Kids on the Coast Magazine | Gold Coast - Issue 93. Sept/Oct 2021 by Shore Media

ISSUE 93 September/October 2021

E L U R S D I K @ the pines KIDS CLUB LAUNCH PARTY JOIN US ON TUESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 9AM - 11AM OUTSIDE CREMA ESPRESSO

Join our kids club to receive free invites to special events & a surprise bir thday present for every toddler

First 50 bookings receive a gift bag for both carer and child. PLUS, for each RSVP you will receive a free cupcake! Bookings essential visit thepineselanora.com.au

SPRING MOVES

MONDAY 20 - FRIDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

2-5 YEARS

10AM - 1PM DAILY OUTSIDE KAISERCRAFT A range of mini sports and challenges ideal for little ones.

5-12 YEARS KIDS

10AM - 1PM DAILY OUTSIDE CITY GOLD COAST LIBRARY Mini olympic track and field, sports game challenges and crazy kids challenges.

NINJA WARRIOR GAMES

MONDAY 27 SEPTEMBER - FRIDAY 1 OCTOBER 2-5 YEARS

10AM - 1PM DAILY OUTSIDE KAISERCRAFT Let the kids go wild with our Gecko NinjaWarrior program for little ones.

5-12 YEARS KIDS

10AM - 1PM DAILY OUTSIDE CITY GOLD COAST LIBRARY Ninja-warrior challenges, obstacle courses and awesome fun for the bigger kids.

BOOKINGS REQUIRED - SCAN THE QR CODE TO BOOK

thepineselanora.com.au

CORNER K.P. MCGRATH DRIVE & GUINEAS CREEK ROAD, ELANORA.

WELCOME

find there has been two types of people in this pandemic. The ‘self improvement’ bunch and the ‘WTF’ bunch. As much as I’d love to be a shining example for self-care and place myself in the first group, in all honesty I’m firmly in the latter. I did not take up craft, or baking, and I certainly did not get fitter. The stress of financial insecurity and worry at every sniffle with an immunocompromised little one in the fam, the off/on gym closures, the challenging combo of working from home with the kids underfoot… add in a love for cheese and wine and it’s all led to a much rounder mama. As we move into spring, and we can sense that this challenging era of history might be coming to an end, (personally, I’ve never been happier to get a vaccine in my life!) I’m hoping we

can all turn our attention back to our health and wellbeing—both ours and our munchkins (my two also embraced the covid way and spent waaaaay too much of the last 18 months in iPad land!). So… welcome to our Health & Wellbeing issue. We get summer ready with some lifesaving tips on beach safety. We also have a bunch of activities for non-sporty kids. And, after the challenges of the last 18 months, the experts from the Smith Family join us with some tips on looking after your financial wellbeing. Bundle that up with all the regular product reviews, news, local stories and more, and you’ve got your perfect spring read.

Angela xo

YOUR WEEKLY GUIDE TO KID-SIZED LIVING

Get the latest family-friendly events, local activities, features and more, delivered straight to your inbox.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

THE TEAM

PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Angela Sutherland

PUBLISHER & SALES DIRECTOR Helen Rush

NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Francesca Goad

DIGITAL MANAGER Karine Godin

PRODUCTION MANAGER Tanya Nissen

GRAPHIC DESIGN Danielle Lunn

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S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

CONTENTS

FEATURES 14

SWIM: Sun’s out, surf’s up! With endless summer days ahead, it’s time to brush up on those beach safety skills.

ACTIVE: We strap on our skates to discover why the ice is the perfect place for the kids to burn off energy and have some fun!

PUBLISHED BY

SH RE

12 30

MEDIA

PO Box 852, Coolum Beach, QLD 4573 inbox@shoremedia.com.au Phone 07 5471 2362

More than a magazine, we are a vibrant community, bringing the best in local news, events, features and more to parents across the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane. Made by local parents, for local parents, we strive to be the first place that families come to connect; where they are understood, supported and inspired.

ADVERTISING helen@shoremedia.com.au 0424 577 706 francesca@shoremedia.com.au 0432 674 159

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: GISELLE IMAGES / WWW.GISELLEIMAGES.COM.AU

REGULARS

NOV/DEC 2021 BOOKING DEADLINES

FROM THE EDITOR .............................................................................................................. 3 WHAT’S ON: Events and activities for families ....................................................................... 6 NEWS: Community news from across the Gold Coast ........................................................... 8 EDUCATION PROFILE: The Coast’s new boutique primary school ................................ 10 CHECK THIS OUT: The best kid-friendly gear topping our #want list ............................. 12 BABIES: Six ways to help baby transition from breast to bottle .......................................... 18 PARENTHOOD: Balancing the busyness ............................................................................ 20 ACTIVE: The preschool sports program that’s a big hit with little ones .............................. 22 FINANCES: How to look after your financial wellbeing ....................................................... 26 HEALTH: Baby first aid essentials ........................................................................................... 27 SWIM: The exercise that helps kids stay fit, healthy and smart! .......................................... 28 LOCAL LIFE: Meet the mama behind My Little Wardrobe ............................................... 30 RECIPE: Delicious Ham Egg & Tomato Calzone .................................................................. 32 CLASSIFIEDS: Family friendly products and services ........................................................ 33 REVIEWS: Books for the family ............................................................................................ 34 We encourage recycling. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin.

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

Booking deadline: 20 October 2021 Published: 8 November 2021 Distributed directly to parenting hotspots across Southeast Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast. For distribution enquiries inbox@shoremedia.com.au Printed at Print Works All editorial and advertising in Kids on the Coast and Kids in the City publications are published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers. No responsibility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Kids on the Coast and Kids in the City is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Feedback, comments or suggestions? Send to: inbox@shoremedia.com.au. We aim to reply to all correspondence. We are committed to bringing you editorial with integrity. Any assistance we do receive from local businesses to produce stories does not compromise the integrity of our coverage.

K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

Theme Park packages available

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Self contained 2 and 3 bedroom Villas, Cabins, Terraces or Bungalows, caravan and camping sites available Plenty of indoors and outdoors activities to keep the kids entertained. Monster Waterpark

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Heated Pool with wading pool, and Spa

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Jumping Pillow

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Nibbles Café and Nibbles Terrace

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Dog Friendly

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Camp Kitchen

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MAGIC IN EVERY STAY

WHAT’S ON ONLINE, FACE TO FACE AND #COVID SAFE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE EVENTS!

KIDS FITNESS CLASSES

DAILY Miami, Gold Coast

DAILY | My First Gym, Robina www.myfirstgym.com.au

www.goldcoastplaycentre.com.au Featuring awesome play equipment, Doodlebugs has been built with relaxation, great coffee, good conversation and, of course, fun in mind! Ride the indoor train and play on the state-of-the-art super cannons in the Cannonball Battle Zone. There is also a separate toddler area, for the little ones.

With classes from 7 months to 15 years there are fitness classes for everyone age group at My First Gym. Choose from 60+ engaging classes such as martial arts, dance, gymnastics, ninja warrior and more, all taught by awesome, professional coaches. Plus they have ‘parent perks’ included in all memberships including monthly date nights, drop and run and much more.

Gold Coast

Aqua Park

DAILY from 18 SEPTEMBER Broadwater Parklands www.gcaquapark.com.au

Reopening for the spring school holidays, GC Aqua Park features some if the highest water inflatables in Australia. The fun never stops at the GC Aqua Park! Open 7 days, 9am to 5pm.

INDOOR ADVENTURE SPORTS DAILY Game Over Gold Coast www.gameovergc.com.au

With exhilarating go-karts, action-packed laser tag, themed rock climbing and much more, Game Over has something for everyone. Open daily during school holidays, birthday parties and group bookings also available.

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

GOLD COAST ACTIVE & HEALTHY PROGRAM DAILY Various locations across the Gold Coast www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au

From retro beach games to at home multi sports, the Gold Coast Active & Healthy program offers hundreds of free and low-cost activities every week that are fun and suitable for all ages. Enjoy the glorious weather and get moving. Best of all the whole family can join in!

ZOOOM 21 SEP 2021 to 22 SEP 2021 HOTA, Home of the Arts www.hota.tv/zooom

Combining old school whimsy with state-ofthe-art technology, ZOOOM is an enchanting story of a child alone in her bedroom, unable to sleep and curious to understand. She begins a transformational journey with light and discovers that the dark is a magical place. Part music video, part dream, ZOOOM is a show about all sorts of perspective.

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* WE PUBLISH INFORMATION BASED ON WHAT IS SUPPLIED TO US - TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE ALL DETAILS ARE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING, HOWEVER WE DO RECOMMEND YOU CHECK EVENT DETAILS WITH THE ORGANISERS.

DOODLEBUGS PLAY CENTRE

Saint Stephen’s College Set on an outstanding campus on the northern Gold Coast, Saint Stephen’s College is an Early Learning to Year 12 co-educational Christian school renowned for teaching excellence. Comprised of families who care for one another and lift each other up, Saint Stephen’s College is a place where you feel you genuinely belong.

Early Learning, including Pre-Prep, enrolling for 2023. Prep enrolling 2023 with limited places available in 2022. ELC

Prep

CRICOS Provider Number 01938G

LOCAL NEWS VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE NEWS: KIDSONTHECOAST.COM.AU GOT A STORY TO SHARE? EMAIL OUR EDITOR AT INBOX@SHOREMEDIA.COM.AU

NEW MATCHMAKING PLATFORM

CONNECTS NDIS PARTICIPANTS WITH SUPPORT WORKERS

new platform is making it easier for NDIS participants to find and connect with support workers in minutes, not months. Burleigh-based Kynd, which enables people to find support workers, is the brainchild of Founder Michael Metcalfe, who knows first-hand the frustration of finding care. His mother needed short term support after suffering a medical emergency. He says the lack of flexible options was astounding. “The experience opened my eyes to huge problems in the disability and care space. I learned the traditional way was complex with little choice,’’ he said. “People needing support often can’t find it. The system is painful and impersonal.” Michael has created a mobile app and website which allows NDIS participants

or their families to connect and directly book support workers, rather than waiting for large organisations to respond. By taking out the middleman, it enables people with the right skill set— and also similar interests—to more easily connect, making for meaningful relationships and genuine help. “I saw a need for helpful technology and a human approach. So I figured, let’s build a new type of experience,” Michael said. Sarah, a working mother to four children who have autism, says finding support traditionally is a minefield. “Before Kynd, we really only accessed care on an emergency basis,” Sarah said. Kynd is a Queensland-based business and is now being launched across the state. More information at www.kynd.com.au.

LEGO® EXPANDS AT-HOME LEARNING PORTFOLIO

EGO® Education has launched a new product designed to spark a passion for STEAM in primary school students through playful problemsolving and storytelling. With 50 combined hours of educational content, LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential combines age-appropriate and icon- and word-based block coding with simple hardware to bring STEAM concepts to life via the student-facing app. Students are guided through storytelling to build new concepts, whether they are at home or at school. Esben Stærk, president of LEGO Education, said: “With the launch of SPIKE Essential we are delighted to introduce a complete learning system

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

that enriches the teaching and learning experience. At a time when everyone is rethinking learning, we believe the LEGO Learning System will spark joy and a love of learning in students that never stops.” LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential is part of the LEGO® Learning System— an intuitive, inclusive, and highly adaptable hands-on learning system based on the familiar LEGO brick. This hands-on learning system meets every student wherever they are on their learning journey to deliver learning outcomes that future-proof their skills. The scalable design, along with personalised professional development resources, makes it easy to implement at the classroom, or at home.

K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

At its heart, learning to swim is about fun. We learn as children so we can spend a lifetime safely and confidently enjoying all that water has to offer.

Book your FREE introductory lesson today!* *T&Cs apply

kingswim.com.au

E D U C AT I O N P R O F I L E

Playtime means adventure time!

A BOUTIQUE NEW VILLAGE SCHOOL

o you wish that the Kindy magic could last throughout primary school? That your little one could go to a school where children are taught as if they were the teachers’ own? Combining the best early learning practices into a boutique new primary school, The Village School Gold Coast is a little slice of primary magic, set to change the face of learning. Located in Coolangatta, this gorgeous little school is the creation of primary school teacher and mum, Bianca Nuss. “When my daughter started Kindergarten, it was beautiful! They sent the kids out in the rain, they lay in the mud, built fires and went on community walks,” says Bianca. “It was then that I began asking why schools couldn’t be more like Kindergarten? Why can’t children wear tutus to school? Take their shoes off in the classroom? Visit the community and get to know them? So, myself and another mum said, ‘Let’s do it, let’s change education in Australia’.” After three long years of searching for a site and countless challenges along the way, The Village School Gold Coast opened its doors to nine students in July 2021. With new families enrolling all the time they are

already growing, but they will never be more than 75 students.

interest in the topic.” Being fully accredited with the Non-State THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT School Accreditation Board, all learning at One of the first things you’ll notice is that The Village School is delivered through the the school doesn’t have an oval. Australian National Curriculum, with daily “This was a strategic move on our behalf,” English and Numeracy lessons, and Science explains Bianca. “Instead, we take daily or Humanities and Social Science (HaSS). excursions, and all kids go, not just the “From their learning, they need to come ‘outdoors-loving kids’—but all of us. Most away with a huge range of skills: reading, schools offer two playtime writing and maths, now more sessions. We do as well. However, than ever, emotional intelligence “Children ours involve boulders, sand, of self and others, being resilient today are rocks, rock pools, grass and and problem solving. Being a different, surrounding playgrounds too. kind, considerate, aware and We have adventures during our current and future citizen is also so we need outdoor times—as a group.” important.” a different Inside, the space is huge, with With a guaranteed ratio of 1 approach to staff to 14 students, they offer plenty for the children to do, explore and get involved in. Prep to Year 6 primary schooling teaching” With core values of CAN— through mixed-aged classes, each Curiosity, Awareness, Nurturing—the with whole school, classroom, age group and school’s pedagogy is motivated by Simon individual learning opportunities. Sinek’s Golden Circle where everything As well as the daily excursions and nature begins with the ‘why’. This is driven by the play, the school offers weekly lessons from belief that children today are different, so we an artist in residence, one day a week with need a different approach to teaching. a Steiner teacher, the use of surrounding “Even since I started teaching, children community sporting facilities and weekly today are very different. Kids need authentic, individual check-in with a play/drama/art relevant and real experiences, and to have an therapist.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.THEVILL AGESCHOOLGOLDCOAST.COM.AU

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

CHECK THIS OUT THE KID-SIZED ESSENTIALS WE LOVE THIS MONTH

BUSH PRINTS CERAMIC COLLECTION A collaborative range between ceramic artist Kim Wallace and illustrator/artist Renée Treml, celebrating Australian wildlife. Range includes porcelain cups, plates, bowls, and ceramic tags featuring emblems of native Australian fauna and flora. From $16.00 www.kwceramics.com.au

TTD FULL FIELD KIT The ultimate nappy bag for cool dads, this Full Field Kit from The TactiCOOL Dad is water resistant, lightweight and practical. With a thermal lining throughout the bag, this multi-purpose bad boy will have you sorted with all your mobile storage needs. Full Field Kit includes: TTD External Bottle Pouch, TTD Doo Doo Dump Pouch, TTD Butt Wipes Pouch, TTD Thermo Bottle Pouch, TTD Change Mat. $145.00 // www.thetacticooldad.com.au

FABRIC PULLBACK CARS Designed for toddlers on the go and with no batteries required, simply pull the cars backwards, release and then watch them zip across the floor. Lightweight padded fabric and a squashy feel makes them easy for little hands to grasp. Each set includes two soft fabric cars, with removable, machine washable polycotton fabric for durable hygienic play. $35.00 www.tigertribe.com.au

GOCUBE The Rubik’s Cube has been reimagined and redesigned for the 21st century, with the GoCube—an app-enabled speed cube that allows anyone to learn how to solve the cube. Improve your game and climb up the global leaderboard, play mini-games and battle online with other GoCubers from across the globe. It’s a completely new dimension to cube solving. $129.00 // www.getgocube.com

BEING BRAVE GIRLS CARDS Being Brave Girls cards are tools designed to guide your tween/teen away from negative self-talk, and to instil a sense of hope, motivation and bravery in them. They might be The Empress one day, or The Adventurer another. Borrow their strengths and qualities for the day—they are inside you already. $39.99 // www.thebeingbravegirls.com

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

PILANKY ALL-IN-ONE KID’S BED

‘INTO THE WILD’ BAMBOO MULTI-USE COVER

Designed and made in Australia for kids aged 1 to 6, these gorgeous all-in-one beds are perfect for childcare, travelling, camping and sleepovers. With many colourful patterned fabrics to choose from, the Pilanky includes a comfortable mattress, pillow, double-width detachable sheet and blanket. Practical, comfortable, and 100% washable, personalisation also optional. Free shipping Australia-wide. From $109.00 www.pilanky.com.au

This luxe multi-use cover is a must-have for the modern mum. Due to its universal fit, it can be used as a capsule cover, pram cover, breastfeeding cover, shopping trolley cover, wrap, and infinity scarf… and more! The handdesigned leopard print pattern looks elegant on all mums, plus the buttery soft, ultra-stretchable breathable bamboo fabric is free from any chemicals and dyes, making it perfect for baby’s sensitive skin. $54.95 www.bebeluxe.com.au 20% off with code KIDS20

SINCHIES REUSABLE FOOD POUCHES These pouches can save your family over $1,000 a year, encourage healthy eating and reduce waste. Starting from as little as $1 each, Sinchies are sure to provide a fun and clean way to feed your children healthy homemade goodness. Available in a range of fun prints, the range also includes accessories and reusable ziplock bags. Use code KIDS20 at the checkout for 20% off! www.sinchies.com.au K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

STREET ROMPER Designed on the Gold Coast, this cotton blend sleeveless romper is perfect for your rad little bambino’s spring wardrobe. Available in acid wash and stone wash, pair with a long-sleeved onesie on colder days, or wear alone as days get warmer. $35.00 www.mylittlewardrobe.com.au

MONTIICO COOL BAGS These durable lunch bags are made for those craving lunchtime adventures. Take them far and wide, they can handle the Aussie heat! All Montiico insulated lunch bags come with the ice pack included. Made from water resistant fabric for better performance against dirt and grime, they are available in a huge range of on-trend prints. $41.95 www.coastalkidswear.com.au S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

SUN’S OUT,

SURF’S UP!

WITH ENDLESS SANDY DAYS AHEAD, IT’S TIME TO BRUSH UP ON THOSE BEACH SAFETY SKILLS. By Josephine Agostino

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

SWIM

“ Swimming is more than a sport, it’s a lifesaving skill“

t’s that time of the year where the sun is setting that little bit later, the ocean breeze feels warm on our skin, and the glistening waters of the Gold Coast beckon us back under the surface. Whether it’s amongst the Coast’s spectacular beaches, idyllic waterholes, tranquil rivers, or even our own backyard pools, spending balmy days cooling off in the water is what living in this part of the world is all about. The days where the kids can splash around to their heart’s content will give them the most special of life-long memories. But as parents, giving our children this gift comes with a very important responsibility—to keep them as safe as possible. There’s arguably no more important skill to learn for a child growing up on the Gold Coast than how to swim. “In Australia swimming is more than a sport, it’s a lifesaving skill because we spend so much time living around the water,” says Kingswim Executive Manager and mum of two, Katie Adams. “Once you’ve mastered the skills, they stay with you for life.” Startling statistics have shown that babies and toddlers can drown in as little as five centimetres of water, so Katie encourages parents to start familiarising their child with water from birth, and enrol their little ones in lessons as early as three months old. “You can begin to get babies comfortable in the water from birth during their bath times,” she says. “We begin Baby Play classes from three months old as a gentle introduction to the water, under the supervision and guidance of specially trained infant swim teachers. They cover the basics of being in and around the water with an infant, how to hold your baby, developing breath control in preparation for submersions, to get them comfortable with the water.” In choosing a swim school, Katie says parents should always select one that has accredited teachers and to visit the centre first. “It’s important to look for somewhere with quality water,” she explains. “A strong chlorine smell and cloudy water are signs that the water may not be at its best. We would recommend that parents book for an introductory lesson so they can experience the program first-hand and know that it’s right for them.” Kingswim in Robina is one such accredited swim school that has a learn-to-swim program for children as young as three months right up to adults, and water safety is paramount in their lessons. “The kids know they are not allowed in the water until their teacher invites them in,” Katie explains. “We promote and educate kids to always have a grown up looking out for them when near any body of water, as well as always reading any signs first so they know the rules to keep them safe.”

K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

Kingswim also teaches not-so-obvious skills that can provide life-saving benefits to little swimmers. “In our Baby Play class, we teach parents about infant reflexes and how they can keep a baby safe in the water,” Katie says. “We work on their grasp reflex, by placing a finger across the palm of the baby’s hand and they instinctively grab hold. By practicing this, it becomes more of a learned action, they learn how to support their body weight and are independently holding on. By learning this skill, babies could potentially hold onto something to stay above water.” While life-long lessons are being taught, learning to swim doesn’t need to be a strictly serious business either, especially when it comes to helping hesitant little ones find their feet. “Our lower levels are all about developing confidence and having fun in the water,” Katie says. “They get a lot of attention and encouragement, especially with the small class sizes.” The swimming expert believes a child who is timid around the water also benefits from gentle encouragement before they attend lessons to help them be comfortable in a pool sooner. “For parents at home, it’s important to talk your kids through what they will experience, the fun they will have and to make swimming a positive activity.” While learning how to swim is a skill every child should have, having that ability still isn’t a guarantee that they will be ‘drown proof’. “We advocate that knowing how to swim can make a child safer in S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

SWIM and around water, but there are many other unknown factors that can influence their safety, including rips at the beach and slips around the pool that could change a situation quickly,” Katie asserts. “Around the water, never assume anything.” Katie advises that, whether it’s at the beach, pool or river—no matter what the water depth—it’s always a must to keep a child within ‘arm’s reach’. “Active supervision is vital,” she says. “Age, ability and experience do not ensure you are completely safe around the water.” “I have unfortunately rescued two children who went under the water and, in my experience, it happens very quickly and with little sound. It is so important to watch children around the water, as you can’t rely on them to call for help.” And if you think having flotation devices in the water with your kids helps keep them safe, then that’s one very big myth. “Flotation devices can give parents and young swimmers a false sense of security of the child’s real ability in the water,” Katie explains. “In lessons, they have their purpose when used intermittently and at home they are a wonderful support for parents, but use them wisely and with caution, as they are not an alternative to supervision.” When it comes to the beach, between the

flags is always the safest place for the kids to swim—even if those crashing waves look pretty daunting. “The flags will always be up in the safest place to swim, so don’t think that if you see calm water further down the beach that it’s a good choice,” says Surf Life Saving Queensland Community Awareness manager, Helen Hallett. “If you swim where the waves are crashing, they will always push you back into the beach. If you’re in a flat part, it’s usually the water trying to get back out in the ocean quickly, and that’s often a rip current. That’s why you won’t see a set of flags where it’s very calm.” When it comes to understanding which flags are which, the rules are pretty simple. “A red and yellow flag indicates the safest place to swim,” explains Helen. “The black and white flags indicate where people should ride their hard surfcraft, and the red flag is for danger. An orange or amber flag means people should proceed with caution.” If you are caught in a rip current and not a confident swimmer, Helen explains that lying flat on your back and floating is the best course of action. “Lie on your back and stay calm, and the current will only take you out to where the waves are. Then hold your hand up and a Surf Lifesaver will come out and help.”

DID YOU KNOW?

What the kids wear in the water can make a big difference to their safety. According to SLSQ, the best colours for visibility are pink and fluro yellow as they are the only colours that can be seen at the bottom of a pool.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON KINGSWIM’S LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM, VISIT WWW.KINGSWIM.COM.AU

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

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Sat 5 Mar 2022 1.30pm & 7.30pm Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

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BABIES

“THE TRANSITION TAKES TIME FOR EVERYONE, FOR BABY AND FOR YOU. IT WILL GET EASIER.” 3. ELEVATION Prolonged elevation of prolactin in the attached parent stimulates the opioid system, heightening the rewards for intimate, loving family relationships (– Linda F. Palmer, DC). Consider a pouch or sling to keep baby close, the warmth and closeness of baby boosts hormones, as well as reducing the stress hormone, cortisol.

4. INTERACT WHILST FEEDING Gaze into your baby’s eyes as well as stroking and patting them, interacting with each feature of their face, hands and feet. Feeding for a breastfed baby is a full sensory experience. Mimicking this when bottle feeding makes the experience more fulfilling for both baby and the person feeding.

5. AVOID BOTTLE PROPPING

SIX WA Y S TO HE L P BA BY

TRANSITION FROM BREAST TO BOTTLE

o, it’s time for mama to head back to work, and for baby to start spending a few days each week at your local early learning centre or with extended family. It’s an exciting, worrying, and often emotional time, particularly for those families with a baby who refuses to take a bottle. A breastfed baby that is refusing the bottle probably dislikes the foreign taste and feel of the bottle teat in their mouth, and making the transition from breast to bottle can be overwhelming without some extra support. Here are some tips from the educators at Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure to help with the transition.

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

1. MIMIC THE BREASTFEEDING EXPERIENCE Mimic the breastfeeding rhythm and flow by encouraging frequent pauses while the baby drinks from the bottle, just like when a mother has periods of let-down. Also remember to switch from one side to the other, as you would when breastfeeding.

2.HOLD AND CUDDLE YOUR BABY Whilst breastfeeding, skin-to-skin connection is encouraged, so don’t stop this when feeding your baby a bottle. The contact benefits the baby physically, emotionally, and neurologically.

Instead of propping baby up somewhere in a bouncer or in their cot, pick up your baby and engage in the bottle feeding experience. Educators at Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure take an active role in the experience for all babies in the centre.

6. HOLD BABY UPRIGHT Breastfed babies might find it hard to pace themselves when bottle-feeding, because they’re used to controlling the flow of breastmilk. Sometimes these babies can end up drinking too much too quickly. To help make bottle-feeding more like breastfeeding, hold baby in an upright position and let him/her rest every few minutes. The transition can take some time, so try to introduce a bottle at least two weeks before your start date, so you both have time to adjust. For more support in the transition to bottle feeding and introducing your baby to the early learning environment, talk to an experienced educator at your local centre, who can help with the transition. By the team at Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure: www.sanctuarylearning.com.au K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

From Prep to Year 10, NumberWorks’nWords English and Maths tuition can boost your child’s conﬁdence and school results by:

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Ph 5593 8696

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Ph 5592 4205 Ph 5573 7000

Finding Balance Finding that balance between parenting, work, family and friends can be so tricky!

We all have busy schedules, especially now and never have time to “be still”. Take time for yourself to recharge every day, remember you are the glue that holds your family together. We don’t have a magic wand to solve it all, but if you need a hand finding that balance or just want to chat, our Parentline Counsellors are here for you 7 days a week via phone, email or WebChat.

1300 30 1300 8am to 10pm daily

Parentline.com.au

WebChat

8am to 9pm daily

Parentline is a free, confidential counselling & support service for parents.

BALANCING THE BUSYNESS

s a Parentline counsellor and parent, I have had many discussions with parents about busy schedules and never having time to ‘be still’. There is no doubt that raising children, running a household, and for many, working in paid employment, our daily routines can certainly be hectic and overwhelming. Finding time to just ‘be’ and do things for yourself seems impossible. I recently spoke to a parent who was struggling to cope with ferrying her two children around to all their commitments, along with managing their behaviour and reluctance to attend activities. The parent shared that her daughter did ballet, swimming and netball, while her son participated in soccer, martial arts and swimming. This parent was distressed, dysregulated and ‘over it’ and admitted she felt like just ‘walking out’. The parent was sick of spending most of her time in the car, driving her kids from one place to another, dealing with arguments, having no afternoons free and little time left on

By Kimberley Harper, Parentline Manager the weekends. So why is it that we feel that we have to cram our children’s lives with so many activities and extra-curricular commitments? Recently I listened to a radio interview and the guest speaker was reflecting on his childhood and adolescence. He stated, “I did all the things that my parents wanted me to do, but I didn’t particularly enjoy these activities, however, I wanted to keep my parents happy”. There is no doubt such activities have a variety of benefits that include exercise, developing skills, social learning and forming values of commitment and responsibility. But at what cost to the family? Maggie Dent, the parenting author, educator and speaker, recently addressed this topic at the Child Care Alliance Qld conference by noting that ‘overscheduled childhoods’ and ‘fast-paced living’ are placing pressure on homes and can interrupt a child’s sense of ‘belonging’. This disruption can result in relational aggression and emotional meltdowns from the child. So, what can we do to reduce this over-

stimulation, emotional dysregulation and anxious behaviour that may occur when our lives are too busy? Maggie suggests parents ‘rest and digest’ and concentrate on ‘connection’. Connecting with our young people is key to healthy relationships and provides a strong sense of safety and security. We could consider reducing our child’s commitments and the number of activities they take on each term. Spend time at home doing activities together like playing a board game, taking a walk in the park or doing some gardening provides the opportunity to have a break and spend time with our children. Even getting our little ones to help with preparing the nightly meal provides a shared place of belonging. Treasure these simple moments. Be comforted by the fact that connection doesn’t mean you need to be constantly on the move. Calming the life around you can build your parenting capacity which, in turn, will reassure your child that you are their safe person and they feel connected with the world around them.

If you are a parent, carer or family member living in Queensland or the Northern Territory, you can call Parentline on 1300 30 1300 from 8am – 10pm seven days a week, for the cost of a local phone call, or webchat/email www.parentline.com.au.

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K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

Ready.. Steady..

GO! W

e chat to Luke Boncompagni, coach at Ready Steady Go Kids, to find out why this preschool sports program is such a big hit with educators, parents… AND kids! WHAT IS THE READY STEADY GO KIDS PROGRAM? We're a multi-sports program for kids aged from one-and-a-half up to six years old, split into age groups. It’s quite a broad range, so our one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half program is different from our four to six year olds. It’s held during the day at community indoor sports centres, and we also now take the program into preschools and early learning centres. WHY NOW OFFER THE PROGRAM I N E A R LY L E A R N I N G C E N T R E S ? Because there are so many dual income families nowadays, it means an increased number of kids in daycare, so they might not be able to access an external sports program during the week. Also, we fit inside the centre’s early learning framework for kindy program, which means an ELC can use their kindy funding for us to come in and hold weekly sports sessions. So it’s a win-win for families and the centres! W H AT ’S YO U R FAV O U R I T E T H I N G ABOUT RUNNING THE PROGRAM? To be honest, I think it is the interactions with the kids. We build a rapport so that I’ll

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turn up at the ELC and they'll tell me how they went to the zoo or they've learned a new song, or they had a sleep over. And of course, I love the coaching and development side too! Seeing how much they develop from the sessions is so inspiring.

when we do athletics, or we play a game of soccer where it's all of the kids versus the coach. And, most importantly, these sessions definitely build a lifelong love of sport and physical activity, which will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS SO IMPORTANT FOR LIT TLE ONES TO WHAT DO YOU THINK THE KIDS G E T I N V O LV E D I N S P O R T S F R O M LOVE THE MOST? A N E A R LY A G E ? It really depends on the child. Some of them Swimming lessons in Australia are such a love the fact that they can just chat to you rite of passage—every child does throughout the whole class and them. But I think that sport they love that social interaction. SPORT should be as well, especially from And that's great because that's a young age, because there are so PARTICIPATION a benefit of the program as well. Some of them just want to put many developmental benefits. HELPS IMMENSELY a ball on a tee and hit it as hard The Ready Steady Go Kids WITH SCHOOL as they can. And that's okay too. program was created by a Some of them want to get on the paediatric physiotherapist, READINESS gross motor circuit and run laps. designed specifically to get the That's great to get them moving. kids developing gross motor skills I think it's all about finding that motivation and fine motor skills. Something as simple that works for each kid and growing from as swinging a golf club from right to left or there. They all enjoy different aspects and left to right, (called crossing the midline) they all get different little things out of it, can actually help children learn how to read, which makes the multi-sport approach such because of that movement of going left to an important one. right, right to left. It's actually starting to put I've had several parents tell me they it into their muscle memory. actually can't get their kids to childcare unless Sport participation also helps immensely they tell them they're going to see coach with school readiness. It teaches kids to take Luke. It means you're doing the right thing, instruction, as well as being part of a team, but it also means the program's doing the socialising, working together, and sharing right thing. the equipment. We always try and play team www.readysteadygokids.com.au games as much as possible, like doing relays K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

ACTIVE

ATHEskatREST e above The ice is the perfect place for the kids to burn off energy and have some fun! By Josephine Agostino

ce skating isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to enrolling your child in a weekend sport. But gliding on ice is one of the world’s most popular activities and has been practised for 4000 years, ever since the first skates were made from elk and deer bones by the Scandinavians. It’s not just a winter activity, either. With on-ice temperatures at skate rinks in Australia ranging around five to seven degrees, it’s the perfect sport for those who aren’t keen to sweat it out in the sun. Plus, being inside, it’s not subject to weather restrictions. “It’s a year-round activity and it’s so nice to get in there and cool down in the summer,” says Iceworld Skate School Director, Heidi Daniels. Despite that, you won’t need to buy any special clothing or equipment to enrol in skate school. “Skates can be rented and all the clothing the kids need are tracksuit pants, a jumper, gloves and a beanie,” she says.

Skaters are more than welcome to bring “For those choosing figure skating, it’s their own helmets and protective gear great for artistic expression,” Heidi explains. too. “It’s no riskier than activities such as “It’s like ballet, when you learn to skateboarding or scootering.” move along with pieces of music based Heidi, who has been skating since she was on choreography. It certainly makes you young, says it’s the perfect activity for your appreciate music that much more.” little one to make new friends with Heidi says skating is particularly suited like-minded interests. to children who have a gymnastics or ballet “I’ve got friends that I’ve had for 40 years background. from the sport,” she says. “It often means they will There’s a long list of physical already have a strong core benefits for kids, too. and have an artistic side,” she It’s a year-round “Skating really improves activity, perfect for explains. their balance, posture and it Regular competitions also those who aren’t works on their core strength.” provide children with plenty keen to sweat it out of opportunities to build “They are using their whole body to keep upright and resilience. in the sun maintain momentum. They’re “It’s not easy to get up in also moving and burning off front of people and perform a heap of energy out without realising and learn how to work with their nerves they’re exercising because they’re enjoying and get through it,” Heidi says. “It really themselves so much,” Heidi says. builds strength of character.” Once they have basic skills mastered, “More than anything, skating is great children can branch out into figure skating, fun for the kids and, in the Queensland speed skating and ice hockey. weather, it’s such a nice sport to do.”

ICEWORLD HAS RINKS IN ACACIA RIDGE AND BOONDALL. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND PROGRAMS, VISIT WWW.ICEWORLD.COM.AU

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WELLBEING

T E A CH I NG K I D S MIND F UL NES S

FOR LIFE

iving in a such a busy world, it is more important than ever to take steps to reduce your child’s potential for anxiety, depression and other mental health problems. Kasey Hughes, Founder and Wellness Coach from Mayhem to Mindful believes that a simple, yet very powerful, antidote to modern daily stresses is combining meditation with positive psychology. “Mindfulness and Positive Psychology based programs give children from Prep to Year 12 the skills, practice and support to utilise coping strategies that lessen the symptoms of anxiety and stress,” says Kasey. The Peaceful Kids program offered at Mayhem to Mindful includes a range of mindfulness strategies, positive psychology exercises, mindful movement and a guided meditation practice to lessen anxiety and stress and build resilience in children. WHAT IS RESILIENCE? Resilience is what helps a child recover from a bad grade or getting an answer wrong in class. They bounce back and aim to do better next time. “If your school-aged child is resilient, they’ll have adopted a reflective thinking style and be less impulsive in their decision making,” Kasey explains. “As a child’s resilience grows, you may

K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

notice that you feel more confident letting them take the lead. You need to intervene less to prevent consequences you’d rather avoid. They’ll have learned to deconstruct problems to build solutions based on previous experience and predicting the outcomes.”

they have firm support in you, they won’t shy away from the unknown.” “Setbacks can affect their confidence. Your reassurance and support will go a long way to get them to try again. Sharing your own experiences will help your child see their situation more objectively. It is important we teach our children that failed HOW TO NURTURE RESILIENCE attempts are learning experiences. When IN YOUR CHILD we keep trying with different approaches it Kasey says that one of your greatest tools is is growth, not failure.” flexibility in responding to their needs. “With all the uncertainty in the world, and “Some children will be autonomous and so close to home right now, there has never independent, and others are been a more beneficial time “They learn the more emotionally expressive. to start a regular meditation Regardless of their personality, different ways to practice,” Kasey says. they will need your support in “Children learn to create a practice mindfulness balanced lifestyle, being in the their own ways.” By providing a safe place and integrate it into flow and enjoying more of the for your child to work through present moment,” Kasey says. their lives.” their problems, they can start “They learn the different ways to form and perfect their own to practice mindfulness and strategies to deal with them. integrate it into their lives.” “Listening to them and helping them to “Through these programs, we aim to give identify the root cause of the problem and children lifelong skills for better mental formulate a plan to deal with it, enables health for the long term—into their teen them to develop their understanding of how and adult years.” to approach finding a solution.” Peaceful Kids sessions are currently being held in “A child who has strategies to deal with Nerang, Burleigh, Terranora and Murwillumbah. challenges and a safe space to practise using Programs are also available to be held at a school, them, understands that failure is not an end community group or one-on-one. Find out more at to all their options. With the confidence that www.mayhemtomindful.com.au S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

FINANCES

LOOKING AFTER YOUR FINANCIAL ^ WELLBEING

ay ‘wellbeing’ and you may think of yoga or healthy eating, or maybe a walk with a friend. But what about addressing one of the most stressful factors in life… finances? Yep, ‘financial wellbeing’ is the latest buzzword on the block, and with very good reason. “Just like other contributors to a person’s overall health, financial wellbeing is where a person feels their finances are under control,” says Denise Clark from The Smith Family. “Being able to plan spending, saving and budgeting is likely to contribute to a person’s sense that they have their finances under control, a key component of financial wellbeing.” Sounds great! But how do I save when I have no money? Ever heard of a matched savings program? These fabulous yet relatively unknown programs have grown considerably across the globe since their inception in the 1990s. Designed around the theory that for people to move out of poverty they need assets as well as income, matched savings programs match a person’s savings dollar for dollar. Australia’s matched saving program, Saver Plus, has been running for over 15 years and is delivered in 60 communities across Australia. It remains the largest and longest-running matched savings program in the world, and is arguably the most successful. Its primary goal is to help participants create and maintain a savings habit, build financial resilience and improve financial capabilities. “Participants in Saver Plus are enrolled for 10 months, save regularly towards purchasing an education product for themselves or their child(ren) and have their savings matched at a rate of 1:1 (up to a capped amount of $500 per participant),” explains Denise. “Through the combination of financial education, support and the incentive of matched funds, the financial wellbeing of participants is greatly increased.” Tiffany Clark initially joined the program to purchase a laptop for

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her daughter. “With my daughter starting Year 7 the following year and needing a compulsory laptop that I had no way of affording, I saw Saver Plus as my only way to purchase a laptop for my daughter’s schooling,” the mum says. “Honestly, I always felt stuck in a bit of a rut. I couldn’t see a way out. I learnt that by saving just $12.50 a week, and placing it into an account I pretty much forgot about, that by 10 months I’ll have $500—which on such a low income can help so much,” she says. Through the matched savings program, Tiffany managed to purchase the laptop. But that was only the beginning. “After buying the laptop with the money I saved, I realised that any amount of money no matter how small can add up and you can buy things that seem unachievable with such a low income.” Having got engaged shortly after completion of the program, Tiffany went on to save for her dream wedding, whilst also studying. “For me, the program was successful because it taught me that there is always a way out of a difficult situation, no matter how small the movements I make towards this. The strategies I have learnt will help us beyond the wedding as we have big plans for our future!” For more information on the Saver Plus program, visit www.saverplus.org.au or call 1300 610 355. Developed in 2003 between the Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ, Saver Plus is offered across Australia by local community organisations. The program is co-funded by The Department of Social Services and ANZ. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SAVER PLUS, YOU MUST: • Have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card AND an eligible Centrelink payment • Be in school yourself OR have a child in school (can be starting school next year) • Have regular income from work (either yourself or your partner) • Be 18+ years old K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

H E A LT H

baby

FIRST AID ESSENTIALS We chat to paramedic and paediatric first aid coach Jess Peters from Rescueblue, to find out the medical essentials for families, and why we all need to find time for a first aid workshop. What are your must-have items in a family first aid kit? We always recommend that parents have a first aid kit in their house and another one in their car so that they are prepared for accidents when out and about. It’s important to make sure that you have paediatric first aid kits that are stocked with the appropriate sized bandages for your child, as adult bandages generally won’t fit on a child. It’s always helpful to ensure that you have child paracetamol and Nurofen, and an antihistamine for bites and stings if they are over six months of age.

When should we see the doctor? Any child under the age of six months of age with a fever should be seen by a doctor straight away—at the GP or the emergency department. This is because babies in this age group have a very fragile immune system, so they’re at a much higher risk of getting a more significant infection. They also have a much higher risk of getting dehydrated. Young babies breath through their nose when they are breastfeeding, so a blocked nose restricts their breathing and they are less likely to finish their feeds.

For those over six months, we teach the ABCD acronym in our paediatric first aid workshops. If you spot any of these signs, you should take your child to a doctor immediately: ACTIVITY: If you notice a decrease in activity, if they aren’t their usual self. BREATHING: Are they breathing more rapidly, or working hard to breathe? COLOUR: Do they look pale, or starting to have bluish tinges around lips or fingers? DEHYDRATION: A decrease of feeds and or wet nappies of more than 50% over 24hour period. I also really encourage parents to follow their instincts. Even if there’s nothing obvious with the child, if your instinct is telling them that something is not right, then take them to get seen by a doctor.

What is your No 1 tip for parents? One thing, particularly for new parents, is being really mindful about having hot drinks around your baby. As paramedics we see fairly catastrophic burns, when exhausted mums are feeding their baby whilst also having a coffee or tea. As baby gets a little bigger, they can very easily pull back a cup

of coffee over themselves. Few people realise that hot coffee can cause a full thickness burn instantly in a new baby.

Why should everyone do a paediatric first aid workshop? Paediatric first aid gets put on the side burner for new parents, which is understandable. Most people assume that bad things wont happen to them, but unfortunately, as paramedics, we see that bad things can happen to anyone. Therefore, we want to give people the skills to act in these emergency situations. If you are a parent who knows how to perform CPR prior to our arrival, that child is going to have a much more significant chance of resuscitation. Children that have burns treated correctly have a lesser chance of having ongoing and significant issues with the burns. By participating in a Rescueblue Little Aid workshop, parents will learn the skills necessary to act in an emergency situation. We hope that parents are never in a situation where they will need to use these skills, but if they do, we know that they are equipped to deal with any emergency situation.

RESCUEBLUE HOLDS REGULAR PAEDIATRIC FIRST AID WORKSHOPS ACROSS SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.RESCUEBLUE.COM.AU K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

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SWIM

This exercise helps children stay

FIT, HEALTHY & SMART!

etting the kids away from their digital devices can be a real challenge. Fortunately, some activities provide essential lessons while also being incredibly fun. And there’s one in particular that even helps kids become smarter—in and out of the pool. SAFER AND MORE CONFIDENT KIDS In Australia, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children aged one to three years. A report by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia actually discovered that 83 percent of 12-year-olds can’t tread water for two minutes—a key safety goal. While learning any skill gives kids a confidence boost, swimming lessons provide the added water-safety benefits that are so essential to an Australian childhood. I M P R O V E D A C A D E M I C S K I L L S But these lessons don’t just help your child in the pool. They can also help with academic performance. In fact, as a form of continual exercise, swimming can improve memory function and thinking skills. And these lessons last as we age.

While many of these benefits come from general exercise, swimming goes even further. By focusing on simultaneous movement, the aquatic activity boosts brain development and improves motor skills. ENCOURAGES COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT Studies from Griffith University discovered that children who participate in early-years swimming lessons demonstrate advanced cognitive and physical abilities, compared to their non-swimming peers. In other words—swimming helps children hit milestones earlier than normal. Lead researcher, Professor Robyn Jorgensen, said: “Our research is categorical, evidence-based and shows that early years swimming has children well ahead in many of the skills and processes they will apply once at school.” “While we expected the children to show better physical development and perhaps be more confident through swimming, the results in literacy and numeracy really shocked us.” A C H A N C E T O B O N D Learn to Swim lessons can also be a fantastic learning opportunity for you.

Not only do you get to watch your child embrace the water for the first time, but you also get to see how they respond to some of their first challenges—all within a safe and positive environment. This shared experience is more than a lesson, it’s a chance to bond and create memories that can last a lifetime. ENROL IN A LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM When looking for a swim school, it is important to consider the program and meet the teachers. After all, these are the people your child will visit at least once a week. Rackley Swimming offers each new swimmer a free Come & Try lesson, allowing you to discover their Learn to Swim program while also meeting the team and viewing the facilities.

WIN! Win 6 months of swimming lessons at Rackley Swimming! Scan code to enter.

BY RACKLEY SWIMMING IF YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RACKLEY SWIMMING’S LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM, VISIT RACKLEYSWIMMING.COM.AU/FREE-LESSONS

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K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

For all your play space needs • Custom cubbies • •

Nature inspired • play spaces • Landscaping • Domestic and commercial Affordable • Nature playground product range • Concept to construction

Our nature inspired play spaces and landscaping: • incorporate natural materials and elements such as water, sound, movement and balance • encourage unstructured, adventurous open ended play, exploration and experimentation in a natural outdoor setting • develop physical awareness along with fine and gross motor skills • build confidence • enhance the imagination and inspire self-designed play, creativity, learning and socialising

Request a consultation 0410 863 756 • info@gdlandscaping.com.au • www.gdlnatureplayspaces.com.au

MEET THE MAMA BEHIND

MY LITTLE WARDROBE

ith two rambunctious kids and a rapidly growing children’s streetwear label, Sofia Parker is a Gold Coast mum that is kicking some serious mama goals. We grab a virtual coffee with Sofia to find out the secret to her success!

WH E N D I D YO U S TA R T M LW, A N D W H Y ? When I was on maternity leave with my son Cohen (now five), I noticed I was slightly obsessed with shopping for him and anything kid fashion related. So, I thought ‘Why not start my own store?’ And from that My Little Wardrobe was born!

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W H A T I S T H E E T H O S O F M L W ? Fashionable kids have more fun!

W H A T M A K E S M L W S O U N I Q U E ? We are a one-stop-shop for baby and kids wear, accessories, shoes, you name it. We offer a wide range of Australian designer brands and specialise in personalised baby items. W H AT I S YO U R K I D S ’ FAV O U R I T E I T E M T O W E A R F R O M M L W ? Oh, it’s hard to pick one item, they love them all! I love our crews and our gorgeous new chunky knits. They are so comfy and perfect for the colder days.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR I N S P I R A T I O N F R O M ? Definitely my two children and their personalities. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST C H A L L E N G E ? Growth! It can be overwhelming and stressful especially if you’re not ready for it. We’ve had a huge growth these last two years and, although overwhelming, it is worth every stress. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR P R O U D E S T M O M E N T ? How far My Little Wardrobe has come and

K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

LOCAL LIFE

what an amazing team we have in our Gold Coast HQ! WHAT IS YOUR SECRET TO S U R V I V I N G T H E M A M A J U G G L E ? Daycare and coffee! But seriously, I try to just take one day at a time, do what I can and try not to worry about the things I can’t control.

Sofia Parker, Owner & Co-Founder of My Little Wardrobe

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER? Definitely multi-tasking.

My inspiration comes from my two children and their personalities!

W H AT ’S YO U R FAV O U R I T E T H I N G T O D O O N A D A Y O F F ? Spend quality time with my family and just switch off. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND M L W ? We’d love to keep expanding and then potentially a bricks and mortar store somewhere on the Gold Coast.

Brisbane | Gold Coast | Sunshine Coast

spring

PUBLISHED ONLINE

3 SEPT

SCHOOL HOLIDAY G U I D E 2021 The region’s BEST school holiday activities in one place!

www.kidsinthecity.com.au

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www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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RECIPE

METHOD

Dough 1. To make the dough, combine flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. 2. Add water and oil. Stir to form a soft dough. 3. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about five minutes, or until smooth and elastic. 4. Set aside, covered, while making the filling. Filling 1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and cook for five minutes (medium boiled eggs). 2. Drain and immerse in cold water. 3. Peel and chop into 1cm dice. 4. Combine chopped eggs, ham, tomatoes, oregano and cheese. 5. Mix well. Calzones 1. Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C (fan-forced) and line 2 large baking trays with baking paper. 2. On a floured bench, cut ball of dough into eight equal pieces. Roll out each piece to a 12cm circle. 3. Divide filling into eight portions, approx. ⅓ cup per portion. Spoon onto one half of each of the dough circles. Fold pastry to enclose filling and pinch edges together. 4. Place calzone on prepared tray and cook for 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. 5. Serve warm or cold. Alternative fillings Egg, capsicum and grated cheddar Creamed corn, shredded chicken, pizza sauce

HAM, EGG & TOMATO CALZONE The perfect lunchbox treat that can be eaten either cold, or hot! PREP TIME: 25 MINS COOK TIME: 20 MINS SERVES: 8

INGREDIENTS

Dough 2 cups (300g) plain flour 2 tsp (7g) instant yeast 1 tsp caster sugar ½ tsp salt ¾ cup (185ml) warm tap water 2 tbsp olive oil

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Filling 3 eggs 100g sliced ham, diced 1 large tomato, finely diced ½ tsp dried oregano ⅔ cup (70g) shredded pizza blend cheese

tips: • For convenience, use 2 x 250g ready-made pizza dough balls which can be found in most large supermarkets. • Eggs should be medium boiled to avoid drying out in calzone. • Wrap cooked calzone individually, label and date and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost in fridge overnight before placing in lunchboxes. • To reheat defrosted calzone, microwave on high heat for 35 seconds or place on an oven tray in a 180°C oven for 10 minutes, or until hot.

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CLASSIFIEDS

We are Australia’s largest multi-sport program for 1.5–6 year olds!

More than just sport

• Learn the basics of 10 great sports • Low child/coach ratios • Physio-designed, structured & FUN!

readysteadygokids.com.au 1300 766 892

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL NOW!

GDL NATURE PLAY SPACES

W: gdlnatureplacespaces.com.au P: 0410 863 756 | Sunshine Coast Specialists in the design and construction of nature-based play spaces. We can offer custom-made spaces that bring your ideas to life. From early learning centres, schools, public spaces and private. We use our concept plans, work closely with you and gain inspiration from the children’s ideas to bring the best possible solutions to your space and budget.

THE CAT RETREAT CAFE

Behavioural Specialist and Early Childhood Educator W: www.kasiapalko.com.au P: 0422 993 609 FB: @KasiaPalkoBehaviouralSpecialist

W: www.catretreatcafe.com.au P: 0448 228 578 A: 129 Dales Road, Chevallum

Annual passes only $50 per adult/child! Bring the kids along to our cat themed cafe to enjoy our yummy snacks and drinks. Or, book a session in our interactive cat environment, The Zen Zone for only $15/ purrson. Bookings essential. • Love & rehabilitate refuge cats • Ultimate cat lover’s experience • Encourages positive wellbeing • Controlled, relaxed environment

Through her creative observational techniques, Kasia develops behavioural management systems to help children interact with their environment, families and peers.

WITTACORK FARMSTAY

W: wittacork.com.au P: (07) 5494 4369 A: 286 Tesch Rd, Maleny

Stay on a real working dairy farm! With 150 acres of pristine rainforest to explore, guests can milk a cow, feed calves, goats, pigs and chickens and collect eggs. Our self-contained 2 and 3 bedroom cottages are set on a ridge overlooking Lake Baroon and the Kondalilla National Park. We now also do led pony rides!

OPEN THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS 9:30AM - 2:30PM

T&Cs apply - minimum age is 5 years old

FAMILY DISPUTE RESOLUTION Are you experiencing separation/divorce? Clark & Associates provides: ✔ Family Dispute Resolution ✔ Child-inclusive mediation ✔ Child-focussed mediation ✔ Property settlement mediation

0417 756 410 www.clarkmediation.com.au @respectful_resolutions Brisbane | Sunshine Coast | Gold Coast

Do you have the skills to save your child's life? Simply gather a group of 6 or more and a qualified paramedic will come to your home to teach you! Alternatively, join one of many public workshops across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

0405 701 684

www.rescueblue.com.au K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

REVIEWS

BOOKS WE GO WAY BACK

By Idan Ben-Barak, illustrated by Philip Bunting Long, long ago, no one knows exactly where or when, a tiny bubble formed that was a little bit different. It was the first living cell—everyone’s ancestor. And so the story of life begins ... An entertaining yet scientifically accurate exploration of the origin of life on Earth from the award-winning author of Do Not Lick This Book and the bestselling illustrator of Who Am I? A visually stunning and brilliantly devised picture book for ages 6-10.

THIS IS NOT A BOOK!

BACKYARD BIRDIES

TREASURE IN THE LAKE

By Kellie Byrnes

By Andy Geppert

By Jason Pamment

In this fun-filled, action-packed picture book, our main character is quite convinced they’re not in a book. After all, if this was a book, there’d be pages to turn … Oops! We’ve just turned the page. But that’s not conclusive proof this is a book. If it was a book, there’d be interesting settings and problems to solve. Hold on! Why is our lead character being chased by a lion? This latest book from Sunshine Coast author Kellie Byrnes is a cleverly crafted piece of metafiction that introduces kids to the structure of a book and elements of good storytelling in an engaging, easy-to-understand way. For ages 4-8.

Backyard Birdies is an extraordinarily good looking and somewhat factual illustrated introduction to the birds of Australia from the award-winning Brisbane-based illustrator and author of MEEP, Andy Geppert. After all, who doesn’t want to know what ‘bok, bok, bok’ means in chicken? Or how often a budgerigar poops? The hilarious first field guide is packed full of fascinating facts (some of them are even true) about Australia’s most common backyard birds, and is sure to keep kids (and adults) giggling! For ages 1-5.

A fantasy-adventure graphic novel about two best friends and their discovery of a mysterious village, perfect for fans of Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet or Raina Telgemeier’s Ghost. Grand adventures often begin where you least expect. Iris knows this because she’s read them all. But when she and her best friend, Sam, stumble upon an unusually dry riverbed on the outskirts of town, they make a discovery beyond anything Iris has read about: a hidden city, lost in time and shrouded in mystery. Can Iris and Sam uncover the truth in time to keep their friendship afloat, or will history repeat itself and pull them apart forever?

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2021

K I D S O N T H E C O A S T.C O M . A U • K I D S I N T H E C I T Y.C O M . A U

FraserIsland AU S S I E A DV E N T U R E S F O R T H E W H O L E FA M I LY

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FAMILY FRIENDLY ESCAPES

AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION

IMMERSIVE ISLAND ADVENTURES

Nestled along the western bay, Kingfisher Bay Resort is the perfect base for ecotourism adventures and island fun for the whole family!

Enjoy the comforts of home, with interconnecting hotel rooms, 1-3 bedroom villas and holiday houses, with full access to resort facilities.

Explore Fraser Island’s freshwater lakes, beaches, and rainforests with guided tours and cruises from your base at Kingfisher Bay Resort.

FAMILY HOLIDAY DEALS ON FRASER ISLAND Call 1800 FRASER kingfisherbay.com

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