Kids on the Coast Magazine - Gold Coast - Issue 67. March/April 2017

ISSUE 67

March/April 2017 GOLD COAST

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

FREE TO TAKE HOME

play issue The

Get back to nature with NATURE PLAY

Explore the kid-friendly playground of JAPAN

The best (& FREE!) play spaces across the region

You may not know what to do, but we will · · · · · · · ·

Separation and divorce Children and parenting arrangements Pre-nuptials Financial Agreements Marriages, De-facto and same sex relationships Property Division Domestic Violence Mediation and Court Appearances

Phone 07 5574 0971 for a free initial consultation

www.caldwellfamilylaw.com.au

[WELCOME]

[CONTENTS]

Kael, (Mighty Warrior)

4 years

What was your favourite thing to do as a kid?

Mine was climbing trees.

Summer, 8 years

We had this enormous oak tree at the end of our street and I would spend hours crawling up through its branches, creating amazing worlds amidst the leaves and imagining I was an elf who lived high under the canopy.

Nowadays, I’m a parent who struggles to play. Running around playing superheroes is inadvertently paused when I fly past an unstacked dishwasher. Playing doctors usually ends with me distracted by the huge pile of laundry nearby (poor teddy’s life-threatening injury will just have to wait).

I don’t mean to do these things, but somewhere along the road of becoming a parent I lost the ability to play—feeling awkward if I’m not doing something productive, or believing the chores have to come first.

Getting outdoors, switching off, enjoying some playtime and being truly present in that moment is something we often put to the bottom of the pile. But playing is an essential part of wellbeing and development—for our children, for us, and for our relationships.

So park your grown-up sensibilities at the door and jump in for some serious fun, as this issue we are all about PLAY! We stack our mud pies and get back to nature when we look at the importance of Nature Play. And our education feature takes a sneaky peak into the wonderful world of outdoor-based education. Our Travel section jets off to the family-friendly playground of Japan. And if you are lost for something to do locally, we’ve got a huge round up of all the best play spaces across the region (and yes, they are all totally free!).

Plus, with all the usual news, reviews, and the latest happenings from our local schools, this issue is a bucket-load of FUN! If you have any feedback or a story to share, feel free to drop me a line at editor@mothergoosemedia.com.au.

I’d love to hear from you!

Costume & styling: Michelle Craik

3 FROM THE EDITOR

18 EDUCATION: Nature's Classroom – the rise

4 WHAT’S ON: The best local events for March and April

of outdoor-based education 22 LOCAL: Let's Play! The best (and totally free!)

6 SOCIAL: What's trending on our social pages

8 WHAT’S NEWS: The latest news in your area

26 PARENTING: Peaceful parenting

10 NOTICEBOARD: All the news and achievements from our local schools

28 TRAVEL: The family-friendly playground of Japan

12 FEATURE: Getting back to nature with Nature Play 16 CHECK THIS OUT: The latest cool and fun-tastic products for the whole family

play spots across the region

30 LOCAL LIFE: Getting crafty with XOXkits 32 WEB WRAP UP: The latest from online 34 REVIEWS: Movies, music, books and apps

I hope you enjoy the issue; I’m off to climb a tree!

With love,

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Hyahno Moser, Kerry White, Kathryn Tonges COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Verve Portraits

Angela Sutherland, 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!

DON'T MISS OUT ON ANY EVENTS! Sign up at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au or www.kidsonthecity.com.au for our weekly What’s On guide.

MARCH 1 ONCE UPON A TIME: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

This weekend sees the return of the everpopular Try-Wizard Tournament in two variations (Original and All-New) as well as the brand new and exciting Walking With Beasts: A Fantastic Expedition. www.theluminariumfestival.com.au

Perfect for children, it's fun, interactive and will have everyone out of their seats twirling for joy.

Come dressed in your favourite ballet inspired or fairytale outfit! www.qpac.com.au

APRIL 1 SEAFIRE

Image courtesy: Tourism and Events Queensland

Celebrate the passion for pyrotechnics! The night will include a Navy tribute, a live band, entertainment, activities on the beach, jet-ski freestyle stunt teams and the world’s greatest pyros lighting up the skies above the foreshore! www.surfersparadise.com

APRIL 1 TO 30 CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Underwood Park New Farm Park Booker Place Kalinga Park Queens Park 4

MAR/APR 2017

Head to our website to fill up your holiday calendar with fun activities and things to do with your kids across the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane. www.kidsinthecity.com.au

Grab your golden ticket to join this sweet adventure and learn of Wonka’s delights in this stage production! www.artstheatre.com.au

The festival celebrates the city's best artists, welcomes renowned Australian and international collaborators and engages a broad audience through a range of accessible events. www.bleachfestival.com.au

NATURE PLAYGROUNDS

An energetic, fun, informative and highly entertaining show that will delight kids young and old and is a must for any Adventure Time fan. www.qpac.com.au

The Festival will once again take science out of the laboratory and into the streets, parks, museums, galleries and performing arts venues of Brisbane and regional Queensland! www.worldsciencefestival.com.au

GUIDE EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE

MARCH 31 TO 16 BLEACH* FESTIVAL

TOP 5

MARCH 12 ADVENTURE TIME LIVE TOUR

MARCH 22 TO 26 WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL BRISBANE

APRIL 19 TO 30 GOLD COAST FILM FESTIVAL Walk the red carpet on opening night alongside actors, filmmakers and film crew! Be captivated by internationally acclaimed dramas, comedies and genre films, locally made indie gems, engaging documentaries, family features and anime! www.gcfilmfestival.com

APRIL 15 TO 17 EASTER VINTAGE FESTIVAL Come and experience rural life in the Australian Pioneer days! Milk a cow, learn how to crack a whip or be a blacksmith. There will be live music and great food! www.eastervintagefestival.com

APRIL 16 EASTER SUNDAY

APRIL 28 TO 30 SURFERS PARADISE LIVE The biggest music festival held over three days will showcase a diverse, eclectic mix of music genres with multiple stages throughout the precinct. Music in paradise that's live and free. All ages welcome. www.surfersparadise.com

APRIL 28 TO 30 GOLD COAST KIDS EXPO A one of a kind baby, toddler, kids, and family event, set to be the biggest kids expo the Gold Coast has seen! www.goldcoastkidsexpo.com.au

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* We publish information based on what is supplied to us - to the best of our knowledge all details are correct at the time of printing, However we do recommend you check event details with the organisers

MARCH 4 & 5 WIZARDING WORLD WEEKEND

FREE!

EVERY TUE* 9am–12pm

MORE INFO BRISBANEPOWERHOUSE.ORG POWERED BY

* EXCEPT SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND IMAGINARY THEATRE

Design Your Future Applications Open 27 March Visit qa.eq.edu.au for more information

William Tsai Queensland Academies Alumnus Bachelor of Medical Science

BRISBANE ARTS THEATRE presents

01tillAPR 10 JUN

BY ROALD DAHL | ADAPTED BY RICHARD GEORGE

BOOK AT ARTSTHEATRE.COM.AU OR ON 3369 2344 210 PETRIE TERRACE BRISBANE QLD 4000

BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CASAROTTO RAMSAY & ASSOCIATES LTD. WWW.ROALDDAHL.COM

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SOCIAL

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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 editor@mothergoosemedia.com.au

Whats news » Visit our website for more news

A TREAT FOR BOOK LOVERS

SWIM NAPPIES ACT LIKE A ‘POO TEA BAG’

The Gold Coast’s annual writer’s festival, the Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival, is heading to town in March, aiming to inspire the next generation of writers and readers.

The event, held by Somerset College, will run from March 15 to 17 and will feature a host of interactive author sessions, book launches, free community events and intimate workshops, with more than 30 of Australia’s most renowned authors taking part.

The festival will kick off with a fun-filled, free community event, the Prologue Party on Wednesday March 15 from 5pm. Visitors can rub shoulders with some of Australia’s best authors and enjoy a selection of delicious food stalls, live music by local buskers, and a range of family-friendly games and activities. The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display to officially welcome the event, now in its 24th year. For more details, visit www.SomersetCofL.org.au.

STUDY REVEALS NUMBER—AND COST— OF OVERWEIGHT KIDS A recent study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, has found that one in five pre-school children are overweight.

The extra medical cost associated with having an overweight child is $367 a year, which costs taxpayers $17 million a year.

“Up until now the argument for intervening in this age group has been to reduce future healthcare costs,” lead researcher Vicki Brown, from Deakin University, told The Daily Telegraph. “The new information is that we can do that, but we can also reduce these burdens to taxpayers and the government.

“It is an area we could intervene in and potentially provide these children with a healthier upbringing and future lives, and try to reduce the risk of some longer term conditions,” she added.

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A biochemistry expert has said that while swim nappies help to contain faeces, it can still leak out, making them act like a “poo tea bag in water.”

DID YOU

KNOW THIS JANUARY WAS THE HOTTEST EVER RECORDED IN BRISBANE A ball of glass bounces higher than a ball of rubber

OSTRICHES CAN RUN FASTER THAN HORSES Some worms eat themselves if there is no other food available NO WORDS RHYME WITH ORANGE, PURPLE OR SILVER kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

Murdoch University professor Una Ryan told The Daily Telegraph: “They don’t work, they don’t work at all—they may be a bit better than a regular nappy, but they release faecal matter into the pool.”

Contamination of pool water with faeces can lead to an intestinal infection in swimmers called cryptosporidiosis, which can cause acute diarrhoea in children. Cryptosporidiosis is very infectious and can, itself, be transmitted through swimming pools so caution is urged before going back into the water.

Queensland Health states: “As people with cryptosporidiosis can remain infectious even after symptoms have settled, they should not go swimming while they have diarrhoea and for two weeks after diarrhoea has stopped.”

‘IMMATURE’ KIDS WRONGLY DIAGNOSED WITH ADHD A study in Western Australia has found that the youngest children in a school are more likely to be given medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as their ‘immaturity’ compared to other classmates is often mistaken for the condition.

Researchers from Curtin University analysed data from 300,000 school children aged between 6 and 10-years-old. Of those children, those born in June were twice as likely to be prescribed ADHD medication as those born in the previous July.

One of the researchers, Dr Martin Whitely, told ABC News: "The most plausible explanation is that teachers provide the evidence for the diagnosis of ADHD, they assess the behaviour of these kids against their peers and they are mistaking agerelated immaturity for a psychiatric disorder. These kids, simply because they're the youngest kids in the class, are being given amphetamine-like drugs because they're young—younger than their classmates.” Read the full report in the Medical Journal of Australia at www.mja.com.au.

Explore

CRESTWOOD Child Care Centre

John Paul College SATURDAY 4 MARCH 8AM – 11AM

A network of buses travels throughout the Southern Suburbs, Logan City and the Bayside.

Please visit our website for further information.

MONTESSORI

inspired

Give your child an exceptional start to life!!!

• • • •

Register at: www.johnpaulcollege.com.au

Holistic and caring small family run centre Long Day Care & Kindergarten Program Government Funding CCB & CCR available High quality educational materials

Enrol now

Scan the QR Code to take a 3D walk through of our centre

or ring us to book a tour of our centre Phone: 07 5564 8815 or 0431 044 866 Email: childcarecrestwood@gmail.com

All I can be

• Kindergarten to Year 12 • Co-educational Day and Boarding School • Christian Ecumenical

John Paul Drive, Daisy Hill, Qld 4127 Australia | Phone: +61 7 3826 3333 Email: registrar@jpc.qld.edu.au (PYP/DP)

CRICOS 00500B

www.johnpaulcollege.com.au

“ where children develop a love of learning” 26 Crestwood Drive, Molendinar Qld 4214 (opp. Lockwood Place) www.crestwoodchildcare.com.au

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MAR/APR 2017

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NOTICE BOARD All the news and achievements from ou r local schools

TARRAGINDI HOME TO ONLY JAPANESE BILINGUAL PRIMARY SCHOOL IN QUEENSLAND Wellers Hill State School is one of a kind in Queensland. It offers a Japanese language and cultural studies programme encompassing most year levels as well as Japanese Bilingual classes, which were introduced to the school in 2014.

“The primary intent of the bilingual program is not to teach Japanese but to improve children’s learning ability through the development of additional neural pathways which research indicates can occur in children who commence the learning of a second language or music by eight years of age,” the school says. “However, the principal is extremely proud to use the strong links with Japan already developed within the school, as the vehicle for improving student outcomes. It is expected children who enrol in the bilingual program in Year 1 will be conversationally fluent in Japanese by Year 3 and technically fluent by the end of Year 5.” To find out more visit https://wellhillss.eq.edu.au.

Principal Chris Thomas and assistant principal Religious Education Janette Gode welcome foundation students Vanlucas Molossa and Peyton Starvis start their first day at St Clare’s

TWO NEW SCHOOLS WELCOMED INTO BCE FAMILY Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) has opened two new schools at the start of the fresh school year.

Buzzing with the excitement of a brand-new school, teachers at St Clare’s Primary School, Yarrabilba and McAuley College, Beaudesert, eased foundation students into school life while nervous parents received tea and tissues from supportive school staff.

They joined more than 72,000 students and 11,000 staff who returned or began at BCE’s 137 other schools and colleges across southeast Queensland.

ORMISTON COLLEGE STUDENT NATIONAL FINALIST IN IKEA TOY COMPETITION A Year 5 Ormiston College student has been announced as a national finalist in IKEA’s competition to design a soft toy.

Emily Zeng’s design ‘Pompom Bird’ has now been submitted to the IKEA design team in Sweden, where it may have the chance to be turned into a real soft toy If successful, Emily’s design will be available to purchase in IKEA stores worldwide later this year.

While BCE executive director, Pam Betts, congratulated the foundation staff at the two new schools, her thoughts were also with the Prep students who started their journey with BCE, and equally with those students in Year 12 who were nearing the end of their Catholic education journey.

MAR/APR 2017

A Year 12 student from St Paul’s School in Brisbane has been selected to represent Australia in volleyball in the upcoming Asian Youth Girls Volleyball Championships. Sarah Strong will be travelling to Chongqing, China to take part in the championships from March 5 to 13. Sarah was initially a netball player at state level but switched her attention to volleyball in Year 8—three years later and she’s now representing her country.

“It’s a privilege to be selected to represent my country,” Sarah said. “I love the touring aspect of volleyball, and I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to do something that I love alongside my best friends. You learn so much about yourself when touring, especially about looking after yourself both mentally and physically while away. The high-level competition is also a great experience—it’s very challenging, but you learn a lot.

“I love volleyball because it teaches you skills that are applicable to all areas of life. It’s a team sport, so there are socio-emotional aspects, as well as the obvious physical demands. There’s also a mental component— you have to stay focused and determined.”

For more information about enrolments visit www.bne.catholic.edu.au.

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ST PAUL’S STUDENT TO REPRESENT AUSTRALIA IN VOLLEYBALL

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Inspiring a journey of learning for life Independent Co-educational Christian School PREP – YEAR 12 12-16 Youngs Crossing Rd Bray Park Qld 4500 www.genesis.qld.edu.au p

3882 9000

NEW IN 2017...

Genesis Dance Academy and Genesis Drama Academy For more information, please visit our website or call 3882 9000

Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.

Aristotle A Catholic education ensures your child is engaged, challenged and provided with clear expectations.

We know your child is unique and with individual attention, we uncover their hidden talents.

All our teachers seek opportunities for every student’s progress and Brisbane Catholic Education sets ambitious targets for improving classroom performance.

Find out more about a Brisbane Catholic Education for your child.

Brisbane Catholic Education teaching • challenging • transforming

Find a school near you at brisbanecatholicschools.com.au kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

MAR/APR 2017

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[FEATURE]

Getting back to

NATURE

by HYAHNO MOSER

IT’S THE CHILDHOOD TREND THAT HAS EVERYONE ALARMED. QUEENSLAND CHILDREN ARE SPENDING LESS TIME PLAYING FREELY OUTSIDE AND MORE TIME INSIDE, PLAYING MOSTLY ON SCREENS. THIS SEDENTARY PLAY TREND HAS BEEN LINKED TO A RISE IN SERIOUS CHILDHOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING ISSUES INCLUDING OBESITY, IMPAIRED MOTOR SKILLS, ANXIETY AND ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDERS. So what is Nature Play? And why does today’s society often restrict opportunities for this type of play, where the very act of ‘keeping our kids safe’ during play is doing the exact opposite?

"I'm really good at long jump," the 10-year-old boy told me proudly.

"I get the high score for that on my PlayStation every time!"

The boy's answer to my question about what was his favourite way to play is both funny and frightening, and the reason that Nature Play QLD exists. Child's play has turned deadly serious with research showing just 7.7 per cent of Australian children play outdoors daily*.

I have travelled across Queensland over the past 3 years, talking extensively to families about the way their kids play, and have seen first-hand how our kids are in the grip of an epidemic—an epidemic of inactivity that needs our urgent attention and intervention to change the way our kids play.

The recent Heart Foundation Physical Activity Report Card shows that Australian children scored a D- for physical activity. This means over 80 per cent of children do not meet the recommended guidelines for daily physical activity.

WHY DOES PLAY MATTER? Play is the means by which our children explore their skills, their environment, their roles, their relationships and make sense of their worlds.

Outdoor play is also the greatest source of healthy physical activity for children.

Even the United Nations states play is vital to a child's health and happiness declaring "A child's right to play is as fundamental as any other right" at their global children's rights convention. Parents are often shocked when I tell them the right sort of play is just as important as good nutrition to a child's development.

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SO WHAT IS NATURE PLAY? Nature play is unstructured play that happens outside, in nature, where the play is child-directed rather than adult-directed. If your child heads into the backyard to figure out how to build a cubby out of that stack of palm fronds headed for the dump—that's nature play. If your child hatches a plan to build a dam at the local creek, or climbs a tree, constructs a fairy garden, makes a mean mud pie or loves to build sandcastles, that's all nature play too.

An expanding body of scientific evidence shows that this type of play delivers significant benefits to a child’s health, cognitive, social and emotional development, and helps our children develop vital life skills such as resilience and creativity.

Nature play sounds simple—you just kick your kids outside to play, right? But there are barriers, both real and imagined, that prevent it from happening. Barriers such as inadequate green space, traffic concerns, risk-averse parents, fearful kids, cleanliness, sun-safety, stranger-danger concerns, over-scheduled kids, underwhelming play-spaces and excessive pressure on educational achievement at the expense of playtime, are all contributing to kids not being able to play in the best possible way.

The Nature Play QLD organisation was created almost three years ago to address community concerns around our children’s increasingly sedentary play choices by providing fun, free, practical play programs to get Queensland kids back playing outside. The signature ‘Passport to an Amazing Childhood’ program, which encourages kids to swap their ‘screen time’ for ‘green time’ by challenging them to complete a series of age appropriate nature play ‘missions’ and encourages them to record their results in their very own Nature Play Passports, has

kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

[FEATURE]

been a huge hit with over 230,000 passports distributed to children across Queensland. The passports are free and kids love them!

Kids also love researching and choosing which of the 200-plus play missions they are going to conquer. There are now several councils working with Nature Play QLD to create local versions of these Nature Play passports, linking play missions to local parks and nature spaces.

Nature Play QLD has also created the Nature Play Partner Network, joining forces with a range of like-minded organisations to offer parents, carers and educators, practical solutions to break down those barriers that prevent our children participating in healthy, active, outdoor play.

Simply being outside in nature is not only beneficial to our nervous system, mental and physical health, but changes the very way we connect to and appreciate the environment—so nature needs our kids as much as kids need nature.

Nature play should be mandatory for adults too when you consider the stress and anxiety that can feature in our lives. If we all found some time to spend in nature we'd see the benefits to our health and wellbeing—just five minutes can improve your self-esteem and mood, 20 minutes can give you a greater energy boost than a cup of coffee!

Sending our kids outside to play sounds so simple, but many families find it is a constant battle to get their kids to make good play choices. A dad of a 7-year old recently stopped me at the shops, sharing his despair over his son who in his words, “Has turned into an aggressive, erratic screen addict.” They are now engaging medical assistance, their family clean out of ideas how to get him to want to put down the screen.

And it's not just the parents realising we have a problem with the way our kids play and interact with screens. The Nature Play QLD summer school holiday challenge was inspired by an 11-year old who told his mum he needed to ‘limit his screen time and do real things with his friends instead.' On the advice of his mum, Hunter contacted Nature Play QLD on how to do a ‘digital detox’, which subsequently led to a state-wide campaign encouraging kids to have a ‘Summer to Remember’ by going outside and playing for two hours a day for 30 days.

Having someone of Hunter's age sharing his experiences within the Nature Play community helped parents right across Queensland have conversations with their kids about why the way they play. Hunter’s mum Suzanne was impressed, telling me while they had always set a benchmark for screen use in their family. Hunter was ‘one of those kids naturally drawn to screens and technology’. Suzanne commented that after the challenge, Hunter was more appreciative of what can happen when you replace playing on screens with playing outside, and she also believed he was more attentive, communicative, and was now able to entertain himself easily.

It's true. Kids who switch off their screens to invent and play their own games in an outdoor environment will not only develop their physical abilities, but also improve their creativity, autonomy, riskmanagement, negotiation and problem-solving skills, as well as boost their confidence and self-esteem. And most importantly when kids are outdoors, creating games with friends where they are in control, they are also usually having fun.

Having fun is exactly what we need kids to experience when they are playing outside.

I know when someone asks my child what their favourite way to play is I want them to say ‘building my own muddy slip ‘n slide’ rather than Minecraft.

Building strong positive outdoor play 'brain files' in our kids from a young age is so incredibly important if we want our children to choose healthy play options, which is why Nature Play QLD worked with child health professionals to create the GROW with Nature Play app for parents of 0–3-year olds. This practical play app gives parents suggestions on simple, age-appropriate outdoor play activities for their infants, highlighting how this type of play helps their babies hit key developmental milestones, creating a new generation of kids who discover the joys of playing outside.

If you're a parent, or a person of a certain age, I'm fairly confident you will know the joy I'm taking about. Think back to your happiest childhood memories and chances are they involve playing outside.

As children’s horizons shrink, there is an alarming trend pertaining to the modern child not wanting to or being interested in, playing outdoors. We need to recreate that joy around outdoor play with our children if we are to protect their right to play and foster a healthy relationship between them and screens. Without regular good quality outdoor play experiences children will simply not develop the necessary internal positive 'brain files' required for them to value outdoor play. As a result, they may not want to participate in outdoor play activities, which will place them at greater risk of health and wellbeing issues.

RECOMMENDED AUSTRALIAN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY/ SCREEN TIME GUIDELINES Infants (birth to 1 year): physical activity should be encouraged from birth, especially supervised floor-based play.

Children (0–5 years): should not be sedentary, restrained or kept inactive for more than 1 hour at a time, with the exception of sleeping.

Children (less than 2 years): should not take part in any screen-time activities.

Children (2–5 years): should be limited to less than one hour per day of screen time.

Toddlers (1–3 years) and preschoolers (3–5 years): should accumulate at least 3 hours of physical activity (light, moderate or vigorous intensity) every day.

Children (5–12 years) and young people (13–17 years): should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity every day. A variety of aerobic activities should be undertaken, including some physical activities that are vigorous in intensity. Physical activities that strengthen muscles and bones should be included on at least three days per week.

For additional health benefits, children and young people should engage in more physical activity (up to several hours) every day.

This age group should minimise the time spent being sedentary every day and break up long periods of sitting as much as possible, and should limit their screen time to no more than 2 hours per day.

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[FEATURE]

We need our kids to want to go outside to play because it is play— not sport—that is the greatest source of healthy physical activity for them. Paediatricians advise parents of young children that they need at least three hours of physical activity every day. The easiest and most beneficial way for children to reach this physical activity quota is through free unstructured outdoor play. By creating opportunities for your children to nature play, you also create the opportunity for children to associate outdoor play as a great source of the 3 F's: Fun, Friends and Freedom.

Nature play also lets our children associate outdoor play as a source of skill development, challenge and mastery—for example, learning to ride a bike or scooter, climbing trees, or making a neighbourhood den gives kids a huge sense of self-satisfaction.

Children will learn powerful and necessary life skills through nature play such as negotiation, autonomy, and self-direction. Skills that will help shape them for the adult world.

NATURE PLAY QLD SYMPOSIUM: MARCH 11 ‘Just for the FUN of it’

The 2016 Australian Child Health Poll revealed that time spent in front of screens, obesity, and a lack of physical activity are the top three health concerns of Australian parents for their children. Changing your routine to consistently include nature play makes it easier for parents and carers to ensure this good quality play happens every day.

Join Nature Play QLD on a journey into why unstructured outdoor play is so vital for children. Some of the world's leading child experts will be there to share why outdoor play—nature play—is FUNdamental to a full and healthy childhood.

If you give your children the choice between ice cream and broccoli, which one will they choose? Similarly, if you give them the choice between screen use and outdoor play, which would they choose? As most parents know, getting your child to eat broccoli can be a mission seemed doomed to fail. However we persist, because we know the long-term effects for our child of good health and wellbeing. The same applies for balancing our children’s screen use and outdoor play. For most parents, outdoor play used to be the ice cream, but to our kids, it may now be the broccoli.

'Just for the FUN of it’, will explore the degree of fun and freedom that exists in our children’s lives and the importance of developing an intrinsic love for outdoor play in our children, in order to achieve a well-balanced, healthy outdoor childhood.

By getting our children regularly outdoors to play, having fun, connecting with nature, playing with other children within their community, we will transform not only their attitudes, but the negative health effects of screen overuse and sedentary lifestyles.

Get active and inspired with hands-on nature play workshops, information, presentations and lots of opportunities for you to play both indoors and out.

For information on tickets go to www.natureplayqld.org.au

ABOUT NATURE PLAY: Nature Play is a QORF Project, with a mission of making nature play a normal part of childhood again for all Queensland children.

Nature Play QLD believes unstructured outdoor play, ‘nature play’, is fundamental to a full and healthy childhood. Nature Play QLD advocates the nature play message and increases access to nature play resources, events and programs for Queenslanders. Nature Play QLD is made possible through the support of the Queensland Department of National Parks, Sport & Racing.

For more information: www.natureplayqld.org.au

ABOUT QORF: QORF is the acronym for the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation and is the peak body representing the interests of outdoor recreation users in Queensland. QORF was formed in 1996 as a not-for-profit association representing a coalition of outdoor recreation groups to advocate on behalf of the industry.

Hyahno Moser, Program Director of Nature Play QLD. Nature Play QLD is the not-for-profit, community organisation that creates practical play programs to help parents, carers and educators raise healthy, happy and resilient children in the modern digital world. The Nature Play programs foster good play practices for children, delivering excellent physiological and physical outcomes for all ages. Hyahno has written and spoken extensively about nature play and why it is so important for the health and wellbeing of Queensland kids. * The 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Young People is available online at: www.activehealthykidsaustralia.com.au

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ial? potent m u m i x a to reach their m nt your child Do you wa

O O R y d Kin

w!! o h u o we’ll show y

ENQUIRE NOW

Weekly 45 – parent handou 60 minute sessions, ts and home activities Age appropria te sessions ar e specifically designed to en force development the neurological of children.

Researched ba involving both sed programs the children and their carers in a safe and fun envir onment.

KINDY/SCHOOL READY KIDDIES

6wks to 11mths

1yr to 19mths / 20mths to 2yrs 6mths

2yrs 7mhs to 5 years

Classes are graded non-mobile to mobile / crawlers. Stimulate your baby with music / rhythm / dance, exercises, massage, tummy-time plus strength / body awareness / vestibular on our special gym equipment.

It’s discovery and playtime on our specialized gym equipment for toddlers. Develop gross motor skills with climbing, jumping, swinging, rolling, learning and space / balance. Fine motor skills, music / rhythm / dance at mat time.

Our most advanced class, children encouraged to try the equipment in new and interesting ways. To develop essential gross motor skills, body awareness, motor planning. Mat time features advanced fine motor skills with small equipment. Writing skills, phonics, literacy, numeracy, various music instruments and more.

VISIT www.kindyroogoldcoast.com for both North Gold Coast and South Gold Coast venues, days, times and program content.

Book online or by ph: 0411 109 853 / 5503 0937 email: info@kindyroogoldcoast.com enquiries welcome.

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MAR/APR 2017

15

[CHECK THIS OUT]

WIN!!

WIN A $200 VOUCHER FOR A PAIR OF FRANKIE4 SHOES OF YOUR CHOICE! SIMPLY HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE TO GO INTO THE DRAW!

FRANKIE4 FOOTWEAR

From $189.95 Comfort, on-trend footwear for busy mums, Australian label FRANKiE4 Footwear boasts modern and classic styles, that are trans-seasonal and all with hidden support! FRANKiE4 is the brainchild of a Brisbane Podiatrist & Physiotherapist with a mission to provide women with the ultimate foot-supporting benefits packed into styles women feel confident wearing. With body mechanics in mind, the designs are aimed to alleviate and prevent heel and arch pain, plantar fasciitis, and forefoot pain. This brand is taking big steps in gaining a growing legion of mums who have become hooked with the comfort and spread the word as they in tackle their days in comfort and style. Find at frankie4.com.au.

GYPSY SOUL TEE

MONOCHROME TEEPEE

$99.95 Teepees are the modern musthave bedroom addition! Designed to last, the Mocka Teepee is a fantastic imaginative learning tool, in which your child can play, read and sleep and have a space to call their own.

Find at mocka.com.au.

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MAR/APR 2017

$35.95 Perfect for your free-spirited little one, this divine slogan tee made from soft cotton jersey with screen-printed art on the front and raw edge arm holes.

Find at childrenofthetribe.com.

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[CHECK THIS OUT]

seriously cool products to

encourage kids

to create, imagine, draw and play!

NANA HUCHY DOLLS

From $31 The latest additions to the Nana Huchy range of children's dolls are simply divine, and each comes with their own story. Meet Boris The Pirate, the friendliest pirate on the high-seas and the perfect partner for sailing adventures.

Or mermaid sisters Milla and Mia, who are both bursting with personality. Fun-filled Milla just arrived on our shores from the Seychelles by hitching a ride on a seahorse.

She enjoys designing bikinis, drawing colourful cruise ships and finding precious pearls in rock-rools. Mia is a classy business mermaid who enjoys polishing her coral collection, making driftwood mobiles and talking fashion. Exquisite dolls with a whimsical elegance and timeless luxury, you can find them all at nanahuchy.com.au

EVEREARTH SHAPE SORTER BOX

RRP: $38.95 This gorgeous shape sorter box from the EverEarth range of wooden toys is made from 100 per cent FSC Certified wood and painted with non-toxic water-based paint. Battery-free, and eco friendly, this shape sorter provides hours of unplugged fun, encouraging critical thinking and problem solving, and building fundamental skills for future development.

The EverEarth range also includes bamboo animals, shape sorting Noah’s Ark and a height chart. Find at biome.com.au.

ZOOLU CARD GAME

PLAYDOUGH PACK

$44 Encouraging sensory play in a natural way, this playdough pack has everything you need to make and create. Pack includes two 400g jars of all-natural, scented playdough, an A4 one-of-a-kind wooden playdough board, a wooden rolling pin and a cookie cutter. You can choose your playdough flavours or opt for a lucky dip! Colours and scents are created using fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and essential oils. Scents available include: mandarin, blood orange, cinnamon, lemon, vanilla, lavender, and spearmint. Find at happyhandshappyheart.com.au.

$19.50 Created by Queensland mum, Hejira Convery, Zoolu is an animal-themed game that kids and grown-ups love. With bright cards to collect and strategy to get young (and not-so-young!) brains whirring, Zoolu is a fab game to play at home and on holiday. It has sight words and colour-matching for preschoolers, plus advanced strategy for school kids, and nothing beats that look of joy when a child outwits their parents! Zoolu also makes gift-giving easy with a range of greeting cards, tees and game packs. For more info about the game, plus free kids’ printables and a fun blog, head to www.zoolugame.com

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MAR/APR 2017

17

[EDUCATION]

Nature’s classroom THE RISE OF OUTDOOR-BASED EDUCATION

by KERRY WHITE

“If Sunshine Coast residents are not out there, getting to know their land and developing a relationship with it, then they won’t love it and they won’t steward it and the scale and pace of change— and the environmental impact of that—was, and continues to be, concerning to me.”

This was the impetus needed for Carly Garner to establish Natureweavers, a forest school in Cooroy. At Natureweavers they do things a little differently. Gone are the confines of a traditional classroom and the schedules that often shape its students’ day.

“There is a gentle rhythm that guides the day, but the content is emergent, child-led, place-based and seasonal,” Carly, Natureweavers director and teacher, explains. “What this means in practice is that within the rhythm of the day, the ‘content’ is directed by the children’s interests, with nature providing the context for the play and thus the learning.”

The forest school caters for children aged 2 to 16 and it currently has 50 children enrolled in the bush kinder, and a further 50 to 60 children regularly attend Natureweavers seasonal, holiday and bushcraft programs. It is one of a rising number of forest, or bush, schools in Australia.

Carly says, “A typical day is muddy, soggy, crunchy, splashy, shady, sunny, slippery, gooey, scratchy, roly-poly and noisy, punctuated with moments of gentle care of tiny creatures, intense listening of birdsong, quiet focus of risky play, the beautiful hum of ephemeral art, and intentional reflections over a shared lunch. Our typical day is what childhood should be.”

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Carly started Natureweavers in 2010 shortly after moving to the Sunshine Coast from Victoria. Carly and her young family were drawn here partly because of the diversity of wild spaces in the region, and the climate that allows access to them regularly. But, she noticed that people did not seem to be out enjoying those wild spaces. “Sure, there are people on the beaches, but where are the people in the hinterland, the national parks, the semi-urban parklands, the riversides, the local creeks, the lesser-used tracks?

“I’ve got a background in environmental advocacy and have spent much of my career attempting to change the behaviour of adults to orient them towards more environmentally sustainable ways of living, learning and working. Research indicates that this kind of environmental stewardship behaviour is largely about relationships—with earth, and specifically, your local landscape.”

She explains how forest schools inspire this kind of environmental stewardship in children and apply it through the lens of early childhood education. “And,” she adds, “It’s fun—much more fun than sitting in a pre-school room, looking out the window, waiting for outside play-time.”

With this outdoor nature play comes another benefit—an improvement in the health of our children. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, less than eight per cent of children in Australia play outside every day. Coupled with the fact that in 2014 only 41 per cent of children in Queensland aged five to 17 years had sufficient physical activity, according to the chief health officer for the state, these statistics make for grim reading.

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Opportunity

starts with a single step

Come and take a walk with me to learn how Ormiston College can give your child every opportunity, setting them on a pathway to future success.

Headmaster’s Tour

Tuesday 21 March 2017 | 4.30pm to 6pm Bookings essential Register online at www.ormistoncollege.com.au/headmastertour

Give them every opportunity

www.ormistoncollege.com.au

07 3821 8999 • 97 DUNDAS ST WEST • ORMISTON • ENQUIRIES@ORMISTONCOLLEGE.COM.AU

INDEPENDENT • CO-EDUCATIONAL • NON-DENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN • PREP TO YEAR 12 • EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

Private and public transport services connecting Brisbane and Redland City suburbs to the College

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MAR/APR 2017

19

[EDUCATION]

FOREST SCHOOLS AROUND THE WORLD

The first ever forest school was set up in Wisconsin in 1927.

Over 10% of Danish preschools are situated in a natural setting, such as a forest, and the natural world is a cornerstone of their approach to learning.

The first forest school in the UK was established in 1993 at Bridgwater College in Somerset.

And it’s not just pre-schoolers that can benefit from outdoor learning. Mandy Potter is co-owner of Starting Strong, the Gold Coast’s only all outdoor pre-school and early learning classes.

As well as offering pre-school classes for three to five-year-olds, Starting Strong offers early learning classes, for children aged 15 months to three years, and infant classes for children from birth to 15 months.

Another such initiative is the 'Creek Kindergarten' program at the Ananda Marga River School Early Childhood Centre in Maleny. Having started in January last year, around 11 to 15 children aged over four years are enrolled in the program, which runs three days a week.

Katchia Avenell, kindergarten teacher and trained nature pedagogist, shared a typical day with us: “We gather for a snack at around 9am to bring the children together, then pack our bags, put on our boots and hats and head on down to the creek. Once at the creek, we set up our portable toilet and put out our yarning mat.

We gather in our yarning circle to Acknowledge Country and pay our respects to our local nation. The children love to lead this!

“We then share our thoughts, look at the change in our environment (tree branches, water flow, etc) and discuss safety,” she adds. “Then we are off for exploration and play. We have a box of tools and another box that keeps our firewood dry in wet weather. We climb trees, jump over rock formations, swim, light fires, explore the water ways and swing from vines.”

The children also make soups or hot drinks on the camp oven and use the tools to fossick for stones, build shelters or make art. “It's incredible what the children make and find,” says Katchia.

She adds that there is an extensive amount of research that highlights the benefits of outdoor play, including physical and cognitive development for children. “Allowing the children to explore the space as they see fit allows them to develop their depth perception, muscles and whole body in preparation for writing. It is a fabulous pre-literacy skill. It allows them to work in groups and with people they normally wouldn't in a defined, routined space. Likewise, we don't have fights over toys or activities—the space is so open the children can move as they please.”

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MAR/APR 2017

“The early learning or toddlers’ classes run for around an hour.

In this class the parents (or sometimes grandparents) attend with the child and learn about teaching their little ones while at home,” Mandy says. “We incorporate songs, crafts, fine motor skills and physical activity to all classes. The infant class is a shorter class (30 to 40 minutes) and focuses on baby sensory and an early love of literacy through stories and finger puppets.

“What sets us apart from other kids’ programs on the coast is not only that we are set up outdoors but also that we are structured and lead by a qualified educator with over a decade of early childhood experience,” she adds. “When trying to find a program like this two years ago for my daughter to attend, I just couldn't believe that there wasn't one in such a city with a large family orientated population.”

They also run 'Forest school Fridays' for their pre-schoolers, where they explore a different new natural play space each week. “These sessions, although very popular in Canada and Europe, are only just starting to get popular in Australia,” Mandy says.

So could this type of learning ever filter down to traditional schools? “Yes,” says Carly. “Indeed it does already. There are primary schools in Australia and worldwide that are implementing nature pedagogy inside, outside and beyond their classrooms, and they are meeting, and in some cases, exceeding, the industry frameworks in which they operate.”

CONTACTS Natureweavers 0403 133 679 www.facebook.com/TheNatureweaversPlace/ Ananda Marga River School 07 5494 3559 www.amriverschool.org/ Starting Strong 0449 029 393 www.facebook.com/pg/outdoorearlylearning.gc

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FREE EXTRACURRICULAR

ACTIVITIES for all children at our

GOLD COAST

LOCATIONS

We ignite a passion for learning, inspiring children to be curious, self-motivated, and enthusiastic participants in their education and within a global community.

Smarter Kids Kindergartens and Preschools offer: • Free makeup days when your child misses a day • Free healthy meals prepared by a qualified chef • Extracurricular activities for all children • Long day care hours • Caring for children from 6 weeks to 6 years • Degree qualified educators at each centre

Best Educators. Best Curriculum.

Best Start in Life.

Call 1300 3 KINDY to book a tour at your local centre www.smarterkids.com.au

5 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS on the GOLD COAST: COOMERA, MAUDSLAND, MERRIMAC, NERANG, ROBINA CENTRAL LOCATION in BRISBANE: LEVEL 2, 400 GEORGE STREET, BRISBANE kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

MAR/APR 2017

21

[LOCAL]

WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO LIVE IN A PLAYGROUND PARADISE, WITH WATER, ADVENTURE, AND OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES AT EVERY TURN. WITH SO MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM, WE’VE ROUNDED UP THE FAVOURITE PLAY SPOTS FROM ACROSS THE REGION. AND BEST OF ALL, THEY ARE ALL TOTALLY FREE!

BRISBANE

ROMA STREET PARKLANDS

Roma Street Parklands is home to over 16 hectares of flower gardens, lakes, playgrounds and forests and much, much more. The park’s play equipment is located in the Upper Parkland, where you’ll find two parks with ladders, swings, bridges, and climbing frames to tire out the kiddies. There is also a train to take you around the park.

SOUTH BANK LAGOON AND AQUATIVITY

MOORA PARK, SHORNCLIFFE

A great interactive water park situated on Brisbane’s South Bank. The water play elements such as fountains and tipping buckets are designed with references to the Brisbane River in mind and introduce children to the importance of the water cycle. Set amongst a beautiful landscape of small boulders, shady trees and a winding stream, this park is free, open every day and patrolled by lifeguards all year.

On the water’s edge at Shorncliffe, this fabulous play park offers plenty to entertain the boldest of adventurers. With interconnected beach huts and obstacle paths, as well as swings and a sandpit, there is plenty of play to be had.

FREW PARK, MILTON

Created from concrete, the awesome climbing structure is begging to be conquered. Take one of the massive curling slides all the way to the bottom, if you dare!

For smaller kids who might find this a little too much, there are swings, spinners and a slide. The kids can also bring their scooters or bikes and use one of the paths that weave around the grassed area.

ROBELLE DOMAIN, SPRINGFIELD

DARLINGTON PARK, YARRABILBA

Robelle Domain is home to a fabulous water play space with sprayers, sprinklers and a huge tipping pail, and an interactive play space. As well as playgrounds, you’ll

find tree top walks, a lake, waterfalls and A lovely, well shaded and well maintained stunning gardens within the Domain, and park, with shallow pools and fountains to splash and play in. The park also has a flying a fabulous light show every evening. If fox, rope bridge and climbing frame so there that’s not enough, next door you’ll also find the man-made Orion Lagoon, with a large is plenty to keep kids busy. When you’ve swimming area, a shallow end for toddlers had enough of the park, you can wander and plenty of grassed space for a picnic. through the wetlands to take in the local flora and fauna.

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MAR/APR 2017

SETTLEMENT COVE, REDCLIFFE

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A gorgeous lagoon on the waterfront at Redcliffe that caters for all ages—a fenced shallow pool area for younger children with plenty of shade and play elements, and the main lagoon with sandy bays that is suitable for older kids. It is thoughtfully landscaped with a small island in the middle and little inlets to explore. The lagoon is open all year and patrolled by lifeguards in the summer.

Right next door to the lagoon is a shaded playground that includes a sand pit, swings and a slide.

SPLASH ‘N’ PLAY WATER PARK, RIPLEY

This is a great spot to cool down on a hot summer’s day. There are areas for toddlers, complete with little fountains, streams and puddles, and the older kids will enjoy slightly more fast-paced water play with a spiral sprayer, big gusher and hula post.

Once they’ve done splashing, get them running about on the awesome adventure park, where you’ll find an elevated skywalk, flying fox, and swings and more.

[LOCAL]

THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS Dreamworld, Gold Coast White Water World, Gold Coast Australia Zoo, Beerwah Aussie World, Palmview Sea World, Main Beach Warner Bros Movie World, Gold Coast Image courtesy: Tourism and Events Queensland

Australian Outback Spectacular, Gold Coast The Ginger Factory, Yandina Wet ‘n’ Wild, Gold Coast The Big Pineapple, Nambour Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast Coolum Aqua Park, Sunshine Coast

GOLD COAST

PALM BEACH PARKLANDS & TREASURE ISLAND PLAYGROUND, PALM BEACH

BROADWATER PARKLANDS & ROCK POOLS, SOUTHPORT

A fabulous water-play area with maritimethemed water fountains and colourful water play elements. It includes sprinklers, tidal rockpools that children can wade and splash in and shallow pool areas for the little ones. The playground is right next to the café so you can keep an eye on your kids while keeping dry. If the kids want to go swimming in deeper water, try the beach side enclosure by the bouncy pillow.

With a sunken pirate ship to conquer, scramble nets and rope bridges to climb, kids will quickly become lost in the world of pirates, parrots and planks! There is plenty for the younger ones too, with a mischievous pirate cat and Treasure Island caves to explore. This is also a great spot nearby for a picnic and a paddle in the lagoon-like waters.

PRATTEN PARK, BROADBEACH

Redefining excellence in park design, this All Abilities playground has something for everyone. The park features a sandcastle fort to get lost in via the many tunnels and stairs, and a sand play table with water.

There is also a submarine to explore, a Sway Fun Ride, a flying fox, scramble nets, a small maze and much, much more.

TOILETS

BBQ

PLAYGROUND WATER PLAY

PICNIC

CAFE

KIOSK

ALL ABILITIES

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LAGUNA PARK, PALM BEACH

A fabulous park for all ages that features a pirate ship to sail, a tall castle and rope towers to climb, and a tram track with a two-person bike that runs around the outside of the play area. There are also several rockers, swings and slides, and a swing for a wheelchair.

CURRUMBIN ROCK POOLS, CURRUMBIN

Just 15 minutes from Currumbin beach is this secret swimming hole. With a rope swing and plenty of shallows for little ones to splash in, the smooth rocks and grassy banks are a great spot for a picnic.

MAR/APR 2017

23

SUNSHINE COAST

[LOCAL]

PIRATE PARK, NOOSA YACHT CLUB, NOOSAVILLE

KINGS BEACH WATER PARK, KINGS BEACH

At the western end of Gympie Terrace, the Pirate Park is a great family-friendly park with plenty of interesting equipment including climbing frames, a flying fox, slides and a sand pit. The play equipment also includes a wheelchair Liberty Swing and a wheelchair-height sand digger. Alongside the park is Noosa Foreshore, which is a great spot for cycling and a picnic.

QUOTA MEMORIAL PARK, NAMBOUR

DICK CAPLICK PARK, EUMUNDI

TOILETS

BBQ

PLAYGROUND WATER PLAY

Located near the centre of Nambour, Quota Memorial Park is a great place for kids to let off steam. The semi-circular climbing feature tests the skills of the older children whilst the younger ones by the swinging boat and the train engine and carriage. Also popular is the yellow ball funnel—perfect for honing those ball skills and creating your own games. The most striking attraction is the three-storey building with rope climbs, a spiral tunnel slide and plenty to keep the little ones busy.

A roomy park in the heart of Eumundi with stacks of play equipment including a popular play train, climbing ball, giant spinning wheel, and play bridge suspended between the fig trees.

PICNIC

CAFE

KIOSK

ALL ABILITIES

Overlooking the stunning Kings Beach is a large, saltwater swimming pool. The pool is graded so it gets progressively deeper, but there are plenty of shallow spots for smaller kids to paddle and play. There is ample seating and shade to be found here so it’s easy to bring a picnic and make a day of it. Wander back towards the town centre slightly and you will find another water play spot, with fountains to run and play in.

TEWANTIN SPLASH PARK, TEWANTIN

Perched on the bank of the glorious Noosa River, this water park may be small, but it is perfectly formed. The flooring represents the river running from Noosa Heads up past Lake Cootharaba. Take a seat and watch the kids splash in the time-delay fountains in this safe, fully enclosed, well-shaded park. Once the kids have had their fun, treat yourself to a wander around the quaint Noosa Marina a short stroll away.

NATIONAL PARKS AND GARDENS Springbrook National Park Noosa National Park Tewentin National Park Buderim Forest Park Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens Noosa Botanic Gardens Maleny Botanic Gardens Image courtesy: Tourism and Events Queensland

Tamborine Mountain Botanic Gardens Glass House Mountains Brisbane Botanic Gardens Tambourine Mountain Botanic Gardens

LET US KNOW WHAT YOUR FAVOURITE PLAY SPACE IS AND WHY YOU LOVE IT, AND WE’LL ADD IT TO OUR LOCAL GUIDE! 24

MAR/APR 2017

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kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

MAR/APR 2017

25

[PARENTING]

PEACEFUL PARENTING CHANGING JUDGEMENT AND REACTIVITY

by KATHRYN TONGES

Have you ever felt so frustrated with your children you could scream?

Recently a dad and I were discussing children’s ability to emotionally self-regulate. He said he agreed that young children are still learning about their emotions. He then added, “What about me? I go from neutral to anger in a flash when my child loses it or refuses to do as I ask. How can I change? It’s like I’m freewheeling and need emotional trainer wheels as a parent.”

He’s not the only parent I’ve met in over 35 years of working with parents who has been challenged on this front.

So what trips your trigger? Usually reactivity comes from some underlying beliefs, your expectations about how you think children should behave and how you think you should behave as a parent.

Your first thoughts might be “I’m not going to let my child get away with this just to get what they want”, or, “they should show some self-control”.

Peeling back the layers that led to these thoughts, you might believe that children should respect authority. You might also believe that, as a parent, you need to be in control of your child and if you are not in control you are a “bad” parent. You might also believe that the only way to get a child to change is to use any one of the following coercive options: threaten, bribe, punish, say 1-2-3, ground them, or give timeout. These beliefs arise out of fear and often limited information.

Ultimately, parents everywhere tell me they want their child to grow up to be responsible, respectful adults and they themselves want to be loving role models to their children.

So the disconnect happens when you don’t know how to effectively achieve this and you rely on outdated, unloving and fear-based methods that serve to alienate your child, place your child in the role of a culprit, and leave them fearful and even dependent on you. These methods may bring quick ‘results’ but don’t bring productive and lasting change, respectful relationships or intrinsically motivated children such as achieved by using the

Parent Effectiveness Training skills based model of parenting.

It is time-tested and current neuroscience validates it.

The combination of your judgmental thoughts and beliefs culminates in your feeling unhappy and then angry. Therefore, to change your intense reaction and feelings it makes sense to firstly change your thoughts and beliefs and secondly learn new assertive parenting skills.

When you decide to change your underlying beliefs about children and about your role as a parent you can free yourself to choose and use a more loving and helpful response rather than resort to an angry reaction. It is interesting how we accept the essential need to upgrade our skills in the workplace and invest time in study for our career yet cling to outdated methods of parenting.

One parent I recently helped decided to change her thinking from, “My child is such a pain. I’m always yelling at her” to “My child is learning to manage her emotions. I role model empathy and guide her assertively.” But that’s not all.

This same parent started to use the ABCC approach when she felt anger rising. She Acknowledged her anger and it began to subside, she Breathed deeply and reaffirmed her new beliefs about children and parenting. She asked herself and visualised what she most wanted—harm or helping. She said to herself “I choose love not fear”. This pause gave her time to be Curious about the needs of her daughter and her own needs as a parent. Next she made a Choice to use effective assertive parenting skills. Sometimes she forgot and the anger surfaced before she took a pause. At those times she apologised and proceeded with ABCC. What about you? What judgmental beliefs about your child and your parenting role might you change today? State them in a positive way and what you want to happen. Write them down (this helps form new pathways in the brain), pin them up, and say them frequently to replace the old ones. Be kind on yourself. It takes 30 days of making mistakes and practicing to change a habit!

Kathryn Tonges is an international and national parenting educator, coach and author. Her passion is helping parents build more peaceful and loving relationships. She teaches the internationally recognised, skills based, time-tested and proven Parent Effectiveness Training course on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane. She is a National Trainer for Effectiveness Training Institute of Australia and as State Executive Officer for Queensland she connects parents with other P.E.T. instructors in their area. You can find more about her courses at: www.theparentwithin.com

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Do you sometimes wish for a better connection with your child?

Do you sometimes wish you loved being a parent … all the time?

Do you wish you understood your child’s emotions a little better?

FREE The •

•

• •

•

•

At the upcoming Raising Happy Kids Conference, Day 1 (connected parenting) will see international guest speakers providing hands on information about children’s emotional expression, parenting differences, setting boundaries without punishment, dealing with meltdowns, getting triggered as a parent and much more.

Join our Kindy Swim!

Here’s why kids love our Kindy Swim Program: • Learn safety swim skills • Fun classes and private pool • Nurturing teachers • Warm water BOOK TODAY!

Visit dipadees.com or call 3355 1550 EASTER CAMPS

Day 2 will see speakers providing hands on information about what it means to home educate your child, how to start home education, the opportunities and challenges of being a homeschooling parent, pre-schooling for home-schooling, registration requirements, home educating children with learning difficulties, child led learning and a Q&A panel.

1 - 8 April 2017 8 - 15 April 2017

LONG WEEKEND

28 April – 1 May 2017 (Labour Day Weekend)

WINTER CAMPS

24 June - 1 July 2017 1 - 8 July 2017

Learn how to deepen the connection with your child and raise happy kids!

9am-5pm. Free parking. WGS Kids Zone.

EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

www.raisinghappykidsconf.com.au

www.kiahpark.com 5486 6166 Camps every school holidays • Ages 6 to teens • Beginners welcome Focusing on horse riding, friendship and fun in a safe environment

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MAR/APR 2017

27

[TRAVEL]

THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLAYGROUND OF

Japan HOME TO DISNEYLAND, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS’ WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER AND MANY MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS, JAPAN IS A PARADISE OF PLAY FOR YOUNG FAMILIES. THE SKY CIRCUS SUNSHINE 60 OBSERVATORY, IKEBUKERO

TOKYO DISNEYLAND

A hands-on observatory packed with interactive experiences.

Ride one of the world's fastest elevators, travelling at 600m per minute and taking a mere 35 seconds to arrive at the 60th floor, view Tokyo from the sky, look for Mt Fuji, experience the latest VR technology, play, explore and take incredible photos. www.skycircus.jp/english/

SUNSHINE CITY COMPLEX, IKEBUKERO This busy complex has stacks of attractions for families including an aquarium, planetarium, Pokémon Centre, and Namja Town—an indoor theme park packed with attractions and games, and serving gyoza, crepes and the largest selection of ice-cream flavours. www.sunshinecity.co.jp/english/

ROBOT RESTAURANT, SHINJUKU Describing itself as a 'crazy show', be prepared to be mesmerised by the incredible performances. Kids are offered headphones as the show is very loud, and it may not be suitable for very young children (check the website to determine that for yourself). Arrive early and give yourself time to enjoy a pre-show drink in the eclectic lounge area. www.shinjuku-robot.com/pc/?lng=en

METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OFFICES The best free views of Tokyo and Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Enter the right or left tower and take the lift from the basement to the 45th floor. Enjoy the fantastic views, browse the gift shops and grab a snack. Visit in the evening to see the sun set over the city. www.tokyometro.jp/en/attractions/metropolitan_govt_bldg/

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MAR/APR 2017

All kids want to go to Disneyland. But many parents don’t realise there is a Disneyland in Tokyo—one that is designed with younger Disney fans in mind.

The design is slightly different from other Disney theme parks around the globe. It’s big, but not too big, and with more space between rides, it is very easy to get around and perfect for little ones or those who want a quieter, more whimsical experience.

If it is rides you are looking for, Tokyo Disneyland has most of the bigger rides you would expect: Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Journey to Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion.

INSIDER

TIPS

• Consider purchasing fast passes, even on a quieter day the ride lines can be long.

• Pick up a character popcorn holder and try the different types of popcorn sold around the park… it’s THE thing to do!

There are stacks of rides for the little ones too: Donald’s Boat, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, and Pooh’s Honey Pot Ride, which is definitely a highlight for little ones.

But Disneyland isn’t just about the rides. Disneyland Tokyo has plenty of shows and entertainment, including a fantastic street parade with all your favourite characters. You can also take a ride on the Mark Twain Riverboat, visit Tom Sawyer Island, explore Cinderella’s castle and meet Mickey Mouse and the many other Disney characters along the way. To round off the day there is a spectacular light projection show every evening held in the centre of the park. www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/

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[FEATURE] [TRAVEL]

"Within easy reach of Australia and with a bounty of kid-friendly attractions on offer, Japan is now a top destination for any fun-seeking family."

Robot Restaurant, Shinkuku

Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observatory, Ikebukero

Universal Studios, Osaka

Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observatory, Ikebukero Tokyo Disneyland

UENO ZOO

MARAIKAN, ODAIBA

As Japan’s oldest zoo, Ueno Zoo is home to over 3,000 animals.

For under $10 per family, see pandas, gorillas, ride the monorail, whilst younger children will love the petting zoo. www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is a place to get in touch with, think about, and try doing it by yourself.

Explore science and technology exhibits that will likely shape the years to come. Hands-on displays make this a great place for kids, while a new multilingual smartphone app makes a game out of visiting. Don't miss the demonstrations of humanoid robot ASIMO and the lifelike android Otonaroid. www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/

TOKYO SKYTREE The Tokyo Skytree observation decks offer spectacular views over Tokyo. Purchase tickets on the 4th floor for the lower Tembo Deck. A fast and smooth elevator ride takes visitors to the top floor of the 350m-high Tembo Deck, from here tickets for the second observation deck can be purchased. The Tembo Deck spans three levels with great views from all of floors, the lowest level features glass flooring where you can look down at the base of the tower. A second set of elevators connects the Tembo Deck to the 450m-high Tembo Gallery. The elevators feature a glass panel roof and glass doors to watch the scenery as you rise. On the Tembo Gallery you can walk along a spiral ramp that circles the tower upwards. The construction of the steel and glass tube allows visitors to look down from the dizzying height of the tower. www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/

TOYOTA MEGA WEB, ODAIBA A car theme park to 'Look', 'Ride' and 'Feel' automobiles. Explore the TOYOTA theme park, try out VR technology and race simulators, for free. Kids can learn to drive with professional driving instructors at 'Ride Studio'—book a session with the instructors and when a child passes they will receive a probationary license which allows them to enter the driving track to obtain a full photograph license and gain further driving experience. Adults can also test drive their favourite Toyota car, but must present an International Drivers License to do so. Be prepared to spend the whole day. www.megaweb.gr.jp/about/english.html Also nearby: Tokyo Leisure Land, a massive arcade which has several floors of arcade games, bowling, batting cages, pool tables, table tennis, Ninja Trick House, haunted house and more.

Also nearby: The Decks Tokyo Beach Mall which includes eateries, shopping, Legoland Discovery Centre, Madame Tussauds Tokyo, Joypolis arcade, and the Tokyo Trick Art Museum. www.odaiba-decks.com/en/

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN, OSAKA High on any child’s ‘desperate-to-do’ list is a visit to Universal Studios to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Yes, there is the popular one in London, and also one in Hollywood.

But there is also one in Osaka, Japan!

Wander the magical streets lined with all the classic stores: HoneyDukes, Dervish and Banges, Olivanders, Filch’s Emporium, Owl Post, Hogwart’s Express Station 9¾ and Hagrid’s Hut. The virtual reality Hogwarts Ride is a must-do, as you fly around Hogwarts on broomsticks, play Quidditch against Malfoy, get chased by a dragon, ghosted by Dementors, then take a trip down to the Chamber of Secrets, through the Forbidden Forest, avoid the Whomping Willow and return to the castle, to be cheered on by fellow students and Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. There is also a nice medium rollercoaster ride—the Flying Hippogriff—to enjoy the view of Hogsmeade. And don’t forget the obligatory butter beer to round off a magical day!

Once you are finished with Hogwarts, the rest of Universal Studios Japan offers plenty of other entertainment, including a Jaws ride, the Jurassic Ride and the Spiderman Ride. There are also some bigger rollercoasters for the bolder visitors that include Hollywood Dream and the Flying Dinosaur. www.usj.co.jp/e/

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MAR/APR 2017

29

[LOCAL LIFE]

Getting crafty with

XOXkits

AFTER SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT ADULT CRAFT KIT THAT SIMPLY DID NOT EXIST IN AUSTRALIA, SARAH SCULLEY CAME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR XOXKIT—A SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE THAT PROVIDES JUST THAT. WORKING WITH HER MUM DONNA, THE IDEA HAS REALLY TAKEN OFF. WE TALK TO THEM TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT XOXKIT AND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS. How long have you been running XOXkit?

Sarah—what is it like working with your mum?

Sarah: We have been working on XOXkit for almost a year. The idea has been floating around in our heads for a long time but in early 2016 we actually took steps to turn the dream into a reality. We ran a crowdfunding campaign in August to get an idea of the feasibility of the business, and to gain financial support. We couriered out our first kits in September 2016. It was a very proud day!

Sarah: Surprisingly good! We have the same work ethic, drive and passion for everything creative. Our creative tastes vary, but Mum is really good at stepping back and letting me creatively drive the branding and projects. Not because I’m pushy, but because I understand our target market—I am our target market! Mum really balances me out when it comes to the business. She makes really good business decisions that I tend to dwell on. She’s amazing with the books, ordering and contracts, all things that I am horrific at. The best part about working with Mum is having someone to celebrate the wins with. I am so thankful we’re doing this together.

What was the inspiration behind it?

Sarah: It was something that I wanted but couldn’t find in Australia— an affordable, high quality, adult craft kit. There were a lot of craft kits for children, but I wanted something I wouldn’t have to share with my son—unless I wanted to! A craft kit that produced a really professional, on-trend project outcome.

What can we expect to find in an XOXkit box?

Sarah: You will find all the tools, materials and instructions to create two on-trend projects every month. Some of the past XOXkit projects have been macramé, terrarium construction, gold foil printing, fabric baskets and homemade clay. We also supply online video instructions to walk you through the projects.

What are your most popular boxes?

Sarah: Good question! Every time we ask a subscriber what their favourite kit was we get a different answer. My favourite XOXkit was the gold foil and frame kit. Although, I must say, we created a one-off Christmas XOXkit which sold out just a few days after we launched the product. So that was a big hit!

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MAR/APR 2017

Donna—what is it like working with your daughter?

Donna: We work really well together, and I believe it has brought us closer. We have complementary skills, so that all aspects of running a small business are covered. Sarah is very creative and enthusiastic, and has a good grasp of our target market. I am more pragmatic, and I have a large array of crafting and DIY skills. We live almost 200km apart, but the wonders of modern technology (and a reliable car) mean that we can pool our resources seamlessly. We are both organised and Sarah learned her list-writing skills from me. Sarah even has a list of her lists! The pupil has exceeded the master!

What did you both do before you started XOXkit?

Sarah: I have my own business which has been running since 2002: Sculley Design. I have a range of amazing graphic design clients that I work with, from packaging to branding. I am also an

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urban artist and muralist. I have work at Platform72 (Sydney) and Aspire Gallery (Brisbane) and I am always working with clients on murals for their homes or businesses. I’ve also started running a handful of workshops around street art and stencilling. I’m pretty busy between XOXkit and Sculley Design but I absolutely love it!

Donna: After a professional life as a scientist and administrator I am now retired and living in Warwick, Queensland, a smallish country town. Prior to living in Warwick my partner Jeff and I spent eight years travelling and working in our caravan around Australia.

What a wonderful adventure! We still get away in the caravan on a regular basis, exploring new areas and always watching out for new birds. Both at home and away, I keep busy with a variety of crafts, the more intricate the better. I just cannot sit still!

What are your plans for the future?

Sarah: If there is one thing we both do really well, it’s planning!

We want to get more Australian creatives involved in curating XOXkits. We also feel the need to run Facebook Live crafternoon events to encourage everyone (not just subscribers) to take time out of their busy lives to get crafty with us. But ultimately we are looking forward to presenting more and more innovative projects that involve fresh techniques so that our subscribers are on top of all the up-and-coming trends before they hit the market. With our current growth, we will soon need to have a small warehouse from which to run XOXkit. At the moment it operates from the Sculley Design studio which makes the space very cramped, especially when it’s packing week!

Donna: Our main aim at XOXkit is to bring the joy of crafting to as many people as possible. Not everyone likes the same craft, so we try to present a large variety of techniques for our subscribers to learn. We just LOVE to get feedback about our kits, because we can only improve with this feedback. Also, we are always open to new suggestions. If our subscribers have heard about a new craft and want to give it a go, please tell us about it and we will try to oblige, just pop along to the website www.xoxkit.com.au.

Can you give the XOXkits as a gift?

Sarah: Absolutely! We have a gift-giving system set up where you can gift someone a XOXkit subscription and you can choose how many months they receive their XOXkits. Give one kit, 3, 50… whatever you like. It’s a great gift idea for those crafty people in your life.

You can find out more about the gorgeous selection of XOXkit boxes at www.xoxkit.com.au. kidsonthecoast.com.au | kidsinthecity.com.au

MAR/APR 2017

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Movies BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

In cinemas March 23, rating CTC The story and characters audiences know and love come to spectacular life in the liveaction adaptation of Disney’s animated classic Beauty and the Beast, a stunning, cinematic event celebrating one of the most beloved tales ever told. Starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans.

Bring your little princesses to a very special ‘Little Chicks at the Flicks’ screening of Beauty and the Beast at select BCC and Event Cinemas on Sunday 26th March. Enjoy all the pre-film festivities including a complimentary high tea served from 10am, and then catch the film at 10.30am. Tickets are on sale now at eventcinemas.com.au

THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE

In cinemas March 30, Rating CTC In the irreverent spirit of fun that made The LEGO® Movie a worldwide phenomenon, the self-described leading man of that ensemble – LEGO Batman – stars in his own big-screen adventure. But there are big changes brewing in Gotham, and if he wants to save the city from The Joker’s hostile takeover, Batman may have to drop the lone vigilante thing, try to work with others and maybe, just maybe, learn to lighten up. Voice cast: Will Arnett, Ralph Fiennes, Rosario Dawson

Join Cine Buzz Rewards and save these school holidays at BCC and Event Cinemas. Cine Buzz Members enjoy Family Pass discounts for a great range of family films.

Membership is free. Join now at eventcinemas.com.au

apps

SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE

In cinemas March 30, Rating CTC In this fully animated, all-new take on the Smurfs, a mysterious map sets Smurfette and her best friends Brainy, Clumsy and Hefty on an exciting and thrilling race through the Forbidden Forrest filled with magical creatures to find a mysterious lost village before the evil wizard Gargamel does. Embarking on a rollercoaster journey full of action and danger, the Smurfs are on a course that leads them to the discovery of the biggest secret in Smurf history! Voice cast: Demi Lovato, Mandy Patinkin, Joe Manganiello

Music

ITSY BITSY SPIDER

Duck Duck Moose. FREE Award-winning tribute to the classic childhood nursery rhyme, Itsy Bitsy Spider is a fun and interactive early learning app. Through the bright illustrations, counting games and hidden surprises, you can watch a caterpillar become a beautiful butterfly, collect colourful eggs on the spider’s web, play peek-a-boo with a frog, and learn about the environment and nature from Cloe the Fly. You can also sing along and record your own voice! With simple navigation and fun graphics, it is perfect for little ones, ages 2–5.

Books

THE COVERS OF MY BOOK ARE TOO FAR APART! (AND OTHER GRUMBLES)

ANIMAL SOUNDS

John Field $12.99 All children love to sing, and all children are fascinated with animals of all sorts. Now acclaimed children’s songwriter John Field brings the two together with Animal Songs and Sounds.

Animal Songs and Sounds brings to life a musical zoo where you can sing along with monkeys, kookaburras, elephants, alligators, puppies, platypuses and other shaggy, furry, hairy animals! Perfect for young children, Animal Songs and Sounds is ideal for the home or car and will keep kids singing and dancing for hours. Find at shop.abc.net.au.

NEVER SAY NO TO THE MUSIC

Tee and Mo $16.99 An entertaining album of music for kids and their families, who’d also perhaps appreciate an alternative to Wheels On The Bus! Tee and Mo is all about the daily adventures of a funny and precocious little monkey, Tee, and his clever and unstoppable mum, Mo. While Tee and Mo may want to do different things, there’s always plenty of fun to be had, their light-hearted approach to problem solving and teamwork inspiring imaginative play and caregiver/child bonding. This fun album is available at www.teeandmo.com or via iTunes.

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By Vivian French and Nigel Baines. $13.25 This warm and very funny picture book explores some of the fibs we tell children and children tell us about reading and books. From excuses like 'I haven't got time to read', to misconceptions about those who struggle with reading, The Covers of My Book Are Too Far Apart! (and Other Grumbles) turns negatives on their head and celebrates the right we all have to access story, and the wonders of the printed page. For ages 3–5.

EMMA

DAN

LUKE KEVIN JOSH

EWAN

STANLEY

AUDRA

GUGU

IAN

EMMA

WATSON STEVENS EVANS KLINE GAD McGREGOR TUCCI McDONALD MBATHA-RAW with McKELLEN andTHOMPSON