Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 69. July/August 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

ISSUE 69 July/August 2015 SUNSHINE COAST

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FREE

Talking about the news

A spark for science

When mind & body don't match

Trusting your teen

69 Contents ISSUE

July/August 2015

» Make our Steampunk

science costumes

Tavis, 12yrs

Visit our website for instructions

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FROM THE EDITOR

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THE SOCIAL GATHERING

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WHAT’S NEWS

10 FEATURE: Talking to kids about the news 16 CHECK THIS OUT 18 THE P FILES: Gender identity: Born this way 24 EDUCATION: Scientific thinking 32 PARENTS TALK: Sending sick kids to school 34 C ALENDAR OF EVENTS: Find out what’s happening on the Coast during July & August 37 BABIES: Having a baby with special needs 40 TEENS: Trusting our teens

Bow ties and shirts from Bardot Kids

46 ONLY NATURAL: Traditional Chinese Medicine – Is it safe for kids?

52 G OOD HEALTH: A picky eater…or something more?

Girls cardigan from Cotton On Kids

56 DESTINATION: The spotter’s guide to animal spotting family holidays 59 COAST LIFE 60 PARENTVILLE: Overscheduling our children 62 YOU: Father's Day – Celebrating Dads

Costume created by the fabulous Ligre from www.facebook.com/ STORKSNESTDESIGNS

Talise, 7yrs

64 CONVERSATION: Renee Cook 66 REVIEWS

MEGAN BLANDFORD, KERRYN ANKER, ADELE GRAVES, STREET SCIENCE, SANDRA SMITH, JAMES MCMANIS, BELINDA HOPPER, JUSTINE URBAHN, ANDREW COLLETT, AMANDA SMYTH, NATASHA HIGGINS 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

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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mother

WELCOME

mothe

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.mothergoosemedia.com.au

In the midst of the chilly months here in Queensland, we’ve put together a great selection of thoughtprovoking articles to help warm you up.

Our education section focuses on science and how it can enrich your child's life through the right sort of encouragement at school and at home. In celebration of National Science Week this August, we’ve included some fun experiments for you to try with your kids at home. My daughters are looking forward to some science fun and we’d love you to share a photo of your child’s very own CO2 film canister rocket!

Another important issue that all parents should give some thought to is talking about the news with their kids. When should you let your child watch the news? And how do you handle their concerns over the often negative news stories they may see? We find out what parents and experts think in our feature article.

Speaking of news, one controversial subject that seems to have become more prevalent in modern times is gender dysphoria…when a child’s gender identity does not match their biological sex. We discuss what children with this condition experience and why more parents are seeking treatment than ever before.

There is so much more to absorb in this issue, from trusting your teens and preparing for a baby with special needs through to selective eating disorders and eastern medicine for kids, so grab a cuppa and enjoy the read.

As always, we have a mountain of content online including topical news stories, blog posts, new articles and reviews on products, books, movies and more. Please do stop by and have a read.

We’d love to hear from you on our Facebook page too.

Feel free to contact our team via our website or email, and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly What’s On eNews at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au Natasha Higgins, Editor

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au www.kidsinthecitymagazine.com.au

EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION PUBLISHER: Toni Eggleston PRINT EDITOR: Natasha Higgins GROUP EDITOR - DIGITAL: Eva Lewis ADMIN: admin@mothergoosemedia.com.au SOCIAL MEDIA: Eva Lewis PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT: Phoebe Browning production@mothergoosemedia.com.au DESIGN: Michelle Craik & Phoebe Browning PRINTING: Print Works, 07 3865 4433 All editorial and advertising in Kids on the Coast and Kids in the City publications are published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers. No responsibility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Kids on the Coast is subject to copyright provisions.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Feedback/ comments/suggestions? Send to: publications@ 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 Distributed directly to parenting hotspots across South East Queensland.

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

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BEHIND THE SCENES … at our Verve Portraits cover shoot

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

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Hold the switc h!

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

Looking

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Steampunk scien tists!

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The social gathering Daily conversation, inspiration and information

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WE ASKED OUR FACEBOOK FANS

{Blogger Fast 5} You may have seen her on our Parents Talk panel and so in this issue we are introducing Emily from Have a Laugh on Me www.havealaughonme.com

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Describe your blog in 25 words or less…

An honest and often humorous take on my life as a working mum of three who isn’t afraid to tackle the big, or small, issues.

‘HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU HAD YOUR CHILDREN?’

pinterest.com/kidsonthecoast

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A happy little PRIZE WINNER enjoying her stash of Cocobella Kids Coconut Water & Juice!

WHY NOT CHECK OUT THE OTHER COOL COMPETITIONS WE HAVE RUNNING ON OUR WEBSITE!

BASED ON THE ANSWERS OF 37 PEOPLE IT SEEMS THAT WAS THE AVERAGE AGE FOR A FIRST CHILD!

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INSTAGRAM IS WHERE YOU'LL GET A GLIMPSE OF US BEHIND-THE-SCENES. HERE'S WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO!

2

My top sanity saver is…

My husband. As soon as he walks in the door my stress levels drop and I know that reinforcements have arrived. It’s for this reason I adore weekends.

3

If I could have any other job it would be…

Being a millionaire. That’s a job right?

Honestly I wouldn’t change my job. I’m a professional writer and I love every second of it.

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The hardest lesson I've learnt is…

That you never know how long or short a person’s life is so treasure every minute and never leave things unsaid.

The three things that make me happy are…

I love the beach, the sound of my children giggling and actually crossing off all the things on my to-do list!

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Teaming up with the girls from Underwater World SEA LIF E at the Green Heart Fair

Turtle about Crush the Educating kids can be in his environment and how rubbish his health detrimental to

What fun things have you been getting up to around Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast?

Tag us and let us know! @kidsinthecitymagazine @kidsonthecoastmagazine

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

Having fun makin g crazy hats at the Ipswich Art Gallery

Scan to visit our website

For fun science experiments visit

pinterest.com/kidsonthecoast/ science-discovery-for-kids www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

SCHOOL HOLIDAY

Indigenous Workshops

Get creative, get interactive and have fun! Keep the kids busy and entertained these school holidays with our Indigenous Workshop sessions.

Working closely with members of the Gubbi Gubbi Dance Education Program, the children will be able to participate in dance and art workshops, storytelling and more!

Thursday 2nd July - Saturday 4th July LOCATED OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL LOCKER, WORKSHOPS RUN OVER 3 DAYS: Thursday 2nd & Friday 3rd July 10am – 10.45am Dance Workshop 11am – 11.45am Artefact Workshops 12pm – 12.45pm Traditional Rope Making 12.45pm – 1.15pm Family Storytelling

OVER 900 FREE CAR SPACES FOR YOUR SHOPPING www.kidsonthecoast.com.au CONVENIENCE

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JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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302523_MHC

Saturday 4th July 12pm – 12.45pm Make your own Clap Sticks 1pm – 1.45pm Paint your own Boomerang 2pm – 2.45pm Bookmark and Bush Jewellery Making

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

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

MAKING WAVES AT NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK

Based on the International Year of Light, the 2015 National Science Week has been aptly themed ‘Making waves – the science of light’ and will run from the 15th to 23rd of August. National Science Week events will be held right throughout Australia offering an array of activities with everything from science festivals, music and comedy shows, interactive hands-on displays, open days and online activities. The festival is proudly supported by the Australian Government, as well as partners CSIRO, Australian Science Teachers Association and the ABC. Resources and event details can be found at www.scienceweek.net.au.

BLUE MOON FUNDRAISER – HELPING MAKE CHILDHOOD CANCER A SURVIVABLE DISEASE

Lead by the charity Braver Stronger Smarter Incorporated, the Blue Moon Fundraiser is asking people to walk/row/run/swim/canoe/cycle/crawl/ exercise-bike/roll/skip/dog-walk or hop all the way to the moon and back – a distance of 739,494km.

The fundraiser is to take place during the month of the blue moon from July 2nd to July 31st. The ‘blue moon’ is symbolic of the notion that childhood cancer is rare; the next blue moon isn’t until 2018. Getting ‘to the moon and back’ is symbolic of the fact that we all love our children to the moon and back and would do anything for them. It is anticipated that each kilometre of a dedicated training or excercise session will be sponsored $1 and you can fund your own efforts or find others to sponsor you.

Braver Stronger Smarter Inc was inspired by 6-yearold Eva Wheatley who lost her life to metastatic embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer.

At Eva’s young age she opened people’s hearts to endless possibilities, and inspired hope and healing in countless individuals. Eva showed an extraordinary happiness and enjoyment of life despite extreme adversity. The primary aim of Braver Stronger Smarter Inc is to promote childhood cancer awareness, support translational research into high risk childhood cancers and to assist children with high risk cancers to obtain personalised medical expertise where all other treatment options have failed. To be part of the first Australian-led intergenerational, international SPACE MISSION visit www.braverstrongersmarter.com.au

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TEAM PUPPY HIT THE SUNSHINE COAST

DID YOU

KNOW The first non-human to win an Oscar was Mickey Mouse.

ORCAS, ALSO KNOWN AS KILLER WHALES, ARE NOT WHALES AT ALL, RATHER A SPECIES OF DOLPHIN.

An individual banana is called a finger, a bunch of bananas is called a hand.

Mount Coolum is the world’s second largest rock behind none other than world famous Uluru.

Team Puppy are heading up the team at Australian Companion & Assistance Dogs (ACAD) a Sunshine Coast business training assistance dogs for people of all ages, including children, with a physical or mental disability. ACAD’s focus is improving the lives of people with special needs by providing them with a ‘Companion Assistance Dog’, individually tailored to their needs. A companion or assistance dog can substantially help to improve quality of life for their owners by decreasing stress and anxiety, which will lead to increased confidence and selfesteem. An assistance dog has an amazing ability to bridge the gap from the outside world for these people in need by helping with retrieving dropped items, opening/closing cupboards, light switches, interrupting meltdowns (ASD, ADHA, ODD), reducing anxiety attacks, responding to a seizure and so much more.

ACAD understands it can be difficult to find the funds to cover an assistance dog and so have 4 different packages available to suit lifestyle and budget. They also have the option of families training their own assistance dog which can significantly reduce the cost. For more information on Australian Companion & Assistance Dogs and to keep up with the puppy adventures visit www.facebook.com/AustralianCompanionAssistanceDogs

ABC KIDS WORLD NOW OPEN AT DREAMWORLD Children will have a Giggle and Hoot of a time at Dreamworld’s newest world, ABC KIDS WORLD!

Australia’s favourite characters have come to life in this interactive and colourful world of fun, rides and games.

Featuring Giggle and Hoot, The Wiggles, Play School and Bananas in Pyjamas, ABC KIDS WORLD is the only one of its kind giving kids and carers a whole world of happiness.

Giggle & Hoot: Play on the Giggle and Hoot Pirate Ship, try the new Hop and Hoot ride, and mingle with Hoot and Hootabelle.

Play School: Come inside, it’s PLAY SCHOOL! ABC KIDS WORLD features a Play School Art Room where children can get lost in their imagination as they make, play and do.

The Wiggles: It’s a wiggly wonderful time where the family can all ride The Big Red Car, Dorothy’s Teacup ride and The Big Red Boat, with special guest appearances by Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and Captain Feathersword.

Bananas in Pyjamas: Pre-schoolers will enjoy making their way through the Bananas in Pyjamas Fun Maze as well as meeting the famous residents of Cuddlestown, B1 and B2! Are you thinking what I’m thinking B1? I think I am B2… It’s ABC KIDS WORLD time!

© Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2015

Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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FEATURE

Talking to

news

kids about the 10

Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

FEATURE

by Megan Blandford

AS A PARENT, YOUR NATURAL INSTINCT IS TO WANT TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN FROM ANYTHING THAT MIGHT CAUSE THEM WORRY OR DISCOMFORT. WE WISH OUR LITTLE ONES HAD BEEN BORN INTO A WORLD WHERE BAD THINGS DON’T HAPPEN, WHERE EQUALITY IS A WORLDWIDE REALITY, AND WHERE HATE DOESN’T EXIST. THESE ARE WELL MEANING BUT FANCIFUL DREAMS, AND WE MUST PREPARE OUR CHILDREN FOR THE REALITY OF THEIR WORLD.

These days, that reality is so much larger than it used to be. For many parents, the memory of news is a morning newspaper and a half-hour block of headlines at 6pm. In our children’s generation, however, news is everywhere: on our television screens, radios, newspapers, on the internet and in our conversations. By the time they reach their late teenage years and into adulthood, they’ll be expected to understand not just the communities surrounding them, but also the world on a wider scale. And, as the issues that come with that grow more complex, parents feel an urgency to keep one step ahead to help arm this connected generation with the skills to understand and cope with modern life.

The key to helping our kids deal with what’s happening on the news begins at home. Parents need to know what issues their children can be exposed to, when they’re ready for more and how to help them deal with any concerns. Martine Oglethorpe, child psychologist at The Modern Parent, says the first step is to grasp the developmental needs of our kids. “Toddlers, pre-schoolers and lower primary aged children don’t understand context, and it’s all about the here and now,” she explains. “As they get older, though, they are beginning to understand their place in the world and they’ll become more curious about what these things mean.”

To Martine, that younger age group up to primary school – for whom the world is still revolving around themselves – simply don’t need to be exposed to any news. “When they’re little, we should shield them from it because they’re very insular,” Martine advises.

“They don’t need to know, because they don’t have the maturity to process it or to understand what it means for them.”

Elizabeth Handsley, president of the Australian Council on Children and the Media, believes that when you do think it’s time to start introducing the ideas of the news, it’s best to take a controlled approach. She suggests using newspaper clippings or other media exposure that is known to you ahead of time as a way of introducing the ideas covered in the media. “You never know what’s going to come onto the news,” she says. “It’s very unpredictable, and what parents might not realise is there are no classification restrictions on the news. Instead, watch the news later at night when the kids are in bed if you have younger children.”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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FEATURE

The key to helping our kids deal with what’s happening on begins at home

the news

As they grow older, the lines become blurrier. Kids can no longer be completely shielded from the news, but parents do need to be careful how they handle what their children are now exposed to. One parent taking a proactive approach to this is Eva Lane, who watches the news each evening with her husband and their five-year-old son. She says, “It’s really drawing him in, but he doesn’t have much of a filter between what’s an illusion and what’s a reality at this age.”

Watching the evening news is a family decision that works in with their lives. “We watch the news while we eat dinner,” Eva explains, “because we have a very busy lifestyle and we multi-task when we can.” As they watch the broadcast, Eva is careful to talk about what’s happening on the screen, in a way that she describes as direct, calm and succinct. “I have to explain that some of these things are very far away and that they aren’t going to happen to us.” At this age, Eva believes it’s best to stick with that black and white approach. “He’ll see a plane flying over us and ask if it’s going to crash, and although there’s a slight chance of something like that happening, there’s a massive chance that it won’t happen.

I’d rather he believes it’s impossible.”

Martine agrees with this idea of reassurance and not giving away too much too soon. “During primary school, they’re still at an age where we need to protect them from thinking these things are going to affect them,” she says. She adds that during this stage, most children aren’t yet thinking too much about strangers, because their world still feels small. “Put it in a context they can understand,” Martine suggests, “and reassure them that it won’t happen to them or the people they love.”

While it’s tricky to place clear age guidelines on when it’s safe for children to be exposed to the news, the Raising Children Network has some ideas around this. They suggest that watching the television news under the age of five is too scary and may lead to kids copying violent behaviour as they can’t comprehend it as separate from their reality. School aged children are more able to determine that what they’re seeing is real, which can in turn be confronting and frightening for them. The trick is to know your child; their maturity level, development and curiosity will help guide you to the next stage.

“Let your child lead, and listen to them and what they are actually concerned about,” says Elizabeth. She adds that it’s important to

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

not add to the drama of the issue. “Address that one thing directly, rather than bringing in a whole lot of other issues that the child might not have thought about. It’s important to be honest with children without giving them unnecessary information, which can take a bit of creative thinking.”

Susan Sohn has three older children aged 16, 13 and 10, and says that because information is so readily available to them, she has taken every chance to be on the front foot. “I don’t think we can shield them from it, so we’ve embraced talking to our kids about what’s happening in the world,” Susan says. “We need to prepare them for the world they’re living in.”

This approach has made communication more open in their family and, interestingly, Susan has noticed less fear as a result. “We’ve taken the mystery away from it.” She adds that she doesn’t always get it right. “We watched a news story about paedophilia recently and, in hindsight, it was a bit too much for them.” In those cases, Susan tries to talk through it. She says, “My 13-year-old likes to play online games and this opened the door to explaining to him why I ask him to be aware. Don’t be scared, but be wise.”

Susan also believes that being aware of what’s happening in the world is important in order to help children be more empathetic and consider giving back. “We talk about what our response is to a difficult issue and how we can live our lives to make the world a better place,” she says. “We need to help our kids become engaged citizens rather than being scared.”

Seeing and talking about the news can help turn children’s focus as they grow to these older ages from tragedy to potential positive action. Elianor Gerrard, Development Education Officer for CARE Australia, says that when she does school talks, she needs to tell older primary school children difficult facts, such as a child under five dies in the world every 20 seconds. “It’s really confronting,” she says, “and some might take the reality of that on board more than others.” Turning that back around to a positive can be challenging, however it’s the aim every time she talks to kids.

She explains, “To help equip children with the necessary coping mechanisms to deal with that, we tell them about the positive things we’re doing to overcome it. Whenever I present a problem, I always present a solution, so that children are instilled with a sense of optimism and achievement.”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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FEATURE

“We want them to not take everything at face value,” Martine explains. “In the media, we’re exposed to a lot of people’s opinions so it’s a good opportunity to talk about those sorts of things.”

It’s this positive focus that is so important from a big picture perspective. “There are a lot of things that need fixing in the world, and our best hope is to instil that optimism, innovation and thought in young students,” Elianor says, adding that this can make it easier for them in the long term. “If we introduce these concepts and solutions early, then they won’t be overwhelmed by it. As adults, they’ll feel confident that they can tackle these big global issues and be part of creating a better future. That’s the ultimate outcome.”

Another issue at play when considering whether to let your children watch, read or listen to the news is one of values. Talking about issues around the world is a good way to help encourage (and, importantly, to discourage) certain ideas seeping into your child’s value system. The vital part of that equation, however, is to consistently communicate with your child. “Just sitting there with your child isn’t enough,” Elizabeth explains. “If it’s material that’s violent or shows disrespect to people and you just sit and watch it with them, then your child can interpret that as your endorsement of what’s happening on the screen.”

Communication is the key to ensuring the values you believe are important stay in your child’s mind. “Always talk to them, even if it’s just to say that what you’re seeing makes you feel really uncomfortable and perhaps explaining why that is,” Elizabeth says.

“You want them to hear your values, and not just the values that are coming from the media content.”

Martine adds that it’s also a good time to think about instilling some critical thinking into your older child’s skills base. “Ask them questions about what they think,” she says. Some questions she suggests include: • What are some of the things we could do if that happens to us?

• What are some of the decisions we could make to prevent it from happening?

• What could you do if you feel uncomfortable with someone?

• What do you believe about that issue?

Sometimes, you might feel an issue that’s come up in the news has affected your child in a negative way. They might appear worried or anxious about it, express some fear or become clingy. In that case, Martine says, “Acknowledge their feelings and give them the space to express themselves. Reassure them that this isn’t going to happen to them or, if it is likely, then talk through the things you can do to deal with it or prevent it from happening.” She warns that your role is to create a safe environment rather than hassling them.

“Don’t harp on about it,” she adds.

Watching your child for such adverse reactions – or even positive reactions that could open communication pathways – is important, and you can do that in a number of ways. “Listen to what they’re talking about,” Martine suggests. “For example, if your child says in conversation ‘That sounds like something a terrorist might do’, you might ask them what they understand about terrorists. Take those opportunities to give them some age-appropriate information. Be on the lookout for those situations and cues: the things that come up in their lives and in their play.”

All experts agree that communication is the most important aspect of parenting in many ways, including in tackling these bigger world issues as your children grow older. Observing, reassuring and taking an active role in discussing the constant news cycle and the confusing and worrisome news – and, of course, the sometimes really good news – that we hear and see is only becoming a more important part of parenting as time goes on. Each child is different and each parent’s approach is different too. By being tuned in to your offspring you’ll know the best way to help them through this.

Although discussing and making some sense of the bad news is important and can’t be shielded from your child forever, a rule of thumb that is good to remember for all children and parents is to always try to end on a positive note. Martine says, “When your child goes to bed at night, try to make sure that the last conversation you have is positive so that they go to bed with good thoughts.”

As adults, they’ll feel confident that they cantackle these big global issues and be part of creating a 14

Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

better future

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Don’t let your child miss out on so many benefits – contact us today!

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CHECKthisOUT Seriously cool products to encourage kids to create, imagine, draw and play!

NO MORE DRINK SPILLS…EVER

A perfect invention for parents, children, the elderly and disabled, SafeSip is a revolutionary drinking aid that ensures no more spills – allowing everyone to sip with confidence and avoiding stains and clean-up panic ! The SafeSip fits virtually any drinking vessel including single and double handed mugs, cans and glasses, and its super elastic grip ensures it stays on no matter what to keep your drink in and everything else out. The durable BPA-free, food-grade silicone lids can be used with both cold and hot drinks and are dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe. Newly available in Australia, the SafeSip is available in single packs for $8.95 and twin packs for $14.95 from www.safe-sip.com.au

KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR KIDS

We all know it is a constant battle to try to find those 10 pairs of eyes you need as a parent. Trackimo is here to help you never lose sight of the most important people and belongings in your life. Trackimo is a unique, compact, lightweight device that can track almost anything including children, backpacks, cars, bikes, boats, pets, luggage, the elderly and so much more.

It uses state-of-the-art GPS and cellular technology to coordinate with GPS satellites for precise tracking anywhere on the globe. It is very user friendly and can be tracked using your smart phone, tablet or computer.

With around 20,000 children going missing every year in Australia, we could all do with knowing where our children are, even if they’re at the park, a friend’s house, out socialising with friends or travelling. For further details and to purchase online, visit www.trackimo.com.au

MAGICAL MUSIC BOXES

You’ll fall in love with these magical little wooden music boxes that are sure to bring fond memories to life. Each music box is created by hand with over one hundred different manufacturing processes. Enjoy memorable melodies and movement with old-fashioned wind up clockwork mechanisms – no batteries required! Choose from a selection of beautiful designs including Mountain Railroad Pass, Castle and Carriage, Circus Giraffe, the Wedding Church, London’s Big Ben, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Venice and the Eiffel Tower. These unique music boxes start at $74.95 and are available online at www.coolthings.com.au.

GROW YOUR OWN CRYSTALS

A fantastic kit for any child who loves science, crystals or just creating something special! This crystal science kit gives kids the opportunity to conduct basic chemical experiments to grow their own Aquamarine Crystal, Glow in the Dark Quartz Cluster and a Crystal Snow Tree. Recommended for ages 10 and over.

Available online for $29.95 from www.coolthings.com.au

MAKE YOUR OWN WAND

Calling all fairies and wizards… The ‘My Magical Fairy Wand’ and ‘Design Your Own Wizard Wand’ craft kits by Seedling are just the thing to inspire plenty of magical creative play.

Fairies will love adorning their wand with bells, ribbons and tulle, while wizards will have fun decorating their wand with paint and glitter glue for extra strong spell-casting power.

Pick up one of these great value kits from www.goodthingsforkids.com

16

Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

17

THE P FILES

BORN THIS WAY

by Kerryn Anker A CHILD DEVELOPS THEIR GENDER IDENTITY BY THE AGE OF FIVE DUE TO THE INFLUENCE OF BIOLOGICAL, SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS. IT IS BY THIS AGE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THE PERMANENCE OF THEIR GENDER, IDENTIFYING AS EITHER MALE OR FEMALE. IN MOST INSTANCES, A CHILD’S GENDER ROLE, GENDER IDENTITY AND SEX ALIGN. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEIR EXPERIENCED GENDER IS NOT CONGRUENT WITH THEIR BIRTH GENDER? DEVELOPING OUR GENDER IDENTITY In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of children presenting with a condition known as gender dysphoria, with parents four times more likely to present boys rather than girls for treatment. Gender dysphoria occurs when a person’s subjectively felt gender is different to their biological sex, causing great confusion and inner conflict.

Dr Stephen Stathis, Director of Child and Youth Mental Health Services at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, runs Queensland’s first child gender clinic in conjunction with paediatric endocrinologist Professor Jennifer Batch. In recent times, the clinic has seen an influx in children as young as four presenting with gender dysphoria, waiting up to six months for treatment.

18

Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

Dr Stathis believes the increase isn’t reflective of the prevalence of gender dysphoria but that parents are more open to discussing their concerns and seeking treatment.

“We are seeing more and more parents presenting children, especially boys, with gender dysphoria after witnessing their child displaying gender variant (atypical) behaviours,” he says. “Of the children presenting with gender dysphoria, 50% will grow out of it or their gender variant behaviours will desist by adolescence.

“In society, we are more likely to accept a girl playing with trucks and getting dirty outside, stating that she is a ‘tomboy’. But when a young boy wants to try on a dress and dance around, we start to become concerned.”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

We are currently looking for people with patience, understanding and maturity to care for children in need.

Our foster carers receive extensive training, have access to 24 hour support and work closely with our care team to make a difference in the lives of children and young people who need extra support.

Our carers can be single or partnered, married or unmarried, with or without children, and/or same sex couples. Some have a background in health and caring professions. Some provide short-term care, while others are full-time foster carers.

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How would you like to treat your under 5 aged children to an afternoon of FREE rides & entertainment?

Carnival Under the Stars Saturday 15th August 2015

1:00pm - 8:00pm

We are offering your under 5 aged children free access to age appropriate rides at our Carnival. Present this flyer to the Rides booth at the Carnival and you will be issued with a ride band entitling your child to ride free for 6 hours (1.30-7.30pm) on age appropriate rides.

You can purchase ride tickets/bands for older children at the Carnival.

The only condition for the free ride offer is that your child is under 5 years of age & not currently enrolled at Nambour Christian College.

What else can you expect to see at the carnival?

• Kids Corner - crazy hair, face painting, fun games, jumping castle • Show Bags • Rides for all ages • Stalls - cakes & sweets, craft, plants • Coffee & Dessert Cafe • Chef Laurent Food Court • Fireworks Display • Farm markets - organic fruit & vegie boxes, gourmet food stall, animal nursery, miniature horses, games, + more

DON’T FORGET BRING THIS FLYER WITH YOU FOR YOUR FREE RIDE OFFER!!

2 McKenzie Road, Woombye (Ample Parking) www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

P: 5451 3333

E: info@ncc.qld.edu.au

www.ncc.qld.edu.au

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

19

THE P FILES

Dr Stathis says there is a big difference between a child exploring and stepping outside the stereotypical model society as set for their gender and a child suffering internal conflict due to gender dysphoria. In some cases, a boy will identify himself as a boy, see himself as a boy, but like to do girly things. This is not gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria also has no link with sexual orientation, as a person’s sexual identity starts in adolescence and continues into adulthood.

But there are signs that parents can keep an eye on if they are concerned that their child has gender issues, although these can vary depending on the individual. If a child appears to be distressed, hates wearing clothes suited to their biological sex and wears underwear of the opposite sex, it can be a sign that they do not like who they are. A young boy may not like going to the toilet standing up and become disgusted with their genitalia.

Sadly, 40% of children diagnosed with gender dysphoria are also treated for mental health issues. By adolescence this increases to 90%.

“There is still a stigma in society that surrounds gender dysphoria, but it is important that parents support their child, listen to their concerns and assure them that what they feel is real,” says Dr Stathis.

“In many cases, a child is just exploring the world around them and does not want to live their life as the opposite sex. But if parents are concerned, they should seek help and advice to better support their child through what can be an extremely confusing and confronting time.”

TREATMENT FOR GENDER DYSPHORIA There are two stages of treatment for a person presenting with gender dysphoria. The first stage is being diagnosed with the condition, before receiving a hormone treatment known as puberty blockers. This treatment stops pubertal development and is administered when a child is around 10 or 11 years old.

This treatment is reversible but can alleviate any stress or anxiety felt by a child who is finding it hard to cope with the dramatic changes to their body. During this time, the child is also receiving physiological support. This process allows a child time to think about whether they want to enter into stage two of treatment, which is permanent.

By the age of 16, stage two can commence. This involves further hormone treatment that blocks the biological hormones as well as the administration of cross-gender hormones. This treatment encourages the body to physically change and develop to align with a child’s experienced gender.

THE NEW LEGAL, ETHICAL AND CLINICAL LANDSCAPE Previously, only a court could authorise both stages of hormone treatment for a child with gender dysphoria, classifying them as special medical procedures.

In 2013, however, the landmark case of Re Jamie was delivered by the Full Court of the Family Court, stating that stage one of treatment would no longer require court approval and that authorisation falls within the “wide ambit of parental responsibility”. Due to the seriousness and irreversibility of stage two of treatment, authorisation by the court for this second stage must still be sought and granted.

In December 2014, a transgender boy was the first child in Australia to be deemed competent by the Family Court to make his own medical decisions without requiring any parental consent.

It was ruled that the 17-year-old boy, who was born biologically female, could override his parents’ wishes to prevent him from receiving testosterone treatment, puberty suppressants and any form of surgery related to his gender.

Dr Malcolm Smith, Queensland University of Technology senior lecturer and researcher for the Australian Centre for Health Law Research, says despite the recent changes to the laws concerning treatment for gender dysphoria, there had only been 16 cases of gender dysphoria determined by the Family Court. His concern is that as referral rates to specialists of childhood gender dysphoria continue to rise, the burden of the legal process, as well as the costs, may restrict some families from accessing treatment.

“There is an extremely high risk that not treating a child with gender dysphoria will impact on their psychological well-being,” he says. “Early intervention and ongoing psychological support provide a better longterm outcome for a child with this condition. There is also a concern that due to the legal burden, people are now accessing hormones over the internet and overseas, and then self-administering them.”

Previously there were limited services and treatment readily available to children with gender dysphoria and limited awareness that specialist health professionals can offer treatment. Malcolm says despite social attitudes having changed in recent years and a wider range of specialists treating the condition, there is still a need for an ongoing review of the current laws.

THERE IS STILL A STIGMA IN SOCIETY THAT SURROUNDS GENDER DYSPHORIA, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PARENTS SUPPORT THEIR CHILD, LISTEN TO THEIR CONCERNS AND ASSURE THEM THAT WHAT THEY FEEL IS REAL.

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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21

THE P FILES IT IS IMPORTANT THAT FAMILIES OF TRANSGENDER CHILDREN EDUCATE THEMSELVES IN ORDER TO BETTER UNDERSTAND WHAT THEIR CHILD IS GOING THROUGH.

A PERSONAL JOURNEY OF TRANSITIONING Australian Transgender Support Association of Queensland (ATSAQ) spokesperson Kristine Johnson knows all too well how a supportive, nurturing and loving family can help a person with gender dysphoria transition.

Kristine says she always knew she was a girl despite being born a boy.

“I was one of the lucky ones as I was surrounded by a very supportive family, who despite their hesitations at first, accepted me and went on my journey of transitioning with me,” she says.

“I always knew I wanted to be a girl. I liked dressing up in girl’s clothes and had a dress up box to play with. Most of my confusion came when I started high school at an all-boys school. It was just horrid. But without the support and love from my mum, dad and siblings, I really wouldn’t be here today.”

Kristine uses her personal experience and journey to educate and inspire others with gender dysphoria.

ATSAQ provides emotional and moral support for people with gender dysphoria as well as their family and friends. The organisation looks at educating and dispelling misunderstandings about the transgender community and standing up for their rights so that they are treated as equal within society. This is achieved through open forums and monthly luncheons as well as linking parents with medical professionals.

In recent years, ATSAQ has seen an increase in parents and children seeking advice and information on gender dysphoria, many who are desperately looking for support and guidance to help transition not only physically but emotionally and mentality.

Having an outlet to voice their concerns, as well as being able to speak directly to people within the transgender community, has helped many of these parents come to terms with what their child is going through.

ATSAQ says there are many ways in which a parent can help their child who presents with the condition, starting with letting their child know that they are supported and loved. Secondly, it is important to keep the lines of communication flowing so that the child feels that they can speak openly about their feelings and the confusion and angst they are experiencing.

Parents should also not feel guilt when they realise that their child is transgender, as it is not something that the child chooses or a result of bad parenting.

HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD THROUGH THE CONFUSION Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) national spokesperson Shelley Argent says it is important that families of transgender children educate themselves in order to better understand what their child is going through.

“We provide parents with insight and tips for dealing with the confusion and conflict their transgender child may be feeling, as well as a helpline so they have someone to talk to,” she says. “I originally joined this organisation to better understand my son, who is gay. I wanted to understand his life and find ways to better support him. In the last two years we have seen an increase in parents asking us for support, with their children as young as six years old presenting with gender dysphoria.”

Shelley’s advice for parents with a transgender child is to believe what the child is telling you and the feelings and experiences they are having. A child who openly discusses their feelings and concerns with their parents is showing a deep level of trust. She says the early years of life for a child are about discovery, learning who they are and about the world around them. As parents, it is important for them to feel loved, to encourage open conversation without judgment and to support them through any difficult experiences they may have.

AVENUES OF SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA AND THEIR FAMILIES: • Australian Transgender Support Association of Queensland – Contact: 3843 5024 / Visit: www.atsaq.com • Brisbane Gender Clinic – Contact: 3017 1777 (Wednesday only) • Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital – Child and Youth Mental Health Service – Contact: 3310 9408 / Visit: www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au • Queensland Paediatric Endocrinology – Visit: www.qldpaedendocrinology.com.au • Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – Visit: www.pflagbrisbane.org.au • Queensland AIDS Council – Visit: www.qahc.org.au • The Gender Centre – Visit: www.gendercentre.org.au • Open Doors Youth Service – Visit: www.opendoors.net.au • Kids Helpline (24 hours) – Contact: 1800 55 1800 • Transcendence (therapeutic support group run by Relationships Australia) – Contact 1300 364 277

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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

Did you know…

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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.

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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.

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Phone: 5439 7844

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Near Coles at Pelican Waters Shopping Centre, Pelican Waters Blvd, Pelican Waters Email: info@LSOPTOM.COM JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

23

EDUCATION

Scientific

Thinking

by Adele Graves

WHEN THE WORLD APPEARS TO SEEMINGLY WORK AT THE PUSH OF A BUTTON, THE FLICK OF A SWITCH OR THE TURN OF A KEY, IT CAN BE EASY TO GO ABOUT DAILY LIFE WITHOUT GIVING MUCH THOUGHT, IF ANY AT ALL, TO THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT. Yet science, be it gravity, motion or energy, universally unites us all. And when it comes to learning about science at school, developing an understanding in the early years is vital. Aside from the hands-on, dirt under the fingernails and slime on the face type fun that science naturally engenders, the knowledge acquired from this subject is both foundational and invaluable to children as they progress through their schooling and life.

Brisbane Boys’ College science teacher Colin Noy says that exploring science enables children to become much more acutely aware of the world around them as they start to contextualise their inherent understanding of science which accumulates from the day they are born.

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

Colin explains, “You see children naturally experimenting with science from a very early age, exploring physics as they learn to walk, or projectile motion as they throw their spaghetti from the highchair, watching the food intensely as it falls to the floor. I’m sure every parent has no doubt seen this experiment in action numerous times.”

Colin believes that it is key for educators to provide science experiences which relate to everyday life and enable students to connect with the content.

“Science is everywhere,” he says, “and tapping into the children’s interests and drawing on real world examples that they can relate to in some way, shape or form greatly assists with the learning process.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Inspiring Learning and Creativity in a Fun Environment • A new premium Early Learning Centre with stunning rooms, surrounded by our very own farm (horses, chickens, cattle) • Creative and highly experienced teachers • Inspiring natural playscapes • Educational program from 3 years of age

COME and SEE days every Wednesday at 9.30am Would you like to see our amazing centre and meet the staff teaching our children. Come along to a Come and See days, 9.30am to 11am every Wednesday. It’s a relaxing fun morning where your child can join in on the actvities and morning tea with staff and the early learners.

An impressive centre with exceptional staff, nurturing your child and building on their potential. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

NAMBOUR CHRISTIAN COLLEGE | EARLY LEARNING CENTRE JULY /4559 AUGUST |2015 – Kids on the Coast3330 25 McKenzie Road, Woombye QLD Ph: (07) 5451 Email: earlylearning@ncc.qld.edu.au | Web: www.nccearlylearning.qld.edu.au

EDUCATION

If a child is interested in sailing, for example, this opens up a window to talk about low pressure systems and wind. If they are interested in rowing, then friction and the property of fluids can apply.”

Colin knows from firsthand experience, having worked in collaboration with early childhood specialists at the college, that teaching science concepts to early years learners in particular can present some challenges. He explains, “A lot of the time, Prep students are quite set in their understanding of the world and need physical proof in order to change their perceptions. When I begin teaching Prep students about matter and particles I start by cutting up a Mars Bar, explaining that even though the pieces become smaller as we continue to make cuts, each piece remains a Mars Bar – they can then start to think about this principle when playing with play doh or sand.”

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK AUGUST 15-23

“As educators, we want children to see science as a vehicle for solving problems,” says Colin. “We don’t just want them to be proficient in using all that modern science affords, but rather to know how it works, how to fix it and even enhance its application.

When science plays a part in virtually everything we do, increasing science literacy amongst children sits at the core of fostering innovation and critical thinking.”

But science doesn’t have to only start and stop in the laboratory at school. Parents can play an active role in increasing science literacy in their children simply by taking the time to explain how things work.

Although it’s important to provide children with basic knowledge which can help them piece together puzzles, it is equally important to let them explore the problem on their own first and then show them how they can improve so they can apply this to the next situation they come across.

So when it comes to children learning and enjoying science the benefits are undeniable, with a sound knowledge base undoubtedly the foundation for future learning and innovation. And when you start to look at the world through a scientific lens, the real question to challenge the avid learner becomes, “How can science not be a part of your daily life?”

Double, Double Toil and Trouble!

Science Experiments from Pinterest!

Wizard's Brew

Crystal Egg Geodes

Dancing Worms

Blow Up a Balloon

Adele Graves is Director of Communications at Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC), a Prep to 12 school based in the inner western suburb of Toowong.

Just like science itself, opportunities to explore this exciting field are everywhere at Brisbane Boys’ College. In the Junior years (Prep to Year 6), senior science staff work alongside Early Childhood specialists to combine their subject knowledge and understanding of early childhood development to deliver a dynamic and engaging science program. As boys progress through their schooling, they can also opt to participate in the school’s Science Club, Robotics Club and a Student Scientist Partnership program which sees seniors work with leading researchers at the University of Queensland to assist with industry projects.

To find out more about Brisbane Boys’ College and their approach to boys’ education visit www.bbc.qld.edu.au

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

For these and more cool science experiments, head to our Science & Discovery for Kids board on Pinterest pinterest.com/kidsonthecoast/science-discovery-for-kids

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

27

EDUCATION

Sparking your child’s interest in science

IN RECOGNITION OF AUSTRALIA’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF SCIENCE – NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK (15-23 AUGUST 2015) – WE SHARE SOME FUN EXPERIMENTS TO TRY AT HOME WITH YOUR KIDS TO HELP THEM DISCOVER THE WONDER OF SCIENCE! PARENTAL SUPERVISION IS RECOMMENDED FOR ALL EXPERIMENTS. Thank you to Street Science for providing the following experiments.

M & M & S’s Common sweets can be used to explore a number of properties associated with everyday substances. This simple SCIENCE ACTIVITY shows how science is involved in even the SIMPLEST things that we take for granted.

You will need: • A pack of M&M’s or Skittles • A plastic cup or bowl • Water Place a couple of M&M’s or Skittles with the letter facing up into the bowl or cup of water.

After a minute or two you will start to notice that the sugar coating has begun to dissolve and some food colouring is dispersing into the water. If you look closely, you’ll also notice that the letters (M or S) have come free from the lolly and are floating on the surface of the water.

QUESTION TIME…

Q. What is the science involved?

A. The white letters on M&Ms and Skittles are printed with edible ink that doesn't dissolve in water. When the rest of the candy shell dissolves, the letters peel off and float. Some of the letters break into pieces, but a few should survive intact.

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

MAKE A THUNDERSTRAW! Use science to turn a simple drinking straw into a wacky musical THUNDERSTRAW! Make your thunderstraw STEP 1: Flatten the last 3-4 cm of your straw, using your thumb and finger to squeeze it flat.

STEP 2: Cut a V shape at the tip of the flat section of straw using scissors.

STEP 3: That’s it! Your THUNDERSTRAW is ready to play.

Play your thunderstraw Seal your lips around the straw about 1cm past the V-cut. Then just blow through the straw, increasing your speed, until you hear a buzzing sound.

QUESTION TIME…

Q. How is this small straw making such a loud and wacky sound?

A. Sound is simply a vibration which travels through the stuff (eg. air, water) around us. It is sensed in our ears and signalled to the brain. Air rushing over the V-cut makes the plastic of the straw vibrate, or resonate, at a frequency which we can hear.

Sounds cool hey! Can you feel the vibrations tickling your lips and mouth?!?

Advanced scientists: try changing the pitch by shortening the THUNDERSTRAW with scissors while blowing!

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Faith Diligence Love

Opening doors to fun-filled learning Get Ready for Prep! Kindy 3 ½ - 4 ½ year olds Pre-Kindy 2 ½ - 3 ½ year olds

"It was a big decision to send my little boy off to Kindergarten to get ready for Prep, but the staff at Little Learners have given me a feeling of confidence since day one, knowing they love and care for my son as I would care for him at home."

Book a tour by calling Janelle on 5451 3600

E. info@suncoastcc.qld.edu.au | A. Cnr Schubert & Kiel Mtn Rds, Woombye

www.suncoastcc.qld.edu.au

Join Us. We’re on our way at Immanuel.

Finding the right school with supportive and nurturing teachers will set your child on a path of lifelong learning.

With outstanding academic results, unique outdoor education programs and great co-curricular opportunities, call us today to find out how your child can be on their way at Immanuel.

Enrolling now for Prep 2016 with limited places still available in the Junior School.

Call Us Today 07 5477 3441 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.immanuel.qld.edu.au JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

29

EDUCATION

BUILD A CO2 FILM CANISTER ROCKET Part 1: Build your own CO2 rocket

STEP 6: Slowly tip the cup upside down over a piece of paper and gently tap the bottom to dislodge the capsule. Leave this to dry for up to an hour. Each fuel capsule will provide at least 6 launches!

You will need: • An empty film canister • A strip of foam / cardboard • Double sided tape STEP 1: Using permanent markers colour in the canister in your favourite colours. The brighter the better! Try stripes, dots and lots of different colours.

STEP 2: Cut the foam into 4 fins and use the tape to attach these near the bottom. This will help your rocket fly straight!

STEP 3: STOP & THINK – How do the fins assist your rocket to fly?

Are there other ways to fit the fins that will cause it to spin or fly differently?

Part 2: Make your own rocket fuel You will need: • Safety glasses • 2 plastic cups (one large, one small) • 2 flat teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda (sodium bicarbonate) • 1 flat teaspoon of citric acid • 1 flat teaspoon of corn flour • Icy-pole stick • Pipette or eye dropper • Cooking oil • Food colouring (optional) • Water

STEP 7: To store your fuel capsule for later use, wrap it in cling wrap or put it in a sealed container (eg. zip lock bag).

The large cup is for mixing, the small cup is for pressing the fuel capsule.

Part 3: Launch your rocket

STEP 1: Put on some safety glasses.

Carefully measure the bicarbonate of soda, citric acid and corn flour into a plastic cup

STEP 1: MAKE SURE SAFETY GLASSES ARE WORN! Take the lid off the canister and fill it ¼ full of water.

Note: Citric Acid is a common household grade chemical. If it causes irritation on the skin clean the affected area with soapy water.

STEP 2: Place a small chunk of solid rocket fuel into the body. Quickly replace the cap nice and tight onto the base and stand your rocket upright on a flat surface. Stand back!

STEP 2: Using an icy-pole stick, mix these substances together REALLY WELL. The key to quality rocket fuel is mixing this continuously for at least 3 minutes!

STEP 3: COUNT QUICKLY… 3 - 2 - 1 - BLAST OFF

STEP 3: Carefully transfer 30 drops of cooking oil into your mixture. Use a pipette or eye dropper. You may want to ask an adult for assistance to do this if needed. If you wish to colour your fuel, add 2 drops of food dye as well.

A. Notice that when your rocket fuel comes in contact with water it starts to fizz? This is because bicarbonate of soda and citric acid react in the presence of water. It produces a gas called carbon dioxide. As the fuel fizzes away gas starts to build up which increases the pressure inside the rocket. When there is too much gas inside the rocket it finally releases the lid and the rocket flies! BLAST OFF!

STEP 4: Add 10 drops of water to the mixture and QUICKLY stir to stop the bubbling. Continue stirring the oil and water through for another 1-2 minutes or until the mixture feels like soft wet sand.

STEP 5: Carefully transfer about half of the mixture into the small plastic cup.

Compress the mixture with a second small cup (or spoon / flat object), producing a hard, compressed fuel capsule.

QUESTION TIME…

Q. What actually makes my CO2 rocket fly?

Why not try other fuel types…sherbet lollies in water, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar, and even washing powder and lemon juice have been used by some of our junior rocket scientists.

STREET SCIENCE provides educational services to excite and engage Queensland kids at home, at school and in the community. Invite Street Science to run your next kids’ party where Science Steve and his team present a full range of explosive, entertaining and educational demonstrations and workshops for kids aged 5 and up. Kids and adults alike are fascinated by these shows and hands-on workshops which are creative, fun and unique! Imagine having a party host roll up, amaze the kids with a live science show before letting them get hands-on with a unique science workshop. If this sounds like the perfect party to excite your ‘little scientist’, call the Street Science team on 0410 550 481, email info@streetscience.com.au or check out their website www.streetscience.com.au. Street Science also performs a number of free shows throughout the year at local libraries, local markets, shopping centres, the EKKA and numerous community events. Check out their Facebook page to see when they’re performing in your local area.

30

Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Discover

a Catholic school for your child

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.brisbanecatholicschools.com.au

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

31

teaching • challenging • transforming

PARENTS TALK

TALK Parents

Some of the best-loved parenting bloggers in South East Queensland join Kids on the Coast and Kids in the City to discuss the topics that matter to you.

How do you feel about sending sick kids to school? Do you feel there are any exceptions?

ADAM CLEMENTS RACHEL YOUNG Our Town Brisbane This is a tricky one because in an ideal world no parent would ever send a sick child to school or kindy under ANY circumstances.

However, the reality of most parents’ lives – especially parents that work outside the home – is far from the ideal world and so inevitably it does happen.

In defence of these parents though I’d like to make a couple of points. Firstly there seems to be a period between 2 to about 4 years old where kids are just on a never-ending roundabout of colds and viruses. When my kids were this age I remember having to constantly keep an eye on how many sick days I’d used, hoping that I had enough saved up for when the next lurgy struck. I was terrified of ‘wasting’ a sick day on myself and went to work sick myself on too many occasions to count.

So when sick leave got low and one of the kids had a runny nose but seemed otherwise happy I’d send them to kindy or school and hope for the best. On the other hand if they were obviously upset, had a fever or were otherwise miserable I’d keep them home no matter what.

I think as a parent you just have to accept that a certain amount of sickness is going to be par for the course in those toddler/preschooler and even early school aged years.

Trying to work out who gave who the germs is kind of like asking “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” You can debate it forever and never really solve the problem!

Cook and Kid

AMANDA SMYTH

What are we worried about here?

Cooker and a Looker

Is the concern that other kids and teachers are then at risk of catching said illness? Do we just find the idea of the sick kid a bit annoying to our sweet dispositions, all that sniffling and nose blowing?

Years ago, when we started swimming, the girls’ instructor told me to bring them to lessons if I thought they were well enough to enjoy them. I’m now using this rule as a guide for when to send my daughter to school. If she’s well enough to actively participate without affecting the wellbeing or enjoyment of others, I send her.

Are we talking a bit of a sniffle, or something irksome like gastro? Measles?

Where is the line drawn?

Perhaps there could be a section at school for sick kids, where they can read stories and sip Lucozade. How many resources does our schooling system have to deal with this? Probably not enough.

But who would be admitted anyway… kids with doctor’s certificates? You would need to take time out yourself to obtain this, so you may be better off just staying home with the child.

I like staying at home with my daughter sometimes. I don’t want her to be sick, but if we get to hang on the couch for the day and watch DVDs, then I’m all in.

It’s hard economically for a lot of parents. Do you have the flexibility to work from home if needs be? Is it easier and cheaper than taking time off work and going to the doctor?

What of the child?

Perhaps another angle also is that if kids aren’t allowed to rest and recover properly, they take longer to recover, so let them stay home for a bit.

Is there an argument for everyone getting stronger for being exposed a little?

We all get a little flu, maybe we don’t get that monster flu down the track.

BTW - Did you know there is such a thing as whale flu? And people who are paid to monitor it? They use a little toy helicopter to gather ‘specimens’ from over the whales’ blowhole.

Should flu vaccinations be mandatory like other vaccinations? (Can you imagine the outrage?)

Like most questions of this nature, I feel it comes down to the individual situation, using some common sense and fact-finding (fact that is, not strong opinion) and having a little compassion for those who may struggle in these situations. These positions make it hard to offer a blanket solution.

But maybe that is the solution, a hot chicken soup and warm blanket.

We’ve come from a family day care background where my daughters were cared for by their day care mother in her own home. I’m conscious of sending germs into her home and respectful of her own family’s health.

We both have a copy of the federal government publication “Staying Healthy - Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services”. The book contains factsheets about common childhood illnesses and we use the information as a guide for when my girls are well enough to return to care.

Regardless of whether they should go to school, often times my girls bounce back much faster after a day off to convalesce. They hate to miss out on the fun of going to school, but they’re better off home with me to snuggle on the couch and turn their noses up at the chicken soup that I spend too long making for them.

Join the conversation...

Look for Parents Talk topics at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/articles 32

Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

where curiosity

leads to discovery 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 SCAN to visit our website.

www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

33

s

Gold Coast

Guide

H

- in the city

Where: Underwater World Sea Life Mooloolaba Inspire your kids these school holidays with the opportunity to feed, touch and meet amazing underwater animals.

Details: Half day $50. Full day $74. www.underwaterworld.com.au

OCEAN RANGER PROGRAM

JULY 1, 3, 8 & 10

THE FAIRIES ‘FAIRY DANCING GIRL’

JULY 5

Where: Nambour Show Grounds Time: 8am – 5pm The Garden Expo is a great day out for all the family with lots of activities for budding gardeners including Old McDonalds Farm, Miss Donna the Clown and a free playground.

QUEENSLAND GARDEN EXPO

JULY 10 TO 12

Where: Nambour Civic Centre Time: 10am & 12:30pm Australia’s most popular children’s writer Andy Griffiths is back on stage following on from the success of The 13-Storey Treehouse.

Details: General admission $19. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

Where: Kiah Park Horse Riding Camp, 578 Beenham Valley Road, Beenaam Valley (Noosa Hinterland) Time: Saturday to Saturday Horse riding camp for children aged 6 years to teens of any riding ability. Children adopt their own horse/pony for the week, enjoy loads of scenic rides, keep busy with lots of outdoor activities and take home lifelong memories and friendships. Cost: $795.

Details: Contact Samantha 5486 6166 or email info@kiahpark.com.au. www.kiahpark.com.au

Where: Sunshine Plaza Bring the kids down and join in the holiday fun at Sunshine Plaza. See the Ben & Holly and Sesame Street Live Shows at the Riverwalk Stage.

Details: Free. www.sunshineplaza.com

THE 26-STOREY TREEHOUSE

7 DAY HORSE RIDING CAMP

JULY 9

JULY

JULY 4 TO 11

NATIONAL PYJAMA DAY

18

JULY

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

DOWNLOAD

1

Where: Maleny Dairies, 70 McCarthy Rd, Maleny Time: 10:30am & 2:30pm Come and experience life on a real farm, and see the whole process of milk from the cow to the bottle.

Details: $9 per person (2yrs & over).

Bookings: 5494 2392. www.malenydairies.com

MALENY DAIRIES FARM & FACTORY TOUR

MONDAY TO SATURDAY

Where: Eumundi Square, Eumundi Flying trapeze, bungee trampoline and afterschool circus programs for kids! www.facebook.com/pages/CirqueEspace/1688 65706519266?sk=timeline

CIRQUE ESPACE

WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY

Where: Event Cinemas Relax and catch a movie at the Bring Your Baby sessions. www.eventcinemas.com.au

BRING YOUR BABY SESSIONS

SUNSHINE PLAZA HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT

ine.com.au

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, Omrah Ave, Caloundra Join in the fun at a free art class, something different each week!

Details: Free. www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

CALOUNDRA REGIONAL GALLERY KIDS CLUB

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Where: Event Cinemas Time: 10am Looking for something to do with the family?

Why not take them to the movies and catch a cheap flick?

Details: $6 per ticket. www.eventcinemas.com.au

$6 WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS

Where: Butter Factory Arts Centre, 10 Maple St, Cooroy Time: 10am - 12pm Free family orientated art activities developed in conjunction with current exhibiting artist works. No bookings required.

Details: Free. www.noosa.qld.gov.au

Where: Tanawha Tourist Dr, Tanawha Time: 10am – 4pm A visit to the maze can be as active or relaxed as you like with activities to suit all ages. Try your skills in the new hedge maze, play 18 holes of mini golf, visit the birds in the aviary or just sit in the café and enjoy your favourite coffee.

Details: Buy tickets online to save on entry.

Prices from $10. www.bellmaze.com

JUNE 30 TO JULY 11

AVAILABLE JUNE 26

sinthecitymagaz ast.com.au | www.kid www.kidsontheco

5 June/July 201

to do, “ Things go!” places to

TER WIN OLIDAY

- on the coast

KEEP THE KIDS BUSY THIS WINTER HOLIDAY!

Brisbane

Sunshine Coast

GET CREATIVE

BELLINGHAM MAZE FUN

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY

THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH JULY 18 & AUGUST 15

EVERY DAY DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS THURSDAY TO MONDAY DURING SCHOOL TERM

Where: The Events Centre, Caloundra

CALOUNDRA KINDY AUCTION NIGHT

JULY 18

Where: Caloundra Community Kindy, 1 Cowan St, Caloundra Time: 9am – 11am Are you a past student of Caloundra kindy?

Make sure you save the date for their 50th anniversary reunion morning and open day.

Details: Email: caloundrakindy@bigpond.com.au or phone: 5491 1746 for further details and to book tickets.

CALOUNDRA COMMUNITY KINDY – 50 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

JULY 18

26

NATIONAL TREE DAY

JULY

Where: 32 Kayleigh Dr, Maroochydore Time: Weekdays 9am – 3pm, Weekends 9am – 5pm It’s all about having fun, so bring the whole family and bounce on in to Inflatable World.

It’s not just for the kids!

Details: 4 years & under $7 / 5 years+ $14. www.inflatableworldoz.com.au/maroochydore

INFLATABLE WORLD

EVERY DAY DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS FRIDAY TO SUNDAY DURING SCHOOL TERM

Where: Kawana Waters Hotel Time: Friday and Saturday night, Sunday afternoon Enjoy a meal on the deck while the kids are entertained with colouring in, face painting, games and a jumping castle.

Details: Free. www.kawanawatershotel.com.au

KIDS ENTERTAINMENT – KAWANA WATERS HOTEL

EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Where: Aussie World Time: 9am – 12pm Mention Tiny Tots Tuesday when you arrive and adults and children under 5 years will pay just $10 each! While the kids are having fun, adults can enjoy a FREE coffee.

Details: $10 each. www.aussieworld.com.au

TINY TOTS TUESDAYS

EVERY TUESDAY DURING SCHOOL TERM

Where: Bulcock Street, Caloundra Time: 8am – 1pm There is something for the whole family with activities for kids, handcrafted locally made products and art, live entertainment and

CALOUNDRA STREET FAIR

EVERY SUNDAY

Where: Big Pineapple, Nambour Connection Road, Woombye Time: 6:30am – 1pm The biggest all-weather market with fresh fruit and veggies plus an array of art, amazing food, clothing and more. www.bigpineapple.com.au/saturday-growers-markets

BIG PINEAPPLE MARKETS

EVERY SATURDAY

Where: Big Pineapple, Nambour Connection Road, Woombye Time: 6:30am – 12pm The Big Pineapple is proud to announce the commencement of our children’s market. Bring your pre-loved and new baby and kids gear to sell, or come along and find some great bargains.

Details: To book a stall phone Juliette on 0400 730 014 or Dean on 0417 786 880

BIG PINEAPPLE BABY & KIDS MARKET

SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

Where: Noosa Leisure Centre, Noosaville Time: 8am – 11am Everything you need for your baby with pre-loved and new items.

35+ stalls full of toys, books, shoes, clothing, cots, prams, bassinets, breast pumps, bikes, maternity clothes and much more! Stalls are only $35. www.noosakidsmarket.com.au

NOOSA KIDS AND BABY MARKET

AUGUST 30

Where: Talara Primary College, Talara St, Currimundi Time: 9am – 12pm Come along to this market to find new and beautiful handmade items for your little one or stock up on affordable pre-loved essentials.

Details: $2 entry (kids free). Free jumping castle, yummy food and bounty bags! www.sunnycoastbabykidsmarket.com.au

SUNNY COAST BABY AND KIDS MARKET

JULY 19

Where: Maple St, Cooroy A community based market full of homemade, organic, fresh, recycled, original natural local stalls. www.grassrootsmarkets.org

COOROY GRASS ROOTS MARKET

JULY 4 & 18 & AUGUST 1, 15 & 29

Where: Memorial Drive, Eumundi Time: Wednesday, 8am – 1:30pm / Saturday, 7am – 2pm You’ll find original artworks, sculptures, furniture, handmade toys, home wares, 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”. www.eumundimarkets.com.au

EUMUNDI MARKETS

EVERY WED & SAT

MARKETS

- CALENDAR -

REGULAR EVENTS

Sun

t

as o C e hin

Where: Lake Kawana Community Centre Time: 10am – 3pm A unique youth event for the school holidays with stalls run by youth, for youth aged 12-17 years. Enjoy free live entertainment and browse a variety of stalls for the ultimate bargain!

Details: Free. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

YOUTH BAZAAR

JULY 8

Where: The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina Time: 9:30am & 11:30am daily Calling all adventure-seeking explorers! Join Jungle George as he scours the rain forest high and low in search of The Lost Secret of the Golden Ginger.

Details: Free school holiday show. www.gingerfactory.com.au

JUNGLE GEORGE AND THE LOST SECRET OF THE GOLDEN GINGER

JULY 6 TO 10

Where: Nambour Civic Centre, Centenary Square, Nambour Time: 11am Your little fairies will be up on their feet oohing and aahing at the dancing, and giggling and laughing as they fall more in love with Harmony & Rhapsody.

Details: $27.50 per ticket. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

CONCERT

Where: Lions Park, Gympie Terrace, Noosa Time: 10am – 12pm Something for everyone, featuring storytellers, face painting, magicians and balloon animals.

Details: Free. For ages 2 – 12 years. www.noosalongweekend.com

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC

JULY 19

Where: Hastings Street, Noosa Time: 5pm – 6pm Celebrate the opening of the Noosa Long Weekend Festival with the lighting of the Hastings Street in Red festival lighting and festive entertainment.

Details: Free. www.noosalongweekend.com

CARNIVALE – DANCING IN THE STREET

JULY 17

Where: University of the Sunshine Coast Be inspired and increase your love and enjoyment of reading, writing, drawing and performing at this festival for young people.

Details: From $7 per session. www.voicesonthecoast.com.au

VOICES ON THE COAST – A YOUTH LITERATURE FESTIVAL

JULY 14 TO 18

Details: Adults $18. Kids 15 and under are free. www.qldgardenexpo.com.au

Where: Aussie World Time: Gates open 6pm – 10pm For the first time Aussie World will be overflowing with loads of stalls and displays filled with everything cosplay, comics, sci-fi, steam punk, super heroes and table top games.

Details: General admission $34. Come along in your best outfit to win some great prizes. www.aussieworld.com.au/events/invascion

INVASCION – POP CULTURE EVENT

JULY 25

Where: Caboolture Showgrounds Time: 8:30am – 4pm Queensland’s largest outdoor rural, retail, home and lifestyle trade expo. Entertainment for the whole family with an action packed main arena, free farm kids and children’s’ area, comedy circus shows and more.

Details: Under 14yrs free. www.farmfantasticexpo.com.au

FARM FANTASTIC

JULY 24 TO 26

Time: 7pm Enjoy a delicious 2-course meal, great live entertainment, lucky door prizes, main auction and silent auction to raise funds for a local community kindy.

Details: Email: caloundrakindy@bigpond.com.au.

Phone 5491 1746 to book your tickets.

Where: Bli Bli Wetlands Sanctuary Time: 10am – 11:30am Join in this fun and practical workshop and find out what grows in wetlands and why mangroves are important. Check out the fish, crabs and insects!

Details: Gold coin donation. Children must be accompanied by an adult. www.coolumcoastcare.org.au

JUNIOR WETLANDERS

AUGUST 9

Where: The Big Pineapple, Nambour 5km of mud, obstacles, colour, foam and fun!

Register now for this female only obstacle and mud festival for participants aged 13 years and over.

Details: $85.50 early bird price. www.missmuddy.com.au

MISS MUDDY

AUGUST 9

Where: Florence St, Nambour Time: 10am – 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. www.scrms.org.au

MINI STEAM TRAIN RIDES

AUGUST 23

Where: Lake Kawana Community Centre Time: 9am – 4pm Gather your girlfriends for two days of inspiration, information and fun at the expo.

Shop, learn, laugh, network and be pampered, all while having fun!

Details: Entry by gold coin donation.

30 free workshops to attend. www.womenslifestyleexpo.com.au

WOMEN’S LIFESTYLE EXPO

AUGUST 21 & 22

August 15-23

NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK

Where: Coolum Community Native Nursery, Yaroomba Time: 10am – 11:30am This workshop explores Aboriginal stories of special local plants and a chance to do some potting at our native nursery, plus take home a free plant.

Details: Gold coin donation. Children must be accompanied by an adult. www.coolumcoastcare.org.au

PLANT HEROES

AUGUST 23

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery Time: 10am – 3pm Caloundra Regional Gallery will spill into Felicity Park with a range of free exciting arts and craft activities, entertainment and fun for all the family.

Details: Free. www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

FAMILY FUN DAY

AUGUST 23

BOOK WEEK

August 16 to 27

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.

Don’t miss out on any events!

Where: The Big Pineapple, Nambour Obstacool is for boys and girls aged 5 to 12 years who want to get active, have fun and meet friends. A mix of giant inflatables and other super fun obstacles, the course is guaranteed to have you smiling from ear to ear.

Details: $29 per person. www.obstacool.com.au

OBSTACOOL

AUGUST 9

Where: Brisbane Showgrounds, Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills Join in the excitement of Queensland's largest annual event. Held over ten days, the Ekka showcases life and achievements in the Sunshine State. And of course rides, showbags and dagwood dogs!

Details: Adult $30. Child $19. Child 4 and under free. www.ekka.com.au

EKKA - ROYAL QUEENSLAND SHOW

AUGUST 7 TO 15

AUGUST World Breastfeeding Week

August 1 to 7

Visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au for more events

Where: Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra Time: 9am – 4pm Put yourself in the pilot’s seat! A fantastic day of fun activities for the whole family with a jumping castle, jeep rides and much more.

Details: Adults $17. Children $9. Family pass $40. www.qam.com.au

OPEN COCKPIT WEEKEND

JULY 4 & 5

Where: Underwater World Sea Life Mooloolaba Explore the depths of the new ocean walk through and see what the creatures and critters really get up to at night! Includes evening meal, supper and breakfast, sleeping bag, seal presentation and much more.

Details: $80. www.underwaterworld.com.au

SLEEP UNDER THE SEA

JULY 4 & 11

Where: Currimundi Active Recreation Centre Drop off the kids or join in the fun yourself!

Activities include canoeing, ropes course, paddle boarding and raft building.

Details: Children $25. Adults $30. www.nprsr.qld.gov.au

COAST CLUB SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

JULY 2 TO 10

- on the coast

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

The Events Centre Caloundra. www.theeventscentre.com.au

STRIPEY…THE EGGSCELLENT ADVENTURES OF AN EMU CHICK!

AUGUST 14

Nambour Civic Centre. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

THE 26-STOREY TREEHOUSE

JULY 9

The J Noosa, Noosa Junction. www.thej.com.au

OCTONAUTS LIVE!

JULY 8

Concert Hall, QPAC, South Bank. www.qpac.com.au

MISTER MAKER

JULY 7 & 8

Nambour Civic Centre. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

THE FAIRIES – LIVE IN CONCERT

JULY 5

Coolum Civic Centre, Park St, Coolum Alice takes a trip down the rabbit hole in this panto version of the classic tale, meeting all the usual suspects, playing croquet, looking after babies and having a tea party. General Admission – $15 each. www.coolum.com.au/theatre

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

JULY 4, 5, 11 & 12

Nambour Civic Centre. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

OCTONAUTS LIVE!

JULY 2

The Events Centre Caloundra. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

OCTONAUTS LIVE!

JULY 1

Check out your local library! Did you know that council libraries have free events, classes, workshops and activities for babies and children? www.library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au www.libraries.noosa.qld.gov.au/kids

SHOWTIME

LIBRARY EVENTS

Where: Ocean St, Maroochydore Time: 5pm – 9pm An evening of art, craft and culture held in the new epicentre of Maroochydore. www.nightsonocean.com.au

NIGHTS ON OCEAN

JULY 10 & AUGUST 7

street theatre. www.caloundrastreetfair.com.au

ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS

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To become engaged in scientific thinking, children need access to tools and

Scientific thinking differs from the learning of scientific facts in that scientific thinking involves children in the process of discovery. Instead of learning what other people have discovered, scientific thinking assists children in making their own discoveries which becomes apparent when they ask questions, conduct investigations, collect data and search for answers.

Science exploration occurs, in many cases, through what children already do and

To foster scientific thinking in children, providing varied opportunities is desirable in order for them to explore and experiment, allowing them to construct meaning and develop understandings that are not only valid but also valuable to their ongoing intellectual development. These opportunities can be naturally integrated into playbased activities.

An environment that fosters scientific thinking is one that allows children ample time, space and materials to explore their curiosity, enabling them the freedom to engage in child-centred explorations, experimentations and explanations.

Our educators deliver a diverse program across a wide range of specialist areas including library visits, computer lessons, performing arts and physical education.

Each and every child is cared for and nurtured in a supportive environment with abundant opportunities to develop academically, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.

Come and visit New Leaf and see how your child will enjoy exploring with us!

372 Mons Rd, Forest Glen, QLD 4556 Phone 07 5453 7077 Email enquire@newleaf.qld.edu.au www.newleaf.qld.edu.au 36

Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

materials which they can take apart. They also need magnifying glasses, measuring tools, buckets and frequent access to the natural world. More and more, it is in the early childhood classroom where this kind of experience with the natural world takes place, allowing children to build experiences in investigation and problem solving, helping to build the foundations for understanding basic science concepts.

how they think about what they do. As a child experiments with a mixture of oil and water, for example, they are making observations and predictions, and they are also building theories and testing those theories. These physical and mental manipulations represent the essence of what science is all about.

The objective of science is to understand the natural world through a process known as scientific inquiry. Scientific knowledge helps us explain the world around us, such as why water evaporates and why plants grow in particular locations, what causes disease and how electricity works. Science is also a fertile ground for the development of many cognitive skills and an area where children can use and develop other important skills, including motor skills, language, early mathematical understanding and working with one another.

Come Explore with Us! An initiative of the

SUNSHINE COAST GRAMMAR SCHOOL A Service of the Presbyterian and Methodist Schools Association

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

BABIES

HAVING A BABY with

SPECIAL NEEDS

by Sandra Smith EXCITED, YOU GO FOR A ROUTINE PRENATAL SCREENING TEST, ONLY TO LEARN THAT THERE MAY BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOUR BABY. YOU ALREADY HAVE HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THIS PRECIOUS NEW LIFE YOU ARE BRINGING INTO THE WORLD, SO WHEN THE DIAGNOSIS IS CONFIRMED, IT’S DEVASTATING NEWS. Screening tests

Receiving the diagnosis

Prenatal screening tests are routinely offered during pregnancy to check the health of both mother and baby, and to screen for certain conditions. There are blood tests to check the mother’s health and a maternal serum screening test that helps determine the risk of a condition for the baby.

Parents can choose whether to have the diagnostic tests or not, and if they decide to have the tests, they need to be prepared for the diagnosis of a condition. Receiving the diagnosis can be a distressing time for parents, who have to process the news that their baby may have a birth defect and then find a way to tell family and friends. It’s crucial to seek out support to get through this difficult time.

The ultrasound, which is done at least once during the pregnancy, is a safe, non-invasive test that checks the baby’s development. The nuchal translucency scan, during the first trimester of pregnancy, assesses the likelihood of Down syndrome or other defect. The fluid at the nape of the baby’s neck is measured and an increased amount of fluid may indicate a chromosomal abnormality, but more tests are needed to confirm any initial findings.

Seeing the tiny embryo’s beating heart and growing limbs for the first time at the ultrasound appointment is a wonderful moment for expectant parents. For some families, however, the results are not what they hope for and the doctor may advise of an increased risk of a condition. The doctor will also look at the mother’s risk profile – her age, medical history and family history – to assess any risks of a disorder. When there are indications of an increased risk, the doctor may recommend further tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Diagnostic tests The amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling are diagnostic tests that can help determine whether a baby has a serious health condition, or a genetic or chromosomal abnormality. The amniocentesis is invasive and there is a small risk of miscarriage, so this needs to be considered and discussed.

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) is a new blood test that screens for certain chromosomal abnormalities including Down syndrome, however, it doesn’t detect physical or genetic problems like spina bifida or cystic fibrosis. The NIPT is now available in Australia but is not covered by Medicare.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby clinical lead Dianne Zalitis says a gamut of emotions will cascade and cycle around parents when they receive the diagnosis of a disorder, no matter how much they prepare themselves for it. There may be feelings of guilt and selfblame, and an immense sense of loss. There could also be anger and an element of denial, hoping that there has been a mistake.

“From the minute you’re pregnant you have this dream for your child, and you can see their life right up to their wedding,” she says. “That dream is gone [for parents who find out their baby has special needs], but they don’t really have a clear picture of what it means for their baby. There’ll be confusion around not understanding, but also fear of what it really means.”

In some cases, parents may be counselled to terminate if a serious condition is diagnosed early in the pregnancy. Dianne says if termination is out of the question, it’s worthwhile for parents to think about why they want to be tested and what they are going to do when they get the test results.

“If termination isn’t something you would actually consider, do you really want to know? Why do you want to know? If you want to know so you can prepare, that’s a very good idea, but you also will be faced with an element of pressure associated with the recommendation to terminate,” she says.

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

37

Photos by Kathy Corcoran of Lilly Kate Photography

BABIES “When you look back on the journey, that period of finding out, it’s quite horrendous and heart-wrenching, but if I knew then what I know now, about what a light in my life this boy is, I wouldn’t change him for the world.”

Annie’s story Brisbane mum Annie was pregnant with her third child when her doctor suggested she have an amniocentesis. Annie was just 33 years old but after some number crunching, the doctor revealed that she had a one in fourteen chance of having a baby with Down syndrome.

Annie says she and her partner Ben agonised for a few weeks over whether to have the test or to wait until the baby was born to find out. Eventually, when Annie was 18 weeks pregnant, they decided to have the amnio so they could prepare accordingly.

After the test, they had a distressing 48-hour wait for the results.

“I think by that stage we probably knew in our hearts what the answer was going to be, but it was pretty devastating news at the time to receive,” she says.

Annie remembers that they had a difficult time processing the news and they grieved in different ways. While Annie gathered information about Down syndrome and read a lot, choosing mainly family stories, Ben coped without reading much.

The couple talked it through with each other and with a counsellor, who they saw together and separately. They have also been supported on their journey by the Down syndrome community, which Annie says is “an amazing place to be”.

Preparing for the birth After adjusting to the diagnosis, parents need to sit down and plan what life will be like with the baby and who will be helping them. Dianne advises parents to make sure that they have a really good support team around them. This could include other families in a similar situation, your own family and friends, and health professionals. It’s important to ask others for help and to let people help, says Dianne.

Resources: Children’s health, parenting and pregnancy (Queensland Government) www.qld.gov.au/health/children/ pregnancy/index.html Contact: 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to speak to a registered nurse.

Down Syndrome Association of Queensland (DSAQ) www.dsaq.org.au Contact: 07 3356 6655 Genetic Alliance Australia (formerly AGSA) www.agsa-geneticsupport.org.au Contact: 02 9295 8359 Pregnancy, Birth and Baby www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au Contact: 1800 882 436 for free telephone counselling and support.

“Lots of people will get into the picture who will be able to explain what to expect,” she says. “The good thing about finding those support groups is they’re going to be there for you after the baby is born, and they’re the people who will really understand what your life is like with a baby with special needs.”

Dianne says getting knowledge will help address some of the unknowns and she recommends talking to a genetic counsellor and to your doctor. While it’s helpful having information about the condition, that won’t help parents deal with their feelings and emotions. Counselling can provide much-needed emotional support because parents can express their feelings without being judged and without the platitudes, says Dianne.

“You need to be okay to say that you’re angry and you don’t want this, and you’re unhappy and all that negative stuff,” she says. “The world still expects mums to be excruciatingly happy about having a baby, regardless of how it is.”

Even though the baby will have special needs, Dianne advises parents to remember that this baby will enrich their lives and will bring so much to the family.

“We get so focused on the disorder and the abnormality that we miss the person, and they are still a really unique and beautiful person,” she says.

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

The immediate family was informed of the diagnosis right after the test results were received; however, Annie and Ben began sharing the news with others only after they’d had time to process it themselves.

“We didn’t shout it from the rooftops at any stage. It was very planned,” Annie says. “I tended to email people rather than talk to them in person, because it was all pretty raw emotionally still and I wanted to give that positive approach.”

By receiving a diagnosis during the pregnancy, Annie and Ben could prepare their family and friends, and their medical team for the birth.

They wanted the baby’s arrival to be a positive experience and they asked people to focus on the excitement of that new life.

“When you have a prenatal diagnosis you don’t have that baby in your arms to outweigh the negative input, but I wouldn’t change it,” Annie says. “I’m actually really glad we knew, because we did do a lot of our grieving and processing before he arrived, so we were ready for him.”

It was an emotional pregnancy, Annie writes on her blog, but when baby Nicholas arrived there was just pure joy and no tears or sadness. They felt blessed to welcome such a strong and healthy baby boy into the world.

“When you look back on the journey, that period of finding out, it’s quite horrendous and heart-wrenching, but if I knew then what I know now, about what a light in my life this boy is, I wouldn’t change him for the world,” Annie says. “Honestly, as gushy as it sounds, I feel really lucky that we lived through the darkness.”

Head to our website to read our full interview with Annie where she shares more of her family's journey and health challenges, from Nicholas' Down syndrome diagnosis and birth to her oldest son Sam's leukaemia diagnosis in 2013 when he was 5 years old.

Annie writes about family life on her blog www.mumma-love.com

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39

TEENS

Trusting

our

TEENS

by James McManis Psychologist. BA Psych. (Hons). Assoc. MAPS

TRUST…A WORD WE ALL HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH, BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE. TRUST IS CENTRAL TO DAY-TO-DAY LIFE, RELATIONSHIPS, WORK ENDEAVOURS, FRIENDSHIPS AND FAMILY. WHEN TRUST IS LACKING, LIFE TENDS TO GRIND TO A HALT – PEOPLE GO IN THEIR OWN DIRECTIONS, CONCERN FOR OTHERS DIMINISHES, AND HURT AND RESENTMENT PROSPER. YET, WHEN TRUST FLOURISHES, WE HAVE TEAMWORK, COMMUNICATION, CARE AND PEOPLE WORKING TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND THEM. But what about teenagers? Can they be trusted…and more to the point, should they be? Through our own teenage experience we know that our parents had no idea about most of the things we got up to, a lot of which involved elements of risk. What we also know is that, thanks to technology, teenagers today have a world of risk taking and mischief available to watch on YouTube, 24/7 access to peer influences through social media, online access to synthetic or real drugs, and more disposable income than ever before.

This endless connectivity also means predators have 24/7 access to them. Yet, teenagers need freedom if they are to develop independence and grow into responsible adults.

Many parents struggle with balancing a teenager’s need for independence and the need for protection and guidance. Trust is a key mediator in this balance. Trust works when we trust trustworthy people. Parents who have a good foundation of trust in their trustworthy teen are a lot less stressed about letting them explore the world. Parents who don’t trust a trustworthy teen have ongoing conflict and can be overly restrictive, while parents who trust their untrustworthy teen end up placing that teenager at greater risk of harm.

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

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41

TEENS

MODELLING TRUSTWORTHINESS AS A PARENT

BUILDING A PATHWAY TO TRUST FOR YOUR TEEN

Trust starts with you as a parent. Teenagers, as much as they may argue this point, look to adults for guidance about how to be and how to act. UCLA professor of psychiatry Dr Daniel Siegel says cultivating healthy relationships means to be Present, Attune, Resonate and create Trust (PART). Being present means being aware of your surroundings and mindful of the person you are relating to, listening to what they’re saying without getting lost in thinking. Attune means to be attuned to the emotion of the situation and person you are relating to. Resonating means to reflect that emotion back to the person you are relating to. Trust is created when this process is translated into reliable interactions. Dr Siegel calls this being a PART of another’s life; being present to attune and resonate your emotion, and build trust through understanding.

So now that we are modelling trustworthiness as a parent, how do we instil this in our teenager? We need to build a pathway to trust.

There are four basic parts in building a pathway to trust: identify your family values, develop some house rules based on these values, guide your teenager toward your expectation and refine their efforts when they make a mistake.

This may sound a bit idealistic, a level of perfection beyond daily life. However, we don’t actually want perfection because perfection is unattainable. This is about practising as adults, practising being aware when we deviate from this PART approach and then making an effort to return to it. This is important, because this is what we want our teenagers to do when they stray from the clear path we set for them…which they will. We want them to acknowledge it and make every effort to get back on track. This is trustworthy behaviour.

FAMILY VALUES

Discovering your family values begins with taking the time to sit down and answer the following questions:

What do I about the want my children to ir childhoo d when th remember ey are ad What do I ults? want my ch ildren to learn from me?

What are my va What gove rns my de lues? cision mak ing?

What did I like, or n ot lik about my childhood? e,

This process is important as the seeds of whom we blossom into as adults are sewn in our teenage years. Teenagers need freedom to seek out new experiences and discover themselves apart from their parents. And parents also need to begin letting go of their teenagers in order for them to do this successfully.

Write these up and discuss them as a family This is how teenagers grow into healthy independent adults. when developing the house rules.

If either process is not completed, we end up with unhealthy HOUSE RULES dependency and resentment in adulthood. So, how do we House rules are drawn from family values and are, therefore, navigate this balance between allowing freedom and giving different for each family. As parents, start by answering the direction? Trust. Trust is the compass that tells us how much following questions: freedom to give and how much direction to provide.

When two trustworthy people trust each other, decisions about freedom and independence there is conflict? are much simpler.

How do I want my family to operate when

there is work to be done?

How do I want my family to operate when there is someone hurt?

How do I want my family to operate when there is someone in trouble?

How do I want my family to operate when there is failure?

How do I want my family to operate when From this, develop a skeleton of house rules to be discussed and decided upon as a family. Teenagers must be involved, to varying degrees, in household decisions, of which rule making is one. This gives the whole family ownership and reduces conflict later on.

House rules need to include what the expected behaviour is, what constitutes breaking the rule, what the response will be once a rule is broken and how one can rectify the situation after breaking a rule. It is important that once this process is complete and the person who broke the rule has rectified the situation satisfactorily that it is not brought up again in the future. House rules allow us to let go and move on.

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

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43

TEENS

"AS A PARENT OF A TEENAGER, YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM IS AN ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR INFLUENCE. IF YOU HAVE NO RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM, YOU ESSENTIALLY HAVE NO INFLUENCE OVER THEM."

GUIDANCE

Guidance begins with the development of house rules. Guidance is where you as a parent provide instruction and positive influence on your teenager’s behaviour through development of clear expectations. Guidance also involves providing advice, modelling desired behaviour and attitudes, and sharing challenges to find solutions. Guidance can be obvious or very subtle, but it all involves proactive and supportive involvement in the teen’s life in an effort to make them successful. Guidance relies on relationship.

As a parent of a teenager, your relationship with them is an essential tool for influence. If you have no relationship with them, you essentially have no influence over them. Take the time to know them, revisit what they like and their strengths. Talk to them and make time to spend with them. Develop a special ritual that only the two of you share. It is through the conduit of this relationship that they will ask your advice and, more importantly, ask for your help.

REFINEMENT

When something is refined the impurities are removed, generally through the application of extreme heat. Refinement in this context is when a negative part of our attitude or behaviour (the impurity) creates hurt or suffering for ourselves or someone else (the heat).

Refinement is the way you respond when rules are broken or trust is lost. Good refinement is essential because, as noted earlier, perfection is unattainable and teenagers will stray.

If a teenager strays a little, house rules should be sufficient to provide a clear response and get the teen back on track. But what if the teenager strays a lot? What if trust has been violated over and over? Then greater refinement is necessary and a detailed pathway back to trust needs to be developed. A basic pathway back to trust involves: do A (the responsibility) and get Z (the privilege). The less trustworthy a person is, the more steps required. For example: do A (a little responsibility) to get some of Z, do B (a little more responsibility) to get some more of Z, and do C (total responsibility) to get the rest of Z. A pathway back to trust allows for errors to be made, such that if we fail to meet a certain level of responsibility then we lose access to that level of privilege. These errors can then be corrected, the privilege reinstated and trust earned back.

Everyone arrives at parenthood with different experiences of trust based on their experiences of life. However, we all know the importance of trust and how essential it is to life and relationship.

So it is worth the extra effort to repair it if it has been broken and build on it for the future. Remember, set reasonable expectations, be firm, and be ‘all in’. When a teen has done the hard yards and earned trust, then trust them. Do not bring up the past, and give them the freedom promised to them unreservedly. This is being a trustworthy parent who trusts their trustworthy teenager.

James McManis is a psychologist at All Abilities Psychology in Noosa & Gympie. All Abilities Psychology work with children and adolescents as well as their families/carers to develop skills and facilitate positive change. They work from a developmental model and firmly believe that all individuals, regardless of age or ability, have the capacity to learn new skills and fully engage in everyday life.

All Abilities Psychology believe that all clients' needs are unique and individually important, and they are committed to meeting those needs by offering individual programs tailored to individual needs. For more information visit www.allabilitiespsychology.com

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

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JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

45

ONLY NATURAL

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE Is it safe for kids?

by Belinda Hopper

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) IS AN ANCIENT ART OF HEALTHCARE THAT COMBINES THE USE OF MEDICAL HERBS AND ACUPUNCTURE, AND HAS ITS ROOTS IN THE RELIGIOUS AND PHILOSOPHICAL WORLDVIEW OF TAOISM – OR ‘THE WAY’.

The premise of Taoism is the unity of opposites or the complementary forces yin and yang. For our bodies to be healthy, our life force – known as qi (pronounced “chee”) in traditional Chinese culture – needs to be in balance and flow freely through the body’s meridians, which were established as far back as 1600BC. TCM is the third oldest system of medicine (behind Egyptian and Babylonian medicines) and has become widely used outside of China over the last forty years as the mystique of Eastern practices have captured the attention and imagination of the West. TCM is now used in ninety countries by a quarter of the world’s population.

HOW IS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE DIFFERENT? The fundamental difference between ‘conventional’ Western, science-based medicine and TCM is that TCM takes a holistic approach to understanding normal bodily function and disease processes, focusing as much on the prevention of illness and maintaining harmony in the body as on the treatment of illness.

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

TCM utilises the body's own healing abilities, holding the human body in reverence, and respecting and promoting its great capacity for rejuvenation and recovery. By contrast, the focus of Western medicine is on treating presenting symptoms and illness.

In 2004, The Medical Journal of Australia published ‘The rise and rise of complementary and alternative medicine: a sociological perspective’, an article exploring the trend for Australians to integrate complementary medicines such as TCM into their personal healthcare practice alongside conventional medicine. It seemed baffling to the scientific community that this growth should be occurring in countries where Western science and scientific method are generally accepted as the major foundations for healthcare and where evidence-based practice is the dominant paradigm.

The conclusion was that it is the appeal of ‘vitalism’ – or emphasis on life force – and harnessing health through biomedicines that is responsible for turning complementary medicine into a billion dollar industry in Australia alone. It seems that we are not content to just ‘not be sick’ – we want to brim with vitality!

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JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

47

ONLY NATURAL

So, what are the modalities of TCM, what does it treat, and is it safe for children?

COMMON TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE TREATMENTS FOR CHILDREN

MODALITIES OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

Paediatrics is one of the oldest specialties within Chinese medicine and dates from the early first millennium, with continual development in the diagnosis and treatment of children's diseases ever since. TCM has four primary methods of treating children: diet, herbs, acupuncture and massage.

Dr Shuquan Liu, founder of Traditional Chinese Medicine Australia, says, “TCM focuses on treating the cause of the condition, not just the symptoms. It uses ancient methods such as Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, massage and reflexology to restore the body’s energy, immunity and health.”

WHAT CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES DOES TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE TREAT? According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, TCM teaches that children's bodies are immature and therefore inherently weak and susceptible to diseases that affect the lungs, such as colds, coughs, allergies and asthma, and the spleen with digestive complaints such as colic, vomiting, diarrhoea, indigestion and stomach aches. However, children tend to outgrow many common paediatric diseases as they mature and the qi of their lungs, spleen and liver becomes stronger.

Queensland TCM practitioner Scott Smallwood says the most common ailments he treats in children are acute and chronic infectious diseases such as colds, flu and gastro. “It is quite common for these problems to become chronic and have symptoms such as respiratory, ear or digestive concerns that can last many months. We have good results with these illnesses. We see some more difficult conditions like eczema, which we can often help with but it is sometimes a long and tricky process.”

TCM holds the belief that early treatment is important in treating illness as it reduces the length of treatment needed and prevents further complications.

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

Smallwood says, “The most common treatment I use for children is Chinese herbal medicine. We have three hundred different herbs that can be combined in varying ways depending on the condition to be treated.” Although less common, Chinese paediatric massage and acupuncture may be used to treat children as well.

Asked how kids tolerate the bitter herbs, Smallwood says, “Kids usually get used to their herbs and don’t mind them, and some even like them from the start.” But for the kids who baulk at their astringent taste, Smallwood says it mostly comes down to how adamant the parents are that the child needs to take them – a tactic that would surely depend on the age of the child.

Liquid herbs are prescribed in an individualised formula to suit the needs of the child. They typically contain between four and fifteen herbs and can include roots, barks, fruits, berries, twigs, stems, leaves and flowers, as well as some minerals and animal-derived products.

With over-the-counter conventional medicine syrups available in orange, cherry or strawberry flavours, you may wonder how young children could be enticed with bitter herbs. The suggestions are to bypass the taste buds by dispensing the herbs at the back of the throat with an eyedropper, or to dilute them in juice to disguise the taste. There are also pills, powders and teas that may be more palatable.

A CASE STUDY Rebecca was first given liquid herbs to treat a persistent respiratory illness at the age of nine, but her gag reflex to the bitter medicine became so strong that no amount of coaxing could get her to swallow it, even when disguised in fruit juice. At age fourteen, with ongoing illness that specialists in conventional medicine had not been successful in treating, Rebecca’s mother took her back to try the complementary medicine approach again. This time, Rebecca was old enough to convince herself that taking the tincture would lead to health. Although the gag reflex persisted, Rebecca says, “I just swallowed it as quickly as I could and had a piece of dark chocolate ready to eat afterwards.” Over several months, Rebecca’s persistent health issues were resolved and she no longer had to take the herbs.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

ONLY NATURAL

For further information on TCM in Australia, visit:

IS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE SAFE FOR CHILDREN? Despite the growing worldwide demand for TCM, the therapeutic benefits of only a small number of TCM products and practices have been scientifically validated. This is partly due to the problem of methodology not being transferable between medical systems.

It is difficult to prove the effectiveness of some TCM products and practices in the same way that double-blind clinical trials are typically used to prove the effectiveness of Western medicine. For instance, how do you administer placebo acupuncture without the knowledge of the practitioner or the patient?

However, there are known side effects of some TCM; for example prolonged use of Ginseng can create health problems in adults and it should never be used in the treatment of children.

Although some supplements can be bought over the counter, the symbiotic nature of herbal medicines – of the herbs reacting with one another – makes it very important that herbs are prescribed only by a licensed professional. Side effects of properly prescribed herbs are uncommon, and if they do occur, they are usually quite mild.

Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Act (TGA) 1989 set up guidelines for Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) for manufactured medicines, including complementary and TCM, to make sure they are ethically sourced and correctly labelled. Yet the Australian National Institute of Complementary Medicine states that certain medicines are exempt, particularly those prepared for individual patients following a consultation. In addition, the medicines are not subject to the requirement to be manufactured under the code of GMP as other manufactured medicines. This exemption is based on the assumption that the healthcare practitioner is appropriately qualified and skilled to safely prepare the medicine and counsel their patients about its safe and effective use. It is therefore very important that you choose your practitioner carefully.

Australia Natural Medicine Centre www.traditionalchinesemedicine.com.au

Yes, TCM is regulated in Australia. Students studying Chinese medicine learn about the pharmacology of herbal medicine, massage, acupuncture and Chinese diagnostics.

Some key active ingredients of TCM have been identified and incorporated into conventional medicine as a result of their recognised efficacy. And warnings are given against mixing some complementary medicines with conventional medicine; for instance, St John's Wort affects the way many prescription medicines work.

A study published in PLOS (Public Library of Science) in April 2012 raised concerns about the efficacy, legality and safety of many popular complementary alternative medicines, including TCMs, with some ingredients proven to include derivatives of endangered, trade-restricted species of plants and animals and therefore contravene the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) legislation.

The Australian Government’s National Registration and Accreditation Scheme requires that information about every registered health practitioner in Australia is published on a single national register of practitioners. Your first step in locating a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner should therefore be through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website at www.ahpra.gov.au/chinese-medicine.aspx

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Traditional Chinese Medicine Australia www.tcmaustralia.com.au

IS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTICE REGULATED?

The Chinese Medicine Accreditation Committee develops and recommends accreditation standards to the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia for approval. It then assesses whether programs of study and education providers are meeting the accreditation standards and decides whether to accredit the provider and program. The Chinese Medicine Board of Australia then considers the accreditation committee’s decision and their report, and decides whether to approve an accredited program as a qualification for registration as a Chinese medicine practitioner.

SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE

The National Institute of Complementary Medicine www.nicm.edu.au

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Each academy offers classes in the children’s program year round with the exception of public holidays. To find out which class, time and location best suit you, please visit our website www.infinitymartialarts.com.au or call 1300 INFINITY.

The programs on offer are designed to specific age groups capabilities and learning patterns.

Infinity Martial Arts believes in rewarding your child’s efforts to encourage them to achieve their goals. There are gradings held every two months along with week-long camps during the school holidays. The gradings are always a great day, packed with fun and excitement. The kids love it and it is made all the better by a supportive family encouraging the child along!

Infinity Martial Arts has something for everyone and is one of the only academies that offer a class for children aged 2–4 years. This is a parent participation class that teaches your child basic motor development skills while creating a special bond between the two of you.

The 4–7 years classes focus more strongly on mixed martial arts technique but are taught to the children in a playful manner. This is done to increase their learning capabilities, as all children love to play.

The 7–15 years classes prepare the students for the adult classes, focusing even more on technique, understanding and focus. Infinity also ensure that the kids in this age group try taking on more responsibility and improving their commitment and concentration.

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JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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GOOD HEALTH

A Picky Eater...

Or Something More?

by Justine Urbahn AT SOME TIME, ALL YOUNG CHILDREN ARE PICKY ABOUT THEIR FOOD. WHAT THEY EAT TODAY MAY NOT BE WHAT THEY WANT TO EAT TOMORROW. IT MAY TAKE THEM SOME TIME TO WARM UP TO A NEW FOOD BUT AFTER A FEW GOES THEY LEARN TO LIKE IT. A picky eater is a term given to someone who may have some restriction in the range of foods they eat or has strong food preferences and dislikes but manages to eat enough to grow and develop well. These children generally eat a balanced diet even if they choose not to eat certain foods within each of the food groups.

Some children go beyond the ordinary picky eating stage, however, and are known as selective eaters. These children will eat less than 20 to 30 foods and can also be referred to as having food neophobia. These children have a fear of eating new foods. They have inappropriate weight for height or may be failing to grow. They are at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies due to the very limited range of foods eaten. These children are at risk of having significant health problems later in life.

According to a 2013 study ‘Sensory processing issues in young children presenting to an outpatient feeding clinic’ by Davis et al, mild feeding difficulties occur in up to 25% – 45% of healthy children and 80% of children with developmental delays or chronic disease. More serious difficulties requiring medical intervention occur in 3% – 10% of children. These children often narrow their food choices down to less than 20 to 30 foods, rarely eat well for others and display inappropriate mealtime behaviours, all creating a significant amount of stress and anxiety for caregivers.

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

EATING ISN’T AS EASY AS WE THINK According to paediatric psychologist and clinical director of SOS Feeding Solutions Dr Kay Toomey, "Eating is the most complicated human behaviour there is and involves all areas of human development." It is the only physical task we do that requires all of the body’s organs, all of the muscles of the body and the entire gastrointestinal tract. In addition to this, eating requires the simultaneous coordination of all the sensory systems. When there is an issue with just one of these complex systems, we can begin to understand how feeding disorders emerge.

LEARNING TO EAT It is a common myth that eating is instinctive. Eating is only instinctive in the first month of life and after this eating becomes a learned behaviour. Just as children learn to eat, so can children be taught not to eat by the circumstances of their lives. Dr Toomey suggests that learning about food happens in two main ways. The first is when a negative connection is made between food and an event over time. For example, a baby with reflux associates feeding with pain and learns to escape the pain by refusing to feed. A child with low muscle tone who has poor oral motor skills will often reduce food intake to purees, refusing all other foods having learned that chewing and swallowing food is both difficult and tiring.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

GOOD HEALTH

RED FLAGS THAT MAY INDICATE YOUR CHILD HAS A FEEDING PROBLEM • Ongoing poor weight gain or weight loss • Ongoing choking, gagging or coughing during meals • Ongoing problems with vomiting • History of a traumatic chocking incident • More than one incident of nasal reflux According to Toomey, another way children learn is through reinforcement and punishment. If a child is eating and the caregiver praises him, this is positive reinforcement and leads to more eating.

However, this can also work in a similar way with a child who refuses to eat. If the caregiver provides lots of attention and plays games encouraging the child to eat out of fear that they won’t, such attention can ultimately reinforce the child’s behaviour not to eat.

• History of eating and breathing coordination problems with ongoing respiratory issues • Parents reporting child as being ‘picky’ at two or more child health checks • Inability to transition to baby food purees by 10 months of age

Punishment around food is also very powerful. If a child is yelled at each time they don’t eat this will lead to less eating. David A. Booth (1990) showed that if the learned reaction to food is negative, there is a physical effect on appetite suppression. Therefore, if learning about foods is an unpleasant experience, the body’s appetite will actually decrease. Weingarten (1990) also showed that if you make negative connections to the cues of eating, you will learn to avoid the feeding situation completely.

• Inability to accept any table food solids by 12 months of age

Food selectivity appears to be a significant issue for many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Sensory processing has been suggested as a possible cause, however children without ASD can also have sensory processing issues. Senses of smell, taste, touch, proprioreception, vision, hearing and sound all contribute to the information the brain has to process during feeding, and children with sensory processing problems have trouble filtering this information. Too much stimulation for these children may draw their attention towards a particular stimulus rather than focusing on the processes associated with eating such as chewing or swallowing.

These children often show a preference towards eating foods with crunchy textures while avoiding slimy, wet foods.

• Food range of less than 20–30 foods especially if foods are being dropped over time with no new foods replacing those lost

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

• Inability to transition from breast/bottle to a cup by 16 months of age • Has not weaned off baby foods by 16 months of age • Aversion or avoidance of all foods in specific texture or nutrition group

• An infant who cries and or arches at most meals • Family is fighting about food and feeding – meals are a battle • Parent repeatedly reports that the child is difficult for everyone else to feed Source: Dr Kay A Toomey, SOS Approach to Feeding www.sosapproach-conferences.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Red-Flags.pdf

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GOOD HEALTH

USEFUL WEBSITES: www.sosapproach-conferences.com www.spdfoundation.net www.spdstar.org

FINDING THE HELP YOU NEED Many parents have tried everything to help their child to eat and finally get to the point where professional assistance is required.

With myths such as ‘eating is easy’ and ‘when they’re hungry they’ll eat’ still very much at the forefront of people’s minds, finding help for a selective eater can be difficult.

References: Davis AM, Bruce AS, Khasawneh R, Schulz T, Fox C, Dunn W (2013) Sensory processing issues in young children presenting to an outpatient feeding clinic. Journal of Pediatric Gastroentoerology and Nutrition (pp. 156-160) Booth, DA (1990). Learned role of tastes in eating motivation. In E. Capaldi and T. Powley (Eds.), Taste, experience and feeding (pp. 179-195). Washington, D. C.: American Psychological Association.

Weingarten, HP (1990). Learning, homeostasis, and the control of feeding behavior. In E. Capaldi and T. Powley (Eds.), Taste, experience and feeding (pp.4561). Washington, D. C.: American Psychological Association.

To choose the correct therapy for your child it is valuable to understand what is getting in the way of your child’s ability to eat. Have they had pain associated with feeding? Do they have low muscle tone? Do they have sensory processing issues? It is important to realise that one therapist is unlikely to meet all the needs of your child. For example, a therapist who works well with children who have oral motor problems may not have experience working with sensory processing problems.

For many children with complex feeding problems a multidisciplinary team is required.

Some hospitals have a feeding team consisting of a dietitian, speech therapist, occupational therapist and psychologist. These professionals work together to implement strategies to help your child.

Therapists trained in SOS (sequential oral sensory) feeding therapy will have an understanding of how complex feeding difficulties are. The SOS approach uses a transdisciplinary team approach which assesses the ‘whole child’: organ systems, muscles, sensory system, nutrition, behaviour and environment. This approach focuses on increasing a child’s comfort level at meal times by exploring and learning about the different properties of food, allowing a child to interact with food in a playful, non-stressful way beginning with the ability tolerate a certain food in the room, then in front of him/her, then moving on to touching, kissing and eventually tasting and eating that food.

The overall goal of any treatment for children who won’t eat is to create a situation which positively reinforces normal, healthy eating patterns. Unfortunately there is no quick fix for these children, however the right approach will provide peace of mind that positive steps are being taken to increase health, wellbeing and pleasure in a wider variety of foods.

Justine Urbahn is a family dietitian based at the Sunshine Coast Children’s Development Centre.

For more information, visit Justine’s website www.sunshinecoastfamilydietitian.com.au

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

. . . k l a t lets

RSVPs

SAMI

You know what really bugs me about the art and the act of RSVPing? It is the fact it seems to fall into the female’s domain. Kind of the same as buying wrapping paper and cards. If blokes ran the world I am pretty sure Hallmark would go out of business because guys do not seem to buy cards. They are not expected to give cards or even presents for that matter when it comes to our family and friends’ celebrations. Guys don’t faff around the house to make it look pretty. They don’t think you have to change the sheets every week. They don’t have to plan Christmas lunch and they don’t bake a cake when your friend has a baby. So a bloke would never get himself in hot water for not RSVPing, but if a mum doesn’t remember to reply to an event then we are a witch. Anyway, I digress. I am a staunch supporter of the RSVP as it drove me crazy when people did not reply if they were coming or not to our wedding. It was a grand affair with 250 guests in a garden with trapeze girls swinging in the trees, face painting, croquet and a kissing cave. There were fireworks and 14 dogs in the actual ceremony and until about one week before the nuptials I had a grand total of 13 people who had replied they were coming. I would walk around with my clipboard of ‘To Do’s’ having a nervous breakdown the entire time thinking the dogs just may outnumber the humans at my wedding. It taught me a great lesson in life and now I try to reply as soon as I read that party invite. It is like ripping off a band-aid. Presto, it’s done.

SIMONE

(Kids on the Coast, Radio Panelist) In today’s world where communication is more accessible than ever, it leaves me wondering what happened to the good old RSVP? I have teenagers, therefore many years of hosting birthday celebrations, and agree there is nothing more frustrating than not knowing if you’re hosting for 1 or 100. In light of recent news, a U.S. Mum sent out invites to every child in her daughter’s class and didn’t hear back from one single person.

Not one. With the worry that everyone invited would be a no-show, she advertised her daughter’s party on Facebook with instruction to come along with a birthday wish. Over 300 people turned up to a local community park. But why did it get to this? As a Mum, I make a rod for my own back by accepting almost every invitation that comes our way, unless it’s humanly impossible to attend. I’ve tried to teach my children to think of the person hosting and how they would feel if no one showed up to celebrate their birthday. If they’ve taken the time to think of you and invite you, then you should make the effort to show up. And who knows, you might actually have a good time. And if you really can’t get there, a simple text, phone call or Facebook message will do. #MANNERS.

TODD Kids on the Coast invited Todd to give his opinion but unfortunately he didn’t RSVP in time…

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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DESTINATON

THE SPOTTER’S GUIDE TO ANIMAL SPOTTING FAMILY HOLIDAYS

by Andrew Collett WHETHER YOUR KIDS LOVE ANIMALS OR YOU FEEL THEY NEED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH NATURE TO GIVE SOME BALANCE IN THIS EVER MORE FAST-PACED WORLD, SPENDING TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONES EXPERIENCING OUR ENVIRONMENT AND ITS FAUNA IS SURE TO PROVIDE MEMORIES YOU’LL TREASURE FOR YEARS TO COME. Australia is a bountiful country for the intrepid holidaymaker wanting to see the exotic, the cute and the downright scary. With so much choice, it’s important to plan which animal you want to see, the environment you want to see it in and how much effort you might want to go through to get there as well as the level of exertion while you’re there.

With any animal spotting holiday or adventure taking place in an animal’s natural habitat, you need to do your research. Not only do seasons play a big part in what’s available when, but not all animals are easy to find or overly friendly when they are found.

We hope some of the following experiences get you thinking about your next holiday with fresh ideas.

WHALES & DOLPHINS Whale watching can often be achieved by simply watching the ocean from our regional beaches, but to get up close it’s best to hop on a boat. From July to November, whale watching cruises run from Moreton Bay in Queensland’s south through to Hervey Bay where you can experience migrating humpback whales off the east coast. For an intense whale watching experience, Hervey Bay is hard to beat with a range of day cruises available in small and large boats (www.discoverherveybay.com).

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

To experience dolphins there are two standout destinations: Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island and Monkey Mia in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Both offer hand feeding of dolphins – strictly controlled of course.

You can choose to stay at Tangalooma or take a day trip from Pinkenba including return catamaran transfers and a wild dolphin experience for $95 for adults and $50 for children (www.tangalooma.com). A top tip at Monkey Mia is to stay on and attend the quieter second and third morning feeding. (www.sharkbay.org/monkeymia.aspx).

CROCS The easy option to encounter a crocodile close to home is, of course, Australia Zoo. But to get into the natural world of our iconic dino monsters a trip to the north is needed. From Rockhampton onwards crocs start frequenting national parks but a guided tour is advised. Best for this is a trip to the Northern Territory and jumping croc feeding in the Adelaide River. One hour cruises cost $35–$40 for adults and $20–$25 for children. Be aware … if you don’t like the sight of raw chicken wrapped in angry crocodile then it’s probably best to avoid this real world experience.

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JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

57

DESTINATON TURTLES Turtles are a wonderfully gentle animal to see, either in open water swimming or as a beautiful spectacle during the egg-laying season.

To swim with turtles, head to Hamilton Island and get your snorkelling kit ready. Whilst it’s easy enough to swim off the shore of Hamilton Island, safety for kids is paramount so ensure your kids are strong swimmers and have life vests. Guided deep water turtle discovery tours in the reef fringing Hamilton Island including snorkelling are available for the great value price of $15 per adult and $10 per child.

A visit to Mon Repos Regional Park near Bundaberg (www.nprsr. qld.gov.au/parks/mon-repos) during the turtle laying season from November to March is a must do experience. Be sure to book early and prepare your kids for a bit of nocturnal beach walking to get up close to a nesting turtle or, later in the season, to see the tiny hatchlings making their way to the sea. Kelly’s Beach Resort (www.kellysbeachresort.com.au) offers great package deals so be sure to get on the mailing list for accommodation for this unique experience.

CAMELS What’s exciting about a camel? It’s perhaps not an obvious choice, but Australia offers some great trekking via camel. Camel Treks Australia (www.cameltreksaustralia.com.au) offers a variety of trekking experiences including a four-day family trek. This trek is open to families with children aged 4 to 14 years and takes you into South Australia’s Flinders Ranges for a camping safari adventure.

Alternatively, head north-west and combine a camel tour with a visit to the iconic landmark of Uluru. Starting at $129 per person, a sunset or sunrise tour by camel back with Uluru Camel Tours (http://ulurucameltours.com.au) may be just the thing for that “what did you do on holiday?” conversation.

PENGUINS

AUSTRALIA IS A BOUNTIFUL COUNTRY FOR THE INTREPID HOLIDAYMAKER WANTING TO SEE THE EXOTIC, THE CUTE AND THE DOWNRIGHT SCARY.

58

For penguins head to Phillip Island, home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. Here you will see wild penguins returning home at sunset during the Penguin Parade. Self-guided viewing tickets start at $24.50 per adult, or families with children aged 12 or over can book a ranger-guided 1½ tour from $75.90 per person. For full details visit www.penguins.org.au. There are a lot of conditions to protect the penguins, including no photography permitted at the Penguin Parade.

CRABS If you’re feeling adventurous and have some eco mad kids then a trip to Christmas Island might be a cool bucket list item. Christmas Island is famous for the red crab migration, with the island inundated with literally millions of land crabs at certain times of the year. Visit www.christmas.net.au for all the key information around seasons and the habits of the little red fellows. Expect to pay in excess of $200 per night for accommodation for a family of four.

Flights are extra of course.

Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

ZOOS AND ZOO STAYS Of course, not all wild animals play the game and while our great selection brings you closer to nature you may opt for the easier solution of a zoo.

On our doorstep is Australia Zoo, famous for its crocs. Kids aged seven and over can get up close to the zoo's animals by taking part in their Zoo Keeper for a Day program. A great birthday treat for any youngster!

In the same style, Sea World has a Junior Ambassador program, and whilst shorter and only available for 8 to 14 year olds, spending time with dolphins and other marine animals is always a treat.

To take it to max, Melbourne Zoo offers a Roar ’n’ Snore experience for families with kids aged five years and over. This delightful experience will see your family sleeping in an old elephant enclosure right in the heart of the zoo. Surely an exciting adventure for all!

ISLAND STAYS Sometimes, taking a step away from mainland living and spending time closer to nature is what’s needed. While not specifically linked to a given species, island retreats and stays can be very rewarding for any animal mad youngster.

KANGAROO ISLAND Kangaroo Island (www.tourkangarooisland.com.au) is home to many native Australian animals and birds in their natural habitat and offers a selection of resorts and retreats that cater for most budgets. Animal life here is plentiful with everything from the obvious (kangaroos) to seals, koalas, goannas and the elusive platypus. Wildlife tours are available to help you find and observe the rich fauna on the island.

FRASER ISLAND Great for a weekend getaway, Fraser Island (www.fraserisland.net) is better suited for those who fancy a 4WD holiday, although it’s also possible to take a ferry and arrive by foot or take a tour.

Wildlife is abundant on Fraser Island, but it is best known for its dingo population. Be sure to read up on conservation rules and issues before your visit (www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/fraserisland-dingoes.html).

LORD HOWE ISLAND If your family is keen on bird life then a trip to Lord Howe Island (www.lordhoweisland.info) is sure to please. With more seabird species breeding in larger numbers than anywhere else in Australia, you’re sure to spot at least one! With 207 different recorded bird species, Lord Howe Island is certainly an ornithologists dream. Planning around seasons is advised, with summer being the most active for birdlife.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au Image courtesy: Tourism and Events Queensland

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!

KIAH PARK

BLI BLI OSHC

Ph: 07 5486 6166 www.kiahpark.com.au

Ph: 5458 2130 or 0448 582 130 bliblioshc@bigpond.com

Kiah Park offers an amazing horse-riding holiday for children, full of fun and safe adventures from dawn to dusk. Each child gets to care for and ride their very own horse, going out on scenic trail rides twice a day. Whether your child is new to horses or is a competitive rider, every holiday at Kiah Park is bound to be full of wonderful memories and lasting friendships. Camp dates: 4 - 11 Jul, 19 -26 Sep, 26 Sep - 3 Oct.

Bli Bli Outside School Hours Care works to provide for families a safe, happy, welcoming and nurturing place where children are encouraged to undertake new adventures in a fun and relaxed environment. We welcome children from all surrounding schools as well as our local Bli Bli State School.

FANTAZIA THEMED PARTIES WEAR YOUR BABY www.wearyourbaby.com.au Help Dad to spend some quality time with your little one, and give him a versatile Lillebaby for Father's Day! Perfect for babywearing adventures, all while enjoying some sweet daddy-baby bonding. Plenty of other wraps and carriers available from Jessie and Carly at Wear Your Baby. Brisbane and Sunshine Coast based, they're happy to help you find the perfect carrier for you and your baby!

TALK Parents

Ph: 0435 428 947 www.fantaziathemedparties.com Devised by a creative, young team of talented performing artists and children's educators, FantaZia offers a range of exciting party options for boys and girls alike. To book simply choose from one of their themed parties and the party length. FantaZia can also design a party to your own theme and provide options that include singing and dancing. Take a look at their party options at www.fantaziathemedparties.com.

Some of the best-loved parenting bloggers in South East Queensland join Kids on the Coast and Kids in the City to discuss the topics that matter to you.

Join the conversation...

Look for Parents Talk topics at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/articles www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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PARENTVILLE

Overscheduling

OUR CHILDREN

by Amanda Smyth We want the best for our kids. We’re programmed to try to offer them every opportunity available. So we get in the car on Wednesday afternoon and drive thirty minutes each way to swimming training. We don’t want them to be deprived or to fall behind their mates. So we do the same on Thursday for piano lessons. But experts warn that overscheduling our children is setting them up for problems down the track.

Auskick, jujitsu, gymnastics, dance, flute, soccer – there are so many options available to our children – but these commitments all come at the expense of unsupervised play.

In 1999, the University of Michigan examined American kids’ lives between 1981 and 1997 and found they’d lost an average of 12 hours per week of free time and unstructured play. Meanwhile, time spent on structured play, like participating in sports teams, had doubled from 2 hours and 20 minutes per week to 5 hours and 17 minutes per week. While there aren’t any studies of Australian children, I’d suggest they’re in the same boat.

We’re busy driving around the countryside trying to expose our kids to new skills, but there is much to be learned in our backyards. A study conducted at the University of Colorado in 2014 found that the more time kids spent in less structured activities, the more self-directed they were. The study also found that the more time children spent in structured activities, the less able they were to use executive function.

Executive function is a scholarly word for a range of thinking skills including planning, problem-solving, making decisions, and regulating thoughts and actions. Time spent alone in the backyard mastering the monkey bars teaches perseverance. When kids resolve their own quarrels without adult intervention, they learn conflict resolution. Children who feel crook from spinning too fast on the swings learn their limitations.

Research published last year in the journal Parenting: Science and Practice found that preschoolers with mothers who tried to direct their play were less happy than were children whose parents didn't interfere. Respectfully, I didn’t need the experts to tell me this. When I threw a party for my then four-year-old daughter, I planned game after game, activity atop activity.

You know what six kids dressed as their favourite bug wanted to do instead? Play. I should have allowed the six excited insects to run around our garden. They’d have been happy and I’d have saved a bomb on craft supplies!

I’ve learned my lesson now though – this year’s party will have a few games and a bunch of time for them to play without my interference.

If you suspect that your child is already doing too much, experts suggest to watch out for signs. Does your child look or act tired? Is she unusually irritable? Does he appear to becoming bored with an activity he used to love?

Are you spending too much time in the car? If you’re answering yes to many of these questions, it might be time to dial back the kids’ activities.

Finding the balance of structured activities and free time can be difficult. But it’s worth remembering that the greatest test batsman of all time Donald Bradman credited his success to time spent alone in his backyard hitting a cricket ball against a water tank.

Don’t be afraid to say no. At the moment the world seems to place high importance on being busy, but our kids will have plenty of time to be run-out, overscheduled adults. Until then, instead of focusing on giving our children every opportunity available, we should focus on giving them the opportunity to let them be kids.

Amanda Smyth is a wife, farmer and mother of two. In her spare time she writes stories and shares family-friendly recipes on her blog Cooker and a Looker. www.cookerandalooker.com

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Kids on the Coast – JULY / AUGUST 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

treatment phone the Suncoast Women’s Centre on 5437 7244 or visit Suite 5, 5 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya (Kawana). Medicare rebates available.

ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS

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

The pelvic floor controls your urinary, bowel and sexual functions yet these muscles are your most neglected. The new ‘Wave Brilliance’ Magnetic Pelvic Floor Stimulation chair (magnetic chair) uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve impulses which rapidly flex and tighten your pelvic floor muscles.

This is the equivalent of approximately 200 pelvic floor contractions every minute at 20 times greater the intensity than the patient can do themselves!

It is the ideal way to kick start or regenerate the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles to restore strength, endurance and continence.

Treatments are tailored to individual patients but a typical therapy program consists of two 20 minute treatments per week for eight weeks. Of course children are most welcome to attend with you and can simply sit and play whilst you undergo your treatment.

www.petraladwig.com

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.

www.petraladwig.com www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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”Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story-tellers, singers of songs.“ – Pam Brown

Make Dad feel special on Father's Day and every day!

WEAR YOUR BABY

Help Dad to spend some quality time with your little one, and give him a versatile Lillebaby carrier for Father's Day! Perfect for babywearing adventures, all while enjoying some sweet daddy-baby bonding. Plenty of other wraps and carriers available from Jessie and Carly at Wear Your Baby. Líllébaby All Seasons $209. www.wearyourbaby.com.au

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Esky 33L Chilla Cooler

Named TripAdvisor 2015 ‘Cooler of the Year’ Esky’s 33L Chilla Cooler has an easy access lid and can holders. Dad can pop his favourite beverages in and carry them easily, keeping them cool.

RRP $53.50. Available from Bunnings Warehouse.

8 Position Recliner Chair

Dad can stretch back, relax and enjoy the outdoors on his next camping trip with an adjustable headrest, padded seat and backrest, and lumbar support. Stretching all the way back in 8 different positions, Dad will want to take this one with him wherever he goes!

RRP $99.99. Available from ColemanAustralia.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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“MY FATHER GAVE ME THE GREATEST GIFT ANYONE COULD GIVE ANOTHER PERSON, HE BELIEVED IN ME.” – JIM VALVANO

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MXJ F1 Simulator is Bri in a replica Formula sbane’s most unique Father’s Day Gift. Feel what is On like to sit drivers in the world e racing car and virtually race a frie nd, time or the fas . No test race offer. Visit www.mx experience needed. Quote F1KIDS to receive a disco jf1simulator.com. unted au or contact 130 0-F1-4FUN (1300-31 4-386).

D + T Organic Beard & Hair Care

HENTY WINGMAN

The clever Henty Wingman is not only designed to transport suits, slacks, and shirts, it minimises garment creases. There’s also plenty of room for your shoes, iPad and accessories. Perfect for Dads who cycle regularly, travel frequently and exercise often. $199 from www.henty.cc

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Handcrafted by an Aussie Beardman, D+ T Organic Beard & Hair Care products are 100% Organic + 100% Natural + 100% Vegan – a perfect gift for all bearded Dads! Style and maintain beard growth with their premium beard oil blends, beard balm and style wax. Be sure to check out ‘The Man Kit’ and ‘The Exclusive Travel Kit’ including an awesome range of beard and hair care products. Available online at www.dandt.com.au or at local stockists Ground Organics (Mooloolaba), Rex & Turtle Barber (Coolum Beach) and Organika (Noosaville).

JULY / AUGUST 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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CONVERSATION

Renee Cook

of RENEE’S GOODIES

by Natasha Higgins NOOSA MUM RENEE COOK NEVER IMAGINED THAT HER OWN STRUGGLES WITH BREASTFEEDING HER SONS WOULD LEAD TO THE CREATION OF A THRIVING BUSINESS JUST NINE MONTHS AGO. A LACK OF BREAST MILK SUPPLY MEANT A CONSTANT CHALLENGE WITH BREASTFEEDING HER ELDEST SON COREY (NOW 8) AND SO WHEN HER SON LEVI ARRIVED (NOW 15 MONTHS OLD) SHE WAS DETERMINED TO BREASTFEED HIM. In an effort to help stimulate her milk production, Renee started making special cookies which she found helped to make breastfeeding possible.

From that moment on, she knew she wanted to help other mums in the same situation, and from this Renee’s Goodies was born. Renee now helps mums all over Australia with her range of baked goods and other food and drink products that help improve lactation.

We catch up with Renee to get an insight into her unique business.

Tell us about Renee’s Goodies.

I make lactation cookies, bake at home kits, lactation smoothies and capsules, and nursing tea, as well as offering teething, nursing and sensory accessories. My business is about helping and supporting mums all around Australia.

Lactation goodies are intended for increasing and stimulating milk production, but overall they are delicious and good for your health. They are family friendly,

and anyone and everyone can enjoy them. I have also sourced certified organic ingredients to provide ingredients of the highest quality, and all my baked goods are dairy-free using coconut oil rather than butter.

How do your lactation goodies work? The cookies work by absorbing vital vitamins and minerals into your body, giving your body that boost it needs to meet the needs of you and your baby. They contain key ingredients that are known to boost milk production. Brewer’s yeast, flaxseed and oats are all galactagogues which means they stimulate the milk production hormone prolactin. And the nursing tea is a loose leaf herbal tea with a range of benefits.

What inspired you to start your business? A passion I have for wanting to help others. This journey has been amazing!

What started with a question on a buy and sell page on Facebook has turned into a wonderful little business. And as the saying goes…find something

you love and you will never work another day in your life.

behind everything that I do, from working hard to maintaining a young and fun spirit. They Do you have plans to expand inspire my growth on this your business? I would love to expand my business. I am blown journey every day. away with how far I have come What has been your most in nine months so I am excited rewarding experience? Having to see what the next nine children and starting this journey months brings. to helping mums all around Australia and maybe one day How do you balance family the world. life and work demands? It's never easy trying to juggle What has been your most lifework and family life. I would be defining moment? Meeting my lost without my calendar and partner, having children and notebook. In the beginning, starting this business. the workload was certainly What general and/or parenting gruelling and time consuming, advice has had the biggest especially since I had no idea impact on you? Nobody is there would be such a demand perfect, so take the setbacks for my lactation goodies. But with a grain of salt and keep once I was able to manage my pushing forward. time and feel confident with a What life message do you most schedule that catered to my want your children to learn? family and my customers, then To always maintain humbleness the balance just flowed. through all the highs and lows How has having children of life. changed your life? Having children of my own has made me realise what it is in life I am most passionate about.

My boys are the motivation

What is the motto you live by regarding your family and being a parent? Happy mum, happy life!

To purchase Renee’s lactation goodies, visit her website www.reneesgoodies.com and her Facebook page Renee’s Cookies for Mummies.

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- on the coast

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CONNECTING PARENTS & FAMILIES

What’s coming up Brisbane

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www.kidsonthecoast.com.au | www.kidsinthecitymagazine.com.au

What are your plans for the school holidays? Are you looking for something to keep your kids entertained? Well, look no further. The Kids on the Coast & Kids in the City team have pulled together the ultimate online holiday eGuide to what’s happening in South East Queensland during the winter school holiday period.

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JULY 2015

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vision

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Inspired by end of financial year tax time and the recent 2015 Federal Budget, our Family Finances eGuide is all about being money savvy.

From meal planning, energy saving and making your own food to shopping on a budget, saving on entertainment and clothing, learning how to be money savvy and growing your own food, it’s sure to be a valuable resource to help all families get their budget back on track.

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Available from family hotspots throughout South East Queensland.

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* Combined monthly readership from our printed publications, website, emarketing and social media channels

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

REVIEWS

BOOKS

APPS

THE HAPPY COOKBOOK

BEST OF ABC SPLASH (PRIMARY)

Lola Berry, Plum, RRP $34.99 To be quite honest, my diet hasn’t been overly ‘happy’ of late and it’s been difficult to kick the habit of unhealthy eating, until I received The Happy Cookbook that is. The bright colours, flowers, birds and butterflies on the front cover of the book are enough to inspire happy cooking and a healthier lifestyle, but I’m never one to judge a book by its cover (ahem) and was pleasantly surprised to see that the happiness continued inside. Leading Australian nutritionist Lola Berry, a regular on television shows such as The Project, Mornings and A Current Affair, is the creator of this book. You may have heard of her 20/20 Diet which she based around her own personal weight journey. I love the vision she sets out at the beginning of the book – “... good health isn’t about being on a crazy detox, it’s about honouring yourself and being the best you can be.” Yes! The 200+ pages of gluten-free recipes, based on nutritious wholefoods that mostly contain little dairy and include no refined sugar, paired with gorgeous food photography, take healthy eating to a whole new and exciting level. Sweet potato gnocchi with kale pesto and pine nuts is definitely something I could make (and inhale in an instant) and I’m definitely going to ditch the Jatz and dip for zucchini chippies with vegan chilli and lime aioli! One of my favourite things about this cookbook is that it doesn't forget about those with a sweet tooth like me – the cookie dough cake batter smoothies, raw vanilla and passionfruit tart, and paleo chocolate cake make me very happy. This isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a book about wellbeing, it’s about celebrating happiness and wellness through exercise, mindfulness, sleep, mental health and, of course, nutritious foods.

Cooking from this book will make you glow!

Review by Eva Lewis

By Australian Broadcasting Corporation, iPad, FREE ABC Splash is making digital learning even more accessible with the launch of three new tablet apps - Best of ABC Splash primary, Best of ABC Splash secondary and Gobbling Goblins. Splash was developed by ABC Digital Network in conjunction with Education Services Australia, supported by the Department of Communications and the Department of Education. It is one of the largest digital projects ever undertaken by the ABC and delivers world-class interactive educational resources for primary and secondary school students, their teachers and parents. We had a closer look at the Best of ABC Splash Primary app, an app that has been designed for primary school teachers, parents and students and allows children to explore topics including Antarctica, Dinosaurs and the Australian Wilderness, along with national history themes such as Convicts and Colonial Australia. Under each of the 10 topics there were numerous educational video clips to watch and clip extras for parents and teachers including lesson starters and transcripts. Once a child has finished watching a video clip, they can take a quiz which earns them a percentage towards a badge. If you’re going to let your kids sit down and use an app on the iPad, this is certainly one to consider. It’s online learning that goes beyond the typical entertainment offered by other applications. You never know, if you join in with your child, you might just learn something too! To find out more about the ABC Splash apps and for more resources, visit http://splash.abc.net.au

PEAS IN A POD Tania McCartney, Exisle Publishing, RRP $24.99 Perfect for kids aged 3 – 7 years Meet Pippa, Poppy, Polly and Peg – quintuplets who do everything the same … eat, sleep, cry and sit … everything.

But one day the girls decide that they don’t like being the same. Will they be able to break the mould and let their true personalities shine? Peas in a Pod follows the story of five little girls growing up, as they each try to find their own unique character, while causing all sorts of mischief and mayhem along the way! This fun-filled story by award-winning author Tania McCartney combines exquisite illustrations

by Tina Snerling with a text full of humour to gently guide children towards being true to themselves. It’s a charming story that parents and kids everywhere will be able to identify with, as well as a great tool for teaching young children about uniqueness and why being you is the best thing ever!

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MOVIES * Movies for Teens *

PAPERTOWNS In cinemas 16 July. Rating: TBC Adapted from the bestselling novel The Fault in Our Stars by author John Green, Papertowns is a coming-of-age story centred on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbour Margo. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears – leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship – and true love.

THE FANTASTIC FOUR In Cinemas 30 July. Rating: TBC The Fantastic Four, a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team, centres on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

Reviews by Eva Lewis

DINNERTIME+ PARENTAL APP

By ZeroDesktop (iPhone & Android) FREE (in-app purchase available) When we were kids, all mum and dad had to do was turn off the television to get us to come to the dinner table because that’s all we had. These days it’s not the battle over the television, but the various gadgets that seem to divert our children’s attentions when they need to be focused elsewhere.

The DinnerTime+ app was created with a goal to help families enjoy more quality time together, especially at dinner time, by allowing parents to remotely lock up to two children’s Android phones or tablets at a time. The app can even give parents the ability to disable certain apps and pre-set ‘dinner time’ which will automatically lock devices during meal time. The app also has an option where a countdown clock can be activated so children can see when their gadget will be available again. If you want to get really serious, you can upgrade the DinnerTime Plus app to allow you to set time limits on devices, view usage reports and disallow certain apps. You may have your dinner time routine down pat and find it easier to simply tell your kids to put down their gadget and come to the dinner table, but for many it can be a challenge and perhaps this app is the next best solution. Who knows, it could even work on adults that find it hard to give up their tech too! www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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