Kids in the City Magazine - Brisbane - Issue 17. May/June 2016

kidsinthecity ISSUE 17

May/June 2016 BRISBANE

www.kidsinthecity.com.au

FREE TO TAKE HOME

inspiring Robert Irwin

CHANGE Make a difference

When parents don’t agree

Immunity and gut health

The power of play

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ChatBox is Brisbane’s most accessible home visiting Speech Pathology service. We help children with delayed language, literacy, pronunciation errors, stutters and social language problems.

Delayed Language

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[CONTENTS]

Queto, 12 years

Robert, 12 years

[WELCOME] It’s been a busy few months here at Kids on the Coast and Kids in the City!

We had such fun shooting the cover with Robert Irwin and Australia Zoo’s stunning macaw Queto. Like his dad before him, Robert is a passionate wildlife warrior and conservationist, working hard to inspire change across our planet and we’re so fortunate to have such a wonderful role model for our kids. Turn to our Q&A with Robert in which he shares some insights into his passions and future plans … and what life is really like in the Irwin family.

One of Robert’s ambitions is to inspire people to make a difference for our planet, and there are many ways to do this, on both a small and large scale. Our feature article has some great ideas for raising children to care about the world around them and cultivating their ecological awareness. My daughters love animals and nature, and I can’t wait to get them excited about making a difference at home and in our community.

This issue marks a period of change for me personally as this is my last issue as print editor of our magazines. Kids on the Coast has been part of my life since I first became a mum, first as a reader and then as editor. It is sad to say goodbye, but I’m looking forward to taking a step back to enjoy a new phase in my motherhood journey where I can focus on quality time with my girls.

I’ve loved being part of your parenting journey and wish you all the very best. Watch this space in the next issue to meet your new editor!

As always, please feel free to contact our team via our website or email, and don’t forget to sign up for our What’s On eNews that comes out weekly at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au or www.kidsinthecity.com.au

3 FROM THE EDITOR

24 YOU: Mother's Day

4 WHAT’S ON: Find out what’s happening during May & June

26 BABIES: Choosing a caregiver

6 SOCIAL 8 WHAT’S NEWS

30 EDUCATION: The power of play 34 WELLBEING: Immunity and gut health

10 FEATURE: Make a difference

36 FAMILY HEALTH: Toilet talk: Do your kids dangle on the loo?

16 CHECK THIS OUT

39 WEB WRAP UP

18 LIFE STORIES: Robert Irwin: ‘I’m a wildlife warrior.’

40 DESTINATIONS: Family holidays

22 PARENTING FILES: Mum says, Dad says: When parents don’t agree

42 BOOKS – APPS – MOVIES

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Megan Blandford, Jackie Hall, Kerryn Anker, Suzi Le Fanue, Fiona Rogers, Natasha Higgins COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Katja Anton Photography

Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful Mums out there!

Natasha Higgins, Editor

Printed with vegetable/soy based inks on paper supplied using pulp sourced from sustainable forests and manufactured to environmentally accredited systems. 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.

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WHAT'S ON Visit ou r website to see more events!

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FEATURED MARKET

MAY 8 MOTHER’S DAY

SUNDAYS RIVERSIDE GARDENS MARKET

DAILY ICEWORLD Get your skates on and experience the icy chill, dreamlike winter wonderland at Iceworld. www.iceworld.com.au

Arts and crafts, unique clothing and extraordinary products and services in the beautiful Botanical Gardens Riverside at the Gardens

TOP 5

PLAY GROUNDS

UNTIL JUNE 12 HOW TO MAKE A MONSTER

South Bank Riverside Green Playground Jindalee Boat Ramp Park Evandale Park Kurrawa Park Palm Beach Parklands

An interactive experience that gives audiences an up-close look at the art of creating monsters for the movies. www.theartscentregc.com.au/gallery

MAY 18 WIGGLES AT DREAMWORLD

MAY 20 WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY www.walk.com.au

www.dreamworld.com.au

JUNE 5 INDIGIKIDS CLUB MAY 22 SUNDAY WORKSHOPS AT THE FARM A three hour workshop introducing kids to life on a real farm. www.thefarmbyronbay.com.au

MAY 21 TO 28 UNDER EIGHTS’ WEEK `

ECA QLD - Under Eights Week

MAY 29 SEAWAY TO SURFERS 20K CLASSIC

IndigiKids Club is based at IndigiScapes and is designed for children aged from 8 to 12 who have an interest in the conservation of our local environment. www.indigiscapes.com.au

A low-tide dawn beach run on hard sand from the Seaway to Surfers Paradise, with 20k and 10k options plus a 2k for kids. www.s2s20K.com.au

JUNE 21 TO 28 OUT OF THE BOX FESTIVAL

JUNE 11 MUMMY TREE MARKETS

Out of the Box is 8 days of cultural activity crafted to celebrate and support learning, play, curiosity and discovery for children and their families as they learn and grow together. www.outoftheboxfestival.com.au

JUNE 24 RED NOSE DAY www.rednoseday.com.au

Sanctuary Cove, Marine Village, Masthead Way, Hope Island. 9am – 1pm www.themummytreemarkets.com.au

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JUNE 23 TO 27 DISNEY ON ICE Your Disney favourites from Frozen, the Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and more unite to put on a magical show from a wintery wonderland. www.disneyonice.com.au

* 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

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WE’VE BEEN INSTAGRAMMING!

[ CHOOSING A SCHOOL ]

SCHOOLING

2016

N EDUCATGIO UIDE

OPTIONS FOR QUEENSLAND KIDS

by LARA CAIN GRAY

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS YOU’LL MAKE AS A PARENT. IN QUEENSLAND, MOST FAMILIES ATTEND EITHER A STATE SCHOOL OR A FAITH-BASED PRIVATE SCHOOL, BUT THERE ARE MANY OTHER EDUCATION OPTIONS AVAILABLE, AND MANY DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF THE CONVENTIONAL SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT CAN CATER TO THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF YOUR CHILD.

[ CHOOSING A SCHOOL ] [ INTO THE CLASSROOM ]

QUEENSLAND EDUCATION – AGES AND STAGES KINDY Prior to starting formal education, many Queensland children spend time in an early learning environment, such as a childcare centre or family daycare home.

The pre-school year – commonly known as Kindy – is a structured program where play-based development of early literacy and social skills is encouraged. The Kindy program, offered in all childcare centres as well as independent kindergartens, is popular with Queensland families, but not compulsory.

PRIMARY SCHOOL Children in Queensland begin formal education at primary school. The first year of school is called Prep, and children must turn 5 by 30 June in the year they commence. Parents have the right to delay entry to Prep for one year if they feel a child is not ready for school. Similarly, there is leeway, at the Principal’s discretion, for children turning 5 by 31 July to commence school early. In this case, some testing for school readiness may be conducted by the school before the child is accepted. Primary school carries children from Prep to Year 6, when they are approximately 11 years old.

[ INTO THE CLASSROOM ]

AN OVERVIEW OF QUEENSLAND SCHOOLING OPTIONS From tried and true traditions to ground-breaking alternative education models, Queensland families have many schooling options to choose from.

STATE EDUCATION SYSTEM Education at a government – or ‘state’ – school is available to all Queensland children from Prep to Year 12. There are no fees applicable, however periodic payments will be required for uniforms, resources and excursions. Most state schools operate on a catchment system; that is, they accept children from within a certain geographical radius. You can find out which schools your children are eligible to attend here: www.qgso.qld.gov.au/maps/edmap PRIVATE AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS These schools include faith-based and other nongovernment schools. Families can expect to pay fees to attend these schools and acceptance may be based on an interview or other testing procedure.

All of these schools must meet similar curriculum guidelines and standards as state schools, but their methods of delivering education may differ. Most faith schools accept students who do not belong to the relevant religion, however families must accept that religious teachings will form part of the curriculum.

LEARNING

STYLES

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL Queensland kids attend secondary school, or ‘high school’, from Years 7 to 12. Years 7, 8 and 9 make up junior secondary school, which is housed on a separate campus at some schools. Students in these years commonly experience a wide range of curriculum options before making specific subject selections based on career intentions for the senior years.

For more information: www.isq.qld.edu.au www.qcec.catholic.edu.au

LIVE LINKS

TAP TO GO TO WEBSITE www.website.com

STEINER SCHOOLS The Steiner education approach meets government requirements for education outcomes, but uses an SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL alternative internationally-recognised curriculum Senior secondary school includes Years 10 to 12. based on holistic education, with an emphasis Formal education is compulsory in Queensland until on teaching through the arts. Traditional subjects

by LUKE GOLDSTON the age of 16; children must then be in approved like maths, history or language are presented via education or training until the age of 17. Most storytelling or creative engagement, which advocates FROM THE MOMENT THEY’RE BORN, CHILDREN ABSORB Queensland kids complete Year 12 and receive believe helps students make a deeper connection THE WORLD THEM WITHStudents EVERYTHING a Queensland Certificate of Education.AROUND In senior with knowledge. create their ownTHEY years, studentsHAVE. can choose to work towards an OP AT FIRST IT’S OBVIOUS WHEN A CHILD IS USING A workbooks, rather than using standardised textbooks score, which positions them for entrance to TAFE and progress at their own pace.BUT AS THEY PARTICULAR SENSE TO LEARN SOMETHING or university, or opt for a Vocational Education and For more information: www.steinereducation.edu.au Training (VET) program, which provides entry to early

GET OLDER THE PROCESS GETS MORE SUBTLE.

career paths like apprenticeships. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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It’s a digital age. Technology is racing forward, and with it, the world is changing – but nowhere quite so much as in the classroom. As is the nature of momentum, the face of education is an evolving and ever-changing landscape, constantly appraised and improved upon to better help our children learn and grow. However, when there are changes being made in the name of progress, we must always be careful to step back and ask – IS this better? It’s true we can’t stand still, but we must always be sure that any kind of amendment to a learning method is a step forward and not a leap back. And in a modern terrain that is obsessed with quick results, the temptation to cut corners can be all too real.So is technology in the primary school classroom something to be embraced or something to be ejected?

HOW DO PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN LEARN?

by JESSICA JANE SAMMUT

WITH THE GROWING NUMBER OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN FINDING THAT TECHNOLOGY SUCH AS LAPTOPS AND IPADS ARE A STANDARD PART OF THEIR SCHOOL DAY, JESSICA JANE SAMMUT ASKS THE QUESTION – ARE THEY A HELP OR A HINDRANCE?

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PROMOTES INDEPENDENCE AND SELF-DIRECTION In order to become lifelong learners, students need to develop the skills of research and inquiry, and this is where computers really excel. Today, a teacher’s role is to guide students to find their own answers, rather than simply telling them the answer. This form of guided inquiry happens from a very young age. Therefore, technology is a necessary tool if students are to be taught how to independently acquire such information.

“Computers allow students to be independent and self-directed in finding out their own answers,” confirms Nadia. Jenny Atkinson, a primary school teacher with 30 years of experience, and now an education transition specialist and founder of Sparks Education Australia (www.sparkseducation.com.au), agrees. “Laptops in classrooms provide students with the opportunity to be more self-directed, with greater responsibility for their learning, whilst still under the overall direction of a teacher,” Jenny confirms.

“I’M SORRY…

“Students in primary school learn differently at different ages,” says leading educator Nadia McCallum, who holds a Masters in Teaching and was recently awarded The Director General’s Award for Excellence in Service to Public Education and Training.

YOUR CHILD

OFFERS IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE Offering immediate access to information and resources, laptops in the classroom encourage students to be curious. “Such learning can provide greater access to the curriculum at an appropriate level to consolidate and advance a child’s education, particularly for students with special needs,” says Jenny. It also allows equal access to information for all students as they are not reliant on having the ‘right’ books at hand.

“When we were at school, classrooms were focused on the teacher. Students sat passively, listened quietly, CREATES A FUN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT took notes and memorised facts. Today, classrooms With many educational games now available on the KENNEDY are very different places. Classrooms have needed toby MICHELLE laptop and tablet, such technology can help make move with the times. Teachers are preparing students learning a source of fun, and the power of this can WE ALL WANT OUR KIDS TO ENJOY SCHOOL AND FEEL LIKE THEY FIT IN. WE for the future. Students are now required to think, never be underestimated in terms of how children THEM TO DEVELOP GREAT AND BE EXCITED ABOUT THEIR questionWANT and generate independent thought from the FRIENDSHIPS view schoolwork.

LEARNING. THIS IS PARTICULARLY CRITICAL IN THE EARLY YEARS FROM AGES moment they enter kindergarten.”

Games that promote maths and literacy are often “When children begin school, their learning is very play based. As students get older, they learn through discussion and experimentation. The common thread is that they learn by doing and interacting with others.

Students need to interact and engage with what they are learning so that it is meaningful and therefore more likely to be remembered and transferred to other contexts.”

DOESN’T FIT THE BOX”

FOUR TO EIGHT AS IT SETS THEM UP FOR SUCCESSFUL LEARNING IN THE LATER loved by young children who don’t even realise YEARS OF PRIMARY AND HIGH SCHOOL. they are learning when playing them. Platforms such SO DOES TECHNOLOGY HELP

at ABC’s Reading EggsAand Mathseeds are two FOR SOMETHIS CHILDREN THOUGH, LEARNING IS NOT WALK IN THE PARK, AND OR HINDER APPROACH? such LEAD games that connect with youngsters, STRUGGLES WITH SCHOOLWORK MAY TOdeeply A CHILD FEELING THEY DON’T enhancing their learning and IF nurturing love of CAN DEVELOP, WHICH, LEFTtheir UNDETECTED, education. “Such games can motivate children to CAN ALSO CREATE BEHAVIOURAL AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS. keep trying, because they want to get to the next

KIDS ON THE

Having fun at ‘April in Wonderland’ at the Logan Hyperdome. @loganhyperdome

Who’s this little fellow at Australia Zoo? @AustraliaZoo

We LOVED the shadow puppet show Swamp Juice at the Ipswich Art Gallery! @ipswichartgallery

Follow us on Instagram for some behind the scenes fun! @kidsinthecitymagazine @kidsonthecoastmagazine

COAST / KIDS

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IN THE CITY

Want to be prepared for an upcoming school open day? Want to keep up to date on all things education? Need help finding a school or kindergarten?

It’s all in our 2016 Education Guide!

DOWNLOADABLE from our website.

Come and join our community of over 55,000 on Facebook!

Winter

IS COMING...

Winter is the best time to enjoy the great outdoors! Here’s some inspiration from Pinterest!

Ain’t that the #truth!

Enchanted Fairy Gardens Image credit: creamerchronicles.blogspot.com

Bug vs. Bumble Bee Naughts and Crosses Image credit: chickenscratchny.com

Fizzing Dinosaur Eggs Image credit: frugalfun4boys.com

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LEARNING STYLE THEORIES Modern learning style theory evolved mostly in the 1980s when information from magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) showed different parts of the brain being active in different people during information processing. This, in conjunction with existing psychology theories, led to the myriad of learning styles theories that are in use today. There are currently more than 70 theories but the basic premise is the same: due to differences in our brains, we all tend to upload information in different ways. The ‘meshing’ hypothesis then suggests that best results are obtained when the appropriate teaching style is matched to each child’s favoured learning style.

One of the styles that is often used for primary aged children in Australia is known as the VAK, or visual, auditory (listening), kinaesthetic (touching) approach. Similarly, the theory of Multiple Intelligences developed by Howard Gardner identifies eight different ‘intelligences’ including visual/spatial, verbal/linguistic, logical/ mathematical, kinaesthetic/body, musical, naturalistic and inter- and intra-personal, through which the brain learns and processes. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

TYPES OF LEAR

Visual learners or kids with spatial intelligence are said is presented in picture or g processes will often be rep colours and shapes, rather thought to understand the they can comprehend the may sometimes struggle w like long division. Some pe learning has become much each successive generatio exposure to television and

Although fields like art, arc draw visual learners, there can’t excel in any field. In fa are thought to have a visua auditory and then kinaesth

Consider this quote from A understand the mind of a v

“The words or the langua or spoken, do not seem mechanism of thought. T are certain signs and mo which can be ‘voluntarily combined. .... This ... seem feature in productive tho connection with ... words which can be communica

Fellow Nobel Prize-winning Feynman, by contrast, was tinkering with homemade ra kinaesthetic trait. There’s pr kinaesthetic learner in all ch doing and getting hands-on can really help to bring them less book-inclined. A child w a science textbook may lov and making crazy invention

Neither Einstein nor Feynma three years old. Although th modern parent stress, their that, rather than a lack of bra just had an early inclination

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[ INTO THE CLASSROOM ]

THE PROS

ARE WE DUMBING DOWN, OR ARE BELONG. LEARNING PROBLEMS WE MOVING WITH THE TIMES?

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Intelligence, as traditionally measured by IQ (intelligence quotient), is a tricky subject. Although IQ scores can give you a general idea of a child’s capabilities, they are less adept at showing the different ways they think and learn. It takes a certain kind of brainpower to be able to read a defensive line and pass a football at just the right moment, likewise to be able to pull an engine apart and put it together again or play a piece of music after listening to it. In recent years, theories have been developed which try to make sense of the different abilities our brains have and how to best make use of them.

[ INTO THE CLASSROOM ] [ INTO THE CLASSROOM ]

[ INTO THE CLASSROOM ]

LAPTOPS IN THE CLASSROOM

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Fortunately, it’s rare to see a preschooler taste a strange object to try to understand it. By that age, their information processing is far more subtle but no less fascinating and understanding their individual strengths and preferences may help them to get the best out of their brains.

A CHILD'S LEARN

WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Put simply, a child’s learnin they learn best. When child they can be visual, auditor When a child is not fulfilling their learning potential, their parents may be told their child ‘doesn’t fit the box’, that they just don’t fit with the standard curriculum and teaching methods. As a parent, you know your child and what they are capable of achieving, so it is important that any learning issues are identified early and corrected as soon as possible to minimise disruption to your child’s learning.

Visual learners p when learning

Auditory learners ( things explained to problems by talk

Kinesthetic learners feeling when learn

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY LEARNING PROBLEMS? Learning problems generally fall into two categories: 1. More complex problems that require a diagnosis from a professional as they are beyond the expertise of the teacher. These problems may include visual or auditory issues, sensory processing issues, dyslexia, ADHD or Asperger's syndrome.

2. Problems that can be addressed within the classroom with elements modified by the teacher to support a child’s learning – changes that parents can help facilitate. This can include the teacher’s teaching style, the child’s learning style and taking regular breaks when learning.

WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO LEARNING PROBLEMS? Within the classroom, there are four key elements to consider which may contribute to learning problems experienced by children: 1. A child’s learning style 2. Breaks during lessons 3. Interesting content 4. A child’s self esteem In addition, food can impact greatly on your child's ability to focus and sustain attention while learning.

Even if your child is doing well at school, it can be beneficial to consider each of these elements and rethink your child’s approach to learning. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Generally, teachers will pre their preferred teaching st may occur for children, as style may not suit each chi teacher may stand out the and talk about a new conc aural learner; however, the diagrams to explain new c This problem has been ac child psychologist Dr. Mich the causes of poor learnin

Ideally, teachers need to ca styles by using a multisenso This means presenting con visual, aural, tactile and kine an effective way for teacher experiences inclusive of mo

HOW CAN PARENTS HEL As a parent, you can supp home by being aware of th

A visual learner prefers inf them in a visual way with p models or YouTube clips. A generally has a good audi most from discussion, hea to recorded stories. They c while you write or type it o prefers to learn by actually information to be retained activities enables them to

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Stay up to date with your local community news. If you have any unique news that you’d like to share, please contact our editor at publications@mothergoosemedia.com.au

Whats news » Visit our website for more news

NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY

On May 20, primary school children and their parents are invited to take part in the National Walk Safely to School Day. Now in its 17th year, the event promotes the physical, mental and social health benefits of regular walking, while reinforcing safe pedestrian behaviour. Professor Boyd Swinburn of Deakin University, highlighted the importance of the event.

“Most of the diseases in adulthood are related to lifestyle, including lack of physical activity,” he said. “So if we’re bringing up the next generation of children to be sedentary, then they become sedentary adults and that flows on to developing these chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.” To get involved or learn more about the event, visit www.walk.com.au.

DID YOU

KNOW

MEN GET HICCUPS MORE THAN WOMEN

The dot over a letter ‘i’ is called a ‘tittle’

HAVE A GREEN HEART Brisbane’s biggest free bi-annual community and sustainability festival will be held once again on May 29, promoting green living in a fun, family-friendly way.

Highlights include a dirtgirlworld activity centre, rock climbing, face painting and cooking demonstrations. The festival will take place at 7th Brigade Park, Chermside.

For more information visit www.greenheartfair.com.au.

SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS LINKED TO BREAK-INS Parents are being urged to warn their children about the dangers of posting their travel and vacation plans on social media sites such as Facebook. Security firm ADT’s recent Secure Home Report found that 24 per cent of respondents whose children had posted their whereabouts to social media (using photographs or check-in tools) had been burgled in the past 12 months.

Only 4 per cent of parents whose children had never posted such details to social media had experienced a break in over the same period. ADT’s Christian Dorau urged caution when it came to social media. “The comparisons between those children that overshare compared to those that don’t are dramatic and a timely reminder for parents to sit down with their children to address the risks and ensure social media habits do not compromise the family’s home security,” he said.

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MAY/JUN 2016

THERE ARE

ONE MILLION ANTS TO EVERY HUMAN IN THE WORLD

AROUND ONE THIRD OF QUEENSLANDERS ARE MIGRANTS OR THE CHILDREN OF MIGRANTS

BRISBANE CITY HALL IS THE LARGEST CITY HALL IN AUSTRALIA

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WIGGLE ON DOWN TO DREAMWORLD!

The Wiggles will be bringing their catchy tunes and fun dance moves to Dreamworld on May 18. Don’t forget to check out the Wiggles rides, including The Big Red Car and Dorothy’s Teacup, at ABC Kids World while you’re there! Visit www.dreamworld.com.au for details.

GLOBAL DATA RULES SET TO BENEFIT KIDS WITH CANCER For the first time ever, international childhood cancer experts have developed guidelines for collecting data on the stage of cancer when it is diagnosed in children.

The guidelines, published in The Lancet Oncology, cover 16 major childhood cancers and will allow better interpretation and direct comparison of childhood cancer survival outcomes between countries. Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said: “These guidelines will give us the ability to examine inequalities in outcomes and track improvements in the early detection of childhood cancer over time – for the first time ever globally.” The new childhood cancer staging guidelines will be tested for the first time worldwide

by Cancer Council Queensland through the Australian Paediatric Cancer Registry. This forms part of a national initiative by Cancer Australia to improve cancer staging data for all Australian patients. Cancer remains the most common cause of disease-related death among children aged 1 to 14 years in Australia. More than 640 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer each year and almost half of those are under four years of age. To find out more, contact Cancer Council Queensland on 13 11 20, or visit www.cancerqld.org.au.

PAWSOME FUN!

Dog leads at the ready – the RSPCA is hosting its Million Paws Walk on Sunday May 15 in Southport at Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, and in Brisbane at the Cultural Forecourt, South Bank Parklands. The event is RSPCA Queensland’s biggest fundraising event of the year and over 25,000 pooches (and their owners) are expected to take part at 22 different walk locations throughout Queensland. The money raised funds daily care, veterinary treatment and rehoming programs for dogs that are surrendered to the RSPCA. Register online and start fundraising now – you can even join in the walk if you don’t have a dog. Visit www.millionpawswalk.com.au.

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[FEATURE]

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[FEATURE]

Make a difference

by MEGAN BLANDFORD

DO YOU WANT TO RAISE A CHILD WHO CARES ABOUT THE WORLD AROUND THEM? With much more awareness these days around the environment, climate change and the impact this has on the future, it’s likely that you’re hopeful your offspring will be aware of their role in the world.

Every one of us can make a difference, no matter how small, and the idea of raising a generation of people who will work together to improve the environment is exciting – and entirely possible.

And it all starts right here, in the depths of parenting. No matter what age your child is, it’s never too early or late to start teaching them about the things they can do to make a difference. There are countless things you can do together as a family in order to cultivate these eco values. These ideas can start right at home, then expand to your local community and the groups your child is involved with, and perhaps grow even bigger from there.

Caring about the world we live in is really an ideal that can grow with your child. After all, many of the most important things start from just a tiny seed of an idea.

FROM LITTLE THINGS …

Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers live in a very insular world. The only things that exist, in their minds, are the things they can see – their family, friends and the daily activities they take part in – and they are at the centre of the entire universe. Their brain isn’t yet wired to consider ideas or activities that are outside their daily life or that they aren’t involved in. “They still live in a world that’s all about them,” says Martine Oglethorpe, child psychologist at The Modern Parent.

That doesn’t mean it’s too early to instil some sense of making a difference into your child. The truth is the exact opposite: it’s never too early to learn to care about the world in which we live.

Never underestimate the small things you can teach your child in their early years, as these really do form the basis of their future.

It’s simply a matter of focusing on realistic and age-appropriate methods, with these formative years being the perfect time to lay the foundations for doing bigger things later.

Below are a few tips for starting small with the little people in your life, who might just care to make a difference later in life. It all starts here: FOCUS ON VALUES. Think about the values you believe are necessary for a person who cares about the world around them.

Those values might include kindness, empathy, compassion, respect and acceptance of differences, for example. Once you’ve identified those important values, you can focus on helping your child learn and develop behaviours that utilise those values. The things you choose to discipline, teach, praise and expose your child to might be based on these ideals, and this can stand your little one in good stead for a future of helping the environment and others.

YOU’RE ON CENTRE STAGE. While your little one believes their world to be centred around themselves, they look up to their parents for leadership and guidance. In short, they look to you for an example of how things should be done. This puts you in a central role in helping them develop the values you’ve deemed as important. “Our children learn more from the behaviours we role model than anything we tell them. This helps form their experiences of the world,” says Oglethorpe. What this means is that if you want your child to display positive values and be involved in helping others, then the best way to encourage them is to do these things yourself. Be on the lookout for opportunities to show your child these positive behaviours, pointing them out at times and being open to discussion.

STICK CLOSE TO HOME. As your little one grows a bit and you feel they’re ready to be involved in making a small difference outside their immediate surroundings, it can be a good idea to start locally. Think about the things that might mean the most to your child. Oglethorpe adds, “To a young child, another country or something happening a long way away means nothing.” Your little one might get the most benefit from helping with something they can see the impact of, such as a working bee at kindergarten or planting trees at the local park as part of an environment project.

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[FEATURE]

… BIG THINGS GROW

It all starts right here, in the depths of parenting.

As children grow older, so too does their world. Gradually, you’ll notice that your child is becoming more aware of bigger issues and might be asking questions about what it all means. They might also ask what their role is in helping out or how they can make a difference to something they see as important.

This is a normal part of a child’s development. As their eyes open to the world around them, they’ll begin to wonder where they fit in. “At around primary school age, they are beginning to understand their place in the world,” says Oglethorpe. Your child might be listening intently to the news, noticing the positives and negatives around them, questioning their own role in all of this, and wondering about how it will affect them. They might require lots of reassurance as this stage of awareness grows.

This can be daunting as a parent. It can seem that suddenly you have to provide more information on topics that can be uncomfortable and answer questions that you might not even know the answers to. So, how can you deal with this?

FOLLOW WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS. As with many other developmental stages, it’s a good idea to follow your child’s lead.

They’ll let you know what they’re ready to know and the ways in which they can handle that information. “Take the lead from your child,” suggests Oglethorpe. “What do they need to know about an issue? What questions are they asking? And what are the answers they can developmentally handle?” Try to talk in your child’s language to help them understand a bigger issue and reassure them that things will be okay.

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KEEP UP THE ROLE MODELLING. As your child grows up, they are influenced by many others in their widening world: friends, friends’ families, peers, teachers and the media. They still need (perhaps more than ever, some would argue) your positive influence, and the best way to do that is still through role modelling.

They are watching your actions, even if they aren’t listening quite as intently to your words. Keep doing things together, creating memories of caring about the world in a way that brings back positive feelings from childhood. “Your kids will always remember the time you spent with them,” Oglethorpe advises.

LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES. You can encourage your child to identify things that can realistically be done and help them understand appropriate ways to take their ideas to the world. When they show initiative in taking some positive action, praise them for thinking this way and for trying to make a difference. In looking for opportunities and encouraging such critical thinking, you’ll be helping your child know they’re on the right track. This can help form a moral compass of sorts, from which to draw on in the future.

ENCOURAGE THEM TO THINK THINGS THROUGH. Thinking critically about social and environmental issues is an important life skill for kids now, especially in this modern world where they will be constantly surrounded by images and information that they need to translate and try to understand. You can help this along by talking through the issues your child is concerned about, including how it will affect them, what it means to others, understanding the role of the environment, and more. You won’t have the answers to all their questions, though, and that’s okay. Try researching things side by side with your child, which can help to create important opportunities to talk things through and learn together. Doing all of this together will also help you to continue to establish a relationship together, where your child is able to draw on and respect what you’re teaching them.

Continue to think small. Your child might be bigger now, but that doesn’t mean all their actions have to be momentous and likely to change the world. Small things can make a big difference, so think locally and continue to focus on those values you identified when they were little or those you are continuing to identify as important as they grow. Over time, they will use these values as a tool for developing their own value system to take them into adulthood, and it’s all based on watching what you do, listening to the language you use and the ways in which you respond to various situations. They will always be able to draw on the values you’ve helped them to develop. For example, you might choose to identify any opportunities to be kind, search together for ways to help out in your community or seek possible actions that will improve your local environment.

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MALENY

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Participating families will receive a $50 Coles/Myer Gift Card Type of volunteers needed Parents with children aged 7-8 years (all children can participate, regardless of their eating habits) What will you be asked to do?

Complete 2 assessment sessions, 6 months apart • Session 1: Attend Griffith University to complete a survey and a series of engaging tasks to assess aspects of children’s eating & self-control • Session 2: Complete a survey at home

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EXPLORE MAGICAL GARDENS where at every turn you find little paths leading to different themed gardens with seating, lovely waterfalls, ponds and lawns galore GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL with colourful Australian & exotic birds from around the world in Bird World, our giant walk-through aviary, and join one of our daily interactive, guided tours. Sit, watch, listen and photograph birds as they alight upon you – an awesome experience THEN VISIT OUR ANIMAL ENCLOSURE – a favourite with all ages. Enjoy chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, our miniature horse, donkey and pat alpacas, sheep and goats TOP YOUR VISIT OFF with a BYO picnic or our yummy Devonshire Tea 233 Maleny-Stanley River Road, Corner Mountain View Road

Phone 07 5408 4110 | Mobile 0400 091 731 malenybotanicalgardens.com.au

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[FEATURE]

HOW CAN KIDS MAKE A DIFFERENCE? There are lots of practical ways in which you and your child can start making a difference to the environment.

Below we’ve listed some options you might like to choose from, ranging from small changes to make at home through to bigger ways to make a difference in the immediate and wider communities. Of course, you can use these ideas as pure inspiration and take off on your own journey!

¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ › Use reusable items. Avoid buying bottled water, drinking from

disposable coffee cups and using plastic bags at the shops.

Instead, buy your own reusable bottles, cups and bags that are more environmentally sustainable.

› Get your child involved with the Sunshine Coast’s

Queensland Zoo (qldzoo.com). An animal encounter can help your little one to learn about, love and respect different animals, or you can adopt an animal. Depending on the level of adoption that you choose, your child could meet the animal or receive an annual zoo pass in return for sponsorship.

› Join in with a local Clean Up Australia Day (cleanupaustraliaday. org.au) event.

Downfall Creek Bushland Centre (brisbane.qld.gov.au) is › Use less energy at home. Turn off the lights when you’re not in › The part of the Chermside Hills Reserves. Kids are given educational a room, put in energy saving light bulbs, minimise your use of air conditioning and heating, and unplug electronics that aren’t being used.

opportunities here, including displays about the local flora and fauna to help them learn about the importance of preservation.

the program provides activity ideas that will encourage their conservation efforts.

gallery for a different perspective. The information and exhibitions presented can help give your child a view of the world outside their backyard and can show information around conservation and the environment.

Head to the Boondall Wetlands Environmental Centre › Teach your child how to save water and be conscious of how › (brisbane.qld.gov.au) to learn about the flora and fauna around much water they use. the wetlands. › Buy cleaning products that are labelled as ‘eco friendly’ or use › Interested in bird life? Visit Osprey House Environmental Centre other chemical-free alternatives. in Griffin (ospreyhouse.asn.au) to see ospreys nesting and learn › Walk or ride bikes when travelling short distances together as about mangrove protection. a family, whenever possible, instead of using the car.

Although volunteering in turtle conservation is usually for › › Grow some of your own vegetables at home, and involve your child older kids or adults, TurtleCare Sunshine Coast (turtlecare. in the process. Kids love picking the fresh produce they’ve grown. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au) offers a kids’ educational program to › Get your child involved in being an Earth Kid, via the Australian get young ones interested. Kids can learn about the turtles, follow individual creatures’ stories and watch them on TurtleCam. Conservation Foundation (acfonline.org.au). It’s all about sustainable living. They’ll learn lots, through online activities

› Think outside the square and head to the museum or art and encouragement to get outside into their own world, and

› Project Aware (projectaware.org) shows kids (and adults) the

impact littering has on the ocean and provides projects to help protect sharks and reduce debris.

› Learn about water conservation through a series of questions,

activities and experiments on the Earthwise Harmony website (earthwiseharmony.com). Your child will learn about the world’s water ways, how they relate to what comes out of the tap at home, why water conservation is important and how to save water.

› Become an Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior (wildlifewarriors. org.au). Your child’s involvement can range from getting involved with some of the foundation’s projects, taking part in the Readathon or even becoming a Joey Ambassador.

› The Australian Marine Conservation Society

(marineconservation.org.au) holds events and has opportunities for event volunteers, which are sometimes held in Queensland.

› Your child can join the Junior Ranger program (qld.gov.au), an

extension of the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger program, to take part in national park activities, which often take place during the school holidays.

› Introduce your child to the worldly scale of conservation, perhaps through World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) (wwf.panda.org).

There are projects happening around the world, within Australia and as close to home as the Great Barrier Reef.

¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ It’s never too early to learn to care about the world in which we live!

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[CHECK THIS OUT]

BAMBOO CROCS BANDANA BIB

FELT ANIMAL HEADS

From $120 Wall mountable felt animal heads by Fiona Walker England are a quirky take on home decoration, ideal for children’s bedrooms, playrooms or as a talking point in your living space. Designed in the UK, each item is hand stitched in India with love, care and attention, giving each animal head its own unique character and individual charm. From puppies and rabbits to tigers and hippos, check out the collection of friendly faces, fun colours and plush textures at leoandbella.com.au

$15 Bugsey Bee dribble bibs are the ultimate mix of style and practicality during teething, backed with luxuriously soft and absorbent bamboo terry towelling designed to wick moisture away from the skin. Each bib has two sets of strong nickel free snaps to allow for three different neck sizes. Check out this and many other designs at www.bugseybee.com.

seriously cool products to

encourage kids

to create, imagine, ORGANIC COTTON KOALA DRESS $45 The perfect combination of sweet, feminine and practical, this dress features super cute mum and bub koalas on a lightweight, naturally soft and breathable GOTS Certified 100% organic cotton fabric. This versatile style is perfect for everyday wear or for a special outing and is available in a range of sizes to suit 1 year up to 9 years. Purchase online at wombatandposs.etsy.com.

draw and play!

RECLAIMED HARDWOOD HEIGHT CHART $180 This beautiful handcrafted reclaimed timber height chart allows you to track the growth of your little one and would be a gorgeous addition to their bedroom or your family area. Made from reclaimed Australian hardwood.

Visit the RAW showroom on the Sunshine Coast or purchase online at www.rawsunshinecoast.com.au.

HUGG A PLANET $49.95 Your children will have the whole world in their hands with this super soft, award winning, educational toy! The 12” classic Hugg A Planet is 100% cotton, machine washable and totally compressable. With 600 places labelled, your little ones will enjoy learning about the earth while having a snuggle. Available online from bigdreams.com.au.

COLOUR YOUR OWN ADVENTURE PANTS

$55 Grab a pack of Colour Your Own Adventure Pants – a fun way for the kids to personalise their very own cool leggings. They come with uncoloured leggings, a set of five pens, a printed bag and instructions on making them colourfast. Hand printed and made in Melbourne the leggings are available in sizes 2 to 10. Available to purchase at captainrobbo.com.

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ANIMAL HANGERS

From $30 This animal coat hanger is a cute addition for a wall, whether as a display piece or to hang the outfit for the day. Pick your favourite from a whole collection of plywood carved and painted animals at ekokidsaustralia.tictail.com.

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MAY/JUN 2016

17

[LIFE STORIES]

wildlife I’M A

WARRIOR

WALKING IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS, QUEENSLAND CONSERVATIONIST ROBERT IRWIN IS INSPIRING CHANGE ACROSS THE GLOBE … AND HE’S ONLY 12!

Wildlife warrior, dinosaur hunter, talented photographer and regular cheeky almost-teen, Robert Irwin’s passion for nature is well beyond his years. With an infectious smile and unstoppable energy, Robert Irwin follows proudly in his father’s footsteps, ensuring the legacy of Irwin conservation work continues.

We caught up with this hardworking youngster recently to find out what life is really like at Australia Zoo and his plans for the future.

KOTC: Our readers would love to know a bit about you!

What is your favourite animal?

ROBERT: My favourite animal has always been the saltwater crocodile. Not only are they breathtaking creatures, but they are also an apex predator at the top of the food chain and one of the most important species in an ecosystem. Fish, crustaceans and even plant life are more prolific in areas that have a healthy crocodile population.

KOTC: And what is your favourite subject at school?

ROBERT: School has always been an important part of my life. At my home in Australia Zoo we have a classroom where I do all of my school studies. The school program also allows for me to travel with my schoolwork wherever we go in the world. My very favourite subjects are maths and science.

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[LIFE STORIES]

KOTC: Every kid, even wildlife warriors, love superheroes!

Who is your favourite superhero and why?

ROBERT: Without doubt, my dad is my superhero. He was the most passionate wildlife warrior who lived and died for wildlife conservation. Not only that, he was the most amazing father who always took us on adventures. I will strive my entire life to follow in his footsteps. He empowered so many people and was the true definition of a superhero.

KOTC: What does success mean to you?

ROBERT: To me success means to empower and inspire as many people as I can in my lifetime. If I can make the world a better place before my time is up I will have succeeded and hopefully I can encourage others to want to do the same. We have to act now and if everyone can do their part I know it is possible to save what we have left.

Photography by Robert

“I ENDEAVOUR TO FOLLOW IN MY DAD’S FOOTSTEPS AND CONTINUE HIS MESSAGE.”

KOTC: What is your favourite thing to do on a weekend?

ROBERT: Living at Australia Zoo I am so lucky to have the opportunity to be around amazing wildlife species from tigers and giraffes to crocodiles and koalas. On weekends I love visiting all of my animal friends at the zoo and sometimes invite my human friends to come and enjoy them with me! I also enjoy photography and mountain biking as they involve getting outside and enjoying the natural surroundings.

KOTC: Life in your house is probably quite different from most in Australia. Can you describe a typical day in the Irwin household?

ROBERT: In the Irwin household there is never ever a typical day!

One day we might be at home with all of our animal friends and the next we could be travelling to the USA for a filming project. There is never a dull moment and life is always exciting. Also, living at a zoo provides a lot of excitement! You don’t wake up to the sound of an alarm clock, but instead lemurs howling and tigers roaring. One morning, many years ago, when we were having breakfast, Dad burst through the front door of the house and said to come outside quickly. There, next to the clothesline, was a giant Sumatran tiger!

KOTC: Tell us more about your life at Australia Zoo… ROBERT: My role at Australia Zoo is to spread our message of wildlife and conservation and to help ensure my dad’s legacy lives on. He always used to say that he didn’t mind if he was remembered but he wanted his message and legacy live on forever. My family and I and everyone at Australia Zoo try our best to carry on in his footsteps because he was the ultimate wildlife warrior. At Australia Zoo we do many shows to educate and inspire and are always meeting people to share our story and encourage them to make a difference.

KOTC: Like you, Bindi is also incredibly hardworking in animal conservation. But what is she like as a sister?

ROBERT: My sister Bindi is the most amazing person. She is a role model to so many young people and is a true wildlife warrior. But also, she is the greatest sister on the planet. She is always there for me and we have had some great adventures over the years.

No matter where we are in the world we are always together and I know I am sincerely blessed to have Bindi as a sister.

KOTC: What do you and Bindi love to do together?

ROBERT: Bindi and I have always loved travelling around the globe to some really fun places. But when at home we love to visit the animals around the zoo. We have a great time!

KOTC: What’s the coolest place you’ve been to so far?

ROBERT: Finland… it was freezing! Oh, wait that’s not what you meant! In all seriousness I am so lucky to be able to visit such incredible places and where I live, at Australia Zoo is also great fun!

But Africa is my favourite overseas destination so far. It has some of the most unique species and spectacular scenery. Also, it is a great place to photograph.

KOTC: What can Australian kids do to help conservation?

ROBERT: No matter where you are, kids can get involved with wildlife conservation, from little things like turning off a light as you exit a room to conserve energy, to having a clean up the beach or park day with your friends. Everyone can do their part and collectively create positive change.

KOTC: You also love photography. What photograph are you most proud of?

ROBERT: I am very blessed to have the chance to visit some truly astounding places and hopefully empower others to enjoy nature and its wildlife through my photography. One of my favourites would be the photograph of a lion hunting an impala (a small antelope) in Africa. We were so lucky to be at the right place at the right time to witness one of the most astounding occurrences in the animal kingdom. Another photo that was great fun to photograph was a bald eagle that caught a large catfish only about a metre away from me. It was a rare sight and a marvellous experience.

There was also the time when I had the great fortune to find a

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[LIFE STORIES]

group of hyenas at a den. I loved photographing the moment when the mother hyena gave the cub a goodbye kiss when she went out hunting; it shows that hyenas are actually beautiful, caring animals that deserve our respect.

KOTC: And what was the hardest photograph to take?

ROBERT: Wildlife photography is always a challenge, but that’s what makes it so much fun! Animals never cooperate so it is that much more special when you take a good photograph. One of the hardest and, in turn, most fun photos that I have taken is of a rock agama in South Africa. My family and I climbed an infamous mountain called Table Mountain to find this species of lizard. After hours of climbing we finally found one sitting precariously on a rock basking in the warm sunlight. It was a great angle as he was positioned in a way that he was overlooking the whole city of Cape Town. The finished photo features the incredible reptile in the foreground with the city more than 1,085 metres below us. But behind the scenes was very chaotic! To get the perfect angle, I had to stand on top of a carnivorous ant nest, so as I was taking the shot thousands of ants were pouring up my legs, biting me! It was certainly an adventure I will never ever forget.

KOTC: Any tips for kids who want to have a go at animal photography?

ROBERT: Wildlife photography is a wonderful passion to get into as it is not only great fun but adds a particular appreciation to our natural world when trying to capture it in an art like photography.

There is so much see and photograph, even in your backyard or local park. Just grab a camera and get out there!

KOTC: You’ve already achieved so much. But what do you want to be when you grow up?

ROBERT: When I grow up I hope I can continue to spread the message of wildlife conservation to an ever-larger audience. I am also interested in getting into the filming and media side of things. Even if I do a movie or television project that does not have something to do with nature directly, it builds a platform for me to reach a larger audience that can hear my message. I will never wake up on morning and say, “That’s it, I want to be an astronaut”!

My passion will always remain the same; wildlife conservation is in my blood and I love what I get to do.

5 WAYS YOU CAN BE A

1 2 3 4 5

REATE A WILDLIFE HABITAT IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD: C Flowering natives will attract butterflies and birds, clumping plants provide shelter for frogs, mulch provides habitat for small lizards.

“MY AMBITION IS TO INSPIRE AS MANY PEOPLE IN THE WORLD TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON OUR PLANET.”

BUILD A BIRDBATH: A birdbath is simple to do, providing muchneeded water for our native feathered friends. Put it in a shady spot but in the open, away from places where cats and predators could hide.

BE ENERGY CONSCIOUS: It’s as simple as switching off the lights or turning off the tap, but it all contributes to less energy consumption, which helps the planet.

PLANT A TREE: Our lifeline to a healthier world, planting a tree is one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to have a positive effect on the planet.

PICK UP RUBBISH: Simple and something we can all do regularly!

Organise a beach clean with friends or a tidy-up of the local park.

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Photos by Katja Anton Photography. www.katjaanton.com

wildlife WARRIOR

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[PARENTING FILES]

MUM SAYS, DAD SAYS: WHEN PARENTS DON’T AGREE

by JACKIE HALL

“He should be… [thinking/doing it my way].”

“She should be… [thinking/doing it MY way].”

At the core of all conflict is the belief that someone else should be doing what you think is right. But your partner has other ideas.

Pretty logical, right?

But let’s look at this from another angle. When you are in conflict with someone, are you taking into consideration their beliefs and standpoint on the matter, or are you just trying to get your point across and get things to go your way? Unfortunately this is often the approach when couples discuss their disagreements, which is why it turns into conflict.

It is inevitable that relationships will incur challenges because you have two individuals, with two individual belief systems, constantly integrating to create a result.

The reality is that couples are going to have different ways of viewing a situation and different preferences for how to respond to situations, so this will be true in the parenting arena too.

So what can we do when we find we are not aligning with our partner?

GET OUT OF THE WORLD OF YOU AND INTO THE WORLD OF YOUR PARTNER FIRST When parents come across a situation with their child that requires attention and a decision about how to handle that situation is required, we need to look at the standpoints of each parent and understand where each parent is coming from first, before an agreement is made about how to handle it.

The reason why your partner handles things the way they do is because of their own beliefs, morals, values, past history and experiences, and these will be important to them.

The moment you dismiss your partner’s beliefs about the issue is the moment you have lost alignment and are unlikely to get to a

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resolution that works for you both. You are essentially saying, “My belief is more important than yours” and no one will ever subscribe to that notion.

Stepping into the world of your partner may be one of the hardest things to do when feeling annoyed at them, but before we can find solutions to conflict we first need to understand why the conflict is there in the first place. There’s a reason why your partner is responding the way they are, just like there’s a reason why you are responding your way.

So what must your partner be thinking in order to be feeling the way they are or behaving the way they are? See if you can get to a place of understanding their viewpoint and respecting their right to have that viewpoint. You don’t have to like what they believe, but you do need to understand it before you can get to the next step.

RECOGNISE THERE IS A HUGE GENDER DIFFERENCE IN HOW MEN AND WOMEN SEE THINGS AND WHAT THEY WANT FROM RELATIONSHIPS Primarily, when you look at the history of humankind, you will see that traditionally men were the chiefs of their tribes, the ones with all the knowledge, the go-to person. They prided themselves on being the decision-makers and the ones who looked after their family’s needs. A man’s priority has been to protect, provide, fix, find solutions and direct the family. Women have been the nurturers. They were the ones to work on emotional needs and keep the family together. A woman’s priority has traditionally been about the quality of her relationships.

Now fast forward to today’s times and those lines are dramatically blurred. Sometimes women are being the leaders, which often leaves men feeling helpless, lost and unsure of how to be needed in their relationships. Often women feel overworked and want

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[PARENTING FILES]

their partner to play the traditional roles to a degree so they can take the weight off their shoulders. Sometimes men are trying to play these roles but are met with mixed messages as women are still trying to bridge the gap between the old roles and the new ones. Sometimes men aren’t playing their traditional roles at all and women need to step up and take on both roles. And in other cases, men are trying to play both roles, too.

It’s so important to take into consideration how gender roles, and how they work within your family (or don’t work as the case may be), are contributing to relationship conflict.

Looking at the core roots of the roles you play in your relationship, and how both of you have set up the current dynamics, helps you to make sense of why you are where you are now.

UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS YOUR PARTNER WANTS Often in parenting, couples fight over getting to the same outcome.

We all want kids who are happy, confident, well-adjusted and able to handle life’s ups and downs. Sometimes we just have different ways of going about things. Try to understand your partner’s objectives behind their choice of parenting style. Often you’ll find it’s very similar to yours.

Try to understand what your partner’s hopes, dreams, goals and desires are, because perhaps they aren’t being met and this is the underlying reason for their feelings and behaviours towards you and the kids.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT AND BE SPECIFIC It sounds like a logical thing to say, but very often individuals don’t actually know what they want or if they do, they don’t articulate it.

For example, a stay-at-home mum or working mum may say to her partner, “I want more help around the house.” So he goes and mows the lawn. She then says, “No. I want more help with the inside of the house, with cleaning and bathing the kids.” So, in the middle of the dinner time rush, he is folding the laundry. She then says, exasperated, “No! I mean I want you to help with the kids at dinnertime. Help me with the dishes while I bathe them, then you put the eldest to bed while I put the youngest to bed!” His response, equally exasperated, “Well, why didn’t you just say so!”

So ask yourself: “What do I actually want? What will life be like if that wish is fulfilled? What would my partner actually be doing?

When? How often? Make it measurable and clear so you can communicate that with your partner.

As both Mum and Dad learn new information in this modern world, it is inevitable that the way they do things, their beliefs, their morals and their preferences for how they want to parent, will also change, and as a result, the dynamics between parents will change, too.

We all know that communication, negotiation and compromise is imperative to a healthy relationship, but so is understanding and desire.

There are some specific steps we need to apply consistently as we move towards relationship alignment, which must occur in the following order.

UNDERSTANDING – What are your beliefs and what are your partner’s beliefs behind your/their actions, decisions and preferences? Understand the gender difference between you and how this is impacting on what you both want and your/ their preferences.

ACCEPT – Accept that these are your partner’s beliefs and respect them, so you can work with them, not against them.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT – What is the desired outcome that you are both seeking from each other, for your children’s lives and for your lives in general? Be specific.

NEGOTIATION – The art of negotiation is about the other person getting what they want so you can get what you want. It’s the art of alignment that makes both parties happy.

Now that you have an understanding and a respect for your partner’s standpoint, start talking about how you might be able to honour both of those agreements through compromise and adjustments to parenting styles.

TAKE ACTION, REALIGN REGULARLY AND READJUST IF NECESSARY – Make an agreement. Try it out. See if it works and make a pact to regularly come together again to discuss its effectiveness and whether any adjustments need to be made. Do this regularly with many areas of your relationship.

Above all, just like anything, we need to be aligned with the reality that relationships are about awareness and adjustment, not perfection. In an ever-changing world, relationships will never stay the same.

When you find yourself and your partner in a holding pattern of “I’ll hurt you because you hurt me”, someone has to stop playing the game and change the dynamic. Someone has to back down and ask the question, “How can I give you more of what you want, so I can get more of what I need?” After all, we all want the same thing – love, connection, respect and to belong.

Sometimes you need to be the one to step down first and BE the change you wish to see in your partner.

Jackie Hall is the founder of the Parental Stress Centre of Australia and five-time author including the relationships book What’s In It For Me?. Through online programs and seminars, Jackie helps parents to deal with parental stress and overcome emotions such as anxiety, depression, anger and general stress. She helps parents with all facets of parenting including child behaviour, relationships and personal wellbeing. To learn more, visit www.parentalstress.com.au

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MAY/JUN 2016

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[YOU]

AN INSPIRING READ Mindfulness for Mothers by Rebecca Ryan (Macmillan Australia, RRP $19.99) is an inspiring book of calming mindfulness exercises designed to help mothers of young children restore a sense of calm and balance in their lives. Try the range of meditative exercises, from 10-second tension breakers to 30-minute invigorating body awareness routines, to be done either alone or in the company of your child, at home or on the move, and at any time of the day or night.

MOTHER’S DAY

Pop on your trainers this Mother’s Day and take part in the annual Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic from 6am at the Cultural Forecourt at South Bank Parklands or from 7:30am at Pratten Park, Broadbeach. Two course lengths of 4km and 8km are available for you to run, walk or a bit of both. Around 135,000 Australians in more than 100 locations will participate in this annual fun run/ walk that offers people of all ages the chance to participate in a non-competitive, inspiring and fun run/walk that raises vital funds and awareness for breast cancer research. To register, volunteer or donate, visit www.mothersdayclassic.com.au

Celebrating

Mum

GOURMET FUDGE & TREATS

Fudge is back at the Ginger Factory at Yandina on the Sunshine Coast. Spoil mum this Mother’s Day with a delicious range of beautifully packaged gourmet fudge starting from $5, as well as yummy macadamia products, condiments and lollies, relishes and chutneys, health and beauty products, and homewares from the brand new gift shop Macadamia & Co in Ginger Town. www.gingerfactory.com.au

“MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN ARE IN A CATEGORY ALL THEIR OWN. THERE’S NO BOND SO STRONG IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. NO LOVE SO INSTANTANEOUS AND FORGIVING.” Gail Tsukiyama

HIGH TEA WITH A DIFFERENCE Head into Brisbane city for a Paleo High Tea at Asana by Pete Evans restaurant from $32 per person. This delicious and decadent high tea menu designed by Pete Evans and head chef Josh Harris includes an amazing selection of sweet and savoury canapés (free from gluten, dairy and refined sugar), with a selection of hot and cold beverages.

HEAD TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Exchange breakfast in bed for Tough Mudder obstacles this Mother’s Day weekend. Test your mental grit on May 7 and 8 on the rolling hills, valleys and back-forests of Sirromet Winery at Mount Cotton, just a short drive south-east from Brisbane. Singles and teams welcome! toughmudder.com.au/events/2016-south-east-queensland

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We believe your story should be told.

We believe every day is worth celebrating.

We believe everyone should live in the moment.

We believe in celebrating life through art.

VERVE PORTRAITS. ART INSPIRED BY YOU.

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

MAY/JUN 2016

25

[BABIES]

Your guide to choosing a

caregiver

by MEGAN BLANDFORD

IF YOU’RE PREGNANT, CONGRATULATIONS … AND WELCOME TO THE MINEFIELD OF NAVIGATING YOUR MATERNITY CARE CHOICES. Although the care of you and your baby should, perhaps, be a straightforward plan, the available options aren’t always well communicated by those around you. This can be due to an assumption that you’ll follow a mainstream path, or it can involve some political agendas from those within the health industry.

WHO WILL LEAD YOUR CARE?

“The main problem we have is a lot of misinformation and misperceptions about the options,” says Yvette Miller, maternal health promotion researcher at Queensland University of Technology.

While your GP is generally your first point of contact when it comes to maternity care, they will direct you to specialised care options.

“The GP will refer you to a public hospital or to the obstetrician of their choice,” explains Mary Young from the Sunshine Coast’s Know Your Midwife, a private practice group of experienced midwives, offering continuity of care from conception through to parenthood.

This is certainly a time to speak up if you have particular preferences for a particular hospital, obstetrician, midwife or shared care arrangement. “The GP is the gatekeeper to the whole of your

Ultimately, the best thing you can do is be informed about the options available to you and your rights throughout the entirety of your maternity care, from pregnancy and birth through to postnatal care.

Your research will be rewarded: with that self-education and informed decision-making comes the security of having made the choice that’s right for you and your family.

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One of your main choices is whether you want your maternity care led by an obstetrician or a midwife. There is no right or wrong answer; rather, it’s a matter of deciding which option best suits your particular circumstances, values and other considerations such as costs.

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

[BABIES]

maternity care,” says Young. “You have to do the research because unless you start searching or come across another way by word of mouth, the majority of women simply do exactly what their GP says.

You need to look for what suits you.”

In making this first major decision, it’s impotant to realise the difference between an obstetrician and a midwife. While many think them to be similar, they are in fact different fields that fall under the wider umbrella of maternity care. “Obstetrics is a medical speciality, so that’s probably who you want caring for you if you have a medical condition that’s associated with your pregnancy or your labour and birth,” Miller explains. “But it’s a life event rather than a medical event in the majority of cases. Midwives are specialists in providing holistic care for pregnancy in low risk situations, where you don’t require surgical intervention, for example.”

Another consideration is the level of maternity and parenting education you feel you’d like to receive. In most cases, this is given to a basic level. “Most women will do just the public antenatal education which prepares them for a birth at a public hospital, so you don’t get any of the extras around water birth or breathing techniques or things like that,” Young says. That may suit you and your partner and/ or birthing partners, or you might like to look into alternative options delivered by midwives, doulas or other birthing educators.

It’s also worth giving some detailed thought to what will happen after the birth. Miller explains, “Because obstetricians are specialists in the medical experience of pregnancy, once they have a live mum and a live baby that’s the conclusion of their role. They’re not specialists in normal postnatal care, breastfeeding, those kinds of things; they’re specialists in avoiding or treating medical complications associated with pregnancy or birth.” While there are community-based postnatal care options, such as your GP or health nurse, these are up to you to navigate by yourself without any considered transition from one carer to the next.

Midwifery care may give you a more continuous process. “That settling in, bonding period isn’t really a part of an obstetrician’s job, but with midwifery care it is within their scope of practice,” Miller says.

If you think you might like maternity care that’s all encompassing, a shared care (sometimes referred to as collaborative care) option could be right for you. This means that you’ll be cared for by an obstetrician as well as a midwife, and is a strong focus of the health system into the future. This covers all bases and is available at many local hospitals.

PUBLIC OR PRIVATE? Your next decision is whether to go through the public or private healthcare system. Both offer various levels of collaborative care between obstetricians and midwives, and some hospitals also offer a birth centre option which can provide a different feel to your birthing environment.

Of course, the cost variance between the private and public options is a major determinant of your access to each service, as is whether you have private health insurance with maternity cover.

PRIVATE: You’ll need private health insurance and a referral from your GP in order to access private maternity care. You can choose your obstetrician, and you will need to do some research with your insurer to find out the costs involved.

PUBLIC: Although you do not have the same level of say over who your maternity carer is in the public system, there aren’t any costs involved.

There is also the option of private midwives, who can work with obstetricians within the public or private hospital systems in order to give you a more tailored shared care arrangement. This means you can choose the midwife who will see you through the entirety of your maternity care. This can be covered, in part, by Medicare so that you aren’t out of pocket for the entire portion of your maternity care, however your midwife needs to be a Medicare provider in order for this to happen. “There were government changes a few years back whereby private midwives could become eligible and get a provider number so you could claim their pregnancy and postnatal care,” says Miller. These changes – and some pending changes that will see insurance required for home births – have, unfortunately, reduced the numbers of private midwives practicing in Queensland.

Young adds that there is a difference between the facts of the legislation and the realities behind them, which midwives are experiencing. “In 2010 it was said that every hospital in the country was to grant visiting rights to Medicare eligible midwives, and that has not happened,” she says. These realities can limit your options somewhat, or at the very least means you need to be rather determined and highly informed if following a less mainstream path.

“What’s happened now is that all women, regardless of their model of care, are expected to birth in a hospital,” says Miller, “and that’s the only place where your healthcare provider will have full insurance for the birth.”

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[BABIES]

CAN YOU GIVE BIRTH AT HOME? Home birthing is an option in Queensland and offers a different experience for parents and babies. Home birth support groups find that women generally choose this option for two reasons, explains Clara Domingo from Homebirth Queensland. “Some women have had a bad experience at hospital and don’t feel like it’s a nice memory, so they’ll do it at home the next time. Then there are women who want to have a space for themselves and to choose who their care practitioner is.”

“It’s an intimate experience,” describes Domingo. “There’s no transition between hospital and home, and your older kids can be there too.” This continuity of your carer between pregnancy, birth and postnatal care is attractive to many parents, as is the choice associated with who your carer is. If you choose to birth at home, you can seek out your own midwife and/or doula – the latter will act as a non-medically qualified supporter during your pregnancy and birth – or opt to not have any medical assistance at all. You have ultimate control, although this doesn’t come without its highly publicised risks if an emergency situation arises or if medical intervention is required.

The idea of giving birth at home certainly isn’t for everybody, but it’s an option that’s important to many. “We should all have the power of choice,” Domingo says. “If you feel safer at hospital, that’s where you need to go, and if you want to give birth at home that should be respected.”

At the moment, private midwives can attend home births with the mums-to-be claiming their services on Medicare. This is only the case until late 2016, however. “There are women who want private midwifery care for an out-of-hospital birth, and very soon they aren’t going to have that option available at all,” warns Miller.

CONTINUITY OF CARE There is a strong push (excuse the pun) towards the continuity of care throughout the stages of pregnancy, birth and postnatal care. This means that the same carer can see you through each of these steps, providing you with someone who knows your history and knows how you’d like to proceed into the next stages.

This is often an ideal situation for many reasons. “It’s important not just in maternity care, but to avoid clinical errors and to make the best care decisions as you move through that pathway,” says Miller.

“The communication quality improves with continuity of your care providers as there’s a shared knowledge not just about the clinical aspects of your case but also your values and preferences – they’re all maintained when you have that continuity of care, and good quality decision-making becomes so much easier.”

Of course, nothing is completely black and white, and for some women the continuity of care model isn’t the best option. “Some women involved in our research have said if they’re in the public system they’d actually prefer not to have continuity of their carer because they don’t get to choose their carer,” Miller explains. “If you have continuity of care with someone who isn’t a very good match it can be a disadvantage.”

This fits with the current strong focus that health policies have on ‘woman centred care’ – that is, having your care needs (and those of the baby) focused around each individual woman. It’s a concept

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that’s designed to give you the power of active involvement in your care, and it’s a responsibility you should take seriously. As the National Guidance on Collaborative Maternity Care states: “Important concepts for woman-centred communication include informed choice, informed consent and informed refusal of recommendations for care.”

In this case, it’s a matter of knowing your rights and speaking up in order to gain changes to your care that best suit you. Miller says, “Many women don’t realise you can make a request to change your care provider, even if you’re in the public system.”

Certainly, that sense of needing to know your options and be your own spokesperson throughout your maternity care and the first months of your baby’s life is important. This will give you not just the birth you’re hoping for, but an entire experience that matches with your specific circumstances.

FURTHER INFORMATION For more information on Medicare options, visit www.health.gov.au To locate midwives who are eligible for Medicare, visit www.eligiblemidwives.com To find a doula to support you during your baby’s birth, visit findadoula.com.au or do some online research for your local area.

Support on the Gold Coast My Own Midwife: myownmidwifegc.com Midwives First: midwivesfirst.com.au Coastal Midwives: www.coastalmidwives.com.au Homebirth Queensland: www.homebirth.org.au (Gold Coast support groups run on the second Monday of each month) Support in Brisbane The MAMA Centre: www.mamaqld.com My Midwives: www.mymidwives.com.au Homebirth Queensland: www.homebirth.org.au (Brisbane support groups run on the second Monday of each month) This article was first published in 2015 in 'Our Guide to Babies'.

For more information on babies.

DOWNLOAD OUR BABIES BABIES GUIDE Our guide to

F rom bump to birth and beyond

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- on the coast

- in the city

Ready to learn Kindergarten is a crucial year for your child’s development.

Many Goodstart centres offer Queensland Government approved Kindergarten programs.

With the right mix of fun, structured learning and physical activity, the Goodstart Kindergarten Program is delivered by qualified teachers in a safe, nurturing environment. With long day hours, our wrap–around care offers your family convenience and flexibility whilst helping your child develop the confidence and skills they need for school and life beyond.

Register now. Search Goodstart Kindergarten or call 1800 222 543.

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MAY/JUN 2016

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[EDUCATION]

PLAY

THE POWER OF

by KERRYN ANKER

FOR A YOUNG CHILD, THE WORLD IS ONE BIG PLAYGROUND – TAKING A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO LEARNING, DISCOVERING AND EXPLORING THE UNINHIBITED ENVIRONMENT AROUND THEM. Once seen as nothing more than ‘child’s play’ – a toddler innocently making a mud pie or building a house out of sticks – experts across Australia and the world are now singing the praises for play-based education. They have identified that the most important tool for a child’s development and growth is right at their very fingertips.

Queensland University of Technology Faculty of Education, School of Curriculum lecturer Dr Rebecca English says that based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) in Australia, the definition of play-based education is simply the act of leaving a child to independently play in an unstructured and unmanaged environment. In the early years of a child’s life, play is seen to allow a young mind to explore the world, relationships, concepts and themselves in their imaginative games.

Dr English provides an example of incorporating play-based education in a classroom setting.

“If children are imagining a space ship, the teacher will ask about the colour of the ship, the size of the ship, who's on board or where it's

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going. From this, there is a great deal of learning that can be seen in the deep discussion and imaginative work of the play,” she says.

Dr English states that although she strongly supports play-based education as an important approach for early childhood and primary education, it may be seen by some parents as a waste of time with no means to measure its success.

“Many of us weren't allowed to play in the early years. We had letters of the week or this week's number to do, so for some of us, it's hard to see play as legitimate work,” she says.

“In addition, it can be hard to quantify the success of play. How do you measure good play? How do you manage play that is unsuccessful? What does unsuccessful play mean?”

On an international scale, Dr English says European countries such as Finland – where children don’t commence formal education until aged 7 years – are leading the way as successful role models of how effective play-based learning should be implemented. Finnish students have been noted to be some of the brightest children in the world.

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[EDUCATION]

DEVELOPING AND LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

BOOSTING THE BRAIN

Kathy Walker OAM, designer of The Walker Learning Approach (WLA), says as important and vital as numeracy and literacy is in a young child’s life, research shows that play-based learning is crucial in facilitating a young person’s social, cognitive and physiological development.

University of the Sunshine Coast psychology lecturer and researcher Dr Rachael Sharman says play-based education should be introduced from infancy and be encouraged throughout childhood.

Created more than 25 years ago, the WLA has developed an educational framework that personalises a child’s learning experience, ensuring that their exposure to, and experiences and exploration of their world are tailored around individual interests, while allowing them to learn at their own pace.

On the premise that all teaching is intentional, Kathy says that importance should be placed on the process of learning and skill acquisition rather than the end result.

“Evidence shows that young children learn through active investigation and exploration. But there is confusion about what play-based education is and that through incorporating play, children won’t or are not being taught numeracy and literacy. But this is completely incorrect,” says Kathy.

“We don’t want to waste a child’s life or learning opportunities.

It’s not just about free-play at school or just using Lego. It’s about creating an environment that sets children up to succeed, and by making their own independent choice on what or how they play with something, they feel like they have achieved something.”

Image courtesy: Brisbane Independent School

The WLA has been picked up by more than 100 Queensland schools, which incorporate the learning approach into the current Australian Curriculum. Kathy says that early childhood teachers following the WLA framework create learning centres within the classroom for 45 minutes, four days a week. A learning centre may be a science area with microscopes or a nature area. A child then uses the material in the learning centre how they like, using their individual skills and imagination to create what they want to create.

Rachael notes that this form of learning is important in mastering the developmental milestone ‘Theory of Mind’ which forms the basis of what most people understand as social intelligence.

“Play-based learning also helps the brain consolidate abstract and concrete ideas, for example, understanding that a cup of water poured into a different shaped cup doesn't actually change the property or amount of water – even though it looks like there is more water in a tall skinny cup compared to a short fat one,” she says.

“As children age, it is reasonable to include more and more structured and direct teaching, however Kindy and Prep should really be focused on play-based learning, with structural inclusions from grade 1 onwards. This approach tends to track nicely with normal brain development.”

Dr Sharman says from the age of 6–7 years the brain will be more receptive to structure and direct teaching.

“Introducing structured learning too early makes about as much sense as teaching a two-year-old child algebra. They won't be receptive and may end up developing a dislike for a topic or style of teaching that feels forced upon them.”

INCORPORATING PLAY INTO THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM Sunshine Coast’s Ananda Marga River School principal Jenny Oakley says in recent years there has been an overscheduling of children and a significant decrease in the amount of play and freedom they have in educational environments.

“Our learning environment is one of love, where we treat children with respect and facilitate their learning in all areas – socially, emotionally, spiritually and academically. In our younger years we use play as the means of our academic teaching,” she says.

“Play really should follow the lead and interests of the child or children who initiated it. As soon as an adult tries to interpret or interfere in the play, it is no longer play, and children can lose some key learning’s from the interference.”

Sesame Lane general manager of operations Marnie Testa says the child care and kindergarten service they provide to Brisbane children has been designed to support and encourage a child’s natural desire to play.

She says that it is important for a young child’s surroundings to nurture their individual interests.

“Each child needs to be supported in environments that allow them to explore freely, to build the necessary confidence that encourages them to continue to explore. Through play-based learning they are exploring, challenging and creating as they build solid foundations for future learning,” she says.

“Our Kindergarten environments show more defined intentional learning opportunities as guided by the Queensland Kindergarten Learning guidelines, with a solid connection to the Early Years Learning Framework. Within these environments you are able to see more defined evidence of learning as children are encouraged to express their ideas.”

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Image courtesy: Sesame Lane

[EDUCATION]

“Queensland independent schools are required to implement the Australian Curriculum in the Prep Year. The Prep Year curriculum gives priority to building a child’s knowledge and skills in the critical foundation areas of literacy and numeracy – the key building blocks for learning,” he says.

“The value of the full-time Prep year in Queensland has been demonstrated not only through improved NAPLAN results but also parent confidence with 98 percent of Queensland students undertaking Prep prior to Year 1”.

Brisbane Independent School teaching principal Jennifer Haynes says their learning framework incorporates the Australian Curriculum, as well as including their own social-emotional curriculum, which places a high-level of importance on play-based education.

Gold Coast’s Kinder Cottage Child Care Centre director Alicia Coyte says there are different types of play-based learning and that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all educational framework.

“When children initiate play, they are more motivated to learn and develop positive dispositions towards learning,” she says.

“There are different types of play. Children may play on their own in solitary play or alongside someone else and independently in parallel play or with other children in cooperative play. Play may be structured where someone else makes the rules and decisions.

Play may be unstructured, where the child is self-directed or takes all the initiative.”

THE PURPOSE OF PLAY Not-for-profit community organisation Nature Play QLD has created a program with the sole purpose of encouraging children to spend more time in unstructured play outside and in nature.

Program Manager Hyahno Moser says that play is the internal mechanism built into childhood for kids to practise, learn, test and master the skills that they will need to grow into competent adults.

“Play-based learning is the foundation for many early childhood education programs, especially pre-primary school. However I believe there are areas of our education system where we need to improve dramatically,” he says.

“Child care and kindergarten are leading the way with play-based learning and meeting the child at their level of learning. However Prep, year 1 and year 2 have become less play-based and more academically focused over the past few decades. I believe we need to review the learning through play models for all age groups.

I also believe too much is expected of children, the teachers and the education system.”

Early Childhood Teachers’ Association president Kim Walters says teachers have expressed their concern over what they believe is a lack of play-based learning in Prep classrooms. She says that due to the increase in formal education in Australian classrooms, the joy had been taken out of learning, increasing stress and anxiety among students and teachers.

Independent Schools Queensland executive director David Robertson says although the current Prep Curriculum does have more structure than the previous preschool program, he believes that the Australian Curriculum is flexible in its approach to producing the greatest outcomes for students.

She says the school uses play-based learning as a core process in the Prep – 1 room through scaffolded play with a teacher or aide, small group explorations and resourced free-play, such as home corner, dress ups and the sandpit.

“Research clearly shows that playful thinking and undirected play build the skills for the future our children will live – skills in problem solving, creativity and working in teams,” Jennifer says.

“Kids can be at their most creative when they can explore playfully.”

PREPARATION FOR BIG SCHOOL Begin Bright CEO Tina Tower said due to the Early Years Learning Framework being solely play-based, she has seen a need to create a program which teaches children to be academically prepared for ‘big school’.

“If children start with no school readiness, it can be quite a shock and a steep learning curve. Some children will do just fine with that, but a lot will struggle and miss things and begin to fall behind,” she says.

“Now that the Early Years Learning Framework is all play-based, children aren’t getting much formal learning in preschool and day care so children are finding it hard once they go to school. Parents of children who struggle will usually then seek out a school readiness service so that their subsequent children don’t face those issues.”

No matter what side of the schoolyard fence you sit on when it comes to play-based education, experts believe that on an international scale, Australian educational standards are up there as being some of the best in the world. Though the proof may in fact be in the pudding – or in this case in the mud pie – that the simple act of child’s play may be more powerful than once thought when it comes to the growth and development of a young mind.

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MAY/JUN 2016

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[WELLBEING]

Immunity & Gut Health

by SUZI LE FANUE

IS YOUR CHILD CONSTANTLY SICK? DO THEY SUFFER WITH ALLERGIES? OR DO THEY SEEM TO TAKE A LONG TIME TO RECOVER FROM ILLNESSES? The immune system is a defence mechanism that is responsible for fighting any foreign infectious microbes that enter the body. It plays such a critical and important role in our health and our children’s health. When you mention the immune system people usually think of white blood cells and lymph nodes. Would it sound crazy if you were told that your child’s immune system largely stems from the gut?

The immune system within the gut is often referred to as gut-associated FACT: We contain lymphoid tissue (GALT). GALT is 10 times more influenced by the bacteria residing in the gut – your microbiome. bacteria cells These bacteria are the basis of your than human cells. digestive system and act as a first line of defence. To have a healthy immune system it is important to have more of the good bacteria than the bad bacteria. So it makes sense to expect poor immunity to manifest with a low amount of good bacteria.

These bacteria are not limited to regulating immunity. They also play a critical role in both the development and control of many health complaints that initially appear to have no connection to the gut. This includes conditions such as depression, rheumatoid arthritis and skin complaints like eczema and acne.

HOW DO GOOD BACTERIA END UP LOW? Many contributing factors lead to low levels of good bacteria.

Antibiotics, chemical overload, poor diet and stress are just a few of the likely culprits.

Our society generally overuses antibiotics that wipe out your good bacteria, which potentially opens it up to other microbes. The fact is, antibiotics are only beneficial against bacteria and not against common viral infections.

While it is always advisable for a doctor to assess your symptoms and provide a diagnosis, and prescribe antibiotics when they are essential, we live in a society that begs for a quick fix to all health ailments. Many people are unaware of the importance of the gut microbiome and frequently visit the doctor with a runny nose, expecting to walk out with a prescription for antibiotics.

While research into the area of probiotic prescription to mitigate the adverse effects of antibiotics is still in the early days, a broad spectrum probiotic is recommended to assist in re-inoculating some of the good guys.

Researchers are continually astounded at just how important the gut is in immune regulation. Countless research papers demonstrate the critical role the gut plays, from reducing autoimmune related conditions to lowering the mean duration of respiratory infections. After all, approximately 70% of your immune system lies in the gut and there are more immune cells in the intestines than anywhere else in the body.

HOW CAN YOU STRENGTHEN YOUR CHILD’S GUT MICROBIOME?

WHERE DO GOOD BACTERIA COME FROM IN THE FIRST PLACE?

When there is a strong need for intensive gut rebuilding many people turn to the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) protocol developed

by Dr Natasha McBride. It is particularly beneficial for children with mental health and behavioural issues such as autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ADHD, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression. The dietary modifications are aimed at correcting the signalling between the gut, brain and immune system. It is no surprise then that most of this is done by correcting the gut microbiome.

In the womb, the fetus is in a sterile environment. As the baby is birthed through the birth canal, they pick up the mother’s bacteria along the way. Breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact will also pass bacteria to the infant. What is present in these early days of life is determined by the mother’s gut microbiome. If a baby is born via caesarean section then the recommendations are breastfeeding

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and skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible to help with inoculating bacteria and providing the positive immune benefits. If breastfeeding is not possible, it is advisable to request probiotic supplementation.

MAY/JUN 2016

A quick look at the shelves of a health food store or pharmacy will reveal the vast range of probiotic supplements available. These probiotics are fantastic, but are not the total answer to correcting the microbiome. Your food, after all, is what is coming in direct contact with the gut. So it can either benefit or hinder a positive immune response.

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[WELLBEING]

Although there are instances when the GAPS protocol is beneficial, it is not ideal for everyday eating. There are a few simple and quick food tools that you can implement daily to work on repairing the gut.

Be careful not to fill their tummy with too many grains, particularly refined grains. These often will take the place of nutrient-dense, fibrous, prebiotic food.

1. Bone broth. This is the base of many dishes in many cultures.

Broth is full of gut healing nourishment containing gelatin, chondroitin and glucosamine. Nutrients released when the bones are cooked are very easy to absorb. A good way to incorporate broth into your diet is in soups, casseroles or simply by drinking it on its own. For children who are not keen on drinking bone broth, try making jellies using good quality gelatin from health food stores.

The earlier you set these good habits up with children the easier it is.

2. Fermented foods. For those not keen on taking supplements for the rest of their lives, this is a great alternative. Ferments that may be included are sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir or coconut yoghurt. Be very cautious of store bought yoghurt as they often have minimal probiotics and an abundance of sugar.

3. Prebiotics. These fuel the growth of the good bacteria. Think cabbage, asparagus, leek, and root vegetables such as sweet potato, garlic and onion.

4. Minimise sugars. Sugar feeds bad bacteria, yeast and potentially pathogenic bacteria. Think of it like a garden – if you want to rid it of weeds you wouldn’t keep fertilising them. The same occurs with bad bacteria and a diet high in sugar.

5. Nutrient dense foods. Nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D and zinc are super important for both optimal immune and gut function. By eating a varied diet with minimal processed food you are giving your little one the best chance of increasing these nutrients. Vitamin D can be a little tricky as Mother Nature’s best source is sunshine, so with parents being cautious of sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency is often seen. A great alternative is cod liver oil, which is high in vitamin A and D.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A POOR GUT MICROBIOME? Although some children are asymptomatic, most children with a disrupted microbiome will display symptoms. Many children and parents are not aware of what a normal bowel movement is. There is no ‘normal’ and it is important to talk to children about it so they know better how to communicate tummy problems with you.

Ongoing digestive discomfort can further fuel the microbial imbalance and in the longer term possibly lead to nutrient deficiencies. Thus, it is always important to watch out for the early signs. They could include a protruding belly that feels like it is hard or full of air, fussy eating, foul smelling flatulence and stools, frequent ’accidents’ or when a child touches their tummy often.

If you do suspect any sort of constipation or diarrhoea it could indicate many underlying issues such as lack of fibre, change of routine, food intolerances or hydration status. If your child doesn’t have any symptoms but you suspect there may be a bacteria issue, simple functional stool testing can give great insight.

There is much more study needed to truly understand the mammoth role that the gut plays in our overall health. However, in the case of its impact on immunity there is a plethora. Just by implementing a few dietary changes, you are already doing so much to support your child’s microbiome.

Suzi Le Fanue is a naturopath and founder of Integrated Wellness Clinic on the Sunshine Coast. Integrated Wellness Clinic’s team offer naturopathy, nutrition and psychology and is networked with numerous other external medical and allied health practitioners. The clinic is focused on offering exceptional quality health care by taking a thorough and integrative approach. For more information visit www.integratedwellnessclinic.com.au

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

MAY/JUN 2016

35

[FAMILY HEALTH]

TOILET TALK: DO YOUR KIDS DANGLE ON THE LOO?

by FIONA ROGERS BPHTY GDEXSPSC APAM

How do your children sit on the loo? Do their little bottoms sink into that huge hole in the middle with their feet dangling in the air? If so, they are starting to develop poor toilet posture which can affect the way they empty their bladder and bowel and set them up for potential problems as they get older.

Dangling or hanging on the toilet like this prevents the required coordination and relaxation of the core and pelvic floor muscles in order for the bowel and bladder to empty properly. It will in fact tighten these muscles as your child tries to stabilise to stop themselves falling into that big scary hole!

Some kids even develop a fear of the toilet from this, which leads to holding on to bowel motions, resulting in constipation.

Interestingly, constipation is one of the main causes of bedwetting and daytime accidents due to bladder irritation from the full bowel.

So, what is the ideal way to use the loo? There are three main things to consider – the three P’s of poo, posture and push.

Correct consistency of the poo (yes, it does matter!)

A good diet is important here, as is drinking enough fluid. If your little one has problems with constipation, try adding some soluble fibre like chia seeds to a smoothie or in puddings. You can also purchase fibre supplements that can be added to any food or fluid and are undetectable by inquisitive noses or taste buds. See your GP for guidance for children’s doses of such aperients.

Correct posture

Sit on the toilet with feet and bottom supported, leaning forwards with elbows on the knees. In other words, as close to a squat as possible. This is encouraged with the use of a toilet insert and ladder or footstool.

Correct way to push

To get things moving so to speak, the pelvic muscles and diaphragm have to work together. The tummy needs to be relaxed and the push comes from widening at the waist. Some tricks to help kids do this properly can be to moo like a cow (moo on the loo to poo!), hiss like a snake or blow up a balloon.

Toilet posture should be as close to a squat as possible. We are designed to do our business in the full squat position, like you do when camping or travelling where there are squat toilets.

The same position is important for doing a wee for girls. If you are teaching your little man to stand like Daddy, make sure that he can reach whilst keeping feet flat on the floor. Standing on tippy toes is one of the strategies used to help inhibit bladder activity in those with an overactive or urgent bladder. When doing a wee, encourage the stomach to relax but there is no need to moo, hiss or blow.

Remember when your toddler was in nappies he or she would squat in the corner to do a poo in their nappy? Then you started toilet training and they sat on the potty. Both are in the perfect squatting position.

Then you put your big grown-up toddler on the grown-up toilet. The problem is that the big hole and small bottom do not match. This is why it is vital that they are well supported and feel safe.

It is also really important to go when the urge hits as this is when the gut is contracting to move things along – a bit like a Mexican wave going through. Some kids don’t recognise this signal or they may be too busy playing so ignore it. If your child is having problems, try sitting them on the toilet for a few minutes about half an hour after meal time as this is when the gut is most active.

Until their bottom is big enough to fit the toilet seat properly, use a toilet insert to bring that big scary hole down to child size, and give them something to rest their feet on so they can assume the squat position. A ladder with attached seat can be ideal.

If you make toilet time fun time you will have happier children and know that you are setting them up for good toilet habits as they grow up. In our haste to encourage our little ones to become big ones, we often overlook the need for small steps to get there.

So, how should your child sit on the loo?

Fiona is a Women's Health Physiotherapist on the Sunshine Coast. She divides her time between clinical work at Sports and Spinal Physio in Buderim and running the website Pelvic Floor Exercise™, Australia's only specialty online shop for pelvic floor exercise devices and resources. Fiona is passionate about sharing the message of pelvic floor health for women, men and children and does this through her blog and high profile social media presence worldwide.

For more information, visit www.pelvicfloorexercise.com.au.

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Hello and welcome to Autumn! Well, we are now fully into 2016, with kids having completed their first term of school and the temperature a shade or two lower, so congrats on getting this far!

We’ve had some amazing discussions with you on Facebook in the last couple of months, and have been overwhelmed at the incredible response to our new website. Thank you for all your positivity and for being part of the treasured KOTC and KITC sisterhood. It means the world, and we couldn’t do it without YOU! What an inspiring time it has been here in the KOTC/KITC digi office – we can hardly keep up with the wonderful stories, news and recipes that are coming across our desk, and love nothing more than sharing them with you. If you have any recipes / hacks / news / stories / advice / inspiration that you feel would interest our awesome KOTC/KITC tribe, please share them with us by emailing editor@mothergoosemedia.com.au. We would love to hear from you!

We are now proud to be one of the fastest growing parenting sites for SE QLD, and are SO excited to be on this journey with you.

We are also thrilled to announce our new KOTC/KITC Sisterhood SHOUTOUT system, whereby if you would like to ask other mums a question or are wanting some advice, let us know and we will post your question on our Facebook pages to over 56,000 like-minded mamas! #girlpower And as always, if there is anything you would like to see on our digital space that you feel is missing, drop us a line.

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WELLBEING THE TOP 5 SIGNS OF ANXIETY IN YOUNG PEOPLE PARENTING LIFE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

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Whether you fancy spending lazy days by the pool or getting back to nature, you’re sure to find something your whole family will enjoy in our favourite family holiday spots.

RESORTS Oaks Oasis Resort, Caloundra Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Sunshine Coast Paradise Resort, Gold Coast Sea World Resort & Water Park, Gold Coast Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff

COUNTRY ESCAPES Spicers Hidden Vale, Lockyer Valley O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Lamington National Park Binna Burra Lodge, Lamington National Park

FARMSTAYS CAMPING Lee Farmstay and Cottages, Kingaroy Wittacork Dairy Cottages, Maleny Cedar Glen Farmstay, Darlington

Cobb & Co Nine Mile Camping Grounds, Tandur Kenilworth Homestead Mt Barney Lodge Country Retreat

ANIMAL EXPERIENCES Images courtesy: Tourism and Events Queensland

Go turtle watching at Mon Repos near Kelly’s Beach Resort Bargara Stay at Tangalooma Island Resort and hand feed dolphins Sleep under the Sea at Underwater World SEA LIFE Mooloolaba Sydney’s Taronga Zoo Roar and Snore

ISLANDS Fraser Island Great Keppel Island Hideaway Hamilton Island Daydream Island Resort and Spa

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Books

For our personal reviews of these titles and many others we are sure you will love, head to www.kidsonthecoast.com.au THIS IS SADIE

THERE IS A TRIBE OF KIDS

Lane Smith, Pan Macmillan There is a Tribe of Kids is a beautiful, playful celebration of childhood and the animal kingdom. Did you ever want to waddle with a colony of penguins? Wriggle with an army of caterpillars? Or march with a troop of monkeys? Legendary illustrator Lane Smith takes us on a colourful adventure through the natural world, following a child as he weaves through the jungle, dives under the ocean and soars into the sky. Along the way he makes friends and causes mischief with a dazzling array of creatures both large and small – but can he find a tribe of his own? Full of warmth and humour, There Is a Tribe of Kids is a detailed portrayal of wild childhood, curiosity, discovery and what it means to belong.

Sara O’Leary and Julie Morstad, Tundra Books This is Sadie tells of Sadie’s imagined adventures where she can live under the sea and fly with wings, encouraging little readers to use their imaginations and dream their own dreams too. Sadie likes stories because she can make them from nothing at all. She can make boats of boxes and castles of cushions. Subtly questioning literary gender stereotypes, with Sadie imagining she is a boy raised by wolves and the hero in the world of fairy tales, this little tale is a breath of fresh air, while Julie Morstad’s illustrations are rich in colour, with a quirky edge that makes each page a visual delight. Recommended for readers aged 3 to 7 years.

apps Movies

RAISING A ROCK-STAR READER

Amy Mascott and Allison McDonald, Scholastic A must-have parents’ guide for raising lifelong readers and learners. Written for today’s time-crunched parents, this book is filled with easy-to-implement tips for creating a literate environment and fun, quick activities for building children’s oral language and early reading and writing skills. Just five minutes a day is all it takes to foster a child’s love of reading and learning. From the creators of the popular education blogs Teach Mama and No Time for Flash Cards.

YO-KAI WATCH WIBBLE WOBBLE

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2: OUT OF THE SHADOWS In cinemas June 9. Rating: TBC The turtles return to save the city from a dangerous threat.

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MAY/JUN 2016

THE BFG (2016)

In cinemas June 30. Rating: TBC Steven Spielberg and Disney unite to bring Roald Dahl's much loved classic novel to life. An imaginative young girl called Sophie encounters the Big Friendly Giant who, despite his intimidating appearance, turns out to be a kindhearted soul who is considered an outcast by the other giants because he refuses to eat boys and girls.

FINDING DORY

In cinemas June 16. Rating: TBC The friendly, but forgetful blue tang fish reunites with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the true meaning of family along the way.

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

(iOS & Android) Free Japanese mega-sensation YO-KAI WATCH has ‘wobbled’ its way into an exciting app puzzle game, already a smash hit in Japan reaching more than 6.5 million users since launching in October last year. Jibanyan, Komasan and all your favourite Yo-kai have turned into adorable little Yo-kai Wib Wob! Connect them! Tap them! Pop them! Befriend them! Once you catch the fever, you’ll feel wibbly wobbly, too! It’s a fun, light-hearted, family-friendly game aimed at kids and adults. Once you start playing, you won’t want to stop!

READ MORE reviews www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Looking for something a bit more extreme?

Stay amongst the action at the Queensland Recreation Centres on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

Kids will love coming to our centres for: • Affordable, beachfront weekend and school holiday accommodation for Family Escapes.

• Action-packed Coast Club school holiday activities.

• Casual climbing on our rock wall and caving system.

• Fully catered Kids Parties with a range of activity options.

For more information visit www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/qldrec and check out our For Families page.

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Brisbane City Council provides FREE immunisation services for children at 14 clinics across Brisbane.

Council’s immunisation clinics provide a happy, healthy environment for your child’s vaccinations, with no appointments necessary.

For more information on eligibility, clinic times and locations, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/activeandhealthy