks appear in public spaces of the city, from painted cartoon figures, a heavy metal gnome to a high rooftop sculpture. Visit www.christchurchartgallery. org.nz for locations.
30 June JD Duathlon. Run and bike on the flat, fast course at Ruapuna Raceway. Various categories for children 8 to 13-years and families. Visit www.jdevents.co.nz for more events too.
From 1 July SPCA Project 2nd Chance. Help give dogs in need a second chance. Every year SPCA Canterbury cares for hundreds of sick, injured, abused and abandoned dogs and puppies. Donate to the Project 2nd Chance appeal and help SPCA build a new dog quarantine unit to better treat and rehabilitate these animals. For
Peter and the Wolf. Presented by the Southern Ballet Theatre, two productions in one show! Performances 16-18 July, 11am and 2pm or 19-21 July, 2pm and 6pm. All tickets $12.50, bookings and venue at 108 Carlyle Street, Sydenham. Phone 03-379-7219 or email southernballet@xtra.co.nz. More details also at www.southernballet.co.nz.
16-18 and 27 July Singapore Airlines StarFest. Watch competitors at the heats battle it out onstage for a place in the prestigious StarFest Grand Final on 27 July. Great entertainment for all ages at the Aurora Centre. Free event, visit www.kidsfest.co.nz for times.
19 July TV2 KidsFest GeoDome Stage Show. Come to the GeoDome to be entertained by wrestling sharks, wonkie donkeys and fi zzunkafones on the same stage. A free show suitable for all ages. Visit www.kidsfest.co.nz for times.
20 July MORE FM Grand Parade. A mystery twilight parade full of surprises through the Botanic
Patricia Paul School of Dance pre-primary students in their sunshine dresses. Gardens. Bring your own lantern (or anything that glows) or instrument and enjoy the fun. Free event, visit www.kidsfest.co.nz for more details.
20-21 July Canterbury Brick Show. Visit the biggest LEGO show in New Zealand and see amazing models including a five meter tall Saturn V rocket.
The International School of Music
The International School of Music has just completed major renovations to its studios in Barrington Mall. The school now has purpose-built studios, and it is proving to be very popular with all the students and their parents. As part of its re-opening, music school director Nicky Fryer is offering a chance to win a whole term’s free tuition! Everyone who enrols in a new beginners’ course, or re-enrols, by Friday 12 July, will be entered into the draw. Visit www.ismchristchurch.co.nz or phone 03-377-3778.
Air Force Museum, 45 Harvard Avenue from 9am-5pm. Check www.lug4x2.org for details.
22 July Dora’s Pirate Adventure. See Dora the Explorer live on stage at the Aurora Centre.
Christchurch intermediate schools open nights 2013 Breens Intermediate- 10 July 6.30-8.30pm Phone 03-359-8108 or email office@ breens.school.nz Casebook Intermediate-4 July 6.30 8pm Phone 03-359-7428 or email office@ casebrook.school.nz Christchurch South Intermediate-8 August 6.30-8 pm Phone 03-332-2408 or email office@ chchsouth.ac.nz Shirley Intermediate-15 August 5-6 pm Phone 03-385-2229 or email principal@ sis.school.nz
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cool activities Show at 2pm, tickets at www.ticketek.co.nz.
22 July Kids Market Addington Raceway. Come along and pick up some great bargains from the kids’ own market stalls. Books, toys, yummy treats, crafts and entertainment by kids buskers. For information visit www.kidsfest.co.nz.
24 and 25 July The Press Scoot and Skate. Roll along to these free scoot and skate sessions and enjoy demonstrations, performers and competitions, as well as tips and tricks from the pros. At Thomson Park on 24 July and Jellie Park on 25 July. Visit www.kidsfest.co.nz for more details.
10 August Patricia Paul School of Dance mid-year soiree. Senior students perform at Heaton Intermediate School auditorium, 125-133 Heaton Street, Merivale. For ticketing call 03372-9191.
11 August Storylines-Festival of Children’s Literature. Meet some of New Zealand’s top authors and illustrators reading aloud. Dress as your favourite book character and join in the activities. At Christchurch South Library, visit www.storylines.org.nz for details.
11-17 August Parenting Week. An action packed week of events, seminars, expos and workshops on the theme of parenting. Visit www.nht.org to see the full programme city wide.
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Holiday programmes School holidays can be a great time to try a new activity. Quality full time care programmes also offer different experiences for your children and peace of mind while you work. Technotutorz Technotutorz provides tuition for robotics, electronics and programming; full day, afterschool and school holiday workshops. Check out www.technotutorz.co.nz for details.
Mandarin Stars
A Mandarin course for children. Engaging, fun and creative immersion-based two-hour daily workshops to explore the Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Visit www.mandarinstars. co.nz or phone 0800-688-668.
ASB Holiday Fun Football
Immerse your child in football fun these holidays. Programmes run from various venues and cater for 5 to 14-year-olds. Girls only sessions also. Visit www.mainlandfootball.co.nz for details.
Made by Me!
Made by me! for all your beading needs from supplies to creative workshops. Visit the Rolleston shop or search www.madebyme. co.nz for more information.
Cupcake Day for SPCA. It’s time to get Portfolio Models baking to help raise much needed funds to Boost your child or teenager’s self-esteem help animals in our region. Become an SPCA cupcake cook by visiting www.spcacupcakeday. and presentation skills on a fun July workshop. Phone 03-379-9011 or visit 8:58 AM 4235_NZSki_2013_MarketingCollateral_Winter_258x180.pdf 1 16/05/13 co.nz for details. www.portfoliomodels.co.nz. Compiled by Karen Theobald
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Young artists display their mural painted on a YMCA creative arts holiday programme.
Living Springs Kids Camp
essential phone 03-3795-126 or 03-3795-391.
A great live-in camp with a Christian focus from 14 July-19 July. Awesome adventures, fully-catered and professional staff. For ages 8 to Year 8, phone 03-329-9788 or visit www. livingsprings.co.nz.
The YMCA annual ski camp runs for both weeks of the July school holidays. Spaces fill fast, so enrol by telephoning 03-366-0689.
Bumble Bees Swim School
YMCA ski camp
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Group and private holiday swimming lessons from 22-26 July between 9am and 3.30pm. Phone 03-332-4617 to book.
Step back in time at Ferrymead Heritage Park with hands-on children’s activities these holidays. Visit www.ferrymead.org.nz or phone 03-384-1970 for more information.
Beadz Unlimited
Recycled Music
Get creative and make a beaded bottle top necklace or a beaded gecko. Suitable for children five years plus, $13.50 each. Visit www.beadzunlimited.com for dates. Bookings
Create and have fun at TV2 KidsFest Recycled Music programme for 5 to 12-year-olds. From 15 to 26 July at Canterbury Museum. Bookings essential, visit www.canterburymuseum.com.
cool activities Fang Hua Kung Fu School
Quality physical training, Wushu routine and Sabre play. Monday-Friday 2.30-4pm. Also term classes. Email info@fanghua.co.nz or phone 03-357-4623 for more information.
Edutaining holiday programme
New holiday programme for 8 to 13-year-olds, based on the inquiry approach. Running both weeks, limited spaces. Book now, phone 03423 1573 or visit www.thelearneronline.com.
Antarctic evening programmes
A fun evening of Antarctic-themed interactive games and activities for children aged 8 to
Living Springs Leave your cares behind as you travel the 20 minute scenic drive to Living Springs and take a break from the city. The natural setting and purpose-built facilities gives you the best possible combination for a group or club camp. Warm indoor facilities such as a large auditorium, indoor heated swimming pool, and bunkrooms that have been equipped with heat pumps for winter comfort, give you the option for booking in any season. You will be revitalised and refreshed. Visit 218 Bamfords Road, RD1 Lyttelton, 03-329-9788, email info@livingsprings.co.nz, visit www.livingsprings.co.nz.
12-years. From 5-9.30pm, includes dinner and supper. Phone 03-357-0519 or email education@iceberg.co.nz.
Go Potty Ceramics
...
Get creative and paint a ceramic masterpiece at Go Potty Ceramic Studio these holidays. Bookings essential, email gopottynz@ gmail.com or phone 03-332-2361.
A comment on Family Times, opinion on... a parenting subject, a birthday party game or recipe, a great place to visit with your family, information to share - whatever -
Les Mills Born To Move™
Get your kids moving with dance, martialarts, jumps and games - plus, it’s free! For 5 to 12-year-olds only at Les Mills Christchurch, call
we’d love to hear from you to spread the fun around.
0800-LESMILLS to book. Compiled by Karen Theobald
Canterbury Children’s Theatre presents The Emperor’s New Clothes Canterbury Children’s Theatre’s popular holiday Cushion Theatre is back, this time with a take on the classic tale of The Emperor’s New Clothes. Come and see the fashion-obsessed Emperor and the affect his vanity has on the kingdom. Written by Daisy Seely & directed by Victoria Powell. The Emperor’s New Clothes runs 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 July, at the Malthouse Theatre in Colombo St, with shows at 11am and 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $7 each, available at 0800 BOOKINGS.
and make our day!
PO Box 36004 Christchurch Email: admin@familytimes.co.nz or find us on facebook
“Get your friends or family, colleagues or clients together for Canterbury’s biggest morning tea in support of Cholmondeley. To register visit www. cholmondeley.org.nz or phone Sarah 03-329-9832 or email sarahv@cholmondeley.org.nz.
Imagine…. Your child fluent in Mandarin Give your child a head start and join Mandarin Stars! Mandarin Stars is an established and professional programme that inspires a love for learning Chinese for native and non-native children age 1-12 years. Its engaging, fun and creative programme is recommended by educators, trusted by parents and loved by children. All classes
are immersion-based with a strong focus on developing listening and speaking skills through games, singing, dancing, drama, story time and craft. Plus children learn more about Chinese culture, cooking, festivals, calligraphy, Tai Chi and Kung Fu. Book your child today! Visit www.mandarinstars. co.nz, 0800-68-86-68, enrol.christchurch@ mandarinstars.co.nz.
THE EMPEROR’S
NEW CLOTHES
BY DAISY SEELY • DIRECTED BY VICTORIA POWELL
CUSHION THEATRE AT THE MALTHOUSE 13–28 JULY 2013 • SAT & SUN AT 11AM & 1PM TICKETS $7 FROM 0800 BOOKINGS
/Canterbury.Childrens.Theatre
Pegasus HealtH Pegasus Health’s Partnership Community Workers work in collaboration with general practices. They are based in community locations. PCWS focus on assisting people to enrol with a general practice, or who are enrolled but are not attending health care visits as often as they need to.
PCWs... > Assist people to attend appointments > Support people with other needs that impact their health e.g. housing finances and social isolation > Link people into supports that they need > Provide cultural support and interpreter services
For more information visit www.pegasus.org.nz Contacts: Julie-Ann Pyatt 021 244-6922 or Donna Ellen P: 021 906-924 or 375-7135 www.familytimes.co.nz
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cool activities
Entertainment Whilst it might be cold outside, there are plenty of indoor attractions open to keep your children entertained these holidays. Here’s a few to choose from.
Ashburton. Open September-May, visit www. plainsrailway.co.nz or phone 03-308-9600.
Discovery at Canterbury Museum
Dudley Park Aquatic Centre
Children can touch, see and learn about the wonders of the natural world at Canterbury Museum. Open daily 9am4.30pm, $2 each, under 3s free. Visit www. canterburymuseum.com.
Dudley Park Aquatic Centre offers indoor heated pools for recreational swimming, a spa pool, WaiSwim swimming lessons and aquarobics. Phone 03-311-8905 for more information.
The number one entertainment destination in Christchurch. For session times phone 0508446-321 or visit www.hoyts.co.nz. Check out the great coupons in this issue.
Plains Railway, Ashburton
Orana Wildlife Park
Visit the Pioneer Village Museum buildings, steam trains, vintage tractors and more. Located at Maronan Road, Tinwald,
Hoyts Cinemas
Experience unique animal encounters only 15 minutes from Christchurch Airport. Hand feed giraffe, view rhino and see the mighty lions. Open 10am-5pm. Visit www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Visit Willowbank’s Big 5; the tuatara - cousin to the dinosaur, our national symbol-the kiwi, the cheeky kea, the mighty takahe and the very rare kaka. Visit www.willowbank.co.nz.
Antarctic Centre
A unique Antarctic experience for all, with snow and ice, an Antarctic storm, exciting Hagglund ride, 4D Extreme simulated cruise and the penguin encounter. Visit iceberg.co.nz.
for stunning photography book of kids having FUN!
Fund-raising for Cholmondeley, children's respite care.
Contact Ann Worthy Stephenson
Phone 03-327-2246 www.PhotoWorthyImages.com 26 www.familytimes.co.nz
Children visiting the General Store at Ferrymead Heritage Park.
Time Zone games
Rediscover family games time, the joy of competition and playing together. Awesome prizes and serious fun at Timezone Westfield Riccarton. Visit www.timezone-games.co.nz.
Reading Cinemas-The Palms
Christchurch’s First Class 8 screen cinema complex featuring wall to wall screens, Dolby Digital 3D and luxury armchair comfort. Phone 03-375-7080 or go to www.readingcinemas.co.nz.
Holiday Specials The Emperor’s New ClothesCushion Theatre at the Malthouse Be entertained on a cushion these holidays. The Emperor’s New Clothes runs from 13-28 July. All tickets $7, phone 0800-BOOKINGS.
cool activities
After school care lesson. Visit www.mandarinstars.co.nz or Christchurch continues to phone 0800-68-86-68 for details. offer a wide range of after Rock Stars course school programmes from Is your child not a team player but needs a school-based care to special challenge? Clip ‘N Climb’s Rock Stars’ after school climbing programme at The Roxx interest activities. There’s Climbing Centre is the answer. It is a safe, sure to be one that suits fun introduction to basic climbing technique and incorporates yoga stretching, goal setting your child. and communication skills. Book now for next term. Visit www.theroxx.co.nz, phone 03YMCA Bishopdale Enrol now for term basketball, gymnastics and dance classes at the Bishopdale YMCA. Open to pre-schoolers through to16 year olds. Phone 03-359-8320 for details. Visit Harriet the Giraffe calf at Orana Park. Daily feed times of 12pm and 3pm.
Cat vs. Dog at The Court Theatre
Grandma loves both her pets and they get along fine - until she leaves the room that is. Then it’s Cat vs. Dog! From 17-27 July, bookings at www.courttheatre.org.nz.
The Mystery of the Twelve Dancing Princesses
IMAGINE Youth Theatre presents The Mystery of the Twelve Dancing Princesses from 16 - 27 July. Bookings on 03-3655-227or email hellnhighwater@gmail.com.
Willowbank on sale
Willowbank has its great mid-winter sale on this July with 25% off almost everything including entry, souvenirs and food. Phone 03359-6226.
Black Cat Cruises- Akaroa
Kids cruise for free with Black Cat Cruises
Akaroa Harbour nature cruise this holiday. One child per one full paying adult. Phone 0800436-574 or visit www.blackcat.co.nz for more information.
Christchurch Gondola
Kids go free 13-28 July. Bring the family and experience the new-look cable cars, café and Time Tunnel. Visit www.welcomeaboard.co.nz for details.
Come to Avonhead Shopping Centre from 22-27 July for Puzzle Mania with Science Alive! Have a go from 11am-2pm, phone 03-358-7775 for more details.
Star Search is Back!
Come to Northlands these school holidays to see Christchurch’s up-and-coming young talent. Shows at 11am and 1pm daily. Visit www.northland.co.nz for details. Compiled by Karen Theobald
Mandarin Stars
Engaging, fun and creative Mandarin lessons for children aged 1 to 12-years-old. Free trial
377-3000 or email climb@theroxx.co.nz.
Technic Lego Group
Build and modify models at The Learner, 120 Riccarton Road. For 9 to12-year-olds on Tuesdays from 6.30-8 pm. Only $10 per session, phone 03-423-1573.
Antarctica… Antarctica - the coldest, driest and windiest place on earth and more than 98% covered in ice. Incredibly dangerous, the earth’s fifth largest continent radiates a magical feeling across its untouched vast wilderness of white. Globally important for environmental and climate research, Antarctica is also home to enchanting penguins, seals and wildlife and features spectacular seasonal light displays, stunning glaciers, ice formations and pressure ridges. Then, there are the amazing stories of the historically significant intrepid Antarctic explorers. Antarctica is quite simply one of the world’s most amazing places and truly the only place on earth that is still as it should be. Experience your own authentic Antarctic
adventure without leaving Christchurch! Located on a working Antarctic Campus at Christchurch Airport, the International Antarctic Centre is one of New Zealand’s best attractions and offers visitors of all ages an interactive, fun, tactile and exciting experience of Antarctica. You’ll experience the four seasons of Antarctica; snow and ice; a storm; learn about life in modern day Antarctica and Scott Base, and hang out with Little Blue Penguins! There’s also the famously exciting Hagglund ride - an awesome simulated 4D cruise - plus heaps more. Allow two to three hours to fully enjoy your Antarctic experience.
I M A G I N E Y O U T H T H E AT R E P R E S E N T S
THE MYSTERY
OF THE TWELVE
ELMWOOD THEATRE 31 AIKMANS RD MERIVALE JULY 16 - 27 11AM & 1PM EVERY DAY EXCEPT SUNDAY TICKETS $9.50 BOOKINGS 365 5227
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Become a Kiwi Ranger Ever felt the soft spring of forest moss with your toes, tasted a drop of pure honey dew on the tip of your tongue or sat with closed eyes in the bush and really listened to all the bird sounds you can hear?
T
hese are some of the activities that children of all ages get to do through the Kiwi Ranger programme, now offered at 10 South Island sites and one in the North Island. Kiwi Ranger was developed by Mick Abbott and Carli Richter of Shades of Green Inc, which together with DOC is creating a nation-wide network of Kiwi Ranger sites. Kiwi Ranger is easy to do and in most cases free. You pick a booklet and choose which activities to do. Completion of the tasks earns you a badge – unique to each site – and the title of “Kiwi Ranger.” The programme is aimed at kids from three upwards with older children challenged to do more activities to earn their badge. The activities get children to use all their senses to investigate the special features of a place—the native plants and animals, its unique geography, relics of human history and how it’s being conserved today. Many also call for a bit of detective work and imagination. Budding Kiwi Rangers are also encouraged to think about something they’d like to do when they get home that’s good for the environment and to record this in their booklet. The Kiwi Ranger programme fits nicely with DOC’s vision to create “one million conservation kids.” DOC community engagement specialist and
mother of two, Sarah Mankelow, says the beauty of Kiwi Ranger is the way it engages families to work together. “The booklets are designed to be self-directed so parents or caregivers can pick one up and off they go. “Parents have an important role as first teachers, and Kiwi Ranger gives children and parents an opportunity to learn alongside each other.” With 86% of New Zealanders living in towns and cities it is no surprise that children are increasingly disconnected from the natural world. Yet, research shows that experiences with nature as a child are critical to influencing attitudes and behaviours towards the environment.
Kiwi Ranger is one way of getting kids to reconnect with nature and to develop a sense of wonder and respect. By developing a network of Kiwi Ranger places around the country, DOC hopes to encourage families to go to new places and build on their experiences, as well as collect the badges.
Kiwi Ranger - Otamahua / Quail Island (Lyttelton Harbour)
Voyage to Christchurch’s closest conservation island, walk its history from its earliest inhabitants, visit a ship’s graveyard and learn about the different “jobs” of native plants on the island. Pick up your Kiwi Ranger booklet aboard the
Black Cat Ferry or from the Lyttelton iSite or DOC Visitor Centre at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Kiwi Ranger - Arthur’s Pass National Park
Treat your toes to the sensation of forest moss “carpet”, take one of the many short walks from the village, sit among the swirling mist at the bottom of the Devils Punchbowl Falls and find out about our amazing mountain parrot, kea. Pick up a booklet at the Arthur’s Pass National Park Visitor Centre, Arthur’s Pass village. For a list of Kiwi Ranger sites visit www. kiwiranger.org.nz and www.doc.govt.nz/ kiwiranger.
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destination tekapo
Destination Tekapo If you thought there was not much to Tekapo except the breathtaking views of the lake and the Church of the Good Shepherd, think again.
O
n land, water, or high in the sky, in all seasons, there is something to keep everyone in the family happily occupied and ensure lasting memories of fun and excitement. Known for its bright turquoise lake and impressive snow-capped mountains, Tekapo is an area of outstanding beauty. It’s also one of the best star-gazing spots in the world; check out an Earth and Sky astronomy tour for the best views. During the day the summit of Mount John, 300 metres above Lake Tekapo, provides spectacular panoramic views of the Mackenzie Country. On a clear day you can even look at the sun, using a special telescope. Night tours are offered (weather permitting) where a knowledgeable guide will help you view the stars and planets through a selection of modern telescopes. You may even see an aurora or a meteor shower! The Astro Café is open during the day, while at night visitors to the tours receive complimentary hot chocolate by candlelight. Billed as New Zealand’s premier scenic flight experience, Air Safaris covers the largest scenic flight in the area of Aoraki Mount Cook and the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. “Every seat is a window seat” and for the trip of a lifetime it would be hard to beat the Grand Traverse, a spectacular scenic flight that explores the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. Air Safaris operates from Lake Tekapo airport, two minutes drive south of Tekapo township. With winter approaching, many people will
Check out Air Safaris, which was awarded New Zealand’s Best Scenic Flight, voted by travellers through www.rankers.co.nz. be turning their minds to winter sports. What better way to enjoy the snow than skiing or snowboarding? Roundhill is due to open on 6 July and is the ideal place to try these snow sports for the first time. The huge beginners’ slope is serviced by two beginner rope tows and a platter lift. The wide slope and gentle pitch makes it easy and fun to get up and going and expert ski and board instructors give group lessons and private lessons. More challenging runs can be had for the more experienced. The adventurous can head up the world’s longest and steepest rope tow and see what Australasia’s biggest vertical drop (783m) is all about. Then, for a warming drink or to fill hungry tummies, the on-site Two Thumb Café has been redeveloped and doubled in size. No snow? Snow making facilities ensure enjoyable skiing and snowboarding, even when the heavy snow falls are delayed.
At the end of a day’s skiing, check out the delectable fare on offer at Lake Tekapo Tavern for an evening meal, easily located on the Main Road of Lake Tekapo. It’s a superb Visit The Astro Café at Mt John, 300m above Lake Tekapo. dining experience with a delicious menu, attentive staff, quick the town, plenty of good walking spots. service and warm, ambient atmosphere. The And after you have stopped at the Church of food is great value for money and sourced from the Good Shepherd to marvel over the vista the best and freshest ingredients. through the window behind its altar, take The township of Tekapo has much to another few minutes to say hello to the bronze offer visitors. Along with a good range of sculpture of a dog on the lake’s foreshore, accommodation and breathtaking scenery, there to commemorate the working collie dogs activities in the area include horse trekking, that helped to settle the high country. mountain biking, and, on clear nights, starlight Advertorial tours. There is also mini golf and, in and around
Blackmores Respra Syrup
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Blackmores comes to parents’ rescue with the introduction of Respra Syrup; a sugarfree formula that can be enjoyed by kids as young as six months. This natural chest tonic contains ivy leaf extract to naturally thin mucus, and to support clear airways and bronchial relaxation. RRP $25.90 (200 mils). Visit www.blackmoresnz.co.nz. We have six of these to giveaway. Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Blackmores Respra Syrup, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 28 July 2013. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.
AIR SAFARIS
OPERATING FOR OVER 40 YEARS
ÒSee Aoraki Mount Cook & the glaciers with the scenic flying specialists!Ó
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Ranked 1 Mount Cook/Mackenzie Experience* *Rankers.co.nz - June 2013
Experience the “GRAND TRAVERSE”........ 50 minute flight, 200kms - Aoraki/Mount Cook Departures from LAKE TEKAPO HOURLY Mount Tasman,est. Tasman & Murchison glaciers 1970 Freephone 0800 806 880 Franz Josef & Fox glaciers www.airsafaris.co.nz ALL WINDOW State Highway 8,SEATS LAKE TEKAPO www.airsafaris.co.nz | sales@airsafaris.co.nz 30 www.familytimes.co.nz
SCHOOL TERM DATES
2013 and 2014 primary and intermediate school term dates Term 3, 2013
Monday 29 July to Friday 27 September
Term 4, 2013
Monday 14 October to no later than Friday 20 December
Term 1, 2014
Between Monday 27 January (at the earliest); and Friday 7 February (at the latest) to Thursday 20 April
Term 2, 2014
Monday 5 May to Friday 4 July
2013 and 2012 secondary and composite school term dates Term 3, 2013
Monday 29 July to Friday 27 September
Term 4, 2013
Monday 14 October to Friday 20 December
Term 1, 2014
Between Monday 27 January (at the earliest); and Friday 7 February (at the latest) to Thursday 20 April
Term 2, 2014
Monday 5 May to Friday 4 July
Remaining public holiday 2013 27 October 25 December 26 December
Labour Day Christmas Day Boxing Day
Queen Alice’s Palaces by Juliette MacIver Queen Alice has the best palace in the land. But when cunning Sir Hugh plots to take one of Alice’s palaces (by means of a military coup!), will she be able to outwit him? A brilliantly funny rhyming text with gorgeous illustrations for ages three plus, by Wellington author Juliette MacIver. Visit www.harpercollins.co.nz. We have 5 copies to giveaway. Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz or write your name and address on the back of an envelope or postcard and send to: Queen Alice’s Palaces, PO Box 36 004, Christchurch, to reach us by 28 July 2013. Check out our website for more fantastic competitions.
Caring for New Zealand’s kids
WIN, WIN,
WIN!
One of the best ways to look after New Zealand’s future is to look after our kids. That’s why Fonterra, together with its 10,500 Fonterra farmers, offer two great programmes to New Zealand’s schools. The Fonterra Milk for Schools programme gives kids a boost from the goodness of milk with calcium for healthy teeth and bones and protein to build muscle for their growing bodies. By the end of term one 2014, schools in New Zealand with children in years 1 - 6 will be able to provide free milk to those kids every school day. Schools will also receive free fridges to keep the milk cold and free recycling services, as part of the programme. Many schools run breakfast clubs to provide nourishment to the kids that need it most
before the school day starts. Fonterra’s existing KickStart Breakfast programme is in its fifth year and provides a breakfast of Anchor milk and Sanitarium WeetBix two days a week to children in more than 570 school communities around New Zealand. Recently the government announced its partnership with Fonterra to extend the programme to five mornings per week. These two programmes work together to help care for New Zealand’s kids and are just two of the ways Fonterra works within local communities. For more information on either programme visit www.fonterramilkforschools.com or www.kickstartbreakfast.co.nz.
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Knit a winter scarf Knitting is a great skill for children to learn. It encourages concentration and hand-eye co-ordination, and with the colder months ahead, it’s a great opportunity to indulge in this timeless craft. Here are some simple instructions to make a winter scarf.
1
5
3
2
6
4
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11
Casting on Placing the first row of stitches on the needle is called “casting on.” Make a slip knot and place on your left hand needle. Take the other needle in your right hand and insert the point through the loop so that it rests under the left hand needle forming a cross. Take the yarn from the ball under and over the point of the right hand needle (step 1). With the right hand needle pull the yarn through the slip knot on the left hand needle making a new stitch. Transfer this stitch onto the left hand needle making sure that each loop is facing the same direction (step 2). Insert the right hand needle between the two stitches on the left hand needle (step 3). Take the yarn under and over the point of the right hand needle. Draw the yarn through between the first two stitches to make a new stitch, then transfer the new stitch onto the left hand needle (step 4). Repeat this until you have the required number of stitches on the needle (note: the slip knot counts as the first stitch).
Knit Hold the needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. With the yarn at the back of the
work, insert the right hand needle from left to right through the front of the first stitch on the left hand needle (step 5). Wind the yarn from left to right over the point of the right hand needle (step 6). Draw the yarn back through the stitch forming a loop on the right hand needle (step 7). Slip the original stitch off the left hand needle, keeping the new stitch on the right hand needle (step 8). Continue to knit into every stitch to the end of the row. Transfer the needle with the stitches on into your left hand and work the next row.
Casting off Knit the first two stitches from the left hand needle (step 9 & 10). Using the tip of the left hand needle, lift the first stitch on the right hand needle over the second stitch and drop it off between the points of the two needles. Knit another stitch from the left needle and lift the first stitch over the second stitch as you did
9
before (step 11). Continue across the work until there is only one stitch left on the right hand needle. Cut the yarn and thread through the last stitch. Remove from the needle and pull up firmly to secure.
To knit the scarf: You will need two balls of DK/ 8ply 50g 5.0mm needles Cast on 23 stitches, knit in garter stitch (normal knitting as above) until the two balls are used up, leaving enough yarn to cast off in garter stitch. Instructions provided by Knitworld
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destination west coast
Realise what you’ve been missing out on
What are you doing during the school holidays this winter? The idea of going away on holiday during the colder seasons is often overlooked. But with Christchurch only one of the best three-hour drives away from the relaxing roll of the Tasman Sea, why not consider checking out The Grey District? The Grey District is even closer than you think, with the more eastern side of the district reaching out beyond Lake Brunner just over two-and-a-half-hours from home. “Fine,” you say, “but why would I want to take the family there?” Lake Brunner is one of seven lakes in the Grey District. Like all of the lakes, it’s surrounded by beautiful native bush that reaches right down to the water’s edge. The bush is full of walking tracks, with many of them being easy enough for mum and dad to keep up. The lake also gives dad a chance to show off his amazing fishing skills (don’t worry guys, the fishing here is said to be “easy” according to nzfishing.com), and a great opportunity to relax and pass the time. If you are hoping for a more wintery get away, Lake Brunner is only one hour away from the nearest ski field. There’s plenty of accommodation in the lake’s town to cater for a family of any size or budget: a quick Google search and all your accommodation needs will be met. After a day of fishing or skiing, why not make the 20 minute scenic (oh it’s always scenic!) drive from Lake Brunner to Greymouth? Its
heated Aquatic Centre is the perfect place for the kids with a lane pool, an Aqua-park, two hydroslides, and even a volley ball net to keep them entertained. Remember the magic of your first trip to the coast? So will they.
The Grey District is even closer than you think, with the more eastern side of the district reaching out beyond Lake Brunner just over twoand-a-half-hours from home
Grey by name, not by nature! Everyone likes to be a know it all, so why not take advantage of the drive to show off your knowledge! • Did you know, the Grey River is named after Sir George Grey? • Thomas Brunner, the British explorer whom Lake Brunner derives the name from, decided to pay tribute to the twice Governor of New Zealand by naming this large river after him. • The township of Greymouth/Mãwhera re flects this name being the mouth of the Grey River. • The average winter temperature is a com fortable 9 degrees! • July in the Grey District sees only 7mm more rain than Auckland!
Advertorial
Take the family on a TranzAlpine adventure this school holidays Planning on taking the family to the West Coast this winter and not sure how to get there? The TranzAlpine train service - one of the world’s great train journeys - travels return from Christchurch to Greymouth daily through the majestic Southern Alps and some of the South Island’s most stunning scenery. The TranzAlpine is your gateway to the unspoilt region of the West Coast and destinations in between, with stops including Cass, Arthurs Pass and Lake Brunner. Travelling in new world-class carriages, the TranzAlpine journey is a memorable experience for young and old alike. Take in
snow-capped mountain views, ice-fed rivers, and thrilling vistas through huge panoramic windows, or in cool air on the outdoor viewing carriage. With an on-board café, GPS triggered audio commentary, and plenty of space to move around, the whole family will be entertained throughout the journey. Take a day trip or book a night or two in Greymouth before returning to Christchurch. And with great family special fares available, it’s the ideal winter getaway for you and your family. To learn more or book your unforgettable TranzAlpine journey this school holidays visit www.kiwirailscenic.co.nz.
discount Voucher Please enjoy 30% discount off any Portrait session with Moods PhotograPhy. at your hoMe within the christchurch region.
Phone: (03) 310 6665 Mobile: 021 167 8003 www.MoodsPhotograPhy.co.nz MoodsPhotograPhy@yahoo.co.nz
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destination west coast
Gold rush family fun at Shantytown Step back in time and discover a recreated gold rush village at Shantytown. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the steam train rides, live sluice gun demonstrations, gold panning for real gold and watching the holographic show based on a real West Coast story. The Shantytown village has more than 30 shops and buildings to explore as well as an onsite café with delicious coffee and treats and a children’s playground equipped with a flying fox. An old-time photo will be a lovely memento of your visit. Nothing beats Shantytown Heritage Park for fantastic family holiday fun. Visit www.shantytown.co.nz to purchase your online discounted entry tickets.
H E R I TAG E PA R K WEST COAST NEW ZEALAND
Ride the steam train, pan for gold, watch the holographic show and get an old time photo. 30 shops and buildings to explore and lots of fun for kids! Special family prices. Rutherglen Road, Paroa (10km South of Greymouth). Open 7 days 8.30am - 5.00pm | Freephone 0800 742 689 www.shantytown.co.nz
Beds
market place
Tuition SMART MOVES CREATIVE DANCE
Research
Offers fun and
developmentally
appropriate ballet and creative dance classes for children from 2 years old For more information visit www.smartmovesdance.co.nz Ph: (03) 351 7723 info@smartmovesdance.co.nz
Seminars
Child Care
ACCEPT LEARN PLAY HAPPY ACHIEVE NZ’s No.1 parenting publication
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market place
Family Getaways Fully staffed 24hrs - 7 days a week on Logistics Drive
BOOK ONLINE NOW www.airparkcanterbury.co.nz
Enjoy some Family Time
Book now for an adventure these school holidays at interislander.co.nz
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market place Tuition
Toys
Photography
Footwear
Childrens winter shoe sale
Support Services
Starts 12 July
Huge discounts on top brands online and instore
Cnr Nuffield St & Remuera Road Newmarket Ph 529 2203 Cnr Jervois Rd & St Marys Bay Road Ponsonby Ph 378 8880
www.futurefeet.co.nz
For Hire
We’ve Goods! We’veGot Got All All The Goods! School Uniforms
Christchurch Central Hornby 03 377 3987 03 344 2200 Holiday Programme
School Lunches
Country Kitchen Bakery
Kids Pack Ham Roll, Raspberry Bun or Muffin, Chocolate Biscuit, Drink - Juice or Water
only $5.50
Now available through
• Redwood primary • Northcote primary • Belfast Primary • Papanui Primary • Catering for all occasions • Homemade food 356B Main North Road • Redwood • Phone 352 8111
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maga
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giveaways nt and fro lly voucher ho mes sfu t the suc ces flic r on ys to ily con Ke fam ing Optimum ma nag sleep
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Attractions
Curtains Kids cruise for
FREE*
One child cruises free with every paying adult *Valid July 13 -28, 2013
Take your kids to see the world’s rarest and smallest dolphins this KidsFest. Board the big Black Cat catamaran & explore Akaroa harbour. See dolphins, penguins and seals in majestic surroundings. Departs daily from the Main Wharf at Akaroa.
0800 436 574
wwww.blackcat.co.nz 38 www.familytimes.co.nz
READING CINEMAS thE pAlMS ChRIStChuRCh’S bESt vAluE MovIE ExpERIENCE! PH: (03) 375 7080 • CNR New Brighton & Marshland RD
Excludes Special Event Screenings
puRChASE youR tICkEtS & ChooSE youR FAvouRItE SEAt Now At www.readingcinemas.co.nz July 04
July 11
July 11
FAmILY TICkeT DeAL 1 Adult & 2 kids
Extra kids ticket just 2D $8.00 or 3D $9.50 each ONLY VALID FOR FILMS RATED G OR PG, OFFER ONLY AVAILABLE FROM THE BOX OFFICE ONLY VALID AT READING CINEMAS THE PALMS FROM 11 JuLY 2013 TO 31 JuLY 2013 EXCLuDES SPECIAL EVENT SCREENINGS.
2D or 3D CHILD HOLIDAY PASS
present this coupon at the box office and receive unlimited 2D tickets for $8.00 per ticket or 3D tickets for $9.50 per ticket oNly vAlID At READING CINEMAS thE pAlMS FRoM 11 July to 31 July 2013
Not available with any other promotional or discounted ticket. Original voucher must be presented at the Box Office. Excludes Special Event Screenings.
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ANNUAL STAR SEARCH
NORTHLANDS STAR SEARCH IS ON NOW Come down to Northlands Shopping Centre these school holidays to see some of the up and coming talent that Christchurch has to offer. HEATS 11am & 1pm, 17th – 24th July (Weekdays)
SEMI FINALS 11am & 1pm, 25th & 26th July
JUNIOR FINALS 11am, Saturday 27th July
SENIOR FINALS 1pm, Saturday 27th July
55 Main North Road, Papanui, Christchurch, Phone (03) 352 6535
www.northlands.co.nz 40 www.familytimes.co.nz
Star s i h c Searow ! on n