Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 64

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ISSUE 64 September/October 2014 SUNSHINE COAST

! e e r F

The family budget

Easing into a return to work

Teen peer pressure

Circumcising our boys

64 Contents ISSUE

Av a

September/October 2014

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er hiv

old yrs 0 1 s,

4

FROM THE EDITOR

6

THE SOCIAL GATHERING

8

WHAT’S NEWS

10 FEATURE: The family budget 18 CHECK THIS OUT 20 THE ‘P’ FILES: Returning to work 26 EDUCATION: Nature as a teacher 34 PARENTVILLE: Things I didn’t know I would miss 36 GOOD HEALTH: Children and eyes 38 C ALENDAR OF EVENTS: Find out what’s happening on the Coast during September & October 40 BABIES ON THE COAST: Circumcising our boys 44 SPECIAL FEATURE: Frequent night feeding with a toddler 48 TEENS: Standing alone 54 ONLY NATURAL: Unscrambling Eggs 58 COAST LIFE 60 DESTINATION: Canberra 68 CONVERSATION: Mimi B 70 REVIEWS

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: CASSY SMALL, SANDRA SMITH, MAXINE ARTHUR, BELINDA HOPPER, JESSICA JANE SAMMUT, MEG NAGLE, DAVID O’NEILL, REBECCA PERRY, SIMONE BELL COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: VERVE PORTRAITS

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

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

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

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WELCOME

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kids on the coast | in th

MEDIA PUBLISHED BY Mother Goose Media PTY LTD PO Box 491, Eumundi QLD 4562 PHONE: 1300 430 320 FAX: 07 5442 7253 ABN: 86 473 357 391 WEB: www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION PUBLISHER: Toni Eggleston EDITOR: Jackie Goldston ADMINISTRATION: Kellie Kruger admin@mothergoosemedia.com.au

I love September and October on the Sunshine Coast. For me it is the perfect weather… not too hot and not too cold. It is a great time to get out and about and enjoy the many advantages that we have living in such an amazing environment. And the wonderful thing about the Sunshine Coast is that we have an array of activities that cost nothing or very little to enjoy.

This edition we examine how to manage your family budget. The Government has been calling for us all to tighten our belts, so we help you take a look at where your money is going and offer a few simple adjustments to help you spend less and still live well. We also delve into the experience of going back to work after taking time out with your family. It can be a nervous time for any parent starting a new challenge in the workforce or even going back to the same role after being on maternity leave.

Speaking of new challenges, I am leaving Kids on the Coast magazine after more than 3 years. I am going back to my roots of strategic marketing. I am leaving with a heavy heart as Mother Goose Media (the owner of KOTC) is an exciting and ever changing working environment, filled with passionate people.

PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT: Alana Falk production@mothergoosemedia.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN: Michelle Craik & Alana Falk PRINTING: Print Works, 07 3865 4433 All editorial and advertising in Kids on the Coast and Kids in the City publications 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@mothergoosemedia.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.

DISTRIBUTION

As always, our spring edition is full of fabulous articles, news, reviews and information. We would love to hear what you think. All of our articles are online and you can comment and discuss the topics on our website or Facebook page. We add topical news stories daily as well as blogs, new articles and movie, product, app and book reviews. Do you have something that you want to share? Please feel free to contact our team via Facebook.com/kidsonthecoast, our website or email. Don’t forget to sign up for our What’s On eNews that comes out weekly at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au.

Distributed directly to parenting hotspots across South East Queensland.

Jackie Goldston, Editor in Chief

Kids in the City (Brisbane edition) is a free publication circulating over 20,000 copies from North Lakes to Springwood and covering all suburbs to Jindalee.

- on the coast

- in the city

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BURSTING WITH SPRING-HOLIDAY ACTIVITY IDEAS Download the Ultimate Guide to School Holiday Fun

Separate editions cover the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Kids on the Coast (Gold Coast edition) is a free publication circulating over 18,000 copies from Tweed Heads to Coomera, including Hinterland.

For distribution enquiries phone: 1300 430 320 or email: admin@mothergoosemedia.com.au

ADVERTISING Call 1300 430 320 or email your Sales Account Manager.

SUNSHINE COAST advertising@kidsonthecoast.com.au GOLD COAST Nicole - gc@kidsonthecoast.com.au BRISBANE Joanne - advertising@kidsinthecitymagazine.com.au

Visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au BOOST EXPOSURE OF YOUR EVENT IN OUR NEXT GUIDE! Call 1300 430 320

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Kids on the Coast (Sunshine Coast edition) is a free publication circulating over 20,000 copies from Caloundra to Noosa, including hinterland.

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

- on the coast

- in the city www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Visit our website

Connect with our online community

Join with us online – we are more than a magazine!

The social gathering Kids on the Coast Magazine

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Do you want to ask local parents a question, find out about an event or get involved in an interesting discussion?

Make sure you visit us on one of our social media platforms to become a part of our online community.

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{Reader Question} "My 7 year old daughter seems to be rather 'boy obsessed'. She comes home from school talking about who likes who, and how they chase the boys at lunchtime to try and kiss them. I don't know whether to ignore it, and let it be, or if I should be trying to put a stop to it. I know it's all innocent but growing up is scaring me! Any advice would be appreciated."

Mel: "It is likely you're worrying far too much over it.

It's probably more innocent than what you think. It's probably more of a game where the boys run away from them and the girls think it's funny. Let it be and let them have their fun. However, if the tone changes more then maybe it's time for more concern."

Look for this symbol throughout the magazine and hop onto our website for your chance to WIN!

BEHIND THE SCENES … at our cover shoot

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

KIDS on the Coast/in the City

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{Reader Question} "My children are just starting to outgrow animated kids movies, but not yet ready for 'teen' style movies. I would love any recommendations for what other families have found their 10-12 year olds enjoy? A boy and a girl."

Tenille: "Narnia series, Percy Jackson, Spy Kids, Nims Island" Lizzie: "Adventure time" Chelsea: "Home Alone, The Goonies, Jurassic Park.

Basically the older ones!"

Michelle: "Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Disney family movies like Lemonade Mouth and Sky High or classics like Back to the Future, Honey I Shrunk the Kids and The Sandlot."

SUBSCRIBE to receive our weekly 'What's On' and our newsletter!

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

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

Visit our website for more news, www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/news

GET READY, THE FUN HAS JUST BEGUN!!

Nambour Christian College Early Learning Centre announced the winner of their design a mascot competition in August. Jelena Priebbenow (Grade 10) created a cute, colourful and artistic design of an owl. Her original concept is being turned into a full sized lovable mascot that will arrive at its new home during September. Presenting the award was Rosalie Beach, Director of the Early Learning Centre and Brie Reed, Promotions Officer. NCC students from Prep all the way to Year 12 were invited to participate, along with the staff and parents of the Early Learning Centre, in a special competition. The goal was to see who could come up with a winning mascot design for the new Centre! NCC would love you to join the fun and see all the wonderful and exciting things the new Early Learning Centre has to offer. Tours of Nambour Christian College’s stunning new Child Care facility can now be arranged by phoning the College Reception on 5451 3333.

SUNSHINE COAST WALK TO CURE DIABETES: NOW A SPECIAL LIVE MUSIC EVENT!

The Walk to Cure Diabetes is the world's largest event raising funds for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. The diabetes community takes steps together in capital cities as well as many regional centres and small towns, to raise awareness and funds for T1D research. This year the Sunshine Coast Walk to Cure Diabetes team is trying something new: an afternoon walk followed by a BBQ and live music at Cotton Tree Park. Be there to enjoy the fun on Saturday afternoon, 15th November.

Take steps to help create a future without type 1 diabetes and one day you will be able to say that you helped turn Type One into Type None. Register today at www.jdrf.org.au/walk or call 1300 363 126.

8

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

YOU

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ONE IN SIX QUEENSLAND KIDS SKIP BREAKFAST

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows 15.9 per cent of Queensland school children skip breakfast, above the national average of 14.8 per cent.

Cancer Council is calling on parents to boost the brekkie habits of Queensland kids. Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said missing the first meal of the day was a worrying trend that was getting worse. “Five years ago 10.8 per cent of Australian school children skipped breakfast – that’s increased by four per cent in a very short timeframe,” Ms Clift said. “Eating a nutritious, substantial breakfast is an essential part of having a healthy, balanced diet. “Research reinforces the importance of breakfast in improving brain function in children – they can focus better, are more alert and able to concentrate while at school. Making breakfast a non-negotiable meal will give children a better chance of having a healthier diet overall, reducing their risk of a range of chronic diseases long term.” One in three cancers are preventable through lifestyle factors including eating healthily and maintaining a healthy weight. Having a poor diet can cause children to become overweight or obese, increasing the risk of a range of chronic diseases including some cancers. Visit cancrqld. org.au for more information.

INSPIRING BOOKS

Sunshine Coast artist and children’s author Peter Rowe creates books that educate, inspire and amaze.

Peter is launching his new book in September and is inviting kids to help him celebrate with a series of events at Sunshine Coast libraries. The fifth book in the Josh the Robot series, Josh Goes to the Library, is all about how to behave in a library. Peter writes and illustrates all his books, in spite of a disability that prevents him from speaking. He communicates through Facilitated Communication. The first event will be at Noosa Library at 10am, Friday 26th September. Noosa librarian Maureen O’Shea helped with research and also features in the book.

Further events will be held at Caloundra Library (Friday 3rd October) and Maroochydore Library (TBC). The Josh books are for ages 3–10. For more information contact Kelsey Moore 0490 434703, visit http://peter-rowe.info under ‘Events’, or contact the libraries directly. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

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FEATURE

THE FAMILY BUDGET

By Sandra Smith THE GOVERNMENT IS CALLING FOR US ALL TO TIGHTEN OUR BELTS, SO WE NEED TO BE PREPARED TO CUT EXPENSES AND LIVE MORE FRUGALLY. IF WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHERE OUR MONEY IS GOING AND MAKE A FEW SIMPLE ADJUSTMENTS, WE CAN SPEND LESS AND STILL LIVE WELL. BY CHANGING OUR SPENDING HABITS, WE’RE ABLE TO GET THE BILLS PAID ON TIME AND HAVE THE BENEFIT OF EXTRA CASH, LESS STRESS AND STRONGER FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS.

TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY

Australian families spend up to $1,900 per week on general living expenses, according to ASIC’s MoneySmart website. The biggest household expense for Australians is housing, followed by transport and recreation. Some of our costs are fixed, but we can look at saving money on variable household expenses.

LOWER ENERGY COSTS - Reduce power bills by turning appliances off at the wall when not in use, and use the clothes dryer sparingly. Invest in insulation to minimise cooling and heating costs for your home. Install a water-efficient shower head, have two-minute showers and wash clothes with cold water.

REVIEW LEISURE COSTS - Precious resources can trickle away unnoticed on poor choices. You don’t have to quit all the fun stuff, just reduce spending on extras like alcohol, takeaway coffee and magazines. Plan a picnic in the park, invite friends and family to play cricket on the beach or sit down with the kids for a game of Monopoly.

LIMIT SPENDING ON GIFTS - Set an affordable limit for Christmas and birthday gifts and stick to it. Don’t get caught up in a credit card spending frenzy; the extra debt often takes months to pay off.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

CUT GROCERY BILLS - Plan ahead and take a shopping list to the supermarket to avoid impulse buys. Buy generic brands and shop fortnightly to pick up bulk-buy bargains. Support local growers by buying fresh produce at a farmers’ market.

COOK MEALS AT HOME - Take your lunch to work and send the kids to school with packed lunches. Look for recipes that use cheaper ingredients like beans, vegetables and pasta, and try baking your own biscuits and cakes if you have time. As well as being economical, home-cooked meals are more nourishing and tasty.

USE ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT - Cars are costly, with insurance, registration and petrol on top of financing costs. Combine shopping and business errands into one trip or leave the car at home. Try car pooling, walking, riding a bicycle or using public transport instead.

GENERATE INCOME FROM YOUR HOME - Think outside the square and look creatively for ways to save some money at home. Plant vegetables in your backyard, rent out that spare room, turn a homebased hobby into a small business or start a weekend market stall.

RECYCLE - De-clutter your home with a garage sale and turn unwanted items into cash. Look for good quality second-hand goods and make big savings. Have a “fashion swap party” with friends, where clothes, shoes and jewellery can be exchanged and shared with friends.

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FEATURE

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

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FEATURE

SETTING UP A FAMILY BUDGET

SPENDING PRIORITIES

Uniting Care Community financial counsellor Mark Bates says the more realistic the budget, the better. While the family budget doesn’t have to be carved in stone, Mark advises that even if it’s basic, it gets us thinking about our spending and our priorities.

“Once you’ve paid those four things, what you choose to spend your money on is your choice, but you’ve got to cover those four,” he says. “The first one, a roof over your head, is the single most important thing. Go without food if you have to, but pay your rent.”

Maintain a spending diary to keep track of expenditure. Be honest and write down every expense, including the small purchases.

Those cappuccinos and takeaway meals could be costing more than you think.

People are much more savvy than they were three or four years ago, says Mark. They have already switched off the extra fridge or turned the air conditioning down a notch, but the cost of living is still rising.

Creating a budget for the first time and realising just how much money is needed to cover even the basic bills can be a shock. Is our spending greater than our income? If it is, then we’re headed for a financial crisis.

“Spending diaries are good because they make your budget accurate and they also give you time to reflect on what you’re actually buying,” Mark says.

The Raising Children Network website (www.raisingchildren.net.au) provides links to budget planners and money guides. There are also phone apps available to help with budgeting.

Mark says the most important priority for families is always housing, followed by medication and keeping the electricity and telephone connected. He says food is way down the line, because there are charities that can help with that.

“If you look at the national figure, electricity usage is declining; people are using less. Consumption is down and prices are still up, and that’s what people are finding frustrating,” Mark says.

“Whatever they do doesn’t make any difference; the bills are going up and up.”

Mark advises that the old-fashioned values that we were brought up with actually still work, and he says that family and friends are more important than the latest iPhone.

“Focus on the things that you need,” he says.

“THERE ARE ONLY THREE THINGS THAT EVER PUSH SOMEONE INTO FINANCIAL CRISIS: END OF A RELATIONSHIP, ILL-HEALTH, JOB LOSS, OR A COMBINATION OF ALL THREE.” MARK BATES 12

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

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FEATURE

DEALING WITH A FINANCIAL CRISIS Even with careful budgeting, there may still be a crisis due to circumstances that are beyond our control.

“We can say with reasonable confidence that there are only three things that ever push someone into financial crisis: end of a relationship, ill-health, job loss, or a combination of all three,” Mark says. “The problem is that they are all things that just happen to you. You’ve got no control.”

In his role as financial counsellor, Mark provides people with information, support and possible advocacy. He may speak to creditors on the client’s behalf and walk people through the next steps in managing the crisis.

[Call: 1800 007 007 to speak to a Uniting Care Community financial counsellor.]

Mark says there has been a big change in the demographic of families approaching Uniting Care Community for financial counselling, with more middle class and affluent families needing help. These people often have greater ambitions, explains Mark, but things can go terribly wrong if there’s a crisis. He warns that relying on credit and moving money around will catch up with them eventually.

“They’ll have, generally, some more financial skills in the first place, and what that often means is they can actually access credit for longer. They can build the house of cards and it takes a bit longer for it to collapse,” Mark says.

Long-term unemployment can lead to a loss of self-confidence and feelings of failure, particularly in men, who traditionally see themselves as the breadwinners. Mark says that families in financial hardship also tend to become very isolated.

“Having no money is lonely. That’s part of the reality,” he says.

“Their kids don’t go on school trips. They themselves tend to stay home because they can’t go out and spend money. And then they’ll feel guilty if they do go out.”

“AS A MUM, YOU TEND TO MISS OUT ON A LOT OF THINGS. YOU DON’T GET THE STUFF YOU WOULD NORMALLY GET.” KATIE

COPING WITH JOB LOSS

Making ends meet on a limited income when circumstances change isn’t easy. Sunshine Coast mother-of-four Amy has had to survive on a reduced income after a serious work injury in 2010 left her with a permanent impairment. Amy’s husband, Michael, also had to give up work to care for her.

Raising four boys on a low income has been a challenge for Amy and Michael. They are careful with money, but they find it hard to stick to their budget and they often dip into their savings to get through the week. Rent is $420 a week and their last electricity bill was over $800, so covering these expenses is a struggle. Their eldest son, aged 17, is now working, but Amy says there are constant outlays for the other children, who are aged 14, nine and six.

To get by, Amy tries to cut back wherever she can. She does a lot of home cooking and makes school lunches for the kids; she buys meat and vegetables in bulk and stocks up her chest freezer; and she uses shopper dockets and buys petrol using discount cards.

The family goes beach camping in their camper trailer during the school holidays, and for a special treat they will go to the Gold Coast theme parks using discounted season passes. There is an initial outlay of money for the passes, but it’s an affordable day out because they can pack their own lunches and drinks.

Amy’s youngest boy plays soccer, funded by the Queensland Government’s Get Started program, which provides a voucher that helps pay for club membership or sporting fees.

“We used that for him to do soccer, which is great because that paid for everything except his uniform,” Amy explains. The other two children want to do gymnastics but Amy says they just can’t afford it.

Michael was a landscaper prior to Amy’s injury, and though he’s now able to return to work, he’s having difficulty finding a job.

“There’s just no work around. We’re both 35 and the older you get the harder it is,” Amy says.

Amy is worried about the impact on her family of the changes outlined in the 2014-15 Federal Government budget. “We’re pretty scared about it at the moment,” she says. “If it does come, I think we might be in a bit of trouble.”

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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PACIFIC LUTHERAN EARLY LEARNING 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 a kindergarten program within a long day care model for 3½ and 4 year olds.

PHONE Chris Henschke, College Registrar on 5436 7321 LOCATION Woodlands Boulevard, Meridan Plains 4551 www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au

SCAN to visit our website.

Where curiosity leads to discovery

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

15

FEATURE

MANAGING WITH A NEW BABY

Paid Parental Leave provides financial support for new mums so they can have time off work after their baby is born, but when these payments finish, there are tough decisions to be made about work and child care.

Local mum Katie had to return to part-time work when her baby, Charlie, was six months old and her parental leave payments stopped. Katie’s partner, Ben, is a fisherman who relies on a percentage of the catch, but his income fluctuates and is dependent on the weather and season.

With the birth of Charlie, there are now four children in the family, and Katie says they can’t survive on one wage. The family finances have improved since Katie returned to work, though there is now the cost of child care to take into account.

TOP TIPS TO SAVE MONEY › Turn appliances off at the wall › Switch off lights when not in use › Install a water-efficient shower head › Wash clothes with cold water › Plan your errands and save on petrol › W here possible leave the car at home: walk or ride a bike › Cut down on alcohol and coffee › Have a garage sale › Rent out a spare room › Cook meals at home › Take a packed lunch to work and school › Buy generic brand groceries › Go grocery shopping once a fortnight › Support your local farmers’ market › Limit spending on Christmas and birthday gifts › Review your mortgage every 3-5 years › Revisit your mobile, internet and energy plans

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

As well as paying their mortgage and car loan, Katie and Ben also maintain an investment property, so getting all the bills paid on time requires good money management. Katie says they don’t have a strict budget, but they know how much has to be in their account at the end of the month to cover the major bills.

Their household living costs are kept under control through a range of strategies. At home Katie has cloth nappies and she only uses disposables when she is out or when Charlie goes to day care. Katie doesn’t buy any luxury things for the baby and she goes without personal items, like her favourite brand of make-up, though she admits that is hard.

“As a mum, you tend to miss out on a lot of things. You don’t get the stuff you would normally get,” she says.

Instead of going to a restaurant for a meal, the family will get takeaway food for a treat, but it will be McDonalds for the kids and noodles for the adults. “We haven’t been out for dinner as a family or even just as a couple for a long time. It’d be a good six months to a year,” she says.

Shopping around for bargains also makes the money stretch a bit further, so Katie does her research and buys good quality secondhand baby equipment on Gumtree or eBay when she can. She bought two little activity tables, a pram and other things.

For Katie and Ben, it’s the small savings in a lot of different areas that make their money go further. During school holidays the older children may go camping for a few days with their Dad, and they go to the movies once or twice over the holidays, but it will be at an independent cinema where the tickets are cheaper.

WHATEVER OUR FINANCIAL SITUATION, THERE’S NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO SET UP A BUDGET AND CUT BACK ON HOUSEHOLD SPENDING. THIS WILL PREPARE US FOR ANY CHANGES THAT MAY LIE AHEAD, ON A NATIONAL OR A PERSONAL LEVEL.

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2

Cleverly converts to a change mat.

Chirp, tweet, sing and move.

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Check THIS OUT!

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Your car-obsessed child can turn every surface into a roadway or highway.

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Capture memories or create new ones.

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1. DIGIBIRDS: It’s no wonder these interactive birdy friends won Toy of the Year 2014. These virtual pets chirp, tweet, sing and move, responding to their owners’ whistles (using a whistle ring that doubles as a perch).

Put two or more together and they sing in unison. From $14.95. In stores and online. 2. REVERSIBLE NAPPY CHANGE BAG: This Lyn’s Labels nappy bag is sure to inject some style into your baby items. The waterproof, Italian faux leather bag cleverly converts to a change mat, a stylish tote and great sports bag and comes with key chain and petite traveller bag. RRP: $198.50 (plus postage) www.lynslabel.com.au 3. NO FUSS: We love the adorable Amelie's World's handmade 'no fuss terrariums. A beautiful addition to any room. $100 from Podie Pie, Nambour. www.facebook.com/podiepie 4. MAD MAMA 'ZIPPY-DODA' PINAFORE: Created with quality vintage fabrics, rescued vintage zip, and lots of love, this sweet A-line pinafore was cut from a vintage pattern and has darted elastic waist and crossover straps, contrast pockets and metal zip and pull. $42 from Podie Pie, Nambour 5. LOVE LOCKETS: Whether you’re capturing memories or creating new ones, Love Lockets is the perfect way to tell your story with interchangeable lockets and charms. Prices start from $6. Available in stores or online www.lovelockets.com.au 6. ROAD TAPE: Now your car-obsessed child can turn every surface into a roadway or highway. This amazing tape will stick to everything: chairs, tables, shelves and floors. Donkey My First Autobahn Car Track Tape builds 33m of roadways and comes with a tiny toy car. Train tape also available. From $19.95, available online.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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CC20350

For further information visit www.ccps.qld.edu.au or phone 5437 5800

THE P FILES

“WHAT IF I CAN’T DO MY JOB AS WELL AS I USED TO?”

“CAN I MAKE IT THROUGH A DAY IN THE OFFICE?”

“WHAT IF I AM STUCK IN TRAFFIC ON THE WAY TO CHILDCARE?”

“WILL MY LITTLE ONE BE OKAY WITHOUT ME?”

HI HO HI HO IT’S BACK TO WORK I GO

By Maxine Arthur

IT IS NORMAL FOR MOTHERS RETURNING TO WORK TO FEEL ANXIOUS ABOUT THE MANY FINANCIAL AND LOGISTICAL ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE CONSIDERED. EMOTIONS SUCH AS GUILT ABOUT LEAVING A CHILD IN SOMEONE ELSE’S CARE AND A LOSS OF CONFIDENCE IN YOUR WORK SKILLS CAN ALSO BE DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH. RETURNING TO WORK MAY BE EVEN HARDER IF YOU HAVE BEEN OUT OF THE WORKFORCE UNTIL YOUR CHILDREN REACH SCHOOL AGE OR OLDER. You may be returning to work for financial reasons, the most common reason given in surveys. Perhaps you wish to continue in a career that you have worked hard to advance in or you are itching to try a new career path. Many mums miss the mental stimulation and social interaction of working outside the home.

CREATING A WORK–LIFE BALANCE THAT WORKS FOR YOU Emma Walsh is the founder and director of Mums at Work, a provider of return to work guidance that is family friendly. Emma recommends that you:

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

“Look at all the aspects of returning to work to get a picture of what work–life happiness is for you and always make sure you prioritise your self-care (nurture and support that you need). Getting that balance right by figuring out what you need in advance is the key.”

“To work out your balance, consider the following aspects: finances (e.g. does your family need you to go back to work and if so, what is the minimum salary you need?), childcare (what sort of care do you want for your baby/child?), what is it you want out of your next career move, and do you need support and guidance to work through these things to make the best choice possible for you and your family?”

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THE P FILES The more difficult issues with childcare are availability and cost.

Waiting lists can be long, and locations may be inconvenient to work and home. Care for Kids, a leading childcare organisation, reported in its 2014 survey that 30 per cent of working parents say that working is financially unviable due to the high cost of childcare. Many women report that they are working solely to advance their careers and are not financially better off.

Emma suggests that childcare is the number one obstacle for mums returning to work.

“HOWEVER YOU CHOOSE TO BLEND YOUR CAREER WITH YOUR NEW FAMILY, IT’S ABOUT WORKING OUT WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU AND FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER AND LIFE." “Ask yourself what you can do to look after yourself. Be mindful of the foods you are eating and make time for relaxation activities, whether that is watching a movie, reading a good book or having a massage.”

“However you choose to blend your career with your new family, it’s about working out what’s most important to you and for your future career and life. Every family is different: what works for one is different for another. Achieving ‘work and life happiness’ is about setting your own goals, running your own race, and then calling your fans and supporters for help along the journey and giving it in return!

But you have to be prepared to adjust your plans and expectations as your children grow, and as you and your work change.”

PEACE OF MIND MEANS FINDING QUALITY CHILDCARE

“Whoever you choose to care for your child, you must feel comfortable with your decision. The primary goal for most parents is that their child will be cared for in a nurturing, safe and stimulating environment. Planning is the key to a successful placement and you should start this planning well in advance of you needing the care. Many childcare centres and Family Day Care schemes have long waiting lists, and other options such as selecting a nanny can be very time consuming.”

“Visiting and talking to the carers will be your best chance of finding the perfect place for your child. If possible, try to drop into the centre or Family Day care home outside of your appointment time so that you can see how things ‘really’ work and try to visit at a couple of different times of the day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re entrusting these people with your baby. For example, ask to see the meal prepared for that day, take a look at the nappy change area and assess its cleanliness, ask to see the baby’s sleep area, ask questions about how the staff would respond to a specific first aid or safety situation.”

SHARING THE WORKLOAD

You cannot return to work successfully if you are worrying constantly about the welfare of your child. But first let’s separate the perfectly understandable fact that you will miss being together all day from the ‘mummy guilt’ of leaving your child in someone else’s care. Yes, you may both feel anxious about separation, though the evidence shows that most children find it less stressful than their mothers and it does get easier for you when you see that your child is happy.

Mothers returning to work can become stressed very quickly if they try to do everything at home they were doing before.

Research shows that men aren’t always taking on more responsibility for home and children when their partners return to work. Talk to your husband about sharing chores, determining together which ones are absolutely necessary for the household to function and which can be done less frequently. Consider home delivered internet supermarket shopping.

As for the guilt, don’t buy into it and don’t allow others to burden you with it. Quality childcare can play a positive role in your child’s development. You will soon realise that your child is benefitting from new social and learning environments.

Emma suggests: “Have a discussion with your partner and brainstorm possibilities such as: tag team drop-off and pick-ups, get the grandparents to do one pick-up a week, prepare lunches and lay out breakfast the night before.”

A US study looked at the influence of both childcare and the home environment on over 1,000 typically-developing children.

Make changes to family routines, including childcare, some weeks before you start work. Once you start back, concentrate on establishing new work and family routines before taking on any extras such as volunteering and socialising. Learn to say ‘No’ to avoid overload.

They concluded that children who attend childcare have the same outcomes as children who are cared for at home. Whether a child attends day care or not, it is the family that has a major impact on their child’s development, with the parents’ interactions with the child being a critically important factor.

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“Finding the right care for your child around the times you need to work is difficult. Many families do not have extended family nearby to lean on for childcare and so they have to rely on paid care. Choosing childcare for your baby can be one of the most important decisions you make as a new parent. Therefore, it is important that you thoroughly research your available options. Try discussing the types of childcare you may prefer (and can afford) with your partner or family, as well as what might suit your family’s needs (and that of your baby).”

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Remember to organise back-up care for when your child is unwell.

Do not underestimate how many bugs your child may pick up in early childcare days.

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“Family day care offers many benefits including flexible hours, affordable hourly rates, warm home environments and quality of care due to small groups and qualified educators,” Julie said.

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THE P FILES NEGOTIATING A FAMILY-FRIENDLY RETURN TO WORK

"HAVE A DISCUSSION WITH YOUR PARTNER AND BRAINSTORM POSSIBILITIES "

PLANNING A CONFIDENT RETURN TO WORK Tips and tricks (adapted from Mums@Work website)

• B e organised, create a return to work and ‘to do’ list. Identify what you will need to tend to, what support will you need, how you will make the transition back. Be realistic and give yourself the time and space needed to work through it.

• R eview your life and career plans; what’s important to you since becoming a parent? What interests you and what would you like to gain from return to work (RTW)? How do you see family and friends fitting in?

Emma says that employers are increasingly open to such negotiation.

“Largely due to Australia’s labour skill shortages in the last decade and our rapidly aging population, organisations are acknowledging the need to offer flexible working arrangements in order to attract and retain talented people.”

“Employees have increased access to flexible work under the National Employment Standards (NES). Working parents with children under school age have the right to request a flexible work arrangement. Employers have an obligation to investigate the viability of the flexible work request and formally respond, in writing, to the employee’s request. The employer may not reject the employee’s request unless it is deemed ‘unreasonable’.”

“However, access to flexibility is a high priority for many employees, not just parents and this is also reflected in the NES. Recent research reveals that with 67 per cent of employers in Australia using flexible working arrangements to retain their employees, it is now the most widely used staff engagement strategy.”

AMANDA’S EXPERIENCE Amanda lives at Oxley with husband Chris and children Caitlin, 4 and Charlotte, 18 months.

• T ell your family and friends you’re planning on RTW. Get in touch with past colleagues and associates too. Ask parents you know who have RTW and ask how they did it. Join network groups you think will help with your RTW such as Linked In and Facebook or industry associations.

“Prior to taking maternity leave with Caitlin, I was working full time as an Administration Officer but I was fortunate enough to return to the same employer part time, working 2 days a week in a job share arrangement. I was able to take 12 months maternity leave after each child.”

• S et aside a certain amount of time per week to work on your RTW. When back at work expect the first few months back to be full of ups and downs, it’s normal. Use the mum-grapevine to vent the lows and get ideas to make it easier.

“In preparation for my return to work, we started both the girls at childcare at least 4 weeks prior to my return to work to allow time for them (and myself) to settle in. I recall the first day I dropped Caitlin at childcare: I got back in my car and cried! At first I was worried about returning to work and having someone else care for my children.”

• M ake a list of all the things you’ve done since becoming a parent: the skills you’ve acquired; the extra-curricular study or unpaid work etc and include these in your resume. Don’t leave an unexplained gap. Format your resume to highlight your strengths and experience not your absence.

• W e are often our own worst enemy. Have confidence in your skills and experience and the chances are others will too! Remember, being a parent is often the toughest job many of us will ever do — your patience, negotiation skills and adaptability will come in handy when back at work.

• S eek out a career counsellor to help you figure out what you want and how to find it. Register on job boards that support parents find flexible employment such as www.careermums.com.au

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Be confident in asking your employer for ‘reasonable’ job arrangements that will allow you to meet your responsibilities as a parent of preschool age children.

“One downside initially was that Caitlin seemed to get sick quite often in the first year. However, we did notice how quickly Caitlin flourished and developed in the childcare environment, even from only attending two days per week. We have noticed the same with Charlotte, who has only been attending childcare for just over six months.”

“I enjoy the balance of working part time and being a stay at home Mum.” Above all, focus on the positives of returning to work. Try listing all the pluses and keeping your list close by while you plan your return to work. Refer to it during the early weeks of starting back at work when you’re wondering if you have bitten off too much. Be kind to yourself and give yourself and the family time to adjust. You can do it!

USEFUL LINKS

• T hink about your flexibility needs; propose a few options to your manager and how you see it working; present the benefits and how you plan to overcome any drawbacks; ask your manager for a meeting to discuss and to provide their response in writing.

Mums at Work provides return to work guidance and job search skills.

Under the Resources tab you will find a wealth of practical information.

They also sell a Return to Work Toolkit for Parents for $39.95. See www. mumsatwork.com.au

• G et out there, have a go and learn from setbacks. If things don’t always go according to plan then review your options and reassess next steps.

Career Mums is an employment site for working parents and parents returning to work. Under the Candidates and Resources headings at the foot of the Home page there is much useful advice for job seekers.

See www.careermums.com.au

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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As a not for profit organisation offering the highest standard in early childhood education and care since 1907, C&K has long been regarded as one of Australia’s leading providers of early childhood services.

Children’s education and learning in the early years is crucial to their future development, and attending a quality early childhood education and care service can be an important part of the process.

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explore, express their creativity and inquisitiveness at their own pace, make friends and learn how interact socially.

Through play-based learning, C&K’s educational program supports children to develop socialisation, build confidence, communication and early literacy and numeracy skills, and when the time comes, helps prepare them for school.

C&K long day care services operate for up to 50 weeks per year, providing quality care and education for children from 6 weeks up to 5 years of age.

Services are open on an average of 10 hours per day and are able to provide enrolments for different age groups across the week to cater for differing family needs.

All C&K services are designed to provide plenty of space for children to play, whether inside or outside. Every day is a little different, so children can

To learn more about the C&K community and to find your nearest C&K service visit www.candk.asn.au.

at a long day C&K With places available for children from 6 weeks to school age, now is the time to enrol at a C&K long day care service. There are seven C&K long day care services on the Sunshine Coast: C&K Caloundra Community Childcare, 10 Thrush St, Caloundra C&K Caloundra North Community Childcare, 113 Cooroora St, Caloundra C&K Coolum Community Childcare, 30 Perry St, Coolum C&K Cotton Tree Community Childcare, 42-46 Sixth Ave, Cotton Tree C&K Mooloolaba Community Childcare, 7 Ocean View Ave, Mooloolaba C&K Nambour Community Childcare, 28 Windsor Rd, Nambour C&K Tewantin Community Childcare, 21 Moorindil St, Tewantin The Sunshine Coast also has the C&K Maroochy Family Day Care scheme for children from 6 weeks to school age and 16 kindergartens for children aged 3.5 years to school age.

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EDUCATION

Nature as a Teacher

By Jessica Jane Sammut WITH THE GROWING NUMBER OF SCHOOLS INCORPORATING GARDENS INTO THEIR LEARNING STRUCTURE, JESSICA JANE SAMMUT TAKES A LOOK AT WHY THESE LITTLE GREEN HAVENS ARE BECOMING A VITAL CORNERSTONE IN CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT. You can picture it. A young student burying a seed in a school garden, gasping in wonder days later when that seed pushes through the soil and sprouts into a plant, bearing fresh produce weeks down the track to be picked and eaten. From ground to mouth, it is a natural lifecycle which sustains our environment and our health. It involves science, maths, literacy, art, design and social studies. It promotes an awareness of habitat, a love of the outdoors, a sense of patience and an understanding of where food comes from, together with an appreciation of what we put in our body. It offers hands-on learning, with nature as our teacher.

So it is not surprising that the government in the last ten years has ramped up its grants to schools to initiate school gardens, for there is little else that cuts across such a broad range of disciplines in this unique and empowering way, with children able to put theory into practice and get out of the classroom to see for themselves what the world is truly made of.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

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EDUCATION

we all benefit

With obesity in Australia rising to alarming heights in recent times and a deep concern about our ‘dying’ earth, a reconnection with nature is not only a welcome step, but arguably a necessary one, with our children the custodians of the future. This is the generation who must demand better of their world leaders, and at the very least ask where their food has come from and how it has been produced.

“School gardens have a profound effect not only on our children, but also on the future of the planet,” confirms Ange Barry, CEO of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation (www.kitchengardenfoundation.org.au), the notfor-profit body which runs a hugely successful national kitchen garden program in schools.

“Growing, harvesting preparing, sharing – it’s the backbone of our culture. Through our program, kids learn about the connection between the environment and food and health, together with sustainability principles. They get exposure to where food comes from and why it is important to look after our world, and once they know why and how, they will keep on doing it.”

"SCHOOL GARDENS HAVE A PROFOUND EFFECT NOT ONLY ON OUR CHILDREN, BUT ALSO ON THE FUTURE OF THE PLANET,”

feel the power

And it’s not just an understanding of our surroundings which get a lift as a result of gardening in a school’s syllabus. Psychologically, there are immense benefits, both short-term and long-term.

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at the University of Queensland and founder of Parenting from the Heart blog. “In addition, it is hugely important for confidence, offering children a space that is theirs that is linked to success.”

Susan McKinnon, teacher and program coordinator of the garden at Seven Hills State School, agrees.

“Students who are involved in cultivating a garden at school are more likely to be interested in learning beyond the classroom walls,” explains leading Sydney paediatric psychologist Chiu Lau (www.psychpossibilities.com.au). “Benefits include a sense of responsibility and ownership, in addition to improved self-esteem and appreciation for diversity and teamwork from successful collaboration with peers and teachers.”

“A school garden not only creates a knowledge of where food comes from and how to grow it (including an awareness of weather, seasons and life cycles), it also provides hands-on physical learning outdoors and builds a child’s sense of belonging and contribution to their school community. It gives children ownership, and empowers them to make decisions and take on responsibilities for the wellbeing of plants and their habitat, while encouraging deep thinking, enquiry and knowledge. It also develops communication and social skills and the ability to work as a team.”

“A school garden not only encourages an understanding of basic science concepts e.g. plants and animals, life cycles, growth, death etc., but also promotes nurturing behaviours in the caring of plants,” adds Dr Koa Whittingham, psychologist, research fellow

What is more, boredom, bullying and behaviour issues in schools has been seen to reduce following the introduction of a school fruit and vegetable gardening program, with improved attendance reported by many educational facilities also.

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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www.suncoastcc.qld.edu.au SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

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EDUCATION

academic success And academic success? Red hot.

Gardening is seen to create a renewed interest in many subjects, together with a point of context for the theory that children learn.

“It is amazing how a garden can educate our young academically,” says Susan.

“As well as gardening and kitchen classes, the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation program is integrated into the curriculum at every level,” agrees Ange. “It is incredible what a skill base it covers, from using maths to take garden measurements, to English to describe textures, flavours and processes.”

Susan even details an extensive list of key areas that school gardening actively engages with: MATHEMATICAL THINKING – includes measuring plant heights, using maths language to describe produce and seed weights/ sizes/shapes, counting and packaging and data reporting.

SCIENCE – learning by trial and error, understanding life cycles/erosion/soil elements/bacteria/fungi in compost making, undertaking pH and soil testing, enjoying microscope use and learning about biodiversity audits.

TUDIES OF SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT – determining S rules and democracy in decision-making surrounding the gardening project, learning stewardship in caring for a habitat, understanding how to live sustainably, deciding what is rubbish and what can be recycled/reused/reduced, learning to live ethically, becoming aware of fair trade and food miles and the use of the planet’s resources and understanding the concept of the interconnectedness of all life.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION – becoming aware of nutrition, learning safe practices when using tools and equipment, developing fine and gross motor skills and embracing general fitness.

ENGLISH – honing communication skills, extending vocabulary, learning how to document and how to share information orally and in written form.

TECHNOLOGY – understanding the need to use and invent tools to assist in the gardening process, awareness of levers/ pulleys etc. to assist with gardening, learning how to record data, publishing gardening newsletters, becoming involved in garden progress blogs and social media to share findings and progress.

ART – practising the skill of observation in sketching the details of vegetable or fruit and having a creative representation of the growing world.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

how you can nuture your child’s interest in gardening So what can parents do to nurture such a green-thumbed skill?

“If there is a school garden, parents can support the program by volunteering to assist with it, modelling a positive involvement with the community and environment,” confirms Chiu. “For time poor parents, support can be provided via the donation of seeds and tools.”

And if there isn’t a school garden, families can cultivate their own garden at home. You needn’t have vast amounts of green space to do this – a square foot garden is just as good, as are a few pots or self-contained raised beds. And with a plethora of information on the web to help break down the mystery that is the garden arena, there is no need to feel bamboozled in starting out. The ABC Vegie Guide app (available for free download on iTunes) is a particular beauty in this regard, talking you through what to do step-by-step.

“Families can also prepare meals together while discussing the benefits of a variety of natural plant-based foods,” adds Chiu.

“Parents with no access to any type of garden can encourage their children to maintain a positive attitude towards their environment and health, and ensure their children continue to participate in and enjoy outdoor physical activities.

“Remember, gardening is not just about pushing little seeds into the ground. It is about exploring our relationship with the earth we live in, nurturing the planet that sustains us and working with others to make our world a better place to live.”

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Go to www.swimfit.com.au for tips and advice on swimming for babies Cotton Tree 5443 5601

Nambour 5476 0455

Buderim 5445 6685

Coolum 5473 9042

Mention this ad when enrolling in lessons to receive a FREE TRIAL PASS to our Child Minding Facility, Squad Session or Aqua Class* * Child minding currently available at Cotton Tree, Coolum & Nambour. Offer valid for all Adult Squads or Aqua Aerobics classes only. Valid until 31st December 2014.

A place of Inspiration and success...

P-12 ... come and be a part of your future.

• A welcoming Christian educational community • Focuses on the individual child • Provides a supportive, nurturing learning environment • Access to quality technology resources • Empowers students with responsibility for their own learning • Features an extensive Academic, VET and Performing ARTS program

47 Lomond Crescent, Caloundra West Q 4551

07 5490 5777 www.uc.qld.edu.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

31

EDUCATION

we love our school garden We take a look at three schools who love their school garden.

SUNSHINE BEACH STATE SCHOOL, SUNSHINE COAST What: Permaculture garden for selected classes from prep to year six.

Growing: Raised garden beds growing many different herbs and vegetables, as well as a number of well-developed fruit trees.

Story: “Our permaculture garden originally started about 15 years ago,” says Greg Brennan, permaculture garden teacher coordinator. “We have a remarkable parent who is employed one day a week to run lessons with a number of classes in the garden. The garden is very much used to promote the concept of sustainability. It has a worm farm and compost bins to ensure the students understand the process of a permaculture garden. The sustainability project is growing more and more, with pupils collecting food scraps from their lunches for the worm farm and compost, and recycling paper and cardboard from their lessons.

The kids are involved in many ways with the garden including weeding, planting and composting.

Once or twice a year the kids enjoy a shared harvest lunch with all the produce coming from the garden. The feedback from parents is very positive as they see it as a real-life experience.

SEVEN HILLS STATE SCHOOL, BRISBANE What: Food garden for prep to year three, supported every fortnight by their adopted barefoot farmer, Franco Cencig, introduced to the school by Food Connect (www. foodconnect.com.au).

Growing: A variation of garden beds and cut-down rain tank beds growing organic seasonable vegetables including spinach, peas, tomatoes and corn, herbs such as rosemary, fruit including blueberries and pineapples, edible flowers and bug-attracting flowers. There is also an orchard which includes fruit trees and vines with seven varieties of bananas, white mulberry, star fruit, mango, lemon, mandarin, kumquat, chocolate sapote, passion fruit, ice cream bean, guava, Brazilian cherry, tropical vegetables and cassava.

Story: “Five years ago we established our main garden with the help of some active community involvement after a permablitz, where a group of local individuals assisted in the setting up of new garden beds using permaculture methods,” explains teacher and gardening program coordinator, Susan McKinnon. “Prior to this, some teachers and parents had put in an orchard and two smaller garden beds when the school was much smaller. It is amazing to see how the children love it (they even have their own gardening gloves!) and how it has flourished. We now have a chook house named ‘Cluckingham Palace’ and a lunchtime environment club, with some children assigned as ‘Earth Champions’, responsible for encouraging class members and teachers to turn off lights and fans when leaving a room, to recycle, to compost and to bring a litterfree lunch to care for the waterways and ocean. The garden has knocked-on in so many ways in this regard, as well as creating a knowledge of where food comes from. It has greatly contributed to the children’s sense of belonging and responsibility to their community, while giving them a cherished hobby.”

ST HILDA’S SCHOOL, GOLD COAST What: Raised herb garden beds for years seven to nine.

Growing: An array of organic fresh herbs including parsley, basil, chives, thyme, sage, mint, chilli and coriander.

Story: “The garden at St Hilda’s is an extra-curricular initiative very much undertaken by the pupils as part of a school environment group,” explains head of middle school, Susan Sanburg. “Set up three years ago, the garden has changed forms many times, with its role decided upon by that year’s group. It is always very inspiring to see what the girls come up with. This year a herb garden was in favour, with the students very much influenced by what they were eating and wanting to cook. We had many plants donated and the others were planted as seedlings. The students have had to learn about preparing the beds, watering and maintaining the area, as well as the initial research and planning.

The skills they are learning are life long, permeating deeply and encouraging an attitude towards the environment that will serve to benefit. The girls learn to appreciate what they have and gain a sense of achievement and pride from what they have done.

They feel they are making a very real and tangible contribution to their school community.”

getting in on the action

For those wishing to implement a school garden, it doesn’t have to be difficult and you don’t need fields of space. “The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation Program, for one, is affordable, flexible and attainable for all Australian schools with a primary curriculum,” confirms Ange. “The Australian Government funding associated with the program is directed to training school staff to deliver the program, supplying written and online resource materials and providing ongoing support to the school, so if you have the will, there is a way.” And for those wishing to dabble before committing more fully, a few raised beds are all it takes to get kids enthused. Keep it simple, and build from there.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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Come and Play on Monday!

There will be FREE food, fun, games and more.

While the kids are playing, the parents can explore!

9:30am to 11:00am Every Monday in September & October!

Open to all 3-5 year old kids

Come and see what everyone’s talking about.

You need to see it to believe it!

ph:

5451 3308

Nambour Christian College McKenzie Road WOOMBYE

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

e: SEPTEMBER enrolments@ncc.qld.edu.au / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast 33 w: www.nccearlylearning.com.au

PARENTVILLE

By Simone Bell

The things I didn’t know I would miss...

Last week it was my daughter’s athletics carnival. Having three daughters, I’ve attended many a carnival, performance, parade, exhibition and any other school function you can think of. Also being a working Mum, I’ve missed a couple, but always tried to ‘duck’ over for an hour or so to make the official mummy appearance.

So last week when a friend asked me if she would see me at the athletics carnival the next day, my automatic response was “nope, I’m working”. Except it dawned on me that it was actually my day off.

My day off that I really didn’t want to spend at the athletics carnival. I asked my daughter if she wanted me to go, and she assured me that now that she’s in Grade 7, I really didn’t need to go. At the last second, Mummy guilt took over, and my husband and I headed along to the carnival to surprise Miss Z. She spotted us from the oval, pointed us out to her friend and they both waved madly and gave us the thumbs up because she had won in shotput. And that’s when this weird sense of happiness/sadness overwhelmed me. This was our very last athletics carnival. Our last year in the gorgeous, little school that we love. This school is like our extended family. The school where teachers have become our best friends. Next year, our third child would join her sisters in high school where kids wouldn’t be caught dead having their parents cheer them on.

It’s weird the things that you didn’t know you would miss. A few weeks ago, said daughter sent me a text message which started with ‘Hi Mummy’. Mummy. I’ll repeat it again. Mummy. It’s a name I didn’t know I would miss until I realised how long it’s been since I’ve been called Mummy. Don’t get me wrong, I love where I’m at now. My daughters are 12, 13 and 15 and so far so good. I’m a lucky Mum - they are still happy to hold my hand in public, they still love to be cuddled, and they still leave out a biscuit for Santa. It’s the little things that make me realise my children are growing up. I cried on the last day of kindy, because after four years, kindy had become a huge part of our lives. I remember feeling sad the first time I realised I couldn’t pick my ‘baby’ up, she had become too big to be carried. When did that happen? Or the day that my eldest told me it was ok for her to meet her friends at the bus stop to go to the beach – on their own. Or that I actually notice that boys are ‘checking out’ my girls – and I want to yell at them that she’s only 15. And that we now attend careers expo’s, rather than baby expo’s.

As I move on to each stage of life, I know I will always miss what has already been. I will always be clucky for a baby – or maybe just clucky for that time of my life. But it won’t stop me savouring what is now. It won’t stop me enjoying the now. More than anything, it’s making me savour the little things – things like an athletics carnival.

Simone is and mum to three teenagers. For more from Simone read her blog: M'aimer Pour Moi www.simonebell.blogspot.com.au

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS

The Creative Classroom

By Genevieve Hudson, Assistant Head – P-2, at Sunshine Coast Grammar School Why value creativity in classrooms? Creativity doesn’t just happen in an art lesson. An effective teacher will facilitate opportunities for creative thinking and problem solving in every lesson. But why would this be an important part of teaching and learning?

Our ideas about the role of talking in the classroom have changed radically over the years. We no longer consider that a ‘good’ classroom is necessarily a quiet one; we understand that learning is frequently most effective when learners have the opportunity to think and talk together, to discuss ideas, question, analyse and solve problems, without the constant mediation of the teacher. Most of our thinking has been heavily influenced by the work of Lev Vygotsky, and his concept of learning as a social process. In recent years, his ideas have been reflected in a number of learning and teaching approaches, including co-operative learning and critical skills.

Creativity is clearly important on a national and global level for economic growth and development. But there is an increasing recognition that is key at an individual level also. Creativity improves the self-esteem, motivation and achievement of learners. Pupils who are encouraged to think creatively become more interested in discovering things for themselves; are more open to new ideas and challenges; are more able to solve problems; can work well with others; become more effective learners; and have greater ownership over their learning.

Creativity can be described as letting go of certainties. In our modern world we can no longer afford to have teachers focus only on skills and knowledge. Our students require more than this to operate in a new and rapidly changing world. Rapidly advancing changes in technology means

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their future looks nothing like the past. We need to produce problem solvers, innovative, and creative thinkers. Creativity doesn’t just happen. It needs to be cultivated.

We need to teach creative skills explicitly. According to Collard, “Creative skills aren’t just about good ideas, they are about having the skills to make good ideas happen.” He suggests creative skills should include five major areas: imagination; being disciplined or self-motivated; resiliency; collaboration; giving responsibility to students.

How do we do this with young learners? The creativity-inspiring classroom is a culture not a set of rules or specific activities. It is a mindset that teachers demonstrate to their students every day.

How do you personally respond to “wrong” answers, assumptions, or points of view? Are they immediately corrected or they investigated? Do you yourself acknowledge that every individual has a unique set of experiences, point of view, and problems that may be reflected in her work? Do you honestly believe the old adage “there’s no such thing as a stupid question?”

Do you always dig a little deeper before judging? I have to admit, these are all tough mindsets for us to practice!

We also need to respect it and the students who demonstrate it. Remember that courage is a critical attribute of the creative individual. Fear of ridicule inhibits children from offering a divergent opinion and keeps a lot of hands from designing something original.

A teacher’s respect and the respect she builds in her students is the most important element of a classroom that builds rather than destroys creativity.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

35

GOOD HEALTH

HOW YOUNG SHOULD CHILDREN’S

EYES BE CHECKED? Looking Smart Optometrists recommends that every child from 6 months of age should have an eye exam.

This should be followed up by a yearly exam until the age of six and then testing a minimum of every two years after that.

The obvious question is what can you test for at 6 months?

There are several things, but primarily glaucoma and retinoblastoma are ruled out, the prescription is checked and we do our best to make sure there is not a turn in the eyes. The two diseases above can cause total blindness but are often unknown to most parents.

EITHER WAY IT IS GOOD TO HAVE CONFIRMED THAT YOUR CHILD’S EYESIGHT IS OK.

36

Turns in the eyes and severe long-sightedness can also be treated.

The younger the patient, the easier it is to correct. If a turn in the eyes is found at six months to a year old, often this can be fixed via contact lenses which are put in by the optometrist and worn by the child for a month at a time. Trying to get a six month old baby to wear glasses is often impossible.

If the turn is detected later then often the child will require surgery or patching of an eye to help the now “lazy” eye to see properly.

All of which could have been averted by spending 20 minutes checking a child through a bulk billed eye exam.

The majority of children checked however are fine. In terms of actual statistics, Looking Smart Optometrists gives glasses to approximately 10% of children tested. If the children do end up getting glasses they are often excited as the range of glasses is extensive these days and they can choose their colours and styles.

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

There are also children who come in who want glasses but do not require them. A technique called objective testing is used with specialised machinery and equipment that can get the answers often without the patient saying a word.

One of these pieces of machinery is called an autorefractor. This uses a non visible and painless laser to measure the exact size of the eye therefore tells the optometrist whether the eye is longer/ shorter than normal (Long/Short Sighted) or whether it is wider (Astigmatism).

These devices are very expensive but invaluable on children who cannot give correct answers, and most adults love them as well.

Often the most frustrating thing about the old style of eye test is the time taken to give the right answers on which lens is “better”.

To find out a prescription for glasses in under 20 seconds of just sitting still is amazing to a lot of our patients.

On another note, 30% of children get some type of exercise to be done to improve co-ordination or to get them to work their eyes in a more efficient manner. This can often make the difference from good to great performance in school.

Either way it is good to have confirmed that your child’s eyesight is ok.

To book an appointment at Looking Smart Optometrists call 5439 7844, we bulk bill patients and are located between Coles and Woolworths at the Pelican Waters Shopping Village.

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

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?

Free pair of sunglasses

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.

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

(Age Limit from 6 months - 12 years)

At Looking Smart Optometrists we recommend a vision test for every child who is 6 months of age or older.

Easy parking

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.

Tests are fun for children

The test takes approx 15 minutes

All staff hold a current blue card 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

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

37

Stick this calendar on your fridge!

Sunshine Coast

SEPT

- on the coast

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY

SWAMPY GYM - UNDER 5'S WATER PLAY FUN Where: Buderim Aquatic Centre When: 11am to 12noon Bring your child to Buderim’s heated, enclosed teaching pool for an hour of swimtime with toys, small inflatables and music, with a qualified instructor on hand.

Details: $6 for the first child and $3 for any subsequent children in the family. www.swimfit.com.au

CALENDAR

JUNIOR STUDIO IPAD CREATIVITY WORKSHOP Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Ave When: 10am to 12pm Fire up your child’s creativity and get them using their iPad to make movies, inventions, animations and images. Ages 6-11 years Details: $20. Bookings and prepayment essential. http://gallery.sunshinecoast. qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=kids-ipadcreativity SEPTEMBER 6

WALK WITH ME SUNSHINE COAST Where: Pierce Park, Cnr Alexandra & Melrose Pde, Maroochydore When: 10am to 2pm (check-in from 8:30am, walk at 10am) Walk With Me is a national walk that celebrates the achievements of people with a disability. Plus Jimmy Giggle from ABC4Kids Giggle & Hoot show will be joining in so you can say hello and get your picture taken with him!

Details: www.walkwithme.org.au/event/ wwmesunshinecoast2014

iPad Creativity Workshop

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SEPTEMBER 6

'What's On' and our newsletter!

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SEPTEMBER 14

SENSORY MOVIE DAY - HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 Where: Birch Carroll & Coyle Maroochydore When: 2pm Sensory Movie Day for families with Special Needs.

Details: $8 per ticket. Email: sensory. movies-sunshine@hotmail.com; www.facebook.com/ events/418025295005017/ SEPTEMBER 20 TO 27 & SEPTEMBER 27 TO OCTOBER 4

7 DAY HORSE RIDING CAMPS Where: Kiah Park Horse Riding Camp, 578 Beenham Valley Road, Beenaam Valley When: 11am on Saturday of arrival and 7am on Saturday of departure Horse Riding Camps for children 6 years to teens. Children get their own horse/pony for the week and all riding abilities welcome.

Details: $770. info@kiahpark.com.au, www.kiahpark.com.au, 5486 6166

SEPTEMBER 28

AERO ENGINE RUN DAY SEPTEMBER 23

FRANKENTOYS Where: Nambour Library, Currie St, Nambour When: 10am to 11:30am Create your own original toy using old parts.

Ages 8+ Details: Free. Bookings required.

1300 LIBRARY

ROALD DAHL MANIA Where: Coolum Library, 6 Park St, Coolum Beach When: 10am to 11am Craft activities based on favourite Roald Dahl stories. Ages 5+ Details: Free. Bookings required.

1300 LIBRARY

Father’s Day

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SEPTEMBER 6 & 7

SEPTEMBER 20 TO OCTOBER 6

SEPTEMBER 25

RACQ AUSTRALIA ZOOM WEEKEND

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT AUSTRALIA ZOO

CARTOON DAVE’S STUPID SUPERHEROES

Where: Event Cinemas, Maroochydore, Sunshine Plaza When: See website These 'Bring Your Baby' sessions have been specially created to meet the needs of busy mums and dads, relatives and adult carers who want to bring junior along whilst they enjoy a movie.

Details: Tickets are $10* each for adults and under four’s go free! www.eventcinemas. com.au/events-promotions/events/bringyour-baby

Where: Australia Zoo When: Opens 9am With a showcase of Australian motorsport and a Live Croc show with Terri, Bindi and Robert, treat Dad to the ultimate wildlife and motorsport adventure for Father’s Day. Details: Tickets from $53.10. www. australiazoo.com.au/visit-us/calendar/305racq-australia-zoom-weekend

Where: Australia Zoo When: Opens 9am It's as WILD as Life gets these School Holidays at Australia Zoo! Enjoy more action, activities and FREE entertainment than you can poke a stick at!

Details: www.australiazoo.com.au/visit-us/ calendar/299-september--october-schoolholidays

SEPTEMBER 6 & 7

SEPTEMBER 21 & OCTOBER 19

Where: Maleny Library, 5 Coral St - 9:30am to 10:30am Kawana Library, 30 Nanyima St - 12noon to 1pm Coolum Library, 6 Park St, Coolum Beach 2:30pm to 3:30pm Learn to create your own completely goofy superheroes with Cartoon Dave. Ages 8+.

Details: Free. Bookings required. 1300 LIBRARY

DAD’S WEEKEND AT KAWANA

SUNDAY ROAST IN THE SHED

Where: Casual Dining Precinct, Kawana Shoppingworld When: 11am to 3pm daily Dad’s Weekend at Kawana includes: Spinning Wheel Prizes to be won; Saturday hosted by 92.7 Mix FM; Dad’s Bag Giveaways – 125 to giveaway each day.

Details: FREE. www.kawanashoppingworld. com.au or follow on Facebook!

Where: Aussie World When: 12 noon till 3pm With live entertainment, cold beers and the absolute best roast you’ve ever tasted, Ettamogah Pub’s Sunday Roast in the Shed is the ultimate way to spend an afternoon out.

Details: $20 Adults | $15 Children (12 and under). www.aussieworld.com.au/events/ sunday-roast-in-the-shed

SEPTEMBER 13 & 14

SEPTEMBER 22 TO 26

SUNSHINE COAST REAL FOOD FESTIVAL

HELLO KITTY LIVE SHOW

Where: Event Cinemas, Maroochydore, Sunshine Plaza When: See website Take the family to the movies and catch a cheap flick! See some great family films, starting from 10am every Saturday and Sunday.

Details: Only $6 per ticket. www.eventcinemas.com.au/eventspromotions/events/weekend-family-flicks SEPTEMBER 3

PASSPORT TO FUN EVENT - MEET MIKE THE KNIGHT! Where: Riverwalk Stage, Sunshine Plaza When: 9am to 12pm Meet Mike the Knight and enjoy mask and puppet-making craft activities.

Details: Free. www.sunshineplaza.com, 5443 4133

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Where: Maleny Showgrounds When: Program available online Join this joyful celebration of the wonderful variety of food that Sunshine Coast producers, manufacturers, retailers and restaurants have to offer, and a unique opportunity to talk to, taste and buy from them.

Details: www.realfoodfestivals.com.au

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Where: Model Railway Park, Florence Street Nambour When: 10am to 3pm Kids love riding on these mini steam trains and diesel locomotives. Bring a picnic and make a day of it. Enclosed footwear must be worn when riding on trains.

Details: www.scrms.org.au

SEPT 7

BRING YOUR BABY, MOVIES FOR MUMS!

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS

SEPTEMBER 28 & OCTOBER 26

MINI TRAIN RIDES

SEPTEMBER 23

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAYS

SATURDAY AND SUNDAYS

Where: Queensland Air Museum When: 10am to 4pm The awesome sight and sound of a 1500 horsepower 14 cylinder radial engine powering up is an unforgettable experience and one that you won’t want to miss.

Details: Adult $15, Child $8, Family $35 www.qam.com.au/ocw/ocw.htm

SEPTEMBER 26 & OCTOBER 31

SPR

SEPTEMBER 27

EPIC DIEM NERD CULTURE EXPO

SEPTEMBER 29 & 30

ARTSCOOL Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery When: 9:30am to 11:30am - 5 to 7 years 1pm to 3pm - 8 to 12 years Gallery Exhibition Tour & Creative Art Class, inspired by the exhibiting works.

Details: $15 per child. Bookings and prepayment essential. http://gallery. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage. cfm?code=kids SEPTEMBER 30

GOLDILOCKS ROCKS! Where: The J, Noosa When: 11am From the Australian touring company that brought you ~ ‘Cinderella at the Disco', ‘Aladdin and his Magic i-Pod' and ‘Snow White and the Seven Cool Dudes’.

Details: $15.00 Entry; $13.00 Concession; $12.50 Family of Four. www.noosa.qld.gov. au/what-s-on SEPTEMBER 30

BADGE-O-RAMA Where: Kawana Library, 30 Nanyima St When: 2pm to 3:30pm Bring along small images or find some via our old magazines and comics to create awesome small badges to decorate your hat or bags. Ages 8+ only.

Details: Free. Bookings essential.

1300 LIBRARY

- in the city

DOWNLOAD

ING

HOLIDAEY eGUID SE

Where: Caloundra Rollerdrome When:10pm Latest Music Videos, Lucky Door Prizes.

Ages 7 to 16 years.

Details: $10. www.caloundrabluelight.org.au

Where: University of the Sunshine Coast Sports Precinct.

When: 10am to 9pm Epic Diem is a hands on gaming and pop culture expo for the whole family!

Details: Tickets Online: $10; At the Door: $15; Children 12yrs and under: Free. www.epicdiem.com

Where: Riverwalk Stage, Sunshine Plaza When: 10am, 11am & 1pm Come along and enjoy the Hello Kitty live stage show!

Details: Free. www.sunshineplaza.com, 5443 4133

- on the coast

CALOUNDRA BLUE LIGHT

ArtsCool

PTEMBER 20

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SEPT 19

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARKETS

To see more events visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/events Regular weekly events, playgroups, library activities, weekly sporting events, craft classes, Australian Breastfeeding Association meeting times and much more…

OCTOBER OCTOBER 1

PASSPORT TO FUN EVENT - MEET LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE! Where: Riverwalk Stage, Sunshine Plaza When: 9am to 12noon Meet Little Miss Sunshine, plus make your own Little Miss Chatterbox Phone!

Details: Free. sunshineplaza.com, 5443 4133 OCTOBER 1

SCIENCE FUN Where: Maleny Library, 5 Coral St When: 2pm to 3:30pm Make and take home Science Experiments with local scientist, Locon Wall. Ages 8+ only.

Details: Free. Bookings essential.

1300 LIBRARY

OCTOBER 15

MONS PLAYGROUP TOY LIBRARY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Where: Mons Playgroup Centre, corner Mons Road & Mons School Road, Buderim When: 9:30am to 11:30am Mons Playgroup Centre’s Toy Library is a free service to all Playgroup Qld members on the Sunshine Coast. Come along and find out the incredible toys and equipment available to borrow. Kid’s activities, cake and loads more!

Details: Free. 1800 171 882, www. playgroupqld.com.au, www.facebook.com/ MonsPlaygroup

EVERY WED & SAT

SEPTEMBER 14

EUMUNDI MARKETS

SUNNY COAST BABY AND KIDS MARKET Where: Nambour State Primary, Coronation Drive, Nambour When: 8am - 12noon A locally owned market selling preloved, new and beautiful handmade items for the under fives.

Details: Entry $2, Kids Free. www.sunnycoastbabykidsmarket.com.au

Where: Sunshine Beach Bicentennial Hall, Bicentennial Drive When: 8am to 11am Find everything you’ll need for your baby, at a fraction of the price!

Details: www.noosakidsmarket.com.au

Where: Big Pineapple, Nambour Connection Road, Woombye When: 6:30am - 1pm The biggest all-weather market with fresh fruit and veges plus an array of art, amazing food, clothing and more.

Details: www.bigpineapple.com.au/ saturday-growers-markets

OCTOBER 19

EVERY SATURDAY

NOOSA KIDS & BABY MARKET

SUNNY COAST BABY AND KIDS MARKET

BAZAAR SATURDAY MARKETS

Where: Caloundra Talara Primary College When: 8am - noon A locally owned market selling preloved, new and beautiful handmade items for the under fives.

Details: www. sunnycoastbabykidsmarket.com.au

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OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER 1

LONG WEEKEND HORSE RIDING CAMP

AUSSIE WORLD’S HALLOWEEN FestEVIL

Where: Kiah Park Horse Riding Camp, 578 Beenham Valley Road, Beenaam Valley When: 5pm on Friday to 3pm on Monday Children get their own horse/pony for the weekend and all riding abilities welcome.

A weekend filled with arena lessons, trail rides, gymkhana and heaps of fun. Ages 6 years to teens.

Details: $395. info@kiahpark.com.au, www.kiahpark.com.au, 5486 6166

Where: Aussie World When: 5pm to 9pm Over TWO extraordinary nights, Aussie World will be transformed into the ultimate Halloween Trick or Treat FestEVIL! Cost: $25 Single Entry; $95 Family of 4; $110 Family of 5 Details: www.aussieworld.com.au/events/ halloween

OCTOBER 25 TO NOVEMBER 2

HALLOWEEN AT AUSTRALIA ZOO

Where: Sunshine Coast Stadium & Kawana Sports Precinct, Sunshine Coast When: 9am The Happiest 5k on the Planet! Start the five kilometre course in white and finish with a smile covered in colour, then join the Finish Festival, featuring music from the main stage and massive colour throws!

Details: Tickets start from $45 for 6 to 12 years (early bird until 29 September). Kids under 5 years are free. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au/stocklandpark/events/the-swisse-color-run

WEBERS CIRCUS SHOW Where: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Kawana Sports Precinct When: See website closer to date See the famous wheel of death, miniature ponies, performing dogs, Spanish web, lyra, hula hoops, clowns, silks, salsa dancing, Russian swing and more!

Details: Tickets start from $14 for children and $28 for adults. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au or 5437 7666

OCTOBER 31

Where: Australia Zoo When: Opens 9am Keep the kids entertained with our spooktacular games including the Super Spider Egg Snatch and Zombie races! There's even FREE 'spooky' face painting for everyone.

Details: www.australiazoo.com.au/visit-us/ calendar/301-halloween

î DON’T MISS OUT ON ANY EVENTS!

SIGN UP AT WWW.KIDSONTHECOAST.COM.AU FOR OUR WEEKLY WHAT’S ON GUIDE. WE ALSO HAVE A SPECIAL COMPREHENSIVE ACTIVITY AND EVENT EGUIDE EVERY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS, COVERING ALL OF SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND. YOU CAN SIGN UP ONLINE TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE GUIDE IS LAUNCHED AND TO RECEIVE THE LINK TO DOWNLOAD YOUR PERSONAL COPY. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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CALOUNDRA STREET FAIR Where: Bulcock Street , Caloundra When: 8am to 1pm There is something for the whole family with activities for kids, handcrafted locally made products and art, live entertainment and street theatre.

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Where: Memorial Drive, Eumundi When: Wed - 8am - 1:30pm, Sat 7am - 2pm You’ll find original artworks, sculptures, furniture, handmade toys, homewares, skincare as well as cutting edge fashion and jewellery by local designers, all guided by the ethos “make it, bake it, sew it, grow it”.

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KOSTROMA – RUSSIAN NATIONAL DANCE SHOW The Events Centre Caloundra www.scvenuesandevents.com. au/the-events-centre/events/ kostroma-–-russian-nationaldance-show

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

39

BABIES

CIRCUMCISING OUR BOYS

By Cassy Small

CIRCUMCISING OUR BOYS. IT’S A MEDICAL, RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL MINEFIELD, BUT WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR SON? Fortunately my son can’t quite read yet, so I’m sure he’ll forgive me for sharing with you all – because we’re all good friends here – that last year, at age four, we had him circumcised. From the first ‘Mummy it hurts when I pee’ we spent about six months procrastinating before persevering with a number of alternate options and finally sought the advice of a specialist who advised circumcision as being the only course of action. Suddenly every pre-conceived idea I thought I had about circumcision was irrelevant and what I originally thought was done for predominately cultural or religious reasons became a medical necessity for my baby boy.

History tells us that circumcision has been practised as far back as Ancient Egypt. Over the course of time, its origins cite reasons such as religious sacrifice, hygiene, a symbol of status as well as both increasing and decreasing sexual pleasure as being the reasons behind the practice. Most commonly known is the Jewish faith’s institution of circumcision. Typically done on the eighth day of a boy’s life, it is followed as a commandment from the bible passage Genisis 17:10-14. “Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. Throughout your generations every male among you shall be circumcised when he is eight days old, including the slave born in your house and the one bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring.”

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

If you’re the parent of a baby boy in 2014, the decision on whether or not to circumcise seems to be made for you, with circumcision rarely a discussion point following birth. Around the world circumcision rates are widely varied. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in the United States approximately 65 per cent of boys are circumcised, yet the procedure is quite uncommon in countries such as South America, Asia and Europe. Here in Australia, WHO reports rates of circumcision peaked at 85 per cent in the 1950s and have since declined to now being between 10 and 20 per cent. But it’s a trend that some experts say is starting to turn, with requests for elective circumcision increasing across the country.

Google ‘should I circumcise my baby’ and you’ll be bombarded with a mixture of fact, fiction and conspiracy on the subject. It’s an understandably touchy subject and those both for and against the procedure are all quite passionate in their arguments.

The official line from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is this, “After reviewing the currently available evidence, the RACP believes that the frequency of diseases modifiable by circumcision, the level of protection offered by circumcision and the complication rates of circumcision do not warrant routine infant circumcision in Australia and New Zealand. However it is reasonable for parents to weigh the benefits and risks of circumcision and to make the decision whether or not to circumcise their sons.”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

41

BABIES

IF YOU’RE THE PARENT OF A BABY BOY IN 2014, THE DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT TO CIRCUMCISE SEEMS TO BE MADE FOR YOU, WITH CIRCUMCISION RARELY A DISCUSSION POINT FOLLOWING BIRTH.

So taking medical and religion out of the equation, what exactly are these benefits and risks? Dr Terry Russell of Russell Medical performs one of the highest rates of circumcision in Australia, He believes all boys should be circumcised as newborns to circumvent medical issues that may occur later in life. To other medical professionals such as Dr Russell, circumcision is seen as a surgical vaccine against a wide range of diseases. “The benefits tend to accrue right from the word go,” he says. “Infections and inflammation in the first 12 months of life via neonatal urinary tract infection can be common and quite damaging to the child, potentially leading to kidney damage.”

Dr Russell’s method of choice is the plastibell which he’s been using since 1968, he describes it as being a ‘much more civilised method’ than the others previously available. The device is inserted under the foreskin and tied off with a string. Doing so squeezes all the blood out of the tissue and crimps blood vessels to minimise further bleeding. This reverts the thick foreskin tissue to a thin piece of skin which is snipped and the dead tissue will fall off three to seven days later. All up, including a post-procedure snack, it takes about an hour. Dr Russell says this method drastically reduces recovery time and post-op pain. “I tell parents it’s ok to go back to school the next day. It’s better for them to stay physically active than sit in front of the TV to avoid any physical activity. Contact sports wouldn’t be advised, but running, kicking a ball, swimming, that’s all ok,” he says.

Increasing research is also finding compelling evidence that circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection in men by approximately 60 per cent. So positive are these findings that the World Health Organisation is currently undertaking voluntary medical circumcision in 14 priority countries is East and Southern Africa.

Those against circumcision regularly cite the pain factor as one of their first arguments. Fortunately, what was once a brutal procedure performed with a scalpel under no anaesthetic is, thanks to modern medicine, relatively pain free. Less invasive techniques and improvements in the use of anaesthetic cream mean that pain is only typically experienced post-procedure and in particular when performed using the cut and stitch method.

It’s also argued that making such an irreversible decision on behalf of another individual can cause long term psychological damage and many even liken it to mutilation. The Circumcision Resource Centre in the US counsels men who have been negatively affected from their childhood circumcision. While no official data exists on the psychological ramifications of circumcision, an unofficial survey conducted by the centre found 80 per cent to be ‘emotionally harmed’ from the experience. Psychologist Dr Carla Rogers says some men who have undergone circumcision can experience the same symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder with feelings of anger, resentment and loss. “Parents need to consider exactly why it is they are making the decision to circumcise their baby boys.

Decisions made on the basis of ‘well your father is’ require further research and education on the full issue,” she advises.

If you do decide to proceed with an elective circumcision it can prove to be difficult to arrange, as found Songul, who had her son circumcised at age five for religious reasons. “We left it a little late as we had planned to have a circumcision celebration overseas, but a family tragedy meant we had to have him circumcised in Australia,” she explains. Songul’s religion was a strong factor in her decision, but recurrent infections throughout his early years galvanised her decision. The generalised view against elective circumcision meant that the only option for her family was a small medical practice in the outskirts of Sydney. “His office was run down and dirty and I really did feel like I was in a third world country. He also charged us a cash rate without providing a receipt. But we felt we had no other choice,” she says.

For many older boys, like my son, circumcision isn’t an option.

“Tight, non-retractable foreskin also known as Phimosis, inflammatory conditions of the foreskin which may be precancerous and recurrent urinary tract infections are the most common symptoms presented in the case of a medically required circumcision,” says Dr Russell. Left untreated these conditions can cause permanent damage.

A lot of parents who are faced with a medical circumcision scenario are suddenly confronted with a procedure they’d previously made a conscious decision not to do. Some parents, while understanding its necessity, still grapple with the idea that their child will be ‘different’, and boys being boys, may end up being the subject of ridicule later in life. Dr Russell wants to reassure parents by saying that today’s kids are much more accepting of each other’s differences. “People are largely becoming more knowledgeable about the benefits of circumcision and in the not too distant future I think it will be a 50/50 mix anyway. Kids encounter a wide variety of people today from many different backgrounds, this isn’t a big deal.”

Complications are a reality for any medical procedure, but Dr Russell assures that they are rare. “We’ve performed over 35,000 circumcisions now using the plastibell device and as a result of that we’ve PARENTS NEED been able to modify the technology to TO CONSIDER minimise the risk and any downside to EXACTLY WHY IT IS the procedure,” he says. Nevertheless, THEY ARE MAKING complications can include bleeding, THE DECISION TO excessive pain, inadequate skin removal CIRCUMCISE THEIR and infection. In a small minority of cases BABY BOYS. subsequent surgery may be required.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Like so many other aspects of parenting, circumcision will always prove to be a controversial and highly emotive topic of discussion. Education, information, kindness and respect are required from us all to navigate the topic with our children top of mind.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

43

SPECIAL FEATURE

FREQUENT NIGHT WAKING IN BREASTFED BABIES AND TODDLERS: NOT A PROBLEM, BUT THE BIOLOGICAL NORM A LACTATION CONSULTANT’S PERSPECTIVE

By “The Milk Meg” Meg Nagle, IBCLC SLEEP DEPRIVATION IS SOMETHING EVERY MOTHER UNDERSTANDS. BEING PUSHED TO THE BRINK OF INSANITY FROM FREQUENT NIGHT WAKING, THAT FEELING OF BEING WOKEN ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER JUST FALLING ASLEEP. SLEEP DEPRIVATION IS THE CRUELLEST FORM OF TORTURE! AS A BREASTFEEDING MUM WHO IS THE ONE AND ONLY PERSON THERE TO FEED THE BABY, HOW CAN SHE MEET THE NIGHTTIME NEEDS OF HER BREASTFED BABY WHILE GETTING THE REST SHE NEEDS? WHAT IS NORMAL FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS WHO ARE BREASTFED ON DEMAND? SHOULD THEY BE SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT AND FALLING ASLEEP BY THEMSELVES? All mothers out there question themselves and if they are doing it “right” when it comes to sleep and how much or how little their breastfed baby is sleeping. Mothers question breastfeeding on demand, “Is it normal for my baby to wake so often,” or, “Will I ever get to sleep for longer than one and a half or two straight hours”?

The answer to both questions is, “YES”! Yet unfortunately what many women hear is that their baby should be sleeping through, that babies need to learn how to sleep longer, fall asleep without breastfeeding and that the crying or “protesting” during the sleep training is what they are supposed to do.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who has worked with breastfeeding women over the past decade, and having breastfed three boys myself (still currently feeding my youngest boy) I come from the philosophy of following your baby and your own instincts while sharing and discussing what the evidence based research shows in terms of baby sleep patterns and what is normal.

It is not only the biological norm for babies and toddlers who are breastfed on demand to wake frequently to breastfeed, but there are actually many important reasons as to why this happens. It is not to drive all of the mothers out there insane from sleep deprivation!

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

45

SPECIAL FEATURE

WHY MOST BREASTFED BABIES AND TODDLERS WAKE FREQUENTLY TO BREASTFEED: • Research shows that frequent night waking to breastfeed is actually a protective factor against SIDS1. Dr James McKenna has done extensive research on this topic, you can find this information on his website: (https://cosleeping.nd.edu/articlesand-presentations/articles-and-essays/).

• Frequent night waking helps establish and keep up your milk supply. Research shows that babies take up to 20 per cent of their milk volume at night2! For some women, especially in the early months or if you are going to be separated from your baby or toddler during the day, these night time feedings will be crucial for keeping up your breastmilk supply.

• Babies will wake more frequently when they are going through a growth spurt and need to increase your supply, are going through a developmental milestone, teething or are fighting an illness they have been exposed to. Many times women will be holding their eyelids open with toothpicks from the night before, only to discover that later that day their baby is coughing and has a stuffy nose! It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that their needs have been met through breastfeeding and makes the sleep deprivation so worth it.

• Research shows that the growth of our babies’ brains (DNA synthesis) happen rapidly during the first few years of life, along with nerve growth factors which is a hormone that facilitates development. These are both promoted through touch, and when mothers stop touching their infants, DNA synthesis stops and growth hormone diminishes3. When our babies are put down and left by themselves as they cry and are in distress, they go into “survival mode”4.

• Breastmilk has components in it which actually help our babies and toddlers fall asleep5. It’s like a natural sleep aid! This is why it is the biological norm for babies and toddlers to fall asleep while breastfeeding. Your baby does not have a “sleep problem” because they will not self-settle or fall asleep on their own in a cot. Your milk is literally made to help them fall asleep while breastfeeding. It is how our bodies are designed. So cool! No crying involved, just pop them on! The only way a baby can communicate is through crying.

A research article published in 2011 showed that although babies stopped crying on about the third night after sleep training, their stress hormone, cortisole was still raised. Even though they had been trained to fall asleep and were quiet and seemingly peaceful, they still had elevated stress hormones within their body6. This is a physiological response that was recorded and shows just how distressing it is for a baby, even when they are sleeping.

• We often forget that babies and toddlers wake for many reasons other than hunger. They will of course wake for hunger or thirst but they will also wake for pain relief, comfort, to get an increase in the immunological components in breastmilk, to help them cope with their developmental milestone and the changes in their brain due to this, if they are scared, cranky or bored! There is not one reason that is more important than another. Each reason is important for the child.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

• There are many sleep training articles and websites that state if your baby or toddler is sleeping through the night they will do better in school, have less chance of being obese and have an increased ability to learn. These statements are incredibly misleading. There is NO research to support the claim that babies and toddlers who fall asleep at the breast and breastfeed throughout the night are more likely to be overweight, have trouble in school and have a harder time learning. To have an actual valid study on this issue, we need a longitudinal study which specifically compares those who are exclusively breastfed to sleep and through the night with those who are sleep trained and night weaned, leaving out variables which can also affect the results AND have it be peer reviewed. This has not happened yet and therefore any study that is quoted is not actual valid or relevant to the issue of night waking in babies and toddlers.

SO WHEN WILL MY CHILD ACTUALLY START SLEEPING THROUGH? DOESN’T IT GET HARDER THE OLDER THEY GET? Actually, in my experiences working with mothers and babies and also my own personal experiences breastfeeding, the older your child gets the easier it gets to night wean them. Once your child is over the twelve-month mark they will understand pretty much everything you are saying. Once they start to communicate more themselves (usually nearing the 18-month mark) it becomes much easier to negotiate night time weaning with them and becomes less stressful for everyone involved. This is when they are developmentally ready to negotiate and understand what you are saying to them. Before this time, many mums find it incredibly difficult, distressing and frustrating to try to night wean. Of course if your baby is younger than this and is responding without crying or distress at falling asleep on their own then great — go with it!

There’s no denying that waking overnight to breastfeed and soothe a breastfed baby takes a toll on us as mothers. If you choose to breastfeed overnight, here are my top tips for getting more rest without having to do cry it out: • Focus on what YOU can do to get more sleep, not what you need to do to change your baby’s sleep patterns.

• Get community support, seek help during the day from friends, family members or a mother’s helper.

• Leave the washing and dirty kitchen and go sleep when your child sleeps during the day, cancel your plans for the day and stay home to have a quiet day instead. Delay returning to work for as long as possible.

If we can shift our thinking away from “the baby” and their “sleep issues” then we can start focusing on ourselves and what we can change. We tend to run around like crazy in our society…take a deep breath and relax.

Mothering through breastfeeding is one of the most natural, biologically normal things you can do for your child and it meets every single one of their nighttime needs. Breastfeeding to sleeping, breastfeeding to awake, breastfeeding for hunger, comfort or pain relief…every reason is important and night time

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

SPECIAL FEATURE

waking to breastfeed is something that millions of us women do around the world every single night. Trust your instincts and follow the lead of your baby. No mother looks back and feels guilty for cuddling or breastfeeding her baby too often. You cannot spoil a baby. You cannot cuddle them too often, breastfeed them too frequently or love them too much.

For suggestions on gently night weaning your toddler, head here to my article on night weaning: www.themilkmeg.com/the-night-boob-how-togently-night-wean-your-toddler-from-breastfeeding-and-bed-sharing/.

ABOUT MEG In between breastfeeding her youngest boy, chasing after her oldest two boys, blogging and occasionally sleeping; Meg is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in private practice and works with women to help them reach their breastfeeding goals. Meg has a degree in Psychology and was a La Leche League Leader (breastfeeding counsellor) for seven years before becoming an IBCLC. She writes frequently on her website about all things breastfeeding, is a guest blogger and has published articles in “Nurture Parenting Magazine” and “Natural Mother Magazine”. Needless to say she's passionate about helping women reach their breastfeeding goals and loves helping to get the word out about how women can do this! She places a huge emphasis on sharing evidenced-based research so women can make informed decisions on how to go about feeding their babies.

You can find her website at www.themilkmeg.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/themilkmeg Twitter - www.twitter.com/themilkmeg Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/themilkmeg YouTube - www.youtube.com/channel/ UC8q2Hc5GI9AVh675U8d5BEQ 1. M cKenna J & McDade, T (2005). Why babies should never sleep alone: A review of the co-sleeping controversy in relation to SIDS, bedsharing and breast feeding, Paediatric respiratory reviews, 6, 134-152.

2. Kent, JC, et al. (2006). Volume and frequency of breastfeedings and fat content of breast milk throughout the day. Pediatrics 117(3):387-395.

3. Schanberg S (1995). The genetic basis for touch effects. In T. Field (Ed.), Touch and Early Experience, Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum 4. How To Grow A Smart Baby http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-landscapes/201101/howgrow-smart-baby 5. Sánchez, C, et al. (2009). The possible role of human milk nucleotides as sleep inducers, Nutritional Neuroscience, 12, 2-8.

6. Middlemiss W, Granger D, Goldberg W, Nathans L (2012). Asynchrony of mother–infant hypothalamic– pituitary–adrenal axis activity following extinction of infant crying responses induced during the transition to sleep, Early Human Development, 88, 227-232.

Dr Julian Paxton MB, BS, FRACP Dr James Scorer MB, ChB, FRACP Dr Anthony Morosini MB, BS, FRACP new! Dr Sonia Shah MB, ChB, FRACP Sunshine Coast Paediatrics is delighted to welcome Dr Sonia Shah to the practice. Dr Shah began her paediatric training in the UK and recently completed her training in Queensland at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Gold Coast Hospital, Caboolture Hospital and Nambour Hospital.

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Nucleus Medical Suites –Sunshine Coast Private Hospital Suite 9A Level 2/23 Elsa Wilson Drive, Buderim Qld 4563 | Ph (07) 54445177

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

47

TEENS

STANDING ALONE WHEN TEENS FEEL THE SQUEEZE TO BELONG

By Belinda Hopper WE ALL WANT OUR KIDS TO HAVE FRIENDS AND FEEL LIKE THEY ‘FIT IN’, PARTICULARLY IN THE TEEN YEARS, WHEN RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEERS BECOME ALL-IMPORTANT. YET WE ARE WARY OF THE INFLUENCES OF PEER PRESSURE - A FORCE THAT CAN BE WIELDED FOR GOOD OR BAD. THERE ARE BOUND TO BE SCENARIOS THAT OUR TEENS WILL FACE WHERE WE HOPE THEY HAVE THE STRENGTH OF CHARACTER TO STAND ALONE, WHEN GOING AGAINST THE CROWD IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO—AND THE HARDEST, BECAUSE IT MAY LEAD TO SOCIAL ISOLATION. A DAUNTING PROSPECT FOR ANY TEEN WHOSE MOST PRESSING SOCIAL NEED IS TO FEEL ACCEPTED.

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Let’s face it, even adults find it hard to stand against peer pressure: studies show that only one in three adults speak out when they’re not happy with something in their peer group. So it’s a big expectation to hope that our teenagers will have the ability to resist all negative peer pressure. But there are measures parents can take to help equip teens to be confident to stand alone.

to build kids’ self-esteem, integrity, and a sense of their own power, by giving them a sense of responsibility and encouraging their decision-making skills.”

THE YOUNG YEARS Parenting expert and author of Kids are Worth It! (1999), Barbara Coloroso, says the best way parents can prepare their kids to face peer pressure is by teaching them how to think, not what to think, when they are young.

In his article, Resisting Peer Pressure, Psychologist Dr Ian Wallace agrees that helping kids resist peer pressure begins at home and that unconditional love, genuine regard, and positive recognition are crucial: “A child who is criticised or judged at home will naturally seek more approval and recognition from peers or others, as well as being more susceptible to fears of being rejected by peers.”

Coloroso says parents should seek to empower their children, not control them, so that they learn the skills to stand up to the power of negative peer pressure: “Parents need to start from an early age

Wallace says kids need positive coaching in how to deal with peer pressure in primary school, ensuring they present as being confident, use the right tone of voice and show self-assured body language.

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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49

TEENS

TEACHING KIDS TO ARGUE!

It’s tempting to think life would be easier if kids didn’t argue with their parents, but a recent study published in Child Development, headed by Psychologist Joseph P. Allen, found that teens who learn to debate with their parents are better at negotiating their way out of negative peer pressure situations; "The teens who learned to be calm and confident and persuasive with their parents acted the same way when they were with their peers." Statistics showed they were 40% more likely to say ‘no’ to negative peer pressure than teens who didn’t argue with their parents.

Kids who felt it was pointless arguing with their parents, “would back down right away” and take the same passive approach to other relationships, succumbing to negative peer pressure to take drugs and alcohol.

The key is for parents to model calm, respectful debate, by listening and acknowledging their teen’s point, even if they disagree with it.

THE ODD ONE OUT

Parents and teachers exhort kids to choose their friends wisely, but some kids just hope to have a friend. It’s not every teen’s goal to fit with the ‘in’ crowd; some just want to know that it’s okay to be different, that they won’t be picked on because of their difference.

Jason found the key to being “bully-proof” is thinking logically and seeing bullying as an illogical assertion that, “being like me is better than being like you”. His advice is to enjoy being yourself, “finding an activity you love and become the best you can be at it.”

Cara says, “Give a person hope, encouragement, and reassurance that they are perfect the way they are, and that for no reason should they change to become anyone different than themselves.”

In Erin Elisabeth Conley’s book, Uncool (2007), she gives lighthearted advice for teen girls on feeling good about being different: î B e kind to fellow misfits and take chances with fashion choices, hobbies, hopes and dreams. î Don’t be afraid to look weird (i.e. not “cookie-cutter normal”). î L et your inner geek speak—excel in your area of interest, whether it’s music, art, science or origami.

THE POWER OF PERSUASION

Being part of a group of friends can bring a pressure to conform, in order to keep those friends. Peer pressure is the power of persuasion playing against our deep-seated desire to belong.

Rather than being forced to act in a certain way, it’s choosing to act in a certain way out of fear of rejection or not fitting in. It’s about gaining approval or respect, and the lower someone’s self-esteem or self-acceptance is, the more they will be willing to compromise in their attempt to seek approval and acceptance from others.

But there is such a thing as positive peer pressure, which is often exerted more subtly than negative peer pressure. When the norm or group expectation is positive behaviour, peer groups are beneficial to teens, offering a place of security as they seek to form their own identity and try out their own ideas and opinions. It is also where they learn to make friends with both sexes, work out how to get along with others, and feel valued and accepted as they test out their choices. It’s where they share their concerns and questions with friends who are at the same stage in life, working through the same issues, promoting self-confidence and strengthening their ability to get on in the world, apart from their parents.

WHEN IT AFFECTS SCHOOL

Being part of a positive peer group makes school a fun place to be.

But not everyone feels like they fit in, and not all peer pressure is positive, which can turn school into the last place a teen wants to be. Associate Professor Sue Roffey from the School of Education at the University of Western Sydney, says what is happening, or not happening, in school can make students not want to be there: “Feelings are critical. No-one learns well when they are scared, anxious or overwhelmingly miserable.” As Ben’s (15) testimony proves: “My best friend started calling me things, also spreading rumours…my breaking point was when they were shouting things about me in class and calling me things behind my back.

I just had enough, so I walked out of school and ran home.”

But sometimes it’s what happens outside of school that affects relationships, leading to kids feeling ostracised or targeted at school and on social media. So let’s look at ways teens can say no to peer pressure while saving face with their friends.

î H ave patience with those who are different from you and don’t change just because someone else thinks you should. î J ust because you feel like a misfit in one context, remember there is always someplace in the world where you are welcome.

“PARENTS CAN PREPARE THEIR KIDS TO FACE PEER PRESSURE

BY TEACHING THEM HOW TO THINK, NOT WHAT TO THINK, WHEN THEY ARE YOUNG.”

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

51

TEENS

“IT’S EASIER FOR TEENS TO SAY NO OR REMOVE THEMSELVES FROM A SITUATION IF THEY FEEL THEY WILL STILL BE RESPECTED AND BELONG WITH THEIR PEERS.”

SCHEME WITH YOUR TEEN

Raising Resilient Children and Teens author, Dr Kenneth Ginsburg puts forward strategies that parents and teens can implement to help them keep their cool when the peer pressure heats up. The first strategy helps kids say a firm No, but still keep their friends. It acknowledges that the “reverse pressure” traditionally taught (i.e. “if you love me, you’ll wait”) might strain a relationship, which teens are desperate to avoid.

Rather, Ginsburg insists that teens need to learn the power of a simple No, which has to do with the conviction of tone that Dr Wallace referred to. That means No can’t sound like a maybe; it must be firm and unapologetic, with no room for change and no further explanation offered. Ginsburg then suggests the teen shift the focus by coming up with something else to do.

ADVICE FROM TEENS, FOR TEENS

Kids Helpline collated a list of tips offered by teens, for teens, on being prepared to stand up to others: î K NOW YOURSELF - if you know yourself well and understand what feels right to you and what is important to you, it can be easier to decide whether you want to do something or not. î T HINK AHEAD - if you know that you are going to be in a situation where friends might push you to do things you don't feel comfortable doing, plan out what you are going to say and do before you even get there. î P RACTICE ASSERTIVE BEHAVIOUR - be really clear about what is OK for you and tell people exactly what you are thinking and feeling. Sometimes it can be useful to practice with someone before you do it for real. î S TAND TALL - standing up to peer pressure (and helping people understand that you mean what you say) is easier if you stand confidently. Often, the way that you say something can have more impact than the words you say. î T HINK ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES - thinking about the likely or possible outcomes of what you are being asked to do can help you make a clear decision and stick to it.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

It’s easier for teens to say no or remove themselves from a situation if they feel they will still be respected and belong with their peers. Ginsburg suggests coming up with a code word the teen can drop into a phone conversation so that it appears to their friends that they’re just checking in with their parents, but tells the parent they want to come home. It’s a cue for the parent to say their teen needs to come home and they are going to pick them up immediately. True, the teen is not upfront with their friends, but because it avoids confrontation with peers, it’s a first step in learning to recognise situations they need to get out of and provides a safe and easy exit.

Ginsburg also urges parents to give their teen permission to ‘create a rumour’ such as, "my parents said they'll cut off my phone if I do that again," when they are pressed to do something they know you wouldn’t approve of.

ENCOURAGE AND EMPATHISE

Dr Wallace says the key in helping teens be confident to stand alone is to keep relaxed communication happening and encourage their attempts to resist peer pressure. It’s also helpful to share some of your own experiences of standing up to peer pressure, empathising that it’s a very hard thing to do. As J.K.Rowling writes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

53

ONLY NATURAL

Unscramble the confusion surrounding your egg purchase

By Cassy Small REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOUR PREFERENCE IS FOR FRIED, SCRAMBLED OR POACHED, THE JOURNEY FROM CHICKEN TO EGG TO YOUR BREAKFAST TABLE ISN’T AS STRAIGHTFORWARD AS YOU MAY FIRST EXPECT. ALL EGGS AREN’T CREATED EQUAL IT SEEMS, AND NAVIGATING THE FINANCIAL, NUTRITIONAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF YOUR HUMBLE SUPERMARKET PURCHASE CAN BE CONFOUNDING. There are approximately 4.8 billion eggs laid in Australia each year, so it’s unsurprising that the egg cabinet at your local supermarket is heaving with options, from free range to cage free, eco and ones with added omega-3. To the average consumer an egg is an egg and we rely heavily on the packaging to confirm whether we’ve made the right decision. In Australia there is currently no official national standard for egg labeling, and the consumer is often left confused by the claims and images on their egg carton of choice.

standards including the Australian Egg Corporation Ltd (AECL), Free Range Egg and Poultry Australia (FREPA) and the Free Range Farmers Association Victoria (FRFA) and animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA and Humane Society International. Participation in these certification schemes is voluntary, meaning that without logo accreditation on the packaging, the definition of ‘free range’, ‘barn laid’ and ‘cage free’ is left to interpretation by the consumer. So what does it all mean?

According to a 2012 study conducted by CHOICE magazine, it seems most of us want to do the right thing when it comes to our egg purchase. The survey found 60 per cent of respondents said it was essential for their eggs to be free range, with 85 per cent of them reporting animal welfare to be their primary motivation for going free range. Alarmingly though, 43 per cent relied on solely on the words ‘free range’ or imagery of hens sitting on nests or green rolling fields to inform their choice.

FREE RANGE

A number of industry bodies are responsible for egg certification

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

The image conjured when one thinks of free range eggs is of rolling green fields and fat happy chickens laying fresh golden orbs with yolks as yellow as the sun. It’s imagery that’s converting to dollars at the checkout, with the Retail World Grocery Guide 2012 confirming that the free range egg business has 39 per cent of the egg market, making it the highest growth category. This egg perfection comes at a price though and consumers are paying upwards of $6 per carton for what they believe is a premium product.

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

55

Help hens spread their wings.

Visit www.hensdeservebetter.org.au

ONLY NATURAL

There are a variety of animal cruelty issues when it comes to factory farming of chickens to meet the consumer demand for eggs. Unfortunately these are not always avoided even in the free range system.

So what is free range? It largely comes down to how many chickens are housed per square metre. Regulations insist that there should be no more than 10 birds per square metre for up to 1000 birds and not more than seven birds per square metre in a farm with more than 4000 birds. There are also a number of other standards which must be met to receive a free range accreditation from FREPA. They include: • Birds must have easy access to an area on which to range during daylight hours.

• The land where birds are permitted to range must have shade, shelter and palatable vegetation.

• Only wholesome foods are permitted, with the addition of vitamins, minerals and amino acids as required for the welfare of the birds.

• Only natural pigment-containing foods or natural yolk colour may be fed to enrich yolk colour.

• Therapeutic antibiotics are permitted only under veterinary direction.

• Growth promoting hormones and growth promoting antibiotics are not permitted.

• Toe trimming and the use of ‘poly peepers’ is not permitted.

• A reasonable attempt must be made to protect hens from predators at all times.

• Beak trimming to be done in accordance with Egg Industry Accreditation Program.

BARN LAID EGGS These chickens may not be able to scratch around in the sunshine like their free range cousins, but at least they have some room to stretch their wings, be it a little limited. Hens providing barn laid eggs do have some room to move albeit restricted. Animals Australia say that being confined indoors restricts a hen’s ability to perform the normal behaviours that provide quality of life, such as dust-bathing, stretching and flapping their wings, perching and laying their eggs in privacy. RSPCA still give their approval to a variety of barn laid egg brands.

CAGE EGGS The Australian Egg Corporation says that approximately 75 per cent of all eggs sold in Australia are from the caged system as they are the most affordable type of egg. It’s an unfortunate existence for these hens who spend their entire lives existing in less space each than a single piece of A4-sized paper. The saving grace for cage eggs is that from a nutrient perspective, it seems all eggs are created equal. Dietician Naras Lapsys says that parents should be happy to include in their children’s diet up to an egg a day, as part of a healthy and balanced diet. “The nutrient content of all the different types of eggs available essentially remains the same. All eggs offer a great source of protein, every vitamin other than vitamin C, all major minerals and omega-3s,” he says.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Roosters V Hens – The issue exists that only the female of the species, the hen, is capable of laying eggs. The prospects for these superfluous roosters isn’t bright and with no commercial value to the egg industry, male chicks are routinely killed, most within the first day of their life.

Hens in retirement – The career for a laying hen is brief, and in all egg production systems, even many free range farms, hens are considered past their production use by date by 18 months old, much shorter than their 10 year life expectancy. Some fortunate free-range hens may be kept on until just over two years of age.

As in the case of the male chicks, once a laying hen is no longer commercially viable it is killed.

Beak trimming – Sometimes also known as de-beaking, this is conducted on most laying hens when only a day old. Previously this would be done with a blade, but modern beak trimming is done with an infra-red laser and done as a measure to prevent them from pecking each other, often to death.

The RSPCA is encouraging consumers to take their free range buying power beyond the egg cabinet and take time to think about the other grocery items on shelves which contain cage eggs. Its likely your unassuming purchase is contributing to the demand for cage eggs.

This supply and demand is the main reason RSPCA believe the cage eggs industry continues to flourish when internationally the trend to abolish the practice is beginning to be put into place.

“We know that alternative systems work because many farmers are already using them. What is needed to increase the move for more cage-free systems is for consumers to avoid buying cage eggs. Farmers and supermarkets will respond to the demands of consumers if the message is loud and clear,” says a RSPCA representative. In their Hens Deserve Better campaign (www. hensdeservebetter.org.au) they’re encouraging consumers to email direct from the website to some of Australia’s biggest manufacturers that are still using cage eggs.

The rest of the world is beginning to move to a cage-free system.

Since 2012 countries across Europe have deemed that all hens must have access to at least 750cm2 space, a nest, a perch and litter for dust bathing and scratching. Switzerland and Germany have gone as far as completely banning battery cages and from 2015, Californian hens must only be housed in systems that allow them to lie down, stand up, fully extend their wings and freely turn around.

THE BEST OPTION? BECOME A SUBURBAN FARMER YOURSELF! It’s easier than you think to provide the perfect home to hens in your own backyard. Speak to your local council to confirm if you’re allowed to keep chickens in your area and you may be rewarded with your own special treat from a new feathered friend.

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

57

COAST LIFE

Coast Life shares exciting products and services by 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 ventures by taking a look at what they’ve got to offer.

And if you’ve got a business you want to spread the word on, let us know!

SISTER ACT TRAVEL Ph: 0457 709 669 info@sisteracttravel.com.au

PODIE PIE Ph: 0413 767 936 www.facebook.com/PodiePie Podie Pie is a magical handmade store full of stunning local handmade creations. Everything from children's clothes, toys, gorgeous art work, women's wear, jewellery and one of a kind gifts. Podie Pie loves kids - they have a circus tent for children to play in while you take your time and delight in exploring this unique store full of local artist's handmade creations.

Sister Act Travel is a dynamic home based travel agency recruiting experienced travel consultants. Working for Sister Act Travel will allow you the opportunity to; work your own hours from your own home office, fitting in with your family's lifestyle, build a business with the support of industry professionals, create an income for yourself.

THE FAIRIES TOADSTOOL

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The Fairies Toadstool is the home of Fairies on the Sunshine Coast. Their specialties are fairy birthday tea parties, where they transform any area into a magical fairyland filled with fairy games, fairy dust making, fairy tea and more.

Their fairy store has an array of unique fairy gifts and accessories.

Horse Riding Camps are a great way for your child to enjoy a week of outdoor fun! For ages 6yrs - teens. Children are allocated their own horse to suit their riding ability. Camp includes: arena lessons, trail rides twice a day, learning to keep and care for your pony, a gymkhana and fun night activities. Spring dates: 20 - 27 September & 27 September - 4 October. Long weekend camp 17 - 20 October.

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AMY BECCARI DANCE STUDIOS Ph: 0411 801 144 | www.amybeccaridancestudios.com.au Dance is not only fun, it provides kids with a wide range of skills including enhanced flexibility, coordination, strength and discipline. Classes at ABDS are run by passionate and qualified teachers for children 3 years and over, including ballet, tap, jazz/funk, contemporary, acro and performance teams. Take advantage of free trial lessons and let your child learn to love dance at ABDS. Facebook Amy Beccari Dance Studios Official.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

Kuddly Kids is the one stop kids shop on Buderim for specialty clothing, toys and gifts for boys and girls, newborn to 14years. YOU CAN NOW BOOK YOUR IN STORE FAIRY PRINCESS PARTIES. Tiny Tots fairies under 4 years and Fairyland Fun 4-8years in the Fairy Wonderland with Liberty the Lily Fairy. Call Kuddly Kids to book a princess party today! Shop 14, 86 Burnett Street, Buderim www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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HYPOXI® is the scientifically proven, fast, effective and healthy way to lose centimetres from hips, stomach, buttocks and thighs targeting fat deposits and eliminating cellulite in weeks – not months. For a free trial valued at $69, contact the studio today! Mention Kids on the Coast and receive a bonus 3 sessions with any package purchased.

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Whats coming up

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Fun And Funky Sand Art bottles offer a fun and creative kid’s activity that all ages will enjoy. Perfect for birthday parties, school vacation care programmes, fetes, events and fundraising. Offering a range of affordable packages from hosted parties, craft parties, DIY kits, individual gift packs, coloured sand suppliers for weddings and naming day ceremonies. Call Today!

THE BABY OSTEOPATH Ph: 1300 739 345 www.babyosteopath.com

Dr Roger Kingston is an Osteopath in Buderim and Nambour and has been safely and successfully treating babies and pregnant mums for nearly 20 years. Using an exceptionally gentle osteopathic approach which encompasses paediatric cranial osteopathy. Paediatric Osteopathy is a gentle yet effective way to help babies suffering from an irritated nervous system or mechanical stresses within their bodies.

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

59

DESTINATION

10 reasons TO VISIT THE nation’s capital Rebecca Perry uncovers the best of the nation’s capital for families.

CANBERRA IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED AS A DESTINATION FOR FAMILY TRAVEL. IT’S BEEN LABELLED ‘THE WORLD’S LARGEST ILLUMINATED PADDOCK’, IS HOME TO THOUSANDS OF BUREAUCRATS, AND OVERRUN WITH BUSLOADS OF YEAR 6 STUDENTS MAKING THEIR ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE CAPITAL. But if you haven’t been to Canberra for a while, you might be surprised to find how many great experiences your family can share there. Not only that, but many of the attractions are free, making Canberra one of the most family-friendly destinations you can find.

Here are ten great experiences your family can’t miss in our capital.

1

SEE THE PRIME MINISTER AT WORK Parliament house is the focal point for the city and the symbol of Australian democracy. Adult and kids both get a thrill from seeing our Ministers in action during Question Time, when you can be the audience and see decisions getting made. Go up to the roof to see the views over Canberra and the flagmast, one of the tallest in the world. Daily: 9am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. Parliament isn’t always sitting — see the schedule at www.aph.gov.au. Free entry.

2

LET YOUR CURIOSITY PLAY Without a doubt, the National Science and Technology Centre (dubbed ‘Questacon’) is a favourite for kids and adults alike. It’s like an enormous indoor playground with over 200 hands-on science exhibits, ensuring they’ll learn a lot too. You can free-fall down a six metre slide, make a robot sing or star in a Spectacular Science Show. ‘Mini-Q’ for 0-6 year olds will entertain your budding mini scientists. Daily: 9am - 5pm.

Closed Christmas Day. Adult: $23.00. Child: $17.50 - Under 4s free.

Family: $70.00 - 2 adults and 3 children. www.questacon.edu.au

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO CANBERRA FOR A WHILE, YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO FIND HOW MANY GREAT EXPERIENCES YOUR FAMILY CAN SHARE

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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DESTINATION

DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AUSTRALIAN

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You can’t miss the Australian War Memorial, which ranked first on Trip Advisor's 2014 Top 10 Australian Landmarks. The Memorial commemorates the service and sacrifice of all Australian men and women in wartime. Explore the interactive children’s section and discover the diverse Australian experiences of war and connect with the stories of people and events that shaped Australia. Daily: 10am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. Free entry. www.awm.gov.au

BECOME A SPORTS STAR

4

The Australian Institute of Sport is where our future sporting stars are nurtured. Visit the award-winning Visitor Centre and take a tour behind the scenes at Australia's premier sporting precinct. Challenge your kids in Sportex, one of Australia's leading interactive sports exhibits. Daily: 90 min public tours at 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm. Adult: $18.00. Child $10.00.

Family: $49.00. www.ausport.gov.au/tours

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GET CLOSE TO NATURE It’s not called The Bush Capital for nothing.

Just 40 minutes drive from the capital, you can see koalas, emus, kangaroos, platypus, the endangered Brush-tail Rock-wallaby, reptiles, possums and echidnas in a natural setting at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The discovery playground is fantastic and you’ll want to bring a picnic (barbecues provided). Visitor Centre Opening Hours: 9am - 4.30pm. Reserve Grounds Opening Hours: Standard Time 7.30am - 6pm; Daylight Saving Time: 7.30am - 8pm; Entry: Day passes for cars up to eight passengers $10. www.tidbinbilla.act.gov.au

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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DESTINATION

LOSE THE KIDS IN SPACE Also in the beautiful Tidbinbilla valley, Canberra’s Deep Space Communication Complex is part of NASA's Deep Space Network. It provides a vital two-way radio link with dozens of robotic spacecraft exploring the Solar System and beyond.

Let the kids discover the latest news and images from across the universe. Watch a movie or grab a coffee at the Moon Rock Cafe. Daily: 9am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. Free entry. www.cdscc.nasa.gov

7

6

DISCOVER OUR HISTORY See Phar Lap's heart and the Holden Prototype No.1 at the National Museum of Australia, which holds some of the nation's most popular and important items. One of the best things about the museum is that it is largely hands-on and a great place for the kids to roam and explore to their hearts’ content. Daily: 9am - 5pm.

Closed Christmas Day. Free entry. www.nma.gov.au

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BE INSPIRED BY OUR NATION’S FOUNDERS The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is the first and only museum dedicated to telling the story of Australian democracy. This museum is definitely better suited to the older kids who can appreciate the amazing real life stories of ordinary people who actively fought to shape today's society. Younger kids may be more interested in the scrumptious High Tea at the weekend (must be pre-booked). Daily: 9am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day. Adult: $2.00. Child: $1.00. Family: $5.00. www.moadoph.gov.au

STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS Help this city of four seasons celebrate the arrival of spring with a 30-day celebration featuring cooking demonstrations, gardening tips, special activities for kids and families, entertainment and horticultural workshops and colourful market stalls. Over a million blooms transform Commonwealth Park on the picturesque shores of Lake Burley Griffin during the festival. Floriade is on from 13 September to 12 October 2014. If you’re visiting outside these dates, you can still enjoy Commonwealth Park and stunning lake views by hiring a bike from Mr Spokes Bike Hire (www.mrspokes.com.au). For a unique family experience, hire a nostalgic pedal car. Floriade: 9am - 5pm weekdays; 9am 5.30pm weekends and public holidays, 13 Sept-12 October 2014. Free entry. www.floriadeaustralia.com

TAKE A PICNIC IN THE TRIANGLE

10

There are too many great public institutions to fit into one top-ten list, so our final great experience is take a picnic to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in what’s called ‘The Parliamentary Triangle’. Explore the Sculpture Garden of the National Art Gallery, play under the National Flag Display, and if the kids are still going strong, you still have the High Court, the Portrait Gallery and the National Library to visit. You’ll need to plan another trip to Canberra.

Images courtesy: www. visitcanberra.com.au

WHEN TO GO Canberra gets a cold, foggy winter, although if you can brave the fog til mid-morning, you’ll be rewarded with sunny days. The best weather is in March and April, which bring autumn colours and bright, crisp days.

Getting there: Direct flights to Canberra operate from Brisbane. Once in Canberra, a car is a good option, as the city is lacking in inner-city public transport.

More information: www.visitcanberra.com.au

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS

Infinity: more than Martial Arts If you’re looking for a way to encourage your child to get active, become more vibrant and increase confidence levels, then enrolling them at Infinity Martial Arts may just be the answer.

limits in both areas, which help them to stay fit, positive of mind and on the right path the reaching their full potential in life.

Infinity Martial Arts offers a range of fun and interactive classes for 2-15 year olds that have been designed to make sure every child is challenged and given the chance to reach their full potential.

3. Respect: the instructors at Infinity work one-on-one with the students and strive to ensure all children learn the art of respect - teaching them to behave appropriately and hold a high regard for teachers, parents and other mentors that are present during their life.

With classes starting for children as young as 2, it allows kids to get a head start on learning vital skills such as paying attention, listening and showing self-control. The classes focus on hand and eye coordination, which is extremely important in early learning development.

4. Honour: all children will have the opportunity to progress through the coloured belt rank system. This provides the building blocks for learning how to set and achieve goals. The honour brings a positive social standing and more importantly improves their overall self-esteem.

Their programs not only teach children healthy and active habits from a young age, but also endeavour to give every student valuable lessons for life. All instructors at Infinity are full-time professionals that take pride in teaching quality, child-friendly martial arts that will help tackle selfconfidence, bullying and socialisation issues.

5. Personal Safety: students are trained to defend themselves against bullies in and out of the schoolyard. infinity teach non-violent ways to deal with the bully as well as providing valuable tools to make sure children don’t become a bully themselves.

1. Self-Discipline: research shows that children who train in martial arts develop a high level of discipline that flows through to how they focus and behave on a daily basis, in the classroom or at home.

6. Self-confidence and self-esteem: people that high levels of selfconfidence and self-esteem are less likely to be bullied, or become a bully for that matter. They are more likely to take on leadership roles in later life and have the belief in themselves to chase their dreams. This is the single most powerful life lesson, and one that they focus on most at Infinity.

2. Strength: physical and mental strength can be one of the most valuable components to carry through life. Children are encouraged to push their

“Your child deserves the best start in life - give them that with Infinity Martial Arts!” Call 1300 INFINITY for more details.

The Infinity Martial Arts 6 Lessons for Life

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

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ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS

Party on at Paradise Resort!

In a move sure to please both parents and kids, Australia’s favourite family resort– Paradise Resort – has introduced birthday party packages to suit all ages. Available seven days a week, the all-inclusive party options are suitable for boys and girls and take advantage of a family-friendly environment, loaded with fun extras. You can choose from an Ice-Skating or Waterpark party with your food and entertainment taken care of so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the party. if your kids are obsessed with the movie “Frozen” then Planet Chill Ice-Skating Rink provides the perfect backdrop with packages including up to 2 hours of ice-skating, balloons, party bags, invitations and yummy party food to ensure your kid has the coolest party ever! And if you can’t cut down the list of invites there’s even an option to book out the entire ice-rink. Resort General Manager, David Brook, believes the birthday packages will provide parents with an exciting and affordable alternative for kid’s birthdays. “Catering to families is our specialty and when you consider the cost and stress of hosting birthdays in parks, homes and other locations, what we offer is very competitive.” “Apart from the huge smiles and wonderful memories for party-goers another added benefit is that parents can simply walk out the door without worrying about cleaning up.”

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

You can even add on extras such as popcorn and fairy floss, balloon twisting and face painting as well as a menu of “parent platters” taking the stress out of party hosting for the parents. Or for that extra special touch you can even arrange a VIP meet and greet with one of the resort mascots Captain, Cleo, Dusty or Astro who would be only too happy to join in on the party fun. And while Planet Chill has a definite party vibe with flashing lights and glow sticks, they also offer a complimentary jukebox to select your own music (and yes “Let it Go” is on the list) the Zone 4 Kids Waterpark Parties are a firm favourite as the weather heats up offering hours of fun with a myriad of slides, water cannons, and climbing frames designed to entertain children of all ages.

“We believe we have developed a birthday experience that is value for money and, more importantly, provides great memories for both the kids and the parents”, said Mr Brook.

For more information visit: www.paradiseresort.com.au/parties/packages/

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast 67 Visit our website & enter the booking code KOTC50 for 50% off. $59 adults | $39 kids | infants free

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CONVERSATION

Family fun with Mimi B! Interview by Jackie Goldston

Sunshine Coast author Megan Bennett, otherwise known as Mimi B didn’t plan to become a published author. Her life was already hectic; however she wanted more for her family and looked creatively for new options. She created a book, Celebrate…

Just Because, designed for families (young at heart parents and children aged between 5-12 years of age), that can make each meal time burst with random, kid crazy fun and feasting… and we do mean random!

Megan shared, “I have been married for 18 fun-filled years and we are still learning new little things about each other! We're totally blessed with 3 life-loving children who are 14 years, 12 years and 10 years of age. Together we PLAY (the more adventures the better!) PRAY (keeping our hearts in check and in tune!) and EAT (sharing food and thoughts go hand in hand!) and we try to always have fun and meaning in whatever we do!”

As parents we soon realised our kids didn't need to dine in restaurants, cafés or even fast food establishments to have fun! They would much rather bounce eggs on the trampoline, write their name with spaghetti or see Mum and Dad wearing a bib at the dinner table! We also realised that the more absurd the dinner theme, the more our kids cherished it, so we loosened up, went with the flow, celebrated everything and anything and purposely encouraged craziness... Just Because!

One day I was telling a friend about our Just Because! dinners and showing her some photos of a dinner we had just done. She suggested I write a book so that other families could also have fun at the dinner table! I had never ever thought of writing a book, but sometimes ideas are just meant to be shared.”

In between sport, drums, singing, mountain bikes, surfing, sleepovers, spontaneity, friends, family, FUN, celebrating, dreaming, kicking under the dinner table and cake the book was slowly created. In fact it was a labour of love over many years. “It took 2.5 years from the first thought of writing the book to the day that it was released.

It was a massive process and a mammoth learning curve. I have always said, ‘If CELEBRATE... just because! can help one family create amazing life-long memories

together, then it is all worth it.’"

So how did Megan balance work and family life during the development stages of the book? “I did most of the writing of the book when the kids were at school.

Family life really wasn't disrupted at all.

However, the last 6 months before it was released were the most stressful! There were constant emails back and forth from the graphic designer, the website developer, the photographer and the printer. I was stressed and my family knew it. That's when they supported me even more. My husband and children wanted to see me achieve my goal and they were my constant, committed cheer squad!”

Regardless of the goal, Megan has a strong life message that she is keen for her children to learn. “Put people first! "Stuff" isn't going to bring long term happiness in life but healthy, loving, supportive relationships make people feel valuable, important, worthy and loved by giving them your undivided attention. ALWAYS put people before things!”

To find out more about Mimi B and read her full interview, visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

To purchase a copy of her book, visit www.celebratejustbecause.com

Credit: Stone Creative Photography

Having fun and being together is at the heart of what her book, Just Because is all about. As she explained, “It was a few years ago now, when our children were nine years, seven years and five years of age, we were struggling financially. We sacrificed going away on holidays, visiting amusement parks, going out for dinner and basically paying for our entertainment. My husband and I were determined that our children would not share the burden of

missing out, simply because we couldn't afford to pay for fun. Creativity kicked in and the ...Just Because! dinners began.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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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!

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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!

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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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www.petraladwig.com SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014 – Kids on the Coast

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BOOKS, MOVIES, APPS, GAMES

REVIEWS APPS

BOOK

MOVIES

For the kids

52 STOREY TREEHOUSE

For the Kids

by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton, Pan Macmillan, RRP $12.99

BOXTROLLS (3D) In Cinemas September 18. Rating: TBC

Andy and Terry's amazing treehouse has 13 new levels including a chainsaw-juggling level, a makeyour-own-pizza parlour, a rocket-powered carrotlauncher, a life-size snakes and ladders game, a remembering booth, a Ninja Snail Training Academy and a high-tech detective agency, with all the latest high-tech detective technology, including a hotdonut vending machine! Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up! For boys and girls aged 6 – 12.

STARLIGHT FOUNDATION ADVANCE SCREENINGS SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER, 11AM. ALL TICKETS $11 (PLUS $1.10 ONLINE BOOKING FEE $2 FROM EACH TICKET DONATED TO THE STARLIGHT FOUNDATION

DRAW WITH US! - STICKERS, PHOTOS, PENCILS & FUN FOR KIDS (iPad and iPhone) $3.99 Draw With Us! is a safe, easy to use drawing and creativity app built for just children. Kids can use different brushes, textures and colours to create their own amazing artworks. Insert or take photos and create funny faces. "Draw With Us!" contains 100s of free stickers. Developed for ages 6 – 8, recommended for ages 4+.

For the teen

ASSASSIN'S CREED PIRATES (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Fire phone, Kindle Fire) $4.99 - $6.49 Become one of the most feared pirates of the Caribbean in this exclusive Assassin's Creed adventure! Play as Alonzo Batilla, a young and ambitious captain, a pirate eager to take on the fiercest of enemies... Break all the rules, challenge empires and make your own fortune! Assassin's Creed Pirates is an action game based on the popular and successful Assassin's Creed console franchise.

Although there are frequent naval battles, there's nothing gratuitous in the violence. Rated for ages 12+.

BOOK/MOVIE Tweens and Teens

THE MAZE RUNNER

by James Dashner, Chicken House Ltd, RRP $16.99 Read it before you see it at the movies! Thomas wakes up in an empty elevator. He doesn't know who he is or how he got there. His memory is blank. When the doors open, he is surrounded by boys who welcome him to the Glade - a large, open expanse surrounded by gigantic stone walls.

Just like Thomas, they don't know how or why they are there. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they've closed tight. And every thirty days a new boy has been delivered in the lift. Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up--the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers. For girls and boys aged 10 – 16.

THE MAZE RUNNER (THE MOVIE) In Cinemas September 18. Rating: TBC

The Boxtrolls is a comedic fable that unfolds in Cheesebridge, a posh Victorian-era town obsessed with wealth, class and the stinkiest of fine cheeses.

Beneath its charming cobblestone streets dwell the Boxtrolls, foul monsters who crawl out of the sewers at night and steal what the townspeople hold most dear: their children and their cheeses. At least that’s the legend residents have always believed. In truth, the Boxtrolls are an underground cavern-dwelling community of quirky and lovable oddballs who wear recycled cardboard boxes the way turtles wear their shells. The Boxtrolls have raised an orphaned human boy, EGGS, since infancy as one of their dumpsterdiving and mechanical junk-collecting own.

For the Parents

THE EQUALIZER In Cinemas September 25. Rating: TBC In The Equalizer, Denzel Washington plays McCall, a former black ops commando who has faked his death to live a quiet life in Boston. When he comes out of his self-imposed retirement to rescue a young girl, Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), he finds himself face to face with ultra-violent Russian gangsters. As he serves vengeance against those who brutalise the helpless, McCall’s desire for justice is reawakened. If someone has a problem, the odds are stacked against them, and they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help.

To see more reviews visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au 70

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2014

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