Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 50

Issue 50 May/June 2012 sunshine coast www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Free!

Risk Rewards Choosing childcare to suit your child Talking about s• e• x with your child Trick or tick?

Exploring food colours and flavours Sleeping baby safely

plus Babies on the Coast, what’s on Calendar and lots more!

contents - MAYJune2012 -

4 4 6 7 8 16 18 26 34 36

Our 50 Editions From the Editor WHAT’S NEWS CHECK THIS OUT: New, fun and funky things FEATURE: Risk Rewards NEW TO THE COAST THE ‘P’ FILES: Talking about S-E-X with your child EDUCATION: Choosing the right childcare for your family FAMILY LIFE: Connecting with people; brought to you by Stockland CALENDAR OF EVENTS

38 46 53 52 54 56 58 60 61 62

BABIES ON THE COAST: Sleeping baby safely ONLY NATURAL: Food colours and flavours PARENTVILLE: The devil is in the detail HEALTH: Fussy eating?

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU! LET’S CELEBRATE: Party bags HAPPY HOLIDAYS: A Fiji Adventure PARENTS PROFILE: Peter Mulcahy PARENTS IN BUSINESS: Business Directory REVIEWS

Find out what’s happening on the Coast during May & June

Editorial contributions for Issue 50: Maxine Arthur / Kim Lahey / Luke Goldston / Dr Fiona Pelly / Aleney de Winter Cameron Munro / Holly Brennan OAMV / Christine O’Leary

Kids on the Coast magazine is printed with vegetable/soy based inks on paper supplied using pulp sourced from sustainable forests and manufactured to environmentally accredited systems. Kids on the Coast encourages recycling.

Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

PUBLISHED BY: THINGS 4 KIDS PTY LTD. PO Box 491, Eumundi QLD 4562 PHONE: 1300 430 320 FAX: 07 5471 2372 WEB: www.kidsonthecoast.com.au ABN: 86 473 357 391. All editorial and advertising in Kids on the Coast is published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers.

No responsibility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Kids on the Coast is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Feedback/comments/suggestions? Send to: editorial@kidsonthecoast.com.au. We aim to reply to all correspondence but don’t guarantee to do so. Letters to the editor may be edited for length or clarity. PUBLISHER: Toni Eggleston ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Simone Bell EDITOR: Jackie Goldston EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Maxine Arthur, Dr Fiona Pelly, Luke Goldston, Kim Lahey, Aleney de Winter, Jackie Goldston, Christine O’Leary, Cameron Munro, Holly Brennan, Peter Mulcahy ADVERTISING: For advertising enquiries please phone 1300 430 320 or email: advertising@kidsonthecoast.com. au LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY: Speak with your advertising coordinator or email: advertising@kidsonthecoast. com.au Production Department: Email: production@kidsonthecoast.com.au ADMINISTRATION: Kellie Kruger DISTRIBUTION: Kids on the Coast (Sunshine Coast edition) is a free publication circulating over 20,000 copies from Caloundra to Noosa and through the hinterland. Separate edition covers the Gold Coast. For distribution enquiries please phone: 1300 430 320 or email: admin@kidsonthecoast.com.au FRONT COVER: Allison Wills. Hat from Sweet Pea Toad on Etsy store GRAPHIC DESIGN: Esther Bundellu MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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- KOTCcelebrating50issues Welcome to

kidsonthecoast I was chatting to a childhood friend recently about how different our children’s upbringing seems to be from how I remember mine. From a fairly young age my sisters and I would explore our local area, either with neighbours’ children or on our own. Sometimes for hours at a time, with our parents just knowing where we were going, we were allowed the freedom to just be kids in our local environment, without parental supervision. How times have changed!

In this edition of Kids on the Coast we are exploring the changing landscape of how we approach risk and our children; how to have THAT conversation with your child and what to talk about and when; as well as looking at the current baby sleeping recommendations from the experts at SIDs and Kids.

We are also looking into what some of those numbers mean on the back of food packaging and what they could mean to your child’s behaviour and health; as well as giving you an overview of the main differences in childcare options available.

I am really excited about our 50th edition of Kids on the Coast as it is packed with stories and interviews that I couldn’t wait to read. As always, we would love to hear what you thought.

Please feel free to contact me via Facebook.com/kidsonthecoast, our website or email. And of course, keep an eye out for new competitions on our website as they are added regularly!

Toni eggleston PUBLISHER/OWNER

As a young mum back in 2001, new to the Sunshine Coast, Toni discovered that there was a lack of information for parents to find things to do, places to go and general parenting resources. So being the ‘ideas lady’ she is, she figured why not start a magazine – how hard could it possibly be?!? Harder than she ever imagined! Many a Kids on the Coast magazine was born from the hall way of Toni’s then half finished home. 3am finish times, magazine layouts on the kitchen table, 20,000 magazines hand delivered from the back of her little corolla (with her Dads help) with the reward of seeing her ‘baby’ in print.

Now 50 issues later, Kids on the Coast has its own home in Peregian Beach, a fantastic, creative team behind it, and a loyal following of advertisers and readers. As for Toni – with a newborn baby, she will still often email at midnight, she is still ‘the ideas lady’, and we are very happy to say – has doors on her house!

I wouldn’t leave home without: My phone! The best advice I’ve been given: It’s not really advice but more an inspiration.

You can’t die wondering! It’s been the motivator behind many difficult decisions I’ve made and a great justification when things don’t go as planned. The funniest thing my child has said: When celebrating New Year’s Eve my daughter asked what I was drinking (because it’s about the only time I drink). “Champagne”, I responded. She had a look of horror and then asked if I was drinking the conditioner as well. This was 10 years ago now and still makes me cry with laughter every time I tell this story. When I grew up I wanted to be: A vet or an air hostess, although I have no idea how this was ever going to be a reality with a major fear of flying My favourite saying is: This is one for my daughter and anyone out there that has a daughter who suffers the reality of pre-teen school yard politics. “Be who you are and say what you feel, because that those that matter don’t mind and those that mind don’t matter.” Thank you Dr Seuss!

SIMONE BELL ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Simone is a Mum of three daughters, and back in 2005, after a long break decided it was time to get back in to the workforce. It’s not often that a job interview is held at the local aquatic centre, while the potential boss’ daughter is having fun! From that moment Simone knew that it didn’t matter which position was available, this was a company she wanted to be a part of. Since then, Simone has worn many different hats – from Sales across all regions, production managing, writing articles, taking photos, organising events, social media and networking. It was decided that all of this could be combined and given the fancy title of Associate Publisher.

My favourite book: Gone with the Wind – I only read it a few years ago, and really didn’t think I would love it as much as I did! My favourite childhood toys: My Barbies and my walking doll named Suzie. She had one stiff arm so she could walk along side me. I got her for my 6th birthday and still have her. I perfected the Lady Diana hairflick on Suzie. I wouldn’t leave home without: Forgetting my iPhone, as it sets off a major panic attack. Best advice I have been given: To treat others how you like to be treated. The funniest thing my child has said: My then 3 year old – dressed in her best fairy outfit waved her magic wand at me and said ‘Mummy, Mummy, I’m a fairy princess and I have a magic wand and I can turn you in to whatever you want be!’ My response was ‘Barbie, I’ve always wanted to be Barbie’ She said ‘I’m sorry Mummy, I’ve run right out of Barbie’s – you’ll have to be Mrs Potato Head’....... When I grew up I wanted to be: A hairdresser - which I did for 10 years.

My Achilles heel is: CHOCOLATE! My favourite saying is: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou

Jackie Goldston Editor *See the website for competition terms and conditions

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

A family’s touching story

Mind Over Manners

Raising Courteous Kids

Meatless meals

Should your family go vegetarian?

RUBY

EDISON

Our top

playgrounds and parks

WIN!!!

It’s on again!

DOROTHY THE DINOSAUR TIX FAMILY MOVIE PASSES LABEL KINGDOM BIRTHDAY PACKAGE

PLUS Parent’s Choice Directory, Babies on the Coast, Calendar of Events and lots more! kotc_14.indb 1

ISSUE 16 SEPT/OCT 2OO6

FReE!! things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the Sunshine Coast

FReE!!

things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the Sunshine Coast

LEG-CLINGERS OR SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES? How to turn the former into the latter

Why so many Australians have childcare concerns

GOT LICE? GET ANSWERS

STOP IT!

THE “READING WARS”

Bonjour, Bébé

How to deal with hitting and biting

How they’ve affected our education system

ACID OR ALKALINE

Bilingual babies have better brainpower!

Genetically engineered food

Should you be worried?

- which are you?

EASY BACK-TOSCHOOL MEALS

WIN

In the swim!

FAMILY PASSES ZOO

Gear up for a safe summer

TO AUSTRALIA See p. 29

plus the Parents’ Choice Directory, Calendar of Events and lots more! kotc_sc_16.indb 1

LILI

MIA

21/4/06 5:01:09 PM

ISSUE 18 JAN/FEB 2OO7

The money or the kids?

26/8/06 9:45:11 PM

ISSUe 22 SePT/OCT 2OO7

Stacks of things for families to do!

kotc_sc_18.indb 1

7/1/07 10:36:44 PM

ISSUe 24 JAN/FeB 2oo8

FReE!!

FReE!!

things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the Sunshine Coast

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

MMMMM, CHOCOLATE Family recipes to drool over…

SKIN DEEP

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD

Are good-looking kids treated differently?

WE’RE GOIN’ TO THE

LOO, LOO, LOO

IS BACK! (see p. 5)

(again) isn’t always easy

HOLIDAY FUN

COOL

PLUS INCREASE YOUR FERTILITY - NATURALLY

WORKSHOPS ! (see p. 31)

PLUS Babies on the Coast, the Parent’s Choice Directory, Calendar of Events and lots more! kotc_sc_22_septoct07-1.indd 1

SARAH

CARE

ZOE

MATTER? Why getting pregnant

COAST

VACATION

EEEK! - SEcoNDARy SchooL DoESN’t hAvE to bE ScARy

WHAT’S THE

Trouble-Free Toilet Training KIDS ON THE

SUMMER FUNDAYS

PLUS Parents’ Choice Program, Babies on the Coast, Calendar of Events and lots more!

things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the Sunshine Coast

26/8/07 11:19:49 AM

ISSUe 25 MAR/APR 2oo8

yoUNGESt,

oLDESt,

MILK – NASty oR NIcE?

oR MIDDLE

PREGNANcy MythS

vS. FActS

Does birth order affect personality?

those old wives might be onto something…

PLUS the Parent’s Choice Directory, Calendar of Events and lots more! kotc_sc_24_janfeb08-1.indd 1

18/12/07 12:48:34 PM

ISSUe 26 MAy/JUNe 2oo8

FReE!!

Free!!

things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the Sunshine Coast

things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the Sunshine Coast

Win

a kickboaRd E With SUnShin PLaza

parenTS Behaving

yoUngER and

BadlY on The Sideline

oLdER mUmS

don’T panic!

do they do it differently?

We’re only moving house…

Sing Sing Sing

Dealing with separation anxiety

Simple games and songs to play with your kids

REading, WRiting RELaxing – mEditation in thE cLaSSRoom

online Shopping – making life easier

micRoWavE ovEnS miRacLE oR mEnacE?

it’S oUR

4th

biRthday!

PLUS the Parent’s Choice Directory, Calendar of Events and lots more! kotc_sc_25_marapr08-1.indd 1

mY moTher!

Do issues from your own childhood resurface when you become a parent?

vip pass to see aBc’s play School! contours gym membership Bindi dvd cool family movie passes

plUS Parents’ Choice Program, Babies on the Coast, Calendar of Events and lots more! kotc_sc_26_mayjun08-1.indd 1

FReE!!

things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the Sunshine Coast

iS coming!

oh no, i SoUnd liKe

Win!

prizeS!

26/2/08 5:11:26 PM

ISSUe 30 Jan/Feb 2oo9

The

SolarcoaSTer

children’S FeSTival See p.29 For deTailS

FanTaSTic

WIL

ZOE M.

byE byE baby

29/4/08 9:41:56 AM

IssUe 32 MAY/JUNe 2oo9

free!!

things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the sunshine Coast

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Is It just me, or Is everyone havIng babIes?

Avoid childhood dEpREssion And build REsiliEncE

Celebrating

your baby’s arrival

Keeping the kids active

CopIng wIth sleep deprIvatIon

Family camping doesn’t have to be roughing it

Plus thE cAlEndAR oF EvEnts, pAREnt’s choicE diREctoRy, REviEws And pRizEs!

KeepIng your baby safe

whAt is modern

living doing to ouR Kids?

are your other

KIds jealous?

TALISE

is oRgAnic woRth thE ExtRA monEy?

JESS

tips to help you enjoy your first ever holiday together

playgrounds: fun or menace?

PLUS the Kids on the Coast calendar of events, product reviews and the latest parenting books

speCIal

baby edItIon

kotc_sc_32_mayjun09-1.indd 1

ISSUE 37 MAR/APR 2O10

21/4/09 4:44:20 PM

ISSUE 39 JUL/AUG 2O10

FReE!!

FReE!!

S TO DO, PLACE THINGS THING FOR TO GO, EVERY TS ON THE KIDS & PARENINE COAST SUNSH

S TO DO, PLACE THINGS THING FOR TO GO, EVERY TS ON THE KIDS & PARENINE COAST SUNSH

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

OPTING OUT:

Sleep like a baby: NOT!

Are non-Christian Queensland school children at a disadvantage?

ARE AFTER SCHOOL TUTORS FOR YOU? Overcoming obstacles: Jason Morris shares his parenting story

THE

Y D O B LUES B E G A IM

BUSTING

SUPPORT OFFERED FOR SENSORY DISABILITIES

HELPING KIDS COPE WITH LOSS

CHECK OUT THE LATEST PARENTING PRODUCTS, KIDS’ BOOKS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

kotc_sc_37_marapr10-1.indd 1

HIDING NUTRIENTS IN YUMMY JUICE

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY TO US!

23/02/10 4:31 PM

ES

SASKIA

My favourite book: Tully, by Paulina Simons. It is beautifully written, full of love, loss, revelations. My favourite childhood book: Little Women I wouldn’t leave home without: Glasses or contacts The best advice I have been given is: Lead with your heart My favourite Sunday activity: Sleeping in and chilling around the house My secret talent is: I am good with numbers My mother told me: always wear clean underwear in case you get hit by a bus’ Absolute favourite food: Chocolate I am inspired by: Happy, healthy, relaxed people. When I grew up I wanted to be: a Psychologist My Achilles heel is: Food

FReE!! things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the Sunshine Coast

The Adoption Option

ELLA

Not much can keep the resident admin wiz away from the KOTC office!

Only four days after giving birth to her second child back in 2005, Kellie was back at work chasing accounts, filing, talking to clients, and keeping ‘behind the scenes’ in working order.

Kellie is also the resident ’mum’ figure, who makes sure everyone is eating properly, their babysitting is organised and financials are in order – both work and personal. With two children, now aged 10 and 6, Kellie is an integral part of the KOTC team being the longest standing team member.

- a selection of kids from our last 50 covers

ADMINISTRATION MANAGER

Where are they now?

kellie kruger

ISSUE 14 MAY/JUNE 2OO6

WHEN DO

ABLE

‘REASON

FORCE

‘

E LINE?

CROSS TH

BABY’S IMMUNITY BOOSTED BY NEW MILK BANK Andrew Daddo talks about life, kids and a dog called Skoz

PLUS THINGS TO DO, BOOKS TO READ AND INNOVATIVE PARENTING PRODUCTS! kotc_sc_39_julaug10-1.indd 1

17/06/10 9:45 AM

MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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Community

NEWS

Lifeline’s Annual Winter Blanket Drive Lifeline is once again embarking on their annual winter blanket drive in a bid to amass enough blankets to warm the bodies and souls of those doing it tough in our community this winter. Every winter, the Sunshine Coast community rally to donate their spare blankets to Lifeline and it is amazing to see what people are willing to give.

‘We get a lot of big doonas, woollen blankets and throw rugs and even have people who sew and knit blankets to donate to the drive,’ said Ian Ezzy, Lifeline Sunshine Coast Business Manager. ‘It is really inspiring and heart-warming to see newly knitted or hand crafted blankets being pulled from the donation bins,’ he said.

If you have quality new or pre-loved blankets to donate, please drop them into your local Lifeline Shop or Lifeline donation bin. Alternatively, you can contact the distribution centres in Kunda Park on 5409 1400 or Caboolture on 5431 4860 to arrange for a donation wheelie bin to be delivered.

Help your four legged friends and your community Did you know you can retrieve your dog or cat for free from Sunshine Coast Council’s pounds the first time it is impounded, provided it is registered? By law you must register your pet and council provides this incentive to ensure your pet’s registration is renewed in September each year.

Reduced registration fees apply for desexed and microchipped dogs and cats. If your pet goes missing and your microchip details are not up-to-date and you do not know which database the chip is registered to, visit www.sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au for some simple tips about how to resolve this quickly.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

- what’snews Children outsmart their parents online Internet security specialist McAfee has found 59 per cent of children are outwitting their parents and hiding what they are doing online – despite adult restrictions in place.

“Children are far better at managing their profile controls and what their identity looks like to others,” Young and Well Co-operative Research Centre CEO Associate Professor Jane Burns said. She suggests rather than be embarrassed about asking for help; parents should embrace their children’s cyber smarts by reaching out to them. “If you’ve got the rapport it becomes a lot easier to ask your children to show you how they keep themselves safe - and they can teach you things as they get older.”

Grab a cuppa to fight cancer May is Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea time and there’s never been a better excuse to switch the kettle on, have a cuppa and help tip the balance in the fight against cancer.

Whether it’s a simple morning tea at playgroup, a sophisticated high tea with friends or a school or community bake sale, you’ll be helping the one in two Queenslanders who will be diagnosed with cancer by age 85.

All you need to do is sign on to host an event during May and start planning!

Visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 to find out more.

Sunshine Coast to challenge Guinness World Record Pram Push on Mother’s Day The Lily House Pram Push is happening on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13, at Cotton Tree Park and the charity is calling out to the Sunshine Coast to come together in the spirit of family and fun to celebrate mum’s and to beat a Guinness World Record at the same time.

“A pram push is the perfect family activity and what better day to do it on than on Mother’s Day?” said Linda McLeish, event organizer and director of Lily House; a charity organisation in Nambour that provides shelter, education and care for homeless and at-risk young mum’s and women.

A mini festival will follow the pram push in Cotton Tree Park with games, rides, prizes, market stalls, yummy food and music.

The Lily House Pram Push is on Sunday May 13 at Cotton Tree Park from 11am-4pm. Prams assemble in front of the Main Stage at 11am.

has the highest percentage of births DID >> August Only 10% of the world’s population is left handed you > Goldfish can see both infrared and ultraviolet light know? > A strawberry is the only fruit which seeds grow on the outside www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

- CHECKthisout 1

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4

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1. bObles Tumbling Animals: children’s furniture but also for creative play. From $49.95 at http://stores.ebay.com.au/little-boab-tree 2. Loona Balls: easily deflates and folds back into its compact case making it the perfect travel companion from $11.95 Evolve Peregian Beach 3. Retro Kitchen cereal dispenser: make breakfast fun and without too much mess! $29.95 at www.limetreekids.com.au 4. Rory’s Story Cubes: 9 cubes, 54 images, 10 million combinations, unlimited stories From $14.95 at www.newtonsapplepuzzles.com, Amazen stores 5. Merfins For your own mermaid either fins only from $130 or set from $190 www.oceanikamerfins.com; Evolve Peregian Beach ph 5448 2077 6. Muffin and Mani wallpaper So many cute options to choose. From $130 per roll www.muffinandmani.com.au; www.babysgotstyle.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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FEATURE

RIS K REWARDS

by Luke Goldston Many of us remember a childhood where our neighbourhoods were one large playground of vacant lots, fields and even the streets themselves; but for our children times have changed.

The physical boundaries which they live within are narrower and more rigidly defined than they have ever been.

Backyards are smaller and public spaces where kids can run free are fewer and further between.

The opportunities to test boundaries, explore and even take risks seem to be drying up. The urban Australian child, like so many other native species before it, is feeling the pinch from the destruction of its habitat. Not coincidentally, 25% of children are overweight or obese.

Associate Professor Geoff Woolcock of Griffith University’s Urban Research Program notes that when he asks parents to recall the happiest memories of their childhood it often involves unstructured play in an environment unsupervised by adults. It’s striking, he says, when he asks the follow up question of whether they believe their children will have the same kind of joyful experiences and the answer invariably comes back negative.

Is it a lack of useable recreation space that’s causing this? Is it a result of the time squeeze on working parents, or perhaps our growing litigation fears and policy making driven by liability insurance? Or do the answers lie a little closer to home, in our own changing attitudes towards parenting?

The Land of Sweeping Plains There are more than twice as many Australians today as there were fifty years ago and, despite our vast area, we cling ever more tightly to a narrow, urbanised strip of land a few kilometres from the coastline. With the changes in our population and demographics, open spaces in cities and towns are just not as prevalent as they once were. The changes aren’t limited to public spaces either; since the early 90s, there has been a marked trend for Australian backyards to become smaller and houses to become larger, even when the plots themselves are ample in size.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

The most important factor in whether children played outdoors, it seemed, was the level of parental anxiety about safety.

But perhaps space itself is not the issue, or at least not the whole issue. For instance, a 1998 UK study found that there is little to no correlation between the provision of adequate outdoor play facilities and the amount of time children spend on them. The most important factor in whether children played outdoors, it seemed, was the level of parental anxiety about safety. Another Melbourne study found that kids in tall apartment buildings had more freedom to roam public spaces than their suburban counterparts.

Where does the time go?

Not only are we space-poor but time-poor as well.

The last few decades have seen a steady trend towards working mothers and more hours at work

and commuting for both parents. Are we just too busy for taking kids to the park or to a soccer match? Perhaps, but according to the Bureau of Statistics, busier Australians are actually more likely to be involved in sports. Time may certainly be a factor for many people, but just as our space usage has changed fundamentally, so has how we use our time; often in surprising ways.

Interestingly, in the age of the working mother, modern parents may actually spend more time looking after their kids than previous generations did. The average time spent directly caring for children has been steadily rising in Australia and worldwide since the mid 1990s. In fact, according to a 2010 US study, mothers spend over twice as much time on average interacting with their kids as they did in the 60s, fathers nearly three times.

Partly this may reflect a laudable shift in our priorities as a society and a more equitable sharing of childcare duties between fathers and mothers; the better educated the parent is, the more time they spend with their kids. It also reflects a marked decrease in time spent on housework.

However, it may also be that the modern parent is much more reluctant to let children out of their sight.

“No worries” no more We live in fearful times, where strangers all seem dangerous and every experience is evaluated for its potential to do harm. There seems to be a prevailing sentiment that the world has become a more dangerous place and our kids need more protecting but is this really true?

It’s certainly true that when it comes to protecting kids from harm we’ve come a long way in the past fifty years. Traffic accidents have been in steady decline since the 70s, vaccinations have virtually eliminated a number of devastating childhood www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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9

FEATURE

Interestingly, in the age of the working mother, modern parents may actually spend more time looking after their kids than previous generations did.

diseases and pool fencing legislation has had a significant impact on death by drowning in young children. Despite what avid newspaper readers might conclude, attacks on children have remained at about the same level for some decades (and are rarely committed by strangers).

In many ways, our kids are safer than they’ve ever been. The most pressing health concerns most of them have come from a lack of activity, not from too much; so why are we so much more anxious?

The answer isn’t easy to come by. The average new parent is five years older, has fewer children and is materially richer than thirty years ago and perhaps these changes in demographics lend themselves to more innate caution.

For Insurance Purposes Or is it the spectre of insurance claims and legal action that guides our actions? We’re all familiar with the stories of the piece of playground equipment removed, sports team disbanded or area closed because of insurance concerns.

To an extent these concerns are valid but insurance is a necessary evil. Essentially it’s a way to share risk around so that it never falls too heavily on one person or group. It can have a positive effect in giving objective feedback on dangerous practices and guiding future preventative action; and for all the perception that we live in an age of litigation, there are many who believe that the pendulum has begun to swing too far in the other direction.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

In 2002 Australian liability laws underwent an overhaul. The insurance industry claimed that there had been decades of dramatic increases in claim sizes and frequency. This, coupled with the September 11 attack and the collapse of HIH led to what was described by the industry as a ‘public liability crisis’. Sports teams and community run events were under threat across the country. The government was successfully lobbied to make it more difficult for injured parties to sue and to limit the amount that they could claim, especially on less serious injuries.

Critics of the changes, including many in the legal community and consumer advocate groups, argued that things had gone too far, that the reforms denied the public adequate rights of redress and gave perverse incentives for negligent actions. Nevertheless the insurance industry reported in 2009 that public liability premiums had reduced by around a quarter and that the number of policies issued had increased by 20%.

Despite this the fear of litigation remains strong and can guide the actions of administrators, carers and parents. It can also, when it comes to sport and recreation, drive up costs.

The Decline of the Sporting Nation?

As opportunities for unsupervised activities decline, organised sport has unfortunately failed to fill the void. The University of Sydney found in 2011 that one third of Australian children

between the ages of 5 and 14 did not take part in extracurricular sport. When girls alone are considered the number rises to nearly half.

The main barrier that parents cited to sports participation was cost; and one of the main drivers of increased costs is – you guessed it – insurance.

With cost being such an important factor, it’s likely that poorer kids, who incidentally experience much higher rates of obesity, are going to find it even harder to access sports.

School activities fare no better. Though many schools, particularly in the private sector, strive to stand out in the sporting arena there are many others who have scaled back their sporting programs drastically. Physical education has been steadily disappearing from the curriculum for decades and while the official federal government policy is to encourage schools to allow more use of their grounds after hours for recreation, in practice this is often not the case.

In 2002 a Senate committee into public liability insurance impacts found that the sport and recreation sector were being disproportionately affected. And despite the subsequent law reforms, in the ten years from 1998 to 2008 the cost of sporting club subscription and registration fees increased at double the rate of inflation.

Risk is a four letter word At the heart of this discussion may be our attitude, www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Matters to consider when separating

ONE STOP KIDS SHOP ON BUDERIM

Garland Waddington understands that separation and divorce is an extremely emotionally draining, confusing and traumatic time. Some questions to consider when seeking legal advice are: Separating Married: Have you been separated for 12 months? De Facto: Have you been separated for 2 years? Married: Has anyone applied for a divorce?

Parenting and Child support Are you involved in making decisions about important issues concerning your children such as where they attend school, what last name they used, what religion they practice and where they live?

Do you spend time with your children as much as you would like and do they spend as much time with you as they would like? Are you paying or receiving the right amount of child support for your families’ circumstances?

Property What are your current assets, including superannuation, available for division? Who contributed to the acquisition and maintenance of those assets?

Who was the primary homemaker and caregiver to the children? Who is going to look after the children in the future? Who earns the most? Who is able to get money from another source in the future?

Spousal maintenance Do you have money to support yourself while you are taking care of the children after separation, retraining or finding a job? Does your former partner have the capacity to pay you while you reestablish yourself?

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FEATURE

Some planners are becoming more proactive about designing urban environments that encourage creative and challenging play.

Bendigo is the first place in Australia to be recognised as a child friendly city.

Find out why here: childfriendlycity.com.au

as parents and as a society, to risk. How do we assess risk to our children? One of the big problems is that risk can be relatively easy to quantify but is usually quite poorly assessed by individuals.

Psychologists talk about a phenomenon called the Availability Error, which refers to a kind of bias where we predict the frequency of an event poorly because of one or two prominent examples that come readily to mind. An example of this would be someone who considers air travel unsafe because they can recall sensational footage of a recent air disaster.

We’re all guilty of this kind of thinking; it’s a natural human reaction to place weight on an event which impacts us emotionally but it’s one of the reasons why we’re often so poor at evaluating risk, particularly with our own children. It only takes one headline about an injured child to dramatically alter our thinking.

On the other side of the coin, risk can actually be quite easy to put a number on. Insurance companies and governments do it all the time.

You can, for instance, point to the number of accidents in a certain sport per participant and come up with a reasonable idea of how risky that sport is.

But while most experts agree that challenge and risk are important parts of childhood, it can sometimes be difficult to objectively measure

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

the benefits of challenging outdoor activities.

When a clearly measured risk is put up against an uncertain benefit, rationalistic Western minds will tend to come out in favour of the objective figure.

What’s the point of danger?

According to Geoff Woolcock, one of the main problems with this debate is that it’s too often characterised as a choice between the ‘free range’ or ‘cotton wool’ style of parenting, where most people sit somewhere in between. Nobody is advocating allowing our kids to be indiscriminately exposed to risk, quite the contrary.

However, there are definite benefits to challenging activities in building creativity, self esteem and judgement. Kids will take risks, nothing is surer than that. It’s a question of what kinds of risks they will take and what lessons they’ll learn from them.

Learning to evaluate risk early in life and to make decisions based on experience may be a crucial stage in development that can help kids down the track when issues such as drugs, drinking, driving and risky sexual behaviour come into play.

Can we expect children to safely navigate these teenage and young adult experiences if they’ve been insulated from danger their whole lives?

It only takes one headline about an injured child to dramatically alter our thinking. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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ASBESTOS AND YOUR CHILD IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT THAT YOUR CHILDREN MAY BE IN DANGER. But it is you who may be able to potentially save your child’s life by reducing their exposure to asbestos.

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What can you buy for $10?

It seems that $10 doesn’t go very far these days, especially when you’re talking about children’s entertainment. But Kiddie Kicks Soccer is changing that.

For just $10 a week your child can join the Sunshine Coast’s original pre-school soccer programme that has proven hugely popular with kids (and parents) on the Coast.

The programme has been developed locally, using a wealth of experience, research and expert opinion. The focus at Kiddie Kicks is ensuring your kids are learning and developing through fun!

Classes provide children with a progressive range of skills which become the building blocks for future sporting activity and offer a sound introduction to soccer. The fun, team environment develops an awareness of cooperative play

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

and encourages a love of sport and physical activity.

Kiddie Kicks runs year round and is held indoors, which means no cancellations due to bad weather. Children can join any time during the year and with classes offered across the Sunshine Coast every weekday morning there is a class and time available to suit any schedule.

Don’t let the affordable price tag fool you – Kiddie Kicks is a professional programme. With small class sizes allowing for individual attention, a wide selection of quality equipment and talented coaches who love what they do, this may just be the best way to spend $10 on your child!

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TO THE COAST New to the Coast shares exciting new changes and products by local businesses that cater to Sunshine Coast parents and families. We think local kids and parents deserve just as much choice, style, fun, innovation and value for money as those living anywhere else. So if you agree, please join us in helping these new ventures to get off the ground by taking a look at what they’ve got to offer. And if you’ve got a new business you want to spread the word on, let us know!

Alex Breckell, Instructor at Infinity's Maroochydore club, teaches some of his junior members

New Locations for Infinity Martial Arts While Infinity Martial Arts has been established and building a strong reputation at its Currimundi Academy for some years now, you may not know that Infinity has recently opened two new locations: Maroochydore and Noosa.

Both clubs have only been open a few months and are still growing their membership base, so there is plenty of room for newcomers. You can enrol at any time and you get 2 free classes to try it out – which is a great for kids to decide if they are interested!

What separates Infinity Martial Arts from other clubs is that all of their Instructors are all full-time professionals. They live and breathe martial arts, so you know you are getting the best quality instruction out there. We caught up with both the Maroochydore and Noosa instructors to have a chat about what they are teaching at their academies.

Yoshi Hasegawa, the Noosa head instructor, was recruited from Japan specifically to join the Infinity team. He is a highly qualified martial arts coach that has teaching experience all over the world. Yoshi said: “The style of martial arts we teach at our Noosa Academy is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – which is great for kids as it shows them how to defend themselves from a bully without the need to become violent and strike.”

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

Maroochydore head instructor Alex Breckell has more of a Mixed Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu background, which is reflected in his teaching. “Our junior programs are a mix of BJJ and MMA at Maroochydore. This is great for fitness and keeps the kids learning all types of martial arts skills.”

The other great thing about the junior classes at Infinity Martial Arts is the age groups; rather than being all bunched in one group, the classes are extremely age-specific. Infinity offers 5 age groups: Koalas (3-5 years), Pythons (6-8 years), Scorpions (9-11 years), Tiger Sharks (12-16 years) and an adult group.

Breaking the classes into age groups means that the kids are learning skills that are relative to their stage in development. For example, the 3-5 years group will emphasise elements such as motor-skill development and stranger danger awareness, while the 9-11 years group will be learning more complex martial arts skills and looking at anti-bullying, which is such an important issue as they get older.

The Maroochydore club is located conveniently at 45 Plaza Parade, Maroochydore and the Noosa club is located next to Belmondo’s at 63 Rene St, Noosaville.

Every child gets 2 free classes, so give them a call on 1300 853 161 to book your first class. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Discover your child’s potential Core Strength Fitness (CSF) is much more than a gym, fitness or martial arts centre.

It’s a community of people and families who want the best for their mind, body and soul. The kids program at CSF is more than just a sport, kid’s activity or even any other martial arts program.

Expect life changing results: Kids face challenges we never dreamed of before: unhealthy food, sex and violence on TV, drugs in school, bullies, and predators on the internet. It seems many kids are lacking in confidence, focus, discipline and selfesteem. That is why CSF have created a unique curriculum that integrates traditional martial arts and training with a personal development philosophy that’s guaranteed to bring real, lasting improvements in life’s key areas to help your child achieve.

Your child’s fitness levels will improve significantly through their complete workout, building strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, endurance, reflexes, speed, and agility, for even the most non-athletic kids.

Self-Control & Attention Span: Has your child ever embarrassed you in public?

Are you tired of the crying, fighting or temper tantrums? CSF will teach your child to control their impulses and behave appropriately even when things don’t go the way they want them to. Does your child have a hard time staying focused on anything other than video games? The CSF program will improve your child’s ability to concentrate. Parents have shared that after just a few lessons many of their children’s behaviour had changed dramatically.

Respect for Self & Others: During their classes CSF students are taught to have respect for themselves and each other. Your child will learn authentic martial arts and practical self-defence but the real objective of the program is to lead your child to discover their true potential and be the best they can be, physically, mentally and emotionally.

All new members get their first week FREE! Phone 1300 CSF CSF, 11/100 SUGAR RD MAROOCHYDORE 4558

Discover the new boutique café & crafty finds Cafe Lolli is an enchanting new café in Buderim. From fairy furniture, stunning art supplies and craft kits to natural fibre fair-trade dolls, Café Lolli offer quality, environmentally sound gifts.

With craft workshops for kids Saturdays at 2pm, daily workshops during school holidays and adult classes during the week, Cafe Lolli is also home of the Cafe Lolli biscuits and Café Lolli ‘Party’ pack. The pack was designed as a hassle free treat for children’s birthday parties or school class treat. Call Carolyn or check them out on facebook.

Cafe Lolli ph. 0409 377 117 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

What to look for in a babysitter Have you ever had an invite to something and had to turn them down because you couldn’t find a babysitter you could trust?

Leaving your children in the care of a stranger is difficult, especially for the first time. A.S.A.P. Child Care has an extensive screening process to ensure quality care is provided for your children. They only meet applicants with an early childhood qualification (or studying), with experience in a variety of age groups. They ensure their punctuality, presentation and availability when invited for an interview. They listen to the carers story, ask questions, and give scenarios to answer, providing an excellent opportunity for the carer to show their personal qualities that they will use in an early childhood setting. The carers are also required to have a blue card, senior first aid and drivers licence.

A.S.A.P . Child Care has over 12 years experience in the early childhood industry and offer junior and senior carers that will be allocated to suit your family’s needs with no minimum hours per booking and the best rates on the Coast. Bookings can be made via telephone, text, email or on our facebook page www.facebook.com/asapchildcare ASAP Childcare ph. 0499 272 707

Free Children’s Dental Health Exam at Riverside Dental with Our New Oral Health Therapist* Riverside Dental of Noosaville, offers swift, accurate and pain free treatments, friendly advice and great value for the entire family.

Oral Health Therapist Barbara Levings has recently joined our team. Barbara delivers quality oral health services through the examination and treatment of teeth in pre-school, primary and secondary school children.

Barbara is looking forward to meeting your family and addressing all of your Dental Health Needs.

Call 5455 5066 to schedule a free exam for your child today. * Health fund rebates may apply. Exam does not include cleaning, x-rays or Fluoride.

MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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Never too early: Talking about

with your child

By Holly Brennan

“My 3 year old touches themselves when they are going to sleep.”

“My 7 year old walked in when we were having sex.”

“My 10 year old asked me how they will know if they are gay.”

“My 13 year old says everyone else is wearing revealing clothes on the internet.”

“My 16 year old asked me when I first fell in love.”

Sound familiar? Most parents and carers recognise communicating about sexuality is just another one of the essentials for helping their children to grow up healthy, safe and informed. Yes, it can be hard to get information and a challenge knowing where to start, but just like teaching your children about other things it can be fun, have a positive impact and it is guaranteed to give you some ‘entertaining’ stories to share with other parents.

You need to know you are not alone in wanting to support your child to develop with an age appropriate understanding about s-e-x. Studies from around the world including one 18

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

locally from the Sunshine Coast show that the majority of parents do want to talk about sexuality topics with their child (Footprints, 2011). The issues parents think are important to include range from feelings, personal safety and prevention of sexual abuse to sexual development, puberty, relationships, sexual identity, safe sex, pregnancy and sexual health. Parents also report they do not want to leave ‘their talks’ too late, with the overwhelming majority, in fact, 98%, agreeing that young people need to be provided with information about sexual decision making before they engage in sexual relationships.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Getting through puberty together Puberty usually begins between the ages of 9 and 16. It includes physical, emotional and relationship changes. All young people will experience puberty differently.

Learning about puberty can start in early childhood, with information reinforced and expanded on in the years leading up to adolescence.

Sharing information in a positive way as your child grows up helps them know puberty is normal and something you are happy talking about.

For some parents, their children develop, mature and go through the changes associated with puberty comfortably and with ease. Some parents find they need support communicating with the new young adult in their lives.

To encourage healthy attitudes and behaviours, try and be open, reassuring and respect their changing needs. Be prepared to talk, to compromise and to provide lots of information.

Source: Family Planning Queensland. (2007). Puberty – information for parents and carers.

Family Planning Queensland: Brisbane.

Using anatomical words with your child We call an arm an arm and a knee a knee. It’s not rude to talk about private parts and use correct terminology.

It is great role modelling.

Sexual behaviours which are part of normal and healthy development are: • Spontaneous, curious, light-hearted, easily diverted, enjoyable, mutual and consensual • Appropriate to the child’s age and development • Activities or play among equals in terms of age, size and ability levels • About understanding and gathering information, balanced with curiosity about other parts of life Source: Brennan, H. and Graham, J. (2012). Is this normal? Understanding your child’s sexual behaviour. Family Planning Queensland: Brisbane.

Why bother talking to your child about sexuality and relationships?

Children who have accurate and clear information about sexuality and relationships from their parents are more likely to: • Feel positive about themselves and their bodies

Using anatomical names for body parts can help children learn about their bodies, feel comfortable and be safe. Research shows that children who can use the correct names for private body parts are less vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

• Understand appropriate and inappropriate behaviours

Source: Brennan, H. and Graham, J. (2012). Is this normal? Understanding your child’s sexual

• Make informed and responsible sexual decisions in life

behaviour. Family Planning Queensland: Brisbane.

• Understand and accept physical and emotional changes • Be able to talk about sexual matters when it is important • Avoid or report sexual exploitation and abuse • Enjoy their sexual experiences Source: Brennan, H. and Graham, J. (2012). Is this normal? Understanding your child’s sexual behaviour. Family Planning Queensland: Brisbane.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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When to start?

You already have. Children observe how adults communicate, have relationships and treat each other from birth. They learn a lot about love, personal boundaries, the rules about sexual behaviours and about values and beliefs from watching and listening to the adults in their lives.

Children learn as their bodies, brains and relationships grow. They do this alongside you. They often need help to understand and learn, just like with other subjects. You can provide factual information and let them know you are someone that they can come to with their questions.

Answering your child’s questions Take a breath. It is great your child is asking you.

When answering the sexuality question sometimes the most important thing to remember is that you want them to ask and you want them to keep asking, again and again. You can be happy that you are the one they come to with the tricky questions, the icky questions, the confusing questions, the “why is hair growing from there?” questions.

Be brief, be factual and be positive.

Sometimes the best way to start answering your child’s question is to ask: “That’s an interesting question. What made you think of that?”

This will give your heart beat a chance to return to normal as well as give you the time to remember they

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

are asking you as a child and not as an adult. You still have a right to some privacy and you don’t have to talk in detail about your own sexuality. Children really appreciate that you care enough to answer and that you are trustworthy.

Do not worry about giving too much information.

Children will only take in as much information as they are able to understand. You will know they’ve had enough because their eyes start to glaze over and they start asking you what’s for dinner or if they can turn the TV on.

Sometimes children ask questions at very awkward times or places, such as at the supermarket, on a crowded bus, in front of a visiting elderly aunt, or perhaps when you are just too busy. When this happens, tell them that their question or comment is very interesting. It is one best discussed in private or when you have a bit more time. Lots of parents have great sexuality conversations with their children in the car. Parents say it’s easier because you don’t have to make eye contact. Always, always do follow up and make time to talk with your child. Their questions are important.

How do I know if my child’s sexual behaviours are normal?

Knowing what to worry about and what not to worry about is one of the great challenges of parenting.

Knowing when things are normal is an important part of supporting and protecting your child. Sexual behaviours are not just about sex. They include any talk, touch questions, conversations and interests

which relate to sexuality and relationships. Most sexual expressions by children are normal, healthy and safe.

Small children may want to look at or touch their own or other’s private parts, ask questions about babies, or play games which explore relationships and gender roles. As children grow, it is expected that they will learn boundaries and cultural rules about touch and privacy.

Concerning or harmful sexual behaviours are less common. Sexual behaviours that are outside of normal may be of concern in terms of their persistence or frequency; due to inequality between children and young people; because they are not usual for your child or risk their safety. Sexual behaviours that are problematic may be those that appear forceful , secretive, compulsive, coercive or degrading and may show a child is acting harmfully towards themselves or others, or is at risk of harm themselves.

Being able to identify if your child’s sexual behaviour is healthy, concerning or harmful is part of supporting your child. You can help by responding in many ways.

Sometimes providing information and support will be enough. Sometimes talking with professionals will help.

Sexuality messages from outside the home There will be mixed messages about sexuality coming from many different sources and this can be confusing for children. Children pick up ideas about sexuality from their friends and school, from advertising, TV, www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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The Chefs Toolbox is an Australian owned company which marries fast yet flavoursome recipes with clever kitchenware, to make cooking easier, healthier, faster and a lot more fun! Sharon McWilliams, mum of three, would like to introduce you to this exciting direct selling company. As a consultant you will run your own business, in one of the most enjoyable possible ways with flexible hours working from home or through running interactive cooking parties which are very social, informative and a fun way to demonstrate professional kitchenware. You don’t need to be a chef or a professional salesperson. Along with great income, training and support The Chefs Toolbox offers you working freedom

For more info contact Sharon McWilliams on 0408 206 220 www.chefstoolbox.com/my/sharonmcwilliams MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

21

movies and the internet, from other families and their community.

identifying the rules about touch and knowing what to do if the rules are broken.

Many parents are very concerned about the material and images that their children can access from phones and computers. It is important to know that children can use their phones and computers in positive and safe ways. They can also use technology in ways which can expose them to inappropriate materials, risk their safety or the safety of others.

It is part of our role as adults to prevent childhood sexual abuse. Children are not responsible for their own safety. Giving information can help. Be positive by talking about your child’s ability to be safe and focus on strategies rather than consequences. Be factual. Your child does not need to be frightened.

They do need to know that they can come to you for help and to be safe. Keep it brief. Short, regular talks about personal safety are much better than a one off talk.

Talking and educating your children about influences from outside the home, the world of technology, the law, explicit material, sexuality and relationships in a calm and informed way can help.

Helping your child to be safe Parents and carers can reduce the risk of sexual abuse.

Learning together about personal safety includes talking with your child about feelings, bodies and privacy, assertiveness, understanding relationships,

Now for the good news: children who receive positive messages about their sexuality and who participate in a personal safety program that is reinforced at home are less likely to experience sexual abuse. By sharing these positive messages with your children, you help protect them from and decrease their vulnerability to sexual abuse.

Talk to your child today Sexuality is a normal part of life. It is never too early to be talking, explaining and supporting your child in the development of their healthy sexuality. By talking openly and lovingly with your child you can help eliminate shame and embarrassment and provide positive support.

Helpful books and websites available to parents and carers: Everyone’s got a bottom by Tess Rowley www.fpq.com.au The Puberty Book by Wendy Darvill and Kelsey Powell Secret Boys’ Business by Fay Angelo, Heather Pritchard and Rose Stewart Family Planning Queensland www.fpq.com.au The Hormone Factory www.thehormonefactory.com I Stay Safe: Sexual health www.health.qld.gov.au/istaysafe The Line: Supporting respectful relationships www.theline.gov.au References Footprints market research. (2011). Attitudes of parents and carers towards sexuality and relationships education in schools. Brisbane: Internal polling document prepared for Family Planning Queensland.

Illustrations by Jodi Edwards from Everyone’s got a bottom (Rowley, 2007) Holly Brennan OAM is the Manager of Research and Program Development at Family Planning Queensland

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Children 4-7 years, and 7-12 years Children: • Learn how to be brave and use assertive communication skills • Develop an understanding of their own and others feelings • Learn how to recognise and self-regulate feelings • Learn strategies to change unhelpful thinking into more helpful thinking • Become aware of their self talk and that they can control what they are thinking • Recognise that our thinking affects the way we feel and the way we behave • Develop empathy skills and ways to use strengths to help others • Learn how to achieve goals or overcome fears • Develop ways to reward themselves for doing their best and having a go • Look for role models and support networks • Explore friendships- what makes a good friend and how to be a good friend

Groups at Maroochydore BOOK NOW for Term 3 2012

For more information or to book your child’s place, call Donna Farman Mobile: O414 674 674

Groups are run by registered teachers and facilitators of the Fun Friends and Friends for Life Programs. These programs are authored by Brisbane psychologist Dr Paula Barrett (www.pathwayshrc.com.au) and have been recognised by the World Health Organisation. Research has shown the positive effects of the strategies and skills taught in the program in the prevention of anxiety/depression as well as for general well being and ability to cope with life for all children.

2 Parent Information sessions included

Call Donna 0414 674 674

www.growingearlychildhood.com.au

‘the baby osteopath’ Dr Roger Kingston DO Osteopath & Cranial Osteopath

Osteopathic Treatment for Children AND Adults

BABIES

Roger has been treating babies, children and pregnant mums for 18 years having taken extensive extra training at the London Osteopathic Centre for Children. He only uses very safe, gentle techniques and cranial osteopathy.

Birth trauma Premature delivery Colic / Reflux Sleeping / feeding difficulties Misshapen heads Constipation Continual crying

CHILDREN

Developmental delay Asthma Headaches Sinusitis Joint and back pain

PREGNANT MUMS

Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction Breathing problems Back pain Difficult previous delivery Preparation for delivery

Dr Roger Kingston DO | 30 King Street, Buderim 4556 Tel: 1300 739 345 / 5477 1599 | www.babyosteopath.com HICAPS available and registered with all major Health Insurance Companies www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

23

ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

Importance of Play Play is fundamental to all aspects of a child’s development and is a vital component of their learning process including the development and understanding of community and culture.

Play is valuable in children’s physical exercise and growth and in their development of motor skills. Children playing together present rich opportunities for social, moral and emotional development and hence development of their personality and their ability to handle stress and conflict.

It is through supported play that children learn to understand and co-operate with others. The typical nature of play is that it is initiated and controlled by children. Resulting from social competence, this element of play is widely understood in early childhood education and is critically linked to the development of resiliency in children.

Outdoor play environments offer important opportunities for children to understand the value of the environment around them. Through play children explore cause and effect and gradually build a knowledge base that cannot be taught through structured learning activities. Play is a vehicle for the development of creativity and flexibility that are invaluable qualities in human development.

Play can also be a vehicle for children to pass on their culture, for sharing between generations, and for children to communicate their feelings and ideas to adults.

Through play young children learn to become active participants in the community and this enables them to gain a sense of control over difficult circumstances they may witness or experience in their lives.

The play based programs implemented at New Leaf Early Learning Centre are rich with opportunities for learning. Our educators view their role as facilitators of children’s play by creating interesting environments filled with experiences that promote exploration, discovery and creativity.

Play is a child’s way of making meaning of the world.

Carolyn Watson - New Leaf Early Learning Centre

NEWabout

Enquire now our Alpha Tykes French Program

24

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

A Nurturing and Educational environment striving for Excellence

KARINYA MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE WE OFFER

•

m W ra eH Cl og r as av p sr ne ed O oom e Hig mo B r ov ffe r p hly ses fo eap trai si rin ue uag ten l ned r g E ons & a a g staff erg lon •V l an 6 gd • Kind • xtra nd ays A o hc c u avai r na mt r se lable! u 5 o tur ricula 1 n is r ac al for • Italia

•

ye a r el y s la!

•

e nv

tiviti es iron men t

g Enrollin

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Call us today for a no-obligation tour of the centre

Select positions still available in some classrooms

5472 0505

at 11 Kauri St Cooroy.

Email- info@karinyaMontessori.com www.karinyamontessori.com

Foundation College (Prep to Year 2)

LAYING A

STRONG FOUNDATION

TOGETHER

Specialist early childhood teachers support a strong focus on literacy, numeracy and problem solving.

A warm, stimulating, nurturing environment founded on Christian values, featuring: • Strong parent partnerships • High levels of teacher aide support • A fostering of creativity and imagination

Enrolment forms or enquiries by calling Mrs Chris Henschke on 5436 7321 or emailing admin@pacluth.qld.edu.au Woodlands Boulevard Meridan Plains 4551

Together we grow for a better tomorrow.

www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

25

EDUCATION

Quality childcare:

nurturing young spirits & mindS

by Maxine Arthur

The time has come – you need to find quality childcare so you can return to work, study, sanity, or for a dozen other reasons.

Your family is interstate or unavailable and your friends are in the same boat as you. The options are centre-based care (childcare or kindergarten) or home-based care (family day care or nanny)? Choosing the best option may be daunting but having confidence that quality childcare will benefit your child, and knowing what to look for, helps to quell any anxiety or guilt.

Am I doing the right thing?

Australia’s biggest childcare provider, GoodStart Early Learning, faced a huge challenge when they bought more than 650 ABC Learning centres after ABC went into liquidation in 2008. The new owners, not-for-profit charities The Benevolent Society, Mission Australia, the Brotherhood of St Laurence and Social Ventures Australia surveyed parents on how they felt about childcare.

“The consumer research study found that while more than seven in 10 (75%) parents say they initially have negative feelings such as anxiety and guilt when placing their child in childcare, more than nine in 10 parents (91%) feel positive about their decision once their child has been in care

26

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

for some time. Parents say that the positive reality of childcare – including the relationship they build with staff and the fact their child enjoys being there to learn, develop and grow in confidence – helps alleviate initial concerns.” (GoodStart, November, 2011) The research indicated that feelings of negativity and guilt about placing a child in childcare are unwarranted, provided, of course, you are satisfied that the standard of care is high.

The push for higher quality childcare The ongoing public debate about childcare has focused mainly on issues of availability and affordability, but the issue of quality is now driving

childcare reforms. In 2006 Emma Rush of the Australia Institute conducted research into “Child Care Quality in Australia”.

The survey concluded that community-based long day care centres offered the highest quality care and that independent private centres offered a quality of care that is usually similar.

However, the standard of corporate chains was rated as ‘markedly lower’ on all aspects of quality surveyed.

The survey supported concerns that corporate chains were more focused on cutting costs for the sake of increasing profits for shareholders than

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Do YOU need quality childcare?

We have eDUcatOrs Offering care frOm nOOsa tO calOUnDra • We tailor our services to meet your family’s needs, including casual and OVERNIGHT care.

• Flexible family environment • At very reasonable hourly rates • CCB and CCR available to qualifying families WOUlD YOU like tO becOme an eDUcatOr?

now taking 3 year olds MeMorIal ParK CoMMunItY KInDergarten assn InC • 3 different session times providing 15 hrs per week • Long serving, caring staff.

• Large, natural, open, play spaces.

• Well-equipped learning environments 8am• FREE Memorial Park T-shirt & Hat 3.30pm KInDY • 5 day program available Program now • Health care benefits apply e avaIlabl • Vacancies for 2012

Call us now on 5443 1661

• Do you enjoy the company of children?

• Want to work from home? Be self-employed?

• Assist other families with their childcare needs?

Call Anne now to discuss further details: anne@louerafamilydaycarescheme.com.au www.louerafamilydaycarescheme.com.au

Ph: 07 5449 1959 mob: 0419 868 234

Prep at Immanuel Prep at Immanuel... make the right choice Finding the right school with supportive and nurturing teachers will set your child on a path of lifelong learning. That’s where we come in...

With places still available for Prep 2013, call us today and find out what makes an Immanuel education so special.

Immanuel… where everyone is someone.

Immanuel Lutheran College Irene Dabinet, Enrolment Registrar T: 5477 3441 E: dabineti@immanuel.qld.edu.au

www.immanuel.qld.edu.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

27

EDUCATION

There is no ‘one size fits all’ in childcare. improving care standards. It was clear that federal and state governments needed to take a greater role in regulating and supporting quality childcare.

Issues of staff to children ratios, staff qualifications, the quality of learning programs, and health and safety standards came under review.

The National Quality Framework An excellent childcare system is a necessity in today’s society. It allows parents to balance work and family responsibilities, to continue in their chosen careers, and to know that their child is in an environment which promotes optimal early learning and development. Families can, of course, actively promote early learning in the home environment, but the choice of quality childcare must be available.

In response to concerns, new national standards have been set for the childcare sector in the National Quality Framework (NQF), introduced in January this year. Australian Governments have legislated for significant changes with regard to educational programs, regulatory systems and standards. Childcare reforms are based on indisputable research evidence about the importance of the early years of life to children’s future health, well-being and competence.

Education and care services including long day care, family day care, kindergarten and out of school hours care services will be assessed and rated against the new standards. The NQF aims to drive improvements in the quality of childcare services by highlighting best practice as well as identifying areas for improvement. Centres will be rated on a five-level scale from ‘Significant improvement required’ to ‘Excellent’. The ratings will be available to parents.

The NQF is expected to bring about greater consistency of early years’ services and higher standards in the sector, with an emphasis on ‘child education’ as opposed to ‘child minding’. As usual, the sticking point with any reform agenda is who will pay for the upgrades? There has been concern that increased childcare fees will make it unaffordable for many parents. Governments have

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

committed to balancing improvements to quality with maintaining affordability for families. .

A focus on quality early childhood education The Queensland Government has confirmed it is focused on providing all Queensland children with access to a kindergarten program in the year prior to Prep.

Newly appointed Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek has reaffirmed the newly elected Queensland Government’s commitment to early childhood education. “I am a proud father of three children so I’ve seen firsthand the great opportunities that flow from a good education,” he said.

“Chloe, Bronte & Piers participated in kindergarten programs at C & K Broadbeach Kindergarten and Fuji Kindergarten in Robina and they all share very fond memories of their time with their teachers Mrs Power (Broadbeach) and Miss Michelle, Miss Sarah and Mr Fujiwara (Robina).

“But what we as parents have witnessed over the years since they left, is the enormous head start that kindy participation offered them in terms of their readiness for learning and life,” Minister Langbroek shared with Kids on the Coast.

“In 2008, just 29% of kindy-age children in Queensland were enrolled in kindergarten programs, so there was a tremendous challenge for all parents, carers, teachers and governments.

“I am honoured to be leading the Newman Government’s commitment to universal access to kindergarten, as I know it will give all Queensland children the brightest start possible.”

Already, 121 extra kindergarten services are planned to be built on school sites in areas of high need by 2013. To give families more choice, more than 815 long day care services have also been approved to deliver kindergarten programs around the state since 2010.

A range of kindergarten accessibility and affordability initiatives are available for Queensland families:

• Kindy is available at low or no cost for low income families and multiple birth families with triplets or more • Additional funding is being provided to kindergarten and long day care services to help them attract and retain qualified teachers • Support has been expanded for children with disabilities through additional funding to support kindergarten services to offer inclusive programs • An e-kindy distance education program is being developed to cater for families in rural and remote areas of Queensland.

Centre-based options Kindergarten Kindergartens offer play-based learning experiences under the guidance and care of a qualified early childhood teacher. They cater for children who are at least 4 years of age by 30 June in their kindergarten year.

The Queensland Government Office for Early Childhood Education and Care website says: “Kindergarten programs offer a safe and caring environment in which your child can build confidence in their abilities, extend their communication skills, be creative and learn early literacy and numeracy concepts.”

Kindergarten programs have traditionally been offered at community kindergartens but approved programs are now also offered at many childcare centres and at newer kindergartens co-located with schools.

The Crèche and Kindergarten (C&K) Association of Queensland has been a leader in play-based educational programs for over a hundred years. It now provides nearly 400 kindergarten programs in Queensland in different settings, as well as childcare and family day care services.

The advantage of a kindergarten program is that your child will be in the care of a qualified educator in a structured, approved program that will prepare him well for school.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Pacific Lutheran Early Learning Centre

WHERE

CURIOSITY

LEADS TO DISCOVERY

Specialist early childhood teachers and assistants inspire a love of learning in children. Creativity and confidence are nurtured as children explore the Queensland Kindergarten Guidelines. Pacific offers the choice of: • Kindergarten in a long day model 5 days a week.

• Sessional kindergarten 5 day fortnight.

Promoting Positive Partnerships

Enrolment forms or enquiries by calling Mrs Chris Henschke on 5436 7321 or emailing admin@pacluth.qld.edu.au Woodlands Boulevard Meridan Plains 4551

www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au

Commence your child’s educational journey with Prep at Suncoast

We invite you to visit with us and experience Suncoast’s warm, nurturing environment.

Witness for yourself our happy and engaged students. Suncoast Preps explore the five areas of learning: social and personal, health and physical, language, communication, and early mathematical understandings.

For more information or to book a campus tour, please visit our website.

P: 5451 3600 Cnr Schubert & Kiel Mountains Rds, Woombye E: info@suncoastcc.qld.edu.au

www.suncoastcc.qld.edu.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

29

EDUCATION

Childcare checklist

It’s important to know what to look for and which aspects of the centre matter most to you.

1.

A positive environment, where the children are happy, content, and settled.

2.

The centre team is made up of qualified and experienced staff.

3.

The centre is a safe and secure environment.

4.

Staff members have quality relationships with children.

5.

There is a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness.

6.

There is clear, daily communication from the Group Leader about your child’s routine and activities.

7.

There are innovative and creative programs that assist development.

8.

Staff members are warm and friendly.

9.

The room presents a stimulating environment (for example, quality toys, books, and artwork).

10.

The centre provides feedback on children’s progress.

Source: www.goodstart.org.au

Childcare centre Childcare centres, also known as long day care centres, usually cater for children under school age. Children are grouped by age and developmental stage, with older children participating in play-based learning programs.

Many centres now run approved kindergarten programs for pre-prep children.

The pros and cons of childcare to consider are: (source careforkids.com.au) Pros 1. For a single child, it is usually cheaper than hiring a nanny.

2. Care is always available during opening hours.

The centre will manage replacement staff if any carer is ill or unavailable.

3. Provides a structured program with routine and activities.

4. Centres are licensed facilities, and all staff will have relevant experience and qualifications.

5. Child meets a range of other children and carers.

Cons 1. Less individual attention than nanny or au pair.

2. Child is exposed to more people and more illnesses.

3. Child may (initially) find it hard to settle into an unfamiliar environment.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

4. Many centres have long waiting lists and fees can be expensive.

5. May not be flexible enough to meet your child’s individual temperament and needs.

6. You will have to arrange travel to and from the centre.

All approved child care services are required to meet certain quality standards and eligible parents may claim the Child Care Benefit and the Child Care Rebate.

an attractive quality option, not only for its affordability, but because many parents prefer the small group settings and nurturing environment.”

The pros and cons of family day care to consider are: (source careforkids.com.au) Pros 1. A relatively cheap child care option.

2. A safe home environment with consistent care.

3. Most carers have had children of their own.

Home-based options

4. Interaction with a small group of children of varying ages.

Family day care

5. Can be arranged to fit in to your schedule.

Family day care schemes offer registered carers who look after your child in the carer’s home. They work with children aged 0-6 years not yet at school, and sometimes older school-aged children. Hours of care are flexible and some carers will do overnight or weekend care.

Most family day care schemes are approved child care services and come under the new NQF legislation.

Carla Northam CEO of Family Day Care Australia says that the number of families using family day care is increasing.

“Many parents are realising the positive features of family day care and see it as an affordable alternative for quality child care,” she says.

“Family day care is increasingly becoming

Cons 1. You will need to arrange back-up care if the carer is ill or unavailable.

2. There is not the same range of toys, equipment and activities as at a child care centre.

3. The carer may not have formal child care qualifications.

4. You will have to arrange travel to and from the carer’s home.

Nanny A nanny can provide care for one or more children in their own home. Nannies may live in or live out and be employed part-time or full-time on a temporary or permanent basis. Nannies in Queensland must hold an approved child care first www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Engaging, Encouraging, Supporting Quality Child Care

AT HOME

in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment

HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED for DEMI PAIR Program

Lexis English College (Noosa & Maroochydore) are looking for friendly local families to host international students on a Demi Pair program.

Children are provided with experiences from qualified, dedicated and professional Educators to allow them to be who they are, to belong, and in turn be provided with the tools to become whatever they aspire to be.

Child Care Benefits available

Highly qualified, experienced and motivated female students from France, Germany and Switzerland offer your family: > A safe and reliable extra pair of hands around the home > 20 hours of childcare combined with general household duties per week at times that suit you and your lifestyle > A unique and memorable cross-cultural exchange for your family In return for performing Demi Pair duties, students require: > A welcoming environment in which to improve their English language skills and experience Australian culture > Full board and lodging with own bedroom Students combine Demi Pair duties with their studies at the College

To discuss your child care needs...

contact us on 07 5472 0119 or enquiries@euphoriafamilydaycare.com.au www.euphoriagroup.net.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

For details, please contact Jo Porter at Lexis English Accommodation Office on 5447 4448

MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

31

aid certificate and hold a ‘Blue Card’ (suitability for working with children). Nannies can work without formal qualifications, but many employers and agencies prefer applicants with recognised qualifications and references.

If individual attention, convenience and flexibility of care in the home, and greater communication with the carer are important to you, a nanny could be the right choice. It may also be cheaper than childcare if you have two or more children under school-age.

The main disadvantage is the fact that if you employ a nanny directly you are responsible for background checks, wages, tax, superannuation and other time-consuming necessities. If you employ via an agency, the nanny is employed by and paid by the agency. You pay the agency an hourly rate. You can choose to pay a placement fee only, to be introduced to nannies on their books, but you are then the direct employer with accompanying obligations.

The other major issue is the lack of government subsidy for nanny care at home, except in very

specific circumstances. Nannies do not come under the scrutiny and regulation that centrebased employees do, under the NQF legislation, and therefore parents cannot claim the government childcare subsidies.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ in childcare. The best childcare is the one that suits the needs of your child and family. Early childhood experiences lay the foundation for later development, learning and well-being. Giving your child into someone else’s care deserves careful initial consideration and ongoing monitoring.

Online resources: www.careforkids.com.au Find and compare a range of childcare services. Excellent articles and checklists to help you to find the best care for your child. www.mychild.gov.au Search for childcare providers in your area, information on different types of childcare and how to get financial assistance with childcare costs. www.centrelink.com.au Check eligibility for childcare financial assistance. Click Individuals, Payments, scroll down to Child Care Benefit www.dete.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood Search for your nearest approved kindergarten program and information for families on kindy age-eligibility and the implications of the National Quality Framework on Queensland services.

Pre-Prep Education from 3 years - CCB approved • Free weekly specialist teacher lessons in Music & Sport • Weekly visits to onsite Junior Primary Library & regular onsite Farm excursions • Qualified teachers presenting a fun and educational Kindergarten program • $64 per day (up to 10 hours) including afternoon tea P: 5451 3333 32

E: enrolments@ncc.qld.edu.au

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

www.ncc.qld.edu.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

Learn through play with C&K C&K is one of Australia’s leading community based early childhood education and care providers with almost 400 services throughout Queensland.

C&K offers kindergarten, childcare and family day care services whereby under the guidance and care of our teaching professionals C&K children are enabled to: • Make friends and learn how to interact with other children • Explore and express their creativity • Connect with natural environments and spaces • Build confidence and find their unique identity • Connect with their world through play and other activities All C&K early childhood services offer the approved C&K Building waterfalls teaching and learning guideline. This guideline promotes the importance of the early years in

laying the foundation for success in life and learning.

Independent research* has shown children who participate in a C&K kindergarten program do better at school.

C&K offers more than 100 years of experience and knowledge of early childhood education. C&K has provided the highest standard of early childhood education and care for more than one million children since 1907. As a not-for-profit organisation profits are reinvested to benefit children and the community.

For more information about enrolling your child at a C&K early childhood service on the Sunshine Coast, contact C&K on 1800 177 092 or find your nearest C&K service at www.candk.asn.au *Preparing for School Report QUT 2004

Vacancies available Now is the best time to enrol your child in a C&K kindergarten program with Health Care Card fee reductions for eligible age children up to $2,600 per year.

C&K is Queensland’s leading early childhood education and care provider with almost 400 services.

• Kindergarten • Childcare • Family Day Care Find a service near you, go to www.candk.asn.au or call 1800 177 092 today.

Look for

Give your child the Star Treatment at the new City Stars Kindergarten!

Our brand new state-of-the-art Kindergarten at Caloundra City Private School is now open.

This fully air-conditioned, eco-friendly kindergarten is now open and the children love it.

City Stars Kindergarten is open to all children 4 years of age by 30 June 2012. Classes are strictly limited to 24 students with individual needs catered for by a qualified teacher and assistant ensuring your child has every opportunity to thrive.

Proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

Gold Stars All Round at Caloundra City Private School.

Pelican Waters Boulevard, Pelican Waters www.ccps.qld.edu.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

CRICOS NO: 03241C

CC18821

Students will enjoy the future of learning with iPads too.

5437 5800

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Brightwater Connecting with People Do you want to live in a community with people like you? With so many exciting, new locations to live on the Coast, what do you look for in a community to help you find the right fit for you and your family?

Brightwater is a popular Stockland master planned community on the Sunshine Coast.

At Brightwater, Stockland has combined all of the things that make the Coast the best place in the world to live and put them all together; finding the perfect blend between indoor and outdoor living. The community not only has its own state school, childcare centre, and soon to be completed shopping centre but it also features nine landscaped parks, a regional sports field, a large central lake and kilometres of walking and bike paths. All set on one of the last pieces of quality land just minutes to some of the coast’s best beaches. Whether you’re looking for an affordable, easy-care home site or a premium traditional block on the lake, Brightwater has a wide range of lot sizes available to new home buyers. What better place to live than in the heart of a young and thriving family friendly environment with fabulous new facilities.

Stockland Regional Manager for the Sunshine Coast, Troy Wainwright, said: “Brightwater is one of the most popular choices for new home buyers because of its central location and proximity to great services and the beach. There is a strong sense of community spirit in Brightwater and this will only get stronger as we deliver more facilities and services, such as the new lake and shopping centre. We are very proud of what has been created at Brightwater.’’

Connecting with Families Children and families take centre stage in Brightwater with a host of fabulous park equipment, BBQ areas, kilometres of walking and bike paths, and new sports field. The community is also home to a brand new Brightwater State School and a new Bella Grace child care centre. It now hosts a range of community events including the Coast’s only Billycart Cup. A recent survey of Brightwater residents found a large majority of residents have young children.

Local resident Jenny says: “When I moved to the Sunshine Coast from Sydney, I was nervous about meeting new people and my kids making friends. As the Brightwater community has grown, we have made more and more friends. My kids love playing with our neighbours children and I feel like I am part of something more than just a neighbourhood. We look out for each other and our families!”

Krystal loves the support that the Brightwater community offers when her “fly-in fly-out” husband Adam is away working. Krystal explains: “Knowing other FIFO families who live locally means we can give each other practical help. We all understand the challenges that come with the lifestyle, so we can support each other when things get difficult. We regularly collect each other’s kids from school or have the kids over to play at our house. It gives us mums a break and lets us manage our households while our children are being looked after in a safe environment.

We’re really happy living at Brightwater. Adam’s job means we can live wherever we want so we can enjoy a great coastal lifestyle and really make the most of our time together.’’

Courtesy of kooringalhats.com.au

34

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Connecting with the Community Association Residents of Brightwater have taken control of their own future with the creation of a dedicated residents’ association. The Brightwater Community Association already has more than 40 members and it is Brightwater residents that hold the committee positions. The association has established a reference group that will be given a say on how the council maintains the community’s parks, streetscapes and other public spaces in the future.

Brightwater Community Association chairman, Neil Dougherty, said he was pleased with the progress already achieved by the association in the interests of Brightwater residents. “As the people who actually live in this community, we are best placed to monitor and contribute to the council’s landscape maintenance activities. We will also be getting involved in all the social activities in the community, such as Brightwater Billycart Cup.’’

Connecting with Jobs Stockland creates great communities with opportunities to live, work and play in the same location with everything you need within easy reach.

With construction of the new hospital under way, and plans progressing for the new Kawana Town Centre, many thousands of jobs will be coming to this region.

The hospital will care for the Coast in more ways than one, creating more than 10,000 jobs alone. And communities like Brightwater are at the heart of it all, so you can enjoy the serenity of Sunshine Coast living, with the security of work close to home.

Connecting with Education For those with young children, the Brightwater Bella Grace centre caters for age groups from six-week old babies through to school children, providing teachers who are warm, dependable, experienced adults who are committed to providing for equity in care and education of all children. They value each child’s unique cultural background, customs, language,

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

abilities, likes, dislikes and learning styles. Bella Grace educational programs are based on the notion of integrated curriculum - responding to the interests and needs of individual children, integrating creative, constructive and expressive facets of programs - promoting independence, problem solving ability, social, physical and communicative development and inspiring a love of learning.

For primary school aged children, the new Brightwater State School offers a strong e-learning agenda which has been driven by the progressive nature of Principal Robyn Taplin, while ensuring a high standard of education across the all grades. School parent Ken explains: “My son has thrived since starting at Brightwater State School this year. His teacher is proactive and has engaged an excitement for learning in the students. She ensures that my son is stretched academically or gets extra support where he needs it. We couldn’t be happier with our decision!”

Ken is also delighted with the number of learning spaces available including a green screen filming studio, robotics lab, media lab, meeting spaces and a screened outdoor learning space. There are also ample under covered areas and toilets throughout the school including student toilets within each teaching block.

Find out more Are you looking for a community like Brightwater?

For more information call 07 5444 1333, visit the Brightwater Sales and Information Centre off Kawana Way at Mountain Creek, or go to www.stockland. com.au/brightwater.

You can also check out the Brightwater community Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ brighwater4557.

NEWS & EVENTS Brightwater Town Centre Coming Soon • Supermarket • Specialty stores • Lakefront tavern • Medical centre with pharmacy Local connections • Million Paws Walk around Brightwater lake Sunday, 20th May 2012 • National Schools Tree Planting Day with Brightwater State School, Friday, 27th July 2012 • Brightwater Winter Fun Run, August 2012 • New Brightwater display village opening, September 2012 • Brightwater Billycart Cup, October 2012 • Brightwater Shopping Centre Opening, December 2012

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

35

Calendar Sunshine Coast 2012

May

A calendar of regular weekly events is available online. For details of playgroups, library activities, weekly sporting events, craft classes, Australian Breastfeeding Association meeting times and much more, visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

May 10

Type 1 Diabetes

1-31 May

Jelly Baby Month

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Jelly Baby Month aims to raise funds for research into type 1 diabetes.

Raised funds are put towards the most promising research into findings a cure for type one diabetes. www.jdrf.org.au/help-find-a-cure/jellybaby-month

May 11

Rooftop Cinema - “The Leyland Brothers” Where: Cooroy Library When: 6.30pm Rated PG is brought to you by Flicks in the Sticks as part of the “Are We There Yet?” National Year of Reading program. For all ages. No bookings required. Free entry with gold coin appreciated. Bring a rug or chair. Or you can hire Inflatable chairs and beanbags for $5.00 or $7.00 a double info@flicksinthesticks.org to reserve

May 13

Mother’s Day

Until May 12

Are we there yet?

National Year of Reading touring exhibition When: 10am-4pm Tuesday to Saturday Alison Lester touring exhibition for National year of Reading. Featuring the original illustrations from Alison lester’s award winning children’s picture book Are We There Yet? A Journey Around Australia. ph 5454 9050.

May 14 –June 3 Where: Kawana Shoppingworld The Kawana Shoppingworld Pyjama Program is a community based program that aims to provide winter pyjamas, socks and blankets to underprivileged children on the Sunshine Coast. The Centre partners with the local Salvation Army. Donate a pair of pyjamas at the clothes line outside Muffin Break. While at the clothes line vote on your local favourite celebrity’s designed pyjamas. Cost: Kids Pyjamas www.kawanashoppingworld.com.au

1 May

Kiah Park Horse Camp

World Asthma Day was initiated by the Global Initiative for Asthma in 1998, the National Asthma Council Australia (NAC) embraces WAD and marks the occasion to highlight the need for ongoing care and vigilance in managing asthma. www.nationalasthma.org.au

Time: Friday 6pm – Monday 3pm Your child can enjoy a long weekend filled with horse riding and fun. Includes all meals, horsemanship lessons, trail rides, gymkhana and night activities.

Cost: $340 Ph: 5486 6166 www.kiahpark.com.au

May 6-12

National Mothering Week

World Asthma Day

Heart Week Organisation: Heart Foundation Heart Week aims to raise community awareness of cardiovascular disease and the many ways to avoid developing heart disease.

Email: health@heartfoundation.org.au www.heartfoundation.org.au/Pages/ default.aspx

Where: Cafe Lolli - Buderim When: 2pm - 3.30pm Learn to create your own magical fairy house.

Cost ; $35.00 kit included Ph 0409 377 117

Where: Yin Health, 10 Lake Kawana Blvd, Birtinya Time: 12:30pm to 2pm First of the ‘I am woman’ Empowerment Workshop series Cost: $30 (including Book ‘I Am Woman’

By Minda Lennon) Bookings Essential Ph: 5438 8387 www.yinhealth.com

Organisation: Australian Breastfeeding Association While Mother’s Day celebrates mothers, National Mothering Week aims to further recognise the importance of mothers in Australia, because one day just isn’t enough.

National/State: National 03 9885 0855 info@breastfeeding. asn.au, www.breastfeeding.asn.au/

May 18

May 15

International Day of Families

United Nations International Day of Families is an opportunity to raise awareness of issues relating to families in the international community. www.un.org/en/events/familyday/

May 20

Fairy House Workshop

Letting Go of Mother’s Guilt

May 6-12

Sunshine Coast Million Paws Walk for the RSPCA

May 19

May 4 -7 & June 8 - 11

Where: Caloundra and Noosa Length of walk: 1.5km and 3km The Million Paws Walk is a fundraising event for the RSPCA. The RSPCA investigates more than 50,000 of animal cruelty or neglect each year. http://qld.millionpawswalk.com.au/

National Walk Safely to School Day

Walk to school with a parent or carer. If you can’t walk all the way, try to use public transport or leave your car a good distance from the school and walk the rest of the way. This will allow parents and carers to get their daily dose of exercise as well. And surveys prove that most children would prefer to walk rather than be driven. http://www.walk.com.au

May 26

Hippy Party Where: Mystery Island, Maroochy RSL Time: 7pm Dig out those cool hippy threads and have a blast at our hippy party Cost: $2.50 members , $4.50 non members www.maroochyrsl.com.au/mysteryisland

May 26

Beaded Tassel Workshop

Where: Cafe Lolli - Buderim When: 2pm - 3.30pm Make a colourful beaded tassel to hang on bags or anywhere.

Cost: $25.00 kit included Ph 0409 377 117

Regular Events

Every week Storytelling

Public Holidays

Each week, Monday to Saturday Maleny Dairies Farm & Factory Tours

Swampy Gym

Labor Day – May 7 Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – June 11

Where: Maleny Dairies, McCarthy’s Rd, Maleny When: 10:30am & 2:30pm. This interactive tour includes hand milking demonstrations, a tour of the dairy and a baby animal farm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the countryside. Kiosk now open with coffees, milkshakes, soft serves and sundaes. Cost: $9 per person Details: www.malenydairies.com

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

Where: Sunshine Coast Libraries When: Various times - see website for details. Storytelling sessions for pre-schoolers, babies and parents occur weekly at every library across the Sunshine Coast and are free!

Cost: FREE Details: www.library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Where: Buderim Pool When: Wed 11am - 12noon & Thurs 2pm - 3pm. Bring your baby for an hour of watery fun with swim toys, small inflatables, kickboards and music. Friendly, qualified instructors are on hand to give advice and tips.Cost: $6 for the first child and $3 for any subsequent children in the family. Newborns to five years all welcome! Details: 07 5445 6685

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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

June June 1

Greenzone Disco

Where: The J Noosa When: 6 - 8pm

The ever so popular Green Zone Disco is held on the first Friday of most months with a popular DJ, great prizes and giveaways. Suitable for eight to 12 year olds.

Cost: $6 per child. Bookings essential.

June 5

June 3

June 2

Kids Club Caloundra Regional Gallery When: 10am to 12pm

Free Creative Activities inspired by the exhibition. No bookings required. Open for all ages.

5420 8299.

www.scvenuesandevents.com.au or 5455 4455

Under 8’s week ‘Barefoot in the Park’ Where: Peregian Beach Park Time: Morning till afternoon

Story time with Postman Pat

June 5

World Environment Day

Where: Riverwalk Stage,

Sunshine Plaza

‘Barefoot in the Park’ celebrates Under 8s week, includes fun activities for children Cost: Free 54481702

Time: 9am, 10am & 11am. Story

time with Postman Pat: enjoy story telling sessions, a meet & greet and face painting.

Cost: Free!

United Nations World Environment Day aims to be the world’s biggest and most widely celebrated environmental action event. www.unep.org/wed/

www.sunshineplaza.com

June 16 to July 15

Build it!

June 10

Where: The Workshops Rail Museum

Family Day at Noosa Regional Gallery

– North Street, North Ipswich Time: 9:30am to 5pm daily Get your very own trade certificate with hands-on activities and walk in the footsteps of past workers.

Discover what working in a railway Workshop is really like. Get online to find out all the details

When: 11am to 2pm. Free Creative

Activities inspired by the exhibition.

Special Guest Artists from TreeLine.

No bookings required. Open for all ages. ph 5449 5340.

June 23

17-23 June

Drug Action Week

Drug Action Week aims to the issues that accompany drug and alcohol use. It is also an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the workers who work hardest to reduce drug-related harm. www.drugactionweek.org.au

Winter Snowball Disco

Where: Mystery Island, Maroochy RSL Time: 7pm. A wintery

wonderland with dancing and crafts Cost: $2.50 members , $4.50 non members www.maroochyrsl.com.au/mysteryisland

www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au

June 27 & 28

Noosa Regional Gallery: All things that Sprout, grow and crawl When: 10.30am to 12pm (4 to 8 years) $15. 1.30pm to 3.0pm (8 to 12 years) $15. Bookings and prepayment essential,

ph 5449 5340 gallery.noosa@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

June 27

Winter Artschool Caloundra Regional Gallery

When: 10am to 11am (ages 5-8),

11am to 12pm (ages 5-8) 12.30 to 2pm (ages 9-12) Cost: $15 per child. Bookings and pre-payment essential, ph 5420 8299 or artgallery@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

When: 10am -3pm (Maleny) 1.30pm

-3pm (Beerwah) $15 per child (ages 8-12). Bookings and pre-payment essential by phoning the Library Maleny Library on 5435 3100/ Beerwah Library on 5439 2500.

markets

May 12 - Cooroy Fusion 2012 Where: Mill Place Precinct, Cooroy When: 8am – 4pm. A fusion of market stalls, entertainment, workshops, come and try demonstrations, music, community displays, literature and arts, local foods, orchid display and wood craft. www.library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or call Cooroy Library on 5454 9000.

May 12 and June 23 - Mamma’s Market Where: Buderim War Memorial Hall, Cnr Main St and Gloucester Rd, Buderim When: 9am - 1pm Mamma’s Market is a high quality boutique style market with a focus on handmade, unique items and services catering to pregnancy, baby, children’s and family needs. Cost: FREE entry www.mammasmarket.com May 20 - Sunny Coast Baby and Kids Market Where: Caloundra Indoor Stadium, North St, Caloundra When: 8am – 12noon. Pre-loved handmade clothes for under-fives.

Cost: Entry $2 http://sunnycoastbabykidsmarket.com.au/ May 25 & June 29 (Last Friday of every month) - Nambour’s Moonlight Market Where: Town Square, Low Street, Nambour When: 5 - 9pm. The Nambour Friday Moonlight Market is more than a market. It is a community event with food, fun and entertainment for the whole family. http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au Ph 5441 8339 Every Wednesday & Saturday - Eumundi Markets Where: Memorial Drive, Eumundi When: Wed 8am – 1:30pm, Sat 7am – 2pm. You’ll find original artworks, sculptures, furniture, handmade toys, homewares, and skincare, as well as cutting edge fashion and jewellery by local designers, all guided by our ethos of “we make it, bake it, grow it, sew it”. Cost: FREE entry www.eumundimarkets.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

29 June

June 29

Winter Artschool Maleny Library & Beerwah Library

Red Nose Day

Red Nose Day provides critical funding for a 24-hour bereavement support service, community education to reduce incidents of SIDS and fatal sleeping accidents, and research into areas such as SIDS and stillbirth. www.rednoseday.com.au

tickets on sale The Neverending Story May 1 - 12 QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

The Nutcracker on Ice June 20 to 24 QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo May 3 & 4 The J Noosa www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

I-BUNYIP July 3 Lake Kawana Community Centre www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

The Wiggles Live in Concert May 5 to 7 QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

Treasure Island August 2 Lake Kawana Community Centre www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

BANG! CRASH! TAP! May 11 Lake Kawana Community Centre www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit August 23 The Events Centre, Caloundra www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

Dora the Explorer Live: Search for the City of Lost Toys The Events Centre, Caloundra www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

Fairy Tales - Stories of Hans Christian Andersen December 1 to 19 QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

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BABIES on the coast

SLEE P ING B A B Y SA F ELY

by Cameron Munro

This year will be the 25th year that Australians have been asked to “be silly for a serious cause” by wearing a red nose for Red Nose Day. But the serious cause behind the red nose is one that too many Australians still know little about.

Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), but we do know how to try and reduce the risk of it happening,” says Leanne Raven, chief executive officer of SIDS and Kids.

Red Nose Day raises funds for SIDS and Kids, a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing the risk of sudden and unexpected infant deaths and which has a particular focus on safe sleeping practices for babies up to 12 months of age.

Leanne says a child’s death can have a significant impact on parents and those around them.

“Research has not uncovered a cause of Sudden

38

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

The most recent statistics, from 2010, show there were 136 Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Infancy (SUDI) of children under one year of age in Australia. That figure includes fatal sleeping accidents and deaths due to SIDS.

“The death of a baby conflicts with the normal life cycle in the sense that parents expect their children to outlive them,” Leanne says. “And when that doesn’t happen there’s a real sense of loss for the parents, siblings

and extended family. And the impact of that death goes even further: to friends, work colleagues and emergency services personnel. It was once estimated that the death of child affects at least 60 people.”

If you think the annual number of deaths seems small, there is a more significant figure to keep in mind: there were almost 300,000 births in Australia in 2010.

And for every birth there are parents and other caregivers who need to know about the risk of sudden infant death.

Since the early 1990s, SIDS and Kids has been promoting a safe sleeping message based on research that has identified risk factors for sleeping babies. In that time the safe sleeping message was found to be www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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BABIES on the coast

“Parents sleeping babies on their backs has made a tremendous difference to the numbers and the incidence of deaths.” the major reason for an 85 per cent reduction of the number of SIDS deaths in Australia. That’s more than 6,500 babies’ lives saved.

So what should people do to ensure a baby is sleeping safely?

In 2010, a Sydney forum of scientific researchers reaffirmed the five key points of the safe sleeping message. The SIDS and Kids National Scientific Advisory Group has now added a sixth point due to a recent publication of a large American study on breastfeeding:

SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping Message 1. Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the tummy or side 2. Sleep baby with head and face uncovered 3. Keep baby smoke free before birth and after 4. Provide a safe sleeping environment night and day 5. Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an adult care-giver for the first six to 12 months 6. Breastfeed baby if you can “Our goal is to get the message out to parents and care-givers,” Leanne says. “What we try to do is say ‘if you do these things you reduce the risk of having this type of tragedy’.

“There are over 300,000 babies born each year so there are new parents who haven’t got the message.

There are grandparents who haven’t got the message and may not understand what the latest research is showing.”

The Safe Sleeping campaign is aimed not just at new and expectant mothers, but also health professionals.

Child care centres can purchase a Child Care Kit to ensure their staff follow safe sleeping practices.

“We do know that some health professionals are still giving the wrong advice and telling people to sleep their baby on their side. So we must educate these health professionals.

“Parents sleeping babies on their backs has made a tremendous difference to the numbers and the incidence of deaths. That education is really important to continue, because without it we would see the numbers increase.”

40

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

How to reduce the risk of sudden unexpected infant death 1. Sleep baby on the back from birth, not on the tummy or side Sleeping on the back reduces the risk of SUDI. The chance of babies dying suddenly and unexpectedly is greater if they sleep on their tummies or sides. Put your baby on the back to sleep, from birth, on a firm, flat surface. If thier doctor or nurse advises you to use another sleep position for your baby, eg. baby has a particular medical condition, make sure the reason is fully explained to you and ask your doctor for a written explanation. These situations are very rare.

2. Sleep baby with head and face uncovered Your baby’s face and head needs to stay uncovered during sleep as this reduces the risk of SUDI. Keep the head uncovered indoors, no head coverings including bonnets, beanies and hats. A good way to do this is to put baby’s feet at the bottom of the cot so that baby can’t slip down under the blankets. You might decide not to use blankets at all and instead, use a safe baby sleeping bag: one with fitted neck and arm holes and no hood.

3. Keep baby smoke free before birth and after Cigarette smoke harms babies before birth and after.

This includes smoke from tobacco and marijuana.

Parents who smoke during pregnancy and after the baby is born increase the risk of sudden infant death for their baby. In fact, if a mother smokes during pregnancy the risk of sudden infant death is approximately four times greater compared to the risk for non-smokers. If the father smokes, the risk of sudden death is almost double.

4. Provide a safe sleeping environment night & day How to sleep babies safely: safe cot, safe mattress, safe bedding, safe sleeping place night and day.

Safe cot – Does the cot meet current Australian Standards? All new and secondhand cots sold in Australia must meet the Australian Standard for Cots (AS 2172) and should carry a label to say so.

Safe mattress – Is the cot mattress the right size for the cot and is it firm and clean? A baby can get stuck www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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BABIES on the coast

“There are over 300,000 babies born each year so there are new parents who haven’t got the message. There are grandparents who haven’t got the message and may not understand what the latest research is showing.” in the gaps between the mattress and the cot sides.

This is especially dangerous if their face is trapped and covered, or their neck is restricted in any way. Make sure there is no more than 20mm (less than 1 inch) gap between the mattress and the cot sides and ends.

Safe bedding – Is the bedding safe? Remove pillows, doonas, loose bedding or fabric, lambswool, bumpers and soft toys from the cot. Soft and puffy bedding in the cot is unnecessary and may cover your baby’s face and obstruct baby’s breathing. If you wrap or swaddle your baby, do not cover baby’s head. Discontinue the use of a wrap when baby can roll from back to tummy and to back again.

Safe sleeping place night and day - Never leave baby unattended on an adult bed or bunk bed.

Waterbeds, bean bags, pillows and cushions are not safe for babies. Avoid falling asleep with the baby on a couch, sofa or chair. Keep the cot away from hanging cords such as blinds, curtains, electrical appliances or mobiles. Keep heaters or electrical appliances well away from cots. Never use electric blankets, hot water bottles or wheat bags for babies. Safety of the baby’s sleep

environment is a priority over sharing the same room as baby for daytime sleeps.

5. Sleep baby in their own safe sleeping place in the same room as an adult care-giver for the first six to 12 months Room-sharing with a baby has been shown to reduce the risk of SUDI. SIDS and Kids therefore recommends sleeping baby in their own sleeping place in the same room as an adult care-giver for the first six to 12 months.

6. Breastfeed baby if you can Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce infant illness and death worldwide. The evidence that breastfeeding has a protective effect against SUDI has been gathering over many years. Recent studies examining the role of breastfeeding in reducing SUDI show that there is now strong evidence that breastfeeding baby reduces the risk of sudden and unexpected infant death.

These 6 guidelines are an edited version of information contained in the new SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping brochure that will be launched in May. For more

information on Safe Sleeping, go to www.sidsandkids. org or call the Queensland office of SIDS and Kids on 1300 308 307.

Beyond its education campaign, SIDS and Kids also partners with other organisations to provide safe and useful items for families. The SIDS and Kids Online Shop, www.sidsandkidsshop.org, sells a range of sleeping bags, baby clothing, toys and other essential items to make bringing up a baby easier. A minimum of 30 per cent of all sales is donated to SIDS and Kids to support community education on infant safe sleeping.

You can support SIDS and Kids by buying a Red Nose Day product on or before Red Nose Day on June 29 from retailers including Big W, Target and Best & Less.

Donations can be made at any time online at www.sidsandkids.org.

Writer Cameron Munro is an experienced journalist and is Communication Projects Officer for SIDS and Kids www.sidsandkids.org and www.rednoseday.com.au

For further INFORMATION A preconception consultation with your doctor is recommended for any woman considering pregnancy, regardless of age.

Sibling Rivalry, Sibling Love: What every brother and sister needs their parents to know, By Jan Parker and Jan Stimpson Love, Laughter and Parenting, by Steve and Shaaron Biddup

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The program addresses issues such as food choices & portion size; stress, comfort or boredom eating; food cravings; motivation to exercise; and self-confidence & stress reduction. The only thing to give up is yo-yo dieting. Research shows that incorporating hypnosis into your weight loss program can more than double your success and your ability to keep it off. If you have been challenged by weight issues in the past, you can now learn how to conquer it once and for all. For more information contact Maggie on 1300 664 544 or 0405 138 567

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Are your kids driving you bonkers? Sick of scouring books and websites for answers? Well Hot91.1 is here to help.

Send us your kiddie conundrums and our very own Todd & Sami along with Jan from Settle Petal could be coming to your rescue.

Find out more about Settle Petal at www.settlepetal.com.

If you’ve got a parenting question you’d like answered email it now to breakfast@hot91.com.au

THIS MONTHS QUESTION… My daughter is about to turn 10 and I’d like to plan a special birthday party for her. She is going to invite most of her class and double digits is quite clearly a big deal. I need some suggestions on how I can make her special day a success!

SAMI

Oh double digit delight! I say take this moment as one of your last where you can control how your princess will celebrate her milestone. Think pink! Glitter! And cupcakes! You get the drift. It will not be long before Ms.Ten will be demanding to take all of her friends to see The Hunger Games while wearing black skinny jeans and crop tops. Do not get me started on the sad Emo tidal wave that is Twilight. A bunch of morbidly skinny pale kids walking around the place like sad Sallies. They just grow up so fast these days. I hate it.

My eight year old niece loves sushi and pedicures. I am not even joking. It is enough to break any over-protective Mummy bear’s heart. Embrace having a little girl while you still do. In fact go all out for the party and hire ponies, circus performers and dancing pink poodles. What about the expense you ask to create this fanciful fairytale? Okay, you have a point. You know Hunger Games is out on video soon.

TODD Alrighty, somebody say “party”? P.A.R.T.Y? Coz we got to mister! Time to get it on Lionel Richie style Lady, brace yourself to party All Night Long.

I’m thinking Pirates, whoopee cushions, fake dog poo, Vomit inducing Wizz Fizz cocktails and Pin the head on the Zombie Surgery!

Naturally this will be the grousest party EVER so you’ll need a coupla cracking games...I’d open the proceedings with the Fizz Factor...take two contestants attach an Aspro Clear to their forehead using double sided tape, give them a fuly loaded water pistol each and an epic duel begins.

They squirt each other until one of the tablets dissolves, fizzing and foaming all over them in the process! Hysterical, messy fun and a sure fire winner with all party goers! Another crowd pleaser is Blender Wars...line up 4 victims, 4 different freshly blended “refreshments” and the one who skulls theirs the quickest wins the fame

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

and glory! Naturally the drinks must be a mixture of cordial, eggs, hot mustard, artichokes, parmesan cheese , pork sausage and baby food.

Good idea to round out the games section with a solid round of Murder In the Dark! A cracking movie if it’s a sleep over is Dumb and Dumber, plenty of naff silly gags and an hysterical fart scene to boot! Ummm, sorry, just re-read your question...you’re having a GIRLS party...all apologies, this is the blueprint for my son Fynn’s 10th birthday next month...soooo...scrap everything I said, throw a One Direction themed extravanganza, put Justin Beibers Never Say Never DVD on and become the coolest Mum ever!

JAN - From Settle Petal A few years ago turning 10 was celebrated sharing fairy bread and pass-the-parcel with class mates and close family. Today, children often have a wider circle of friends and are torn between a traditional kids’ party and something a little more grown up. When planning your daughter’s party consider her personality, her party likes and dislikes as not every child wants a big party. Parties can create tension, peer pressure and parental stress if you don’t plan. Begin by setting a budget and stick to it - with a bit of imagination you can have a lot of fun on a minimal budget. If boys and girls are going, make sure you cater for both, as bored kids generate mischief. Large numbers will need extra parents around to supervise – their safety is your responsibility. Themed parties are always good, as you can make them a little grown up while still a lot of fun and child-friendly. Get your daughter to help you make unique invitations, decorations, food and most importantly games around the theme!

Some suggestions could be an ‘Around the World’ theme where different sections of your home can become a different country, with food and decorations and games changing in every corner. Or choose a country your daughter is interested in as a basis to the party. A ‘Sports Party’ theme would suit if your daughter is sporty; this can be very simple, inexpensive and tires everyone out. Consider a ‘Mini Olympics’ with egg and spoon races, three legged races, shot-put with a cricket ball, hula hooping...the list is almost endless. A big treasure hunt is always popular - kids can do this in groups, with a challenge at each station of the circuit.

Eating jelly with no hands, balancing a cup of water on their head, ice juggling, obstacle courses etc. A small slumber party with a few close friends would suit the more introverted child. Include popcorn, chocolate, girlie movies, and nail painting – what better way to say hello to double figures. Whatever you decide, enjoy it, take photos and make wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

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ONLY NATURAL

TRI C K OR TI C K ?

Exploring food colours and flavours

by Kim Lahey A colourful history The now-decades-old consumer debate about artificially-coloured foods ensued after a link was found between hyperactive behaviour and food colours in the 1970s. The debate flared again in 2007 when the University of Southampton published research which concluded that six artificial colours - sunset yellow , carmoisine, tartrazine, ponceau 4R red, quinoline yellow, allura red AC - mixed with an artificial preservative - exacerbated kids’ hyperactivity.

The UK Food Standards Agency (who financed the research) introduced a voluntary ban on the use of the six colours, but the European Food Safety Authority, the official European Union risk assessment authority, concluded there was no causal link between the colours and behavioural effects. But they did conclude tartrazine could cause intolerance reactions in a few people.

The colours are approved for use in Australia. Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) studies have found that Australian food manufacturers use much lower levels of the Southampton-study-colours than the UK does. FSANZ Public Affairs Officer, Saffron Urbaniak explains (for example) that the UK study assumed a concentration of 67 mg/kg of tartrazine in confectionery, whereas the average concentration of tartrazine found in confectionery in the FSANZ survey was only 10 mg/kg.

It was noted in the FSANZ studies that the highest dietary exposures in Australia are from tartrazine

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

and sunset yellow, but “We also know from dietary exposure assessments that Australian children are consuming food colours at much lower levels than the amounts used in the UK Southampton study,” Saffron advises.

What’s in a number?

Colourings and flavourings fall into three classes; natural, nature identical, and artificial (“chemicallysynthesised compounds not found in nature”), Nutrition Australia nutrition program manager Aloysa Hourigan explains.

Colours must be coded with an internationally recognised number from 100 to 181, and range from natural colours to those manufactured synthetically.

Natural colours sit beside artificial colours on the number scale.

Natural colours include: 100 (curcumin or turmeric), 101(riboflavin; vitamin B2), 120, 140 (chlorophyll), 150 (caramel), 153 (vegetable carbon), 160a (carotene), 161 (xanthophylls), 162 (beet red, betanin), 163 (anthocyanins), 172 (iron oxides) Synthetically manufactured colours include: 102 tartrazine (yellow), 2G107 yellow; FCF110 sunset yellow; 122 red colours (azorubine – synthetic azo dye), 123 (amaranth), 124 (ponceau 4R), 127; 132, 133 blue colours; 142 green S; 151, 155 black and brown colours; 160b annatto extracts – vegetable dye.

Flavour enhancers are coded from 620 to 641 (this is where the most well-known additives are, like

monosodium glutamate MSG (621)). But there are thousands of artificial food-flavours so it’s too complex to label them all.

Colours and flavours do occur naturally in food, but when they’re extracted as a natural flavour or colour and then added back into a processed food as a ‘natural colour or flavour’ additive, the amount added can differ from the original-foods’ concentration, Aloysa explains.

But there can be health benefits. Many natural colours are known to us as vitamins and phytochemicals (eg antioxidants) occurring naturally in food, she points out.

It’s less likely that ‘natural colours’ will have a negative impact, but for some people it’s possible, like in the case of cochineal (120), Aloysa explains. So those who have food allergies and intolerances to specific food chemicals need to work with a health professional to identify which, if any, of the natural colours or flavours may be causing symptoms.

Most additives are tested in isolation in order to establish ‘cause and effect’, so the long-term effects of consuming additive-combinations remain a mystery. “… it is fair to say that the research probably has not been done to look at the effects of combinations of food additives or their long term effects, ” Aloysa says.

Reason for the season.

“In Britain, Bath buns were coloured yellow with lead chromate, or even with arsenic sulphide. This was www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Do try this at home - with Blue Sky Science Blue Sky Science’s Easter holiday workshops at the Big Pineapple went off with a fizz, a squelch, a gloop and a pop! Some of the most popular activities included making lava lamps, blowing giant bubbles and bubbles inside bubbles, walking in a vat of oobleck and, of course, kids always love making their own squidgy goo to take home. The bonus for parents is that they don’t have to clean it up!

Tracey has already started planning for Blue Sky Science’s June holiday workshops. There will be new workshops and activities for all ages – including the littlies! In the meantime, keep an eye out for Blue Sky Science at local markets and check out their weekend workshop schedule at www.blueskyscience.com.au. And don’t forget, they do science birthday parties, too. A great idea if you’re looking for something a bit different for your child’s next birthday.

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47

ONLY NATURAL definitely not good for the customer. Bakers found the poisons very profitable, though, because the bunsbuyers liked the nice colours.”

“That was back in the 1800s. Now we have laws and labels that help prevent such tricks.”

Perfectly natural flavours and colours from spices like Saffron, harvested from the crocus plant, have been used for centuries to enhance taste and colour.

One justification of food-additive use is to improve palatability, appearance or appetite appeal, Aloysa says.

“However, this needs to be balanced against whether the additive is deceiving the consumer in any way regarding the quality of the food,” The plethora of reasons food-colours are used include; to offset colour loss from exposure to light, air or temperature extremes, or processing; to correct natural colour-variations; to enhance colours that occur naturally; to protect sunlight-sensitive flavours and vitamins during storage; and to provide colour to colourless and “fun” foods. Does that ‘fun’ injection equate to the deceit, given the regularity of colours in kids-food?

The biggest contributors to under 12s’ dietary exposure (of added colours) show up in FSANZ surveys as; confectionary, sweet biscuits, flavoured milk, cordial, soft drink, ice-cream/ice-confection, margarine/table spread, cakes, muffins and pastries, savoury sauces and yogurt, and jelly and savoury snack food. No surprises there.

Colours and Flavours must be approved by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). They check the colour or flavour is safe (at the requested level),

there are good technological reasons for its use, and that the consumer will be clearly informed about it.

FSANZ surveys show that industry generally only adds sufficient colour to ‘do the job’.

Colour as a subtle primer “One-year-olds shown red and green Lego blocks tend to reach out for the red ones. But if they are shown an angry face before being shown the blocks they went for green.”* (*recent studies from the University of Rochester) Does that mean you can pop on your ‘angry face’ in the supermarket and the kids will reach for the beans instead of the red ice-blocks?

No doubt the old adage “we eat with our eyes first” is at least partly true, Aloysa says. If we don’t like the colour of a food, for example if a processed food product was meant to reflect a red-coloured food but looked more grey or brown, then we might not be so keen to eat it, even if it really was made from a redcoloured fruit or vegetable, “Food manufacturers would say that the addition of colours and flavours is in response to consumer demand. But, for consumers with food allergies and intolerances this can present a problem,” Aloysa says.

Reactions “It is often the additives that are used to give a food a marketable quality, such as colour, that most commonly cause allergic reactions.” (The Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel ).

The channel notes that additives aren’t a problem for most people, but list possible problem-causing additives

as the flavour enhancer Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) plus the food colours- tartrazine (102); yellow 2G(107); sunset yellow FCF(110); and cochineal (120). The types of reactions possible are detailed on the Channel’s website. They stress the importance of medical diagnosis.

“There’s been a lot of study on MSG and the science has overwhelmingly found it to be safe,” the FSANZ’s Saffron Urbaniak advises, adding that all colours and additives used in food in Australia undergo a thorough safety assessment based on international best practice.

Aloysa points out that if someone is known to have an allergy or intolerance to naturally occurring ‘salicylate’, a food chemical which is significant in many fruits and vegetables; they would be advised to avoid food colours generally, especially the ones not under the ‘natural’ colour category.

Junk food may not be ‘designed’ to be addictive, but there’s no doubt many products are designed for ‘high hedonic value’, with their balanced portions of salt, sugar and fat (and flavours and colours), that induce us to eat more.

Colours and flavours aren’t known to be addictive substances and we don’t physiologically ‘need’ them for health; their appeal is more to do with how consumers enjoy the appearance and flavour of the food, as Aloysa has explained.

Where additives offer just colour or flavour and no nutritional benefits, why not just take them out of the picture? We just need to be prepared for a more subtle landscape.

For further INFORMATION Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) provide advice about what additives do, and fact sheets about the effects of artificial colours (which includes the official list of additives by number, name and use). www.foodstandards.gov.au Nutrition Australia offers food fact-sheets and answers to a range of nutrition questions www.nutritionaustralia.org Dietitians Association of Australia provides food additive lists (by name or code number) and tells you where to get help from a dietitian. Visit: www.daa.asn.au The Victorian Government’s The Better Health Channel lists food additives which can cause reactions. Visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au Summary of the Southampton report: www.food.gov.uk Australian-based Food intolerance network: www.fedup.com.au

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2011

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What’s Coming up at The Events Centre!

What a Man’s Gotta Do

Wednesday 11th July at 7.30pm Based on the books by Beatrix Potter

COMEDY THEATRE

The School for Wives

THEATRE

Bell Shakespeare Saturday 4th Aug at 7.30pm

Happy Birthday Peter Rabbit Celebrating 110 Years!

CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Thursday 23rd Aug at 10.00am

The Kransky Sisters “Piece of Cake” Saturday 27th Oct 7.00pm Dinner for an 8.00pm Show .....

Thursday 23rd August at 10.00am

Tickets - Full: $15.00, Group 10+ $13.50 Call 5491 4240 or visit www.theeventscentre.com.au

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This production is licensed by Frederick Warne & Co. Ltd, 2012. Illustration© Frederick Warne & Co., 2012.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

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by Aleney de Winter

The devil is in the detail.

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My little loon has just turned four! How did that happen? I mean, the birthday thing is no great shock given he had one on the same day last year but seriously, how can he be four already? It seems like just yesterday that he burst into our lives with all the sparkle and energy of a chorus dancer in a glitzy Broadway show but four all-singing, all-dancing, all-wonderful years have passed us by since that extraordinary moment when he came to us and changed our lives, and my already questionable sanity, forever.

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This birthday was a big deal in my son’s quirky little world as he perceived four to be “big boy” territory. So, just 363 days before his actual birthday, he’d announced confidently that he would be having a Viking themed party. I raised a concerned eyebrow but figured that, like any other normal child, he’d change his mind several hundred times between this bold announcement and an actual party. This was my first mistake, given that my son and normal behaviour are two subjects very rarely used in the same sentence. Dreading the thought of making a Viking party happen (given how few actual Vikings I’m acquainted with to go to for tips and advice) I tried frequent subtle, and not so subtle, hinting to gently nudge him in a simpler celebratory direction. Epic fail, mama!

Instead, as each week passed, his resolve deepened and his obsession with all things Viking intensified. For the past twelve very long months I have been badgered to the point of exhaustion by my pint-sized party planner with endless detailed instructions.

Where the party would be, who would come, what they’d wear (it took quite some talking to convince him that fur, full beards and boots aren’t really appropriate beach garb!) and what they’d do. His baby sister was to be dressed as a dragon, with wings and a pointy tail because, “Baby dragons are my favourite kind, mama”. There would be a Viking helmet complete with pointed horns for every child. A craft table for shield making and bubble-swords for an epic battle (and some far less brutal bubble blowing) on the beach. There would be a boisterous tournament of pin-the-tail on the dragon (thankfully his vision for this involved a poster and not his newly dragonified sister) and a marathon treasure hunt to search for nests full of dragon eggs and forgotten Viking treasure. By this point I was surprised he hadn’t demanded I carve a Viking longboat out of a freshly felled tree from an old-growth forest.

There would be a little swimming. Then we’d eat. Clearly he’d thought this all through. At mind-boggling length! In fact, I doubt Wills and Catherine put this much thought into their wedding. What exactly would we eat? I’m so glad you asked.

“Chicken on bones and dragon flavoured sausages, because that’s what real Vikings eat, mama!” I decided not to spoil his fantasies by informing him they’d have been more likely to eat pickled herring and agreed to mince a few unsuspecting dragons.

Then, quite literally, came the icing on the cake. “I would like a dragon cake, mama.

A huge green dragon with spikes on its back, a long pointy tail, red wings and fire coming out of its nose!”

“Do you want it to actually fly as well?” I asked facetiously.

“Yes, please, mama”, was his predictable response.

Note to self: Sarcasm is lost on small boys. Avoid at all costs in future so not to dig oneself into a deeper hole! www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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        

                                               



  

                ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE  

Restoring  your confidence with bladder control 

Dr Petra Ladwig from Suncoast Women’s Centre understands the problems most women face after giving birth. One of the most embarrassing side effects is often incontinence which can occur due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. A lot of women simply put up with this as the natural course of being a woman after child birth but this need not be the case. If addressed early these problems can be managed, improved and even cured by something as simple and painless as sitting in a chair, fully clothed for 20 minutes!

The pelvic floor controls your urinary, bowel and sexual functions yet these muscles are your most neglected. The new ‘Wave Brilliance’ Magnetic Pelvic Floor Stimulation chair (magnetic chair) uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve impulses which rapidly flex and tighten your pelvic floor muscles. This is the equivalent of approximately 200 pelvic floor contractions every minute at 20 times greater the intensity than the patient can do themselves! It is the ideal way to kick start or regenerate the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles to restore strength, endurance and continence.

Treatments are tailored to individual patients but a typical therapy program consists of two 20 minute treatments per week for eight weeks. Of course children are most welcome to attend with you and can simply sit and play whilst you undergo your treatment. For more information about the new Wave Brilliance magnetic chair treatment phone the Suncoast Women’s Centre on 5437 7244 or visit Suite 5, 5 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya (Kawana).

Medicare rebates available.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

goodhealth

By Dr Fiona Pelly, Accredited Practising Dietitian

The Undereater – A problem or not?

Do you have a fussy eater in your household that won’t eat anything you dish up? As adults we often have unrealistic ideas on how much and the types of food our children should be eating. However, it is important to keep in mind that your child’s eating patterns will change as they develop. Babies often eat well when they are first introduced to food and experience rapid growth. So it can be surprising to parents that their toddler is suddenly refusing food and is fussy about the foods they will eat. Not only does growth slowdown after infancy, but toddlers are also starting to express their independence and challenge their parents about the foods they are offered. As a concerned parent it is easy to think that your child may not get adequate nutrients to grow and develop normally. This may mean you resort to offering less healthy items simply to get your child to eat. While this is reassuring in the short term, your child may be even more reluctant to eat their meals as they quickly learn that something yummier will follow. If your child is refusing food, keep in mind the following: • Healthy children eat when they are hungry.

• No healthy child has ever starved to death by refusing food.

• If a child continually refuses food, they are not hungry.

Young children will often eat most of their food as snacks rather than meals.

These commonly provide children with the energy and nutrients for normal growth and development. Food fads are also common in young children and they may persist with eating the same food for what seems like days on end. It may be easier to go with a fad rather than fight it, particularly as toddlers tend to grow out of each fad quickly. Continue to offer new foods to your child as it may take at least 10 exposures before they will accept the food and eat it. Serve at least one food that your child likes and one new food at each meal, but don’t be too discouraged if they refuse it. Try not to turn the meal into a battle – simply remove the food and try again the next day. Ensure you continue to offer a variety of food (particularly fruit and vegetables) to your child as it is easy to get into a trap of feeding the same foods day in and day out simply because they will eat them.

Despite all these strategies, there are children that may be underweight and not growing to their potential (often referred to as ‘failure to thrive’). While this may be related to their diet, there are many medical reasons that may explain their poor growth. If you are concerned about your child’s weight or size, the first step is to see your GP or an Accredited Practising Dietitian who can graph their weight relative to their height and monitor how this changes over time. Your GP may refer you to a dietitian if they feel that the problem is related to your child’s food intake. Take along a detailed record of the types and quantities of food your child eats over a week. Ensure you record every little snack and sip of fluid, as well as structured meals. Your GP or dietitian can also advise whether you may need to get further tests or a referral to see a paediatrician. However, in many cases a simple change in eating practices may be the solution!

The information contained in this article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for individual professional medical advice from your physician or qualified health care provider. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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53

It’s All About Is your wallet full of loyalty & membership cards?

Key Ring is an easy to use mobile loyalty app that lets you scan, store, and use all of your membership cards from your iPhone, Android or web-enabled device. Key Ring uses bar code scanner friendly technology that can be read by any merchandiser with a handheld barcode reader. Key Ring also provides an easy way to receive and redeem grocery coupons. Download Key Ring for free through iTunes, Android Market or Windows 7 Marketplace!

Over 60% of parents looked for E numbers or colouring when choosing a dessert for their kids from the supermarket (onepoll.com)

Eat a little dark chocolate

20 yrs ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman.

Today, she weighs 23% less.

A Swedish study conducted over a nine-year-period showed that women who ate one to two servings of dark chocolate per week had nearly a 30 percent reduction in developing heart disease. “A little chocolate is okay as part of a balanced diet, but if you’re eating it thinking you’re reducing your risk of heart disease then think again”, said Ms Susan Anderson, National Director of Healthy Weight at the Heart Foundation.

Everything in moderation!

88% of online

searches in Australia are conducted using Google

(Source: Deloitte Access Economics)

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

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LET’S CELEBRATE

Party Bags!

We recently gave a shout out to the Facebook Kids on the Coast family for some advice on what to include in the take home party bags, as our editor was having a birthday party for her son. The advice was so good we wanted to share it!

Cassy

I try to keep the lollies to a minimum and stock up on things like stickers and self-inking stamps.

Lisa

We do thank you cards also after the party with a few pictures on them taken at the party. Party bags are still neat but can be more than lollies. We put little necklaces, note pads, cool crazy straws, use your imagination and have fun with them. One year we did a little wall plaque with my daughters dogs paw print on it and a hook with the description of her name and DOB

Cath I use brown paper bags as they are cheap, can be written on and also recycled and composted. Then they’re filled with some sweets but also a few small toys, pens, rubbers, etc. Also I usually make it a treasure hunt for the bag with each child’s name...they then do 2 jobs and the kids have a lot of fun too.

Kristy My son loved dinosaurs last birthday so I made dinosaur bikkies, decorated and put in clear bags with a dinosaur sticker to seal. The kids thought they were great!

Kelly Stickers and bubbles! Our boys have allergies so we tend to have more things than lollies

Nichole

We went with arty crafty things and mini toys like mini water paints, bubbles, mini notepads, then other things like necklaces for girls and mini bouncy balls for boys - very affordable at overflow they got lots of party bag items :)

Marie

For my daughters last birthday I did helium balloons with little animal teddies on the bottom... All the kids loved them!!

Melissa We don’t do party bags any more. A piece of cake or cupcake to take home, a thank you card is a nice touch.

Michelle We popped colouring books and little crayons in our party bags. Also we found cute little Aussie books in alphabet letters so we got one for each child with the 1st letter of their name i.e K - Kayla and often the books have the child’s name in them. A great gift if you don’t have lots of kids Christine

$1 lip-gloss! That was a hit with the girls for my daughters

3rd birthday

Dani A girlfriend had an awesome idea and gave each guest a carrot & a corn seedling (they come in a punnet of 6) with instructions on how to grow/ love them.

Tina

The kids so love those bags! I still do them and my twins are 9! I fill them with wind-up toys, bouncy balls and colouring pencils all wrapped with a ribbon or twine and of course a personalized thank you note!

Karen I recommend doing them - but avoiding focussing on the food element. We usually put together a little bag of goodies that include anything from a key ring and stickers to groovy pencils & rubbers, hair clips for the girls, home-made beads (the kids make) or give a packet of beads and beading threads to do. The only food I put in are my famous & wholesome fruit & nut bliss balls - wrapped in cello!

Linda I always have the kids collect most of the contents throughout the party - i.e. piñata, treasure hunt and pass the parcel. I give them their bag at the end of the treasure hunt so they don’t lose what they collect. I usually include a necklace as in the treasure chest the necklaces look like treasure. I only put in what I would like my kids to receive and I’d rather skip the cheap lollies full of artificial colours and flavours.

For more ideas, check out our facebook page www.facebook.com.au/kidsonthecoast 56

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

OPENING HOURS

Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm Sunday 9am - 4pm

Come in and experience our beautiful shop Cafe Lolli biscuit party packs & yummy cakes Delicious Mambo Coffee and T2 tea

ENTRY

THE BIGGEST INDOOR PLAY STRUCTURE ON THE COAST! FREE FACE PAINTING DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. SEE STAFF FOR SELECTED DAYS

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5438 2412 MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

H o w t o h av e a s u cc e s s f u l f i j i h o l i d ay With toddlers

By Christine O’Leary

“Are we going home now?”

Not quite what I was hoping to hear from 3-year-old Cooper on day two of our long awaited eight-day Fijian holiday. I quickly realised that among all the sleep count-downs, packing, present unwrapping on the plane and excitement, the one thing I had neglected to mention was that this was not a one night journey. He had flown in the plane, ridden on the boat and swam in the pool. Time to go home.

Our first overseas trip with two toddlers, Cooper and 14-month-old Mitchell, was an exciting, exhilarating, exhausting, fun and overall worthwhile experience, but made all the more challenging by my obsessive need to be prepared. I was never a girl scout, but would have made a good one!

Countless ‘to do’ lists, packing lists, ‘things to buy for holiday’ lists, a trip to the traveller medical centre and hours trawling through Family Holidays to Fiji blogs and we finally touched down in beautiful Fiji. Stepping off the plane the warm humid air hit me and I looked around to the swaying palm trees and breathed deeply....ahh, ‘has someone done a poo?’. Suddenly I could picture our dining table piled high with ‘things to take’...nappies, bottles, formula, snacks, bathers, sunblock. And no baby wipes. Hint number one.

When travelling with babies to a remote island in Fiji, take baby wipes. They don’t sell them, have never heard of them and will look at you strangely when you resort to mime to explain what it is you need. Hint number two – wet tissues really don’t cut it, but you can scrape by for a week.

The best thing about Fiji is its people. Gentle, smiling and relaxed and they love kids – they really, really love kids. I’d been warned that the locals would scoop up

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

our babies and smother them with kisses, but I really didn’t expect this from our airport transfer taxi driver!

He’d undone Mitchell’s pram harness and strolled away out of sight in the blink of an eye. Did I mention I’m a bit obsessive? Mitch is rarely away from me and back home I’d never allow a stranger to make off with my baby, but I remembered I’m here in Fiji and took a deep breath and relaxed. Around the corner Mitch was perched on a reception desk being cooed over by a gaggle of local women. Be prepared for lots of kissing. Luckily Mitch loved every minute of it and has been in attention withdrawal ever since, but if your kids are the shy, retiring type you might want to hold on to them tightly.

I’d read a lot about the great (free) kids clubs in Fiji, but never dreamt I’d leave my children with strangers while overseas. But the gorgeous, friendly people and the open-plan kids club facility immediately adjacent to the restaurant where we ate dinner every night was too good to resist. That, and the fact that Cooper kept sprinting into the kids club anyway to play with the toys and the other kids. So, kids club in the evening it was – and what a luxury! Hubby and I could actually eat and have a conversation with the kids being looked after just metres away. Heaven.

Fiji is just a 3-and-a-half hour flight from Brisbane, plus boat transfer time if you head out to an island. Add driving time to the airport from the Sunshine Coast and various wait times and you are still looking at a long day of travelling. Wrapped presents given to our 3-year-old at one hour intervals were a lifesaver – play dough, sticker books, cars – as was our mobile DVD player and the Cars 2 DVD he’d been hinting about for ages. And food. Lots of snacks on hand are critical – not just while in transit but also at the resort if you are staying on an island. Most island resorts have shops, but stock only the bare essentials so take lots of snacks with you. We had long-life cheese sticks, cracker and cheese dip packs, dried fruit, nuts and soy milk for our lactose-intolerant youngest and chips, chocolate and lollies for us to enjoy with our duty-free Baileys after the kids had gone to bed. All came in handy and was eaten by the week’s end.

Fiji is a perfect child-friendly holiday destination – so get packing. And don’t forget the baby wipes!

Christine’s Hints for a stress-free Fiji family holiday •

Take plenty of presents, toys and snacks for the trip

•

A light umbrella stroller that reclines flat is great when you are in transit and also for poolside day sleeps – Pacific Blue will let you keep it with you right up to the departure gate

•

Consider the ages of your kids – a lot of resorts let kids 3 years and under eat for free and the kids clubs are for 3 years and over

•

Consider taking a travellers gastro medicine kit (available from your local travel doctor) and extra hydrolyte in a child-friendly flavour

•

Don’t forget all of your usual medical items as you may not be able to buy them there – baby paracetamol/ ibuprofen, teething gel, band aids, allergy medicine, insect bite cream/ spray and a baby thermometer. I’d also recommend travel sickness medicine AND sick bags if you are going on a boat – we needed both!

•

Reef shoes for the whole family are a good idea as the dead coral, shells and rocks on the beach can be dangerous

•

Stay one night on the mainland each way if you are travelling to an island. Advertised island boat transfer times are ‘perfect world’ stuff.

•

Be prepared for Fiji time....relax and remember you are on an island in the middle of the Pacific. There is no hurry – and extra nappies, wipes, snacks and drinks won’t go astray. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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Meet Peter mulcahy

My full name is Peter Muraay Djeripi Mulcahy and I am a Gamilaroi Aboriginal artist, Storyteller and Teacher of Culture (CARTA Program - Cultural Awareness and Reconciliation Through Art). This has been my full time occupation in the last 20 years, it is more than what I do, it is what I am. I suppose I am a little two dimensional, outside of my family and my work I don’t really have many other passionate interests. My beautiful wife of 17 years Zymar and I have now lived in the gorgeous Noosa hinterland for the last 10 years.

We have 3 Amazing children Taon (Earth, 12yrs), my oldest son, Karwun (Grass Tree, 10 yrs) my second son and Maian (Water Hole) my 7 year old little daughter.

We have always been a close little mob. I have a great family and the fact they want to be around each other is a beautiful thing. One day they will have grown up and I will remember these times most of all. Maybe the closeness we have created will mean our children will choose not to be strangers later on.

Except for my wife we are all very big talkers.

Conversations on culture, the world, history, politics, spirituality and the universe are everyday events. My kids are my best mates, they are the type of people you would choose to be around. While being all proud black fellas and very culturally aware our kids have a rich mix of bloodlines, Aboriginal, Irish, German, English, Turkish, Chinese, Filipino and Spanish which truly speaks the diversity we call Australia.

ABOUT ART: Art and public speaking would have been the last two options I would have considered as a career path, but the difference with this was it was about my culture. As I tell my students both kids and adults alike, you must remember if you give spirit a pin hole, it will punch a 303 hole right through you. Spirit just looks for an opportunity to show itself in what we think, say and do, it is all that we are.

“When what you have to say, is more important than your fear of saying it, you’ll just do it.”

As an aboriginal person with strong spiritual beliefs and understandings I am never afraid to speak on the topics of spirit, mind and body. I picked up my brush so I could reclaim and reconnect with my culture and I am forever indebted and inspired by those I call my elders and ancestors.

To older students in high school, I might be asked to speak on the old ways, the Dreaming (The forever Creation). We’ll talk history, society, beliefs, ethics, morals and values, all found within the stories I share. I teach the students of “Their dreaming” and how they

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

are in the process of becoming. I teach them how they too, can create their own future by directing spirit through focused thought to create the reality of the world they will see around them. I think the saddest faces and eyes we see as parents and teachers are that of the faces and eyes of those children who have lost the wonder and magic of life. I want for people to understand that what I teach and speak of is Ancient Australian culture. This knowledge is for all of us to call our own, you need only to acknowledge and respect those first Australians, our Ancestors, those who spent 100 millennia gathering and loving it long before us.

I have always taught my children from babies that there is magic that fades away as you grow and there is magic that is forever. This magic is part of the great web of life and is intrinsically linked to its survival.

“Never let the light leave our babies’ eyes, as parents it is our job to find our own, so as to sustain theirs.”

Art is the pretty face to a much deeper and more beautiful story. I tell and teach my way through the images as student’s role play the characters. It’s fun, effective and it cements an understanding of the values, ethics and morals locked within. These are our ancient Australian stories and in knowing and understanding them we each become more Australian “Knowledge leads to Understanding, which leads to Empathy and Respect, which brings us to Knowing.”

Our beautiful ancient stories need only to be decoded for us to apply their everlasting equations to our current situation. Bullying, racism, anger, fear, low identity and understanding of self can all be discussed at an age appropriate level. In turn a code of ethics, morals, values, pride and directions can also be adapted from these teachings by all our young Australians. I believe the education system is continuing to evolve and the Indigenous perspectives currently being implemented by so many fine quality teachers will ensure our future generations ownership of an Australian identity that is truly reflective of our combine ancient past.

BEING A PARENT: I love being a dad more than life itself. I love the moment when” a little one” realizes “you’re a silly man”, that moment when their eyes look at you and you know that they get you. I don’t think enough little kids get to meet enough silly people.

25 years of learning and searching for culture through speaking and listening to my elders and ancestors, has brought forward in me a strength of spirit that has given me a beautiful life of passion and direction.

In reconnecting with my spirit, my dreaming and my people I believe I have taken on the role of bringing

back, what was almost lost to my family.

Our children are the joy of our lives; to watch them grow, proud, strong and happy, makes all else a long second for my wife and I. We are a family and while we have had truly some hard times, we are a close little mob and we are still fortunately all together. Watching them grow and to be able to pass on what we know, will present the world with three of the finest people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.

PARENTAL INFLUENCE: To me, my life and all I do and say, needs to give evidence to my children of the high ethics, morals and values our people held to as part of who they were.

“We must remember, how great we were, to ignite the flames of future greatness.”

In not only story but historical fact and action I need them to know of the ingrained honor and dignity that runs through their veins. 99% cuddles and closeness creates a bond that my children rarely choose to step away from. Discipline is the 1%, the 5 mins before we all sit down and have a cup of tea with honey and all is forgotten.

My kids and I are unbelievably close, we really feel each other. I know the cause of the knots in their tummies before we talk, but we lay down on their bed at night and we talk and we hold hands and we have a big cuddle. I run my fingers over their face and gently rub their heads, so that they can go to sleep, just like my dad did for me.

Sometimes things can’t be fixed in one chat, but my kids know that they are the most important thing in my wife’s and my lives. They know they are deeply loved and they will always be listened to and believed.

Having to go away to teach for a few days at a time occasionally, is really hard for me but part of my job as a dad is to help prepare them not to need me all the time.

“They grow in our light, until they grow confident to be able to one day step out of it, secure in their own.”

We are making a real attempt to turn off the TV and spend the time we have with our growing children before they aren’t our little kids anymore. You never get those days, weeks or years back. You never get the 3 year old back when trying to have extra time with them when they’re 8 or 10. My wife Zymar and I are blessed to have had such kind souls to call our children. www.aboriginalaustralianart.com www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

61

Books APPS & Movies

REVIEWS Oh No George

APP

By Chris Haughton, Walker Books RRP $24.95 It’s hard work being good all the time. And it’s especially hard for a dog like George! Harris is off to do some shopping. “Will you be good, George?” he asks. George hopes he can. He really wants to ... but chocolate cake is just so very delicious and he does love to chase cat...

What will George do now? Chris Haughton’s distinctive artwork perfectly accompanies the innocent charm of George, a dog trying to be good! Boys and Girls 0 – 3 years; recommended by Freya, 3

Explore the stars With Sky Map (free, Android) or Skyview (RRP$1.99 for iPhone and iPad) you can turn your mobile phone into a window on the night sky. Figure out what you’re looking at: Point your phone at the sky, and explore the stars, planets, constellations, and more to help you identify the celestial objects in view.

BOOK

www.amightygirl.com A Mighty Girl is a fabulous new website offering a very large collection of reviews and recommendations of books and movies for parents, teachers and others dedicated to raising smart, confident, and courageous girls.

APP Good Glen and the Bad Eggs, Free for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad Developed by the NSW Food Authority, Good Glen and the Bad Eggs is a fun way to show children which eggs are safest to use – they have 30 seconds to tap as many bad eggs as they can to score points, learning about the kinds of eggs they shouldn’t use or eat

WEBSITE

MOVIE: FOR YOU! What to Expect When You Are Expecting In cinema: 31 May, Rating TBA A look at love through the eyes of five interconnected couples experiencing the thrills and surprises of having a baby, and ultimately coming to understand the universal truth that no matter what you plan for, life doesn’t always deliver what’s expected. Stars: Cameron Diaz, Matthew Morrison and Dennis Quaid

MOVIE Brave In cinema: June 2012, Rating TBA Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In Disney Pixar Brave, a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.

Voice Cast includes Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters and Craig Ferguson

To see more visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au 62

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

FREE SUNGLASSES for your children when they get their eyes examined by a Looking Smart Optometrist.

Did you know…

30% of children have some type of eye condition that affects vision?

In most cases if the eye condition is detected early enough, exercises can be given to avoid it developing into a vision problem at school. In some cases vision problems exhibit themselves in children who have short attention spans but often are undetected by the parents or carers.

Free pair of sunglasses (Up to RRP $19.95) for each of your children when they have an eye examination with a Looking Smart Optometrist.

(Age Limit from 2 years - 12 years)

Easy parking Tests are fun for children

At Looking Smart Optometrists we recommend a vision test for every child who is 2 years of age or older.

We bulk bill all eye tests so it costs you nothing to have it done, and you can feel secure that you are looking after your child’s eyesight.

The test takes approx 15 minutes

Looking Smart Optometrists bulk bill

All eye examinations provided the patient has a Medicare or DVA card

Phone: 5439 7844

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Near Coles at Pelican Waters Shopping Centre, Pelican Waters Blvd, Pelican Waters Email: info@LSOPTOM.COM MAY / JUNE 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

63

Family fun time!

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Every full price pass purchased receives a FREE Side Show Alley Game!

Offer expires 5pm 30 June 2012.

Passes must be used on day of purchase. CODE: KOTC0512 Must be an original Kids on the Coast Voucher, no photocopies.

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So many thrilling rides & games!

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73 Frizzo Road, Bruce Highway, Palmview, Queensland, 4553 | Phone: 07 5494 5444 Open 7 days from 9am to 5pm. Rides start at 10am.