Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 70. September/October 2015

ISSUE 70 September/October 2015 SUNSHINE COAST

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Âť take me home

free!

Financially savvy kids

Learning problems

Sex, drugs & teens

Conversations with your son

70 Contents ISSUE

September/October 2015

4

FROM THE EDITOR

6

THE SOCIAL GATHERING

8

WHAT’S NEWS

10 FEATURE: Raising a financially savvy child

Navaeh, 7yrs

16 CHECK THIS OUT 18 T HE P FILES: Must-have conversations with your son 24 SPECIAL FEATURE: For the love of literature 30 SPECIAL FEATURE: Winning entries from the Voices on the Coast ‘Short, Sharp and Snappy’ writing competition 32 PARENTS TALK: Does your family eat together?

34 C ALENDAR OF EVENTS: Find out what’s happening on the Coast during September & October 37 EDUCATION: “I’m sorry...your child doesn’t fit the box” 42 BABIES: Mothers’ groups: friends or foes?

46 TEENS: Breaking down barriers: Talking about sex, drugs and alcohol

Necklace from Nest, Eumundi Jumpsuit from Bardot Kids Rollerskates from Caloundra Rollerdrome

50 ONLY NATURAL: Are personal care products safe for your family?

54 GOOD HEALTH: Is anyone listening?

58 WEB WRAP-UP 60 PARENTVILLE: Making it work

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: JESSICA JANE SAMMUT, JAMES MCMANIS, BELINDA HOPPER, MICHELLE KENNEDY, PENNY SHIPWAY, SANDRA SMITH, MEGAN BLANDFORD, ADAM BLOND, RENEE WILSON, EVA LEWIS, NATASHA HIGGINS COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: VERVE PORTRAITS

62 DESTINATION: A family campervan adventure in New Zealand 64 CONVERSATION: Trudy Olive shines for Thomas 66 BOOKS – APPS – MOVIES

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

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

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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WELCOME

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

EDITORIAL / PRODUCTION Is it just me, or can the responsibilities of parenting feel a little overwhelming at times? From parenting a helpless newborn through to the tricky teen years there are so many ways we can guide our children to become independent and responsible. In this issue you will find insights into just some of the things that are important to share with our children in this parenting journey, including how to be financially savvy from an early age, must-have conversations with boys and talking about sex and drugs with teens.

We have been working hard behind the scenes to bring you our new website and we’d love you to stop by and take a look. Head to www.kidsonthecoast.com.au. It’s visual, it’s interactive and we’re sure you’ll enjoy browsing it as much as we do! There is so much great content to absorb with parenting articles, topical news stories, blog posts and reviews on products, activities, books and more. Browse a little further and you’ll find the ‘Things To Do’ and ‘Local Guide’ sections with plenty of local activities for your family to enjoy.

Don’t forget to head to the ‘Competitions’ page regularly for a chance to win some great prizes.

To celebrate our new website, we have added a new section in the magazine – Web Wrap Up – to highlight the best of our web action right now. Here you'll also find activity review previews and a spotlight on some of our great competitions, so make this page a regular stop each issue...preferably while relaxing with a coffee!

Brisbane - Sunshin

e Coast - Gold Coas

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“ Things to do, places to go!”

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

AVAILABLE

SEPT 11

PRINT EDITOR: Natasha Higgins GROUP EDITOR - DIGITAL: Eva Lewis EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Kerry White 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

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Happy reading!

Natasha Higgins, Editor

PUBLISHER: Toni Eggleston

holi�dauiyde - on the coast

- in the city

SEPTEMBER/

OCTOBER 2015

BEHIND THE SCENES … at our Verve Portraits cover shoot

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.

Separate editions cover the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

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

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

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

ADVERTISING Call 1300 430 320 or email your Business Development Manager.

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

Trying the skat es.

4

annon, with Sh Working tographer our pho

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

Striking a roller disco pose!

- on the coast

- in the city

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Bed Wetting | Ear Infections | Irritable Babies | Feeding/Sleeping Dressing/Bathing difficulties | Flat Head | Constipation | Headaches | Reflux | Colic

Headaches?

Migraines?

Meet your baby in a warm and professional atmosphere

Stomach Pain?

The cause of a headache could be as simple as having a misalignment of the bones in your child’s neck. Tiny misalignments may result from the birth process, from falls (off the bed, trampoline, tree) or sports injuries.

The most common cause of a headache is the misalignment of the neck. Gentle Chiropractic correction of these misalignments have been shown to be effective in the treatment of headaches (1).

Migraines are more of a severe headache which in young children may present as stomach pain. Several clinical trials show that chiropractic treatment may help treat migraine headaches. In one study, 22% of those who received chiropractic treatment reported more than a 90% reduction of attacks. Also, 49% reported a significant reduction of the intensity of each migraine (2).

(1). Nilsson N, Christensen HW, Hartvigsen J. The effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of cervicogenicheadache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1997;20:326-30 (2). Tuchin PJ, Pollard H, Bonello R. A randomized controlled trial of spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2000;23(2):91-95.

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We put the child first www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

P: 07 5442 3807

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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The social gathering Daily conversation, inspiration and information

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SO MUCH FUN HAS BEEN HAD AROUND SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

Fun at Aussie World

Strawberry Picking at Strawberry Fields

Zoo Keeper for a Day at Australia Zoo

If you’re sharing some happy snaps on Instagram, let us know by using our hashtags!

#kidsinthecitymagazine or #kidsonthecoastmagazine

We had fun at the EKKA too!

DON’T FORGET TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR SCHOOL HOLIDAY EGUIDE IN SEPTEMBER

{Blogger Fast 5} Introducing Lisa Barton-Collins

from Mrs BC’s House of Chaos! www.lisabartoncollins.com

1. Describe your blog in 25 words or less. Mrs BC’s House of Chaos is mostly about healthy dinners for busy families; it’s also about home renovations, organic vegetable gardening and family adventures.

2. The one golden piece of advice I could offer other parents is… Don’t sweat the small stuff. I’ve wasted many, many hours arguing with my children because they weren’t wearing the right coloured socks, or they chose the jumper full of holes, or I didn’t want them to drag a stick home from the park, or a million other things. It’s exhausting being the nagging mum, and it made me feel cranky all the time! The reality is that at the end of the day none of those things matter. As long as they are healthy and well fed and not in danger – what does it matter if they are not dressed in their Sunday best for Grandma’s visit or if your front yard is full of sticks. So I stopped nagging and everyone instantly felt happier, me included!

3. The three things that make me happy are… 1. Having a healthy, happy family. I think everyone can relate to that!

2. Spending time being creative. I think busy mums leave themselves last on the list when it comes to the most precious of all commodities: time. It’s essential to me that I spend a little time just letting my imagination relax and run free – I find it really rejuvenating. 3. You know that moment, when the children are in bed, and the house is clean or at least tidy, and you are sitting on your couch with a cup of tea or glass or wine, enjoying the serenity? Just relishing in the quiet stillness? That moment, right there.

4. The gadget I simply couldn’t live without is… My stove top espresso maker, without a doubt! Two decent cups of coffee a day is all I need, but it has to be espresso. Anything else is just dirty water.

5. I take time to relax by… Walking by the ocean. The smell, sound and just resting my eyes on the ocean in all of its seasons is almost a spiritual thing for me.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

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WE POSED A BIT OF AN ODD QUESTION ON FACEBOOK,

‘HOW DO YOU MANAGE YOUR ODD SOCKS?’

Here were the responses.

RACHEL – USE THE OLD STYLE NAPPY PINS OR JUST LARGE SAFETY PINS AND CLIP THEM TOGETHER BEFORE WASHING (OR AS SOON AS YOUR CHILD TAKES THEM OFF).

STORM – WE JUST WEAR ODD SOCKS NOW! LOUISE – I SHOVE THE ODD ONES UP THE BACK OF THEIR DRAWER UNTIL THE COMPANION TURNS UP. JADE – JUST PLAIN WHITE SOCKS FOR US SO IT DOESN’T MATTER IF SOME MAGICALLY DISAPPEAR! KAYLENE – SOCK PUPPETS, LOTS OF SOCK PUPPETS!

HAVE YOU SEEN OUR FAMILY FINANCES EGUIDE YET?

Scan to visit our website

It’s full of tips on budgeting, meal planning, saving on utilities and more. Find it online.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

ToTal TurTle Takeover! nickelodeon’s teenage Mutant ninja turtles are coming to kawana these school holidays!

Week 1 – Monday 21 to Friday 25 Sept WHaT: live stage show TIMe: 10.30am & 1.00pm WHaT: TIMe:

exclusive meet & greet 11.30am

Week 2 – Monday 28 Sept to Friday 2 oct WHaT: Make your own TMNT mask in the Turtles Craft village TIMe: 10.00am – 1.00pm visit kawanaShoppingWorld.com.au for further details.

© 2015 Viacom Overseas Holdings C.V. All Rights Reserved. TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom Overseas Holdings C.V.

/kawanaShoppingworld KawanaShoppingworld.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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

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

KIDS CLUB FOR YOUR LITTLE PIPSQUEAKS

TRY YOUR HAND AT CHICKEN WRANGLING

Are you looking for something a little different to entertain the kids these school holidays? How about chicken wrangling?! This is one of the events on offer at Brightwater Hotel, Parklands Tavern and Bellvista Tavern. They have a whole calendar of fun, inexpensive and interactive ways to fill the school holidays, including getting children to channel their inner chef or challenge their friends at ping pong. To join in the fun these school holidays, phone 07 5493 9440 to reserve your place.

Bookings are essential as some activities have maximum numbers. www.parklandstavern.com.au

CHANGES TO PAID PARENTAL LEAVE SCHEME COULD SEE PARENTS LOSE $11K

New parents could lose around $11,000 if changes to the paid parental leave scheme go ahead. A report by the Women and Work Group at the University of Sydney, commissioned by Fair Agenda and the Young Women's Christian Association found that parents in the retail, health and education sectors could be hit the hardest if the proposed changes come into force, according to the Brisbane Times. The current government scheme provides 18 weeks of paid parental leave at minimum wage, capped at $11,500. However, proposed changes mean workers will not receive this payment if they receive paid parental leave from their employer that is equal to or greater than the government payout. In the Brisbane Times, the report’s authors Professor Marian Baird and Dr Andreea Constantin said: “The federal government's proposed scheme is regressive and the analysis shows it will have a negative impact on lower paid women. Women who are in normal, but low paid jobs, or part-time work with slight benefits from employers, will be financially penalised.” Professor Baird added that the changes could also mean that parents have to return to work earlier after having a baby, and access more childcare. "We have studied the social impacts of the current scheme and know that it has had a positive impact on new mothers' ability to stay at home for longer, on their and their baby's health and on the return-to-work prospects of mothers," she said. The proposed changes are due to come into force from July next year. Need to revisit the health of your family finances or simply get your savings back on track? Check out our free Family Finances eGuide at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/read/eguides

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

DID YOU

KNOW In Australia there are almost 100,000 more women than men.

Today’s baby boom is twice as large (exceeding 310,000 annual births) than when the original Baby Boom began in 1946 (fewer than 150,000 births).

IN AUSTRALIA, THE MEDIAN AGE AT WHICH MEN FIRST BECOME A DAD IS 33, AND WHEN WOMEN HAVE THEIR FIRST CHILD IS 30.7 YEARS. CAPTAIN COOK NAMED THE ELEVEN HILLS THAT DOT THE COASTAL PLAINS THE GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS BECAUSE THEY REMINDED HIM OF THE GLASS FURNACES IN YORKSHIRE.

CHECK OUT THE LAH-LAH COMPETITION ON OUR WEBSITE

Kawana Shoppingworld is inviting families to come and enjoy its fun free kids club Pipsqueaks & Pals. Aimed at families with children up to 7 years of age, the club will meet every other Wednesday for a free playtime session consisting of reading, craft and interactive activities that support and promote social interaction in both children and parents alike, as well as assist in children’s learning and development. “We’re very passionate about our community and education so have delivered a kids club that has been designed to support the development of young families in the region,” says marketing manager Aaron Ng. Members can also borrow books from the Kawana Kids Club Library free of charge to help promote reading in between sessions and parents can enjoy talks from industry professionals about how to further support education and social interaction in the region. For more details visit www.kawanashoppingworld.com.au

LAH-LAH LIVE IN CONCERT

Fans of the top rating ABC KIDS TV series Lah-Lah’s Adventures will be practicing their dance moves and getting ready to ‘Shake It Like This’ when Lah-Lah Live in Concert comes to Caloundra RSL on September 27.

Stripy-socked singing sensation Lah-Lah and her Big Live Band featuring Mister Saxophone, Squeezy Sneezy the piano accordion, Tom Tom on drums, Buzz the Bandleader and Lola the Dancing Double Bass will take their award-winning live music experience to the Caloundra RSL for Sunshine Coast families to enjoy.

Lah-Lah’s Adventures TV series co-creator, producer and director Deb Ryan said that the show provides an invaluable tool for children to appreciate all forms of music and encourages them to play instruments.

Lah-Lah Live In Concert will delight the Sunshine Coast audience and have the whole family up singing and dancing with the band that ‘jams all over the land’.

The concert is a spectacularly fun, interactive and educational 45-minute show that will have the kids grinning and shimmying from go to whoa. Their new DVD Lah-Lah’s Adventures – Let’s Put On a Show was released this month and is distributed with other successful titles through Roadshow Entertainment. Get your tickets to these special live shows before they sell out. To book go to www.lah-lah.com/live-shows www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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iPlay Sports Morningside

230 Lytton Road Tel: 1300 52 6520

iPlay Sports North Lakes

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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FEATURE

Rai$ing a FINANCIALLY savvy child

by Jessica Jane Sammut

10

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

FEATURE

ADULTHOOD COMES WITH MANY CHALLENGES, WITH FISCAL ONES RIGHT THERE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST. SO HOW DO WE ENSURE OUR KIDS ARE FINANCIALLY SAVVY AND READY FOR THE BIG WIDE WORLD?

Parents of young children hear it all the time. “Can I have this?” It’s the catchcry of many a young child, and one that sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t depending on the suitability of the item in question, energy level of hit-up parent and cost of the chosen toy/ food/random implement. There it is. The dreaded ‘C’ word. And, whereas in the innocent world of our little cherished bambinos, the word does not exist (or if it does, does not have meaning), in the big wide scary grown-up world, it totally does. In fact, it not only exists, it pretty much goes to the heart of every household decision made, and while we all know that money doesn’t make you happy, a lack of it can certainly make you hapless.

So, when is the moment that we pull our kids aside to lecture them on the value of material things and how to save/spend/invest wisely? And why is it so crucial to our kids’ chances of adult success that we do?

WHY FINANCIAL SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT “Financial literacy is the foundation to a successful and prosperous life,” explains Darren Eising, senior financial planner at Elemental Wealth Management (elementalwealth.com.au).

“Just as with reading and writing, kids need to acquire a solid understanding of the fundamentals of finance, economics and investment in order to do well in life.”

“Financial literacy is defined as the ability to make informed judgements and to make effective decisions regarding the use and management of money (Coben, Dawes & Lee 2005),” adds leading educator Nadia McCallum who was recently awarded The Director General’s Award for Excellence in Service to Public Education and Training. “Given we live in a society where money provides a means to a home, health care, education and food, understanding how to manage money so that those needs are met is paramount.”

“From earning money, to spending money, to borrowing to investing, and even to leaving a legacy, financial understanding is crucial,” adds ‘Australia’s Money Guru’ Michelle House. “It is important kids understand the difference between needs and wants, and the consequences of poor money management.”

WHY LEARNING YOUNG IS BENEFICIAL

“Children who learn about sound money management when they’re young have the opportunity to build habits – like saving and investing – that will stand them in good stead throughout their lives,” explains Lacey Filipich, founder and director of Money School, a financial education program for families (moneyschool.org.au). “These habits, if learned early, become second nature. As children move into adulthood, they then don’t stress about money as much because they are comfortable with it and have a solid plan about how to manage it.”

“Financial awareness teaches kids about concepts such as delayed gratification, fair exchange (the opposite of 'entitlement', a common complaint of today's parents), value of hard work, and planning ahead,” concurs Dr Ash Nayate, clinical paediatric neuropsychologist. “The earlier a child can learn such concepts, the better. Ultimately, they become automatic.”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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FEATURE

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A PARENT’S ROLE

With the education system not focusing too heavily on financial strategy, responsibility for raising a money-wise child rests almost entirely on parents.

“Research shows time and time again that children learn what to place importance on and to value from what their parents model,” explains Nadia. “If a child sees a parent picking up a book instead of turning on the television, they will be more likely to pick up a book. It is the same with money. If parents talk about money and the reasons for their decisions, children inherently learn and incorporate these values into their own belief system, and instinctively begin to make conscious decisions about how to use money.”

From a development point of view, it’s the consistency of our actions over our words that is key.

“Parents who tell their kids to make smart decisions (and yet themselves do not), send mixed messages, which can be confusing,” confirms Dr Ash. “In fact, not involving children at an early age in appropriate discussions and reasoning around money is the biggest mistake parents can make when teaching kids about money,” warns Darren. “Parents underestimate their children’s abilities to grasp economic concepts, and it is these lessons that become the foundation of their future financial literacy.”

THE MAIN FINANCIAL CONCEPTS CHILDREN SHOULD KNOW

Okay, we get it! Financial acumen is somewhat of a big deal for our growing babies. But, what are the main areas that children should be encouraged to grasp in order to get ahead? Lacey reveals her top five Money School concepts:

1. SAVING What it is: Putting aside a part of a sum of money earned/received and not spending it.

Why it’s important: Savings are the seed of the metaphorical money tree. Without savings, investment cannot occur, and if a setback is experienced (e.g. an accident or loss of job), there is no buffer.

What age: All ages. This can be done with any gifts your child receives, even as an infant. Show them what you do to save, then encourage them to do the same with their pocket money and any income they receive.

How to teach it: Use a bank account or a piggy bank to demonstrate how to save in real terms.

2. PLANNING What it is: Mapping out income and spending. Essentially, this is about understanding cash flow.

Why it’s important: To have control over one’s finances is an essential skill in life.

What age: From early primary school.

WHAT CHILDREN CAN UNDERSTAND

So, what can kids cerebrally understand about the fiscal opportunities of their world? Should we be talking NASDAQ to them, or simply keeping the chat restricted to pocket money terms and conditions?

“From about the ages of three to five, kids start to develop an understanding of the transactional nature of money (that money is exchanged for goods and services),” reveals Dr Ash. “The understanding of the actual value of money however, starts to develop at around the age of seven or so, when kids begin to appreciate abstract concepts (and money is a very abstract concept!). It is then that children can work out the difference in money magnitude, e.g. what can be purchased for $1 versus $2 versus $10. From the age of seven onwards, kids are then able to grasp such notions as delayed gratification and fair exchange, and so have a better appreciation for things like earning money through chores, or putting money in the bank where it can gain interest (i.e. spend now versus save and spend more later).”

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

How to teach it: Include your child in setting and monitoring the family budget.

3. ACTIVE EARNING What it is: Trading time and effort for income, whether it’s a wage, a commission or dividends from an enterprise.

Why it’s important: This teaches delayed gratification and the difference between wants and needs.

What age: From mid to late primary school.

How to teach it: Start with pocket money as an illustrative example. Encourage your child to undertake chores and activities for money. Set a good example by actively earning yourself.

4. INVESTING (FOR PASSIVE EARNING) What it is: Buying assets – things that increase in value and provide extra income.

Why it’s important: Assets generate wealth. This passive income supplements active income and is a valuable revenue stream.

Savings becomes worth less every year (due to inflation) without investment, and the sooner kids understand the quicker they can start to develop a wealth mindset.

What age: From late primary school.

How to teach it: The best way to teach this is by doing it and including children in the process. Paper trading for shares and playing Monopoly are great ways to demonstrate such skills with low risk.

Earning interest on savings is the bare minimum, so get your child to monitor their interest-bearing savings account at the very least.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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New students can try all classes on offer for their age for 2 weeks.

We then only charge for the classes they wish to continue with, no charge for all the other trialled lessons.

Classes in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acro, Lyrical/Contemporary, Stretch & Strength, Jumps & Turns, Babies Jazz, Baby Ballet, Mummy & Me, Adults Tap. Classes from 2 years to adults.

The Sunshine Coast's leading dance studio. www.danceedgestudios.com.au info@danceedgestudios.com.au Jodi 0401 046 882 or Nat 0416 628 616 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

13

FEATURE

5. BORROWING What it is: Leveraging other people’s money (usually the bank’s) to buy bigger assets.

Why it’s important: Debt can be risky, and too many people get their first introduction to debt via a credit card, which they then use to buy consumer goods (this is bad debt). Applied wisely however, debt can be used to generate more growth and passive income than can be achieved with savings alone.

- on the coast

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JULY 2015

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What age: From late primary school.

How to teach it: Give children a loan from the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’. Ask them to present their case for their loan (as they would do for a bank), charge them interest, and repossess items if payments aren’t made.

HOW TO TURN YOUR CHILD INTO A MONEY MAVEN

Once the concepts have been grasped, the next step is implementing practical approaches on a regular basis that will help create a financially savvy child in the long run.

BE CONSISTENT How: Always pay attention to the importance of money, even when talking about just a few cents. From little things, big things grow…

How this helps: This reinforces consistency and helps build good habits through example. A child is far more likely to copy your actions than what you say if the two aren’t aligned.

TALK ABOUT IT

WHAT PARENTS SAY… AMELIE DROUIN, MUM TO FELIX (9), ANAIS (7) AND MATHILDA (4) “We want our children to know the value of money so that they understand it is important to work hard in life and to not take money for granted. We teach our kids to save via their school banking accounts and how to shop, by comparing different items at different prices across stores. We also encourage them to make money for themselves. We recently let Felix sell some bags of hot chillies he had grown in the garden (he made about $10 in an hour!). Plus, we help the children give to the needy by contributing to the Care program at our church and donating food to St. Vinnie’s. We hope to make them see they are very lucky to have a roof over their heads and food on the table every day.”

ARMAND AGUILLON, DAD TO JEWEL (15) AND IZAAC (3) “It’s so important to raise a financially savvy child, but schools don’t seem to teach this. If kids aren’t going to learn it in school, they need to learn it from us, as parents. We believe the single most important thing a child should be taught about money is to save 10 per cent of their income. Every fortnight, we also play monopoly and include our three-year-old in the game where he can play as the banker and hands out the monies. He also enjoys throwing the dice. Jewel is now at the stage where she knows how to win the game and wins it constantly.”

MELINDA EDWARDS, MUM TO BROOKLYN (4) “I believe it’s never too early to start planting the seed of healthy money habits in a child’s mind. Brooklyn used to ask me for an iPad all the time. I could have easily bought him one, but instead decided to use the situation as the perfect introductory lesson towards money: working hard, cultivating a resourceful mindset and reaching goals. I told him it's the same as anything in life – he can have whatever his little heart desires if he can figure out a way to earn it. From there, we worked out the goal amount he needed to purchase the iPad and brainstormed ways for him to earn the money. I also invested $50. As a result, he has been making and selling rocky road chocolate in his uncle’s bakery and has made approximately $130 profit to date.”

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

How: Include children in financial discussions in a helpful way (no need to let them see you panicking about your mortgage, but instead involve them in looking for ways to bring costs down, for example).

How this helps: This gives children the opportunity to ask questions and to seek to understand. When they ask ‘Why?’, tell them, with a clear explanation.

LEARN TO SAY “NO” How: Don’t give your kids everything. Say no to buying things, and give them the opportunity to earn something they really want.

How this helps: Children need to learn about earning and waiting.

Giving them everything they desire does not help them learn that.

PRACTICE NEGOTIATION How: Encourage them to haggle with you!

How this helps: Adults are often scared to negotiate as they don’t want to seem rude, or they’re afraid they’ll offend someone. You make money on assets when you buy for less than when you sell. Negotiating the best possible price is therefore important, even for simply buying a family home. Start young so kids get comfortable asking for discounts and learning to read people during negotiations.

MAKE IT FUN How: Play Monopoly or other financial buying/selling games.

Adjust the rules if you like to allow for negotiation and borrowing, interest charges, etc.

How this helps: Games are a great way to teach kids about the importance of being financially savvy, connecting on their level.

Just ensure they can relate the lessons they learn to real life.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

15

�hi�

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Australian kids’ bedding company Sack Me! has invented a new range of cushions and beanbags that the kids will want to gobble up with quirky new designs including donuts, popcorn and bon bons. The fun Krispy Dreme cushion costs $49. Check out the new range available online from mid-September at www.sackme.com.au and through selected stockists nationally.

BLOOMING BRILLIANT

We all love fresh flowers in our home but they never last for long. Or so we thought. Little Blooming Wonder has created a flower display that will last for up to 10 years. Small Chrysanthemum flowers, cut when they are very young and snap frozen to retain their tiny size, colour and freshness, are arranged in vases of different shapes and sizes. Just give them a spray of water once a week. Prices start at $5.

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COLOURING IN FOR GROWN-UPS

Here’s the perfect way for busy parents to de-stress at the end of a long day. Explore your natural creativity with some of the most beautiful patterns imaginable in Beautiful Patterns: Creative Colouring for Grown-Ups – however and whenever you feel inspired.

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CREATIVE STORY STONES

Help your child’s imagination come to life via sensory play with Creative Story Stones. Each stone has a different picture on it and children can arrange them to create their own stories.

For the younger ones, they can be used as word recognition tools. Recommended for children three years and up. For more information see www.facebook.com/creativestorystones. Available to purchase online from November at www.cuteas.com.au

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

TRANSFORM BORING AFTERNOONS

Hands up if you remember Transformers! Now your kids can create their own metal models of the robot heroes and villains. There are three models available - Bumblebee, Optimus Prime and Megatron.

The parts for each one come in a flat sheet of metal which are easily pressed out and assembled by a tab and slot design. Recommended for kids aged 14 years and up. Available at www.coolthings.com.

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

17

THE P FILES

MUST-HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR

SON

by James McManis

Psychologist. BA Psych. (Hons). Assoc. MAPS

WE ALL KNOW THE HOLLYWOOD IMAGE OF A PARENT AND A CHILD SITTING DOWN TO HAVE A DEEP AND MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION. THE TIMING IS PERFECT, THE LOCATION IS QUIET, AND THERE ARE NO DISTRACTIONS UNTIL AFTER THE SCENE IS OVER. THE CHILD LEAVES UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF LIFE, AND THE PARENT LEAVES SATISFIED THEY’VE DONE ALL THEY CAN FOR THEIR CHILD. THE END. SADLY, WE DON’T ALL HAVE A 100-STRONG FILM CREW TO SET THE SCENE, AND NOR DO WE HAVE THE EASE OF A SCRIPT WITH WHICH TO GUIDE THE CONVERSATION. NEVERTHELESS, CONVERSATIONS ARE THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL A PARENT HAS TO INFLUENCE AND SUPPORT THEIR CHILD. YES, THAT IS RIGHT…THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL. Conversations are not lectures. Conversations are not monologues on the pitfalls of life. The origin of the word conversation is from the combination of the two Latin words con ‘with’ and versare ‘to turn’ leading to converse ‘live among, be familiar with’ and to conversation ‘an informal talk between two or more people’. This is important to understand because the power of a conversation is a product of what is said and who it is said with.

Too many boys grow into men who don’t understand their place in the world and how unique and important it is. Your sons are our

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

country’s future husbands, fathers, innovators and leaders. Yet, I ask you this: Where will they get their guidance from? Who will answer the questions they have about the world? What will they draw on when things get tough? The answer: They will draw on the conversations they had with you. They will hear that advice as a quiet little voice in the background guiding their decision. They will think back to the times they sat with you, when the world was unknown to them and you were their guide. This is what they will do, but only if you take the time to have the conversation with them – otherwise it will all fall to Google and Siri.

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19

THE P FILES

So, if you haven’t started conversing, begin now. If you have started, keep going. And make sure you cover the following topics.

CURIOSITY AND EXPLORATION “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Walt Disney

Curiosity drives innovation. Curiosity is the ability to ask why and to question the status quo. Boys and young men need to have the confidence to be curious and explore. Parents need to have the confidence that they will do this safely. When they are small, this safety can be provided through monitoring and supervision.

However, as they get older you are not going to be able to monitor and supervise, you are going to have to rely on their decision making when faced with new opportunities. Parents need to discuss decision making with their sons, what to do when curiosity takes hold, and how to keep your head and respect yourself and your safety. Parents also need to push their sons to experience new things and encourage them to maintain an open mind when encountering something they’re not familiar with.

SEX AND INTIMACY “Those who have never known the deep intimacy and the intense companionship of mutual love have missed the best thing that life has to give.”

Bertrand Russell

There are few conversations that make a parent more nervous than having to talk about sex. Such is our society that the end (death) and the beginning (sex) are generally taboo topics, yet inevitable aspects of life we will all encounter. So many boys’ early experiences of sex and self-exploration are accidental and involve bumbling around blindly wondering how it all works.

This can leave young men afraid of, or blasé about, sex and without any understanding of intimacy.

Sadly, general sex education tends to focus on how a sperm and an egg make a human, not how trust and intimacy make for love. Taking the time (and courage) to discuss sex with your son in the context of intimacy, both with himself and others, will provide a great reward for the both of you. It will give him the opportunity to enjoy exploring these two aspects of humanity, and it will give you the chance to guide him, rather than his peers or, worse still, Google.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

FINANCE AND MONEY “Beware of little expenses.

A small leak will sink a great ship.”

Benjamin Franklin

Discuss the value of money and the price of debt. Pocket money is important for a young son’s education about the value of money, as is employment for an older son. Yet all too often parents forget to talk about how to spend that money. Discuss the different ways to use money; spending it recreationally, socially, charitably, or making investments for the future are all diverse ways to use money all yielding different outcomes. All too often recreational spending is the focus, saving up for a toy or piece of electronic equipment. Money is a tool. Discuss how that tool can be used and the benefits of using it in many different ways.

WORK AND ACHIEVEMENT “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.”

Henry Ford

All too often young men want to skip the middle, skip working and go straight to having. The value of an achievement is measured by the journey taken to get there. If the journey is short, the achievement is small, and vice versa. However, modern society is highly focused on outcome, on ‘what is in it for me’, on how quickly can I get it. Sons need to understand the value of hard work and that it is through hard work that anything worthwhile is achieved.

MORALS AND VALUES “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.”

Theodore Roosevelt

Education doesn’t stop with textbooks. Educating your son about values and morals gives him a compass with which to make the tricky decisions in life. We all know that many of life’s challenges involve decisions that don’t have a clear ‘right’ answer. For those decisions, we rely on our value system and our morals to guide our understanding of what is the right way to act and what is the right way to treat people in a given situation.

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THE P FILES

RESPONSIBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”

Denis Waitley

Independence can come only with responsibility. The two are permanently entwined; foregoing one results in foregoing the other. Having the foundations of character to accept responsibility is essential to future success in life. Being given responsibility is a privilege to be embraced, not a chore to recoil from. Responsibility and independence foster leadership. True leaders have a vision and a conviction. They believe in themselves and what they do. These people forged this self-belief by being tested with responsibility and independence and coming out the other side.

Your son needs to know that the chore list is actually a trust list and leads to an independence list.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”

Mahatma Ghandi

AND FINALLY… TELL THEM THEY ARE LOVED “I have a son, who is my heart.

A wonderful young man, daring and loving and strong and kind.”

Maya Angelou

Self-esteem is the most common deficit of modern young men, not confidence and bravado, but genuine self-esteem. Self-esteem comes from a sense that I am loved, lovable and loving. Not because of anything I have done, but simply because I am. Discuss your love with your son and tell them what you love about them.

Be specific, be clear and be firm in your conviction that you adore them. It is also important to be consistent in your love. Love them when they are good and compliant, and love them when they are obnoxious and defiant. Don’t tolerate bad behaviour, but be clear in separating the behaviour from the person. You can love the person and not the behaviour.

Health is so crucial, yet in our youth we never believe that our health may one day leave us. A retired doctor once said to me as he was travelling through the Canadian Rockies, ‘My only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner. At my age my knees are too weak to traverse the forest path.’ As a result, he was unable to observe the beautiful mountain lake that he had travelled so far to see. Money is useless if you are not healthy enough to enjoy it.

It is also essential for your son to be able to accept love. Regularly expressing your love for him is important, but a conversation about how to accept love and gratitude from others for a job well done is a skill lacking in many young men. Australian men can easily be dismissive of praise, but authentic praise tells someone what they do well and why they are liked. It needs to be accepted. Giving love and accepting love are what makes a loving person; both need to go together.

Good health is more than ‘ripped abdominals’ and ‘pumped pectorals’. Health is balance, health is mobility, health is energy.

Good health is being able to do what you need to do while having enough left over to do what you want to do. Good health is consistency, maintaining healthy routines no matter where you are or what is going on in your life.

These conversations are opportunities. They are about sharing your experience and experiences, successes and failures. They are about building closeness and relationship. They are about identity. These conversations guide your son so he can find himself, find his place in the world and know who he is so he can one day share this with his own family.

James McManis is a psychologist at All Abilities Child & Family Therapy Centre in Noosa & Gympie. All Abilities 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 are committed to meeting those needs by offering individual programs tailored to individual needs. For more information visit www.allabilities.com.au

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

SPECIAL FEATURE

For the love of

literature

by Belinda Hopper

ALBERT EINSTEIN FAMOUSLY SAID, “IF YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO BE INTELLIGENT, READ THEM FAIRY TALES. IF YOU WANT THEM TO BE MORE INTELLIGENT, READ THEM MORE FAIRY TALES.” WHY WOULD ONE OF THE CLEVEREST PEOPLE TO EVER LIVE SUGGEST THAT READING FAIRY TALES – MAGICAL, WHIMSICAL, MADE-UP STORIES – IMPROVES A CHILD’S INTELLIGENCE? IS IT BECAUSE FAIRY TALES ENCOURAGE CREATIVITY AND INNOVATIVE THINKING, HELPING CHILDREN IMAGINE WHAT MIGHT BE, RATHER THAN LIMIT THEIR THINKING TO WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THE WORLD? Notice Einstein didn’t say, “Get your children to read fairy tales,” but for parents to read to them? Fifteen-year-old Sarah from the Sunshine Coast explains why. “Some books I would read myself.

Others I just wasn’t interested in when I tried to read them, but I loved them when mum read them to me. I knew by her expression whether something was meant to be funny or serious. She made the story come to life. I didn’t have to do the hard work of reading.

I got to just listen and enjoy the story.”

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

On the importance of literature, Sunshine Coast author of 21 children’s books Aleesah Darlison says, “Stories teach children how to deal with real-life issues and feelings as they follow the protagonist’s journey.

Reading enriches children’s lives. Staring at a computer or television reduces their imagination, but a book engages it.” Besides the many ways in which literature enriches your child’s mind, it’s wonderful to end the day snuggled up in bed together sharing spine-tingling adventures or nailbiting mysteries and meeting new ‘friends’ between the pages of a book.

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

SPECIAL FEATURE

HOW LITERATURE CHANGES US

WHAT SHOULD KIDS READ?

When someone says a book changed them, they’re not overstating. A study from Emory University1 on the short- and long-term effects of a novel on the brain found that the brain goes through short-term changes during the activity of reading.

The first change is to work out what the language of literature is communicating, then triggering neural activity associated with bodily sensations, placing the reader ‘in the body’ of the protagonist, allowing them to figuratively experience what the character experiences. In the long term, during the process of reflection and comprehension, changes continue in brain connectivity – long after we finish reading.

Different types of stories appeal to different age brackets. Aleesah says, “Picture books are about exploring the world and dealing with feelings and providing comfort. The 8 to 12 years age bracket brings in elements of escapism and danger. The protagonists are often on an adventure without their parents. There is more at stake, but still within boundaries. Teens are introduced to a harsher world, often dealing with a dystopian, unsettling experience or environment, which the main character struggles to overcome.”

Some long-term changes are to do with increased empathy and compassion. A study from York University2 on emotion and narrative fiction found that readers identify strongly with a character and their external experiences, leading to empathy for the character’s plight and internal responses.

Dr Paul Williams, lecturer in creative writing at the University of the Sunshine Coast and award-winning author of novels for older kids, says, “Stories teach children compassion, enlarge their world views and encourage them to think outside the self.” Just as young readers get to ‘experience’ life in Africa by reading Dr Williams’ books, he says, “My father read Huckleberry Finn to me at 10 years old and I wanted to be Huck Finn, escaping from ’sivilization’ and rafting down the Mississippi.”

Aleesah believes books are a wonderful resource for teaching and sharing ideas with children. She says, “Books have the ability to help us heal.” This is particularly true of books that teach children how to deal with grief and loss, like Katherine Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia, or how to build a new life, like Patricia MacLachlan’s Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Because books have a real impact on our minds, ideas and emotions, parents have to stay in touch with what their children are reading, especially when it comes to advanced readers in the 8 to 12 year age bracket, who are looking for a more challenging read but might not be ready for themes in books for older kids. Aleesah says, “Eight to twelve-year-olds still need to read books with messages of hope and positivity, but the older books sometimes have more destructive, violent, dystopian themes.”

So how do we know what books are age-appropriate? In the last few years Specialist Children’s Booksellers have compiled and published a small booklet called Don’t leave childhood without: a guide to the best books for children. The guide is sold at independent bookstores and contains an overview of the best books for kids, broken down into age categories.

NURTURE THEIR LOVE OF LITERATURE Beloved Australian children’s author Mem Fox believes it is never too early to start reading to your child and that parents should spend “ten wildly happy minutes every single day” reading aloud with their children.

Most libraries have a weekly story time for pre-schoolers: a time of interactive reading and craft, centred on the theme of the week.

While you’re there, encourage your child to select a few books to borrow and return the following story time. This gives children a sense of the communal nature of stories – that they are something we all share.

You can also peruse bookstores together and make a note of titles and authors your child shows interest in. Then tip off grandparents and aunts for gift ideas.

Encourage children from prep to year 9 to participate in the annual statewide Premier’s Reading Challenge. It’s not a competition; it’s designed to encourage kids to engage in reading for pleasure and learning. Children also gain a sense of achievement and improve their literacy skills. Your child’s teacher should know how to sign up for the challenge.

STORIES TEACH CHILDREN COMPASSION, ENLARGE THEIR WORLD VIEWS AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO THINK OUTSIDE THE SELF.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

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Parenting Arrangements What can I do if I am not spending time with the children or I am not satisfied with the current arrangement?

Mediation services exist to assist separated parents to reach agreement on parenting issues. It is also a requirement of any court application to show you have attempted mediation first. An exemption may apply in situations of urgency, domestic violence or where there is a risk to the children.

Do I have rights to make long term parenting decisions?

Under the Family Law Act 1975 there is a presumption that both parents have shared parental responsibility for the long term decisions of the children. This includes decisions such as health, education, name and religion. Unless the presumption is rebutted then both parents are expected to consult with each other in respect of all long term decisions for the children.

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If the court determines that it is not in the children’s best interests to have a shared care scenario then they will consider one parent having the children in their primary care and the other parent having substantial and significant time with the children. Each situation is assessed individually and a number of factors are considered.

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F

27

SPECIAL FEATURE

TEENS AND LITERATURE

ENCOURAGE WRITING IN TEENS

In the teen years, social media can capture kids’ attention and suck up time they may have spent reading books in earlier years. So how do we ensure that our teens retain their love of reading?

One Brisbane teenage girl wanted a part-time job over the Christmas holidays to earn enough to buy a mobile phone. Her dad preferred she spend the time reading books that would prepare her for adult life. So, they struck a deal: he would pay her to read the books on his list and write a two-page review on each.

By the end of the holidays she would have earned enough to buy the phone she wanted, and he would be satisfied that her time was spent expanding and enriching her mind, and honing her critical thinking and writing skills, ready to start her first year at university.

Journalist and mother of three teenagers Susan Maushart conducted an experiment to unplug her family from all digital devices for three months and wrote about it in her book The Winter of our Disconnect. One result of her experiment was that they all rediscovered their love of reading.

We don’t have to go to the extreme of cutting off the internet altogether. One mummy blogger by the handle ‘Narrowback Slacker’ came up with a ploy to get her young kids to read more – by promising unlimited internet access! One of the things they have to do before gaining access to any ‘glowing screens’ each day is to read a book for 45 minutes. The result is that her kids sometimes get swept up in their books and read for longer before remembering they can now use their screens. Ingenious!

ENCOURAGING KIDS TO WRITE Nurturing a love of literature in children is not just about teaching them to read. It’s also about helping them employ their own imaginations and express their own ideas. Aleesah says it’s important to encourage children to write their own stories and offers the following tips:

Writing for as little as two minutes a day improves physical and mental wellbeing3, and encouraging your teen to write a brief reflection on their day can be a way of clarifying their thoughts and emotions and help them learn to set goals – all important life skills.

BEING A GOOD ROLE MODEL If values are ‘caught, not taught’ then children who see their parents read books are more likely to read books themselves.

Granted, reading is an activity best enjoyed in peace and quiet – which usually means sans children. We don’t always give ourselves permission to sit and read when there’s no end to the washing, but if we make reading a priority in our own lives, the more likely it is our children will become lifelong lovers of literature.

• Start by going for a walk together as walking improves creativity.

• Play with story ideas together and sit with them as they write a list.

• Find funny books to read and notice how pictures add to the telling of the story.

• Let their creative ideas flow and give them time to write them down.

• Encourage them to read or perform their stories for the family, so they see their characters come to life.

• Take them to meet authors so they can be inspired.

• Book them into holiday writing workshops at the library.

• Encourage them to enter their stories into competitions.

Above all, Aleesah says, “Make writing a fun process by getting involved in it with the children.” When kids are bored you could commission them to write a story and pay them an agreed amount per page. Not only will they learn that ideas have value, you will have a treasured memento of your child’s imagination at that age.

References: 1. Berns GS, Blaine K, Prietula MJ & Pye BE. Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Novel on Connectivity in the Brain. Brain Connectivity 2013;3(6):590-600. doi: 10.1089/brain.2013.0166 2. Mar RA, Oatley K, Djikic M & Mullin J. Emotion and narrative fiction: Interactive influences before, during, and after reading. Cognition and Emotion 2011;25(5):818-833. doi: 10.1080/02699931.2010.515151 3. Burton CM & King LA. Effects of (very) brief writing on health: the twominute miracle. British Journal of Health Psychology 2008 Feb;13(Pt 1):9-14. doi: 10.1348/135910707X250910

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THE MORE THAT YOU READ, THE MORE THINGS YOU WILL KNOW. THE MORE THAT YOU LEARN, THE MORE PLACES YOU’LL GO.

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

DR SEUSS

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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

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

(Age limit up to 12 years old)

 Tests are fun for children

The test takes approx 15 minutes

 All staff hold a current blue card  Looking Smart Optometrists bulk bill All eye examinations provided the patient has a Medicare or DVA card

 Easy parking

Did you know...?

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

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

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

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

Phone: 5439 7844 Between Coles and Woolworths at the Pelican Waters Shopping Village, Pelican Waters Blvd, Pelican Waters. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Email: info@lookingsmartoptometrists.com.au SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast 29 www.LookingSmartOptometrists.com.au

SPECIAL FEATURE - on the coast

SHORT, SHARP AND SNAPPY WRITING COMPETITION - on the coast

For 20 years Voices on the Coast has been bringing leading Australian authors, illustrators, poets and performers to the Sunshine Coast to talk and workshop with children. This youth literature festival, presented by Immanuel Lutheran College and the University of the Sunshine Coast, attracts over 4500 school students aged 10 to 18 years who are interested in reading, writing, literature and performance.

The 2015 festival was held on July 14 to 18, and Kids on the Coast is proud to once again partner with Voices on the Coast to present the Short, Sharp and Snappy writing competition. Children were invited to submit their best piece of poetry or writing in only 50 words on the theme Action, Fun and Happiness.

The competition was judged by a panel including author Aleesah Darlison and we are delighted to share the winning entries with you.

WINNER

WINNER

WINNER

YEAR 2-4

YEAR 5-6

YEAR 7-9

CATEGORY

CATEGORY

SPARKLING CRYSTALS

SNOW RULER

GROWTH

Deafening cracks burst my ears.

My eyes search the sky.

Colourful explosions fill my eyes.

Red, yellow and blue.

They soar into the sky like rockets blasting off.

We all look up in amazement.

The sky goes black it is all quiet.

Until next year.

It prowled the glistening mountain of white.

Delicate footprints trailed behind.

Her periwinkle eyes stared out, waiting.

Silence covered the hills.

The sleek tail whipped back and forth.

A thundering melody shattered the silence.

Its teeth twinkled like the mountain.

The leopard was gone.

Roots grow from your feet. Vines lace around your ribcage, blowing seeds of love and laughter into your soul. You forget all worries when you witness children laugh, whether they’re playing or wrestling with their siblings. You feel the delicate wings of butterflies dance upon your heart. You witness growth.

Iggy Lucas, Eumundi State School

Ginger Holt Albers, Eumundi State School

HIGHLY COMMENDED

HIGHLY COMMENDED

THE WAIT

FEAST

I am waiting for the change.

The excitement and humidity are mixing in the air.

Delicate clouds cover the endless sky.

Animals take shelter and birds glide to their nests.

But not me.

I want to feel the crisp rain on my back, And hear the low rumbling of thunder.

Huge, long wings unfold You propel yourself into the strong, powerful wind You swoop and grab your prey in deadly talons You soar away gracefully, toward the fading orange light Of the Cretaceous sunset Setting yourself down carefully on sparkling sands Devouring your prize in your huge, sharp beak

Indigo Whyatt, Eumundi State School

Hugo Lamarque, Eumundi State School

EMOTION CONQUEROR

LOVE OF DANCE

It settles heavily on your shoulders.

It controls your emotions.

It rises up through your veins.

Icy fingers creep all over your body.

Weightless demons try to strangle you.

It knows all of your weaknesses.

It’s more powerful than you.

It is your worst nightmare.

You must face it.

Fear.

Joel Taylor, Eumundi State School

30

CATEGORY

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

In the air I feel weightless.

When I fall, it feels painless.

When I dance, I feel free.

I can’t be stiff, not like a tree.

My feet move freely across the stage.

When I dance, I don’t age.

I will keep dancing, Maybe even prancing.

Jade Stratton, Nambour State School

Sian Jesse, Immanuel Lutheran College HIGHLY COMMENDED

ACTION, FUN AND HAPPINESS Action, fun and happiness – true rarities of life.

Erasing every burden, releasing me from strife.

The wonder in our dazzling coast inspires serenity, Reminding me of who I am, and who I’ll always be, Through sentimental moments, significant and small, Lie action, fun and happiness – the truest gifts of all.

Amy Wortmann, Mathew Flinders Anglican College

SPRINGFIELDS The wind whistles through the bright yellow fields of dandelions, scattering their pollen to who knows where. Laughter, sweet and joyous fills your ears as you stroll around those who are there. The sun sets and the cicadas commence their ear splitting song as you leave for your home.

William Richards, Immanuel Lutheran College A big thank you to Aussie World for the winners prize passes and for supporting young, talented writers across the coast!

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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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 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

31

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.

Does your family eat together every night?

What do you see as the benefits/challenges?

RENEE WILSON Mummy, Wife, Me Dinnertime in our household plays out like this at the moment: 5-6pm – the kids, aged four and two, sit down to dinner.

8ish - I eat my dinner.

LISA BARTON-COLLINS Mrs BC's House of Chaos I’m a firm believer that eating together as family brings you closer and opens the lines of communication in a relaxed setting. Our family eats together most nights…sort of. Our rule is if everyone is home, then all devices and the TV must be turned off and we all sit at the table together. The aim is to enjoy each other’s company, discuss the day’s events – by which I mean read between the lines and find out the finer points of what is going on in everyone’s lives, as well as teach our ravenous monkeys some decent table manners.

This last bit requires constant attention, so dinner together is ideally a family affair every night. Due to the disparate nature of my family's eating habits (one is allergic to eggs, one will not eat onions, one loves spicy, saucy food, one won’t eat chicken with bones, one won’t eat soup, one needs to watch their carbs…you get the picture) I quite often create different dishes and put them in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves. It’s not that much extra work for me, and it works for us. It’s also easier to accomplish if everyone is sitting at the table!

The reality is that we can only fit this into our lives a few nights a week. Our daughter is a young adult and as such has her own thrilling social life, of which I am jealous, and I wouldn’t want to deprive her of that. The boys have sport three nights a week so dinner might be spread over a few different sittings. The husband frequently works back, and long ago (when he wasn’t working back so much) we made the deal that if Dad wasn’t home, then the coffee table could be turned into the dinner table and the boys could eat in front of the TV. This has resulted in ‘family dinner’ occurring four nights a week, at the most; which is sad but I guess it’s a casualty of busy family life. Hopefully Dad’s job situation will change, and the end of the sport season will surely finish soon.

It’s mandatory for everyone to sit at the table together for special occasions, and in the meantime we do our best to grab family moments where we can, although they might not be at the table.

8.30pm – my husband arrives home and eats his dinner.

SHARI BREWER

And you know what? This plan suits me to a tee.

I absolutely love eating my dinner in peace and quiet without having to force it down my throat while I beg the kids to eat one, just one, piece of carrot. There is no-one throwing food on the ground, there are no drinks being knocked over, there is no screaming and no whinging. Just me and my food.

Over the holidays, we had quite a few family dinners on special request from our four-year-old. While there were some really lovely moments, I feel we are still at that stage where dinnertime is such a battle that it is just easier to eat separately.

I definitely see the importance of families eating together. It’s the perfect time to sit and chat and learn about each other’s days. I want my family to have that chance to come together and connect and as soon as our two-year-old is easier to manage at the dinner table, we will.

LAUREN MATHESON Create Bake Make As much as we would love to eat together as a family every night, in reality it just isn't possible thanks to a hubby who works late. Our two little men are both ready for their dinner by 5.30, which means most nights it's just the three of us eating together and if we're lucky my husband might arrive just in time for dessert - how convenient!

Even though it's just the three of us most nights, I still make sure we set the table and we sit down together to eat and talk about our day. On the rare occasions all four of us have a meal together, there is a strict no TV and no phones at the table rule to ensure we actually have a conversation and spend some quality time together.

Teenage Survival Coach I fantasise about having sit down family meals, actually I think I fantasise about having a normal family routine, full stop.

Sadly, we really only get to sit and enjoy a meal as a family when we're going somewhere for an occasion. Do I find this satisfactory? Not at all, but I've learned to accept the situation for what it is.

Like most, our busy family life is a scramble.

With the two teenagers spending some evenings at their dad's, instead of five I have only three to cook for. Should be easy then... but it's not, because even with just three – me, Little Miss and The Farmer – we can't get our act together.

One day I'll proudly declare the littlest is happy to sit and enjoy a grown up meal... but right now calling her fusspot is certainly the kindest way of putting it. She eats dinner earliest and I'll sit with her and we'll chat... primarily to divert attention away from veggie attempt #7538.

The Farmer works long hours seven days of the week and his arrival home can be anytime between 8pm-ish and 11 o'clock. As much as I love him, I won't wait that long for dinner. Ever!

So I tend to eat with the big boys if they're here after fusspot had gone to bed.

I certainly appreciate the benefits of eating the evening meal together as a family and really do love it when we can make it happen. Sadly, our lifestyle gets in the way and for as long as The Farmer toils the land, there's not much we can do other than enjoy the rare family meal opportunities when they arise.

Join the conversation...

Look for Parents Talk topics @ www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/forum/parent-talk 32

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

33

MONS PLAYGROUP 40TH BIRTHDAY

SEPTEMBER 15

Where: Noosa Parks Association Environment Centre, Noosaville Time: 10am – 11:30am Examine the flying fox colony and learn about birds at the environment centre.

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

HIGH FLIERS – BIRDS AND BATS

SEPTEMBER 13

Where: Maleny Showgrounds, Maleny Time: From 9am Come and enjoy a relaxed day where you can follow the food supply chain from paddock to plate. With over 120 exhibits, cooking demos and hands-on activities the festival has something for everyone.

Details: Adults $20. Kids free. www.realfoodfestivals.com.au

REAL FOOD FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 12 & 13

Where: Arcadia St, Noosa Junction Time: 11am – 5pm The Junction’s favourite foodies, kids corner and great entertainment. A great day out!

Details: Entry is free.

Food tickets are $5 each. www.junctionflava.com.au

JUNCTION FLAVA FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 12

Where: Pomona Showgrounds An event not to be missed! Entertainment for the whole family from sheep shearing to science shows; arts workshops and reptile shows!

Details: Adult $15. Child $10. Family $35. www.noosashowsociety.org.au

NOOSA COUNTRY SHOW

SEPTEMBER 11 & 12

Where: Coolum Civic Centre and Nambour Library Time: 10am & 2pm Learn how to build amazing LEGO characters and structures with master builders Bricks 4 Kidz

2 BRICKS 4 KIDZ

SEPTEMBER 22

Where: Across three bushland reserves Create ecologically themed artworks during these workshops or take a discovery walk at Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden or Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve to try to find our elusive resident wildlife.

Details: Bookings essential. $7.50 plus material costs for some workshops. www. community.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/events

ART ON THE WILDSIDE

SEPTEMBER 22 TO OCTOBER 1

Where: Arthouse Cinema Nambour Time: 10:30am Come and see the Minions in their escapades again these school holidays at Arthouse Cinema Nambour.

Details: Adults $14. Child $9. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

MINIONS

SEPTEMBER 22, 23, 29 & 30

Where: Noosa Civic Time: 11am – 2pm Paint your own plaster owl to take home in the ABC for Kids Craft Village.

Details: Free. www.noosacivic.com.au

ABC CRAFT VILLAGE

SEPTEMBER 21 TO 25

Where: Kiah Park Horse Riding Camp, 578 Beenham Valley Road, Beenaam Valley (Noosa Hinterland) Time: Camp runs a full week from Saturday to Saturday Children adopt their own horse or pony, enjoy scenic trail rides and outdoor activities, and take home lifelong memories and friendships.

Suited for children aged 6 years to teens of any riding ability.

Details: $795 for one week. Contact Samantha by phone 5486 6166, email info@ kiahpark.com.au or complete your booking form at www.kiahpark.com.au

7 DAY HORSE RIDING CAMP

Where: Boreen Point and Lake Cootharaba Floating Land provides an opportunity to pause and reconnect with the grassroots beginning of this local art event. Check out the community arts program for more details. www.noosa.qld.gov.au

FLOATING LAND 2015

SEPTEMBER 19 TO 26 / SEPTEMBER 26 TO OCTOBER 3

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: $25 for children 8 years and over.

COAST CLUB SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 2

Where: 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 $75. www.underwaterworld.com.au

OCEAN RANGER PROGRAM

SEPTEMBER 23, 25 & 30 / OCTOBER 2

Where: Lake Kawana Community Centre Time: 10am and 1pm The fabulous Flipside Circus artists return with an all new show, the spectacular school holiday treat Stories from the Sky. Details: $18.50 or $68 for a family of 4. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

FLIPSIDE CIRCUS

SEPTEMBER 23 TO 25

Where: Beerwah and Caloundra Library Time: 10am & 2pm Create your own LEGO Movie!

Details: Ages 9+. Free. Bookings essential. www.library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

STOP-GO ANIMATION

SEPTEMBER 23

Where: Maleny Library Time: 9.30am – 11am Call in and create masks, crowns, superhero cuffs and fun book characters.

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

SUPERHEROES VS PRINCESSES

SEPTEMBER 22

Where: Ground Level, Outside Myer, Sunshine Plaza Time: 10am – 1pm daily.

Let the kids immerse themselves in a pixel world and put their gaming skills to the test with classic 1980s arcade and tabletop games.

Details: Free. www.sunshineplaza.com

KIDTASTIC HOLIDAY FUN FOR KIDS!

SEPTEMBER 22 TO OCTOBER 3

SEPTEMBER 11 & OCTOBER 9 Where: The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina

PIERRE’S KITCHEN CAPERS

SEPTEMBER 28 TO OCTOBER 2

Where: Ocean St, Maroochydore Time: 5pm – 9pm

NIGHTS ON OCEAN

TWILIGHT MARKETS AT THE WHARF

EVERY FRIDAY Where: The Wharf, Mooloolaba Time: 3:30pm – 7:30pm Bursting with fresh local produce and handcrafted gift ideas, soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a bite from one of the many food outlets. www.underwaterworld.com.au

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 street theatre. www.caloundrastreetfair.com.au

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/markets

BIG PINEAPPLE MARKETS

EVERY SATURDAY

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 Details: Book a stall online for only $35.

Email: natsmith76@hotmail.com. www.noosakidsmarket.com.au

NOOSA KIDS AND BABY MARKET

SEPTEMBER 27 & OCTOBER 25

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

SEPTEMBER 13

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

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.

Details: Enclosed footwear must be worn when riding on trains. www.scrms.org.au

MINI STEAM TRAIN RIDES

SEPTEMBER 27 & OCTOBER 25

Where: Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra Time: 9am – 4pm QAM presents its collection of historic operational aircraft in a special display of aviation horsepower.

Details: Adults $15. Children $8. Family pass $35. www.qam.com.au

AERO ENGINE RUN DAY

SEPTEMBER 26

Where: Noosa Civic Time: 11am & 1pm. Meet and Greet 12pm.

Have a hoot of a time and join owl pals Hoot and Hootabelle for their live show at Noosa Civic.

Details: Free. www.noosacivic.com.au

HOOT AND HOOTABELLE LIVE SHOWS

SEPTEMBER 28 TO OCTOBER 2

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, Omrah Ave, Caloundra Time: 10am – 4pm Caloundra Regional Gallery will transform into a hub for creatives each Saturday and Sunday during the Fringe Festival offering exciting self-guided art activities suitable for all ages.

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

CREATIVE HUB

SEPTEMBER 26 & 27 / OCTOBER 3 & 4

Where: Caloundra Eleven days of arts, culture, comedy, cinema, music and culinary delights. Check out the program online for full details. www.caloundrafringefestival.com.au

CALOUNDRA FRINGE FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 25 TO OCTOBER 5

SEPTEMBER

- CALENDAR -

AUGUST 27 TO OCTOBER 18

FATHER’S DAY

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SEPTEMBER/

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OCTOBER 2015

“ Things to do, places to go!”

Coast - Gold Coast

school

hine Brisbane - Suns

OCTOBER 5 OCTOBER 31

Where: Mary Street, Gympie Celebrate the discovery of gold in Gympie with live local entertainment, food and markets stalls, face painting, jumping castles and fun rides. Don’t miss the street parade through Mary Street and the laser light show at 7pm.

Details: Free. www.goldrush.org.au

GYMPIE DISTRICT GOLD RUSH FESTIVAL

Where: Peregian Beach Community House, Peregian Beach Time: 5:30pm Trick or Treat! Come along to family movie night to watch Despicable Me 2.

Details: Free. Dress code Halloween.

Food and drinks available. www.peregianbeachcommunityhouse.org

HALLOWEEN FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Where: Lake Kawana Community Centre Time: 9:30am – 5pm A unique health and well-being event for children of all ages also promoting conscious parenting. Free activities and workshop for the kids, free seminars for parents and exhibitors promoting health and wellbeing products and services for children.

Details: Adults $10. Kids under 15 free. www.consciouslifefestival.com.au

OCTOBER 17

SEPTEMBER 10 R U OK? DAY www.ruokday.com.au

CONSCIOUS LIFE FESTIVAL

Where: Kiah Park Horse Riding Camp in the Noosa Hinterland Time: Friday 5pm to Monday 3pm Children adopt their own horse or pony for a weekend filled with arena lessons, trail rides, gymkhana and heaps of fun. Perfect for children aged 6 years to teens of any riding ability.

Details: $410. Contact Samantha by phone 5486 6166, email info@kiahpark.com.au, or complete a booking form at www.kiahpark.com.au

Sign up at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au for our weekly What’s On guide.

Don’t miss out on any events!

Where: Peregian Beach Community House, Peregian Beach Time: 11:30am – 3pm Family day for all ages. Free activities including pony rides, petting zoo, jumping castle, plus face painting, lucky dips and more!

Food and drinks available on site.

Details: Free www.peregianbeachcommunityhouse.org

KIDZ KARNIVAL

OCTOBER 11

Where: Sunshine Coast Stadium Time: From 9am The Happiest 5km on the Planet, a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality.

Details: Adult $66. Child $50.50. 5yrs and under free. www.thecolorrun.com.au

THE COLOR RUN

OCTOBER 31 TO NOVEMBER 1

LONG WEEKEND HORSE RIDING CAMP

DOWNLOAD FROM OUR WEBSITE ON SEPTEMBER 11

FATHER’S DAY

- 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

Children's Week is held to heighten community awareness of the needs of children. www.childrensweek.com.au

CHILDREN’S WEEK

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 1

World Teachers’ Day is dedicated to recognising the critical importance of quality teachers in the development of quality education.

WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY

SEPTEMBER 6

www.superherodaymd.com

SUPERHERO DAY FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

SEPTEMBER 1 TO 5

nationaL days

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

OCTOBER 16 TO 19

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN COOL DUDES

SEPTEMBER 24

Nambour Civic Centre. www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

ROALD DAHL’S REVOLTING RHYMES AND DIRTY BEASTS

SEPTEMBER 9

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

CRANKY BEAR

SEPTEMBER 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

An evening of art, craft and culture held in the new epicentre of Maroochydore. www.nightsonocean.com.au

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, Omrah Ave, Caloundra Time: 10:30am & 1:30pm Join in this super fun cool arts workshop for kids. Two sessions offered daily for ages 5 – 7 years and 8 – 12 years.

Details: $8 per session. Limited numbers.

Bookings essential. www.gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

ARTSCOOL

OCTOBER 21 & 22

Where: Riverwalk Stage, Sunshine Plaza Time: 10am, 11am & 1pm daily.

Come along to sing and dance with Paddington Bear in his new live stage show.

The cuddly Paddington Bear will also be available for meet & greets between 12pm to 12.30pm daily.

Details: Free. www.sunshineplaza.com

PADDINGTON BEAR

SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 3

Time: 10am and 12 noon daily Join Pierre at The Ginger Factory to be entertained by his hilarious Kitchen Capers. Complete with songs, laughter and questionable recipes, it will be a feast of fun.

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

Where: Sunshine Coast Stadium Time: 9am – 5pm Visit the home show for an extensive range of quality home and lifestyle products including building, renovating, green living and home improvements. Lots of free entertainment for the whole family.

Details: Adults $10. Children free. www.sunshinecoasthomeshow.com.au

SUNSHINE COAST HOME SHOW

OCTOBER 16 TO 18

Where: Felicity Park, Omrah Ave, Caloundra Felicity Park will be transformed by yarn bombing to recreate an enlivened space in spirit with the Fringe Festival. Stroll through the park and appreciate the creativity of this magical display.

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

FELICITY PARK YARN BOMBING

SEPTEMBER 25 TO OCTOBER 5

Where: Sea Life Mooloolaba Explore the depths of our new ocean walk through and see what our creatures and critters really get up to at night! Includes a behind the scenes tour, seal presentation, evening meal, supper and breakfast and sleeping bags.

Details: $90 per person. www.underwaterworld.com.au

FAMILY SLEEP UNDER THE SEA

SEPTEMBER 25 & 26 / OCTOBER 2 & 3

$30 for adults. www.nprsr.qld.gov.au

Every school holidays we publish a comprehensive activity and event eGuide, covering all of SE Queensland.

Sign up online to be notified when the guide is launched and to receive the link to DOWNLOAD your personal copy.

Where: Kings Beach and surrounds Treat yourself to the sounds of a diverse line-up of entertainment featuring the best of the Australian music industry as well as some incredible international artists.

Details: Check website for ticket pricing. www.caloundramusicfestival.com

CALOUNDRA MUSIC FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 2

Where: Caloundra Library Time: 1pm – 3pm Create your very own easy to make figurines and treasure pouches out of felt. Make fairies, dragons, knights, unicorns and pirates and so much more.

Details: Ages 7+. Free. Bookings essential. www.library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

MYTHICAL TREASURES OCTOBER 11

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, Omrah Ave, Caloundra Time: 10am – 4pm Caloundra Regional Gallery will spill into Felicity Park with an exciting range of arts, crafts, storytelling and fun happenings for the whole family to celebrate the Sunshine Coast Art Prize and fabulous Fringe Festival.

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

Where: The J, Noosa Time: 9am, 10am, 11am Unlimited fun on five indoor jumping castles for one hour in the The J auditorium. Parents and guardians free entry. Café open til 12pm.

Details: $10 per session. For 3 to 10 years. www.thej.com.au

OCTOBER 1

FAMILY FUN AT FELICITY PARK

OCTOBER 3

WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY

5

OCTOBER

Where: C3 Church, 3 Premier Circuit, Kawana Waters Time: 9:30am – 4pm A 3-day fun filled, interactive and fully supervised conference for kids aged 8 – 14 years. Creative workshops, praise and worship, teaching encouragement and confidence building.

Details: $60 per child for three full days (early bird price). Phone Katie 0423 428 733 for details. www.overflowkids.com

CALLING YOU CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER 22 TO 24

Details: Free. Bookings essential. Suitable for ages 6 – 12 years. www.library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

JUMPIN’ @ THE J

OCTOBER 1

OCTOBER

Where: Lake Kawana Community Centre Time: 8:30am – 4pm Lose yourself in stacks of pre-loved books.

Thousands of titles to rummage through including a range of CDs, vinyl, games and puzzles.

Details: Free entry www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

LIFELINE BOOKFEST

SEPTEMBER 18 TO 20

Where: Mons Playgroup Centre, 1 Mons School Rd, Buderim Time: 10am – 12pm Join the celebration as Mons Playgroup turns 40! Jumping castle, lots of activities, free giveaways, sausage sizzle, entertainment and more.

Details: Gold coin entry. Dress up theme! www.playgroupqld.com.au

NEW LEAF IS

branching out!

New Centre - Alexandra Headland Opening in January 2016 with places available from ages 6 weeks to school-age. Contact us to secure a place for your child.

OPENIN JANUAR G Y 2016

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

laying a strong

foundation FOUNDATION COLLEGE (PREP TO YEAR 2)

36

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

Specialist early childhood teachers support a strong focus on literacy, numeracy and problem solving. A warm, stimulating, nurturing environment founded on Christian values, featuring: • Strong parent partnerships • High levels of teacher aide support • A fostering of creativity and imagination www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au

An initiative of the

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

PHONE Chris Henschke, College Registrar on 5436 7321 LOCATION Woodlands Boulevard, Meridan Plains 4551 SCAN to visit our website.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

EDUCATION

“I’m sorry… your child doesn’t fit the box”

by Michelle Kennedy WE ALL WANT OUR KIDS TO ENJOY SCHOOL AND FEEL LIKE THEY FIT IN. WE WANT THEM TO DEVELOP GREAT FRIENDSHIPS AND BE EXCITED ABOUT THEIR LEARNING. THIS IS PARTICULARLY CRITICAL IN THE EARLY YEARS FROM AGES FOUR TO EIGHT AS IT SETS THEM UP FOR SUCCESSFUL LEARNING IN THE LATER YEARS OF PRIMARY AND HIGH SCHOOL. For some children though, learning is not a walk in the park, and struggles with schoolwork may lead to a child feeling they don’t belong. Learning problems can develop, which, if left undetected, can also create behavioural and emotional problems.

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

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY LEARNING PROBLEMS? Learning problems generally fall into two categories: 1. More complex problems that require a diagnosis from a professional as they are beyond the expertise of the teacher.

These problems may include visual or auditory issues, sensory processing issues, dyslexia, ADHD or Asperger's syndrome.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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

WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO LEARNING PROBLEMS? Within the classroom, there are four key elements to consider which may contribute to learning problems experienced by children: 1.

2.

3.

4.

A child’s learning style Breaks during lessons Interesting content A child’s self esteem

In addition, food can impact greatly on your child's ability to focus and sustain attention while learning.

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

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

37

EDUCATION

A CHILD'S LEARNING STYLE What does it mean?

Put simply, a child’s learning style refers to the way they learn best.

When children commence school, they can be visual, auditory or kinesthetic learners.

Visual learners prefer to see things when learning something new.

Auditory learners (aural) prefer having things explained to them and will solve problems by talking about them.

Kinesthetic learners prefer to be moving/feeling when learning something new.

Generally, teachers will present content according to their preferred teaching style. This is where problems may occur for children, as the teacher’s teaching style may not suit each child’s learning style. The teacher may stand out the front of the classroom and talk about a new concept, which is great for the aural learner; however, the visual learner who needs diagrams to explain new concepts may lose focus. This problem has been acknowledged by renowned child psychologist Dr. Michael CarrGregg as one of the causes of poor learning in children.

Ideally, teachers need to cater for individual learning styles by using a multisensory approach to teaching. This means presenting content that uses the child’s visual, aural, tactile and kinesthetic senses. It is an effective way for teachers to provide learning experiences inclusive of most children’s learning styles.

How can parents help?

As a parent, you can support your child’s learning at home by being aware of their learning style.

A visual learner prefers information presented to them in a visual way with pictures, three-dimensional models or YouTube clips. An auditory learner generally has a good auditory memory and gains most from discussion, hearing stories and listening to recorded stories. They can dictate a story to you while you write or type it out. A kinesthetic learner prefers to learn by actually doing, to help new information to be retained. Using lots of hands-on activities enables them to ‘feel’ the learning.

A CASE STUDY A 7-year-old child was struggling with spelling. The child was assessed and results indicated there were no complex learning issues. The parents tried various support spelling programs outside of school with little success and consequently the child developed low self-esteem in relation to their spelling capability.

Further investigation showed the child's learning style (aural) was not catered for in support spelling programs (visual focus) which instigated a change of approach. Extra support for spelling changed to include a focus on hearing and repeating sounds and spelling patterns. Once correct spelling was achieved, the spelling pattern was reinforced with additional multisensory activities. A focus on self-esteem was also included in support sessions. The child’s results showed improvements over time, which began to translate to improvements with classroom learning.

38

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

REGULAR BREAKS INCORPORATING MOVEMENT What does it mean?

One of the main things children struggle with is sitting still for extended periods. They lose focus and start to fidget and wriggle or distract other children in the class. They are often told to stop fidgeting and focus on their work. When children start to fidget it often means they need a break and to move around. In a classroom of 25 children, it can be difficult to allow some children to move as it will distract others, however, is there any reason why the whole class can’t have a short break? Most children would benefit from regular movement breaks while learning. Paediatric occupational therapist Angela Hanscom supports regular breaks for children when learning. She raises concerns that children are often misdiagnosed with ADHD when they actually just need more breaks. She observes that if children are getting fidgety it’s a good sign they need to get up and move. It indicates that children are not getting enough movement throughout the day.

How can parents help?

As a parent, ensure your child is involved in movement-based activities. This may include team or individual sports. If children are fidgeting at home, it means their bodies need to move. Movement helps to switch on the brain, which assists with sustained focus when doing homework. If your child is restless halfway through their homework, allow them a five-minute break.

A CASE STUDY A 9-year-old child was struggling with reading and writing, and a professional assessment had ruled out any learning difficulties.

The child had received additional academic support at school to improve reading fluency and writing structure. There was some improvement, however it was recommended the parents seek academic support outside the school.

The child revealed struggling with sitting still for long periods in the classroom. The child admitted to ‘switching off’ after sitting for a long time, explaining this was a regular occurrence. The child admitted to displaying undesirable behaviour to other children in the classroom due to not understanding the work.

When the focus in the support sessions changed to include regular breaks (which incorporated movement) and a focus on self-esteem, gradual improvements were observed. The child became more engaged in support sessions and was able to sustain attention for longer periods of time. These improvements transferred to the classroom with improved behaviour and consequently better academic outcomes.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

• Our purpose-built Prep Centre includes a child-height multi-purpose kitchen and exclusive outdoor learning area.

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For over 35 years, we have supported our students to be well educated, competent and caring young people.

Contact us now for a personalised tour of the College ca mpus.

Nambour Christian College COLLEGE ADDRESS 2 McKenzie Road Woombye QLD 4559 EMAIL enrolments@ncc.qld.edu.au WEB www.ncc.qld.edu.au PHONE 5451 3333

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

39

EDUCATION

CONTENT REFLECTING THE INTERESTS OF THE CHILD What does it mean?

Children learn best when they are engaged in their learning.

This means content needs to be interesting otherwise children become bored in class.

World-renowned neurologist and educator Dr Judy Willis has published many articles and research papers that illustrate how roadblocks in the brain can prevent new learning being stored in children’s long-term memory. Some of these roadblocks occur when the content is taught using the same teaching method or when the children become bored with the content being presented.

How can parents help?

As parents, you understand the interests of your child. When completing homework, vary activities and relate content to the interests of your child.

An example is learning number facts. Automatic recall of number facts assists with calculating more difficult sums in later year levels.

Varying the way these facts are learnt makes the process more interesting and supports them being stored in long-term memory.

The key is to practise the facts in different ways; if the child loses interest, the practice becomes ineffective. Different ways to learn these facts may be using an iPad app or adopt a sporting focus by bouncing a ball while saying the number facts.

It can be challenging for parents to ensure learning remains interesting at home, however it is important to understand extra efforts made at home can benefit children’s learning in the long term.

A CASE STUDY An 8-year-old child was struggling learning their number facts for homework. The parent said they would have arguments about the importance of learning number facts, resulting in tension between parent and child. After discussions with the teacher, they decided to use different methods to assist with keeping the homework interesting. This involved using a different approach each night, such as a mathematics app or including some type of movement while giving oral answers to number facts.

Michelle Kennedy is an Early Years Learning Specialist based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. She holds a Diploma of Teaching (Primary), Bachelor of Education (Early Years) and Masters of Education (Early Years), and has taught at state and private schools in Australia and England.

Michelle works with children who need extra support or extension by using her unique whole child approach to learning, ensuring children reach their full potential.

For further information, visit www.engagedlearners.com.au

40

Keeping the child interested kept them focused, which assisted with number facts being remembered. Locking them into the child’s longterm memory allowed for quick recall of number facts when required.

A CHILD'S SELF-ESTEEM What does it mean?

Self-esteem refers to how children feel about themselves.

Young children often have positive self-esteem developed from encouraging comments from their parents.

Author, educator, and parenting and resilience specialist Maggie Dent discusses how children develop a sense of themselves as they progress through primary school according to how others perceive them. They become aware of how their performance compares with other children at school. When they experience repeated failure at school, children begin to lack confidence in

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

their ability and can develop low self-esteem. This impacts on learning and can affect their memory and ability to focus.

Low self-esteem can be a major cause of children’s learning difficulties. In addressing learning difficulties, teachers and parents often focus on academic skills with minimal focus on self-esteem.

Focusing on self-esteem will give children the confidence to attempt something new, ensuring their minds will be open to improving academic skills.

How can parents help?

As parents, it is important to be positive and supportive. When children experience learning difficulties at school they experience failure, which can send negative messages. Parents need to consider the messages they send their child at home.

It is important to highlight a child’s strengths so they experience success as this may not be happening at school. Talk to children about your own strengths and weaknesses. Model to children that making mistakes is okay, as mistakes help us to learn and develop resilience when faced with difficulties.

Ensure you create an environment at home that encourages discussion about problems children may be experiencing. If children feel good about themselves there is a greater chance new learning will be understood and remembered.

A CASE STUDY An 8-year-old child was struggling with mathematics. An external assessment had ruled out any learning difficulties. The child had become anxious about their repeated struggles and expressed feeling embarrassed when others could work out answers to problems.

The parents sought additional academic support outside of school, explaining mathematics never used to be a problem. The child admitted not trying in mathematics as they ‘just didn’t get it anymore’ and didn’t feel good about themselves at school. The child’s low self-esteem was negatively impacting on their ability to learn mathematics concepts.

Support sessions included a focus on self-esteem and developing an ‘I can do’ attitude towards schoolwork. Simple mathematical problems were provided, increasing in difficulty over time to develop resilience when faced with a challenging problem. The child gradually built up self-esteem, which translated to improved marks in mathematics.

It is important to understand your child’s journey through school may come across a few roadblocks. Does this mean they have learning problems? Maybe…however often the roadblocks are a result of what is happening within the walls of the classroom.

Parents need to challenge any generalisation that 'your child doesn’t fit the box' by questioning elements within the classroom that may be contributing to these learning issues and actively support the child’s learning out of school. Being aware of your child’s learning style, ensuring content is interesting and building self-esteem and resilience can ensure your child is given the best possible opportunities during their education journey.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Foundations for Life and Learning - Enrol Now for 2016

Call 07 5436 6777 7 Gregson Place Caloundra www.calcc.qld.edu.au

Learning @ Unity

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Empowering student responsibility for own learning Safe and supportive learning environment Technology rich and quality resourced learning Welcoming Christian community unity Arts / Cultural / Dance programs

Due to demand we are now taking enrolments for an additional Yr 9 class in 2016.

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nCesses PirAtes & Pri 0AM – 11.00AM

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Designed for children aged 2-8 (babies and older siblings welcome).

Come and keep the kids entertained in our amazing new centre, surrounded by our farm.

A delicious morning tea is provided for everyone with goodie bags to take home.

Registrations required due to limited numbers.

Click on the link at the top of www.nccearlylearning.com.au

SEp 9.30AM – 11.00 AM Not your standard arts and craft, have some fun with · making masks · beading bracelet s · making and flying a kite · creative biscuit de corating

Nambour Christian College | Early Learning Centre McKenzie Road, Woombye Qld 4559 | ph: 5451 3330 Email: earlylearning@ncc.qld.edu.au | www.nccearlylearning.qld.edu.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

term time: Come & See days every Wednesday at 9.30am. Check out our website for further information.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

41

BABIES

MOTHERS’ GROUPS: FRIENDS OR FOES?

by Penny Shipway WHEN YOU HAVE A BABY, YOUR LIFE AS YOU KNOW IT CEASES. FAST-PACED CAREERS BECOME LABORIOUS FEEDS AND MENIAL HOUSEWORK, CORPORATE SUITS ARE SWAPPED FOR PYJAMAS WHICH ARE SOMETIMES WORN AROUND THE CLOCK, AND FRIDAY NIGHT DRINKS ARE REPLACED WITH LATE-NIGHT MILK PARTIES OF A DIFFERENT KIND. SO WHEN YOU THROW A RANDOM GROUP OF SLEEP-DEPRIVED, FIRST-TIME MUMS TOGETHER IN A ROOM AND FEED THEM CAKE AND TEA, IT’S A WONDER THEY DON’T START A FOOD FIGHT. Mothers’ groups are a lifeline for many people in the early months with a new baby, but just because you all happen to have a new baby does not mean you will automatically click. Some mothers’ groups bond immediately and last a lifetime, while others descend into unhelpful gatherings that are a joy to leave.

Melbourne author and social commentator Monica Dux says mothers’ groups can be an invaluable support system for new mums, but it’s not surprising that many groups fail. “Mothers’ groups are a really difficult place to navigate. Some people do find a place, some don’t,” she says. “They are good in theory, but I don’t think they always work. And the reasons why they don’t work make perfect sense; they are fraught.

42

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

“If you put a group of people with nothing in common – other than that they have procreated – in any social context, it’s going to be complicated. Parents are feeling scared, insecure and frightened. It can spell a social disaster.”

Monica, who has written two popular parenting books, Mothermorphosis and Things I Didn’t Expect (when I was expecting), says during her research she found just how passionate new parents were on this topic, albeit polarised. “I heard a lot of strong language. A lot of people said their mother’s groups were a pack of judgemental b*tches. One lady said it saved her life.”

The mother-of-two says she was most alarmed by the stories she heard of judgement and insecurity.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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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

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

43

BABIES

“One woman was so scared of judgement she put concealer on her baby’s blemishes, and another woman saw a mother run her finger on the coffee table (to show the dust to everyone)...the worst examples of humanity in one room.”

But Monica says for some women the experience can be positive if mums go into the group being open and supportive. “We compare ourselves constantly, but for a lot of mums comparing gives them a chance to see how other women are doing things.

This can be a good thing when you realise you aren’t the only one. If mothers can get past that and not judge each other, then it can be a wonderful support.”

Sunshine Coast early learning teacher and mother-of-two Tania Brown met her two closest friends at her mothers’ group. “Those friendships took over for me outside of my traditional friends, because we were sharing a huge part of our lives,” Tania says.

“There were times when you had showered, and other times you hadn’t, and they would completely understand. Whether it was teething issues or the fact we were all tired, we were all going through the same thing and we could relate to each other.

Our guide to

BABIES F rom bump to birth and beyond

- on the coast

- in the city

LOOK OUT FOR OUR BABIES eGUIDE

RELEASED MID-OCTOBER

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MOTHERS’ GROUP

SURVIVAL

GUIDE Parenting author Monica Dux’s top 10 tips on navigating mothers’ groups

1. Be open, honest and not afraid to be vulnerable.

The best way to connect is to open yourself up and share your feelings.

2. Don’t judge. Also consider, are people judging you or are you judging yourself?

3. Have empathy, be kind and generous. Walk in with the recognition that everyone is trying their best.

4. Realise there is no wrong or right way of doing things.

5. Realise you are not all the same.

6. Forgive. We are all on the same train.

7. Support each other. You are there to help not hinder.

8. Don’t feel you have to live up to any standards.

9. If something isn’t working, move on.

10. Stay connected. Find a group that suits you.

44

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

IF YOU CAN’T FIND SUPPORT IN A MOTHERS’ GROUP, ATTEMPT TO CREATE A COMMUNITY OF WOMEN GOING THROUGH THE SAME EXPERIENCE, WHETHER THEY ARE FRIENDS WITH KIDS OR THROUGH ONLINE SUPPORT NETWORKS. “It was also important to have friends outside my family, who knew my baby well, and had also bonded with my baby. That way I could call on them if I needed them to step in for me. It’s so important for kids to attach to other adults.”

Tania says the biggest benefit was knowing people with babies the same age, who you could meet at age-appropriate places, whether that be a coffee shop with babies and later, playgrounds.

While mothers’ groups are usually organised by state government health centres, parent groups can come in many different guises such as antenatal and breastfeeding groups, playgroups, music or Gymboree groups, online support groups and meet ups, or simply friends and family who have children and organise one of their own.

When Tania moved from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast two years ago, she remained in touch with her mothers’ group, but made a point of joining as many parent groups as she could to meet likeminded people and stay sane. “I have kept in touch with my original mothers’ group, but it was also important for me to continue to find more similar parent groups when I moved. Otherwise you isolate yourself and that’s when you have problems.”

Brisbane mother Emma Rennick wasn’t so lucky when finding a mothers’ group. Emma joined a group arranged by the midwives at her antenatal class, but what she thought would be a triumph of sisterhood turned out to be like a scene from the movie, Mean Girls.

"Immediately there was competition and conflict," Emma says. "One mother lined all of the babies up and measured them to see which was the biggest, which wasn't very nice for the mother who had a 35-weeker premmie. Another mother invited some mums to join a cast-off group that was for professionals only, so that meant she outwardly omitted my friend who was a pharmacy assistant. She kept telling everyone loudly that she couldn't relate to anyone if they didn't have a professional white-collar career. I went a few times and then stopped going. It was hideous, worse than high school."

Monica says if a mothers’ group doesn’t suit you, don’t feel defeated as there are other options.

“It’s not that anyone failed; it is really hard. We put so much pressure on mothers that they will become these angelic beings and form a perfect mothers’ group. They may not be your best friends forever, but if it gets you out of the house once a week then that’s great. If it’s not working for you, find a new one.”

Whether it’s working for you or not, Monica says it’s crucial for new parents to find alternative ways to connect. “If you can’t find support in a mothers’ group, attempt to create a community of women going through the same experience, whether they are friends with kids or through online support networks. If it doesn’t work, find another way to connect. It is crucial to stay connected.”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

45

TEENS

BREAKING

DOWN BARRIERS

by Sandra Smith

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

TEENS

TALKING ABOUT SEX, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL WITH YOUR TEEN KEEPING UP OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH TEENAGERS IS A CHALLENGE FOR PARENTS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO TOPICS LIKE SEX, ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS. IT CAN FEEL AWKWARD AND EMBARRASSING, BUT TEENS LOOK TO THEIR PARENTS FOR GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT, THOUGH THEY MAY NOT ADMIT IT. SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO START TALKING, TO BREAK DOWN THE TABOOS AND TO KEEP THE CONVERSATIONS GOING. LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX Sex is a difficult topic for parents to broach with their teenagers.

Though attitudes have changed over time and society is generally more open and permissive, parents may feel uncomfortable talking about sex with their teens – and it’s likely that the young people will feel awkward too.

True Relationships & Reproductive Health (formerly Family Planning Qld) general manager Anthony Walsh says that admitting to those feelings of embarrassment and awkwardness can be a good conversation starter.

“That creates a bond of honesty and respect between the parent and the teenager, so there’s absolutely no harm in saying how you feel about it,” he says. “Remember that despite what they’ll say and how they might react, teenagers actually want to hear from adults about this stuff.”

You can start a conversation by chatting about a current event, a recent documentary or magazine article, or asking what they’ve learnt in sex education at school. Anthony says that teens don’t want ‘the talk’ or a lecture, and sex is a broad area that can’t be limited to just one chat.

“They’re after a conversation, they’re after a discussion, a sharing of ideas. They want to be listened to as well as talked to,” he says.

SAFE SEX

If teenagers are sexually active, parents need to ensure they have a balanced view of healthy sexuality and access to birth control and condoms.

“Don’t wait for kids’ questions. Start the conversations. A lot of parents think they’ve got to wait until their child comes and asks them, and in many cases you’ll wait forever,” Anthony says.

Parents can support their child when they go to their GP for advice or to a service such as True, which offers young people support and consultations for contraception or sexual health checks.

True operates clinics and services in Brisbane and regional Queensland, and has also released a ‘Traffic Lights’ phone app to help parents understand and respond to a child’s sexual behaviour.

SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF AUSTRALIAN TEENS According to La Trobe University’s 5th National Survey of Australian Secondary Students and Sexual Health 2013: • 69% of secondary students have experienced some form of sexual activity • 34% of secondary students have experienced sexual intercourse • around 40% of students have experienced oral sex • 59% of sexually active students used a condom the last time they had sex

Parents should think about what young people need to know in order to be safe. If the young person is sexually active, it’s important to make sure that there is consent, that they practise safe sex and that the child is protected from exploitation by an adult.

• the most common forms of contraception among sexually active students are condoms (58%) and/or the contraceptive pill (39%)

Anthony advises parents to consider whether their teenager is in a respectful consenting relationship with a peer of similar age and abilities. Parents also need to ensure that teens understand the implications of being sexually active and how to take steps to protect themselves.

With technology at their fingertips, many teens are posting or sharing sexualised images and material on social media, and they may feel pressured into doing that. Over half of all students had received a sexually explicit text message and just over a quarter of all students had sent a sexually explicit photo of themselves, according to the report.

“They need to understand about consent; they need to understand about safe sex and condom use; they need to understand that it’s okay to talk to someone about their experiences,” says Anthony. “If they’ve experienced unwanted sex, if they’ve experienced unsafe sex, they need to know that it’s important for them to seek help and that their parents will help with that.”

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• 13% of sexually active students reported using no contraception the last time they had sex; while 15% used the withdrawal method.

The media normalises sex, but in a distorted way that doesn’t help young people with their own sexual activity. The report confirms that young people have a poor understanding of chlamydia, hepatitis and human papillomavirus (HPV), though their knowledge of HIV is relatively high.

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

47

TEENS

THEY’RE QUITE CLUEY AND THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND FULLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING OR WHY THEY ARE DOING IT, BUT THEY UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT. WHEN YOU COMMUNICATE OPENLY THEY GET IT.

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS Some young people engage in risky, thrill-seeking behaviour and for some teens this may involve alcohol and other drugs.

Substance use may be motivated by curiosity, to feel better or to be accepted by their friends. This is a worrying time for parents.

Lives Lived Well community services manager Suzi Morris says experimentation and wanting to fit in with their peers is normal teenage behaviour. Teens with strong family and social connections will usually leave substances alone after a brief dabble, but those who continue using alcohol and other drugs often don’t have strong role models or positive leadership within their peer group.

“They’re leaning towards a peer group that gives them a sense of identity,” she says. “They feel okay because they feel part of something, even though that something could be quite negative.”

When there is continued use of alcohol or other drugs, Suzi says there is a pattern of behaviour over time that will raise a red flag for parents. This can include heightened emotions and mood swings, being unable to sit still, losing their appetite, avoiding eye contact, struggling at school or becoming secretive.

Parents need to trust their intuition, says Suzi, and be prepared to talk about these issues if they see their children’s behaviour changing or if different friends are on the scene. She advises parents to sit down and have an open discussion with their children.

“They’re quite cluey and they may not understand fully what they are doing or why they are doing it, but they understand when you treat them with respect. When you communicate openly they get it,” she says.

Parents are advised to get as much information as they possibly can about the effects and social harms associated with any kind of drug use, and then to approach the topic in a non-threatening way.

“You need to be gentle and you need to be genuinely concerned, which you would be as a parent, but it’s about nurturing that relationship you have with those kids so that you can get the best out of them and they can get the best out of you,” advises Suzi.

RESOURCES

Lives Lived Well: www.liveslivedwell.org.au Ph: 07 3834 0200 or 1300 727 957 (cost of a local call) Headspace: www.headspace.org.au Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Parentline: www.parentline.com.au.

Ph: 1300 30 1300 Raising Children Network: www.raisingchildren.net.au True Relationships & Reproductive Health: www.true.org.au

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Alcohol is the primary issue for young people because it’s easily accessible and it’s legal, says Suzi. This is followed by cannabis and then methamphetamine. There has been intense media attention on ice, a potent form of methamphetamine, but Suzi says the media hype is disproportionate to the actual number of ice users in Queensland.

“You’ve got a massive media beat-up which makes it sound like every second kid is affected by methamphetamine, which isn’t quite true,” she says. “Alcohol and cannabis continue to be the lead in consistently creating social harm.”

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

THE STATS ON ALCOHOL USE The 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states that 28% of young Australians aged 12–17 years have tried alcohol, 15% have tried cannabis and almost 3% have tried amphetamines or ecstasy.

Binge drinking is often seen as a rite of passage, but risky drinking can have serious consequences. It can cause health problems, serious injury and even death, or lead to sexual activities which teens later regret.

The report states that those under 15 years of age should abstain from alcohol completely, as they are at the greatest risk of harm.

For those aged 15–17 years, the safest option is to delay the onset of drinking as long as possible.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP Parents need to set a good example for their kids, instead of normalising alcohol or illicit drug-taking through their own habits.

When parents drink or smoke, it’s more likely that their teenagers will do the same.

“Parents are our first role model, if you like, and so whatever your behaviour happens to be, eventually the kids in that family will mirror that in some way,” says Suzi. “So if you’re not quite up to scratch as a role model, then that’s what your kids are going to see and they will think that it’s okay.”

According to the NDSHS survey, friends or acquaintances are the most likely sources of alcohol for 12–17 year olds (45%), followed by parents (29%).

Teenagers want their independence and that’s healthy, but parents have a responsibility to keep kids safe. Keeping the lines of communication open is vital, along with setting clear boundaries and monitoring their behaviour. This could include picking them up at night from parties or chatting with the other parent prior to a sleepover.

Suzi says that help and support for drug and alcohol issues is available from organisations like Lives Lived Well and Headspace, where young people can feel safe to say what’s going on in their life without parental consequences.

“It’s a journey and it’s not a quick fix, and I think parents need to understand that there’s not a magic wand that’s going to go ‘bang’ and your kid’s going to be sorted,” says Suzi. “It takes time, so patience is key, and communication, and not just communication but consistency.”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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A vision for powerful learning In today’s fast-paced environment it is vital in any industry to keep abreast of the constant changes in technology. In the education section in particular, leading schools need to have a vision for change in the form of 21st century learning, where the spirit of innovation creates a mindset for the future.

Education was once modelled on the needs and interests of an Industrial age. In this model, the ability to memorise facts and the mastery of the three Rs was a benchmark of success.

That era has gone as we now live in an increasingly diverse, globalised, complex and media-saturated society. A degree today doesn’t guarantee a job and students are faced with the potential of numerous occupations throughout their career.

Teachers are no longer the ‘fountain of all facts’ as ‘Google’ has now replaced this role. Mastery of the basics – reading, writing and arithmetic – are still crucial, however in isolation they won’t prepare students to thrive in the 21st century. Schools are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t exist, to solve problems that we don’t recognise and use digital technology that hasn’t been invented.

Teachers are working with students whose entire lives have been immersed in a digital media culture. Education potentially faces some critical gaps between the world young people experience outside the classroom and the world within, as well as between the skills that students learn in school and those they will need later in life.

Living and learning in the 21st century requires new thinking and a strategically engineered vision. In the 21st century, the world’s work requires thinking, creativity, problem solving, synthesizing, communicating, designing and developing new products.

Twenty-first century teachers have moved from dispensers of facts to conductors of learning. Through relevant learning experiences, teachers should aim to inspire a culture of inquiry where students collaborate, innovate and think when applying their acquired knowledge to new situations.

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

49

ONLY NATURAL

ARE PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS SAFE FOR YOUR FAMILY?

by Megan Blandford CHEMICALS ARE EVERYWHERE, IMPACTING ON OUR LIVES AND OUR HEALTH, OFTEN IN WAYS WE CAN’T SEE. PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS LIKE SOAPS, SHAMPOOS, DEODORANTS, BABY PRODUCTS AND SKIN CARE CAN ALL CONTAIN CHEMICALS, AND ALTHOUGH WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO AVOID THEM ENTIRELY, WE CAN CERTAINLY REDUCE OUR EXPOSURE TO THEM. One of the biggest health impacts of chemicals in family personal care products is a change to the make-up of your hormones.

Nasties such as bisphenol A (BPA), petroleums, parabens, phenoxyethanol and phthalates fall into a category called hormone-disrupting (or endocrine-disrupting) chemicals. They can impact on a person’s development, reproduction, immune

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

system and brain, and have been linked with diseases such as endometriosis and cancer. In short, these are the ingredients you want to avoid, but the tough thing is they’re everywhere.

So how can you avoid, or at least lessen your exposure to these chemicals?

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Find us on Facebook SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

51

ONLY NATURAL

THE DIRTY THREE TO LOOK OUT FOR A good place to begin is with some of the most common and arguably the most dangerous hormone-disrupting chemicals that are allowed in regulated doses in Australia’s personal care products.

IT’S LIKE EMOTIONAL EATING: SOMETIMES THERE’S SOME WORK WE NEED TO DO ON OURSELVES EMOTIONALLY TO REALISE WE DON’T NEED ALL THESE PRODUCTS.

1. PHTHALATES Phthalates are a family of chemicals produced from oil, which can make products like toys softer and more flexible, or carry cosmetic fragrances.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) states on its website: “The main health concern associated with some phthalates is that animal studies have shown that high regular doses can affect the reproductive system in developing young, particularly males.” The ACCC also acknowledges that children who are chewing on toys containing this chemical can be exposed to higher than average levels. Some phthalates have been banned from cosmetics and toys in the European Union and Japan, however regulated amounts are permitted in Australia.

The simplest way to recognise phthalates in your personal care products is by smelling them. “Phthalates most often hide in synthetic fragrances,” says Alexx Stuart, low-tox living expert at www.alexxstuart.com. She cites some examples as scented candles, air fresheners, perfumes, cleaning products, shampoos, moisturisers, soaps, bath gels and body lotions.

2. PARABENS AND PHENOXYETHANOL Parabens and Phenoxyethanol are common preservatives used in cosmetics (as well as some food, cleaning products and medicines). They mimic the qualities of estrogen, and have been linked to breast cancer and fertility issues in the past, however more recent studies have found these links to be inconclusive.

The National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) states that, “parabens have been proven to be practically non-toxic”. The ACCC takes a similar stance, claiming the chemical’s bad name is merely public opinion rather than fact.

Even though these ingredients are regulated to what is considered a safe level, Stuart argues: “Once you realise the effect of disrupting your hormones, making your estrogen and progesterone feel like there are extra ones floating around and what that does to you biochemically, do you feel comfortable with even a low dose?”

3. OTHER IRRITANTS While other chemicals may not disrupt your hormones, they’re not the best things for long-term use on your body either. “Many things you put on your skin permeate the dermis and go into your blood stream,” says Stuart. “Your skin is your biggest organ, so it’s one of the biggest ingestors of any chemicals you’re exposed to.”

Keep an eye out for common skin irritants, such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), paraffin or anything derived from petroleum, which are all used in many baby products, shampoos and hair products.

Stuart explains, “There is a use for petroleum in preserving certain medications, and it has its place in medicinal use to make products safer and more shelf stable, but I’m not okay with using it daily.”

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

TIME TO THINK DIFFERENTLY Reducing your use of chemical-laden personal care products is like breaking any other habit – as well as the physical act of buying different products, you might need to change the way you think about these products.

The cost of more natural products, for example, can be a big stumbling block for many families if you’re comparing a cheaper supermarket product with a pricier organic alternative. This isn’t necessarily a fair comparison as the way you use the products may differ. “If cost is an issue in a body wash for your child, for example, then only put it on them every second day,” Stuart suggests. “The delicate, beautiful skin of young children and babies doesn’t need to be washed every day.” If you use the products less often and consider using a smaller amount on each occasion, you might be surprised that costs can become more comparative and you’ll be focused on quality rather than quantity.

Remember, there are also environmental impacts from the personal care products you buy. Consider the packaging, such as aerosol cans from deodorants and hair sprays (and if you’re using these, Planet Ark recommends recycling), and how the ingredients of your products are affecting the environment. For example, some popular face scrubs contain tiny beads of plastic, which are washed into the waterways and consumed by animals and fish.

One tricky aspect of changing the products you use can be the logistics of finding the things that work for you, as the natural alternatives that you like may not be available in the shops you visit regularly. This is something you’ll get used to over time. Stuart has these suggestions: “Pharmacies are doing a great job of starting to stock healthier, simpler brands, and online there are some incredible shops like www.nourishedlife.com.au, www.biome.com.au and www.resparkle.com.au.”

Another hurdle can be the marketing that’s everywhere, convincing you that you need all these things you’re trying to let go of. “We need to undo the marketing and realise that life actually isn’t that complicated,” says Stuart, who adds that looking at it logically is the key. “As soon as you start laughing about how hilarious the marketing is to make us think we need all these things in our lives, you can start to approach it with good humour and positivity.”

This marketing and idealisation can create an emotional pull towards products we may associate with our own childhoods or the things we think should be associated with family life. “It’s like emotional eating: sometimes there’s some work we need to do on ourselves emotionally to realise we don’t need all these products,” says Stuart. “There are always solutions, and you may just need to think a bit differently and act differently.”

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?

WHERE DO YOU START? While this is a big issue, it’s important to remember that the aim is to simplify. You’ll find yourself using fewer products with less ingredients in them. Here are five ways you can start to make this change:

1. MAKE GRADUAL CHANGES Changing every product that contains chemicals can be overwhelming if you try to do it in one hit. Remember, this isn’t a matter of all or nothing; you can change things as you’re ready. “Choose a product each week as it runs out,” Stuart advises. This is a simple and effective method for making a long-term, sustainable change.

2. READ THE INGREDIENT LIST

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!

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

For more information about the new Wave Brilliance magnetic chair treatment phone the Suncoast Women’s Centre on 5437 7244 or visit Suite 5, 5 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya (Kawana). Medicare rebates available.

There’s no escaping the fact you have to read through the ingredients to find out whether a product is free from nasty chemicals. But this is easier than it sounds. “You have to look at the ingredient panel and get to know the ingredients,” Stuart says, “but you don’t need to know every single chemical. Know the bad guys and arm yourself with just enough information to make a good decision as you shop.”

3. KNOW WHAT TO REPLACE PRODUCTS WITH Unfortunately, even those products labelled ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ aren’t necessarily chemical-free, so always look for shorter lists of ingredients that don’t include the worst ones listed above.

Certifications are also a good indicator of a quality product. Look for labels stating ‘Australian Certified Organic’ or ‘COSMOS’ (the international standard for organic and natural cosmetics). Check out www.choice.com.au for more information on certifications.

4. USE A LITTLE HELP You don’t need to become a chemistry expert to know whether a product is safe. An app like Chemical Maze can help you decide whether you want to buy certain products. Stuart explains, “In the app, you can put in cosmetic ingredients and it will tell you which ones to look out for and which ones are okay.”

5. DON’T LOOK BACK If you’re feeling worried about the chemicals you’ve been using up to now, you’re not the only one. The only way to get past it, though, is to focus on the future. “You can’t take it to heart or get too angry or stressed about the exposure you’ve already had,” Stuart says.

“It’s about moving on to better options and celebrating that. It’s big, but you need to accept it, learn from it and move on positively.”

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

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

53

GOOD HEALTH

IS ANYONE LISTENING?

by Dr Adam Blond

IT’S SOMETIMES EASY TO FORGET HOW IMPORTANT HEARING IS FOR OUR LITTLE ONES. MOST OF THEIR LEARNING DEPENDS UPON IT. THEY REPEAT ALL THE BASIC SOUNDS THEY HEAR AS A NEWBORN, AND THEN REPEAT THE SIMPLE COMBINATION OF THESE SOUNDS TO FORM WORDS. AS YOUNG CHILDREN THEY LEARN TO READ BY SOUNDING OUT THE WRITTEN WORD. ONCE AT SCHOOL THEY FOLLOW THE VERBAL DIRECTION OF TEACHERS FOR ALL OF THEIR LEARNING. When a child misses this important part of our sensory world at any level, the effects can be far reaching. Early hearing tests are now commonplace to detect any abnormalities shortly after birth, but there are other issues to be aware of.

NEWBORN SCREENING

It is very easy to think that ear disease and hearing problems would be obvious, but this is not always the case. There are a number of signs and situations that parents should be aware of which may indicate an issue with a child’s ears or hearing:

Newborn screening is now offered throughout Australia, but is not compulsory. This is a simple test where earphones are placed over the baby’s ears and a sound is transmitted to the baby’s cochlear. If the hearing is normal this device receives a response which shows the hearing is within a normal range. If the child has a ’refer’ result in either or both ears they are offered a second test within the next 24 to 36 hours. If a further ’refer’ result is received the child is referred to a government body for further testing and evaluation.

This sometimes results in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgical consultation and possibly intervention.

• A child not meeting age milestones.

It’s amazing to think that we are now able to pick up a child’s abnormal hearing so early and intervene if required. Up until testing was introduced in the last decade, the fact that a child was deaf in one ear, for example, was often not discovered until they were six or seven. Basically until they could tell us they couldn’t hear!

• Mucoid (sticky) discharge from the ear is often from the middle ear, suggesting a perforation or rupture of the tympanic membrane.

• Blood from the ear is never normal and requires review.

By finding hearing loss so early we are able to try and avoid any delay in our children’s learning. The first two to five years are some of the most important for learning and development.

If your child’s hearing has been confirmed as normal, this means the cochlear is working as it should. But problems don’t always end here.

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SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

• A child regularly saying things like “What”, “Pardon” or “I can’t hear you”.

• Speech issues such as the loss of the soft consonants, particularly from the beginning and the end of words. This is usually a sign of hearing loss.

• Being unsteady and ‘falling over their own feet’ while running in play. This can be a sign of middle ear effusion or glue ear.

• Any heavy discharge from the ear (other than wax).

• Pain in the ear without discharge (with or without fever). In a very young child can sometimes be from tonsillitis and referred pain.

• Acting out or becoming withdrawn at childcare or around other young children. This can be related to hearing or speech issues due to the frustration of the child not understanding the other children and not being able to make themselves understood.

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SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

55

GOOD HEALTH

Remember, just because your child can hear noises and sounds does not mean they can understand what you are saying. Subtle loss of hearing results in poor understanding and speech delay. If you are ever unsure about your child’s hearing then a hearing test is recommended with a paediatric trained audiology group such as Neurosensory, Attune Hearing or Australian Hearing.

IDENTIFY HEARING PROBLEMS Further testing and evaluation is required after an abnormal hearing test result. Hearing problems can result from a number of different issues, which could include the following: • Abnormal cochlear function, sometimes requiring hearing aids or in some cases cochlear implant.

• Middle ear disease resulting from recurrent infections or ‘glue ear’ due to poor or abnormal function of the Eustachian tube.

• In severe cases, the absence of normal anatomy of the external auditory canal, middle ear, cochlear or auditory nerve.

MIDDLE EAR INFECTIONS Young children from newborn to the age of five years are often affected by middle ear infections causing hearing loss, fever, pain, perforation of the eardrum and in some cases developmental delay.

Some children are affected by glue ear, a condition caused by fluid in the ear, which can result in speech delay, balance issues or starting to walk later than other children. This condition can resolve itself, but if left too long it could cause speech delay, which can take years to resolve.

Medical treatments are available and alternative natural therapies might also help. Control of allergens and food intolerances can make a difference in some cases.

There are also proven surgical treatments for these conditions such as adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids) and the insertion of grommets, which involves placing a small aeration tube in the tympanic membrane (eardrum). This tube grows across the tympanic membrane with the skin that normally migrates to the outer surface of the tympanic membrane. The grommet falls out on its own after a given period of time. While the grommet is in, it allows the eustachian tube, the tube used by an adult to pop their ears, to be bypassed. This stops ear infections and also makes the hearing normal while the grommet is in place, allowing the child to grow out of the problem.

OUTER EAR INFECTIONS Other common ear concerns, particularly on the Sunshine Coast, involve our love of the water. In summer it is very common for children to have outer ear infections. These infections are common in all ages. Ear infections can appear quite suddenly and can be very painful. If normal medications such as oral antibiotics and topical drops don’t relieve conditions, the problem will need to be assessed quite quickly by an ENT specialist.

The most important thing with ear infections is to keep the area completely dry (other than any drops suggested by your doctor).

Any fluid introduced to the ear while it is infected will only worsen the condition.

It is not easy being a parent, especially a new parent trying to work out what is normal. Parents of multiple children have other children to compare to and a lot of hard-earned experience behind them.

But with multiple children it is easy to overlook subtle signs.

The best advice for any parent is to watch your child and listen to your child. If mum or dad thinks there is something not right with their child, it could be that doctors just haven’t found the cause yet.

Dr Adam Blond is a Queensland-trained ear, nose and throat surgeon with a special interest in Rhinology and Paediatrics. He lives and works on the Sunshine Coast and enjoys spending his free time in the ocean surfing and kiting with his wife and two daughters. For more information, visit adamblond.com.au or phone (07) 5444 7322.

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September/October 2015

WEB WRAP UP - on the coast

- in the city

Here’s what you’ve loved on www.kidsonthecoast.com.au & www.kidsinthecitymagazine.com.au PARENTING FILES THE EVOLUTION OF MOTHERHOOD

WIN

EGUIDES FAMILY FINANCES EGUIDE TIPS TO HELP YOU REACH YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

WIN

FAMILY BOUNCE SESSIONS AT BOUNCEINC!

TICKETS TO SEE GRUFFALO’S CHILD AT QPAC APPRECIATING DIFFERENT MOTHERHOOD JOURNEYS.

FAMILY HEALTH AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER THE SIGNS

BOOK REVIEWS MAKE & CREATE MODELLING CLAY MAGIC

YOU

TURN A HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS TIPS ON HOW TO GET STARTED

MAKE & CREATE

ONE DISH BAKED PESTO CHICKEN A QUICK AND EASY DINNER 58

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

FAMILY HEALTH AVOIDING THE FLU EGUIDES HOLIDAY EGUIDES FIND OUT WHAT'S ON DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2015

REVIEW

WIN

WIN 1 OF 3 VIP FAMILY PASSES TO SEE LAH-LAH LIVE THIS SEPTEMBER!

LOCAL GUIDE

DREAMWORLD FOR LITTLE AND BIG KIDS! EDUCATION UNSCHOOLING INSIGHT INTO THIS CHILD DIRECTED LEARNING PHILOSOPHY

REVIEW

DRAX 4 KIDS

1 OF 3 LUNA BLU NAPPY BAGS

Anyone who knows the Gold Coast will know of Draculas, the famous Cabaret restaurant situated across from Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. But what you may not know is that they now have a meal and show for kids called Drax 4 Kids! We didn’t go along just to do a review. We were very interested to review ‘the scary factor’ so parents could be prepared. >> For the full review head to the 'Reviews' section on our website.

WIN

WIN 1 OF 4 HORSE PLAY PACKS FROM BABYVEGAS! www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

WIN

We went along to Dreamworld to take a look at the new ABC KIDS WORLD (which is fantastic by the way), thinking that we could do a very comprehensive review of everything there is to see at Dreamworld for pre-school kids. One day was a little unrealistic, so we spent two days RUSHING around to try to fit everything in. We review ABC KIDS WORLD, DreamWorks Experience, family rides, animal encounters and rides for the bigger kids. If you’re thinking about buying season passes, then this review is for you. You’ll see how much there is to do for little ones (and big kids too)! >> For the full review head to the 'Reviews' section on our website.

PARENTING FILES SLEEP TIME ROUTINE SMALL BUT POWERFUL WAYS TO HELP LITTLE ONES SETTLE

NATURE PLAY BACK TO NATURE

Visit ou r new website!

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 – Kids on the Coast

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PARENTVILLE

Making IT WORK

by Renee Wilson

Last week, I celebrated my two-year anniversary of returning to work after having my second child. Two whole years of working three days a week, being a mum and wife, feeding my blogging addiction and keeping semisane at the same time. I can’t believe I’ve pulled it off!

While I’ve been popping corks to celebrate, there have been a few people intent on raining on my parade.

“When are you coming back full-time?” they ask.

“How old are your kids again?”

“Are you still working part-time?”

I usually offer a fake laugh and tell them I’m a slack tart. Meanwhile, I’m throwing daggers in my mind. What business is it of theirs when I return to full-time work? What does it matter what age my kids are? There’s no rule that mothers need to be working full-time, or even working at all, by the time their kids are a certain age.

I’ve just gotten the hang of juggling part-time work and a family, and now there’s an expectation for me to return full-time? Um, no thank you. I know it’s nobody’s business other than mine when I return to full-time work, but that doesn’t stop the questions getting to me and making me rethink my decision.

With my eldest starting prep next year, I’ve toyed with the idea of increasing my days at work. I find that I’m squeezing five days’ worth of work into three anyway, and I do enjoy what I do, but – and it’s a big but – there are two tiny people tugging on my heart strings telling me that it’s not time to return to full-time work yet.

I love that on Thursday mornings we don’t have to rush anywhere. It is the first time since Sunday where I can finally breathe and enjoy my girls. As I watch them play, I can’t help but marvel over how quickly they are growing and changing. I love watching their individual personalities develop.

For me, this is what life is all about. They won’t be this age forever, nor will they want to spend time with their mum forever, so I’m going to make the most of it while I can. God knows there are days and weeks when life is tough and those little monkeys turn me into a tearful, exhausted shell of a woman, but for the most part it is good. It is amazing.

I am incredibly lucky to be afforded the opportunity to work part-time – lucky that my employer is flexible enough to do this and that we can get by financially. Why would I want to trade this sweet deal in? Why would I not want to spend two precious days a week with my babes in the early years when everything is an amazing new experience?

I wouldn’t. This is the time now when they need me and when I need them.

So, for now, we’ll keep things as is, and everyone can go and mind their own business. There is plenty of time for me to return to full-time work and focus on my career later on. What won’t wait are my kids.

If I could say anything to the mums out there who are struggling to keep their heads above water and are feeling the pressure to return to full-time work, or any kind of work, before they’re ready, it would be to stand your ground and do what’s right for you and your family.

Be kind to yourself and it will make a world of difference.

Renee Wilson is a mummy, a wife, and a woman on a journey of rediscovery. Read her blog at www.mummywifeme.com

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

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CONNECTING PARENTS & FAMILIES

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SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER 2015

Are you looking for some great activities for your kids to do during the next school holidays?

Check out our ultimate online school holiday activity guide to what’s on in South East Queensland during the September/October spring holiday break.

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DESTINATION

A FAMILY CAMPERVAN

ADVENTURE IN NEW ZEALAND

by Eva Lewis

NEW ZEALAND IS A TRULY MAGICAL PART OF THE WORLD AND ONLY A SHORT FLIGHT FROM BRISBANE WHICH MAKES IT A PERFECT OVERSEAS DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES. BUT HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF TRAVELLING AROUND THE SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND WITH YOUR FAMILY IN A CAMPERVAN? There are many benefits of a New Zealand campervan trip. It is a lot cheaper than staying in hotels and apartments, you see and experience more, and it really does become a family bonding experience. When it comes to most holiday parks in New Zealand, they really are second to none. They’re clean and fully equipped with kitchens, dining rooms, hot showers, laundries, internet kiosks and Wi-Fi, picnic areas, barbecues, change stations for babies, activity desks and dump stations (for your toilet & kitchen waste).

WHEN TO TRAVEL If you’re not a fan of very cold weather then perhaps travelling in winter is not the best option, although you can opt for heaters and extra blankets. Winter temperatures on New Zealand’s South Island can range from 1°C to 12°C but it’s the best time to go skiing and enjoy the snow, see glaciers, build snowmen and participate in a good old snowball fight.

If warmer weather is more your thing, summer days on the South Island are long and sunny with mild nights (10°C – 22°C), perfect to experience various outdoor activities. Autumn is a little cooler than summer but the changing colour of the deciduous trees is very picturesque. Spring can experience a mix of cold and warm days but is quite beautiful with new growth after the winter.

A SUGGESTED ITINERARY CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch is the best place to pick up your campervan as flights from Brisbane to Christchurch are usually cheaper than flying into Queenstown. Campervan depots are located close to the airport and depending on when you arrive, you can either take off on your adventure straight away or stay overnight at one of the many hotels right near the airport and collect your van the next morning.

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Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

LAKE TEKAPO HOLIDAY PARK Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo Only a 3-hour drive from Christchurch, the turquoise colour of Lake Tekapo is magnificent and so are the Southern Alps that form its backdrop. Drive in, park your van on your lake view powered site and enjoy the many activities within walking distance from the holiday park. At Tekapo Springs, located right beside the holiday park, you can enjoy ice skating, tubing, hot pools and for the mums, a day spa.

In the summer months you can canoe, pedal boat or Zorb ball on the lake. Take a walk down the road to catch a game of mini golf and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd where you can marvel at the way the church window frames the Southern Alps like a picture. Don’t forget to take a photo of the famous Sheep Dog Monument by the water’s edge. Come nighttime you will be amazed by the clarity of Tekapo’s night sky, unobstructed by any pollution or light. Experience it in full at The Mount John Observatory just up the road. www.laketekapo-accommodation.co.nz

ARROWTOWN HOLIDAY PARK 12 Centennial Avenue, Arrowtown Before venturing into Queenstown, consider staying a night or two in the old gold mining town of Arrowtown. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, it’s a laidback town with plenty to enjoy. The Arrowtown Holiday Park has not long been redeveloped and offers very modern facilities. Just a short stroll from the holiday park will have you in the centre of town where you can eat fudge from the famous The Remarkable Sweet Shop, visit the Lakes District Museum & Gallery, pan for gold on the historic Arrow River, marvel at the historic miners cottages lining the street or visit the Chinese Settlement that dates back to the early 19th century. If you’re here to ski, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are close by too. www.arrowtownholidaypark.co.nz

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DESTINATION

QUEENSTOWN HOLIDAY PARK Upper Brecon Street, Queenstown When you arrive in Queenstown be prepared for loads of fun.

Queenstown Holiday Park boasts modern facilities with the most spectacular view of The Remarkables from the communal dining area. The list of things to do in Queenstown is endless. Apart from the obvious skiing, you can take the Skyline gondola up the mountain to experience amazing views over Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak. While up the mountain there’s the luge ride for the thrillseekers, a cafe, and the Stratosfare restaurant serving up buffet lunch and dinner to hungry families. Once you’re back down the mountain you can enjoy boat rides on Lake Wakatipu and adrenaline junkies must not miss the Shotover Jet boat ride on the Shotover River. There’s Lord of the Rings tours, horse riding journeys, scenic helicopter flights, guided walks and lots more to experience in Queenstown. Lastly, don’t forget to visit Fergburger for the most amazing hamburger that will refuel you after a huge day of fun. www.holidaypark.net.nz

LAKE WANAKA HOLIDAY PARK 212 Brownston Street, Wanaka With stunning views over Lake Wanaka, this is the perfect stop for your trip back up to Christchurch with comfortable facilities and a short walking distance into town. While mum and dad could likely sit all day gazing at the magnificence of the Southern Alps from the campervan, the kids will love the mysteries of Puzzleworld and marvel at the huge toy collection at the National Transport & Toy Museum. There’s skiing here too, with Cardrona and Trebel Cone being the nearest ski fields as well as the Snow Farm. The Snow Farm has plenty of family fun including the Snow Fun Zone where kids can go snow tubing, sledding, build snow sculptures and explore snow caves. www.wanakalakeview.co.nz

GERALDINE KIWI HOLIDAY PARK 39 Hislop Street, Geraldine Geraldine is a great family friendly spot to stay overnight and recharge your batteries for the final leg back up to Christchurch.

If you’re a bit of a foodie, Geraldine is home to an abundance of locally produced foods with the farmers market held every Saturday from October to April. There are a number of walks and scenic reserves for the whole family to discover as well as playgrounds within the town and in the holiday park itself. www.geraldineholidaypark.co.nz

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

THINGS TO CONSIDER CAMPERVAN CONFIGURATION

There’s no use considering a two berth van if you have a family of four. The van should have enough beds for everyone and, most importantly, seatbelts for everyone too. Baby seats and booster seats are an optional extra.

STORAGE It’s likely you’ll need plenty of storage to keep the living and sleeping areas clear. Make sure there are plenty of storage options when selecting your campervan.

LIVING SPACE When travelling with your family, it’s always handy to have a van that has a couple of separate living areas so that everyone isn’t cooped up at night time or when the weather turns bad.

FOOD PREPARATION AND EQUIPMENT Having the right food preparation area and equipment is a sanity saver because you will be preparing food regularly when travelling with kids. Check that the van has a sufficiently sized fridge, cooking utensils, a microwave and storage for pantry items. Depending on the campervan company, items such as heaters, baby seats, GPS, and picnic table and chairs usually come as optional extras. Also check whether or not towels and linen are included and that there are sufficient for your family.

SAFETY Be aware that older model campervans may not include the safety features that newer models do. It’s always a good idea to ask the campervan company if there are safety features included to give you peace of mind when your kids are playing inside the van while you are outside appreciating the view.

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CONVERSATION

Trudy Olive shines FOR THOMAS

TRUDY OLIVE LIVES IN THE SMALL TOWN OF MOOLOOLAH IN THE SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND WITH HER HUSBAND ANDREW AND THREE YOUNG DAUGHTERS LAURA (7), SARAH (4) AND VIOLA (11 MONTHS). IN 2010, THEIR SON, THOMAS, DIED TRAGICALLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY AT THE AGE OF FOUR. THEY HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED TOM’S DEATH RESULTED FROM A RARE CONDITION CALLED RHABDOMYOLYSIS AND THEIR DAUGHTER SARAH SHARES THE SAME GENETIC DISORDER. Trudy explains the work of the Shine for Thomas Foundation, the charity they established after Tom’s death to raise funds for awareness, support and research into this rare condition, and shares how her family lives every day with this rare condition.

After Tom passed away, you had quite a journey to find the cause of his death. What did you discover?

There was no initial explanation or clue given to us as to the cause of Tom’s death. All we knew was that Tom suffered a cardiac arrest from reasons unknown to us. It became apparent to the pathologist that a metabolic disorder was at play, being that Tom's vital organs seemed on the surface to be in perfect condition, yet further examination revealed massive destruction of his body cells.

We have no idea really – due to patient-doctor confidentiality we only find out about the people who contact us. We know about ten people in Australia, seven of whom have passed away. We are constantly being contacted by people around the word, the latest only last week. We have been contacted by 23 people outside of Australia who have suffered or are suffering LPIN1, and seven of these children have passed away.

Since Tom’s passing, you have discovered that your daughter Sarah has the same genetic disorder. How has this affected her life and daily family life?

It was a frustrating and long process, exhausting all avenues of explanation with procedures available in Australia, which turned up no result time and time again. Then a leading metabolic doctor who was working on Tom's case contacted us and said he'd like to test for another cause, something that he had heard about at medical conferences, and something that French researchers had discovered in recent years. This meant Tom's and our DNA was sent to France to test for this little known condition, a problem with a significant gene named LPIN1, which came back positive.

Sarah has the double mutation of the LPIN1 gene. We have an emergency plan in place at the hospital and ambulance service.

We have a focus on avoiding triggers and we are constantly watching her for signs of behavioural change or any other symptoms. Sarah will be schooled via distance education so that we can keep a watchful eye on her and she will be avoiding sports – all of which pales to insignificance when talking to a parent of a child who's being treated for cancer, leukaemia or many other illnesses.

Subsequently, we discovered Tom had two mutations of the LPIN1 gene, one passed down from each parent, which had triggered a massive bout of a condition called rhabdomyolysis.

You established the Shine for Thomas Foundation to help raise awareness of this potentially fatal condition. Tell us more about the foundation’s work.

What exactly is rhabdomyolysis?

We have assisted a family in Victoria whose child suffers from LPIN1 mutations and isn’t able to stand or walk easily by purchasing him a specialised walking frame.

Tom's condition is a weird one. Rhabdomyolysis is usually caused by external factors, including crush injuries (car accidents), overtraining and snake bites. Tom's condition however meant spontaneous rhabdomyolysis could be triggered by fasting, fever, overexercise and overemotion. One of the symptoms we did see was Tom suddenly refusing to walk, but the next day he would be fine. Also, several times his urine was red/brown on or about the time he was suffering what we now know to be an episode of rhabdomyolysis.

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How many people in Australia and around the world are thought to have this condition?

Kids on the Coast – SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

We recently donated Little Tom Lilly Pilly plants – developed by my husband Andrew in honour of Tom – and information flyers to a garden open day at a community kindergarten. We need more help to spread awareness through kindergartens and prep age groups, where the majority of deaths from this condition have occurred.

We are doing the best we can, but it's still not good enough.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

CONVERSATION

How does the foundation raise funds?

We have had two major fundraisers at Corbould Park Racecourse in Caloundra, which will now become an annual event as they have been very successful on both occasions.

We also hold raffles with prizes donated by generous local businesses. Through the support of the garden nursery industry, Lilly Pilly Little Tom is now being sold through several nurseries, and a royalty from each plant sold has proven successful in raising money. There is also information on the plant label about the condition, which is helping to raise awareness.

What research is currently being done on the LPIN1 gene mutation?

Medical researchers in France are currently working on finding out exactly how the LPIN1 gene works, and from that there’s the possibility of a medicine to prevent rhabdomyolysis attacks. This seems to be approximately 10 years away from availability at this stage.

How would you describe a typical day for the Olive family?

What's typical?! Andrew runs a wholesale nursery, Laura attends school – she’s in grade 2 – and I care for Sarah and Viola.

How has having children changed your life?

The rewards and joys (and hard work, lack of sleep and newfound patience levels) of having children is something only parents can understand I guess.

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The aftermath of losing a child is something only parents who have lost a child can understand, which brings about the whole purpose of the foundation – to prevent this where possible.

What has been your most life-defining moment?

My most life-defining moment was losing Tom. Also being told he was the first recorded child to die from this condition in Australia and later finding out that two other Australian children also suffered from this condition within 28 days of each other.

This made us question how rare this condition is – is it rare by diagnosis or by occurrence? I guess time will tell. This is what prompted us to start the Shine for Thomas Foundation.

What parenting advice has had the biggest impact on you?

Good manners will get you everywhere in this world.

What life message do you most hope your children will learn?

No matter how big the obstacle, if you set a goal or you have a dream, you must continue to strive for it. If you run into any problems along the way, make a plan to overcome them.

For more details on the work of the Shine for Thomas Foundation, visit www.shineforthomas.com.au or email Trudy at enquiries@shineforthomas.com.au

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Books

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

THE BOY WHO LOVED THE MOON

Rina Alaimo, Exisle Publishing, RRP $22.99 How many parents have whispered in their child's ear "I love you to the moon and back"? The notion of the moon, ethereal and eternal, has long held the imagination of parents and children in its magnetic pull. This stunning adaptation of the beloved The Boy and The Moon – winner of multiple international independent film awards – tells the story of a boy who swims the deepest seas and slays the mightiest dragons to win the moon’s love. Recommended for children aged 3 to 5 years, story-lovers of all ages will be drawn to the timeless beauty of The Boy Who Loved The Moon.

PAN

In cinemas September 24. Rating: TBC The story of an orphan who is spirited away to the magical Neverland. There, he finds both fun and dangers, and ultimately discovers his destiny – to become the hero who will be forever known as Peter Pan.

ODDBALL

In cinemas September 17. Rating: G The story of Allan “Swampy” Marsh and his Maremma dog Oddball.

Swampy convinced the local authorities to allow Oddball to protect a colony of Little Penguins on Middle Island from wild cats and dogs.

Oddball succeeds in his campaign and becomes a frontrunner for Maremma dogs used to protect other Australian wildlife.

TOO BUSY SLEEPING

Zanni Louise & Anna Pignataro, Little Hare, RRP $24.95 Eleanor longs to play with her baby brother, but newborn Reuben is always asleep. Will Eleanor wear out with waiting? First-time author Zanni Louise collaborates with award winning illustrator Anna Pignataro to create a warm domestic story of excitement and frustration.

Available in hardcover, Too Busy Sleeping brings a fresh perspective to sibling relationships and will resonate with all families with children.

Movies SEE A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING ON SUNDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER AT 10.30AM AT BCC AND EVENT CINEMAS.

BOOBIN’ ALL DAY…BOOBIN’ ALL NIGHT. A GENTLE APPROACH TO SLEEP FOR BREASTFEEDING FAMILIES

apps PLAYLATES

(iPad, iPad Mini) $2.49 Playlates is a new app that encourages parents to explore active, developmental games with their babies in a way that is safe and fun. It is founded on the practices and principles of Pilates, which are extended to appropriately support babies who are just learning to move.

From the age of 8 weeks on you can assist your baby in sitting, rolling over, crawling and standing all the way until they're ready to take their first big steps. Playlates is currently available from the Apple App store and is free to download with five introductory activities. Four further sets of activities are available at $2.49 each.

Meg Nagle, Self-published, RRP $19.99 In this part memoir, part sharing of women’s stories, part research, part boobin’, Meg Nagle covers many topics including how to trust your own instincts, why your breastfed child is waking so frequently, why it’s so important to answer their cries, how to feel more rested, what to do when you are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, safe co-sleeping and bed sharing guidelines, how to get your baby to take longer naps and some gentle night-weaning tips. An essential read for breastfeeding families! Order from www.amazon.com or from her website www.themilkmeg.com

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE READ MORE reviews www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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