Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 31

IssUe 31 MAR/APR 2oo9 - SUNSHINE COAST

FReE!!

5

years

Looking back AT the last 5 years

issue 31 CONTENTS 3

WELCOME

4

WHAT’S NEWS

Childcare or childprofit?

11 MEET THE TEAM I ntroducing the friendly staff at Kids on the Coast

12 THE “P” FILES The Birds and the bees – that difficult subject

16 NEW TO THE COAST

18 EDUCATION Playing by the rules – how have they changed?

24 WHAT’S ON CALENDAR The Kids on the Coast guide to March/April

26 BABIES ON THE COAST Signing for improved communication

28 MY SPACE

Toni the publisher, Terri in production, Kel in admin, Michelle the designer and Simone and Tanya in advertising would like to join me in offering a heart felt thankyou - to our readers who devour and swap stories, our contributors who work hard to keep you up to date with parenting news and our advertisers without whom there would be no magazine.

This issue is a retrospective look at the past five years. To celebrate our birthday, the Kids on the Coast team share our favourite past articles - most with editorial updates and recommended reading on the subject. Perhaps our most congratulated, and criticised article highlighted problems with the childcare industry in 2006. Many of the concerns raised back then have come to pass so our feature looks back on that article and finds out what has happened since.

What were you doing five years ago? Perhaps, like me, you were flicking through a new parenting publication called Kids on the Coast! Thank you for making the magazine part of your lives.

Sarah Pye, Editor

Creating inspired and practical havens for kids

33 MOTHERVILLE

you choose?

Who will

The importance of words

34 HEALTH What constitutes emotional abuse?

36 MODERN MAMA eeping the lovelight burning K (even when it’s tough)

38 IT’S ONLY NATURAL Simple, cost effective, home remedies

Have you done your research?  are their readers your target market?

40 LET’S CELEBRATE Backwards party – look at the world differently

42 HAPPY HOLIDAYS House swapping – make your equity work for you

44 REVIEWS AND COMPETITIONS

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

to Kids on the Coast Five years ago this month, after hard work, much planning and risk, the first ever Kids on the Coast landed on the desks of schools, child care centres and retail outlets. Over one million free magazines (and over 300 parenting articles) later, Kids on the Coast is stronger than it has ever been with bimonthly editions on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, a staff of seven and a swag of exceptional contributors.

6 FEATURE

PUBLISHED BY: THINGS 4 KIDS PTY LTD 101 Memorial Drive, Eumundi, QLD 4562 PO Box 491, Eumundi QLD 4562 PHONE: (07) 5442 8679 FAX: (07) 5442 8709 ABN: 86 473 357 391 All editorial in Kids on the Coast has been written in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors. No responsibility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Kids on the Coast is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Feedback/comments/suggestions?

Send to: editorial@kidsonthecoast.com.au We aim to reply to all correspondence but don’t guarantee to do so.

Letters to the editor may be edited for length or clarity.

PUBLISHER: Toni Eggleston EDITOR: Sarah Pye

welcome

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Jennifer Cochrane, Andrea Dawson, Madonna Hirning, Christine Hoppa, Cindy Mayes, Dr Roger Morris, Justine Stewart.

ADVERTISING: For advertising enquiries please phone Tanya Ryan on (07) 5442 8679 or email: advertising@kidsonthecoast.com.au PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Terri Sanderson, email: production@kidsonthecoast.com.au PARENTS’ CHOICE SUPPLIER PROGRAMME: Speak with your advertising co-ordinator or email: pc@kidsonthecoast.com.au ADMINISTRATION: Kellie Kruger DISTRIBUTION: Kids on the Coast (Sunshine Coast edition) is a free publication circulating over 15,000 copies from Caloundra to Noosa and through the hinterland. A separate edition covers the Gold Coast.

For distribution enquiries please phone: (07) 5442 8679 or email: admin@kidsonthecoast.com.au FRONT COVER: Various photographers GRAPHIC DESIGN: Michelle Craik

ISSUe 29 NOV/De C 2OO8

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

www.kidsonth

ecoast.com.au

BoREdom

BustERs holid

ay activities for everyone

FReE!!

GiFts FoR

BaBiEs and toddlERs Get it right this year

sEa-chanGE

Rs spend their christmas infirst Qld sEnioRs share their wisdom with the next gener while paREnts ation the classroom in make all the differ ence

cElEBRati thE sEason nG thE

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Plus hEap thE kids on s oF pRizEs, moviE tick Ets and thE coast calE ndaR oF EvEn ts

Kids

 is the publication easily accessible?  are they reputable? Will they still be here tomorrow?  are they affordable and fair to each and every advertiser?  will it be thrown away - or is it substantial enough to keep long term?

Your guide to nothing muchHere

today, ow! gone tomorr

e day, and lin Grab it to th ie caGe wi your budG ow! it tomorr

When choosing where to spend your advertising dollar - think carefully. Ask your clients who they know and trust. Choose the publication that will do the right thing for your business.

Produced locally for the past 5 years by parents for parents on the Sunshine Coast.

For more information, please email Simone Bell advertising@kidsonthecoast.com.au MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

3

WHAT’S

news

MAROOCHY RSL GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

NEED SUPPORT FOR POST-NATAL DEPRESSION? Now entering its third year, the Sunshine Coast Post-Natal Depression Support Group has reached dozens of coast women suffering this isolating illness. “It’s amazing that as many as one in seven women suffer some form of PND and yet, it is still not widely acknowledged as a problem or even talked about,” group co-founder Deb Rule said. “Since starting the group we’ve come across so many coast women suffering this on their own…we just want them to know we are here and they don’t have to feel alone.” Thanks to psychologist and volunteer group facilitator Lisa Lindley, the free group meets each Wednesday and offers support from other women and positive strategies that potentially help reduce the severity and duration of the illness.

To find out more, contact Lisa Lindley on 0417 540 820.

LETTER TO THE Dear Sarah,

editor

During 2008, Maroochy RSL Club has contributed around $200,000 to the local community through financial and in-kind donations to organisations such as Maroochydore Clippers, Music Fest (a music competition run for all Sunshine Coast schools), Mooloolaba Coastguard, Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland, Clubs Smile for a Child, Helping Kids Choose Life, Sunshine Coast Health Foundation, Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital, SIDS and Kids, the Maroochydore State primary and high schools and many more. Marketing Manager Ms Jeannine Dickson, says the Club strives every year to bring some joy to their members and to the local community by supporting charitable organisations and community service programs through free use of the venue, cash and in-kind donations. Three cheers!

ONE LAPTOP PER CHILD: CAN IT BE DONE? An Australian charity is on a mission to foster better educational opportunities for the Pacific’s poorest children by providing each child with a low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software. Over 1.7 million children in the Pacific Islands are aged between six and 12 years, and half of these children do not have access to their developing nation’s education system because they live in rural or remote areas. Many children in remote Australia also face the same hurdles to education as those in the Pacific (namely a sense of isolation and small size), but are fortunate to be within a developed nation. The charity has already committed to supplying 5,000 machines to the Pacific (every child in Nieue already has a laptop thanks to the initiative) and will also supply laptops to qualifying Australian schools and non-profit organisations. To find out more, call 02 9011 5635 or visit www.laptop.org.au

I just read the article on education in your Jan-Feb issue

DR IN THE HOUSE

school teachers (one is studying math and science and the

On January 19, Medicine On Second, Cotton Tree opened an after hours service on Tuesday and Wednesday from 6pm-10pm. There are both male and female GPs available.

and thought it was fabulous. I have 2 sons studying to be high other art), and can tell you that the training they receive is wonderful. The universities here are doing a great job in training our future teachers. There is so much involved in

becoming a good teacher and everyone needs to know that

the training they receive is truly world class. Thank you for the article.

Regards, Alexandra Lujan

HIP HOP MAKES MATHS COOL School is back, and IGA Kids Club is offering discounted software to make maths fun. The Hip Hop Tables, created by an educational music producer, takes kids on a magical learning journey using hip hop to teach basic mathematics. The software is available to download at the reduced price of $12.95 (RRP $18.99) by visiting www.igakidsclub.net.au. The site has lots of activities for kids, prizes of educational resources and computers are also up for grabs. The IGA Kids Club is aimed at kids up to 12 years old and has more than 100,000 members.

Look for this logo for special discounts!

Readers Save money by shopping wherever you see the logo displayed, and mentioning “Kids on the Coast” for special offers and discounts!

4

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

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www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

WHAT’S

news

NO-GO ZONES FOR NEW ADULT STORES New adult stores in Queensland will be banned within 200m of schools, childcare centres and churches under proposed new state planning regulations. Queensland has more adult stores than any other jurisdiction in Australia, with the number of stores doubling to 137 in five years (2002 to 2007). The existing laws were reviewed in consultation with local government, adult retailers and parents and citizens groups, and the public will be given the chance to comment on the draft laws before they are finalised.

RESOLVE TO SAVE A LIFE IN 2009

YOUNG ACHIEVER RECOGNISED

Queensland Health Minister Stephen Robertson urged Queenslanders to consider signing on to the Australian Organ Donor Register as a worthwhile New Year’s resolution. Mr Robertson said that while organ donation is medically possible in less than 1% of all deaths, more than 30,000 Australian men, women and children have received life saving or life enhancing transplants since 1965. Families are encouraged to take the time to talk about their decisions on donating organs and tissues so their wishes can be honoured if the situation arises. You can sign on to the Organ Donor Register through Medicare at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au

Friday January 30 saw over 600 sports celebrities and upcoming stars gather at the Hyatt Coolum for the annual Advance Sports, Sports Star of the Year Awards. Kids on the Coast has proudly sponsored an award for Young Achiever of the Year in the under 12 category for the past few years and this year was no exception.

JACK AND ELLA TOP THE LIST According to the Queensland Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages, the state’s top baby names in 2008 were Jack and Ella, with 183 baby boys and 135 baby girls in the state receiving these monikers. Others in the top ten for boys were Cooper, Lachlan, William, Riley, Thomas, Joshua, Samuel, Noah and Ethan. For girls, the most popular names were Mia, Emily, Chloe, Isabella, Charlotte, Lily, Ava, Olivia and Sienna. Chances are you might know a little person with at least one of these names!

Youngester Darcy Glassock was the deserving proud winner of the award and shared a joke or two with Benny Pike at the podium. In 2008 Darcy was invited to join the Sunshine Coast Regional 12 years and under rugby union team and his coach Phi Bowden says he shows “tenacity, courage and determination” on and off the field. For the last four years he has been involved in Marcoola Nippers and is 100% committed to the club. Along with his parents who patrol for the club, Darcy regularly participates in the club’s annual door knock and in 2008 the family raised the largest amount.

Chris Mallett, assistant head of Immanuel Lutheran School says “Darcy has a zest for learning and life” and “high level of academic achievement”. He was the 2008 regional winner of the Tournament of the Minds and State Finalist, participated on the Sunshine Coast Chess Tournament Team’s division and he is even a valuable member of the Senior School Symphonic Band and Orchestra playing percussion and piano. In 2008 Darcy was welcomed into the Sunshine Coast Honours Wind Ensemble Program and performed in the Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod.

Instrumental Music Coordinator, Emily Bonar says “Darcy’s instrumental music skills extend far beyond his age.”

Darcy is a well rounded student who respects his peers and works well in a team or leadership role. Kids on the Coast magazine had no hesitation in rewarding Darcy Glassock for his outstanding achievement. Congratulations Darcy!

A re yo u READING TH IS? Are parents, grandparents, teachers, or childcare directors part of your target market?

If yes, why not advertise in the Sunshine Coast’s ONLY full colour, glossy, FREE, parenting magazine - Kids on the Coast. Our readers love and trust Kids on the Coast - which means your advertisement will be seen by thousands of potential customers - “boosting your business!” www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Meet Tanya Ryan,

our new Sunshine Coast Advertising Account Manager.

“To find out how easy it is to advertise with us, and the great features we have coming up which may suit your business, give me a call on (07) 5442 8679 or 0407 216 291, or drop me an email at advertising@kidsonthecoast.com.au” MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

5

r o e r a c d l i h C

FEATURE

by Andrea Dawson in 2006, Sarah Pye in 2009

To understand how the childcare industry has found itself in crisis, it helps to look back on the progression of services. In 2006, Kids on the Coast reported that childcare industry had historically been: “a small-scale affair, with many ‘mum and dad’ operators running centres through their own investment and superannuation funds. Banks, stockbrokers and would-be profiteers certainly didn’t take much notice of the industry. But in 1997, the Howard Government scrapped special subsidies to non-profit and community child-care centres. This meant that profit and non-profit childcare centres were on an ‘equal footing’, at least in an economic sense. The government also agreed to pay rebates to parents in the form of reduced child care fees - in effect, paying the difference direct to child care centres.”

It was a situation ripe for entreprenurial business. As we reported in 2006: “Suddenly, the childcare boom took off - with our kids and tax dollars providing the opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs to make large amounts of cash. In the December, 2005 quarter alone, childcare fees rose a massive 10.2% compared to a 0.5% overall increase in the cost of goods and services. It’s worth remembering that there’s a hefty Federal Government subsidy scheme which can account for up to 50% of centre revenue. According to reports, revenue for some of the private sector providers has more than tripled in recent years. Eddie Groves’ ABC Development Learning Centres, which dominates the market with around 900 centres across Australia and New Zealand, reported a 75% increase in profit to $12 million this year (around $100,000 per year per centre).”

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6

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

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www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

ISSUE 16 SEPT/OCT 2OO6

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

Editor's comment: Kids on the Coast has always

brought you newsworthy, in-depth articles about those challenges facing parents. None was more pertinent than an article we published The money about childcare in our Sept/Oct 2006 edtion. It raised important or the kids? questions and issues about government regulation, for-profit centres STOP IT! Bonjour, Bébé and potential conflicts of interest. The reaction was rather like a Genetically cyclone: we had supportive letters from parents and angry ones from engineered food childcare centres. ABC Learning Centres refused to distribute our N WI In the swim! magazines (a decision which still stands today) and some independent centres (and regional bodies) threatened not to circulate our magazines if we published anything similar again. While the debate raged, Kids on the Coast felt it important to maintain editorial integrity – even when it was bad for business. We knew these issues were important to our readers and they had a right to know.

Why so many Australians have childcare concerns

How to deal with hitting and biting

Bilingual babies have better brainpower!

Should you be worried?

Gear up for a safe summer

FAMILY PASSES ZOO TO AUSTRALIA See p. 29

plus the Parents’ Choice Directory, Calendar of Events and lots more!

It seems the more things change, the more they stay the same. With the recent rollercoaster of events in the wake of the collapse of ABC Learning Centres, and the government pledging to keep ABC centres open only until the end of March, childcare is a topic on everyone’s lips. As the childcare industry faces its biggest challenge ever, the controversy is back in the news and an update is in order.

With excerpts from the original article, let’s find out how things have progressed since then.

The federal minister who engineered the Howard government’s overhaul was Minister for Children’s Affairs Larry Anthony. A former stockbroker and investment banker, In 2005,The Age reported he “played a major role in the development of child care-friendly policies introduced by the Howard government, including the 30% child-care rebate to help parents, which is worth more than $1 billion annually to child-care providers.”

All very well, until Mr Anthony lost his federal seat. But look what happened next, as we reported in 2006: “Just months after losing his seat in federal Parliament, former (National Party) Minister for Children’s Affairs Larry Anthony, who had overseen major changes to the childcare industry, was appointed to the board of ABC Learning Centres.”

Precious and unique

We weren’t the only media outlet that found this to be a potential conflict of interest. At the time ABC Radio interviewed Labor's spokeswoman for Youth and Early Childhood, Tanya Plibersek, who believed there should be a 12-month ban on former ministers taking up paid employment and consultancies with companies in areas relevant to their old portfolios. ”As a minister he set up a situation where childcare fees went through the roof, and now he's on the board of the company that will benefit most from those fee increases. When it comes to the Government deciding which childcare operators are able to claim childcare benefit, that's the area that you'd really have to be watching,” Ms Plibersek told ABC Radio.

The heat is still on. Only last month, The Australian reported that ABC Learning had paid Larry Anthony “more than $235,000 to lobby government on it’s behalf”.

“Mr Anthony joined ABC Learning's board of directors in 2005, just six months after voters kicked him out of his Byron Bay-based seat of Richmond.” The Australian said. “His private company, Larry Anthony & Associates Pty Ltd, earned $125,000 in 2007 and $110,000 in 2006, according to ABC Learning's annual reports.”

The childcare industry revelled in the boom. It seemed as if ABC Learning Centres took over a new centre every few days so, by November 2008, when ABC went into recievership with $1.6 billion in debts, its receivers closed 55 centres and tried to sell the remaining 961. As a parallel disaster to the current financial crisis, the boom has bust. With over 1,000 centres teetering on the edge of closure, many parents were left wondering if they will be able to maintain full time employement and the government stepped in. Minister for Education Julia Gillard spoke at Caboolture High School on January 28 of this year: “We are working through centre by centre with the court-appointed receiver the future of these centres,” she said, “so government assistance is there until the 31st of March.”

Looking for something different for your kids Come and visit Think Kids, I’m sure you will find that special something

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7

FEATURE

So what caused this nightmare, and what can be done to fix the mess? Julia Gillard said the ABC Learning Centres collapse was the result of a lack of industry control by the former government. In our 2006 article, Brian Elvish, (the CEO of Australia’s community based crèche and kindergarten association C&K), agreed: “[The Government’s} free-for-all development policies have encouraged entrepreneurs by significantly increasing the number of childcare places available.

However, the simultaneous removal of operation subsidies to the community sector has virtually eradicated the right of choice for ... families.”

“Former president of the Ethical Investment Association Michael Walsh, raised the issue of the potential for lines to become blurred between the provision of the best possible care for children and the quest for the best possible profit margins. Walsh was quoted in Business Review Weekly (BRW) as saying ‘a moral argument lies at the heart of the child-care debate. Who is the client, and what is the service provided to them? For the non-profit centres, the client is the child. For other types of child-care centres, the client is the parent or the employer. The ramifications of this shift are enormous.’ Brian Elvish suggests there is simply ‘a fundamental difference in the quality of service provided by community-based centres, which emphasise parental accountability and individual child welfare’, and that offered by the corporates which, ‘like the fast food industry, are dominated by the logic of shareholder accountability and thus cost minimisations’.”

Whether you agree with these sentiments or not, the truth is ABC Learning Centres has folded, and many of the former directors have escaped with a hefty bank balance. On January 29, 2009 The Australian reported that: “Company founders Eddy Groves and his ex-wife Le Neve, along with former director Martin Kemp - who all left ABC last year - were shareholders in Ezi Debit, which ABC paid $108,000 in 2007 and $156,000 in 2006 for ‘parent payment solutions’.”

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

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Questions parents should ask when choosing childcare  Is this centre accredited, and for how long has it been an accredited centre?  Do you have an open door policy - are parents encouraged to drop in at any time?  Do I have access to all the information that has been recorded about my child?  How many children are in a room at any given time? What are the current staff:child ratios? (maximum and minimum)  Will my child have the same carers each day?  Do staff at this centre belong to a union? And if not, are they encouraged to join? (If not, why not?)  How do you handle a child who is having difficulty settling in / behaving inappropriately / having trouble going to sleep?  Are methods such as time-out or 'controlled crying' used?

(Is this developmentally appropriate, where is the child sent to, and how long does it last?)  Can my child eat when they are hungry or is there a set time for eating?  How is my child’s self esteem and self-confidence fostered?

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9

FEATURE Childcare or

Easter Bunny Fun Times At Kawana Shoppingworld!

Visit the Easter Bunny at Kawana Shoppingworld on the following days: Wednesday 8 April

10.00am – 2.00pm

Thursday 9April

10.00am – 2.00pm

Saturday 11 April

10.00am – 2.00pm

Our Easter Bunny will be bearing gifts for all children and will be accompanied by Alice in Wonderland!

Shopping Centre Easter Trading Hours: Kawana Shoppingworld will be trading the following hours over the Easter Period.

Thursday 9 April Friday 10 April Saturday 11 April

9.00am – 9.00pm Normal Late Night Trade Centre CLOSED – Good Friday 9.00am – 5.30pm – Easter Saturday

Sunday 12 April

Centre CLOSED – Easter Sunday

Monday 13 April

10.30am – 4.00pm – Easter Monday

Tuesday 14 April

Normal Trade Resumes

Please note our major stores will trade extended hours.

Please see these stores for details.

NC_14290_0209

Visit www.kawanashoppingworld.com.au for more information on our Easter Trading and Events!

N i c k l i n W a y, B u d d i n a P h . 5 4 4 4 1 9 4 4 w w w. k a w a n a s h o p p i n g w o r l d . c o m . a u

It was also reported that Bill Bessemer, a fellow former ABC director, was “a shareholder and director of the Austock Group at the time it was paid $30 million

by ABC in 2007 in fees and property rentals. Mr Bessemer is now chairman of Austock, which is the landlord of hundreds of childcare centres run by ABC”.

So, two important questions still stand: Firstly, should childcare centres make money? In 2006 Kids on the Coast put it like this: “We need to decide whether we think childcare centres, like schools, are part of the education system and should be funded by taxpayers; or whether they should be commercial profit-making enterprises. When you consider that the age difference between a child in school and one in a childcare centre may only be a matter of months, it does seem odd to deny younger children access to publiclyfunded facilities…”

Secondly, even if for-profit centres are acceptable, is it advantageous to allow free market practices to run this industry without severe competition regulation? How long would it be before another major player dominates the industry? Does this put childcare at risk again in the future? The Age reported that Julia Gillard asked the receivers to “look favourably on offers that would inject diversity into the childcare sector, particularly those from non-profit operators, and groups willing to take on the accrued entitlements of ABC workers” which would indicate that the Government understands the risk of a monopoly.

At the time of printing, The Age reported 470 entities have made offers for those ABC Learning Centres considered unviable financially. “Those successful in passing the first stage have been given access to further information and opportunities to inspect centres,” it reported. “They have been asked to make binding offers by February 25. The future of the centres must be finalised by March 31, when the Commonwealth money is due to run out.”

It seems the childcare industry stands at a cross roads. We have seen the growth and downfall of a giant and now the industry begins to rebuild itself. What direction will it take? Time only will tell.

Australian Heartlands by Brendan Gleeson (2006) is a provocative examination of the health of our urban communities and their role in national life. It ranges across topics such as gated communities and the new suburban poverty sinkholes, the loss of the public domain, the experience of childhood in contemporary suburbs, environmental degradation and the challenges of migration.

Have your say Comment on this article at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

10

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Meet the

team

Toni Eggleston, Publisher

Sarah Pye, Editor

Age: 36 Children: Ruby 7, and the bump Favourite childhood toy: My Malvern

Age: 43 Children: Amber 9 Favourite childhood toy: Big Ted – a

Star bike & Pussy Willow (giant blue cat)

Childhood dislikes: School Favourite childhood TV/Movie: The Muppets and Lost in Space (the original one!)

Favourite childhood book: Anything Dr Seuss, Roald Dahl Favourite childhood food: Lamb Chops Advice from your parents: “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say it at all”. And one for my brother, “Never chew gum or wear thongs.”

Biggest parenting challenge: Learning that your children are exactly like you when you were their age. My mother is enjoying it so much!

straw filled teddy bear from a garage sale

Childhood dislikes: My brother Favourite childhood TV/Movie: The Waltons and Dr Who

Kids on the Coast is staffed by a team of capable and fun loving mothers. Without their dedication the magazine would stop in its tracks. So, meet the team…

Simone Bell, Advertising Account Manager

Tanya Ryan, Advertising Account Manager

Age: 36 Children: Jessica 10, Mia 9, Zoe 8 Favourite childhood toy:

Age: 42 Children: Elliot 10, Abbey 8, Bronte 6 Favourite childhood toy: My Barbie and

My Barbie collection

Skipper Doll

Childhood dislikes: Being told how tall

Childhood dislikes: Eating vegetables Favourite childhood TV/Movie: The

I was for my age - constantly!

Favourite childhood book: The Secret

Favourite childhood TV/Movie:

Garden

Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie Favourite childhood book: Little Women Favourite childhood food: Steak and Kidney....yummmm!

Advice from your parents: “As long as you’re happy!“ Biggest parenting challenge: Fitting everything in when 24 hours in a day just doesn’t seem enough

Favourite childhood food: Mum’s treacle tart!

Advice from your parents: “Be kind to dumb animals… and your brother.”

Biggest parenting challenge: communication in a 50/50 shared parenting situation

Brady Bunch, Little House on the Prairie and Bewitched Favourite childhood book: Hansel and Gretel Favourite childhood food: Spaghetti Bolognese Advice from your parents: “Don’t eat the seed or you’ll grow a fruit tree in your stomach.” – I really wanted to grow a grape vine so that I could eat grapes whenever I wanted!

Biggest parenting challenge: Bringing up three children with different personalities and strengths

Terri Sanderson, Production Coordinator Michelle Craik, Graphic Designer

Age: 36 Children: Tavis 6, Talise a super-charged 15mths

Favourite childhood toy: Barbie Dolls with horses Childhood dislikes: Smokers Favourite childhood TV/Movie: Countdown Favourite childhood book: Golden Books – looking at the illustrations…and reading them of course

Age: 48 Children: Kate 7 Favourite childhood toy: Mousetrap game until my brother broke it

Childhood dislikes: Carrots Favourite childhood TV/Movie: the Wizard of Oz Favourite childhood book: Ash Road, set in the aftermath of an Australian Bushfire

Favourite childhood food: Choo Choo Bars Advice from your parents: “If the wind changes, your

Kellie Kruger, Administration

Age: 38 Children: Lili 6, Wil 3 Favourite childhood toy: Wendy Walker Childhood dislikes: Cauliflower Favourite childhood TV/Movie: Brady Bunch/Grease Favourite childhood book: Little Women Favourite childhood food: vegemite and cheese sandwiches Advice from your parents: “Don’t pick you nose or

Favourite childhood food: Any fruit Advice from your parents: “Trust your instincts.”

Biggest parenting challenge: Cooking…(I am

face will stay like that!”

your head will cave in.”

Biggest parenting challenge: Having my one and only

Biggest parenting challenge: Trying to fit everything in

challenged in that area)

child aged 41

and not upset anyone at any given time

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

11

THE ‘P’ Files

ISSUe 2O MAY/JUNe 2OO7

Editor's comment: Do you remember back before you knew

FReE!!

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

where babies came from? Before you were aware of the workings of your body? When school yard chatter and romantic passages in sneaked novels formed your picture of adult relationships? Helping children understand these important parts of life is a subject that many parents find hard to broach in fear that the questions might be too hot to handle. In May/June 2007 Jennifer Cochraine talked to experts about helping kids understand and make a smooth transition into puberty.

THE BRADY BUNCH MYTH Can step-families really live happily ever after?

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• SHREK 3 SOUNDTRACKS • FAMILY MOVIE PASSES

INSTANT CALM! From stressed-out to sorted in 5 minutes

“MUMMY, HOW ARE

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How to talk about you-know-what

ANNOUNCING Kids on the Coast VACATION CARE! (see p. 21) PLUS Babies on the Coast, the Parent’s Choice Directory, Calendar of Events and lots more!

“the Birds &theBees”

by Jennifer Cochrane

The bus is crowded, and a six-year-old is sitting on her mother’s knee.

When a young couple kiss passionately in the seat in front the little girl loudly asks: “Are they making a baby?” As mother blushes awkwardly and other passengers laugh or look shocked, I’m glad I’m not in her shoes - but what would I do if I was?

12

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

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Dr Clare Boothroyd - gynaecologist, parent, and board member of Family Planning Queensland (FPQ) - says parents need to be prepared to take up opportunities to provide sex education as they arise. “I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to talk about sex with your children, but the best people to do it, by far and away, are parents,” she says. In other words, in the situation above, the mother should let her child know that her question is very important and they’ll talk about it later that day, in private - and make sure she DOES talk about it, that same day.

We have no time to waste. Girls are beginning menstruation as early as nine years old. Research shows 30% of females and 40% of males born in 1986 first had sexual intercourse under 16 years of age. And the evidence is clear – early sexual activity has bad consequences for long-term health, including an increased number of sexual partners, increased risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases, and increased risk of teenage pregnancy.

We need to be aware that sexual messages come to our children from every direction including television, music, advertising, computer games, the Internet and from jokes with friends. Sex is often portrayed as a threat in news reports about sex attacks, and paedophilia. It’s up to parents to not only protect children from this overwhelming onslaught as much as possible, but to provide context and balance with positive messages about healthy and loving sexual relationships.

Research shows young people who have had ongoing and effective sexuality education are more likely to delay sexual intercourse. If they do become sexually active they’re more likely to use contraception and to protect themselves and their partner by practicing safer sex.

Family Planning Queensland says part of its mission is to support parents as the primary educators of children about sexuality. Dr Boothroyd says the first thing we need to do is reflect on our own sexual journey: consider the information we were given, what our experiences were, and how we would like that experience to be for our kids. “Parents need to work together to discuss what messages they

want their children to get about sex,” says Dr Boothroyd.

Decide as a couple what standards you want to set and what you tell your children, not just about `how babies are made’ but about issues like masturbation, pornography and relationships.

FPQ says communicating about sexuality is not just a ‘oneoff’ talk. Like road safety, drug education and other life lessons, it takes open and ongoing communication. Your children need to know this is an important subject and one that you’re happy to talk about.

In a world where children are forced to grow up too quickly, some parents are reluctant to teach kids about sex for fear of stripping children of their innocence.

But sexuality education doesn’t necessarily mean telling a three year old the 'facts of life’. For instance, children receive positive or negative messages about themselves and their bodies by the way they are cuddled, touched and spoken to. They have a natural curiosity about their bodies and those of others, but they do not experience sexual desire. Young children don’t need to know everything about sex, but they certainly need to know enough to protect themselves from sexual abuse - which is far more likely to be perpetrated by a `trusted’ friend or family member than a `stranger’.

Children should know the correct names for male and female genitals, that these areas are ‘private’, and that it’s okay to talk about sexual issues with their parents.

Teenagers can be overcome with sexual feelings when hormones are raging. With a good knowledge of the biology and emotion of sexuality, they will have a healthy outlook; without it they could see themselves as ‘wrong’ or ‘bad’. “Children who are well informed about sexuality are less likely to feel guilty or shameful about their bodies or their sexual thoughts, because they will understand their feelings and know what is, and is not, okay for them,” FPQ says. “This in turn will also help protect them from sexual exploitation and abuse.” In this way, proper sexuality education can actually help to maintain innocence. advertisement/LOCaL BUsiness PrOFiLe

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They also offer parent information sessions to explain these vital skills for literacy development and provide fun and practical activity ideas you can do with your child at home. They are registered with private health funds. To find out more, call 5452 6030 or 0423 638 660.

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MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

13

THE ‘P’ Files “But I don’t know what to say!”

Here are some tips adapted from Family Planning Queensland fact sheets.

• Answer your child’s questions simply and honestly giving just enough information. If they want to know more they will ask another question but too many details can be off-putting or boring. If you don’t know the answer, find it together in a good book.

• Have a selection of resources at home. Check bookshops, your local library or visit recommended websites for more information and resources. For very young children, providing puzzles and games or anatomically correct dolls will encourage them to learn while they play.

• Some children just don’t ask a lot of questions, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t interested. They may have picked up the message that this is something you don’t ask about. Look for an opportunity such as a pregnant friend to get the conversation going. You could ask your child what they know already and then build on this knowledge. Children can get frightened and confused by the sudden changes their bodies begin to go through as they reach puberty. To help stop any anxiety, talk about what is happening now as well as the next stage of development.

• If you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, talk about this with your child.

You could say something like “I’m finding this a little difficult because no one ever spoke openly to me about sexuality when I was growing up, but this is an important subject so I really want to talk to you.” The more you examine a subject, the more confident you’ll feel discussing it.

• Research shows that as a community we have a poor knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases. Do some research for yourself and have the facts on hand.

Give teenagers the medical facts about living with a sexually transmitted disease and how their future fertility and health can be affected.

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By reading the colours on the iris through the ‘windows of the soul’ (iridology), he determines information about a patient’s systemic health then designs an effective treatment. Unlike conventional drugs, homeopathic preparations have no side effects. They can however be used in conjunction with conventional medication.

“Imagine not fighting or suppressing your symptoms, but turning to nature and finding potent preparations that are designed to work with your body to achieve its ultimate goal of health and balance,” Juan Carlos says.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

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• Use the correct name for private body parts. By using these words (penis, vulva, vagina, breast) you don’t single out these parts of the body as being ‘rude’ or ‘embarrassing’ and you give your children an appropriate vocabulary to use in discussions or questions.

• How you react when you find your child exploring their body through sex play will give your children very strong messages about sexuality. If you are angry, the child may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. Buy yourself some time and ask “Are you pretending you are grown up?” or “Tell me about the game you are playing”, you are acknowledging your child’s curiosity while giving yourself the opportunity to gather information and discuss it. This is a good time to discuss privacy and safety with your child and set limits about what is OK. For example, if your daughter was playing ‘doctor’ and examining a friend’s genitals you could say something like: “I see you are examining John just like the doctor does. But his penis is private, so he should keep his pants on when he is playing. If you want to know what boys look like then perhaps we can find some pictures to look at together.”

• Masturbation is quite normal and being angry at a child for masturbating will not stop it. Rather it is likely to continue, but with feelings of shame. You could say, “I know it feels good to touch your vulva/penis, but it is a private part of your body.

People touch the private parts of their body when they are alone in a private place.”

• When it comes to talking to adolescents the key is giving them the message without them feeling like they are being ‘told’. Use a conversational learning strategy: “Did you hear/read about …”

• Sometimes children or teenagers don’t want to listen, or already feel they know it all. Perhaps you could ask them to do you a favour and discuss it for a few minutes anyway. Make it clear that you need to talk about it with them, even if they don’t feel the need to discuss it.

• Continue to hug your teenagers. Some kids who have early sexual experiences are seeking affection rather than sex.

Ask about our free gift & showbag offer

Shower my World

Everyone’s got a bottom is a collaboration between Family Planning Queensland, writer Tess Rowley, illustrator Jodi Edwards and experts from the early childhood and child protection sectors. It is a story about Ben and his brother and sister learning and talking together about bodies and acts as a tool for parents and carers to gently start a conversation with children (3-8) about self protection. Available at www.fpq.com.au • Be aware of yourself as a role model. Your children will learn to be loving, responsible, honest and caring by observing you. Believing in them will help them believe in themselves and to feel positive and confident about all aspects of their lives, including their sexuality. By discussing the emotional aspect of a sexual relationship with your child, she or he will be better informed to make decisions later on and to resist peer pressure.

Family Planning Queensland has education centres at Maroochydore (phone: 07 5479 0755) and Southport (phone: 07 5531 2636).

Want to know more?

Parent Line 1300 30 1300 Department of Child Safety 07 3224 8044 / 1800 811 810 Family Planning Queensland (FPQ) - www.fpq.com.au Children Now and Kaiser Family Foundation www.talkingwithkids.org Have Hormone Factory - www.thehormonefactory.com

your say

Comment on this article at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Phill Jackson Photography

Shower My World specialises in creating a fun unique baby shower for mothers-to-be that will be remembered for many years to come. We can plan as little or as much as you like, all within your budget.

Phone Kathy on 0406 967 667 for a free initial consultation at your home or work or email showermyworld@yahoo.com.au

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Child & Parent Psychotherapist www.insideout-counselling.com.au

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MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

15

A KIDS ON THE COAST ADVERTISING FEATURE

NEW TO THE

coast

‘New to the Coast’ is a way in which Kids on the Coast can support new businesses that cater to Sunshine Coast parents and families.

We think local kids and parents deserve just as much choice, style, fun, innovation and value for money as those living anywhere else. So if you agree, please join us in helping these new ventures to get off the ground by taking a look at what they’ve got to offer.

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

Put the fun back into learning With over 25 years experience in Early Childhood Education, local mum Karen Nosworthy decided to share her passion for children’s education. With a huge range of hand-made products, brightly coloured and laminated for longevity, Indgo will help bring back the fun into your child’s learning. Phonic Pull-though’s, stretch crocodiles and sequencing snakes are just a few of the fabulous products available through Indgo. “It is my desire as a parent and educator, to help parents, teachers and grandparents all over the world to provide fun filled learning experiences for their children” Karen says. Karen also conducts regular workshops for all educatorsteachers, teacher aides, childcare personnel, parents, grandparents... at The Indgo Room at Buderim where you can come and ‘make and take’ these simple yet effective quality resources to use with children. Indgo products are also great gifts available online at www.indgo.com.au or call 5408 2727 to arrange an appointment or enquire about workshops. Free gift (worth $20) with all purchases $20 & over, valid till Easter.

nkle some Let us spri magic into d n a n u f o Indg ren’s lives your child Free gift valued at $20 for Fun educational games, activities, teaching resources and workshops for parents, grandparents and teachers

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Yoga for the whole family Pure Spirit Yoga SPA is a new tranquil space designed to nourish your being and to balance your body, mind and spirit.

You’ll find Pure Spirit at 98 Burnett St, Buderim amongst beautiful, majestic trees, a serene and calm setting. This is a child-friendly nurturing space with two modern, fresh and comfortable yoga studios. Classes are available to book now for Pre-natal Yoga, Mothers and Babes Yoga, Kids Yoga, Teens Yoga, Vinyasa and Meditation classes for all ages and try a Yoga Party for your next celebration.

Children and teenagers benefit so much from practicing yoga. It is a fun, imaginative, active way to enhance the suppleness and strength of their bodies, revitalise their energy and align their posture. It appreciates their uniqueness and enhances self worth and concentration through poses, breath awareness, songs and teaching calming and relaxation techniques.

Pre-natal Yoga focuses on connecting mother and baby, alleviating pregnancy discomforts and preparing for an active birth, through the benefit of strengthening and relaxing. Attention is given to safe, comfortable, nurturing, individual and intuitive practice. Every pregnant woman and growing baby deserves this blissful time.

Mother and Babe is a time for mums and babies to come and enjoy time together in a relaxed friendly environment. Mums will remember that they need time to nourish themselves while cherishing their baby. This is a soothing, calming experience for both Mother and Baby.

Pure Spirit Yoga SPA is a space for nurturing and balancing each stage of life visit www.pure-spirit.net.au or call 5445 8850 for more information about class times.

16

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

At last a frazzle free option for kids parties!

Do the words, “Mummy, can I please have a party for my birthday?” increase your anxiety levels because you just don’t have the time to look for party wares, decorations, loot bags and favours, let alone think about what kind of cake to get or how to entertain all those kids? Well, now you can save yourself time, energy and money by organising all of your child’s birthday party needs in the one place. Ezy Kids Parties have made things as easy as possible for you by putting together a great range of packages with themed party wares, decorations, filled loot bags and games, as well as options for other entertainment, birthday cakes and catering. They also offer a full coordination service if you want someone else to do everything for you and if your child’s favourite character is not listed, they can tailor a package for any theme.

Massage therapy at home Specialised massage for Mums, with complimentary childcare available Kate Richardson is a fully qualified Remedial Therapist, specialising in Pre and Postnatal massage. She started her business after helping and massaging many pregnant friends and family members with children, and soon recognised a need for a specialised service for women on the Sunshine Coast.

‘I get great satisfaction massaging mothers as they truly appreciate and deserve it.

The service is provided at home and with childcare if needed to make things that little bit easier in a mums life, as they usually have no time for themselves’, Kate says.

MUMS n BUBS also offer ‘mini massage pamper parties’ ideal for mothers groups, baby and bridal showers or any occasion at all.

Health fund rebates are available for ALL health funds. The service makes a great gift idea - gift vouchers are available.

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Reflux and Colic Does your baby regurgitate their milk between feeds or have bouts of prolonged crying which is only relieved temporarily by feeding only to result in more frequent feeding?

Osteopathy for Kids Often these conditions are perceived as ‘normal’ or we are told that “they will grow out of it”. Your child may not be able to tell you what’s wrong but at Blueprint Osteopathy our combined training and experience of over 30 years enables us to identify the cause of your child’s symptoms. Using a very gentle form of treatment called ‘cranial osteopathy’ we focus on restoring normal physiology of the body – not covering up the symptoms with medications.

Each child is different but to give examples, we may find an area of restriction to normal movements of the neck or cranial bones. This could affect blood supply to the head resulting in a headache. Or, if important nerves supplying the stomach, diaphragm or tongue are affected then reflux, colic or feeding difficulties could result.

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MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

17

education

ISSUE 17 NOV/DEC 2OO6

Editor's comment: If you want to have a heated parenting

discussion, then physical discipline is guarenteed to raise a few heckles. “In my day we used to get smacked and I’m not the worse for wear”, is the argument on one side, while studies show physical discipline is not the best option and other methods of control are far more effective. In issue 17, Nov/Dec 2006, Jennifer Cochrane discovered societal changes and standards on discipline have raised challenges in the classroom and spawned a whole new method of behaviour management.

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

Healing the hurt What you need to know about child abuse

Naturally beautiful

Cosmetics without chemicals

Discipline dilemma Who rules at school? plus the Parents’ Choice Directory, Calendar of Events and lots more!

How art, music, sandplay and more can help kids deal with problems GREAT PRIZES TO

WIN

A MOUNTAIN BUGGY PRAM

¨ Christmas crafts ¨ Silly season survival tips ¨ Fun holiday food ¨

by Jennifer Cochrane

Miss Simmons asks the final question of the guessing game and speedy hands fly into the air above bursting faces. All eyes are on the adored teacher, even Jack’s - although he’s standing at the back of the room, withdrawn from the game for being disruptive. He’ll have to sit-out play time too. The posters on the wall help remind him to try harder next time. In this school, the behaviour policy is clearly understood by the whole community. Students spend class time learning the keys to success for social interaction, and know what to do if they feel themselves getting angry or if another student is getting angry with them. When rules are broken they know what steps the teachers will take, time after time. Welcome to today’s behaviour management in schools, without the threat of 'the cane' which held kids in check once upon a time.

Poor student behaviour is a significant problem in some schools. Teachers’ unions and research reports show that teachers face an increase in the numbers of ‘serious misdemeanours’ that confound their attempts to teach.

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115 Eumundi Road Noosaville Qld 4566 PO Box 1288 Noosaville Qld 4566 P 07 5455 8600 W www.gslc.qld.edu.au

18

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Education Commentator, Dr Kevin Donnelly, said teachers are finding it increasingly more difficult to cope with disruptive and rude behaviour. He added that compared to overseas countries, one survey suggested Australian classrooms suffer more from disruption.

“Good teaching is seriously impeded, and teacher commitment is reduced, by low morale amongst staff due largely to the huge increase in verbal abuse from students, with little or ineffective consequences for students,” he said in his book Why Our Schools Are Failing.

Talk to teachers and it is easy to find comments like this: “Perhaps a trip to your local shopping centre might show you where the rudeness is coming from... it’s called society, of which parents are a component. We, as teachers, have no means of discipline that we can fall back on - none. Sure, we can send them to the detention room, but the kids could not care less. Try and explain this to a parent and they give you a mouthful worse than the kid does,” a Brisbane teacher said.

“The current state of society, especially the lack of discipline at home, the rise of a ‘feel good’ culture- based on giving priority to ‘self’- make it extremely difficult for teachers. Many children come to school unwilling and unprepared to be educated,” Dr Donnelly said.

Children spend more than 1,000 hours at school each year. For some, this is where aggressive or anti-social behaviour is first recognised. It is where children grow up, try to fit their interests and experiences with curriculum and cope with physical, social and technological change. On average, up to three children per classroom have ADHD. On any given day, some of the students will not have had enough sleep, not eaten breakfast or seen mum and dad argue before coming to school. Each day, teachers face these challenges to manage the relationships and behaviour of all the children in their classroom and achieve the best learning outcomes possible.

Acting industrial services officer for the Queensland Teachers’ Union, Louise Comino, [now Assistant secretary] said society is changing and kids are generally

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

becoming more difficult to manage. “But I do not believe classrooms are out of control,” she said.

Between 1992 and 1995 corporal punishment was phased out of all state schools.

The Queensland Teachers’ Union supported the change. “There needed to be other means of behaviour management put in place. There was a regression around behaviour as other measures were not thought through,” Louise said.

The debate about physical punishment continues, only now it’s about parents smacking their own children. While it may relieve an adult’s frustration and stop bad behaviour for a time, smacking does not teach alternative acceptable behaviour, trust, security or good communication.

MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

19

education

While most students comply with expected behaviour, in all school systems there are 5-15% who need support outside the classroom to comply. An even smaller number, up to 5%, need extensive support including alternative placement programs. It is internationally recognised that up to 5% of children will be challenging and 1-2% will be very difficult.

Last year, the non-government school sector gained 200,000 students while state schools nationally lost 3000 students. “Surveys suggest that parents are not choosing non-government schools because they are better resourced; the attraction is that parents feel the values in such schools are better than those in government schools. Rightly or wrongly, the impression is that private schools are stronger on teaching discipline and respect,” Dr Donnelly said.

Independent and church schools typically base their behaviour codes on core values, beliefs and principles that are well understood by the broader school community and church.

For example, Suncoast Christian College (a co-educational, independent school with 930 students from pre-school to year 12) has developed a behaviour management policy in a round table process involving parents, teachers, and the wider community.

Suncoast Principal, Mr Brian Barker [Editor: Principal is now Peter Bosker], said the school’s policy takes a positive approach, which promotes students acting responsibility and reaches into life outside of school. “The thrust of our behaviour management process is self-discipline and self-management. Students accept that their behaviour belongs to them. The policy incorporates the values we would like to see our students graduate with,” he said, “A document outlining our formal discipline process is given to every family on enrolment and this clearly articulates the consequences students can expect when behaviour does not meet the standards.”

As far as state schools go, last year’s [2005] Ministerial Advisory Committee for Education Renewal prepared a report called Smart School, Smart Behaviour that

get the best start Prep at Grammar Grammar’s outstanding Preparatory program offers specialist lessons in Art, Music, Speech & Drama, PE, Christian Education, Computers, air conditioned classrooms and a full-time teacher aide for each class. Come and see for yourself why Prep at Grammar is the best start for your child. Open for tours all year round, including most school holidays.

20

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Dr Kevin Donnelly is a former teacher who was, for 10 years, Director of Education Strategies. In Why our schools are failing (2004), Donnelly empowers parents by explaining the background to the main problems affecting our schools today.

has since led to legislative, policy and strategic changes in the area of behaviour management.

In 2006, the Government spent $28.6 m to strengthen school discipline and promote responsible student behaviour. Such funding supports alternative education programs, such as the Positive Learning Centres now open at Sunshine Coast South and the Gold Coast regions [Morayfield and Labrador], additional guidance officers, a new code of behaviour for state schools and access to training and professional development for staff.

Senior adviser with the Centre for Behaviour Support, Education Queensland, Robyn Lloyd, says the evidence is clear: if you engage and support young people instead of marginalising them, they have brighter futures. [Robyn is no longer in this position]. Robyn explained the Code of School Behaviour shows ‘what’ is expected by the whole community: students, teachers, district staff, and parents.

School communities are now developing ‘how’ behaviour will be managed by detailing strategies to promote appropriate behaviour as well as the consequences of unacceptable behaviour in ‘behaviour management plans. Students, parents and principals will sign enrolment agreements requiring them to abide by the Code and other conditions of the school. “When schools and parents work together it is great, but when schools, parents and kids work together it is very powerful. It is not being done ‘to’ kids but being done ‘with’ kids", Robyn said.

Today, teenagers are staying at school longer. 20-30 years ago there were lots of jobs available for 16 year olds and so those not suited to school left. New ‘Earning or Learning’ legislation will see teenagers staying at school until they are 16 years old and then participating in TAFE and high school based apprenticeships to year 12 or equivalent. “Research show students finishing senior school or an equivalent level of education have a much better life outcome with career and personal success, Robyn said. Teachers support teenagers staying at school, but helping those who do not want to be there will test the new behaviour management strategies.

Coolum Beach Christian College Taking enrolments now for all year levels for 2009.

Rhyme for a Lifetime

of Literacy

Modern facilities, caring staff and very competitive fee structure including sibling discounts and a bursary program.

At Rhyme Time our fun-filled sessions combine music, movement, art, craft, storytelling, puppets and drama.

Our weekly sessions are theme based and aim to: • develop early literacy skills • develop fine motor skills and hand eye coordination • stimulate and inspire imaginations • build confidence and independence • develop a love of books and reading For children aged 1-4 and their parents Rhyme Time is a stimulating exciting class in which your child’s physical, cognitive, language, creative, emotional and social development are nurtured and enriched.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact the school office on 5446 4780 to receive a prospectus, or arrange a school tour.

Email: enrolments@cbcc.qld.edu.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Rh me

www.rhymetime4kids.com Phone Nicky 0424 296 549

MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

21

education

Parenting for better behaviour in school In his delivery of the Manning Clark Lecture in 2005 psychologist and social researcher Hugh Mackay said the falling birth rate means we are producing a generation of children who will “almost certainly be over-parented, over-indulged and over-protected. They are likely to become a highly rebellious generation of teenagers when the time comes to assert their independence from parents who have been trying too hard”.

This is a stark warning indeed. So what can parents of young children do now to prepare them for school, help them in the early years and towards a brighter future?

Families have to begin, and help reinforce, the process of education, said Dr Kevin Donnelly. “Turn off the video, the computer games and get the kids off the Internet - read them myths and fables, take them to galleries and museums and help them develop an interest in the world around them. Spark their curiosity and teach them how to sit still and concentrate to get things done. Also, teach them respect and that they have an obligation to support and help others,” he advised.

Parents can set effective boundaries for behaviour, said Louise Comino. “Set limits and enforce them consistently. By having consequences of bad behaviour such as the removal of privileges you set up framework of values that are present when kids start school,” she said.

Good communication with your child’s teacher is essential. Louise recommended attending parent information evenings and going to the classroom whenever you can so that your child will see that parents and teachers are in partnership.

Robyn Lloyd said recent research shows the single greatest factor for success at school is not intelligence or wealthy parents or the best private school - it’s the ability to manage yourself. “That is the most powerful thing you can teach your children,” she said.

Have your say Comment on this article at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

22

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

advertisement/LOCaL BUsiness PrOFiLe

Prep at Pacific: A strong start All programs in early childhood education are not equally effective in promoting the learning and development of young children. The overall effectiveness of an early childhood program is dependent upon several factors: quality staff and curriculum, suitable environment, appropriate grouping practices, consistent schedules and parent involvement. These decisions have important ramifications because they affect the child, the family, the classroom, the school and the community.

Most significantly, Pacific focuses on the education of the whole child in partnership with parents. Learning experiences encourage the development of the intellectual, social, emotional, physical, aesthetic, psychomotor and spiritual dimensions of each child. Solid foundations needed for life are built in an encouraging and nurturing community, firmly grounded on the traditions of excellence in Christian education from a Lutheran perspective.

The development of children across all dimensions of their lives at Pacific recognises that children in Prep are concrete learners. They are exceptionally sensory, which means that they learn best by touching, tasting, hearing, smelling and observing their surroundings, and moving their bodies. They are active learners. They are interested in experiments, trial and error, representing what they are learning through construction and play, and finding answers in picture books.

Pacific acknowledges that children within this age range develop at different rates. To enable children to construct their own knowledge, we provide each child with opportunities for learning that match his or her level of development.

Open-ended learning activities, such as block building, constructing play environments, drawing and writing stories and books about their interests, capitalise on the way we believe young children learn best.

With an interesting and varied curriculum, Pacific maintains a strong focus on numeracy and literacy. In this age of rapid technological advancement we are educating our children for careers that do not yet exist. This year the placement of Touch Smart computers in all Prep rooms helps to enhance each child’s learning and development of IT awareness.

Through ‘You Can Do It’, a planned program aimed at developing the socialemotional and behavioural well being, each child is encouraged towards independence in regard to getting along with others and developing self confidence, persistence, resilience and organisational skills. All of these character traits are vital in equipping children to handle the rapidly developing and changing social, economic and cultural nature of modern society.

Our Prep classrooms are a hub of enthusiasm and smiles with each child having a Year 5 ‘Buddy’ appointed to make the transition to full time schooling as smooth as possible.

This year we have opened a third well resourced prep room to cater for an increasing demand for student places.

Prep at Pacific Lutheran College is about: Small classes; Fulltime teacher aide support in each classroom; Specialist highly motivated and caring early childhood teachers; Specialist Health and Physical Education, Music and Japanese classes; Well resourced classrooms; Safe, secure environment; Being part of a close-knit school community, centered on Christian values.

Places for 2010 are filling fast! For information and a tour, phone Pacific Lutheran College 5436 7300.

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MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

23

Special Events Calendar

March/April

March 13

March 27-29

When/where: 6.30pm – 9.30pm. Hungerford Hall, Nambour State High School Supervised by police, this disco is for the Under 14’s only. Please note older children may require their school ID for age verification. There will be no out passes.

Cost: $8.00 Contact: Visit maroochydorebluelight.com

When/Where: Mooloolaba Beach Register to compete or simply cheer on your favourites as Mooloolaba plays host to this great sporting event.

Cost: free to watch Contact: visit www.usmevents.com.au

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

March 6-8

WESTPAC JUNIOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SURF CARNIVAL

March 1

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY CAMPAIGN

When/where: various locations Gather the kids and do your bit for the environment by collecting rubbish and beautifying the Sunshine Coast.

Cost: Free Contact: For details of a cleanup site near you visit www.cleanup.com.au

March 4-12 April

IN YOUR DREAMS

When/where: 10am daily, Caloundra Regional Art Gallery This exhibition showcases the works of 30 international artists. These artists have used a number of different mediums such as painting, textiles and print-making to explore unfamiliar cultures.

Cost: Free Contact: www.caloundra.qld.gov.au/ caloundragallery

When/where: Mooloolaba Beach More than 1500 top competitors from around Queensland will take part in the most prestigious event of the junior surf sports calendar.

Cost: free to watch Contact: 3846 8017

March 9

TRAVELSMART SUNSHINE COAST COMMUNITY BIKE, RIDE AND WALK

When/where: AFL grounds, Weyba Road, Noosaville Participate in an easy 10 km cycle or 5km walk around the new shared pathways before returning to the AFL grounds to enjoy a great family morning of fun, food and entertainment.

There are some great prizes up for grabs.

Cost: Registration is free, but a gold coin donation is requested. Your donation will support local Great Australian bike ride participant Roberta Gordon who is raising funds for mental illness. Contact: 5449 5333 or visit www.travelsmartnoosa.com.au

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

Baby & Kids Market

NAMBOUR BLUE LIGHT DISCO

March 15 – 22

NOOSA FESTIVAL OF SURFING

When/where: Noosa Main Beach The Noosa Festival is a celebration of all things surf. There will be board riding competitions, music and a food festival.

Cost: Varies Contact: Visit www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com

March 17

AUSTRALIA ZOO – ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION

MOOLOOLABA TRIATHLON FESTIVAL

March 28

WELCOME TO CALOUNDRA DINNER

When/where: 6.30pm, Caloundra Power Boat Club, Golden Beach Just moved to Caloundra? This dinner has been organised by the Lions Club of Caloundra as an opportunity to meet others who are new to the area.

Cost: $35.00 per person Contact: 5491 3973

March 28-29

When/where: Australia Zoo, Beerwah Australia Zoo goes even greener this St Patrick’s Day. Join in a number of fun ‘green’ activities and learn how you can make a difference and help save the environment.

Enter to win a year’s supply of Nestle Peters ice-cream.

Cost: from $31 Contact: Visit www.australiazoo.com.au

HEART OF GOLD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FAMILY FUN DAYS

When/where: Australian Institute of Country Music, Gympie These G and PG rated short films are sure to amuse and delight both parents and children.

Cost: from $8 Contact: visit www.heartofgold.com.au

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Over 70 stalls • Quality preloved • Gorgeous new baby + kids gear • Never pay retail price again!

Saturday 14 March 2009

Lake Kawana Community Centre, Sportsman’s Parade, Bokarina

From 9am to 12noon. Book a stall and have some fun!

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

Fernwood Maroochydore Sushine Homemaker Centre Call 5479 0744 Fernwood Caloundra 2/3 Sydal Street Call 5492 7366

www.fernwoodfitness.com.au An Australian owned and operated franchise business.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Special Events Calendar

March/April

April 1

April 10, 12 and 13

April 18

When/where: When you least expect it.

Be on your toes as your children try and catch you out during this day celebrating tomfoolery and trickery.

Cost: Maybe a little piece of your pride Contact: No firm details available yet!

When/where: 9am Australia Zoo, Beerwah Visit Australia Zoo for an ‘eggsellent’ Easter.

There will be an Easter egg hunt and a visit from the giant Easter bunny. Check the Zoo’s website for dates and times.

Cost: from $31

When/where: Twilight, Kings Beach Caloundra BYO food and picnic blanket and enjoy a specially created family program featuring a blend of music theatre, cabaret, opera and comedy with music ranging from the bestloved Broadway hits to classic opera favourites.

Cost: Free Contact: www.operaonkings.com.au

APRIL FOOL’S DAY

AUSTRALIA ZOO EASTER FUN

Contact: www.australiazoo.com.au

April 2

OXFAM’S NATIONAL CLOSE THE GAP DAY This aim of this day is to raise awareness about Indigenous health in crises and what can be done to help close the gap.

Contact: visit www.oxfam.org.au/events/ close-the-gap-day

CONONDALE EASTER SUNDAY RODEO

When/where: I and T Smith arena, opposite Fritz Park, Conondale Experience the thrills and hopefully not too many spills of the 32nd Conondale rodeo.

There will be camp drafting, barrel racing, bull riding and many more crowd pleasing events.

Contact: 5494 4560

April 5

TOUR DE KAWANA – CYSTIC FIBROSIS QLD CHARITY RIDE

April 10

When/where: Lake Kawana – between Bokarina and Wurtulla There are two options for participating in the fundraiser. Enjoy a leisurely 10km ride around Lake Kawana or for the more serious riders there will be a 30km criterion.

Cost: Free to watch Contact: Visit cysticfibrosis.org.au/qld

OPERA ON KINGS

April 25

ANZAC DAY

This is the day all Australians pause to remember and give thanks, not only for the men and woman who are currently fighting wars overseas, but all those who have fought and died in all wars.

When/where: various services and parades at different locations around the Coast.

Contact: www.anzacday.org.au

APRIL 14

Rumpelstiltskin

Where/when: The J at Noosa, 11am and 1pm, 50 minutes Before the show begins the storyteller invites children from the audience to become part of this production and respond to various clues during the play. The magic created is incredible!

Cost: $12 each or groups of 8 and above $10.

Contact: 5444 4455 Jally Productions Theatre Company is giving away two tickets to Rumpelstiltskin. To win visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

What’s

on at

the library?

FREE - WEEKLY STORY TELLING

Free baby and toddler storytelling sessions are held weekly at every library across the Sunshine Coast.

Contact: visit www.library.sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au for session times and locations.

WARHAMMER BATTLEGAMES

When/where: 11am every Saturday, Noosa Library, Wallace Rd, Noosaville.

Come along and battle against fellow gamers.

For children 10 and over. BYO armies and game books.

Cost: Free Contact: Visit www.library. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

MONTHLY CHESS TOURNEMENT

When/Where: 3.00pm, last Tuesday over every month, Kawana Library, Buddina Learn to play chess and have fun playing against others. All ages welcome.

Cost: Free Contact: Visit www.library. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au List your event for FREE! Preference is given to community and non-profit organisations and businesses which support Kids on the Coast.

Email your details to events@kidsonthecoast.com.au as far in advance as you can!

"I won't be this cute forever Mum"

99

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Book Today! On The Riverwalk Phone: 5443 2833

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

25

BABIES ON

the coast

Welcome to the section for all things baby and maternity related!

Sign

OF THE

TIMES

by Justine Stewart

At first, the idea of teaching a baby sign language seems like the latest trendy ‘hyper-parenting’ technique. But when you think about it, all babies already use their hands to communicate, for example by waving (‘goodbye’ or ‘hello’); clapping (‘hooray! well done’) or pointing (‘what’s that’ / ‘I want that’).

It’s easier for babies to control their hand muscles than their mouth muscles. So by teaching them hand signs for words they know, but may not yet be able to say, you can communicate with them at a much earlier age. Babies as young as six months old can express their wants, needs and thoughts, such as being hungry or thirsty, tired or sick, or wanting to read a book or play with a toy. They can continue to learn to speak and sign together until they’re old enough to speak clearly and no longer need to sign.

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sat & sun 9am – 1pm www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

‘terrible twos’ often last from 18 months to three years? When I read this article, published in Feb/Mar 2007, I realised why.

As babies become aware of their needs, it raises the issue of communication The gap between this realisation and the development of oral language skills can cause enormous frustration and frequent tantrums. Research shows the use of limited sign language can get parents and children over that difficult time.

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

GOT LICE? GET ANSWERS

THE “READING WARS” How they’ve affected our education system

ACID OR ALKALINE - which are you?

EASY BACK-TOSCHOOL MEALS

SUMMER FUNDAYS

Stacks of things Sign language has been used effectively for decades to combat for families to do! hearing or speech problems. Speech pathologists use a language called Macaton, while hearing impaired teachers prefer a language called Auslan. Both, unfortunately, are Australian languages only and don’t translate around the world (wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was one international sign language - it could then suffice as the world’s ‘second language’?) Unless long-term speech and hearing problems are a concern, babies don’t need to learn an entire language and the 152 signs in the Tinytalk program can suffice. If you choose to continue signing and learn one of the other languages, Tinytalk is 70% compatible with Auslan.

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

Signing can:

• Reduce tantrums, tears and frustration • Help babies talk sooner • Increase communication and language development • Help improve intellectual development • Enrich bond with parents, siblings and carers • Encourage greater interest in books and pretend play at an early age • Increase self-esteem and self-confidence • Reveal how smart babies really are and give you a window into their mind

Everything for baby from bassinettes to backpacks Visit us at the Peregian Markets 1st Sunday of every month

eat

FReE!!

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

milk

ISSUE 18 JAN/FEB 2OO7

more

Editor’s comment: Have you ever noticed how the

ChECk t uS ou E onlin

The problem with trying to teach a baby sign language designed for hearing-impaired adults is that some of the signs are too hard for a baby to make or remember.

However now the Tinytalk system of baby sign language has been especially developed by Australian mum Alison Basson, who has created a range of products to make it easy for parents, carers, siblings...and of course, the babies themselves!

Alison herself used the system with her own daughter: “Signing gave me a unique opportunity to know what was going on in my child’s mind and her world, something that is priceless,” she said, “ It also reduced a great deal of frustration for both of us as she didn’t have to wait until she could say the word to be able to communicate.”

Even some childcare centres are now incorporating Tinytalk as part of their everyday activities.

Some parents may worry that learning sign language could delay a child’s speech but in fact the opposite seems to be true. Because Tinytalk is taught at the same time as normal speech, it actually stimulates the development of the brain’s ‘language centres’ in the same way as does learning a foreign language from an early age.

Tinytalk is giving away five memberships to its program. The lucky winners download the Tinytalk EBook about sign lanuage, the TinyTalk EBook of Signing Nursery Rhymes and the Tinytalk DVD. To enter visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au and for more information visit www.tinytalk.com.au

Pamper your baby with style and luxury! oofckf % 5l 0 summer st al

www.thebabyexchange.com.au

Ph: 5448 1818 Our unique baby boutique has a range of products for babies from birth to 2 years old, so you can give your baby the best.

Special Offer on Baby Hand & Footprints

Paint 1 item & get the 2nd item 50% Great Mothers Day Gift Idea!

Paint Your Own Ceramics Kids Birthday Parties, Baby Hand & Foot Prints, Vacation Care/Day Care, Personalised plates, Girls Nights In, Fundraisers, Ceramic classes Examples can be found on display at Bright Sparks, Cotton Tree

m: 0401 409 245 e: gogoceramics@optusnet.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Stylish clothing | Fashionable shoes, from crib shoes up to size 25 Designer baby bedding | Plush blankets | Toys Trendy and functional nappy bags | Gift vouchers available

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MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

27

ADVERTISING

FEATURE

MY space – your kid’s own haven

by Sarah Pye

Why is it the smaller the kid the more space they need? Parents throughout the Sunshine Coast welcome the arrival of their babies with a flurry of activity: nurseries are painted, shelves erected, cots decorated. Before long their kids have grown and it’s time to do it all again with larger beds, homework desks, storage solutions and fashionable wall hangings. In this article, Kids on the Coast has compiled some of the best ideas, up to date trends, and nifty solutions for making your child’s bedroom or playroom their own little sanctuary.

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Each child photographed will have their photo on disply at the Cute Kids Interiors Shop, Burnett Street, Buderim and included on the web gallery at ON.Q Photography website.

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Ph: Donna 5445 5404 or Cheryl 5445 4533 70 Burnett Street, Buderim. Ph: 07 5445 5404

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

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Murals: They look great if done well, but what if you aren’t that creative, or the idea of decorating a blank wall scares you? There are many other alternatives to personalise a wall than painting a professional looking mural.

Try covering the wall with large sheets of butcher paper (using blu tac) and then go wild with the paintbrushes. This way the kids can paint their own wall, and when the mood changes, so can the wall! (This idea works really well if you live in a rented home). Or paint art canvases (Kids on the Coast’s Terri Sanderson made canvases that looked like castle walls and then themed the room to make it look like a princess’s tower!). There are a number of wonderful business on the Coast that create personalised canvas’s for you. A current fad, wall art stickers are available all over – just Google ‘wall art’.

Alternatively, try sponge painting: All you need are two colours (white and blue work really well), and a sponge. Start with one colour and dab colour on the wall.

Then add a little of the second colour and do it again. Repeat this action until you

ader Re

Di

s c o u nt

Anchovi

Iddybiddyboo

Walls

Cute Kids Interiors

Anchovi

have several layers of different colours. A sponged wall works well as a backdrop to other projects. Blue and white can easily become a sky or an ocean scene. Make sea creatures or aircraft using craft supplies, like paper plates and shiny paper, and hang them in front of the wall or attach them!

For an ever-changing wall, why not paint it with blackboard paint, or attach commercial blackboard stickers? Another, similar, idea is to cover a wall with cork tiles so kids can pin their own creations where and when they like. This way the kids can redecorate whenever they want! Don’t forget to have a place for kids to display their latest creation. It doesn’t matter how you display them, kids love to see their work treasured so cover a wall with artwork, laminate a few, or put your favourites in frames. Commercial business can add the ‘decor’ touch with professional framing or printing on canvas.

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MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

29

Cute Kids Interiors

ADVERTISING

FEATURE

Floors

Cute Kids Interiors

It is important to have plenty of floor space for games and projects. If your kids are anything like mine, a cardboard box provides hours of entertainment. Make sure you don’t clutter their room to the point that a cardboard box no longer fits!

Ceilings

Don’t forget kids bedrooms have six surfaces, and ceilings are just as important as the others. It is usual to keep the ceiling a light colour because this gives the feeling of space, but there is nothing stopping you hanging all manner of things to add excitement. Plastic ivy can help create a jungle theme, mobiles add dimension to baby’s rooms and luminescent stars help tweens get over their fear of the dark.

Storage

Kristy Clayton

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when it comes to floors is ease of cleaning. To avoid wear and tear in the most trafficked areas, buy a colourful and inexpensive rug to add colour and protect the more expensive carpet. Or for little children, why not buy rubber jigsaw mats available at most discount stores, to carpet their nursery. Not only are these mats, colourful, but they provide a soft cushioned fall when learning to walk.

Kids are messy things, and hooks, placed on the wall at their eye level are a great way to clear the clutter. Pockets too can be a godsend. Why not buy a hanging shoe pocket and paint the days of the week on each pocket? Then put those things needed each day at school (like running shoes, library book, homework, musical instrument) in the right daily spot. Colour-coded tubs are good for little fingers and if you want to organise the contents, tape a picture on the front. Storage is important in the bathroom too, where kids’ toys can take over. Simple suction string bags keep bath toys together, or a storage stool can keep toys out of sight, and double up as a knee-saviour at bath time! Make cleaning up fun too, with colourful laundry baskets. I especially like the ones with basketball hoops above because they have reduced the number of times I pick up dirty clothes!

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For more information go to www.growingearlychildhood.com.au or call us today!

On the go this Easter.....

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

This book is jam-packed with ideas and images sure to get your imagination going. It is organised according to kids’ daily activities, rather than geographic areas and includes practical solutions as well as designer looks.

Furniture

Keep storage in mind when choosing furniture too. Desks with drawers are great for cutting down stationary clutter; under-bed drawers are an easy way to hide clothes yet enable them to be easily accessible, and bunk beds turn a small room into a usable space.

Robes are notoriously crammed with gear and a good shelf system can go a long way. Don’t forget, though, that hanging rails don’t need to be as high as adult closets, and baskets and drawers should also be at child height.

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It’s easy to be sucked into the picture perfect images of kids bedrooms in decorating magazines where everything is well organised and colour coordinated. In reality, kids need an expressive outlet and their bedroom is their very own sanctuary. The sooner you let go of the House and Garden image, the better. Let your kids put up posters of their favourite pop stars and create their own door nameplate. Make sure there is plenty of room for those things only they deem important. (In our house, this consists of shell pieces, polished rocks, sticks and craft creations). Accessorising their room makes it their own, so let them have input into the way THEY want their bedroom to work.

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Cute Kids Interiors

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• Save plant pots and paint them. Then replant with herbs to put on a windowsill.

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Playtime

Many Australian homes are lucky enough to have a playroom, spare space in the garage or a generous garden so they can limit the kid clutter in the adult living space. Yes, it’s good to clean up after an activity, but the more space you have, the more lenient you can be. Prevention is as good as a cure (my nana used to say!), so why not throw down an old sheet under the craft table before the paints come out? You could even spend a painting session decorating the drop cloth! Give your garage floor two uses by taping a hopscotch board, which can be used when the car is away.

Drape a large sheet over the clothesline and cut holes for windows to make a portable cubby, and give your kids a small patch of garden and a set of garden tools so they can create dinosaur gardens, Survivor television sets, or Japanese pebble patterns. If you have a vegie patch, why not give them a corner to tend?

They are likely to cover themselves with dirt, so consider an outside shower, or a simple Have your say bracket on the wall where the hose can be Comment on this article at fixed into a shower position… and avoid www.kidsonthecoast.com.au muddy footprints through the house!

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TALES FROM

motherville JUSTINE STEWART

Onlywords The other day we were discussing a fancy dress party to which we’d been invited.

“Do you have to go as something, uh, specific?” says Mister-Six-Going-On-ThirtySix. Proud as punch I was. Not only could he use the word, he could pronounce it, which is more than I can say for quite a few adults. Now if I could just get him to stop picking his nose.

I suppose I’m a little more obsessed with words than most people, seeing as how I’ve spent most of my working life earning a crust by manipulating them. And I married a bloke who’s been known to read a book or three- each week. Recently I begged him to stop going to the bookshop in his lunch hour, in case we went bankrupt before he’d even reached the end of the non-fiction section. So, surprise, surprise, guess whose kids are little word-lovers too? Yeah, alright, the little one’s only able to make burbles and gurgles so far, but she’s obviously trying very hard to communicate. If anyone knows what “oohba pflam” means, let me know.

As for our son, he may never win a prize in an art show, run first in a race, or be able to keep his room tidy without some sustained nagging on my part, but boy, does he have a u-beaut vocabulary. It has been somewhat cruelly, although, I fear, accurately, suggested that our son learned to talk so early and so fluently in order to

ISSUE 15 JULY/AUG 2OO6

Editor’s comment: Rather like Dr Who, who morphs into

new bodies, so do editors at Kids on the Coast. In July/August 2006, editor Justine Stewart wrote this lovely piece about vocabulary which is sure to bring a smile to your face. Now, I may not look like Justine, but we share a love of language and both hide our blossoming book collection behind the couch!

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

Our baby special!

• To “C” Or Not To “C” (The Caesarian Question) • Great Baby Products We’ve Tried & Tested • Dr. Roger Morris on Sleep & Settling

Children’s Book Week Why is reading so important?

Indigo Children Are they enlightened or just plain difficult?

kid this Is your ance year’s Adv th You Sports r?

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get a word in edgewise. Someone else recently accused us of reading the dictionary to him, which we don’t. However I haven’t ruled it out, because it would probably get him off to sleep a lot faster than Donald Duck comics, which is what daddy likes to read our boy as bedtime stories. Educational? Nah, but who cares? They’re fun!

Meanwhile, back in Nerdsville central, a.k.a. our lounge room, we’re in danger of being crowded out by all our books. There’s a jam-packed bookcase next to the tatty old couch, another two next to the long-term-loan dining room table – thank you, Aunty - and another next to the el-cheapo faded rug. It’s a bit like living in a library, (and rather obvious that we spent on books what we should have spent on décor and furniture.) The baby’s (borrowed) change table is also right next to a bookcase, and although she’s only seven months old, she’s apparently quite fascinated with what’s on offer. As I deal with the dirty nappies, she stares in rapture at all the books, as though working out which one she’ll read first as soon as she’s able.

My money’s on Australian Houses of the Forties and Fifties, but my husband reckons it’ll be either the Jimi Hendrix biography or The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Football.

Then there are his old textbooks. Our darling girl used to be interested in PreStressed Concrete, but now she prefers Waste Management. Hmm. Perhaps it’s got something to do with what’s happening at the other end…

The pirates are coming!

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

33

health

good

DR. ROGER MORRIS www.doc4kidz.com.au Dr. Roger Morris is a General Practitioner in Maroochydore, who has a special interest in Child and Adolescent Health

Emotional Abuse easier than you think Psychological or emotional abuse refers to a pattern of relationship with a child that involves damaging attitudes, feelings and responses to the child’s emotional needs. Neglect, also a form of abuse, is the failure to provide physical and emotional requirements for healthy development. Chronic neglect can have physical, developmental and emotional consequences. There are five main categories of psychological abuse: Emotional unavailability, unresponsiveness and neglect. The child’s primary care givers may be preoccupied with their own difficulties (for instance post-natal depression, substance abuse), and they are unable to respond to the child’s emotional needs. This can result in difficulties with development (especially language and learning) and problems with future attachment relationships.

Negative attributions or misattributions to the child. This form of abuse includes hostility, denigration and rejection of a child due to perceived negative attributes.

For example a child may be seen and described by the parent as naughty, bad, lazy, deliberately defiant and provocative. This type of abuse is particularly damaging to the child’s developing self-concept and self-esteem and is linked to ongoing relationship and personality problems.

Developmentally inappropriate or inconsistent interactions with the child. This may involve expectations of the child beyond their developmental capabilities, overprotection

ISSUE 17 NOV/DEC 2OO6

Editors comment:

We all know continual yelling at kids constitutes emotional abuse, but Dr Roger reported in Nov/ Dec 2006 that there is far more to it than that.

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of the child, and/or exposure to confusing or traumatic events including domestic violence and adult suicidal behaviour. Some parents expect their child to be independent at an inappropriate age or want the child to ‘look after’ the parent.

Failure to acknowledge the child’s individuality. Some parents lack the ability to see the child’s reality as separate and distinct from theirs and may use the child for fulfilment of their own psychological needs. The problem often occurs in custody or contact disputes in parental divorce proceedings where an emotionally needy parent may have unrealistic expectations of a child. Another example is a parent who has fixed and rigid ideas about the child that are not modified as the child develops, leading to anger and conflict. A healthy parent is able to allow their child to develop a sense of separate identity.

Failure to promote the child’s social adaption. Parents may fail to provide opportunities for social learning and moral development, and sometimes directly encourage antisocial behaviours and attitudes (e.g. alcohol or drug abuse or involvement in criminal activity). ‘Child maltreatment’ may also include exposure to drugs or alcohol in the uterus, exposure to domestic violence, or failure to provide adequate medical care.

The experience of child abuse, including psychological/emotional abuse and neglect, is traumatic and has far-reaching implications for ongoing physical and psychological development. The risk of developing mental health problems is increased by up to four times in those who have experienced abuse.

Source: ‘Child Abuse & Neglect’, (Newman), Australian Doctor, Aug 2004 (29-36).

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE FROM YOUR PHYSICIAN OR QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.

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Parenting orders Introduction If you are a party to a parenting order made by a court about parenting arrangements for a child or children, whether made by consent or after a court hearing, you are obliged to follow the order.

A parenting order may deal with one or more of the following: • Who the child will live with • How much time the child will spend with each parent and with other people, such as grandparents • The allocation of parental responsibility • How the child will communicate with a parent they do not live with, or other people • Any other aspect of the care, welfare or development of the child.

If the parenting order provides that two or more people have equal shared parental responsibility, any decision about a major long-term issue in relation to a child must be made jointly. This requires each person to consult with the other person and make a genuine effort to reach a joint decision.

It should be noted that the status of a parenting order may be altered if a parenting plan is developed by both parties in the future.

Your obligations You must do everything that a parenting order states. In doing so, you cannot be merely passive but you must take positive action and this positive obligation includes taking all reasonable steps to ensure that the order is put into effect.

You must also positively encourage your children to comply with the orders. For example where the order states your children are to spend time with another party, you must not only ensure that the children are available but you must positively encourage them to go and do so.

Arrangements Even if the needs or circumstances of you, the child or the other party change, the court order applies until formally changed by a court or, in some situations, you enter into a parenting plan with the other party.

If you want to change a parenting order and the other party does not agree, family dispute resolution can help you and the other party work through your disagreements. Resolving issues this way is less formal than going to court and should cost less in money, time and emotion. If an agreement cannot be reached, you may consider applying to a court for orders.

Before you can make an application to a court for a parenting order you must (except in certain circumstances), file a certificate from a registered family dispute resolution practitioner, which indicates that you have first attempted to resolve the issue/s through dispute resolution.

Who can Help?

The Sunshine Coast Family Relationship Centre provides information ,referral and dispute resolution and is able to offer up to 3 hours of joint sessions (in appropriate matters), at no cost to the parties , in an effort to come to a parenting agreement or parenting plan without the need to go to court.

Separating or need help with your relationShip? are you separating or already separated, and need help with family relationships? the Sunshine Coast Family relationship Centre provides a professional and confidential family dispute resolution service. Sessions are free of charge.

The Sunshine Coast Family Relationship Centre • Helps separating families with family dispute resolution interviews and sessions, and formulating parenting plans • Helps families stay together with advice about relationships and information to access other services • Strengthens family relationships by providing information and referrals to other services, and involving children, grandparents, extended family members where appropriate For information and free advice contact the Family relationship advice line on 1800 050 321 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday. Or visit the Sunshine Coast Family Relationship Centre at 43-45 Primary School Court, Maroochydore, phone 5452 9700. it’s located close to the Sunshine plaza shopping complex and public transport, with car parking available nearby.

alternatively, visit your local Community Hub Caloundra Community Centre, Phone: 5491 4511 Coolum Community Centre, Phone: 5471 6655 Cooroy Family Support Centre, Phone: 5447 7747 Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Phone: 5499 9345

Visit: The Sunshine Coast Family Relationship Centre at 43-45 Primary School Court, Maroochydore. Phone: 5452 9700 Or call the advice line: on 1800 050 321 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

35

mama

ISSUe 19 MAR/APR 2oo7

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All relationships can start to flounder from time to time, particularly during times of stress. Add one or more babies or children to the mix and life can get very interesting! If things have been a little tense between you and your partner of late, don’t let it spiral out of control. With a little effort and understanding you can work towards nurturing the kind of relationship you would like to enjoy.

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Learn to fight fair – Don’t dredge up the past, stay in the present. Try not to throw in every other fault or problem you can think of, tempting as it may be, as this will only muddy the waters. Stick with the issue at hand. If things are getting heavy, take a moment to stand back and figure out what’s really at stake (and if it’s worth fighting over). If something relatively small is arousing very strong emotions, something larger may be behind it.

another and never threatening or using emotional or physical abuse? Do you tell the truth? There’s a big difference between privacy and secrecy, so if you need to discuss this further with your partner and/or a counsellor, maybe it’s time to do so.

Remember what drew you together in the first place – This can be a very grounding thing to do if you have been

Don’t keep score – Problems can start when ‘scoring the point’, or

feeling that you and your partner are drifting apart. What unique qualities did you love in your partner when you first got together?

Show a little kindness – When your partner is busy or under

– We all struggle a little from time to time, and nobody’s perfect. Try to let the small things go and devote your energy to the things that matter.

winning the argument becomes more important than the relationship itself.

stress, either at work or at home, small kindnesses can go a long way. This could mean helping your partner with household chores, packing them off early to bed with a book, or taking the kids out to give them some time and space alone. If things are tense you can break the cycle of negative emotions by sharing a joke, touching your partner in a caring way such as an arm around the shoulder or gentle squeeze of the hand, or giving them a heartfelt compliment.

Don’t take everything personally

– It can be easy to be reactive to the moods of those we love. If your partner is unusually quiet, or in a bad mood, try not to react to this as the problem may not involve you at all. Try to see what else could be going on.

Give each other space

– We all need time to get back to ourselves and do what we love doing. You are more likely to maintain a close relationship with your partner and children if you know you have regular time to indulge in the things that define you as well as spending regular quality time with them.

Have trust and respect – These are fundamental qualities

of all healthy relationships. Do you appreciate each other? Are you considerate of each other? Do you treat each other well, for example, by speaking politely to one

Cut some slack

Communication is the key - The more open you can be

with each other the better, as little things become big things when communication slips.

Get some help

- If you feel things have come to the point where you just don’t know what you can do to turn them around, talking to an objective third party can help. Friends or family may mean well, but aren’t trained to help you resolve problems and can even encourage an attitude of “it’s all the other person’s fault”. A psychologist or counsellor can help you put things in perspective and bring things out in the open in a safe and supported environment.

Money, sex and kids are three topics that often cause conflict and erode even the strongest marriages. In this prescriptive, practical guide, popular author and therapist Dr. Tina B. Tessina shows couples how to deal with their differences in these critical areas, and resolve them before they take their toll on their relationship.

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ONLY

natural

ISSUE 10 SEPT/OCT 2OO5

Editor’s comment: Keeping yourself and the kids healthy can

be quite a challenge, especially when it seems an entire school full of germs end up at your door. Avoiding chemical medicines as much as possible can help retain a strong immune system and some of these tried and tested natural remedies, printed in Sept/Oct 2005, and first used well before that, could be the first line of defense.

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Simple

home remedies

In the days when everyone grew their own herbs and vegetables, made their own pickles and jams, and sewed their own clothes, the garden and kitchen cupboard provided each household with simple ways to treat minor ailments. We might not want to go back to living exactly how our great-grandmothers did, (and for young children or anything that might require medical attention it’s better to be on the safe side and see a doctor), but nonetheless, here are some natural remedies that could be worth a go:

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Bedtime: A spoonful of honey in hot milk (be sure to clean teeth afterwards) is a soothing and relaxing drink for kids (or adults … just add brandy!)

Now updated and expanded, Jude’s Herbal Home Remedies by William Jude offers more than 800 treatments, tinctures, tonics, and teas, using many easyto-find herbs, as well as a comprehensive herbal index with over 200 illustrations.

For minor skin infections (e.g. ingrown hairs): A poultice made of fenugreek seed and turmeric can help draw out the infection. Tea-tree oil acts as an antiseptic.

Headaches: Frequent, severe or prolonged headaches need medical diagnosis. For minor headaches, as well as an ice pack on your head try putting your feet in a hot bath or under a hot water bottle (this is supposed to draw the blood away from your head). You could be dehydrated, so drink plenty of water. Lie down, breathe deeply and relax your neck muscles. Drinking chamomile tea and rubbing lavender oil on the temples may also help.

Heat rash: A lukewarm or cool bath (no soap) with half a cup of bicarbonate of soda can soothe itchy red skin. For nappy rash or cracked dry hands caused by frequent washing, calendula ointment may help - the most effective will be the thick ointment which feels ‘sticky’, not ‘greasy’, as it keeps the skin more protected.

Minor colds: Prevention is better than cure, so get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat plenty of citrus and other fresh fruits and vegies, and avoid fatty and sugary foods. If you do come down with a cold, support your immune system while it’s fighting the virus by getting extra rest, fluids and healthy foods. Cut out chips, bikkies, lollies, soft drink etc if you do come down with a cold so you don’t put extra strain on your body. You might want to take a vitamin and/or mineral supplement specially designed to assist your immune system - ask at your health food store or pharmacy what’s recommended, and make sure it won’t interact with any other medicines you may be taking.

Homemade chicken broth is both comforting and warming, and the steam helps open up airways. Make sure your soup includes plenty of vegies, and you could add some thyme and marjoram, and, for adults, a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Try raw onion juice or finely chopped garlic (buy organic and Aussie-grown as most stuff in the supermarkets these days is farmed overseas under ‘factory’ methods

Specialising in Learn to Swim programs for children & infants Safety – Skills – Fun • Purpose built heated indoor pool • Heated bathrooms • Small class sizes • Swim fit (aqua aerobics) classes • Squad development classes Mon – Fri 7am – 7pm. Sat 7am – 12pm

1 Santa Monica Ave, Coolum Beach P: 07 5446 1982 E: info@swim1.com.au www.swim1.com.au

Hammocks swings and more…

which destroy its natural antibiotic properties) mixed with honey. Sounds disgusting, but the honey disguises the taste and helps soothe the throat while onions and garlic have a reputation for fighting the common cold virus.

Lemon juice and ginger tea (made by pouring boiling water over grated fresh ginger and leaving it to steep for half an hour) are soothing and said to help. (Ginger tea can also ease minor indigestion and nausea).

Inhaling over a basin of warm water with a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil can help ease a blocked nose … just close your eyes or they might sting!

Mosquito bites: Wash in vinegar immediately, apply aloe vera juice or gel, and if they itch later dab on some alcohol.

To dry up breast milk: Try sage or parsley tea.

To increase breast milk: Eat dill, fennel, or fenugreek or try them in a herbal tea.

But be careful what herbs you ingest as some may affect your baby. Some people also recommend a small amount of weak dill or chamomile tea to soothe a ‘windy’ baby - check with your doctor first.

To sweeten the breath: Chew parsley or make a concoction by pouring a cup of boiling water over half a cup of mixed parsley and peppermint leaves and fennel seed. Gargle and rinse with a mouthful, then drink the rest.

Have your say Comment on this article at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Want the

BEST for your child?

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C&K has a range of early childhood options to suit you.

Visit our website for a centre near you

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or phone: 3552 5333 toll free: 1800 177 092

Handmade in Noosa since 1993 Ph: 1800 651 456 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

39

celebrate

LET’S

the

“backwards” party party

“backwards” the

40

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

ISSUE 16 SEPT/OCT 2OO6

Editor’s comment: A change is as good as a holiday, so

they say. When you can’t jump on a plane and lounge by a tropical pool, or you can’t uproot the family and drive around Australia, why not settle for a backwards party, or even a backwards day? It’s amazing how hard it is to get out of bed on the other side, soap yourself down from bottom to top or eat dessert before the main course (kids LOVE that one!)

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

The money or the kids?

Why so many Australians have childcare concerns

STOP IT! How to deal with hitting and biting

Genetically engineered food

Bonjour, Bébé Bilingual babies have better brainpower!

Should you be worried?

In the swim!

Gear up for a safe summer

WIN

FAMILY PASSES ZOO TO AUSTRALIA See p. 29

plus the Parents’ Choice Directory, Calendar of Events and lots more!

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Phone (07) 5455 9104 Mob: 0423 636 196

www.castlesintheair.com.au Fully insured & Blue Card Holder

The idea of a ‘backwards’ or ‘mixed up’ party is that everything is the reverse of what it normally would be. Here are some ideas for a ‘backwards’ party - but part of the fun is also coming up with wacky new ideas of your own!

• Write invitations backwards so they have to be read in a mirror (do it on a computer and choose ‘print mirror image’).

YADHTRIB YPPAH!

• Ask guests to dress appropriately e.g. clothes on backwards, ponytails over the forehead, shoes on wrong feet.

• Say ‘goodbye’ to guests when they arrive (and ‘hello’ when they leave) • Print backwards name tags and make everyone call each other by their backwards names

for fun, fantasy and laughter Relax in the Parents Retreat while your child and their guests are professionally entertained by a themed hostess for the duration of their party at our themed venue.

Costumes, Prizes and Food all organised!

Various party packages available for Girls and Boys aged 3 – 12 years

Call now to discuss your child’s party needs

Caloundra Cinema Complex (Ground Floor) Shop 7, 11 Bulcock St, Caloundra E: wishingwoods@bigpond.com

5499 7343

www.wishingwoods.com.au

ASK ABOUT THE KIDS CLUB SESSION TIMES

NO MESS, NO FUSS, FUN PACKED PARTIES FOR CHILDREN

backwards Fun and games • As each guest arrives, get them to guess how many lollies are in a jar. The guest who guesses furthest from the correct answer wins!

• Non-musical statues - the kids have to stop still during the music and dance when it’s silent.

• Backwards Musical Chairs - When the music stops, every person sits down...even if you have to sit on someone’s lap. No one is ever eliminated, but another chair is taken away every round. In the end everyone is sitting on one chair!

• Crazy Upside-down Faces - Have each child lie on a couch with their head hanging down. Cover their nose and mouth with a bandanna, and draw a mouth on their forehead (it looks like a strange man with a weird beard!). Take photos and print them up for thank you cards. You can also take a photo of all the kids lined up in their backwards clothes (they turn their backs to you and look over their shoulder!)

backwards Food

2008

ExclusivE rangE of licEnsEd jumping castlEs, combos and slidEs!

• Other cake options are a cake with YADHTRIB YPPAH written on it, or a cake which you turn upside-down in front of the guests so the icing is on the bottom.

You can even cut and serve the cake, then put a candle in each piece for everyone to blow out…then sing the song!

• You can also serve upside-down pizza and nachos (with the cheese on the bottom) and extra large hot dogs, cut down the center, with bread placed in the middle.

NUF EVAH! (Have fun!) www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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To be eaten sitting under the table, of course! (Or at an upside-down table.)

• Start with the cake! You could serve individual cupcakes for each guest, upsidedown on a plate so the icing’s on the bottom, with a candle stuck through the paper case. Everyone can sing ‘Happy Birthday from you’, or ‘You to Birthday Happy’.

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MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

41

holidays

HAPPY

house sitting &house swapping

By Leah Squire, owner of www.byokids.com.au

Editor’s comment: More and more people are discovering

that low cost holidays can be had with a little lateral thinking and one of those cost effective ways is house sitting or swapping. By using your biggest asset (your house) as ‘collateral’ it is possible to eliminate the biggest cost of travel: accommodation. In this article, published in Sept/Oct 2006, Leah Squire from BYO Kids shared her expertise as travel guru. Since that date many home swapping sites have cropped up and I, for one, have listed my home and started surfing. I suggest starting close to home with people who speak the same language, and have similar cultural expectations. I, for instance, am in negotiation for a house swap in Queenstown so my daughter and I can learn to ski!

www.

ISSUE 16 SEPT/OCT 2OO6

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

The money or the kids?

Why so many Australians have childcare concerns

STOP IT! How to deal with hitting and biting

Genetically engineered food

Bonjour, Bébé Bilingual babies have better brainpower!

Should you be worried?

In the swim!

Gear up for a safe summer

WIN

FAMILY PASSES ZOO TO AUSTRALIA See p. 29

plus the Parents’ Choice Directory, Calendar of Events and lots more!

e h t n kidso ast

Did you hear the one about the family that took a holiday in a villa in Tuscany, then a London apartment, followed by a cabin in America’s Rocky Mountains and paid nothing for accommodation? No, it’s not a joke…and to top it all off they had a free car as well! What’s that you say, impossible?

Not if you’re prepared to swap your house with someone else’s. House swapping has been working successfully for years. The cost savings are seeing this practice boom, with organisations like HomeLink International acting as a database for potential swappers.

Covering over 60 countries, from Brazil to Belgium and Tahiti to Turkey, home exchange gives you the opportunity to meet like-minded people from very different backgrounds, live as a local, and enjoy low cost holidays with all the comforts and warmth of home. HomeLink Australia was established in 1980. On their comprehensive website you can browse listings, learn more about the home exchange concept, and read FAQ’s and members’ stories.

Of course, you will find it a little more difficult with children, but there are still plenty of places on offer. Many families are discovering house swapping. The benefits of being in a home rather than a hotel are huge: the kids have space, you can prepare meals, which saves a fortune, you get to meet locals, and it’s a great way to explore a new country or destination. In many cases people swap cars too, which makes it a really cheap holiday.

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ph: 5486 6166 www.kiahpark.com.au 42

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

“Many families are discovering house swapping.”

If you don’t have a house, it doesn’t matter - consider house-sitting instead. To get around the worry of leaving pets alone and their biggest asset vacant, many people are opting to have a house-sitter when they take their yearly holiday. Register with a house-sitting agency and you may be looking after someone’s house, cat and dog in the next suburb or across the globe. Wherever you go it’s an economical and interesting way to live or travel. Or if you’re heading off on the annual holidays, perhaps you need a sitter to water the plants and walk the dog!

Want to know more?

For information on family travel and house swapping log onto www.byokids.com.au Home Link offers support with agents in various countries.

Visit www.homelink.com.au. Membership starts at $250 per year.

Aussie House Swap offers homes in Australia and New Zealand at www.aussiehouseswap.com.au. It costs $65 per year to register you home.

Home Exchange is another good place for international swaps: www.homeexchange.com. It costs about $US100 for one year membership.

To explore house-sitting visit www.aussiehousesitters.com.au. A listing costs $65 per year.

GREAT KEPPEL

ISLAND

!

W O N R E T A E R G EV EN ExpEriEncE the quiet, slow pace of island life. Sandy beaches. Calm water. Relax and let the kids play. Bring a tinny or stand-up paddle board. Perfect for family holidays staying in our Keppel House or Dolphin Cottage. For runaway Mums and Dads, stay in our affordable Village. An easy drive to Yeppoon. Catch a 30-minute ferry ride to the island. Easy!

pe l G re at K e p Is l a n d la g e l i V y a d i l o H www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

EnquiriEs: (07) 4939 8655 rEsErvations: 1800 KEppEL EmaiL: admin@gkiholidayvillage.com.au WEb: www.gkiholidayvillage.com.au MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

43

Competitions

Reviews &

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO MORE GREAT PRIZES ENTER ONLINE @ www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

BOOK REVIEWS

The Sunshine and Gold Coasts host a wealth of literary talent and Kids on the Coast would like to take the opportunity to highlight a few of our home-grown writers: You Sexy Mother

Alec the Aeroplane

Jodie Hedley-Ward, Sunshine Coast In a world where becoming a mother often comes with an erosion of the sense of self, Sunshine Coaster Jodie Hedley-Ward’s book You Sexy Mother is a good reminder that staying empowered and self-fulfilled is still achievable. Even better than that, it’s actually sexy! Filled with useful tips, this book makes a wonderful hospital gift to the new mum… (You just might want to flip through the pages first!).

Robert Young, Gold Coast Rather like Thomas the Tank Engine stories, this little book tells the tale of a small aeroplane taking on a big task. It is a simple story, reminiscent of those you might tell at bedtime, with child-friendly illustrations.

Suitable for the young reader. To order visit www. alectheaeroplane.com

To win one of five copies of You Sexy Mother, visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Swim, Little Seahorse, Swim!

To win one of three copies of Alec the Aeroplane, visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au Tina Derry, Sunshine Coast In clever verse, Tina tells the story of the adventures of Shaymus the seahorse and the other sea creatures he meets while learning to swim. Delightfully illustrated and complete with a colouring in section, this book would make a lovely gift for a beginning swimmer!

Visit www.seatina.com

How to be a Young Nomad Susanne Rosemond, Gold Coast Why do all the retired folk get all the fun? Susanne Rosemond just returned from a two-year adventure around Australia with her husband and teenager.

Besides a swag of memories, the result is this ‘how to’ guide designed to dissolve that list of reasons why you can’t do the same – with or without children! [Editor’s note: As a child I was home schooled on the road, and would recommend it most highly!] To get your own copy visit www.theyoungnomads.com

To win one of four copies of Swim, Little Seahorse, Swim!, visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Magic Boots Christine and Paul Clegg, Sunshine Coast If you have a football crazy primary school boy this is the book for them! It’s the story of Charlie who’s not very good at football… until he finds a pair of old, magic boots. From game to game, his skill improves, until one day when his parents buy him a new pair of boots. Written by mother of triplets, and illustrated by her husband, a portion of proceeds go to rugby league charities. Contact the Cleggs at clegg.33@bigpond. net.au or phone 0412 688 372.

To win one of four copies of How to be a Young Nomad, visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

WEBSITE REVIEWS

To win one of four copies of Magic Boots, visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.madeit.com.au

Just like chicken soup, the handmade items on www.madeit.com.au warm your soul.

Independently made and unique, they make great gifts and family heirlooms. Choose from things like handmade quilts, individual children’s clothes, personalised cushions and one-of-a-kind jewelry. If you are the creative sort, this website offers you a window to potential customers and a means to your very own cottage industry.

www.YourKidsEd.com.au

If you’re a parent looking to find inspirational ideas for educating and enriching your children, YourKidsEd.com.au is packed with great tips, information, services, activities and products - to help educate and inspire. It was designed by parents for parents and was selected as a finalist in the NetGuide 2008 Australian Web Awards in the category of Best New Site.

44

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

www.

Go to

IN e h TO W t n st L kidso hool High Sc ltimate 3U l a ic s u M ck prize pa

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THESE

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www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Parent’s Choice Supplier Directory

recommended

by parents for parents CHILD CARE CENTRES

CHILDREN’S PARTIES

GIFT SERVICES

LABELS

CHIROPRACTORS Dr Bronwyn McNamara Dr Kate Bickley

Includes FREE professional photographic session and FREE photo for frame

193 Maroochydore Rd Maroochydore

A wellness approach to health for the whole family

5443 8888 www.wellnessforlife.com.au

Contact Suzel to make an appointment

Ph: 5439 7000

HAIRDRESSERS

MATERNITY WEAR

• Care for Pregnancy, Babies & Children • Allergy/Nutritional Testing • Free Baby Clinic (Child Health/Midwife) • 12 Years on the Coast!

Dr Gray Moritz

Dr Monique Sefton

5444 0711

Suite 8, 126-130 Golf Links Road Mountain Creek Medical Centre

KIDS CLOTHING

Quality Kids Clothing including Character Brands at Great Prices

www.scgs.qld.edu.au/newleaf

Recommended

by Parents for Parents

Free postage Aust-wide Or 15% discount for local pick up

The Parent’s Choice ProgrammeTM

Visit us online today sales@kidsztrendz.com.au

1800 795 200

www.kidztrendz.com.au

Recommended by Parents for Parents www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

TM

TM

MARCH / APRIL 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

45

YOU CAN BE PART OF The Parent’s Choice Programme™

Recommended

by Parents for Parents SCHOOLS - PRIVATE

Every business owner knows, word-of-mouth and personal recommendations are one of the most powerful and effective forms of advertising. But how can you instantly multiply one recommendation and reach thousands of potential customers at once?

TM

SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

The Parent’s Choice Programme is unique to Kids on the Coast and is designed to help you by directing parents to businesses that have been recommended by readers because they provide superior products and services.

Being part of the Parent’s Choice Programme is FREE! This simple and effective programme will help generate greater response to your advertising by making readers aware that you have been nominated and recommended by parents.

The directory includes a list of only those businesses that have come recommended and is included in every issue of Kids on the Coast. By utilising the directory your listing will also be included free of charge on our website along with a Parent’s Choice Certificate to display in your store or workplace.

Offering a balanced education from Prep to Year 12 372 Mons Road, Forest Glen • 5445 4444 enquire@scgs.qld.edu.au • www.scgs.qld.edu.au

SKIN & PERSONAL CARE

SWIMMING SCHOOLS &/OR COACHES

Being a Parent’s Choice Preferred Business is fantastic recognition for excellent customer service. This programme benefits the whole community and creates a positive cycle of customer service, satisfaction and increased business.

For more information please call (07) 5442 8679 or email pc@kidsonthecoast.com.au

Comments? Questions? Nominations?

Call 1800 795 200 during business hours or email us at: pc@kidsonthecoast.com.au

SOLICITORS

The Parent’s Choice ProgrammeTM 1800 795 200 46

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2009

Recommended by Parents for Parents The Parent’s Choice ProgrammeTM Phone: (07) 5442 8679 Fax: (07) 5442 8709 P.O Box 491, Eumundi Qld 4562 www.parents-choice.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

TM

Copyright All Rights Reserved 2005. The Parent’s Choice Supplier ProgrammeTM is operated under license by Things 4 Kids Pty Ltd for inclusion in Kids on the Coast magazine.

Important Notice: As the suppliers listed are nominated by readers and are included in good faith based on that referral. No guarantees can be given or implied as to the suitability or performance of these suppliers. We encourage all readers to fully satisfy themselves as to the competency of these suppliers when ordering products or services.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Attractions 18 Funnybone Flicks 20 Crazy Mirrors Games 2 Barry Mundy’s Remote Boats 5 Side Show Alley 19 Water Wars

Ettamogah Pub Bluey’s Bar & Grill FJ’s Cafe “The Shed” & Function Area 40 Beer Garden 41 Fountain Place Services Toilets Mothers’ Room Public Phone First Aid Guest Relations Designated Smoking Area 48 ATM 42 43 44 45 46 47

Eumundi

Noosa Coolum

Mapleton

Maleny

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Maroochydore Mooloolaba

Montville

Caloundra

Landsborough Glasshouse Mountains

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Bribie Island

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Brisbane

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Bruce Highway, Sunshine Coast, Qld Phone 07 5494 5444 email: fun@aussieworld.com.au

www.aussieworld.com.au