Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 39

IssUe 39 JUL/AUG 2o10

FReE!!

laces to do, p for things g verythin the to go, e on arents kids & p shine Coast Sun

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Opting out: Are non-Christian Queensland school children at a disadvantage?

Support offered for sensory disabilities Hiding nutrients in yummy juice

DOES WHEN

‘REASONABLE ‘

FORCE ?

LINE THE

Baby’s immunity boosted by new milk bank Andrew Daddo talks about life, kids and a dog called Skoz

CROSS PLUS things to do, books to read and innovative parenting products!

Grab the kids and

A M A Z A C L A

100 year old !

Ginger train - TOOT

Great fu for everyonne

65 ice-cream flavours... yum

M A A Z A C AL

Check out all the fun at Overboard

We can’t make the kids disappear but we can guarantee they have fun.

The Magicianess Magic Show

Shows are Monday to Friday during school holidays 2 shows per day at 10.30 and noon. $6 per head or $3 with any other ticket purchase BYO WAND!!!!!

PLUS with the World’s Largest Ginger Factory, The Taste of Ginger Tour, Super Bee Live Bee Show, Ye Olde Ginger Train, Gingertown, the Buderim Ginger Cooking School, The Ginger Shop, Bliss Ice Creamery and our fun Overboard attraction you’ll find that there’s something for everyone and tons to do at The Ginger Factory. So drop in anytime... and go POOF!

50 Pioneer Road, Yandina, Sunshine Coast Queensland Freecall 1800 067 686 Phone (07) 5446 7100 *Admission to complex and gardens is free. Ticket prices apply to tours and rides only.

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FREE Admission*

CONTeNTS July/August 2010

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18

6 Welcome to

Kids on the Coast

READ MORE ONLINE! om.au www.kidsonthecoast.c

FEATURE Physical discipline and changes to the law 3

WELCOME

4

WHAT’S NEWS

11 CHECK THIS OUT New and innovative ideas in parenting

12 NEW TO THE COAST 14 THE “P” FILES As I lounged on a sun bed in Fiji last week, reading the latest Jodi Picoult, I came across parenting advice given by the main character.

“After your baby gets here, the dog will be just a dog,” Emma says.

“The terrible-twos last through age three.”

And, “Never ask your child an open-ended question… you won’t want to hear the answer.”

Jodi’s character says “Parenting isn’t a noun, but a verb – an ongoing process instead of an accomplishment.”

At Kids on the Coast, we aim to make the journey just a little easier. We hope the enclosed discussions about religion in schools brings to light potential gaps in our education system; learning about the life of children with sensory difficulties will enhance understanding; and juice might just be your answer to getting the rug rats to eat all food groups. We hope too, you will be inspired: to participate in our online survey about physical discipline or to learn new skills with your children.

Like us, we know you take your job seriously, and like you, we know the terrible-twos really last until about 18!

Sarah Pye, Editor www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

hen it’s not plain sailing: The world without sound W or vision

19 EDUCATION Religion: Opt in or out?

24 WHAT’S ON CALENDAR The Kids on the Coast guide to July/August

26 BABIES ON THE COAST

24

New breast milk bank meets the need

30 HEALTH Orthodontics for children

32 ONLY NATURAL Juice: nutrition in a cup

34 PARENT PROFILE Andrew Daddo and his dog Skoz

37 PARENTVILLE Following through

38 LET’S CELEBRATE Dad’s day is just around the corner

40 HAPPY HOLIDAYS Learning holidays for the whole family

44 KIDS ON THE COAST DIRECTORY 46 REVIEWS AND COMPETITIONS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

PUBLISHED BY: THINGS 4 KIDS PTY LTD. PO Box 491, Eumundi QLD 4562 PHONE: 1300 430 320 FAX: 07 5476 6037 WEB: www.kidsonthecoast.com.au 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 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Simone Bell EDITOR: Sarah Pye EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Maxine Arthur, Kim Lahey, Francis Maguire, Scott Parsons, Sandra Smith, Justine Stewart. ADVERTISING: For advertising enquiries please phone Tanya Ryan on 1300 430 320 or email: advertising@kidsonthecoast.com.au LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY: Speak with your advertising coordinator or email: advertising@kidsonthecoast.com.au Production Department: Email: production@kidsonthecoast.com.au ADMINISTRATION: Kellie Kruger DISTRIBUTION: Kids on the Coast (Sunshine Coast edition) is a free publication circulating over 18,000 copies from Caloundra to Noosa and through the hinterland. A separate edition covers the Gold Coast. For distribution enquiries please phone: 1300 430 320 or email: admin@kidsonthecoast.com.au FRONT COVER: Andrea Sproxton GRAPHIC DESIGN: Michelle Craik

JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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S ' WHAT

NeWS

PROGRESS CONTINUES ON NEW QUEENSLAND CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL The staff and services of the Mater Children’s Hospital and Royal Children’s Hospital will be merged under one roof at the new Queensland Children’s Hospital when it opens at South Brisbane in 2014. Both hospitals are currently working together to design and plan a new hospital for children, young people and their families. “The Queensland Children’s Hospital will be a hospital not just for today, but to meet the health care needs of Queensland children and young people into the future,” Premier Anna Bligh said. A Queensland Government-owned and operated pathology laboratory, expected to process more than 298,000 tests a year, will provide vital pathology services on site.

JOIN THE AUSTRALIA ZOO SCHOOL CHALLENGE The team at Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors have set a challenge for primary and secondary schools to show how they make a difference to their local environment, and to fundraise for global wildlife conservation. Last year, schools across Queensland got their hands dirty by planting trees, revegetating local community spaces, building homes for wildlife, conducting energy audits and creating permaculture gardens. To register your school for Australia Zoo’s 2010 Khaki it! School Challenge, visit www.steveirwinday.org.au

SAFER SCHOOLYARDS: PRINCIPALS NOW ABLE TO EXPEL STUDENTS

COLLAGE COMPETITION GIVES TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS

New laws have been introduced giving state school principals the power to expel students either permanently or for a short term – without seeking departmental approval. Premier Anna Bligh said giving greater powers to principals would provide them with the authority needed to manage student behaviour and to keep staff and students safe and free from disruption to their teaching and learning. Education Minister Geoff Wilson said excluding a student was a last resort after other school support and intervention strategies had proven ineffective.

“We will ensure students who are excluded are enrolled in another school or an alternative education program, TAFE or other training or work placement,” Mr Wilson said.

Entries are now open in the annual Kmart Art of Giving competition where students are invited to draw, paint a picture or make a collage that represents what family means to them.

Guy Russo, Kmart Managing Director, was overwhelmed by the quality of last year’s entries and touched by the messages of giving in artworks from students as young as five. “Family means everything to me and I am really looking forward to seeing how the children of Australia express their sense of family,” Mr Russo said. To register, visit www.kmart.com.au/artofgiving. Students could win their school part of a national prize pool of $50,000.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

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Improve your child’s attention Brad Hutchinson – Audiologist / Speech Pathologist

Claire Corbitt – Occupational Therapist

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f your child is a poor listener or has trouble paying attention, there’s a drug-free and fast way to improve these important learning skills.

A computer programme called Fast ForWord was developed by four of the world’s leading neuroscientists to train the brain to pay attention and process information better and quicker.

The Fast ForWord programme has been so successful that it has attracted worldwide attention from top researchers and has been recognised by prestigious publications such as Time Magazine, Discovery Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, numerous scientific research journals, and the programme even features in Dr Norman Doidge’s bestselling book The Brain That Changes Itself.

Fast ForWord is a 12 week home-based brain training course that involves systematic, intensive, frequent and adaptive mental exercises that have been designed to gradually improve attention as well as memory, thinking speed, thought organisation, literacy development, comprehension, problem solving, objective

reasoning, motivation for learning and self-esteem.

This programme is unique because it has been designed to build stronger and more efficient neural pathways so that students learn better, faster and easier. In addition, Sonic Learning’s team of health and education professionals monitor each participant’s training and provide parents with weekly progress reports.

Realising that kids learn best when learning is fun, the exercises are presented in the form of interactive computer games with age-appropriate graphics and motivating points scores. In addition, Fast ForWord offers one-on-one adaptive training with a level of intensity and depth of instruction that can’t be matched by direct human instruction or any other learning software.

Suitable for almost all primary and high school students, particularly those needing a learning boost, Fast ForWord provides students with something they can’t get through either classroom learning or tutoring.

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As featured in Dr Norman Doidge’s best-selling book “The Brain That Changes Itself”

JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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FEATURE

CrimE &

by Justine Stewart

Ever watch those TV courtroom dramas, you know, the ones where the brilliant young attorney manages to get the murderer to break down in front of the jury and confess everything?

“I am astonished that in this country in the 21st century it is still a defence to a charge of assaulting a child that you were engaged in reasonable chastisement… some parents take that much too far.”

Family Court Chief Justice, Alastair Nicholson, quoted in the Courier-Mail in 2002.

In real life, law courts aren’t always so exciting, at least on the surface. But at the crux of every case, especially in the criminal court, there are real people dealing with heartbreaking situations.

So the subject of possible changes to the law, especially where it involves child abuse, is not some dry, academic matter for only bewigged judges to consider.

It’s something that every parent, and in fact every responsible Australian, needs to take seriously.

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Active expression is an important part of being a kid and group dance sessions allow kids to dance to the beat and make up small dances which they then perform. Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom at Karinya. Kristy’s Kreative Dance program is offered as an extracurricular activity. It covers ballet, hip hop and jazz moves. Kindermusik classes in singing, dancing and instruments are also offered after teaching hours.

Dear Readers, Welcome to our fourth “Montessori in review,” in this editorial I will discuss our creative arts program and how it works.

Music – percussion instruments are available at all times. The Orchestral Music Program promotes singing, dancing and musical concepts Music Appreciation – musical styles such as classical, Jazz and modern are explored and musicians are introduced such as Mozart Art – at least ten free expression activities – ranging from drawing, sketching, oil pastel, painting on the easel, printing, rubbing, dot painting, colour mixing, collage, clay are available!

Art Appreciation – we learn about famous artists and their paintings, such as Monet’s Water Lillies Dance – children learn to dance to the beat and make up small dances which they then perform Dramatic Play – as an extended Montessori program dramatic play is also offered. Children use a concept map to prepare the dramatic play environment, based on an interest such as castles, camping, bakery and hairdressing Extra Curricular Activities Kindermusik – These lessons cover singing, dancing, instrument use and musical concepts Kristy’s Kreative Dance Program – This program teaches the art of ballet, hip hop and jazz moves If you would like to find out more about the Montessori environment for your child, you may call for an obligation free tour of our centre. Hurry though as the waiting group for 2011 is getting larger everyday!

Kind Regards, Kerri Steele (AD Early Education. AD Montessori. Bach Education)

For more information about Karinya Montessori, phone: 5472 0505 or visit www.karinyamontessori.com

11 Kauri Street, Cooroy - 5472 0505 info@karinyamontessori.com

Self-directed expression Montesorri education has always been known for innovation and selfdirected learning and, when it comes to the arts, the philosophies at Karinya Montessori follow a similar strategy.

Although children engage in musical activities together at Karinya, music is not limited to specific sessions. Percussion instruments are available in the class and integrated into general learning. Sound experimentation is just the beginning with singing, dance, music appreciation and an orchestra program enabling musical kids to follow their passions.

Art is explored at Karinya there are at least 10 free expression activities on the shelf ranging from drawing, sketching, oil pastels, painting and printing to rubbing to string painting, collage and clay. Art appreciation gives them an insight into great masters and enables them to watch contemporary artists at work. Teacher Kerri Steele says all creative materials are available to the children at any time they wish to use them. “Children enjoy this self directed environment as they do not have to wait for teachers or carers to put out the activities,” she says.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Every year in Queensland, hundreds of parents are charged with serious assaults on their children. We’re not talking about just a small smack. We’re talking about kids being belted, sometimes with implements like straps or sticks, causing injuries ranging from welts, cuts and bruises to fractures and concussion, not to mention severe psychological damage.

But under Section 280 of the Queensland Criminal Code (a section which dates back to the 1800s), these parents could say they were acting quite legally. Because Section 280 says a parent can use “reasonable force under the circumstances” in order to “correct, discipline or control” their child. What’s “reasonable” is open to interpretation by the judge and jury. And although most of the time they may be fairly well in line with the rest of us, there’s no guarantee.

The idea that parents who have injured their children might then try to use this legal loophole to defend themselves in court is bad enough. Even worse, this defence requires that they try to show their child somehow “deserved” it.

Former Queensland Attorney-General and current Queensland MP Dean Wells explains every case that involves a Section 280 defence ends up as a trial within a trial.

“The child gets traumatised twice: once by being [physically assaulted], and second by being `character assassinated’ by the defence counsel in the court,” he says.

Wells believes that in some cases police are reluctant to lay charges where they believe Section 280 would make the assault legally defensible. He says that although this is keeping the issue in check for now, it’s only a matter of time before Queensland ends up with a case where Section 280 is used to “legally pervert the course of justice”, leaving a child victim in its wake.

Dean Wells is very clear about how and why the law should be changed. Although he says he personally doesn’t believe in mild smacking, he is adamant that he is not trying to make smacking against the law. What he’s trying to do is make sure that Section 280 can’t be used by those who commit more serious assaults, because at the moment there’s nothing to say that it can’t. “We need to draw the line very clearly that injuring a child is not something which is capable of being justified or excused,” he says firmly.

Medical science to the rescue Prior to 1962, the problem of child abuse (or as it was initially referred to, “Battered Child Syndrome”) simply did not exist as far as the medical profession, the government, or general public were concerned. It first emerged due to increasing use of x-rays, which enabled doctors in hospital emergency departments to see the number of previously undiscovered older fractures evident in abused children.

As awareness of the problem of child abuse increased, the social sciences began studying it in more detail, and it was discovered that around 65% of cases were linked to excessive punishment (whether or not the parent had meant to injure the child). This, along with new theories and discoveries about child development, resulted in a growing number of people and organisations calling for physical punishment for children to be outlawed.

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JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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FEATURE

The survey says…

The ‘S’ word Those who want a full ban say: “Smacking” is just a euphemism for hitting /it’s a form of violence It compromises a child’s physical and mental integrity

to leave eved that it was reasonable 45% of respondents beli ishment. pun l sica phy of lt resu a a mark on a child as e cking a child was effectiv Only 41% believed that sma in shaping their behaviour. ents like appropriate to use implem 10% believed that it was ghty child. nau a ish pun to s per slip canes, sticks, belts, or oden spoon.

14% supported using a wo a naughty child. etimes necessary to smack 75% agreed that it is som Source: Australian Childhood

It can lead to escalating physical punishment/abuse Research has shown it has negative long-term outcomes It’s less effective than other methods of discipline The prosecution process would ensure that trivial or mild smacking would not be the subject of legal action (much as it does now).

Those who are against making smacking illegal say: It’s insulting/ridiculous to put mild smacking in the same category as physical abuse It’s not the government’s place to dictate parenting methods There might be times when alternative discipline strategies may not be as effective with some children Much of the research is flawed/inconclusive Parents don’t trust assurances that they won’t be arrested for mild smacking.

Foundation, 2002.

Wells is recommending that Section 280 should be amended, so that the so-called `Domestic Discipline defence’ definitely cannot be used in any cases where the child is injured – that is, where the assault has caused bodily harm. This includes cuts, bruising, and emotional harm, grievous bodily harm or even death, whether or not it was intended. These levels of assault are clearly defined under the Criminal Code as being over and above common or technical assaults, which are trivial or mild.

Sounds pretty reasonable so far, right? The trouble is, Dean Wells didn’t propose his amendment just the other day. It was three years ago, in reaction to several highprofile and shocking child abuse cases in New Zealand and Tasmania where the “reasonable force” defence was used. (It led to that defence being removed from the New Zealand Criminal Code, in the face of some public controversy.)

But legal matters can often be complicated, and tabloid-style current affairs shows and newspapers don’t like to spend too long explaining things, in case our short attention spans lead us to flick the switch or turn the page. And with a topic like this, stirring up arguments for the purposes of `entertainment’ rather than journalism is too easy. Emotive, inaccurate headlines like “to smack or not to smack” just about write themselves – never mind that the main idea is being

y a D s r e ift for Fath

Perfect g

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

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misrepresented. The holders of the most extreme viewpoints from each side can rip themselves to shreds in the `comments’ sections of various websites, and the issue can end up a political dead duck.

And that’s what did happen. Despite the fact that Wells made it abundantly clear that his proposed change to the law had nothing to do with `ordinary’ (light, non-injurious) smacking, it didn’t take long for that to be lost in the `smack banning’ panic.

Peter Beattie, who was Queensland Premier at the time, declined to support Wells’ proposed amendment, claiming in a Courier-Mail interview that to do so would make him “a hypocrite” because he had smacked his three children when they were young. (The opening paragraphs of the same article referred to Wells’ proposal as a “legislative ban on parents smacking their children”.)

Adding to the confusion was the fact that many people and organisations do support a complete ban on smacking. These include international organisations, several of whom say that Australia is not honouring its obligations to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. (Not everyone interprets the UN Convention that way, however.)

Groups such as Concerned Psychologists Queensland as well as international groups such as EPOCH (End Physical Punishment Of Children) and many others, say that all forms of corporal punishment and physical discipline, including any kind of smacking, should be against the law.

Which brings us back to 2010. These international groups are keeping up the pressure on all countries, including Australia. Since Sweden led the way in 1979, 26 nations have banned all forms of physical punishment for children, and more are getting ready to join them.

In some countries, such as New Zealand, this has been through the removal of the relevant section of the Criminal Code (the equivalent of our Section 280). So far, New Zealand is the only English-speaking country to have done this, although Scotland and Canada, for example, have legally limited the circumstances in which physical

Have your say…

Should Section 280 be repealed?

Or should it be amended?

Take our online survey at: www.kidsonthecoast.com.au Whatever the outcome, your responses could help create a safer environment for kids. One of the advantages of law reform of any kind is that it can push child protection to the top of the political agenda, resulting in increased public education and, hopefully, funding and practical support for parents.

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Congratulations Curious Kids Can! Curious Kids Can has turned 3 and like most parents, with the Terrible 2’s a distant memory, Principal Mentor Elissa Seib eagerly awaits Curious Kids Can’s next milestone, the Thundering 3’s.

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In her learning studio, located in the picturesque Hinterland township of Eudlo, Principal Mentor Elissa Seib enriches students core learning needs, builds students self esteem and self confidence, equips students with the inner strength needed to meet the challenges of school life and nurtures students in their development of lifelong skills such as self discipline, tolerance, compassion and perseverance.

Elissa’s clients are extremely grateful for this unique service of hers. “Curious Kids Can has been a lifesaver for my son and I.”, said Antonella Patterson.

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Invest in your child’s emotional intelligence JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

9

HAVE YOUR SAY, COMMENT AT www.kidsonthecoast. com.au

FEATURE

punishment can be used, and given clear descriptions of the type of punishments which may not be used (for example, using an implement like a cane or strap).

In Australia, despite calls for change, the only state to have taken action so far is New South Wales. In 2001, the “reasonable force” section of their criminal code was amended to make it clearer: children cannot be hit about the face, neck or head, and any hitting or force which could harm a child for more than a brief moment is not allowed.

But to international movements such as the Global Initiative to End All Corporal Punishment of Children, that’s not enough. They specifically recommend against modifying or limiting existing laws, saying anything short of a full ban sends the wrong message – a bit like allowing men to beat their wives “just a little bit”. (After all, at one time that was legal too.)

So, should minors be granted equal rights under the law? What about equal responsibilities? If the former but not the latter how can this be balanced with society’s and parents’ rights and responsibilities? It’s complex, but considered and informed public debate, rather than name-calling, is essential.

Unfortunately, with an issue as emotive and sensitive as this, rational public discussion is hard to come by. And as Dean Wells discovered, as soon as an idea gets twisted and turned into `the smacking debate’, political leaders who want to be involved can be a little thin on the ground.

So are we stuck with these laws forever? James McDougall, from the National Children’s and Youth Law Centre (NCYLC) is optimistic. Although he’d like to see Section 280 (and its equivalents in other Australian states) done away with altogether, he’s willing to concede that an amendment might not be a bad first step.

Ironically, considering he works for the NCYLC, he also says that law reform is really just a small part of the picture. He says that, thankfully Australia appears to

Tired of losilniges? ool winterSchw ool camp coming

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be starting to move into the next phase of preventing child abuse – putting less emphasis on prosecution and more on prevention, by educating and supporting parents. “It does require a bit of bravery on behalf of politicians, but in the meantime it’s quite clear the leadership is coming from community organisations, and some academics,” McDougall says. “There are some good signs.”

Need help?

If you’re struggling with discipline issues, and/or are concerned that physical punishment of your child sometimes `goes further’ than intended, confidential support and help are available.

PARENTLINE (A service of BoysTown): Support, counselling and parent education for the cost of a local call anywhere in Queensland (mobile phone charges apply). Phone:1300 30 1300, 8am-10pm, 7 days a week Queensland Community Child Health Services Phone the Health Contact Centre on 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and ask for contact details for your nearest Community Child Health Centre.

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Give the dog a bone This delightful puzzle from Colorific uses a wooden bone to turn the cogs and change the expression on the face of a cheeky puppy. It is made out of durable, quality timber, this puzzle is recommended for those from 2-4 and develops motor and cognitive skills. If you DO lose the key, the puzzle still works with little fingers, so all is not lost. Other designs are available and prices vary. Available at Big W, K Mart, Toyworld and Toys R Us. For other designs visit www.colorific.com.au

Colour while you wait Hold off the hungry hordes with these creative placemats. While you cook (or wait for food service in a restaurant), kids are kept amused with designs that amuse and inspire. Nurturing the inner artist, these mats are doodle-friendly with the use of washable or dry erase markers. Just clean off with a damp cloth and colour again and again.

Placemats measure 40.5 x 35.5cm and the kit includes markers. Three different scenes are available for around $40 each and they are printed on foldable silicone.

Visit: www.urbanbaby.com.au

Kit and caboodle

Transport yourself back in time with these delightful vintage kits for kids. Ladybird has stocked the tins with suitable products.

Choose from a Doctor’s and Nurse’s kit, First Aid kit, Let’s Get Crafting Activity Kit and Tricks and Magic Activity Kit. We trialled the First Aid Kit on a long cub scout hike. It fits the bill and even came in handy! RRP $30 and available at www.larkmade.com.au

our guide to interesting & essential bits & pieces

In or out?

Keep your kids away from ‘no-go’ zones with this handy portable door lock. It can be used on almost all internal doors that open towards the area you need. When secured, it makes the room inaccessible from outside. Designed by a grandparent out of necessity, the Howsar Portable Door Lock requires no tools. You simply hold the large part in the door jam, close the door and slide the hook through the exposed hole. It’s made of tough nylon and portable. RRP: $45 and available at www.globaltravelproducts.com.au

No more lost drink bottles

Does your darling/monster have a habit of dropping his or her cups or toys? Foil them with the Drop Buddy. This smart lanyard device attaches their possessions to almost any pram, stroller, highchair or car seat. They will soon learn how to pull it back in, saving you time and oodles of money. The length is adjustable and Velcro and safety release make it easy to use. RRP: $10 and available at www.haggusandstookles.com.au

Balloons with a difference

Inflate your next kids’ party with these super huge balloon tubes.

Simply tie off one end and blow up using the other. Once inflated, balloons will sail huge distances when thrown or bounce off the ground and generally provide endless fun. Balloons come in packs of three and there are three different packs to choose from. RRP: $9 and available at www.coolthings.com.au

Travel in style

Going travelling during the next school holidays? Don’t have enough hands for the luggage AND the kids? This innovative seat attaches to standard carry-on bags, allowing you to glide through the airport while the kids lounge in comfort. Recommended for children up to 18kg, the chair folds flat to easily fit in overhead compartments. RRP: $100 and available at www.rideoncarryon.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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NeW

TO THE COAST

a Kids on the Coast advertising feature

Little master chefs Trained home economics teacher Lorraine Schram from Fun-Tastic Cooking is putting the fun back into holidays with kids’ cooking classes at her home kitchen in Maroochydore. Four different two-hour classes are available for $35 each, or $130 for all four. “Best of all, sessions are limited to only four kids, giving them a much more personal experience,” Lorraine says. “Participants take home their chef’s hat, apron, recipe file and creations.”

Fun-Tastic is also available for theme days at regular vacation care facilities with a kitchen. Lorraine brings all her equipment and ingredients and conducts 1-2 hour sessions for up to 15 children per group. The cost is $16 per child and multiple age-groups can be conducted in the same day.

For more information on either option, phone Lorraine on 5479 3610.

‘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!

Lady Gowrie Noosa Family Day Care new to Peregian Lady Gowrie Noosa Family Day Care provides outstanding early education and care for children from birth to primary school. “We offer families a flexible alternative to centre-based care, promoting early learning in a safe and nurturing home environment”, said Gowrie Senior Coordinator Yvonne Fairbairn. This year, Lady Gowrie proudly celebrates 70 years of providing services for young children and their families. Sunshine Coast families can take advantage of the Gowrie’s expertise and experience by enrolling with the scheme. The scheme is recruiting educators for their expanding service. If you enjoy working with children and are interested in their play and learning, contact the team to talk about becoming a family day care educator.

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Take home: Chef Apron/Hat, Recipe File, Goodies cooked on the day Freedom Learning Centre Lorraine Schram (Holder of Working with Children Card, Qualified Teacher – Home Economics)

P: 07 5479 3610 E: lorijohn@flexinet.com.au

Snakes Alive!

Jill Zimmermann’s passion for snakes started as a volunteer wildlife rescuer. Through her experiences, Jill realised there was a need for snake education on the Sunshine Coast. Wild Spirit is the result. Jill’s educational, entertaining and interactive demonstrations make for a wonderful and unusual addition for Kindy’s, School presentations and Kid’s parties. Using a variety of friendly Australian Python’s, Jill takes kids on an unforgettable journey into the life of a snake. Importantly, she also teaches children what to do if they see a snake. Learning to understand snakes is and enjoyable and fascinating experience for kids of all ages.

Wild Spirit is also available for Fundraisers, Social functions and Diversional Therapy. “I even treat snake phobia’s in mums” Jill says, and one on one bookings available for reptile loving youngsters. For more information phone 07 5478 1315, 0411 558 827 or email wild_spirit5@yahoo.com.au

Educational Live Snake Presentations Kids parties, Fundraisers, Kindys, Schools, Social functions, Diversional therapy

le Child places availab

Lady Gowrie Noosa Family Day Care 255 David Low Way, Peregian Beach Qld 4573 Email: noosafdc@ladygowrie.com.au

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

ild pirit Call 07 5478 1315 or 0411 558 827 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

For just $99.99 you get unlimited entry to Movie World, Sea World & Wet’n’Wild.

Drop in anytime until 30 June 2011 & make the most of the National Year of Fun. Don’t miss out on Australia’s greatest theme park deal!

Get your VIP Pass now. Call 133 FUN or go online.

$3.95 booking fee applies per transaction on purchases through myfun.com.au. $4.95 booking fee applies per transaction on purchases through www.kidsonthecoast.com.au 133 386. Surcharges apply for all American Express and Diners Card transactions.

†

SEA WORLD © 2010 & TM Sea World Property Trust. WARNER BROS. MOVIE WORLD and logo, LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s10) 1006655

JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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THE ‘P’ Files

by Maxine Arthur

“Welcome to Holland” is one mother’s explanation of what it feels like to be told that your child has a disability. She said it’s a journey from the initial feeling of loss to acceptance to a determination to help your child lead a normal, fulfilling life.

Emily Pearl Kingsley is the mother of a child with a disability. She compares her pregnancy with the excitement of planning a dream trip of a lifetime to Italy.

Somehow, however, she ended up on the wrong plane and landed in Holland. She says if you spend too long mourning what might have been, you may miss seeing the different, but equally wonderful and exciting place in which you landed.

plain sailing

When it’s not

Pre and Post Natal Pilates and Yoga • Qualified womens’ health physiotherapist that specialises in pelvic floor issues • Improve abdominal and pelvic floor control • Assist in healthy pregnancy, labour and recovery • Prevent back problems from increasing demands • Maintain overall strength and stability • Get back to regular weight afterwards • Mat & equipment pilates • Pregnancy massages • Kids play area • Claimable on most health funds

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

The human spirit is resilient. It does not take long for most parents to put aside the grief and worry that follows diagnosis, and come to grips with difficult practical and philosophical decisions about their child’s future. One parent told the Hear and Say Handbook, “We felt an indescribable sadness for our daughter for all the things in life that we thought she would miss, then an enormous determination to make sure she did not miss anything.”

The challenges can be daunting. Demands on parents’ time, patience, finances and emotions can take their toll. The rewards of such determination are seen in the joy and pride families experience when they see their visually or hearing impaired child develop hard-won skills others take for granted.

Hearing screening for newborns The earlier a child with a sensory impairment is identified the earlier he or she can access treatment and early intervention services. These optimise the child’s chances of engaging fully in mainstream education, in employment of choice and in a fulfilling social life.

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(post graduate of Chiropractic Paediatrics) may be able to help.

• Colic • Reflux • Ear Infections • Flat Head • Constipation • Headaches • Bed Wetting • Learning Difficulties • Irritable Babies • Feeding/Sleeping/Dressing/Bathing difficulties…

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Dr Scott treats babies from as young as 1 day old, children of all ages & adults too! Very gentle techniques are used and the treatment is extremely safe.

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5491 7743 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Communication for hearing impaired kids Oral – involving speech, listening and lip-reading. The oral method uses lip-reading with the assistance of residual hearing to develop speech and language.

Manual – using the hands to communicate.

Auslan is the sign language of the Australian Deaf Community. Other methods are Sign systems and Finger spelling.

Written – communication via the written word.

The Queensland Healthy Hearing Program has been offering free newborn hearing screening to all babies born in Queensland hospitals since 2004. If the result is of concern, the baby is referred to Australian Hearing for further testing. If a hearing loss is identified the audiologist will discuss management of the hearing loss with the parents. Australian Hearing will also provide a copy of Choices, a booklet that provides a mine of information about early intervention programs, services and practical advice on communicating. The Healthy Hearing Program has been able to test 98% of babies in recent years and this has meant that early intervention programs to develop communication skills can begin much earlier.

Undetected hearing loss can profoundly affect speech, language, cognition, social and emotional development.

Early intervention is the key to helping your child communicate and socialise Your general practitioner and your child’s paediatrician can provide support and advice about local services. It can be helpful to connect with other parents of hearing or vision impaired children through an organised support group or via your child’s early intervention centre or school.

Ideally, early intervention should begin soon after your child has been diagnosed with a sensory loss. The child benefits from the early stimulation and parents benefit from working with early intervention professionals who will help you support your child.

Support for the child with a hearing impairment The Hear and Say Centre in Nambour runs an innovative Auditory-Verbal Therapy program teaching deaf children to hear, listen and speak. Hear and Say speech pathologist Roxanne Innes says earlier screening of newborns, cochlear implants and advanced hearing aid technology (combined with Auditory-Verbal Therapy for a profoundly deaf child) can result in that child, at two years, having speech levels above his peers.

Buderim mother Kristy Murphy and her three-year-old daughter Sloane are clients of the Hear and Say Centre. Sloane was born in Sydney after a normal pregnancy and birth. The hospital’s hearing screen for newborns detected a possible hearing loss and Sloane was retested a few days later – with the same results. A full audiological test two weeks later showed a severe to profound loss in both ears. “It was just devastating”, Kristy says. With no family history of deafness, Sloane’s parents found themselves entering a world that was “all new and strange”.

Sloane was fitted with hearing aids in both ears at four weeks and started AuditoryVerbal Therapy in Sydney at two months of age. The family moved to the Sunshine Coast when Sloane was 18 months and she started at Hear and Say immediately.

Sloane’s hearing was reassessed and a cochlear implant was recommended. She now has both an implant and a hearing aid. Sloane attends the Centre for individual therapy and for a monthly playgroup.

Kristy backs up the therapy with intensive language enrichment at home. “The positive environment of the Centre and the contact with other parents going through the same thing has been our biggest source of support,” Kristy says. She feels very confident about Sloane’s future having seen the accomplishments of older deaf children who have had cochlear implants and intensive Auditory-Verbal Therapy.

HOST FAMILIES REQUIRED Not just puzzles and games

for DEMI PAIR Program

Global Village English Centres (Noosa and Maroochydore) are looking for friendly local families to host international students on a Demi Pair program.

Highly qualified, experienced and motivated female students from France, Germany and Switzerland offer your family: > A safe and reliable extra pair of hands around the home > 15 hours of childcare combined with general household duties per week at times that suit you and your lifestyle > A unique and memorable cross-cultural exchange for your family

Caloundra Kawana Shoppingworld Montville Sunshine Plaza Toy Clearance Outlet Shop 6A/84 Bulcock St Shop 329 Nicklin Way Shop 1/166 Main St Shop 180 Riverwalk 5 Technology Dr CALOUNDRA Q 4551 KAWANA Q 4575 MONTVILLE Q 4560 MAROOCHYDORE Q 4558 WARANA Q 4575 (07) 5438 0487 (07) 5444 4336 (07) 5478 5788 (07) 5443 5469 (07) 5437 7391

SHOP ONLINE: www.amazen.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

In return for performing Demi Pair duties, students require: > A welcoming environment in which to improve their English language skills and experience Australian culture > Full board and lodging with own bedroom Students combine Demi Pair duties with their studies at Global Village

For details, please contact Jo Porter at Global Village Accommodation Office on 5447 4448 JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

15

THE ‘P’ Files

Detecting visual problems

Support for the child with a vision impairment

Parents need to be alert to signs of possible vision defects and to have their child’s eyes checked periodically.

Early intervention for vision impaired children focuses on speech and language development, and educational and social development. Orientation and mobility skills training begin early so that children learn to move about safely. Basic life skills such as eating, drinking, bathing and dressing also need specific teaching.

If your baby is having difficulty focusing on your face or on objects at four to five weeks of age, visual problems should be suspected. If the eyes move rapidly from side to side as they try to focus, if they do not react to a bright light being turned on or the pupils appear white or cloudy, see your doctor promptly.

Medicare rebates are available for detailed vision assessments for children 3-14 years old.

The Healthy Kids Check, introduced by the Federal Government in 2008, is a free basic health check for every four year old, carried out by your local GP. It includes a physical assessment of the eyes and a discussion with the parents of any concerns about eyesight. If any issues are identified a referral to an optometrist or ophthalmologist will be made.

In Year One all primary students in Queensland are screened for sight and hearing.

Vision Australia is often the first service that parents of a blind /vision impaired child turn to. It provides, free of charge, training and resources to support the child and family from birth through to school leaving age. At each life-stage the child is taught skills aimed at maximising access to education and independence. Before school-age Vision Australia assists the child to learn age-appropriate living skills, orientation and mobility skills, and early braille literacy skills.

Guide Dogs Queensland has been helping vision impaired and blind children and their families for a hundred years. They can provide counselling, resource and support information from a very early age. Instructors use play and exploration activities to encourage sensory and concept development, and to teach early mobility and orientation skills. Special Education programs can be delivered in school, home or community settings and on Guide Dogs Queensland’s holiday camps. All services are provided free to clients.

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No Joining Fee in-club offer will The first 10 women to take up the also receive 3 personal training No Joining Fee in-club will sessions, valued at $38 offer each, FREE.** also receive 3 personal training Taking the total savings to over $300. sessions, valued at $38 each, FREE.** Taking theinner totalfox savings to over $300.

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Kai’s journey to independence Caloundra mother Kelly Loomes has two sons: six-year-old Kai and four-year-old Trey. When Kai was six to eight weeks old Kelly and her husband noticed something wasn’t right with Kai’s vision and mentioned it to their doctor.

“Kai was three months old when we were told that he had Septo Optic Dysplasia and is totally blind,” Kelly says. “I was a mess and couldn’t stop crying. The drive back to Caloundra from Brisbane was horrible, I felt numb.

“I couldn’t believe that my beautiful baby boy was blind, it was heart-breaking.

“To begin with, all we could think of were the things Kai would never be able to do and how all our dreams of how his future would be had been shattered, but we soon realised that that wasn’t the case and he was still very capable.

“Kai was still the same gorgeous little boy – he just couldn’t see – and we were going to do all we could to provide him with the best opportunities we could for a bright and independent future.”

Kai attended an early intervention playgroup once a week at Talara Special Education Developmental Unit from five months to about three years old. When he was 11 months old Kelly made the trip to Brisbane with Kai once a week to attend a similar program at Narbethong Special School. For the next two years he attended Narbethong twice weekly and last year completed his Prep year, attending four to five days a week.

“The travelling was hard, but well worth it,” Kelly says.

“Thanks to the teachers at Narbethong and the therapist from Vision Australia, Kai was given the best opportunities to grow and learn.

“Therapists from Disability Services Queensland also visited Kai at our home once a fortnight.”

Kai now goes to Currimundi Special School and he loves it. “The teachers at his school are wonderful and so is the program,” Kelly says, listing the many improvements in Kai’s skills and behaviours. Kelly says that they still have “bad days” but “Kai is an amazing little boy and we are so proud of him and how far he has come. We couldn’t imagine our life without him in it.”

Need advice?

When it comes to choosing a preschool or school for a child with a disability, seek advice from Special Education staff within Education Queensland or independent schools in your area. Alternatively, visit: www.hearandsaycentre.com.au, www. aussiedeafkids.org.au, www.visionaustralia.org, www.guidedogsqld.com.au

News flash The recent Queensland State budget included $4.46 million for the Hear and Say Centre which is part of the Government’s commitment to double the number of cochlear implants available to Queensland children. Treasurer Andrew Fraser said of the children with a cochlear implant who use the Centre’s services, 97-99% are able to participate in mainstream schooling by the age of five. Hear and Say founder Dimity Dornan said the funding would make an enormous difference to Queensland kids.

“It means putting young hearing-impaired children on an equal hearing footing with other kids their age,” he said. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

FURTHeR ReADING

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

My Silent World Nette Hilton and Vincent Agostino The silent world for one young deaf child is about to disappear.

She is being fitted with a cochlear implant which she calls “The Intruder”. This is a wonderfully original story about disability and difference with illustrations by an award-winning artist.

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

JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

education

Opt in opt out?

Religion in state schools

by Sandra Smith

Queensland is home to an increasingly diverse and multi-cultural population, with a range of cultural, religious and non-religious beliefs.

Our state schools and communities need to respond to this diversity and meet the needs of contemporary Queenslanders in an inclusive way, and this means ensuring that religious diversity is provided for.

Primary school students at Queensland’s state schools are currently given the opportunity to attend religious instruction of up to one hour per week, taught by approved volunteer representatives of denominations and faith groups.

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Visit www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au for enrolment details www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

19

education Once parents identify their child’s religion on enrolment, the child is subsequently placed in an identified RI program. Education Queensland’s policy says children who opt out of RI must be placed in an alternative activity and supervised in a separate area but, in many cases, this is not happening and children are expected to read in the back of the room.

Education Queensland acting assistant director-general David Manttan says RI classes are the responsibility of the principal and must be in line with departmental policies and practices. School management issues include managing alternative activities and the location of these activities, says Mr Manttan.

“Principals determine and monitor appropriate alternative activities for students who do not attend RI, which may include such activities as revision of class work, wider reading or doing research, and must also ensure that alternative instruction does not create educational disadvantage to students attending RI,” he says.

Australia’s changing religious profile The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that Australia’s religious profile is changing and two significant trends are emerging.

Increased migration to Australia has led to the growth of some religious groups and a greater religious diversity than in the past. As Australia becomes more multi-cultural, there is a reduced affiliation with Christian traditions and a remarkable growth in other religions. The three main non-Christian religions practiced in Australia are Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism, and a 2006 ABS report states that 1.1 million Australians are affiliated with non-Christian religions.

The second trend identified in the 2006 ABS report is a strong growth in secularisation. In the 2006 census, 19% of the population stated they had “no religion”. This was a substantial increase from 1971, when only 6.7% had no religion.

Even more striking is a significant decline in Christian affiliation for generations X and Y (aged 20-39). The 2006 census results for this age group show that only 56% nominated Christianity, 7.4% belonged to a non-Christian religion, and the remainder nominated “no religion”. These are the current parents of primary-age children.

In this social climate, school communities need to ensure that religious instruction (RI) in state schools is relevant to the students, and that families who opt out of traditional RI classes are having their needs met in a sensitive and inclusive way.

Ethics classes – a meaningful alternative

Speaking to parents whose children opt out, many feel their kids ARE currently disadvantaged. The most common concern seems to be the lack of allocation of a separate area for these children.

One possibility that Queensland school communities may consider is a secular ethics class for children who have opted out of RI, so that they have a meaningful alternative during the time when their classmates are engaged in religious instruction.

There are reports of children being sent to the back of the class, where they feel isolated from the group. One child said she felt alienated and “weird”. She asked her parents for permission to opt back in because of it.

A trial of secular ethics classes was recently piloted in 10 NSW primary schools, for children who had opted out of Special Religious Education (SRE) – the NSW equivalent of RI.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

The NSW ethics trial is an Australian first, and each lesson explores an ethical dilemma. Students are encouraged to examine ethical issues like fairness, honesty, care, rights and responsibilities, and they discuss and resolve these issues through engagement in age-appropriate activities.

The 10-week pilot program was developed by experts at the St James Ethics Centre in collaboration with the Federation of Parents and Citizens of NSW. The lesson plans were designed by Professor Philip Cam, a University of NSW academic, who worked under the guidance of the curriculum branch of the NSW Department of Education and Training and the NSW Board of Studies.

St James Ethics Centre executive director Dr Simon Longstaff says the ethics classes sharpen and improve the children’s critical thinking skills while complementing and extending the work of primary school teachers who, through the school curriculum, already engage the children in activities that look at ethical issues.

“What you end up with as a result, is an opportunity to engage in meaningful activity for all children in NSW, and not just those who go to SRE,” he says. “It teaches them how to think about ethical issues in an environment where they can bring to bear their own cultural, religious and other world views, which they have derived from home or from their life in the community.”

The pilot is the result of a long campaign by parents of the NSW Parents and Citizens’ Federation over several years. Dr Longstaff says he was first approached seven years ago by a group of parents who wanted a program that looked at important questions that arise in the children’s lives. They wanted it without the theological or spiritual dimension that is an integral part of SRE without removing or damaging the existing programs in NSW schools.

“The thing that’s been really striking about this debate in NSW is that it’s been driven by parents of all faiths and no faiths who have this common concern for the welfare of the children who don’t attend SRE,” Dr Longstaff says.

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JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

21

education

An independent evaluation of the ethics pilot will be undertaken by the NSW Department of Education and Training, and if the Department approves an extension of the program, Dr Longstaff says the curriculum and lesson plans will be freely available to everybody for their use.

He suggests that even faith groups may choose to access the program, adapt the lesson plans and use them from a religious perspective. It’s also likely that the lesson plans will eventually be online, so they will be available for Queensland or any other state to access.

Parents were concerned because in some NSW schools children who had opted out of SRE were made to sit outside the principal’s office “as if they had been naughty”, reports Dr Longstaff, and he adds that this is “unjust and it’s wrong”.

“Every effort should be made to ensure those who don’t go (to SRE) are not penalised for their conscientious choices in this matter,” he says. “Even if it’s done as an oversight, it should be addressed.”

Dr Longstaff explains that due to Australia’s multi-cultural environment, students in the classes come from very different backgrounds, and part of what they’re learning is “to respectfully engage with each other under a climate of examination”.

Through the pilot, children tap into philosophical thought that has developed in a range of different traditions across history. “Children have quite a sophisticated understanding of the core principles, which a lot of philosophers have worked at for centuries,” Dr Longstaff says.

The program focuses on ethical awareness and decision making, with trained volunteers facilitating class discussions on ethical issues. The volunteers are drawn from the local school communities, and most are parents of children attending the selected schools.

Informal feedback from the recent trial is positive, and Dr Longstaff reports that participants are enthusiastic. “Anecdotally, we’ve been having some fantastic responses,” he says. “I heard one little boy come out of the class and he said one word – ‘awesome’.”

Queensland parents who would like to see the ethics program as an option for their children are encouraged by Dr Longstaff to take the lead “in the name of their children”, and he believes that the ethics program could certainly be introduced into Queensland schools, if parents want it to be available.

“It would just be up to the parent body to say ‘this is something we would like to do’, and to organise the basic infrastructure so they can make it available within their communities,” he says.

He wants to make it very clear that the NSW ethics classes are not an attempt to remove religious instruction from schools, and he says the aim is simply to provide meaningful activity for children who don’t want to do SRE for whatever reasons their parents have.

Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens’ Associations (QCPCA) president Margaret Black says she hasn’t had any feedback from parents on problems with religious instruction in state schools, and she attributes that to the clarity of the Education Queensland guidelines. “Most schools run very close to the line of the rules and regulations,” Ms Black explains.

Parents have the right to choose what they want for the child, and Ms Black says that’s why there is an “opt in” or an “opt out” for religious

The Early Years at Immanuel … make the right choice The Early Years are the most critical in a child’s education. Finding the right school, with supportive and nurturing teachers, will set them on a path of lifelong learning.

That’s where we come in….

With an integrated curriculum between our new Prep Centre and Immanuel Early Learning Centre, we offer our youngest learners a smooth transition between Kindy and Prep.

Talk to us today and let us help you make the right choice for your family.

“We believe in nurturing each child to encourage their individual talents and abilities.”

David Bliss - Principal

Immanuel……where everyone is someone.

Walk with knowledge. Walk with confidence. Walk with us at Immanuel Lutheran College.

22

Walk as Children of the Light

Irene Dabinet, Enrolment Registrar

Immanuel Lutheran College

T: 5477 3441

KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

E: dabineti@immanuel.qld.edu.au

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

“The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that Australia’s religious profile is changing…” instruction. “There are always some people who believe that it [RI] shouldn’t be in state schools, but we believe that’s the parents’ choice,” she says.

Ms Black says that introducing ethics classes for children without a nominated religion would have to be a decision made by the entire school community, and she says the QCPCA would not support ethics classes unless it is a full school community decision.

If parents have concerns and are not happy with their school’s decision or procedures, Ms Black recommends that they talk to the school principal. “We encourage parents, whatever the issue, to take it up with the school in the first instance, and if they’re still not satisfied, there is a process from there,” she says.

What I believe

FURTHeR ReADING

Alan Brown and Andrew Langley Published by Ken Fin, this colourful book explores the main religions of the world in an easy to understand way. Each religion includes history, day-to-day lifestyle, growing up in that faith, and different celebrations throughout the year.

If you wish to supplement your child’s religious knowledge, or even suggest a text book for your school, this is a wonderful start.

Religious

Gifts Baby Baskets, Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Rosary, Religious Pictures, Corporate Gift Baskets, Christmas Hampers, Balloon Art 95 Blackall Terrace, Nambour (opposite Nambour Hospital)

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p: 5441 6368 m. 0414 404 520 JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

23

Special Events CalendaR July 2-10

BRISBANE GANG SHOW Where/when: Schonell Theatre, University of Queensland In its 59th season, a theatre, dance and musical review organised by the Scout Organisation of Australia. The cast and crew come from Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venture Scouts, Rovers, Girl Guides and Leaders aged 10-26.

Cost: Adult $22, child under 18 $15 Details: 3871 0338 or visit www.brisbanegangshow.scoutsqld.com.au

July 5

THE WIZARD OF OZ SHOW Where/when: Nambour Civic Centre, 3.304.30pm Get involved in adventures along the Yellow Brick Road. Come dressed in your favourite Wizard of Oz costume to rap with the Tin Man, roar like a lion or dance with Dorothy in this interactive version of the much-loved fairy tale.

Recommended for age 2-10.

Cost: $15, adults at children’s prices, bring a toy or book for the Children’s Hospital Toy Appeal.

Details: www.nambourciviccentre.com.au

July 24

BINDI’S 12TH BIRTHDAY Where/when: Australia Zoo, Beerwah, opens 8am Bindi Irwin is turning 12, and Australia Zoo is celebrating with Hollywood-style red carpet action. Join Bindi and her friends in the Crocoseum to watch the premier screening of Free Willy – Escape from Pirate’s Cove. Plus, a preview of FAME the Musical and the chance to star in your own stunt scene. There will be heaps of prizes too.

Cost: All kids 14 and under free with a paying adult Details: www.australiazoo.com.au

24

JULY

Compiled by: Frances Maguire

Starting July 3

July 3-4

July 4

July 4

Where/when: Eumundi Markets, Wednesdays and Saturdays in the school holidays, 8am-2pm Design and paint a plate, figurine, tea pot, mug or money box. Use acrylic and take your creation home or have it fired and pick it up later, or have it posted to you. Check out the markets and its website for holiday events for children of all ages.

Cost: $10-$30 Details: 0412 486 438 or visit www.eumundimarkets.com.au

Where/when: Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra Airport 9am-4pm Sit in the cockpits of a legendary Spitfire and other aircraft and have a look around a 1937 DC-3. Other attractions on the day include a RAN Seahawk helicopter, skydiving and parachute folding displays, children’s rides and colouring-in competition.

Cost: Museum entry adults $11, child $7, family $25. Spitfire display individual $5, family $10.

Details: www.qam.com.au

Where/when: Breeding and Training Centre, 1978 Gympie Road, Bald Hills, 10am Guide dogs in training will demonstrate their skills.

Puppy parade, performances by BARK Frisbee Dogs, Police Dog Squad, RAAF Military Dogs and Dances with Dogs. Australian Idol finalist Christine Hamilton will lead the 50th birthday celebrations and concert.

Cost: $5 to park on site, gold coin donation entry Details: 1800 810 122 or visit www.guidedogsqld.com.au

Where/when: Roma Street Station, Brisbane. 9am Travel through Brisbane on a historic steam train and relive the splendour of a bygone era. Board the steam train at Roma Street Station for a one hour trip through the city. Pass through twenty stations and enjoy two river crossings.

Cost: Adult $18.50, child under 15 $10, family $55, concessions for annual pass holders, child under 3 not occupying a seat, free Details: 3432 5100 or visit www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au

July 6, 9

July 9-11

July 10-11

July 21

Where/when: Lake Kawana Community Centre, 10am and The J Noosa, July 9, 11am Will the ‘wicked’ Queen send Snow While to live on her own forever, or will her friends rescue her? Join the action on stage and sing along as one of the characters including the Cool Dudes.

Cost: $13, group concessions available, adults at children’s prices.

Details: www.thelakekawanacentre.com.au or www.thej.com.au

Where/when: Nambour Showgrounds, 8am5pm, closes 4pm Sunday A highlight this year is the Giant Kitchen Garden featuring Permaculture and organic gardening and a fully organic food court. Enjoy the festival atmosphere with stilt walkers, musicians and street performers. Free entertainment for children including a playground.

Cost: Individual $14, children 15 and under free with paying adult Details: www.homegardenexpo.com.au

Where/when: Abbey Museum Tournament Grounds, Old Toorbul Point Rd, Caloundra Join a magical spectacle of colour and pageantry. Cheer on your favourite knight in the jousting contest and browse the medieval markets. Free bus from Caloundra railway station.

Cost: See website for details Details: www.abbeytournament.com

Where/when: Flinders Early Learning Centre Learn more about this sought-after Early Learning Centre. Staff members will answer your questions and conduct tours.

Cost: Free Details: 5477 2929 or visit www.mfac.edu.au

July 25

July 23-31

July 23-31

July 31

Where/when: Padstown Road, Eight Mile Plains Bring the family for a fun day out and help support the lives of fellow Queenslanders living with multiple disabilities. See website for program.

Cost: Free entry Details: www.multicap.asn.au

Where/when: Woolcock Park, Red Hill, 10am-3pm A festival for all the family with the trackless train, jumping castle, rock climbing wall, ponies, barnyard animals, clowns, book reading and more.

Cost: Free entry Details: www.redhillfair.com/program

EUMUNDI MARKETS PAINT-A-PLATE WORKSHOPS

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN COOL DUDES

POMONA KING OF THE MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL AND RACE Where/when: Pomona 6am-6pm Family festival starting with the Bush Poets’ Breakfast (limited tickets). Join the first free guided flora and fauna exploration of Mt Cooroora. Along with the King of the Mountain race there will be a quarter marathon and a 3K fun run. Or have a go at the world thong throwing championships.

Cost: See website for Bush Poets’ Breakfast tickets Details: 5485 1030 or visit www.kingofthemountain.com

KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

OPEN COCKPIT WEEKEND

QUEENSLAND HOME GARDEN EXPO

RAINBOW BEACH FAMILY FISHING CLASSIC Where/when: Rainbow Beach, North Shore The biggest family fishing event in Queensland is on again with eight days of activities. Offshore, inshore and children’s beach fishing competitions, special days for ladies, veterans and kids along with nightly entertainment and family fun.

Cost: Entry fees from $85 (early bird discount), $95, family pass $185, child under 13 years $20 (early bird), $25 Details: www.rainbowsportsclub.com.au

GUIDE DOGS QUEENSLAND OPEN DAY

ABBEY MUSEUM MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL

MULTICAP STAR FESTIVAL

STEAM TRAIN SUNDAY

Parent information evening

RED HILL FAIR

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

AUGUST

line!

FIND more events on .au om t.c as co www.kidsonthe

August 1

NATIONAL TREE DAY Where/when: sites across the region Be part of Australia’s biggest community tree-planting event and help to promote biodiversity, offset carbon emissions and beautify your local environment while having a good time. Get together with friends to plant a tree in your backyard, or join the community at a local National Tree Day site. Find more information and your local site on the website.

Cost: See website Details: www.treeday.planetark.org

August 3 and every Tuesday

BOOKSTART STORYTELLING Where/when: Kawana Library, 10am An introduction books and storytelling for little ones aged 0-3 years.

Cost: Free Details: 5444 8022 or visit www.library. sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Where/when: various locations.

A festival of over 20 guided walks in the Sunshine Coast hinterland including the children’s story walk, nature walks and fundraising walk connecting communities and villages. Walks will range from easy to strenuous.

Cost: Free Details: www.festivalofthewalks.com.au

EKKA

Where/when: EKKA Showgrounds, Brisbane The Royal Queensland Show will be running once again in August with a full program of competitions, displays and family entertainment. The event website will have full details from July 1.

Cost: See website for details Details: www.ekka.com.au

SUMMERS PAST PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION

Where/when: Immanuel Lutheran College, 10am-5pm Join the fun of the side-show alley, rides, international food stalls and much more.

Cost: Entry free but rides extra Details: www.immanual.qld.edu.au

Where/when: Pine Rivers Heritage Museum A travelling exhibition from the National Archives, this photographic display documents Australia’s love affair with the sun and the sea.

Runs until October 31.

Cost: Free Details: 3285 7213 or visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au

August 22

August 27

Where/when: Stockland Park, Lake Kawana An annual event to support Cystic Fibrosis Queensland. Turn out for the Family Cycle, leisurely rides of different distances around Lake Kawana, or more experienced cyclists can test themselves on a longer, faster road ride.

Cost: See website for details Details: www.tourdekawana.com.au

Where/when: Caloundra Rollerdrome, 7-10pm A rollerdrome disco exclusively for 7-16 years. Blue Light is an international program which promotes safe, healthy, supervised environments for young people. Funds raised support organisations that relate to young people in the Caloundra area.

Cost: $8 Details: 5438 0666 or visit www.caloundrabluelight.org.au

TOUR DE KAWANA CHARITY CYCLE RIDE

HERVEY BAY WHALE FESTIVAL Where/when: Hervey Bay Seafront Oval Celebrate the return of the whales to the Fraser Coast. This year’s festival will be a conservation celebration showcase of how the Fraser Coast community unite to celebrate and protect a species.

The program includes an eco-expo, kids recycling factory, rides and market stalls with later in the day an illuminated street parade, concluding with a Live Whale Aid concert and fireworks display.

Cost: Gold coin donation Details: www.herveybaywhalefestival.com.au

Where/when: The park at Coolum Civic Centre A celebration of the organisations, volunteers and people that make the Coolum community special.

Cost: Details from organisers Details: www.visitcoolum.com.au

August 13

August 14

Where/when: Noosa Library 4-5pm A meeting for aspiring writers aged 10-14 years.

Cost: Free Details: 5442 4411

Where/when: Australia Zoo front car park, Beerwah, 6am-10.30am Check out the trash and treasure as Beerwah celebrates. Learn tips for reusing, recycling, renewing and how to be more eco-friendly. Or take a stall to sell your treasures. All proceeds will go to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors Australian Wildlife Hospital.

Cost: Call the zoo 5436 2024 for stall rental and entry Details: www.caloundracity.com.au

NOOSA YOUNG WRITERS

BEERWAH’S GREAT GARAGE SALE

August 29

CALOUNDRA BLUE LIGHT DISCO

BRIDGE TO BRISBANE Where/when: Two events start from the new Gateway Bridge and from Portside, Hamilton, both finishing at the EKKA Showgrounds The annual fun run into the city for all ages and fitness levels, including 10K and 5K events, individual and team entries. Take big strides for little kids, to help to raise funds for Autism Queensland’s Kidstart and early intervention programs.

Cost: See website Details: www.bridgetobrisbane.com.au

August 28

FAMILY FUN DAY Where/when: New Leaf Early Learning Centre, Mons Road, Forest Glen Enjoy a day of fun with the kids with a jumping castle, face painting magic tricks and a sausage sizzle. There will be tours of the centre for those considering enrolment.

Cost: Free Details: 5454 7077

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August 7

COOLUM COMMUNITY CELEBRATION

August 12

FRUEHLINGSFEST

FESTIVAL OF THE WALKS

August 7

August 5-14

August 7

August 21-29

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

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BABIES ON

the coast

by Maxine Arthur

A case of supply and demand A new breast milk bank meets the need

We all understand the life-saving role of blood banks in our community.

Human milk banks provide a less well known, but equally important, service. As with blood donations, donated breast milk saves lives and improves future health – primarily for sick and premature babies when their mother’s own milk is not available.

Human milk for human babies The value of breast milk is well-documented. It provides optimal nutrition for babies and immunological protection against many organisms and diseases. No manufactured product can reproduce the complexity of breast milk which adapts as the baby’s needs change. Formulas do not contain the antibodies, enzymes, hormones or essential nutrients that breast milk provides.

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The Australian Government recognises the importance of breast feeding to maternal and child health. An Australian Senate 2007 enquiry, ‘The Best Start’ endorsed the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF that infants be breastfed for the first six months of life. Concerned about the falloff in breastfeeding rates between hospital discharge (83%) and six months on (18%), the government has committed substantial funding to education and support initiatives to promote breastfeeding. The enquiry also accepted the WHO/UNICEF resolution which stated: “Where it is not possible for the biological mother to breastfeed, the first alternative, if available, should be the use of human milk from other sources. Human milk banks should be made available in appropriate situations.”

The enquiry concluded: “It is clear to the committee that a national network of publicly funded milk banks would give Australian babies a healthier start to life, reduce health care costs and provide real support for mothers who are unable to provide their baby with breast milk.”

Dedicated health professionals and a team of volunteers and supporters have established the first Australian human milk banks, one at the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth and, closer to home, the Mothers Milk Bank on the Gold Coast.

The Perth milk bank now receives state government funding, but the Mothers Milk Bank receives no government funding, either state or federal.

The Mothers Milk Bank Marea Ryan, then the nurse unit manager of the birthing unit at John Flynn Private Hospital at Tugun, was so inspired by a presentation on milk banking at the International Lactation Consultants Conference in 2003, she decided to set up a milk bank in Queensland. By 2005, with the help of other medical professionals and many volunteers, it was up and running. Marea is now working at the Tweed District Hospital as a lactation consultant/midwife and nurse. She is also the director of the Mothers Milk Bank, now situated in Banora Point. It is run as a private notfor-profit company, staffed by volunteers and supported by individual and corporate donations and fund-raising efforts. The unit struggles to survive financially despite its proven success in improving health outcomes for the next generation and its

potential to save millions of health care dollars. Since 2005, it has been under constant financial pressure, sometimes on the brink of closure, kept afloat only by the determined efforts of volunteers and generous supporters.

One mum’s gift to another Marea’s belief that mothers who produce excess milk would rather donate it to mums unable to breastfeed their sick or premature babies than pour it down the sink, proved correct. There was, and still is, no shortage of donor mums.

Therese Hoi from Robina is mum to five-month-old Sofia and has been donating her excess milk to Mothers Milk Bank for three months. Therese had an abundant supply of expressed milk in the freezer and didn’t want it to go to waste. She went online, found Mothers Milk Bank and contacted them to offer her milk. Therese wants to encourage other women to donate. “To be able to help other mums is very rewarding,” she says.

Robina’s Lisa Nielsen, a primary school teacher, is now mum to Isabel, 4, and Alexander, 22 months. When Isabel was born at 32 weeks gestation and needed to be fed every three hours, Lisa’s milk was slow to come in and her milk was supplemented temporarily with formula. When she was able to breastfeed her daughter fully, she found herself with “a bountiful supply and throwing a lot away”.

A midwife suggested she consider donating the excess milk to Mothers Milk Bank and Lisa became one of the early donors to the fledgling service. Lisa continued to donate milk after the birth of her second child and says it is very little extra work. “I was expressing the excess milk anyway,” she says. “It has become a part of my routine.”

Lisa is now a co-director of Mothers Milk Bank and also volunteers with the Australian Breastfeeding Association. How does a busy mum manage to volunteer so much of her time to help other mums? “Do what you can when you can is my motto,” Lisa says.

She is passionate about supporting mums in their desire to provide their babies with the best possible start – their own breast milk, or donor milk as the next best option.

The milk donated by Lisa and other donor mums is collected, screened, pasteurised and then frozen into small amounts for distribution by the Mothers Milk Bank.

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27

BABIES ON

the coast Lisa believes that all Australian women should have this choice available to them. “Unfortunately, Mothers Milk Bank doesn’t have the ability to pasteurise the quantities of milk that we could if we had paid staff in the centre,” Lisa says. Fellow Director Marea says there are freezers full of milk going to waste and a long waiting list to access it, but government funding is needed to process and deliver larger quantities of milk.

‘Liquid gold’ for vulnerable babies Families, often fathers, contact the milk bank wanting human milk for their sick or pre-term babies. Premature and sick babies have first priority because breast milk is vital to their survival and long-term health. There may also be a history of allergies in the family, making formula a risky choice. Mothers may not be able to feed for a variety of reasons such as having cancer or other medical conditions. They may have had multiple pre-term births, be suffering post-natal depression or be on medication contraindicated for breastfeeding. Sometimes mothers cannot feed their infants because they are under too much stress to produce enough milk.

Diane and Matthew Beswick from Springfield are currently receiving donor milk from the Mothers Milk Bank for their 10 week-old twins, Abbey-Rose and Hannah. The twins were born at 31 weeks and Diane wanted to breastfeed to give their babies the best chance for short and long-term healthy development. Unfortunately, Diane’s milk supply was insufficient to feed the babies and donor milk was suggested. Matthew says it was comforting to know that the donor milk was available while dealing with the emotional issues of his wife’s faltering supply and concerns for the babies’ health.

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Diane and Matthew took their babies home at six weeks but Abbey-Rose returned to hospital a week later. Diane was able to feed Hannah both donor milk and her own milk at home. Matthew stayed with AbbeyRose in hospital. Donor milk saved Abbey-Rose from bouts of vomiting and protected her fragile gut. Small amounts of breast milk (Diane’s or donor milk) allowed Abbey-Rose to tolerate some formula.

Having weathered the worst, financial considerations are now causing concern. It costs the milk bank $60 per litre to process the milk and this must be passed on to the client. Matthew says that family finances may dictate tapering off the donor milk, despite its benefits.

Milk banks – an important public health investment For centuries, babies whose mothers cannot feed them have been breastfed by other lactating mothers, a practice known as ‘wet-nursing’. Since the invention of refrigeration, milk banks have operated in Europe but during the 1980s many were closed during the HIV/AIDS scare for fear of transmitting disease through donor milk. The fear proved unfounded as there has never been a case of virus transmission in donor milk. Research has since shown the effectiveness of pasteurisation techniques in eliminating HIV and other viruses and milk banks are now known to be a safe source of human milk.

Milk banks now operate across Europe, Asia and North and South America and governments consider that they receive a good return on investment. The Brazilian Government, for instance, estimated in 1999-2000 that the milk banks had saved the government $620 million.

In Australia, Professor Peter Hartmann of the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth told the Senate enquiry into breast feeding that if a premature baby in the hospital is given breast milk instead of formula, the recovery period is shortened by two weeks with a cost saving of $18,200. Multiply this figure by the number of

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Why use donor milk?

Donor milk offers many of the benefits of human milk for an infant, including: • Optimal nutrition that confers health advantages that persist later in life • Easy digestibility – some babies cannot tolerate formula or cow’s milk • Immunological protection against many organisms and diseases • Infection-fighting components such as immunoglobulins Human milk also contains growth factors that can: • Protect immature tissue • Promote maturation, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract • Promote healing of tissue damaged by infection (Source: Mothers Milk Bank: www.mothersmilkbank.com.au) premature babies born in Queensland each year (around 4700), and a few million invested in milk banks looks like a bargain.

The National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010-2015, while promoting breast feeding, ignores the fact that thousands of families are unable to provide breast milk for their babies. It supports the idea of milk banks but neither the federal or state government is willing to invest in it. As a step in the right direction, the Mothers Milk Bank has suggested that the State Government could contract it to supply breast milk to the major public hospitals instead of buying formula or cow’s milk.

A healthy return on investment guaranteed!

The Member for Tweed Geoff Provest told the NSW Parliament in March of the vital work of the Mothers Milk Bank. He called for financial support from the Government, saying that the constant fundraising “has kept the wolf from the door” but lack of funding is restricting the ability of the bank to service many who need help. He described the State Government’s unwillingness to fund the bank as “short-sighted”.

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29

health

good

by Sarah Pye

Before

Bracing for change navigating the world of orthodontics

Remember way back when you were young? If you are the same vintage as me, kids came in many shapes and sizes, and so did their teeth. Some were crooked, some mouths gappy and everyone seemed to manage to eat. Fast forward, and crooked pearly whites seem to be a thing of the past. Instead, mouths adorned with metal protrusions, elastic bands and protectors are more the norm.

Is orthodontic work more common in kids because more need help? Or is this practice a by-product of our affluent society? Has having your kid’s mouth set off alarms at the airport become a status symbol of sorts? Are the benefits of perfect teeth worth the cost and aggravation?

Let’s start with an understanding of what orthodontics is… as opposed to dentistry.

Karen Brodbeck from Ocean Orthodontics tells me orthodontics is a discipline within dentistry. It is concerned with the growth of the jaws and more particularly of the relationships of the jaws and the teeth to each other. “Orthodontics is most commonly about braces and straightening teeth,” she says.

After

“Additional training is required to obtain another degree to become a registered specialist in orthodontics.”

Why is orthodontic care important?

The Australian Society of Orthodontics (ASO) says people have orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance, health and function of their teeth and, with proper care, it can enable a person to keep their teeth for their entire life.

(Maybe, with any luck, teeth in a glass beside the bed might eventually be a thing of the past!) “It’s more difficult to clean your teeth when they are crowded and overlapping,” an ASO spokesperson says. “Inadequate cleaning is a major factor in tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss.”

Cleaning is not the only challenge with misaligned teeth. It is also claimed that bad bites lead to clenching, grinding, and excessive wear and/or uneven wear. Sometimes (as in the case of a deep bite) the teeth can damage the gum unless intervention is sought. Some people even find speech affected by the placement of their teeth.

Embrace the Experience Ocean Orthodontics is long established on the coast with a professional team, dedicated to the well being of our patients.

Ocean Orthodontics experience ensures you are fully informed.

No referral required

Dr Pat Hannan is a registered specialist. A member of the ASO (Australian Society of Orthodontists).

An orthodontist is a dental specialist with 3 years of full time study in addition to at least 2 years of general dental practice.

5/3 Kawana Island Blvd, Warana QLD 4575 P: 5493 3200 E: enquiries@oceanorthodontics.com.au www.oceanorthodontics.com.au 30

KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

When should orthodontic intervention be sought?

ASO says orthodontic problems are usually apparent by the age of seven, when most of the adult front teeth have erupted. It recommends early, preventative treatment but, in most cases, treatment does not commence before the last baby tooth has been shed (usually in the early teens). Karen agrees that early treatment of potential problems is imperative. “Children with crowding, finger or thumb habits, cross-bites, protruding front teeth, under-bites, overbites, or other alignment problems can be effectively treated with early treatment,” she says.

What sort of treatment?

Dr Vas Srinivasan from Kawana Dental explains that treatment for kids is often optimally started as early as two or three years old using ‘functional appliances’ or plates to correct problems such as narrow arches (which are associated with ear, nose, throat (ENT) or airway problems. Generally however, functional appliances are used in the 6-10 age group to reduce the complexity of further treatment. They can be removable or bonded in.

Just as the number of kids with braces has increased, so has the range of hardware available. Each comes with its own pros and cons that your orthodontist will explain. Dr Vas prefers to use the smallest brackets available, called ‘speed’, unless patients choose to have ceramic braces or even ‘inside/tongue side’ braces called lingual braces. Braces are bonded to either the front or tongue side of the teeth.

As an alternative to braces for teens and adults, Kawana Dental uses Invisalign, a relatively new treatment which uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires. Every couple of months, patients receive a series of these custom moulded ‘gladwrap-looking’ aligners which gently correct the teeth alignment.

Long gone fear Since the majority of treatments are made early, one of the newest innovations in the industry doesn’t relate to the treatment at all: it’s all about making people (and

Tips for healthy baby teeth

Benefits of timely treatment

• The risk of decay is increased by settling your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk, juice or cordial- use water instead

• Lower the risk of injury to protruded front teeth

• Try to avoid excessive the number of “grazing” or snacking episodes with sweet or refined carbohydrates (flour) or juices

• Improve self confidence

• Don’t use fluoride toothpaste until after 18 months, then use child-strength until age six

• Simplify and shorten treatment time for full braces

• Have a dental check-up within six months of eruption of the first tooth • Frozen bananas help teething

• Correct harmful oral habits • Reduce appearance-consciousness during critical developmental years

• Reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth • Guide permanent teeth into more favourable positions

• Play the dentist with brushing kids’ teeth… stand or kneel behind a seated child and brush after using plaque disclosing dyes

• Improve lip closure

For more tips visit www.kawanadental.com

Source: Ocean Orthodontics

• Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth

more importantly, kids) feel at home. Gone are the days of dread at visiting the dentist, with DVDs in the ceiling, fish tanks for relaxation and even coffee and tea for parents while they wait.

Gone are the days when kids with braces were ridiculed in the playground and this must be a good thing…as long as Australia doesn’t spiral down the path of Thailand where the Global Post reports fake braces are considered the latest fashion statement. “Those who can’t afford dentist fees sometimes resort to braces attached in flea markets and living rooms by entrepreneurs with mail-order dental supplies,” it reports. This recent phenomena resulted in two deaths last August due to a resulting infected thyroid and fatal heart failure. Moral of the story…probably: use a trusted professional and, as Karen says, “Make sure any decision you make for your child is well informed.”

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Visit www.kawanadental.com for more information www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Tel: 5444 7111 JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

31

ONLY

natural

by Frances Maguire

The benefits of

Getting the kids to eat fresh

How many days a week do you manage your two serves of fruit and five of vegies recommended by the Government’s 2+5 campaign? If it’s difficult for you as an adult to meet your quota every day, how much harder is it to get your kids to meet theirs?

The importance of including the right amount of fruit and vegies in our diets is welldocumented, but what about the practicalities of getting your kids to eat as much as they need to?

The amount of servings needed varies with age and it is recommended that older kids eat up to nine serves of vegies a day – that’s four and a half cups of vegies or nine whole cups of salad.

If this sounds like a mammoth task for you, no doubt you’ve resorted to the tried and tested methods: The “make a face” trick; cutting raw vegies into attractive shapes such as hearts and stars and mixing them with favourites like grapes and cheese; hiding veggies in meatloaves or casseroles; the old favourite of no dessert until the plate is clear or, (as a friend with a passion for permaculture says), “If you get them to grow them, they’ll eat them.”

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If you’ve been through all of those and it’s still a daily challenge, how about making sure your kids get their essential vitamins and minerals by turning those boring lumps of fruit and vegies into something bright, refreshing and quick and easy to get down?

It can certainly be fun making fresh juices – it’s colourful and there’s the noise, things splashing about, different sizes and shapes of fruit and the creativity of making up your own concoctions of surprising colours.

So, just how nutritionally beneficial is drinking juices compared to eating fruit and vegies? Sunshine Coast Dietetics dietician Angela Seach says the bottom line for fruit and vegie juices is that it’s not a good idea to use them as a regular substitute for eating the real thing. She says that fruit juices are particularly energy dense and their high consumption can be linked with obesity in children.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – JULY / AUGUST 2010

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“It’s important to consider the amount of fruit needed to make up a fruit juice drink, and the number of kilojoules it contains,” Angela says. “Just half a cup of pure fruit juice, 125ml, is equal to one serve of fruit.”

That means fruit juices can easily eat up your kids’ daily 2+5 recommendation with just one large drink, but Angela says that a fruit juice should be used to substitute no more than one serving of fruit per day.

Other problems with pure fruit juices, she says, are the effects of fruit acids and sugar on tooth enamel, (particularly if fed in bottles), and the lack of fibre resulting in the loss of an essential part of a healthy diet. The Queensland Health website endorses this. Unnecessary sugar can easily be consumed in fruit juice, with an average two teaspoons per single 125ml serving.

Are smoothies a better option using less fruit but adding a balance of fats and protein? “Using a smoothie substitutes a snack for a portion of fruit,” Angela says. “It might stop a child finishing a balanced main meal.”

She says the calorie and fat contents of the milk and yoghurt have to be taken into account, and ice cream can make things even worse.

“There are still more benefits in eating the fruit,” she says.

A careful mix of fruit and veg in occasional fresh juices could still be a way of making sure they’re taking in some of their essential vitamins and minerals. But, if you’re having a tough day getting your kids to eat any fruit or vegies and decide juice is worth the risk, then there are some important guidelines to consider. It is recommended to mix the fruit with some vegies, such as in an apple and carrot juice, and fruit and vegie juices should not be given to children under one-year-old because of their calorie content, and never in bottles.

A colourful concoction will make a drink more attractive so a carrot mixed in with an apple will brighten it up, or make a splash with some fresh, raw beetroot.

The fun of making juices and smoothies is of course experimenting and if you get the kids involved maybe they’ll get enthused about fruit.

When it comes to juicing, costs can skyrocket unless you have your own fruit trees. To avoid damaging your wallet, don’t forget to make the most of fruits in season. Freeze mango cheeks – pop them into yoghurt and milk to make luscious mango drinks all year round. And with strawberry season in full swing check out your local farm where you can pick your own or ask for boxes of seconds. Alternatively, ask at your local fruit and vegetable store for bulk purchase and box discounts. The Maleny Organic Farmers Market and the Yandina Fruit Market both offer bulk discounts on juicing carrots and apples. Fruits of Noosa at Doonan offer discounts for regular orders of 10kg or more, and The Natural Food Store at Forest Glen offers a range of bulk buy discounts including savings on carrots and apples for juicing.

Alternative to soft drinks Juice bars are sprouting up throughout the Coast. One of the most established is Raw Energy. Peregian Raw Energy owner Vicki Pearson and manager Sam Nagy say the popular café offers a number of drinks that appeal to their younger customers.

Both Vicki and Sam are aware of the kilojoule counts and the lack of fibre in juices and offer alternatives to those made from just fruit. Sam says their Green with Envy offers a great green colour from a glassful of vegies but with an overriding sweetness from apple and pear that disguises most of the content. “Most kids would be horrified to know they’ve got a glass full of vegies,” s he says. Vicki says that they offer pure fruit juices as a healthier Kids favourite ise: freshly alternative to sodas and off-the-shelf drinks containing additives, Peregian Sunr and a touch of ice ju and have a smoothie menu that includes fruity, dairy-free blends. ge an or squeezed 1/3 of a glass, up e ak m to ice lime ju Tips on juice n, e and watermelo • Only mix or buy 100% pure juices fill with pineappl r. ice put through a ju • Mix apple or pear with green vegies a mix of apple, : • Make juicing a family activity vy En h it w Green lery and ce r, • Keep the number of daily juices to one 125ml serving be m cu cu pear, broccoli, juicer.

• Have the kids find recipes and choose ingredients a h ug ro th t pu spinach • Buy in season and bulk to keep costs down

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33

PARENT

profile

The adventures of

Andrew & Skoz

by Sarah Pye

Andrew Daddo shares life, writing and parenthood

The face of Andrew Daddo is easily recognised by most Australians.

For around 25 years his face has graced our screens starting as a kids’ television presenter during his second year of uni. From there he hosted ABC TV’s The Factory and became the first Australian video jockey on American MTV. After a stint as an actor, Andrew was back hosting and is best known for programs like 11AM, Kidspeak and The Great Outdoors.

It was whilst on 11AM that Andrew identified a passion for writing and 18 books later, he is referred to as an accomplished author. His books include picture books and stories for primary age. Many of them are included in the Premier’s Reading Challenge in NSW and SA. Andrew lives on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with his wife Jacquie and three children who are now 11, nine and six. With the recent release of his new book series, Andrew shares stories of dogs, kids and parenting.

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thinking about the next one. The big attraction for us as adults is that it looks like an old fashioned book. We looked at a different illustrator who was more funky and modern, and it just didn’t fit. The story is not moralistic but it’s about doing your best and you will eventually succeed. The kids come up with ideas for Skoz stories. One of the girls said “How about on the modelling catwalk in high heels, Dad?” I said “That’s a great idea, what happens next?” and she said, “I don’t know, you make it up.”

Did working on children’s programs equip you for parenthood?

A publisher used to come into a program I did, and I finally got up the nerve to tell him I wanted to write. He said “why don’t you write about your own childhood” and that was sort of the beginning. Our kids have done things along the way that have slowly got them into books. All the picture books have been bedtime stories at some time or another. Goodnight me was definitely to say goodnight to our son. I do it is definitely based on our youngest daughter and Check on me is most definitely our middle girl. There’s another one coming in the middle of the year called Monster. It’s so beautiful I can’t believe it. We are working with the illustrator Bruce Whatley who has done a lot of Jackie French’s books.

Where did the idea of Skoz come from?

I have always had staffy’s. The first one was called Skoz and the one we have now is called Flog. He’s 15 and we are getting ready to discuss him spending eternity in the garden. I have written three stories about Skoz and they will come out every four months. It’s pretty fast paced with the odd joke in there so, if kids are not great readers or don’t like books, they can enjoy it and read pretty quickly and start

Does having a well-known father affect your children?

I don’t think they are treated any differently because I am well-known and hopefully it won’t have much of an impact as they grow older. I talk to their classes about writing and how to construct stories and things like that, but I don’t act differently or expect preferential treatment. My work history has always been there and it doesn’t affect the way I behave. I still coach the school football team. If I decided to become a little less normal, yes it would affect the kids but it’s not going to happen.

We have an utterly normal life. Their friends just know us for who we are.

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35

PARENT

profile

What is the best parenting advice you have been given?

The best advice is love, love, love. If you think you can’t love them any more give them a little more because you’ve got to the age of about seven or eight for their moral code to be established and after that it’s just a ride. That came from Barbara Holsworth the children’s court judge. She says, “Love them as much as you can, then just hold on.”

Respecting your kids is big. I don’t think there’s a point smacking the children because it just makes you feel worse. I was on the bus the other day and someone said something about their kids needed a hiding and I thought “why?” Our kids have never been hit and they are fine.

What do you most like doing with your kids?

I really like walking to school with them. I like talking to them and going fishing and making stuff. We had rubbish day the other day so we found a surfboard and we chopped it down and re-glassed it and put foot straps on so we could run behind the boat on it. It’s things like that where you can show them you can make something out of nothing. Especially these days: if someone has a flat tyre they think “I’ll get a new bike”. The kids like cooking too: Our son does the barbecue every weekend. He’s really good at it. The girls are good bakers already. They can make their own crepes and pancakes from scratch without help.

Skoz the Dog series Andrew Daddo Andrew’s own two staffys have been the inspiration behind this delightful series of stories. Two have been published so far and my 10-year-old daughter is hooked. Designed for kids from 6-8, these tales tell the misadventures of a sleep-walking dog and how he manages to avoid disaster. Andrew’s style is very contemporary and conversational with different fonts used for Skoz’s thoughts, making it easy for kids to understand. In a world where kids’ books are getting thicker and more daunting, this book is a good bet for less confident readers.

What skill do you think is the most important to teach kids?

I think reading to your children is very important. If they see you reading, especially when they are younger, they will be more likely to read themselves. We are role models, if we like it or not. If you can spare 10 minutes to read to them at night time, even when you are shagged, (let them read to you and you read a bit to them), they will feel you have an interest in their development and they will be inclined to do a little better at it. If they can read they can understand a story and it helps their writing and all facets of their life really.

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Follow through Ever feel like you are doing a lousy job as a parent? Do your children ever exasperate you to the point whereby you wish you hadn’t given birth to them in the first place (or am I the only one who has ever felt that way before)?

appreciate our possessions and because we are so grateful we take care of them. I teach my children when they leave toys and clothes all over the floor they are being disrespectful because I work hard to earn the money to buy those things.

Kids don’t make life easy for us, do they? Sometimes I wish I could strangle mine!

There you go: I feel much better now having verbalised some of my deepest darkest parenting thoughts.

Becky and I had talked over several months about what would happen if I kept on standing on toys and clothes whenever I walked into the bedroom. We had agreed together that if Beck couldn’t keep her room a little bit tidy, she would have to move out of the bedroom and sleep in the corner of the lounge for a few weeks to learn to appreciate what she had in the first place.

I have four children, three boys and a girl. You might have even seen them on the Today Tonight show last month. There I was minding my own business when all of a sudden I had national television calling me up about discipline! You see, I run an online mentoring program for parents, and somehow one of my emails got into the hands of the media. Bad news if you don’t want to be made a big fuss over...

So before I knew it there were cameras at my house and film crews everywhere asking me about a specific event at our house. It’s one thing to give out a consequence to your child, but quite another thing to talk about it on national television! The media said my daughter had been ‘kicked out’ of her bedroom and the headlines said “Mother evicts daughter”. Now how do you think that made me feel?

At times like these, we need to have the big picture in mind as a parent. For me, the big picture was that gratitude is one of our core family values. Our family likes to

All child behaviour experts say ‘follow-through’ is extremely important. Beck and I had made an agreement so I followed through on a consequence. No-one likes to see their child sleeping on the floor in the corner of the lounge, but I need to remember the big picture – I am teaching my child not to take her bedroom and possessions for granted and that makes it all worthwhile. Some of life’s lessons are hard to learn, and others are just as hard to teach.

I believe everyone who raises children deserves a medal. We don’t need others to put us down and comment in negative ways about what we do with our children.

We need cheering squads, not firing squads. So I cheer you on…

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What did your kids love? What did you love?

Email us mail@kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Piggybacks and hugs – that’s what dads are made of. You might be the dad who always takes time out for an arm wrestle, yells the loudest during family games and always knows how to fix things. Or you might be the dad who teaches your kids how to play chess and shuffle the cards properly. Maybe you can still remember when you were little and your own dad tucked you back into bed after a nightmare or read to you in that precious free-time at the end of a busy day.

I recall standing on my dad’s work boots and clinging tightly to his legs while he walked me over the burr patch whenever the bindies loomed. I would follow my dad to the moon at that age. Come to think of it, I still would.

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Luke Hammond – Dad to Isabelle (5), Emilia (3) and soon twins The best thing my kids could do when I wake up on Father’s Day is bring me a coffee in bed and a big cuddle. My best Father’s Day will probably be this year with my gorgeous girls and newborn twins who should arrive late August. If they are healthy and home it will be a great day. A sleep-in might be nice around that time – but an undisturbed night would be the ultimate (not at all likely though)! My ultimate Father’s Day is hanging out with my girls, a lazy cafe brunch, walk on the beach and a nana nap in the afternoon.

Dale Cashman – Dad to Zoe (11) and Brittany (13) Every year for Father’s Day the girls write me a song and perform it to me when I wake up, followed by a bacon and eggs breakfast. One of my best Father’s Days was when I took the girls out with me for a round of golf.

We went out in the cart and the girls held the flag, raked the bunker and filled the divots. Then I had lunch with my family at the golf club. My ultimate Father’s Day would be sailing the Whitsundays with my family or visiting a favourite holiday spot – the sea caves in Thailand (where this photo is taken). My most memorable gift is when Zoe was five years old – she made me a paper apron. My best gift was when Brittany made me a Why I love my Daddy book which included drawings and writing. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Don Angus – Dad of 6, Granddad of 17, Great Grandad of 1.

Father’s Day for me is all about getting together with family – nothing comes close to our family gatherings. My ultimate Father’s Day was my 80th birthday when all my children, all my grandchildren, my great granddaughter and extended family and school friends came from all over Australia to celebrate with me. I just love seeing how well they all get along together. My grandchildren Facebook and socialise together, they really enjoy each other’s company. A big ‘Father’s Day’ moment was when my son (my wife Joyce and I have four sons and two daughters) was born ….on Mother’s Day! Darryl Lester – Dad to twins Mason and Cooper (4) and Riley (6) The best thing the boys could do on Father’s Day is let me sleep in! The best Father’s Day I can think of is taking the boys fishing – we go to Tinnanbar in the Sandy Straits, where my dad comes from. It’s a while since we’ve been. Life can be too busy and it’s sometimes a struggle to spend as much time with your kids as you’d like. My ultimate Father’s Day would be taking the family fishing in my new boat …which I haven’t got yet!

Just something comfortable for (my wife) Andrea – not a big cabin cruiser, I’m not an extravagant person. The least memorable gift would be a dead lizard the boys delivered to me, but the best gift ever was the coffee mug Riley made for me at kindy last year, with his drawings on it.

David Hale – Dad to Poppy (5) and Daisy (3) The best thing my kids could do when I wake up on Father’s Day is say “I love you Daddy” and snuggle up in bed. Then I’d like to be taken out for lunch to my favourite Chinese and not have to cook (I’m the cook in our house). My ultimate Father’s Day would be a day with my girls at Disneyland so I can be a kid again too. The strangest Father’s Day gift I’ve ever been given is “to do list” of household chores! On Father’s Day a few years ago my wife Fran was offered two lastminute tickets to the theatre and went off with her mum while I was left holding the baby and the list of chores. Being a dad means a lot - tragically my father died suddenly when I was only nine, so I truly cherish the moments I have with my own children, enjoying life to the full, helping them learn and seeing their smiling faces from the moment they wake up.

Jason Sandford-Bell – Dad to Ethan (7) Rylan (5) Lachlan (3) and Callum (10 months) As long as we’re together – that’s the best I could ask for on Father’s Day. My best day as a dad has to be seeing the birth of each of our boys then seeing the reaction of the older ones as we brought the new one home. All our boys love Star Wars movies (including myself) although my wife isn’t as keen! So a morning at home watching movies, a nice family lunch then an afternoon at the beach would be the ultimate Father’s Day for me. My strangest Father’s Day gift was during my time as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot for the Army. At one point we were involved in a drought relief operation in Papua New Guinea and the local villagers – who we’d been flying water, flour and rice for into the Highlands -– heard about this concept called ‘Father’s Day’ which happened to fall when we were there. The local villagers tried to offer each of us a young goat as a present, regardless of whether we were dads or not! It took about 30 minutes of convincing that we couldn’t take them with us, but it was a very generous offer!

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holidays

HAPPY

by Sarah Pye

Holidays with purpose Learning new skills together, one step at a time

She stands in water up to her waist, face a mask of concentration, gazing into the not-too-distant future. There’s a mixture of fear and adrenalin glinting in her eyes. On her head, a yellow helmet betrays the potential danger ahead and her arm is wrapped around a huge black inner tube. In seconds she will launch into its donut-hole like interior and paddle frantically backwards to position herself down the chute.

We are at Nymboida Canoe Centre at the pointy end of a learning experience which has taken several months and a couple of holidays. Amber saw a picture of me white water rafting one day. “I would love to do that!” she said. So, we set a timeless goal to do it together some day.

Our learning experience was taken in steps. Like the “wax on, wax off” of Karate Kid (yes I know I am dating myself), many of them took us closer to our goal without Amber knowing that’s what we were doing. I conspired to put her in situations where she would learn the necessary skills to make this pipe dream a reality. What I didn’t realise was learning new skills together on holidays and weekend getaways was going to turn out to be far more fun than I had ever imagined!

Educational and learning holidays are all the rage and a growing niche market for tourism operators. Many create packages to accomplish what Amber and I have

ph: 5486 6166

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done on our own. It doesn’t matter if you plan it alone, like we did, or sign up for an organised program, learning holidays with your kids really are a great way to go.

By example and osmosis, kids discover learning can be a life-long journey and there are just as many learning experiences outside of a classroom than in.

In this case, our goal was to canoe down white water. It seemed unachievable at first yet, taking it step by step, we are now three quarters of the way there.

Step 1: Acclimatise to water adventure in a safe environment It was Amber’s birthday and, at age 10, White Water World beckoned. We invited two school friends (and a few parents) and set off in search of adventure. What a fantastic day we had sliding down tunnels, slopping from side to side in The Tornado and floating down the man-made river on an inflated tube. The inherent fear of water disintegrated and an excitement took its place. “That was the best day ever!” she said as we dragged our weary bodies through the parking lot at the end of the day. Step one was complete.

Step 2: Learn the basics of kayaking Although Amber and I own a sit-on-top kayak, we didn’t have the skills with the sit in variety, most importantly the ability to get out, and Eskimo role if we were upside down in rapids. A little research uncovered a wonderful operation on the Gold Coast called Kayak Sports. Owner Mark offers a three-hour kayak skills lesson on the flat, fresh waters of Hugh Muntz Lake. Not only is this lake safe from dangerous sea creatures, but it’s free from motorised water craft and therefore a wonderful learning platform.

7 DAY CAMPS • 3-10 July • 18-25 September • 25 September - 2 October WEEKEND CAMPS • 27-29 August • 29-31 October DAY TRIPS & TRAIL RIDES AVAILABLE Camps every school holidays with full accommodation & adult supervision Ages 6 to teens Beginners welcome Childcare rebate BUS AVAILABLE • FULL INSURANCE ader Re

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Mark met Amber and me at a park on the lake bank. We unloaded funny looking stunted kayaks and carried them down to the water’s edge. First step was practising getting in. Once mastered, the second step was trying to paddle in a straight line which was deceptively difficult. We kayaked around the lake until we were comfortable then returned to shallow water to learn exit and rescue techniques.

Here the fun began. First we became comfortable capsizing and exiting by pulling the cord on the spray deck (I had to remember not to call it a ‘skirt’ because Mark found that an offence to his masculinity). Next came rescue techniques. We learned to right each other’s kayak while still in our own which was quite a feat, then came the feared Eskimo Roll (which is not always part of the lesson). Amber had said “I’ll do all the rest, but not that,” but by the time we got there she didn’t take much cajoling by expert Mark. Wouldn’t you know it, she was far more proficient than I, and mastered the technique in minutes using extra floatation on her paddle (rather like training wheels!). Step two was complete.

Step 3: Become familiar on white water A long weekend was looming and the white water of Nymboida River beckoned.

About half an hour’s drive south of Grafton in New South Wales, this delightful, narrow river offers a range of relatively easy rapids and an extensive campsite along its bank. With basic amenities, campfire pits, the ability to bring dogs and exceptionally friendly staff, this place is a rare find.

We arrived later than planned and wandered around looking for manager Rob. We found him by the cabins, welcoming youths who had arrived for the NSW School Kayak championships. We had thought this event might mean we would fight for a camping spot, but couldn’t have been more wrong – this campsite is so extensive it’s almost possible to lose yourself. What it DID do was give us a wonderful opportunity to see experts in action.

Once the tent trailer was up we were keen to get wet and Rob handed us our helmets and fitted us into inner tubes (bet you didn’t know you need the right size!). He then took time to teach us how to launch, back up in the current and survive capsizing in rapids. Then we were off with the warning “Don’t forget to get out before the Tennis Court”. This huge rapid loomed dead centre in the navigable river and was definitely a ‘no go’ zone.

First we attempted one rapid at a time, pulled over in an eddy and caught our breath and giggles but it wasn’t long before we (more by accident than design) traversed several in one go. By day two we were launching downstream of the Tennis Court and laughing non-stop all the way to the downstream end of the course, walking a kilometre back and doing it again… and again. I can’t describe how much fun we had!

Step 4: Combine all our skills together The next step in our goal was taking a sit-on-top kayak down the white water.

On our third and last day at Nymboida we tried it, but found we were more comfortable with tubing, so this adventure is still ahead. Who knows, once the weather warms up, this might be our next challenge.

Holidays like this one are a metaphor for life. Taking large, daunting goals and breaking them into achievable chunks can lessen fear, build up skills over time and eventually make the difference between achieving a goal, or stumbling at the starting blocks. It works for adults, and it works equally as well for kids. Not only that, but learning new skills together instils a life-long desire to learn and cements your relationship. Just remember to take it slow, don’t push kids too hard, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes together.

Learn to ride a horse

Step 1: Become comfortabl e around horses at Myella Farm Stay, Baralaba. Visit: www.m yella.com Step 2: Join a led trail ride at Thunderbird Park, Mount Tamborine. Visit: www.thun derbirdpark.com Step 3: Try a longer ride at Kiah Park, Gympie.

Visit: www.kiahpark.com.a u. Or Numinbah Valley Trail Rides, Gold Coast Hin terland. Visit: www. numinbahtrails.com.

Step 4: Progress to a real Aussie experience on an overnight trek with Clip Clo p Treks along the North Shore in Noosa. Visit: ww w.clipcloptreks.com.au

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Yearning for some quality family time?

In our overly hectic lives, we often yearn to slow down, reconnect with the kids and live a life less complicated. Living on the coast is fantastic, but sometimes it’s nice to escape for a temporary “tree-change”. It might not be possible to run for the hills permanently, but at Cedar Glen Farmstay you can at least escape for a little while.

Cedar Glen has been in the Stephen’s family since 1882. Located at the foot of World Heritage Lamington National Park, this spectacular 1050 acre property is home to beef cattle, Arabian horses, milking cows, sheep, pigs, kangaroos and poultry. With clear mountain views, cooler nights, and crackling fires, Winter and Spring are great times to visit.

A real highlight of Cedar Glen is the activities they have to offer. Imagine the kids’ excitement as they get to feed the animals twice daily, or try their hand at milking the house cow each morning. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a horse ride through some of South East Qld’s most spectacular country – riders of all ages and experience are catered for. You can also learn how to throw a returning boomerang and crack the Australian stock whip while enjoying a cup of billy tea and freshly made damper.

Guests can stay in the original 1901 homestead, or choose one of three historic cottages which have been renovated to maintain the charm and authenticity of a bygone era. All buildings are surrounded by wide verandas perfect for soaking up the country views. Mums in particular will love the optional fully catered holiday. Imagine leaving even the cooking behind!

If watching Discovery channel is the closest you’ve been to nature in a while, do something for yourself and the kids, and visit Cedar Glen. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Escape to

Contact us now for great rates on your Winter or Spring getaway

info@cedarglen.com.au | (07) 5544 8170 | www.cedarglen.com.au Lost World Valley, Qld

Winner Scenic Rim Tourism Awards 2009 ‘Cultural and Heritage Tourism’ JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

41

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HAPPY

holidays Swim with dolphins

ns at Step 1: Hand-feed dolphi reton Island.

Mo on ort Res a Tangaloom m Visit: www.tangalooma.co n Encounter at phi Dol ior Jun Step 2: Take a fs Harbour and swim the Pet Porpoise Pool in Cof a controlled environment. in with a dolphin and trainer l.com Visit: www.petporpoisepoo land. ns in the wild in New Zea Step 3: Swim with dolphi nz co. ter.

Visit: www.dolphinencoun

Learn to cook together Step 1: Encourage your kids to help stir and lick the spoons!

Step 2: Buy a kids’ cookbook and tackle a real recipe together Step 3: Enrol in the Chocolate Cooking Class at Nutworks in Yandina.

Visit: www.nutworks.com.au Step 4: Develop your skills at Buderim Ginger Cooking School. Visit: www.buderimgingercookingschool.com.au

Fossick for gems toge

ther

Step 1: Start at the Scratc h Patch at Opals Down Und er, searching for polished roc ks. Visit: www.opalsdown under.com.au Step 2: Dig for thunder egg s at Thunderbird Park in Tam borine Mountain.

Visit: www.thunderbirdpar k.com.au Step 3: Take a camping trip to Rubyvale or Anake and learn how to search for sapphires at Pat’s Gems. Pho ne: 4985 4544 Step 4: Camp in the middle of the outback opal fields at Opalton in central Queensland and find opa ls in your own ‘backyard’.

Want to know more?

Kayak Sports offers special kids’ kayak skills lessons every morning during school holidays. The three-hour session teaches paddle stroke technique, self rescue and team rescue on the same calm lake where Amber and I learned. Cost is only $20 per child.

For more information phone Mark on 0448 422 663 or visit: www.kayaksports.com.au Nymboida Canoe Centre is a not-for-profit organisation and rates are very reasonable. Camping costs $6 for children and $8 per night for adults. Tube hire is under $20 for a family of four for a day. Visit: www.nymboidacanoecentre.com Wet ‘n’ Wild is located on Gold Coast. Tickets start at $32.95 for children and $49.95 for adults, but family rates and specials are available. Visit: wetnwild.myfun.com.au

Get off the corporate merry-go-round!

Our leadership team is looking for Mums and Dads with professional marketing/business skills who want to keep their healthy income without working long hours and sacrificing family time.

CALL 0458 815 124 for a confidential interview 42

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

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

Find out more about Settle Petal at www.settlepetal.com If you’ve got a parenting question you’d like answered email it now to breakfast@hot91.com.au

THIS MONTHS QUESTION...

I have a 4-year-old old who has started to ask me about love & where babies come from. I want to be honest with her, but also explain it all in a kid friendly way. Please help!

SAMI

Oh dear! Run! Can you totally shirk all responsibility to answer this curly question and just make your partner handle the nitty gritty details? I mean, as the mother, I think you should be on hand for advice dealing with hard hitting issues such as ‘What colour tutu you should wear to a fairy princess birthday party.’ But the birds and the bees? Cringe! I am only balking because to this day, I have never, ever had the conversation with my mother about “Where do babies come from”.

I think I was about six years of age when I stupidly and most naively raised the question of where do babies come from. Dear Mumsy looked me straight in the eyes and told me “You just buy them sweetheart.” It was settled.

Of course you just bought them. I think Angelina Jolie may have had the same motherly advice because she actually does buy her babies. I do not do confrontation. Ever. At all. Zip. But you know what?

You are not getting out of this tight squeeze. So down a stiff drink, grab your child, and just tell them outright: babies are made in the North Pole with Father Christmas looking over the assembly line. St Patrick himself helps deliver the little bubbas. The Tooth Fairy then cuddles the cherubs and The Easter Bunny delivers the angels to Mums and Dads around the world.

Voila problem solved.

TODD

When I was a kiddie Mum casually passed a tatty old book called “Where Did I Come From” across the breaky table and asked

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if I wanted another bowl of Frosties! My mates and I had a giggle at the piccies of willies and boobs but it wasn’t until we saw the Kim Basinger movie 9 1/2 Weeks “accidently on purpose” that it all clicked!

Since then I credit Hollywood with all my life lessons and so I’m now gifting you with a list of the most invaluable films to help you educate your kiddies for years to come.

LOOK WHO’S TALKING = How babies are made.

LOOK WHO’S TALKING TOO = Why Travolta didn’t get work for 10 years.

ROCKY 4 = Montages speed up training and get you fitter quicker.

RETURN OF THE JEDI = It’s okay to love your sister just don’t take it too far.

TOP GUN = Everyone needs a wingman.

No...No need to thank me, in the words of the World’s most revered spiritual leader, The Dalai Llama...”There is no charge for awesomeness” Sorry, no that was Kung fu Panda...good luck and may the force be with you.

JAN - from Settle Petal

As well as experiencing my own children’s exploratory questions, working as a ‘Prep assistant’ in a school for a few years showed me how four year olds are certainly busy figuring out how the world works and where they fit it. Why do you suppose they love playing ‘doctors and nurses’ and ‘mummies and daddies’. At four years old a child needs answers to be simple and clear, avoid answers like ‘the stork brings a baby’ as you will only cause them confusion and you will have to correct this concept later. Always maintain eye contact at your child’s eye level when you are speaking to them. This helps them feel they are important and you value talking with them.

Young children who gain a clear understanding of sexual issues through honest and open communication are more likely to behave responsibly with intimate relationships as they get older. Your behaviours towards sexual intimacy will be an important teacher.

If you are ever unsure of how to answer a four year olds curly questions, ‘What a great question. Let’s talk about that later’ is usually acceptable until you get time to research or think about your answer!!

Never avoid giving the answer though, even if you have to bring it up yourself later. The correct answer will always be better than the distorted one your child may have invented.

JULY / AUGUST 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

43

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Café Now Open Children’s playground

Ph: (0407) 196 231 or (07) 5443 1352 www.fmni.com.au

Dr Ian Baker Dr Bronwyn McNamara 193 Maroochydore Rd Maroochydore

Making school lunches fun and cool!

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A wellness approach to health for the whole family

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Cleaning

Contact Suzel to make an appointment

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Counselling UPSET,ANGRY KIDS? PLAY THERAPY CAN HELP!

ALANA VANEY COUNSELLOR AND PLAY THERAPIST

Child Centered Play Therapy that helps children work through emotional, psychosocial and behavioural difficulties & offers support for family problems.

Buderim

Phone: 0423 953 221 Email: respectworks@aapt.net.au

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Medical Practitioners

• Prenatal & Pregnancy Care • Child & Adolescent Health • Women’s Health • Vasectomies & Family Planning • Complementary & Nutritional Therapies

Same Day Appointments Dr Michael Ryan Dr Roger Morris Dr Peter Hodgkinson Dr Glen Atwal Dr Tim Craven Dr Maree Lindsay Dr Sundeep Gupta Dr John Craven Dr David Simpson Dr Mark Spearpoint Dr Patricia Smart

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Speech Pathologists Sunshine Coast Speech Therapy • Speech and language difficulties • Literacy concerns • Stuttering • Voice disorders • ASD specialist

Shop 3C/66 Jessica Boulevard MINYAMA QLD 4575

Tel: (07) 5444 1037

Yoga Healing Therapies | Yoga | Massage Pregnancy & Post-partum Services | Support Groups

50 Second Avenue Maroochydore Q 4558

T: 07 5443 9455 F: 07 5443 9638 www.medicineonsecond.com.au

Orthodontists

Embrace the Experience

51 Atkinson Road, BLI BLI Phone 07 5450 8333 www.yinhealth.com.au

Prepare for Birth and Motherhood

Discover the joy and peace of Yoga during pregnancy.

Gentle Yoga classes with a focus on the breath and including deep relaxation.

BEGINNERS WELCOME FRIDAYS 10:30, $12 SELF IMAGE FITNESS STUDIO, NAMBOUR CALL TO BOOK OR FOR MORE INFO ANGELA 0439 453 340 /5457 3809

Dr Pat Hannan

What’s coming up…

in the Sept/Oct issue

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• Are you a workaholic?

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WS e i REV

by

A Giraffe in the Bath Mem Fox and Olivia Rawson A beautiful and fun story by one of Australia’s favourite picture book authors. Young children will be delighted by the text and the delightful illustrations as will the adults reading it out aloud.

Ages 2-5. RRP $24.95.

There’s a Hippopotamus on our Roof having a Birthday Party Hazel Edwards and Deborah Nilland Many children will be familiar with the other books in this series beginning with “There’s a Hippopotamus on the Roof Eating Cake”.

The first in the series came out 30 years ago and was the result of a response by Hazel’s son when explaining the noise on their roof.

This book is equally entertaining and has some added sparkles. Ages 2-5. RRP: 24.95.

Star Wars: A Scanimation Book Rufus Butler Seder.

If you haven’t seen a scanimation book then you don’t know what you’re missing. These books began with “Gallop” which depicts various animals moving using a technique which doesn’t require batteries, just clever design. Featuring 12 iconic colour illustrations from Star Wars which magically move across the page as you turn. All ages. RRP: $22.95.

Billie B Brown Series Sally Rippin This series is perfect for young girls who like adventure and fun. Billy B Brown covers many themes appropriate for younger primary girls such as ballet, soccer and sleepovers. There is also a website available to enhance the experience. Ages 6-10. RRP: $7.95.

www.funology.com This website is great for boredom-busting with recipes, science experiments, games, jokes, magic tricks and wacky facts. It’s a perfect antidote to a wet weekend, offering all kinds of engaging ways to fill a day.

Did you know, for instance, it is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open?

Jim Springman and the Realm of Glory Joshua Wright A great read for older primary children who enjoy fantasy.

This story moves at a fast pace and is suitable for boys or girls who don’t mind a story that is scary and magical but still shows the good guy winning. Ages 9-13. RRP: $18.

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! e m i t y a l P s t o Ti n y T

t o T y n i T r u o y g Brin ‌ n a c y e h t d l i h c r e p 0 1 $ r o f d n a d l r o W e i s s u to A r)

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Playgroups welcome Meet your friends here for coffee, cake and fun! *Usual price is $25 per person. Conditions: one free adult per paying child, entry is for 2 hours from 10am to 12noon Monday to Friday, no food or drink to be brought onto premises, not available with any other offer. Groups over 10 people please phone ahead.

Valid 19 July 2010 to 17 September 2010 then 11 October 2010 to 10 December 2010 only.

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

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