Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 40 by Shore Media

IssUe 40 SEP/OCT 2o10

FReE!!

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www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Are you a workaholic? When the baby blues become serious

HOMEWORK HEADACHE ? OR HELPFUL A family affair:

marriage with kids

Kim McCoskerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipe for success

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

Grab the kids and

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PREPARE TO BE AMAZED!! 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 KABOOM!

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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CONTeNTS September/October 2010 30

6 Welcome to

Kids on the Coast

FEATURE Are you a workaholic? 3

WELCOME

WHAT’S NEWS

FEATURE Are you a workaholic?

14 NEW TO THE COAST 16 THE “P” FILES The importance of play

22 EDUCATION Editing our feature article caused me much self-reflection this week because it coincided with my daughter saying “you never have time to come into my classroom anymore”. I had been excusing myself with pressures of work, my own business, moving my mum into a nursing home and being a single mum, but her words reminded me that my most treasured role is as her parent. So am I a workaholic? Maybe. It’s possible kids feel the same over-scheduled pressure we do. Extracurricular activities and homework can gobble their free time and we discuss these issues in our Education and P Files sections. By filling their free time with structured learning, perhaps we are training the next generation of workaholics. At Kids on the Coast we don’t aim to prescribe our own beliefs about parenting, but simply give you cause for thought. Sometimes we need a little reminder to slow down (and allow our kids to do the same). For one, I have taken the hint. Sarah Pye, Editor www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Homework: headache or helpful?

28 WHAT’S ON CALENDAR The Kids on the Coast guide to September/October

30 BABIES ON THE COAST Postnatal depression: an update

34 HEALTH

51 KIDS ON THE COAST NEWS

36 ONLY NATURAL

52 K IDS ON THE COAST DIRECTORY

Taking care of their backs

40 PARENT PROFILE Kim McCosker’s recipe for success The ‘S’ word

44 LET’S CELEBRATE Family marriages

Once in a lifetime trip to Kenya

50 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Healthy eating habits

43 PARENTVILLE

48 HAPPY HOLIDAYS

53 BOOK AND WEB REVIEWS 54 M OVIE REVIEWS AND COMPETITIONS Find us on Facebook

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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Kids on the Coast magazine is printed with vegetable/soy based inks on paper supplied using pulp sourced from sustainable forests and manufactured to environmentally accredited systems. Kids on the Coast encourages recycling. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin. 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, Katharine Bogard, Kim Lahey, Meghan Halverson, Fran Maguire, Cindy Mayes, Jane O’Hare, Scott Parsons, Sandra Smith 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. Separate editions cover the Gold Coast and Townsville. For distribution enquiries please phone: 1300 430 320 or email: admin@ kidsonthecoast.com.au FRONT COVER: Andrea Sproxton GRAPHIC DESIGN: Michelle Craik GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSISTANT: Leisa Jones

september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

S ' WHAT

NeWS MIDWIFE SERVICE COMES TO THE COAST As part of a push to improve maternity services, the federal government is encouraging midwives to practise privately to relieve the pressure on the public health system and busy GP network. In November this year, mums-to-be will be able to claim midwifery services through Medicare. Local midwife, Leesa Albert, has heeded the call and now runs a holistic midwifery practice called Kunapipi in the Noosa hinterland which aims to provide continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond.

EVIAN BABIES CAUSE YO

UTUBE SENSATION

Haven’t heard of the Evian roller-skating babies? The 60-second advertisement mineral water company Evia for bottled n appears on YouTube fea turing cute babies in vests nappies perform skate par and k stunts to the hip-hop bac king track and rap lyrics. The part of Evian’s ‘Live Young’ ad, international TV and web campaign, has become a with almost 4 million view sensation s. There is now even a ran ge of limited edition t-shirts!

STUDENT’S ART GOES TO CANBERRA Local Year 9 Sunshine Coast Grammar School student, Josie Whitburn, is one of only 100 secondary school students across Australia that will have artwork on display at Canberra’s National Portrait Gallery as part of the Headspace10 exhibition. “It’s a wonderful feeling to have your work recognised as part of such a high profile exhibition and a fantastic opportunity,” she said. “The Headstart10 exhibition not only gives young artists the chance to be recognised but also the confidence to believe in yourself.”

PARENTING MAG SAYS

“BREASTFEEDING SPLASHING MON TREE IS CREEPY” FUN AT COTTO The deputy editor of a leading British parenting magazine, who wrote an article describing breastfeeding as “creepy”, is facing growing anger from breastfeeding advocates. In Kathryn Blundell’s article for Mother & Baby, titled “I formula fed.So what?”, she explains how she never breastfed because “seeing your teeny, tiny, innocent baby latching on where only a lover has been before feels, well, a little creepy.” The fallout from the article ranges from breastfeeding group Lactivist condemning Blundell’s “generally spreading misinformation” to a Facebook group with 500 members demanding an apology. 4

KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

, a water cannon Spray fountains, er ak so a d a meg spiral tunnel an ns the fun attractio of e m are just so er at w ive ct w intera for kids at a ne on to Cotton so g park comin a ntre. As part of Tree Aquatic Ce Fit im tween Sw joint venture be ast Council, the Co ne and Sunshi be ’ pool area will current toddlers d ne sig de rk ater pa replaced by a w n tio va er ns co water with safety and ’s re nt Ce e t at th in mind. Try it ou Monday 27 on y da ily free fam e information is September. Mor u w.swimfit.com.a available at ww

QUILTS OF LOVE FOR FOSTER KIDS Ladies and local clubs from all over the Sunshine Coast (as far as Kilcoy, Maleny, Kenilworth and Gympie) have been sewing up a storm in a ‘quilt-a-thon’ charity project to provide personalised quilts to foster kids. A range of hand designed and personalised lap, cot and single bed quilts will soon be delivered to kids in care. If you’re keen to thread up your needle (or would like to donate some material to the cause), contact Chris Potter on 5447 7110. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Brad Hutchinson – Audiologist / Speech Pathologist

Claire Corbitt – Occupational Therapist

leven year old Max began to fall behind at school in and the information wasn’t getting through. It wasn’t until year three. Up until then, he was doing fairly well - his he had some specialised tests that we found out that he teachers reported that he was a good boy in class and his had an underlying learning problem. reading was coming along nicely. However, in year three he “Max participated in a cognitive training program called began to struggle to pay attention and do what he was told, Fast ForWord and I couldn’t have imagined how much it and all of a sudden he was behind in reading, spelling and would help him. His teacher has noticed a huge improvement writing. in his behaviour, his ability to follow instructions, his capacity Brad Hutchinson – Audiologist / Speech Pathologist Claire Corbitt – Occupational Therapist This came as a real surprise to his parents since Max had to keep up in class and his grades are a lot better. He’s a always been a bright child. Max’s mum Lisa shares his story: different boy altogether in that he’s happy to go to school until he had some specialised tests that we found out that he had an underlying Eleven-year-old Max began to fall behind at school in Year 3. Up until then, he “As a child, Max was a thinker and we couldn’t believe some andlearning we’veproblem. noticed a big improvement in his self-esteem. was doing fairly well - his teachers reported that he was a good boy in class and of the things he would say. He seemed to have a level of “The reason we chose to put Max on the Fast ForWord his reading was coming along nicely. However, in Year 3 he began to struggle “Max participated in a cognitive training program called Fast ForWord and I wisdom that was beyond we expected him in program is because it’s not just another tutoring program. to pay attention and do what he his wasyears. told, andI guess all of a sudden he was behind couldn’t have imagined how much it would help him. His teacher has noticed a reading, spelling and writing.without any problems. to sail through school The program really got him to think and concentrate and huge improvement in his behaviour, his ability to follow instructions, his capacity “My husband and Itoput his learning down to he enjoyed doing it because as far as he was concerned, he This came as a real surprise his parents since Max problems had always been a bright to keep up in class and his grades are a lot better. He’s a different boy altogether Max being a boy. I guess we thought that he was just being was playing fun computer games. I can’t thisin his child. Max’s mum Lisa shares his story: “As a child, Max was a thinker and we in that he’s happy to go to school and we’ve noticedrecommend a big improvement couldn’t of the he would say. He seemed to started have a leveltoof program lazy andbelieve he’dsome catch upthings in his own time. But we enough.” self-esteem. wisdom athat was beyond years,” she when says, ” I guess we expected him to sail worry year and ahishalf later he was even further The award winning Fast ForWord programme is suitable “The reason we chose to put Max on the Fast ForWord program is because it’s through school without any problems. behind and it was really affecting his self esteem. He didn’t for almost all primary and high school students, particularly not just another tutoring program. The program really got him to think and “My husband I put his learning down tointo Max trouble being a boy. I guess those want to go and to school and heproblems was getting more needing learning boost. concentrate anda he enjoyed doing it because as far as he was concerned, he was we thought that he was just being lazy and he’d catch up in his own time. But and more frequently. If playing your child is struggling school like Max to,enough.” contact fun computer games. at I can’t recommend this used program we“He started worry a year a halfwhich later when he wasaeven didtotutoring forand a year, helped bit, further but it behind didn’tand Sonic Learning’s team of health and education professionals The award winning Fast ForWord program is suitable for almost all primary and it was really affecting his self esteem. He didn’t want to go to school and he was hit the nail on the head. We could see that something was nowhigh onschool 1800students, 188 338 to book a free demonstration or to particularly those needing a learning boost. getting into trouble more and more frequently. holding Max back. It was like he had a traffic jam in his head discuss how to change your child’s life.

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september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

FEATURE

When work overshadows the the rest rest of of life life overshadows When work by Fran Maguire

You’re finding you or your partner spending more and more time at work at the expense of family time. What’s the answer? The Australian lifestyle is famed for its laid-back nature and in Queensland that often appears to be the case. It might surprise you then that a 2007 survey by the International Labour Organization found that 20% of workers in Australia work more than 48 hours per week (that’s third highest in the developed world and perhaps surprisingly, more than in the US).

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

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Pam, a 36-year-old full-time mum thinks it is something else. She says her husband, Phil, lives for his work at the exclusion of everything else. “Over the past few years the time he spends on work has become more and more – it invades every part of our lives,” she says. Pam and Phil have been married for 12 years and she says long work hours didn’t affect their early days together. “We were both in full-time work then and we just moved seamlessly between work and time together,” she explains. “We were building our life, getting a home together and enjoying ourselves, all of those things. Now we just seem to be further and further apart – all he thinks about is work.” Working long hours when needed shouldn’t be confused with an addiction to work. Some of us work long hours, some or all of the time, but when we get home we are able to turn our attention to the other parts of our lives and can happily leave work behind us. A workaholic is not able to make that distinction. They work, or think about work, not because they’re forced to, but because they need, or choose, to. This obsession with work can have negative effects on home life, as Pam attests to. She says she is starting to resent more and more the way in which Phil continually turns his attention to work.“We moved to the Coast from Brisbane three years ago, just before our eldest started school,” she says. “I stopped working when we had the kids and Phil did then take on a bigger job to keep our finances going.” Pam says they had a great opportunity to move to a coastal lifestyle when Phil was asked to open up a new office for his company on the Sunshine Coast.

“I understood that Phil needed to put in longer hours to get the new office up and running,” Pam says. “And I was busy getting our new home together and settling the kids in – everything was good at the start.” Phil now commutes to Brisbane one or two days each week, usually getting home late in the evening. It’s not those days that Pam resents, but the time that he spends on work when he is at home. She says he makes an effort to get home early on his ‘local’ work days, but after spending time with the kids he switches on his laptop and is distracted for the rest of the evening. Pam says her resentment comes from feeling in second place all of the time to Phil’s work and taking on more and more of their parenting alone. “I often go to the kids’ events on my own now,” she says. “Our eldest just accepts that more often than not Daddy won’t be coming.” She and Phil are increasingly having disagreements about the time he spends focused on work.“I know much of it is that he wants to provide a good lifestyle for all of us,” she says, “but some days I just want our old life back.” Being work addicted isn’t just the domain of those in paid employment. Full-time mum Danielle was shocked when she drew up her weekly schedule. “I just don’t stop from morning until night,” she says. Danielle’s two children are aged seven and five and she says since her eldest started school she’s become more and more busy.“My day is book-ended by the school runs,” she says, “but I’m always busy during the day and in the evenings too.” Danielle has become involved with what she says is an ever-increasing number of school committees and projects.“I help in pre-school with remedial reading and writing and another class with maths, I’m involved with the P&C and the environmental sub-committee and the canteen working party,” she says.

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september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

FEATURE These days when I take the girls to school I find I’m trying to hide. “There’s always someone wanting to get me involved in something else. I think I’m seen as someone who will get involved.” As well as attending committee meetings at school, Danielle is often there working on projects in the gardens and she’s actively involved in its waste management initiatives. Between all those activities she squeezes in housework, shopping and out-of-school activities.“I don’t stop until at least eight o’clock at night,” she says, “and all day I’m rushing from one thing to the next.” Danielle can’t believe she’s recently started up a gardening business with a friend. “Right now it’s just one morning a week, but if that gets bigger then I’ll need a rethink.” What about time for herself and family time? “I have a personal trainer twice a week, that’s really important,” she says, “and I plan in a couple of hours to spend with my friends each week. “The girls have a couple of things on Saturdays that I get them to, but the rest of our weekend is time we spend all together whenever we can.” Danielle says the way she manages her very full schedule is by having a strict structure.“My days are mapped out around my commitments at school,” she says. “I just want to know I’m doing things that are making the girls’ life better and making their surroundings better too. “That’s why the environmental committee is important. “I do feel I’m on a fairground ride that never stops some days, and the girls have to be a bit regimented.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

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What drives people to spend more and more time focused on work? Sunshine Coast business and life coach Marc de Bruin looks at work addiction in a personality-based context. He says there’s nothing wrong with being a workaholic as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. “An issue of work-life balance only comes up when something goes wrong,” he says. “When life gets out of whack, then you need to do something.” Marc works with his clients using AusIDentities’ temperament types. AusIdentities give a distinctly Australian nature to four personality types; Wombat, Kangaroo, Eagle and Dolphin. He says it is underlying values, dictated by type, that drive behaviours. “Take the Wombat,” he says. “The values that drive this temperament are duty and responsibility which can lead to self-sacrifice. “Personal success for many, not all Wombats, is usually around providing for the family and living up to the expectations of others, work or non-work related and they will persist with that even if it’s not good for them.”

You know you’re a workaholic when… You’ve started taking your laptop to bed Your kids look confused when you get home You find yourself driving to work when you’re headed somewhere else Your family feign shock when you’re home in time for dinner

For this temperament, he says, the norm is to achieve belonging and acceptance and the Wombat will work hard towards that.

You’ve been caught again sneaking a look at your Blackberry

Marc says the Eagle is driven by perfectionism and generally, no matter what they do, nothing is good enough.“The Eagle has a need for things to be done better and they can’t stop until it’s right,” Marc says. “Of course, it’s never right.”

Your boss is number one on your speed dial

Kangaroos constantly need to do more to get better results more quickly and are motivated by instant gratification.“They’re more sensory, for a Kangaroo life revolves around making an impact,” Marc says. “They need to experience life in terms of results.”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Your dreams are about work

You’re always wondering how you can get back to work You’re sure the world will end if you’re not available to work Your partner gets dinner delivered to your desk

september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

FEATURE

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

Lastly, a Dolphin’s sense of self-worth is normally related to how they portray themselves to others, they need acknowledgement.“They have a constant hunger for knowledge too,” Marc says. “Dolphins can become stuck in a world of constant learning.” Recognising behaviours, Marc says, is the first step in self-awareness. “A workaholic needs to ask themselves ‘why am I working so hard?’, ‘who am I trying to please?’, ‘what am I needing to prove?’ and ‘is this a healthy way of doing it?’”

Putting life in balance Identify real and attainable short term goals that will bring your life closer into balance Don’t try to go it alone. You need the support of your family, friends and workplace Set boundaries between your work space and personal space Consider your employer’s position and approach them with practical and reasonable ways to achieve a better and mutually beneficial balance

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Marc says if you don’t like the results of long work hours, look at the values driving them. Daring to admit that something might be wrong can take a lot of guts and redressing the balance isn’t necessarily easy. “A change might involve a reduction in working hours,” Marc says. “It doesn’t need to be drastic. “You can do that gradually and look at different ways of using free time, spending it with the family or on yourself.” What would Marc say to someone in Pam’s position? “Get together and discuss what each of you want and don’t want from your relationship, the positives and negatives,” he says. “List them, see where the differences are and how to approach them. “Find a workable medium for how to bring the results you want, and keep the conversation going. “The most important thing is to keep an open and honest line of communication going.”

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

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For details, please contact Jo Porter at Global Village Accommodation Office on 5447 4448 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

K C e CH

THIS OUT

Homespun tunes

If the Wiggles and Hi-5 have been making your kids hyperactive, the Gold Coast’s Nadia Sunde has created a calming alternative. Homespun is a 14 track CD with original words and music written by this mum of two. The music has gentle tones, making it suitable for the gradual wind down for sleep time. The songs have simple rhythms, and an easy sing-along feel. Nadia’s songs can be purchased on iTunes for $1.69 each. Find out more at www.nadiasunde.com

Vegies can be fun

The veggies you see in the grocery department are chosen for popularity but, wild and wonderful organic veggie seeds are still available. Raise Derik the Dragon Carrot or Lucy Lettuce from seedlings and reap the goodness. This little brown paper bag will give you and your little farmer all the information you need about which crops grow well with one another, how to plant, nurture and when to harvest. RRP $4.50. Dig into www.heirloomorganicseedlings.com

Tactile baby

Now, I know I’m not the target market for these baby beads, but I have to admit I couldn’t let them go! Rather like stress balls, you can roll them through your fingers, clack them together and generally de-stress. Babies can do the same, plus chew the non-toxic bright colours. Such a simple, yet appealing design and makes a great shower present for the stylish baby. RRP $24 Available in natural or colours at www.urbanbaby.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

our guide to interesting & essential bits & pieces Easy Asian

Teaching your kids to hold cutlery in each palm was difficult, let alone attempting two pieces in one hand! Now there is a simple solution, where two chopsticks become one. A rubber figurine holds the chopsticks together at one end making the pincer motion easy for your child to grasp. The chopstick slips neatly into the bowl lid, which doubles as a plate. Brightly coloured with an eye-catching pattern this set is sure to bring ease and fun to the dinner table. RRP$24.95 a set. Available at www.urbanbaby.com.au

Foiled throwers

Your toddler may no longer have the satisfaction of throwing their cutlery to the floor when using the Groovy Gripper, but you’ll never have to crawl under the table again for that elusive spoon. The Groovy gripper attaches to the child’s clothing with a clip and string, and can be transformed from a fork to a spoon and even a rusk holder. RRP $24.90. See how it works at www.groovygripper.com.au

Making faces at the table

You’ve already recognised the seemingly endless entertainment that decorating a meat pie with tomato sauce holds, so why stop there? Microwave and dishwasher safe, this plate allows the parent or child to decorate a face – with food! Make each meal exciting with a different face to create and eat. If mashed potato is not appealing, perhaps a white-haired grandpa would be easier to swallow. RRP $16.50. Discover this Food Face at www.urbanbaby.com.au

Self-warming bottles

In this era of eating on the run, it’s about time food products became simple for baby too. Now you can warm his or her bottles without a microwave! Organic warming cartridges enable iiamoGo baby bottles to self-heat, so milk is stored at the optimum temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. The bottles meet international safety standards and are BPA and phthalates free. RRP $49.95, warming cartridges $14.95 for a 6 pack. Find out more at www.ittybittygreenie.com.au

september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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Oasis Homewares has taken Australia by storm… Hundreds of Oasis parties are taking place throughout suburbs each week! by Sharon Barclay Managing Director Oasis Homewares

asis Homewares revolutionises shopping.

After 20 years in the fashion industry as a designer Sharon Barclay, founder and managing director of Oasis Homewares, saw an opportunity to carry the fashion trends into homewares. The concept was born when she was shopping with friends for a wedding present and was obnoxiously ignored and asked “not to touch”. A light bulb went off in Sharon’s head and she wondered “Why not bring shopping for homewares into the home?” From that thought, Oasis was born. What started as a mere idea has turned into a fruitful business for not only Sharon, but her many representatives. Oasis Homewares has quadrupled in the last seven years and is getting bigger and better even during these tough economic times. The business enables busy people to shop in their own homes, with a group of friends and a glass of wine - no queues, no traffic, and no parking problems! Sharon and her team travel the world to bring back the latest exciting designer homewares which Sharon then develops within her factories (mainly based in Vietnam). The new Oasis Spring/ Summer 2010 catalogue has just been launched and it’s packed with delectable products perfect for Queensland. The Oasis consultants have a genuine love and understanding of their product. “Imagine having your own interior design consultant visit your home for free,” Sharon says. “Oasis products are fully coordinated and, with the help of a fully trained Oasis consultant, you and your friends can have a fabulous home makeover within a couple of hours. “Oasis offers amazing freebies and incentives for the hostess and customers,” she adds. Not only is Oasis a wonderful way to shop, but it also offers the perfect opportunity to mums wanting to get back in the workforce. The flexible hours enable them to fit work around their family schedule. Not only does this ensure quality time with their children, but also saves on potential high childcare costs. Eighty percent of Oasis consultants have young families with varying motivations for joining the dynamic Oasis team. Some just want to get out of the house and stop the ‘Wiggles’ talk, others want to gain self confidence and meet new people while having fun at the same time. “Most of all, they are interested in earning an income to supplement the family budget,” Sharon says. Sharon loves watching her fabulous consultants not only grow their own business but also grow as people. “I have a great working relationship with all the girls and they become one big family with the same vision and goals,” she says. To find out more, visit www.oasishomewares.com

KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

I just love watching our fabulous consultants not only grow their own business but also grow people. I have a great working relationship with all the girls and we just become one big family with the same visions and goals. Oasis Homewares empowers women and gives recognition. Here are just a couple of stories from two of our consultants.

Cheryl, NSW I have worked for Oasis for over three years. Before Oasis I worked in a club for 10 years where I was made redundant when the club went bankrupt. I have three children aged four, six and 17 and I had to find a way to make an income that would fit in with my husband and the kids. Oasis has turned out to be the best thing, career-wise, that has ever happened to me. I absolutely love the work, it’s easy and the products are gorgeous and so easy to sell. I have never had any problems getting party bookings as everyone loves Oasis so much and there are no other party plan companies out there like it. I had done a party plan about 12 years ago and the problem was that I had to order, pack and deliver everything myself. Oasis is much easier – all I do is the part I love best – the parties – Oasis does the rest! I am making more money than I have ever in my life. I have 32 girls on my team and am earning an average of $900 and $1100 per week for around 20 hours work. (That’s approx $55/hr!) As well as my amazing income in this short time I have also won fabulous prizes to the value of approx $10,000 which includes dinners, a weekend stay at the Sydney Hilton Hotel, various pamper packages and a holiday to Port Douglas and another to New Zealand for the whole family! I looked into different party plan companies before joining the Oasis team and I think by far that this is the best party plan around, especially with my passion for homewares. You can work when it suits you and your family and make huge dollars doing it. If anyone is thinking of getting into the party plan business I definitely recommend Oasis. If I can accomplish all this – anyone can!

Bree, VIC Already working full time, I wanted to make some extra income but wanted something that didn’t really feel like work. After much research, I found that Oasis offered the best hostess and consultant rewards. I have now been with Oasis for over two years and have just won the Oasis top sales queen award, a trip to Hong Kong valued at $4000 and lots more! I also have a team of fantastic girls. I have been able to achieve all of this plus more while, not only still working fulltime but also living in a small town of only 1200. All my customers are overwhelmed by the freebies they receive and I never have trouble getting party bookings for this reason. I’m now doing something I really love, work the hours that suit me and get paid a fantastic commission to do it. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

FREE Oasis Designer Homewares worth $20

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Summer 2010 Catalogue is out NOW! NEED EXTRA MONEY? Oasis Homewares is recruiting NOW! Joing the Oasis Team TODAY!

SAVE $100 if you join before 30th September 2010 Have a passion for designer homewares? Want to get back into the workforce? Sick of paying high child care fees? Want to be your own boss? Want to work your own hours?

Be in a business for yourself, but not by yourself! Work with the largest and most exciting Australian owned designer homewares party plan company. Visit www.oasishomewares.com or phone (02) 8399 0136 to find out more about your exciting new career in designer homewares that will suit your family’s lifestyle! Otherwise, why not book a party to find out first-hand what Oasis is all about.

www.oasishomewares.com september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst 13 “The mobile designer homewares store that comes to your door”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

NeW

TO THE COAST

a Kids on the Coast advertising feature

‘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!

Save money with fresh fruit and veg delivered to your door Ando’s Fruit & Veg is a family business based in Maroochydore, that deliver farm-fresh fruit and vegetables at fantastic prices. Dave and Kristy have been locals for 25 years and are delighted to offer you absolutely FREE delivery anywhere on the Sunshine Coast. “Every week we carefully select the finest produce and deliver it to your door,” says Kristy. “We guarantee you’ll be delighted with the quality of our fruit and vegetables.” Every Friday the best fruit and vegetables are chosen direct from the farmers’ markets. Orders are packed into boxes and delivered to you fresh on Saturday morning - or alternate delivery times can be arranged to fit your schedule. Seasonal standard fruit and veg boxes are available, or boxes can be customised to suit your family’s needs. As a specialist supplier of fruit and vegetables, Ando’s Fruit & Veg can obtain almost anything that grows! If you’re looking for something not listed on the website, give Dave or Kristy a call and they’ll do their best to source it for you. They have customers ordering all sorts of produce from dragonfly fruit, to snake beans, to Chinese eggplants...maybe something exotic you’ve seen on MasterChef! Orders can be placed online www.andosfruitnveg.com.au, or by phone. Just call 07 5475 4124, or phone Kristy on 0424 157 738 or Dave on 0415 907 886.

fresh DELIVERED

to your door!

FREE DELIVERY on the Sunshine Coast

KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

oney w our standaith boxes or rd customise your own

(Fresh produce in each box will depend upon season and availability)

DIRE

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Grocery lines also available

$30.00 $40.00 $45.00 $55.00 $30.00

Standard Fruit n Veg Box Family Fruit n Veg Box Booster Box Mega Family Box Fruit Box

S AVE m

ORDER ONLINE

www.andosfruitnveg.com.au or phone 07

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Kristy 0424 157 738 | Dave 0415 907 886 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Holistic wellbeing under one roof Do you want to improve your health and wellbeing to a more all encompassing and holistic approach? Are you torn, trying to decide whether natural remedies or medical intervention is necessary or want to incorporate BOTH? Want more personalised care, follow-up and continuity for all your health care needs under the one roof? Yin Health enables women to experience the benefits of a healthy body and mind through a combination of natural and complementary therapies and conventional, evidence-based medical advice. Yin Health’s founder, Tsu Shan, says the centre provides a much needed and unique service to the Sunshine Coast. “Women can find practitioners who specialise in women’s health and well-being for all ages – all under the one roof,” she says. Yin Health provides an array of multi-disciplinary services including a baby clinic with lactation consultants, yoga, acupuncture, physiotherapists, psychologists, dance and cooking classes. Yin Health has been empowering the women of Bli Bli and surrounds with relevant services in a supportive, nurturing environment. The service is now expanding with another centre opening in Kawana this October. Medicare or private health fund rebates can apply and a crèche is available for mothers making it easy for them to address their health needs without having to leave their children behind. At Yin Health you can even indulge yourself with a beauty treatment using organic products. So take the time to improve your wellbeing. After all - it is a matter of health.To find out how you can enhance you and your family’s health, call 5438 8387 or visit www.yinhealth.com.au

The best head start It wasn’t long ago that Prep was introduced to Queensland schools and by default this changed early learning education too. Now known as Kindergarten, the pre-prep program for children turning 4½ by June 30 has been implemented at Bella Grace Early Learning Centres in Chancellor Park, Aroona and Beerwah. Bella Grace’s Amanda Southwell says the new national framework, called the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), ensures a high quality education from birth to primary school and her centres work hard with parents to achieve this. “When we work together with families we can expect the best outcomes for children,” she says. “The national framework ensures childcare centres provide more than care for children.

Women’s health and wellbeing for ALL ages

Accepting bookings now!

Opening 7th October!

– all under the one roof! • Specialist women’s GPs • Drop-in baby clinic with specialist Lactation Consultants, Child Health Nurse and Doulas • Physiotherapist and Chiropractor specialising in Women’s Health • Chinese Medical Practitioner, Herbalist and Acupuncturist specialising in women’s health including gynaecology, fertility and IVF • Women, couples and family Psychotherapist and Psychologist • Beauty treatments using organic and natural products • Remedial massage • Women’s Naturopath • Holistic therapies such as Reiki • Yoga for women, including Pregnancy/Pre-natal Yoga, Post-natal, Mums n Bubs/Dads n Bubs Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Vinyasa Flow • Dance classes such as Bellydancing, Nia, Zumba, Pole-dancing • Wellness Cooking Classes • Workshops, Support Groups and Education • Yin Shop – a variety of products to assist with health and wellbeing Medicare and Private Health Fund Rebates may apply

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Sunday 17th October

10am to 2pm

Celebrate the opening of our new centre with loads of fun activities for the kids, yummy food, mus ic and dance displays, free yoga and dance classes, meet our team of practitio ners, free health assessments and MORE!

Creche Available (Bookings required)

www.yinhealth.com.au

Enrolments now being 11 taken for 20

Nurturing children through love and respect, in a stimulating environment Care and education for children aged from 6 weeks to 6 years Monday to Friday 6.30am to 6pm with outside school hours care Exceptional Kindy & Preschool programs run by highly qualified, caring teachers

The aims of all programs at Bella Grace correlate with the five learning goals the Early Years Learning Framework considered critical to optimal development. They include developing a sense of self, exploring the natural world, learning about social rules and developing strong, resilient characters. Bella Grace facilitates this learning through participation in activities. Children construct, create, sort, share and learn in a supported environment.

For further information on the EYLF visit www.deewr.gov.au/earlychildhood. To contact Bella Grace Early Learning Centres about kindergarten programs visit www.bellagrace.com.au

FREE Family day

The Edge, Level 1 East Building, Lake Kawana Boulevard, Birtinya (Kawana) Phone 5438 8387 Email connect@yinhealth.com.au

“Children develop a sense of belonging, being and becoming, through playbased learning experiences, which is supported by Bella Grace’s commitment to excellent facilities, resources and staff.”

If these values and skills are important to you and your child, Bella Grace is now accepting enrolments for next year.

GR and OPEninG

Focus on language, literature, social competence, creativity and self expression Perceptual motor activities available within innovative kindy and preschool programs A bright stimulating, well resourced and hygienic environment

Beerwah 5494 0833

Aroona 5438 1414

Chancellor Pk 5476 9777

www.bellagrace.com.au

september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

THE ‘P’ Files

pLay The importance of

by Sandra Smith

Children are naturally curious, and every day is a new adventure. Simple things are a source of wonder and delight as our children explore the environment and learn about themselves, the world around them and their place in it.

Play is a vital part of our children’s healthy development and through play they acquire a range of competencies including independence, problem-solving, coordination and social skills.

BREAK THROUGH THEIR BRICK WALL! Learn to better manage and lovingly connect with your children or teenagers

• Private practise assisting individuals, couples and families • Workshops and Seminars for parents, childcare workers, family daycare providers and youth workers • Conferences for groups of children and teenagers in schools

Not just puzzles and games

As a Clinical Counsellor and Behaviour Specialist, Carole’s work is about Relationship Education and building emotional strength and the ability to regulate emotions, in individuals, couples and families. Adults and children alike need to feel validated and heard. It is only then that we learn the necessary resilience and self confidence and develop skills for coping with the inevitable ‘dramas’ of life. UPCOMING EVENT Date Venue Time Cost

7th October, 2010 The Events Centre, Minchinton Street, Caloundra 6.45pm - 9.00pm $35.00* per person or family group

* Tickets available at the door or prior from our website via paypal

Carole Mitchell Director - Heart of the Matter Ph: 07 5479 4107 or 0407 757 991 Email: catmitc@bigpond.net Website: www.heartofthematter.com.au

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 16

KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Sunshine Coast psychologist Dr Rhiannon Penny says play should form a major part of children’s life, and it helps them develop confidence and resilience. “Play also assists with children’s imagination, flexible thinking and abstract reasoning,” Dr Rhiannon says. As parents we want to guide our children and we tend to ‘hover’ when they play, however, if the play is child-driven, they naturally engage in age-appropriate activities. Dr Rhiannon says supervision is important so children stay safe, but they also need personal space to play freely without adult intrusion, and parents need to step back and let their children take charge. Playgroup Queensland’s Townsville regional coordinator Maria Grigg says it’s about finding a balance between letting children do things for themselves and being actively involved with extending their play.“Allow kids to discover for themselves and be themselves, and make mistakes and learn things the hard way and explore,” she says. Maria says that in a quality playgroup, the play is still child-led but parents learn how to help their children build on their experiences. “It’s quite tricky to not take over and think that as a parent you know best,” she says. There are 1,300 playgroups in Queensland, and Maria says the majority of the playgroups are parent-led and run by volunteers. Affiliated playgroups meet weekly and provide a safe and supportive environment for families with young children. Young children are likely to remain engaged in free play when parents take the time to sit and play alongside their children, while being careful

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

not to direct or control the play, explains Dr Rhiannon. “This concept of ‘floor time’, during which a parent will intentionally spend at least 10-20 minutes each day playing alongside their child in an activity of the child’s choice is great in providing the child with quality parent time and fostering the parent-child relationship,” Dr Rhiannon advises. Spontaneous play gives children the opportunity to switch off and relax, without the pressure of structured extra-curricular activities. Children of all ages need time to engage in unstructured play, and Dr Rhiannon says children acquire many skills through free play, including creativity, the ability to interact with the world around them, social skills, conflict resolution, turn-taking, decision-making, self-expression and the ability to entertain themselves. “A large amount of free play time is important to the development of younger children’s social, cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being, while older children should also be afforded adequate downtime in their day where they are free to be kids,” Dr Rhiannon says. The kind of play that children engage in depends on their age she explains. A baby’s play involves interaction with others and with simple objects, as they begin to develop gross and fine motor skills that enable more complex play. Until the age of two or three, children may engage in solitary play or parallel play where they play side-by-side with other children, or onlooker play where they observe other children’s activities. Associative play develops as children learn to engage with peers and interact with each other. By school-age, relationships with other children are the main focus, and they move into more structured cooperative play.

september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

THE ‘P’ Files

Types of Play Encouraging different kinds of play helps children acquire a range of skills needed for healthy growth. Dr Rhiannon suggests having a dress-up box to encourage dramatic play, craft supplies to inspire creative play, and arranging play dates for social play.

Creative PLaY

Activities like painting, craft activities and playing musical instruments help children express their individuality and activate their imagination Dr Rhiannon explains. “This self-expression also provides parents with the opportunity to learn about their child’s passions,” she says. A basic craft kit for creative play can include crayons, glue, paint, cardboard, beads and buttons, however, simple natural resources like sand, shells, twigs or leaves will also inspire creative play. Building a sandcastle or exploring rock pools at the beach are examples of active creative play that teach children problem-solving and resourcefulness. Dr Rhiannon says active creative play provides children with the benefits of physical exercise while also encouraging them to express themselves uniquely.

Dramatic Play

Fantasy play allows children to imagine what may be possible, and children can extend their world and explore different experiences in a safe way as they become completely immersed in ‘pretend’ characters through dress-ups and role-play. “Dramatic and creative play allows children to develop their imagination and creativity, and is important for cognitive development,” Dr Rhiannon says. “Children engage their imagination through role-playing and fantasy play, and learn different avenues for self-expression.” ‘Pretend’ can start at around 12 months of age, when children engage in simple games that resemble real-life activities.

GET ZUMBA FIT AT FERNWOOD Maroochydore Call 5479 0744 Sunshine Homemaker Centre

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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

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Acting, voice training, improvisation and movement. Junior and senior age groups (6-12 and 13-17). For more information and enrolment contact Mary on 0418 795 186 or email mary@solarcoaster.com.au 18

KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

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Physical pLAy

Crawling, running, jumping and throwing a ball are all activities that help with coordination and balance, and are an essential part of gross motor skills development, while playing in a sandpit or garden will improve fine motor skills.“Physical play assists in developing fine and gross motor skills, strengthening muscles, and is important in healthy development,” Dr Rhiannon explains. Children of all ages love to play outdoors, and Playgroup coordinator Maria says many of the Townsville region’s playgroups meet in parks or outdoor venues. The indigenous playgroup in Rassmussen, North Queensland, meets under a veranda and Maria says the garden is “very much part of the experience” for the local community. “It’s got beautiful shady trees and it’s got chooks and vegie gardens,” she says. Exercise is important for healthy, happy young minds, as it releases certain chemicals in the brain that help children feel calm and relaxed. There are many noncompetitive and fun ways to engage in physical activity, whether it’s jumping on a trampoline, throwing a Frisbee or crawling through a tunnel at the local playground.

Social plaY

Board games are great for developing social skills, as children engage positively with family and friends. Cooperative outdoor games are another fun way to learn important social skills and resilience. Dr Rhiannon explains playing with other children helps with social and emotional development, as children learn to interact with each other and make friends.“Playing with peers also allows children to learn how to work in groups, share, negotiate, cooperate, and resolve conflicts,” she says. “Many opportunities to develop these skills in childhood can lead to the child being able to function more effectively as an adult.”

telephone 1300 653 711 www.arcadetables.com.au/kotc buyleaserent

Sexier than Ms Pacman. Tougher than Donkey Kong. Our Arcade Tables are designed in Australia. Sleek stainless steel and smoky tempered glass - they look great, perform faultlessly, and stand up to the roughest treatment.

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september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

THE ‘P’ Files

AT HAVE YOUR SAY, COMMENT .au com st. coa www.kidsonthe

Small Fry: Play

sensory pLay

FURTHeR ReADING

Bursting with ideas for creative play, this book is interactive, engaging and fun. It celebrates the joy of learning and playing together. This book is a hands-on tool, packed with practical information, ideas, games and experiences to make your time together quality time.

Children explore colours, textures, shapes, sounds and smells through sensory play and activities can be as simple as making play dough shapes or beating a drum. “Sensory play is often associated with infancy and involves the engagement of different senses such as sound, movement, tactile, and visual experiences,” Dr Rhiannon says.

Technological play

Modern media and technology have removed the imaginative element from many of today’s play activities, and children often gravitate towards passive play options like the Xbox. Images and structures are provided, and children do not develop creative skills through this type of play, but they do learn other competencies. “Although passive play often requires little engagement of a child’s imagination and creative skills, it can offer benefits such as developing problem-solving, teaching strategy, and improving hand-eye coordination,” Dr Rhiannon says. She warns, however, that parents need to monitor the time their children spend playing electronic games. “As a general rule of thumb, a healthy guide for parents is to operate on a 2:1 ratio, for example, for every minute spent on the computer, play station, or watching TV, two minutes should be spent outside or engaging in other imaginative play activities,” she says.

Learn how to reach for the stars

Finding the balance Children may gravitate towards a specific type of play, for example, technological play, but they need to engage in all types of play, including physical and creative play, for their overall healthy development. Maria says play is the best way for children to learn, and having free time as well as structured activities is important. “Different children learn in different ways,” she says. Parents can help by creating appealing alternatives for their children and by encouraging all kinds of play. “Through balancing structured, unstructured, and intentional family-relation activities, we set our children up for physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits,” Dr Rhiannon says.

Vacancies covering the Sunshine Coast

Does your kid ever say… • • • •

It‛s too hard, I‛m dumb! Everyone is mean to me! No-one will be my friend! I‛m bored, I hate school!

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• Communicate thoughts & feelings effectively? • Understand & manage their emotions? • Think positively & for themselves? • Deal with peer pressure & stress?

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Visit the website for programs, fees and contact details

Invest in your child’s emotional intelligence 20

KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

Enquiries 5476 3373 areproviders.com.au

www.crfamilydayc

Positions Available for Care Providers www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Have you had your children’s eyes checked? Get their eyes examined by a Looking Smart Optometrist.

Did you know… 30% of children have some type of eye condition that affects vision? In most cases if the eye condition is detected early enough, exercises can be given to avoid it developing into a vision problem at school. In some cases vision problems exhibit themselves in children who have short attention spans but often are undetected by the parents or carers.

Free pair of sunglasses (Up to RRP $19.95) for each of your children when they have an eye examination with a Looking Smart Optometrist. (Age Limit from 2 years - 12 years) (Valid only for September to December)

Easy parking Tests are fun for children

At Looking Smart Optometrists we recommend a vision test for every child who is 2 years of age or older. We bulk bill all eye tests so it costs you nothing to have it done, and you can feel secure that you are looking after your child’s eyesight.

The test takes approx 15 minutes

Looking Smart Optometrists bulk bill

All eye examinations provided the patient has a Medicare or DVA card

Phone: 5439 7844

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Near Coles at Pelican Waters Shopping Centre, Pelican Waters Blvd, Pelican Waters Email: info@LSOPTOM.COM september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

education

Homework: headache or helpful? by Maxine Arthur

“Homework should be abolished” is a popular topic for school debates, guaranteed to inspire lively argument and the faint hope the teacher might agree. Until recently it’s not a proposition teachers or parents have entertained seriously, believing that “practice makes perfect” and with more practice comes a higher level of academic achievement. But this assumption is now being questioned, particularly for primary school students. Parents want their children to succeed in school but many believe after-school time might be better used spending quality time with the family, pursuing interests such as music and sport, or simply playing.

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.

Walk as Children of the Light

Irene Dabinet, Enrolment Registrar

Immanuel Lutheran College

T: 5477 3441

KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

E: dabineti@immanuel.qld.edu.au

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

Can I go out to play? In the mid 1980s a US Government report Nation at Risk reported that American children were not achieving at expected levels. Political and parental pressure on schools to improve standards intensified. Teachers were expected to cover more material in greater depth within the same school hours. One solution was to increase the amount of homework and, over the years, the pressure to achieve filtered down to the earliest years of schooling with homework increased – even for the very young. The University of Michigan found that the amount of homework expected of 6-9 year olds had tripled between 1981 and 1997. Eventually, American parents began to question the cost of “the more homework the better” approach as the cracks began to appear in family relationships due to homework stress.

Australian schools rethink homework Australian schools started down the same path about the mid ’90s, piling on the homework. In 2004, consultant adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg called for a review of homework practices in Australia. “The reality is that homework, as currently constituted in primary schools, is a largely ineffective and overly burdensome practice and, for the physical and psychological health of our young people, it is time to reconsider,” he said. Michael believed homework interferes with family life, creates tension and limits time for individual and family activities. Roxana Pereyra from Buderim agrees with that view. “Primary school children spend six hours a day at school on average – not including the children who have to spend longer periods of time in before and after school care,” she says. “When you are working parents and don’t get home till after 5pm, there is little time left (exactly three hours in our case) to prepare dinner, eat together as a family, have showers, prepare uniforms and get bags packed for the next morning, cram in homework and then get the kids to bed by 8pm!”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Research shows that homework can: •

Develop good study habits, build character and self-discipline.

•

Provide review and practice of concepts taught at school, and consolidate learning.

•

Promote independent learning using a range of resources such as the internet and libraries.

•

Promote parental involvement which positively affects school achievement.

Arguments against homework include: •

Homework leaves little time for leisure, social relationships, extracurricular interests, sharing of household chores, general play and relaxation.

•

Homework interferes with an active lifestyle, including sport, and may contribute to obesity.

•

Homework causes tension in the family when tired children and equally weary parents are under pressure to complete homework.

•

This pressure may be worse for single parents, for children already struggling to keep up at school, and for children with special needs.

•

Homework contributes to existing inequities – students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may not complete homework because the home environment is not conducive to study, they may have extra home duties or, in the case of older students, be working part-time.

september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

education

How much homework is enough?

Roxana says participating in sport, music and the arts would be of more benefit to primary children than homework. She believes homework should be abolished from the primary school curriculum.

International best practice suggests, as a rule of thumb, no more than 10 minutes of school homework per school day in Year One, increasing by up to 10 minutes a day with each year level to a maximum of two hours per day in Year 12.

“Once they hit high school, that’s when it’s really necessary,” she believes.

Education Queensland policy suggests a lighter load:

Fortunately, Australian educators have avoided the worst excesses of the American homework experience. Practices have been reviewed and policies changed in the light of recent research. In 2004 the Queensland Department of Education and the Arts published a Homework Literature Review-Summary of key research findings to examine the impact of homework on students. Research on the relationship between homework and achievement indicated that students who do homework generally outperform those who do not. However, this applies much more strongly to high school students and there is little evidence that links homework to subsequent achievement for primary students.

• In the Prep Year, generally students will not be set homework.

Homework policy for Queensland state schools The Queensland Education review concluded that some homework seems to be better than too much or none at all but time spent needs to be related to age. It also found homework activities seem to be more effective when linked directly to class activities so that homework is part of the whole learning process. Based on the review, Education Queensland developed a Homework in State Schools policy. It gives guidelines as to the maximum amount of time students at each grade level should spend on homework (see fact box) and suggests homework tasks suited to each level. The trend is towards smaller amounts of better-designed homework, though some primary schools have done away with homework altogether.

KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

• Years 1-3: Up to, but generally not more than, 1 hour per week. • Years 4-5: Up to, but generally not more than, 2-3 hours per week. • Years 6-7: Up to, but generally not more than, 3-4 hours per week. • Years 8-9: Up to, but generally not more than, 5 hours per week. • Years 10-12: The amount of time devoted to homework and independent study will vary according to the student’s learning needs and individual program of learning, determined through their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan.

Has homework become more family-friendly? Jess Schepers from Kuluin is a working mum of four children in Years 1-10. She feels teachers and parents are close to “a comfortable balance” regarding homework. “I’m not sure if it is because the homework load has eased over the years due to policies being changed or because my children are using their time more wisely and being more efficient, but it seems we aren’t as bogged down (by homework) as we used to be,” Jess says. “I find the homework level to be within reason and suited to their age group.”

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

“It’s normal for us all to be in the kitchen in the evening with homework books open – one on the computer and the others at the kitchen table, while I make dinner. “I will communicate either by a note or a message in the homework book if we don’t understand a question or need assistance.” Sippy Downs parents Rachelle and Matt Hatton say sport and fitness activities take up a large chunk of their leisure time so homework with their four children is tightly scheduled. “Homework time in our house is at 5pm for half an hour,” Rachelle says, “We are lucky I work from home so we can allocate this time – Matthew is just getting home then as well so he usually helps the big boys while I help the little ones.”

What do the teachers think? Queensland primary school teacher Libby has been teaching for 20 years and is currently teaching Year Two. “At this age level, developing a love of reading is the focus. I would expect 10-15 mins of quality reading with a parent each night,” Libby says. “but I would have to say that there is always someone who cannot get the homework completed. “Many kids make it up on the weekend or we do it during school with me as the supervisor. “My parents are fantastic and I understand that some nights it just is not possible or not worth it depending on a family’s commitments, extra after school activities, or a child’s fatigue.”

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Support their learning: • Provide guidance, not answers. • Encourage children to share their school work with the family: Showing and talking about their school work reinforces the learning. • Foster a thirst for learning by demonstrating it yourself: Think aloud, write, gather information, explain, discuss, demonstrate, draw, sketch or make things. • Help children understand where to increase their knowledge of topics that interest them: Use books, people, libraries, media, and the internet. • Help them understand that no-one knows everything but we can find answers to our questions. • Use everyday tasks, (such as cooking and shopping, looking up the TV Guide, planning a family outing and playing games), as ‘teaching moments’. • Look for fun ways to reinforce basic skills. If your family follows football, track the score as you watch. How many points is your team winning/ losing by? How much time is left in the match? How many points do they need to win?

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“I also say it is important to set boundaries regarding homework and try to keep a simple and achievable routine! That way the kids know what they have to do and so do the parents.” Anthony teaches science and maths to Years 8-12, in a regional Queensland school. He points out that homework is expected by parents as well as being school policy. For Years 8-10, homework generally means completing class work and for Years 11-12, revision of class work or assignment work. A teacher of 23 years’ experience, Anthony says, “I’m very easy going about homework. I believe there is more to life than having to go home and do more ‘work’ after being at work! I have school age children as well. If they do not get it done, I don’t care.” Anthony says studies have shown that homework does not really improve one’s performance and his advice to parents about homework is “If it gets stressful, stop, do no more, and talk to their teacher the next day. If this occurs over many nights, something needs to change. Many teachers are quite flexible when you talk to them face to face in a mature way. If you go in with the ‘boxing gloves on’ it becomes messy for everybody.”

Communication is the key to de-stressing homework If your child is having difficulty with a particular homework assignment, try substituting a practical activity or some gentle guidance through a few examples. Let the teacher know about the difficulty and the steps and time you took to help. Constant negativity over homework may discourage your child from learning. Make an appointment to talk to your child’s teacher and talk about your concerns, remembering that you are on the same team – you both want your child to be a successful learner.

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As a mother of two primary students, Libby understands that family life doesn’t always run to plan. “Everyone’s wheels fall off at sometime, and sometimes a child just needs to have a night off,” she says. “One night of missing homework is not the end of the world.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

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Director Anita Corney is very excited about the new touch screens which have been a real hit with the students. “For most children, pointing is a natural reflex and the touch screen system allows children to explore their curiosity and creativity,” Mrs Corney said. “The software supports the development of children’s problem solving skills through cause and effect – encouraging concentration and persistence.” “Above all it enables them to engage with modern day technology, promoting extensive hands on learning through a fun, exciting and interactive environment.” If you would like to hear more about the Pre-Prep Program for 3-5 year olds at New Leaf Early Learning Centre, go to www.scgs.qld.edu.au/newleaf or contact the centre on (07) 5453 7077 for a tour.

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september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

SePT

Special Events CalendaR

Baby & Kids Market

Now until September 18

Now until September 17

Where/when: All Sunshine Coast libraries Write a poem with the title: My Sunshine Coast. Categories are Years 1-4, 5-7, 8-10 and 11-12. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third in each category and for schools submitting entries from classes. Entry forms at Maroochydore Library and on the libraries website. Cost: Free Details: www.library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Where/when: across the Coast Be part of Sunshine Coast Council’s Community Plan for 2030. Enter photos of what you think the Coast in 2030 will look like. Submit an image and caption of what will be important to you in 2010 and your image may be used by Council to illustrate its plan. Categories are ages 13 and under, 14-21 and open. Cost: Free Details: www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

September 4

Where/when: 9am-3pm, Good Shepherd Lutheran College, Eumundi Road, Noosaville All the fun of the fair with rock wall climbing, farm animals, merry-go-round, super sizzler, bungy trampolines and more. Includes great food, arts and craft, white elephant, books, secret auction, unlock the bike and fashion parade. Cost: Free entry Details: 5455 8607 www.gslc.qld.edu.au

Where/when: Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Brisbane, 5pm The spectacular opening of the Brisbane Festival, Riverfire will be a fireworks extravaganza to the sounds of drums and didgeridoos, electronic beats, classical masterpieces, retro tunes and today’s popular hits that are sure to trigger the pyrotechnic display in true fashion. Cost: Free Details: www.brisbanefestival.com.au

September 5

Where/when: Cotton Tree Pool The new water park will be open with free admission for all and with inflatables up on the day. Cost: Free Details: www.swimfit.com.au

Where/when: Australia Zoo, Beerwah Dazzle Dad with daredevil adventures and win some great prizes. Kids can join in with free rides, face painting and sausage sizzle from 9-10.30am. Cost: Family tickets $187 and $170, adult $57, child $34 Details: www.australiazoo.com.au

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Lake Kawana Community Centre, Sportsman’s Parade, Bokarina

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From 9am to 12noon. $3 Entry, Kids FREE! September 18

September 19

FRECKLES THE SHARK’S FIRST BIRTHDAY

KIdzown birthday bash

Where/when: Underwater World, Mooloolaba Join in the celebrations for Freckles the Grey Nurse Shark baby’s first birthday. Say the word “Freckles” when you book or buy your tickets to get 10% off the cost of each child’s ticket. Look out for other special activities and giveaways on the day! Cost: Family $90, adult $32, 3-14 years $22 Details: www.underwaterworld.com.au

We’ve got Spring in full swing...

RIVERFIRE

FATHER’S DAY AT AUSTRALIA ZOO

FATHERS DAY5 SEPTEMBER

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ZOOMING INTO 2030 PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

When/where: Kidzown, Unit 6-7, 10 Capital Place Lake Kawana Celebrate Kidzown’s first birthday with a sausage sizzle, games, clowns, balloons and lots of entertainment. Cost: Half price entry (normally 1-4 years $8.80 or 5-12 years $11.00. Adults and under 1 free) Contact: www.kidzown.net.au

September 20 – October 1

Holiday cooking classes When/where: Various two-hour sessions. Call for details Freedom Learning Centre is again giving your little ones the chance to become Master Chefs during the upcoming holidays. Suitable for kids from grades 3-7, sessions are limited to only four children who take home their apron, chef’s hat and creations. Cost: $35 per session Details: 5479 3610

Spring has arrived and we’ve got a Centre full of fresh new seasons styles and choices. With over 100 specialty stores there’s a lot on offer from Fashion, Accessories and Beauty, Furniture, Lifestyle, Living and Homewares... we’ve got the lot.

September 20 – October 2

UNDERWATER WORLD OCEAN RANGERS PROGRAM Where/when: Underwater World, Mooloolaba Throw your kids to the sharks in the school holidays with the fully supervised Ocean Ranger program. Feed, touch and meet amazing UnderwaterWorld animals. Cost: Half day $50, full day $75 for full – day programs, 10% discount offered for additional children for families with more than one child participating, bookings essential Details: www.underwaterworld.com.au

Hey Kids! Come an d join me in the Kids Club for invites to great events and activities. Join online or at the Customer Service Desk.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

TIN CAN BAY SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Where/when: Tin Can Bay foreshore, 9am-5pm Kids will be grinning from ear to ear at the myriad fun activities at their disposal. There will be crazy clowns, tricky jugglers, rugged rock climbing walls, casual camel rides and a whole section filled with amusement rides. Many activities free. Cost: activities vary Details: www.tincanbaytourism.org.au

September 26

September 27

Where/when: Noosa Heads Lions Park, 9am View the line-up of classic cars of all types, including the marque of the year, Alfa Romeo. Cost: $5 Details: www.noosacarclub.com.au

Where/when: Cotton Tree Pool Take the kids for a free day at the pool during the school holidays with a live broadcast from Hot FM, inflatables and competitions. Cost: Kids free Details: www.swimfit.com.au

NOOSA BEACH CLASSIC CAR SHOW

September 25

KIDS FREE SWIM DAY

line! FIND more events on om.au www.kidsonthecoast.c www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

OC TOBeR

Compiled by: Frances Maguire

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

October 7

8-10

Resilience and self-confidence for children When/where: 6.45pm-9pm, Caloundra Events Centre, Minchinton Street, Caloundra Join Heart of the Matter’s Carole Mitchell to learn three easy steps to emotional protection of children, teens and ultimately our whole community. Cost: $35 per person or family group (adults only, but can include grandparents) Details: 54794107, 0407757991 or visit www.heartofthematter.com.au

October 8-10

CALOUNDRA MUSIC FESTIVAL Where/when: Kings Beach This not-for-profit family-friendly community event celebrates the environment, cultural achievements and community pride of the Caloundra area. The line-up will feature the best of the Australian music industry as well as famous international artists. A colourful street parade, roving performers, beachside carnival, buskers, free children’s entertainment and a stroll in The Village complete the experience. Cost: Two-day tickets family $317, adult $115, 13-17 years $87, 5-12 years $8, one-day tickets also on sale. Details: www.caloundramusicfestival.com

October 13

October 16

Where/when: Nambour Civic Centre, 11am and 1pm Harmony, Rhapsody, Barnaby, Elf and Minuet bring old favourite songs to life. Jump Jump Star, Surfing Fairy Beach, Dance the Sleep Away and will ensure non-stop singing and dancing for fairy fans. Cost: Adults and children over 12 months $22.50 Details: www.nambourciviccentre.com.au

Where/when: Cooroy Community Kindergarten, Maple St Cooroy Join in the kindergarten’s celebration party with a jumping castle, face painting, great food and the launch of their official recipe book. Cost: Free Details: 0416 734 735

THE FAIRIES FAVOURITES 2010 TOUR

COOROY COMMUNITY KINDERGARTEN ANIVERSARY

October 17

YIN HEALTH GRAND OPENING FAMILY DAY

Where/when: The Edge, Level 1 East Building, Lake Kawana Boulevard, Birtinya, 10am-2pm Celebrate the centre’s opening with loads of fun activities for the kids, yummy food, music and dance displays, free yoga and dance classes and free health assessments. Cost: Free Details: www.yinhealth.com.au

October 23

Where/when: The Oval, Pikki St Maroochydore, 8am-12 noon Open to sellers from 7am. Cost: $10 per site payable on the day Details: 5475 1555

Where/when: Mountain Creek State School, 11am-5pm School fundraiser, everyone welcome. Rides, entertainment, show bags, food stalls, games, pony rides, animal farm and a silent auction. Cost: Free Details: www.mtncreekss.eq.edu.au

MAROOCHYDORE SCHOOL P&C CAR BOOT SALE

October 27-31

NOOSA TRIATHLON SUPERKIDZ TRI

MOUNTAIN CREEK SCHOOL FUNTOBER FETE

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Where/when: various venues in Noosa, see website for details A three-day festival of serious and fun sporting events including the Courier-Mail Superkidz Triathlon. This kids only non-competitive event is over short distances for 7-13 years. Entry includes singlet, finishers’ medallion and goodie bag. Cost: TA members $35, non-members $40 Details: www.usmevents.com.au

October 31

HALLOWEEN AT AUSTRALIA ZOO

31 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Where/when: Australia Zoo, Beerwah Join in the fun and mischief of Halloween with spooky games, the mummy wrap, scarecrow competition and free face painting. Come dressed in your ghoulish get-up for a chance to win some wicked prizes. Cost: Family tickets $187 and $170, adult $57, child $34 Details: www.australiazoo.com.au

september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

BABIES ON

the coast

Nip post-natal

depression in the bud

Marg was at the brink: New house; Newborn baby; New feelings. “All I could think was, ‘this was not how motherhood was supposed to be, it was too hard’,” Marg says. “I felt I was at the worst point in my life.” Parenthood has been called the profession created to re-jig our expectations. The perfect-mum-and-dad myths we are fed can be a sure-fire recipe to make us feel like we’re not up to scratch if we stray from the ‘norm’. We’re not talking about the times when we are just too damn tired to put in the effort and everyone’s grizzly. And we’re not talking about the baby blues, which around 80% of women experience up to 10 days after giving birth. We are talking about when we sink into a lower-than-normal hole and struggle to climb out. “I was a big emotional mess… I was borderline suicidal…I wasn’t capable of hurting Georgia, but I was hurting her just by my actions,” Marg confesses.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

SEPTEMBER BABES IN ARMS

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Stages and stats

Little do we know how common our feelings and struggles can be, until we seek help. Postnatal depression (PND) is defined as depression in the months after the birth and it affects one in seven women. November 14-20 is Post Natal Depression Awareness Week. Interestingly, recent studies show antenatal depressive symptoms (those occurring during pregnancy) are just as common. Studies also show depression identified postnatally begins antenatally in up to 40% of women. That’s the good news because it means problems can often be detected early. But despite the prevalence and far-reaching effects of perinatal depression (the term used to describe both antenatal and postnatal depression) most sufferers remain unidentified and untreated.

What causes perinatal depression ? A melting pot of factors cause perinatal depression and anxiety. A history of depression or anxiety, a stressful pregnancy, a family history of mental health problems, a drawn-out labour with delivery complications and problems with the baby’s health can all be part of the build-up. Changes in our lives may be difficult to handle. These changes, as well as other psychological and social risk factors, can make certain women candidates for depression and anxiety.

Uncovering anxiety

Recent studies suggest anxiety disorders may be as common as depression in the perinatal period, and even more frequent than depression during pregnancy. Early intervention specialist and psychologist Kathrin Veal says anxiety throughout pregnancy is a key postnatal depression indicator. “Anxiety during and post pregnancy is only beginning to get the attention that it deserves,” she says. A third of women will suffer from an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, so it’s hardly surprising anxiety is common among pregnant women and new mums. Kathrin explains some anxiety at this time is universal. “In fact, it would be unusual

for mums-to-be and mums to not be anxious during this time,” she says. But for many this normal level of anxiety can escalate and become an anxiety disorder, meaning that it gets more and more difficult to stop the worry. Kathrin says character traits like perfectionism (buying into the myth of super mum) are strongly related to anxiety. Other key factors to predict anxiety are life experiences such as a miscarriage in the past, high risk pregnancies and IVF. Perinatal mental health nurse Melissa Homan says the first noticeable symptoms may be social withdrawal and sleep disturbance (as opposed to sleep deprivation) which means a mum cannot sleep when the baby is asleep, because they are anxious. “The anxiety is like they are in a constant state of fright 24-7 – agitated, restless, tight chest and mood changes, Melissa says. And the dad’s most common comment is ‘It doesn’t matter what I do, it’s not good enough’,” Melissa says.

Swinging the focus to life skills

A mental health nurse of 21 years, Melissa says her role is about prevention. She helps parents develop life skills from the moment they conceive. Melissa attended the recent national Mental Health Summit and explains how its prevalent theme was primary prevention by detecting early warning signs. “Perinatal depression is so treatable early enough, she says. But if it’s left for more than 12 months it has a huge ripple effect on the whole family.” Melissa says her sessions bust myths like “mothers just know instinctively what to do”. “I tell them the reality is it takes six to 12 weeks to form a relationship with anyone,” she says. Marg says she made an urgent appointment to see Melissa at what was “the worst point” in her life, nine weeks after the birth of daughter Georgia. “At that time I felt like I was being judged, I felt useless, fat, ugly… I just knew I was meant to love this child but I didn’t,” Marg says. “All I could think was, I hate this, I want to go back to work, and my husband was devastated.”

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september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

BABIES ON

Melissa agrees the key reason mums don’t seek help sooner is because of the stigma. “The only thing that keeps people from accessing help is pride – my definition is playing ostrich therapy,” she says.

the coast

What about dads?

The two-and-a-half hour appointment turned her life around. “When I walked out, I felt 10kg lighter, just getting it all off my chest,” Marg says. She explains how Melissa showed her how to handle Georgia’s 5pm ‘fussy’ period. “At 5pm every day I lost it,” Marg remembers. Then there were the simple sleep tips. “Georgia went from waking up 10 times a night to sleeping 13 hours a night…. within four days!” Marg says. Melissa believes a marked change in women’s childbirth age impacts on life skills training. “Nowadays they are having children a lot later and it’s a huge issue because they have been in control of every aspect of their life and are goal orientated and babies don’t fit that criteria,” she says. “Everything they are used to changes and they come crumbling down.”

Why don’t we seek help sooner?

Yes, society may be more understanding. Yes, there is more support these days. So why is depression during pregnancy and motherhood still having such a shattering affect on so many families? Founder of the Sunshine Coast Postnatal Depression Support Group psychologist Lisa Lindley, says there’s still a lack of understanding in the general population and one reason mums still delay seeking help is because of the fear of being thought crazy. There are many other reasons: “They do not want to be seen as a failure, they do not like to admit that they are not coping, they don’t know where to turn, or believe that it will soon get better,” she says. Well-meaning friends might tell them to get over it while guilt, fear and shame often blocks the path to help. This can include “the fear of their baby being removed or being labelled a bad mother,” Lisa says.

“Y

Recent research shows 50% of men think women get PND because they have unrealistic expectations of motherhood and 25% believe it is a normal part of having a baby. Marg says lack of knowledge about depression holds men back. “We need to help educate them,” she says. Marg says she was abusive to her husband during her illness. “He was scared of me and then he stayed away from home even more.” Melissa feels women are allowed to be vulnerable but men are conditioned not to be vulnerable. “If they are staying away from home more often than usual and are angry and withdrawn… then getting them to come in is hard enough,” she says. “If a mum is depressed for months, the dad may have had to be mum, dad and caregiver then once the mum gets better he may have reached the stage of male depression.” Levels of depression for fathers do increase significantly in the year following childbirth, with studies showing 10% of fathers had depression during their partner’s pregnancy and the baby’s first year.

The recipe for recovery

Lisa says a combination of support and treatment helps recovery. Sometimes medication is needed when the condition is moderate to severe, and this can be assessed by a GP. A support network of a GP, psychologist, child health nurse, partner, family and friends is the key. Individual counselling which focuses on looking at negative thinking patterns and ways to replace these thoughts with healthier thought patterns can really help. And she says group support offers a chance to meet other mothers who are feeling the same. This way the sufferer can feel accepted and not have to pretend to be coping. Lisa says we need realistic expectations about motherhood: It WILL be a challenge, most babies DO NOT sleep through and babies DO cry for no apparent reason.

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Hands-up for prevention

Down came the Rain

Brooke Shields We know her from the silver screen (and her famous family) but many of us were shocked when Brooke Shields confessed to suffering PND. This heart warming, and beautifully penned account of her struggle offers solace and comfort to others. In this brave memoir she lifts the lid on this crippling illness.

Clinical psychologist Dr Emma Harley says perinatal anxiety and depression are still very much under-reported and under-diagnosed by GPs due to time-limits. “Given the real demands on GPs the best hope is we can make women and their partners better educated about the issue so that they’re able to raise their concerns with their GPs directly, and ask for appropriate referral for help,” Emma says. If those at risk are identified during pregnancy, postnatal depression could be prevented altogether. Beyond Blue is sponsoring a national program which standardises procedures and encourages all GPs to use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale antenatally, so the help can kick-in during pregnancy if need be. But one thing many parents (and many GPs) don’t know is specific Medicare funding is available for mothers to see a perinatal mental health specialist. “They just need to speak to their GP about this,” Emma says.

Rewards a plenty

Seeking help pays off in a multitude of ways. Clinicians see pregnancy and motherhood as a window of opportunity to get to know ourselves better – to reflect on our own childhood, face our fears about losing our identity and respond to our anxiety about our ability to be a parent. Because the well-being of the whole family is at stake, the better understanding we glean from seeking help ripples out to everyone and creates a strong base for future challenges. Mental health champions like Melissa find their work enormously rewarding. “I get a lot of job satisfaction. “I tell them ‘I’m your coach and cheer squad and I expect to be made redundant’,” she says. Marg wonders why she waited so long to act during that low point of her life, because now she feels so different. “Georgia is the best thing that ever happened to us,” she says.

On-line help with Beyond

For more information:

Sunshine Coast Postnatal Depression Support Group: www.sunshinecoastpnd.com Heath Contact Centre: 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and ask for contact details for your nearest Community Child Health Centre Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or www.beyondblue.org.au Nambour Selangor Private Hospital’s Mental Health Consulting: 5459 7444 (this service is available to any woman regardless of whether they have given birth at Selangor).

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Symptom checklist – Simple checklists that will tell you (or someone you know) if you have symptoms tha t are common in people wit h depression, anxiety or related disorders and ind icate whether you may nee d to talk to a health professional. Visit: www.b eyondblue.org.au/index.aspx ?link_id=103.991 The Emotional Health dur ing Pregnancy and Early Par ent hood guide – provides information abo ut symptoms and effectiv e strategies to deal with them. It includes an outline of local services for perina tal depression in each state. Visit: www.beyondb lue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id =94

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Melissa Homan is now in Private Practice as Mental Health Consulting Pty Ltd and will continue to operate out of Nambour Selangor Private Hospital. Mental Health Consulting offers individual therapy sessions for people experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and a Perinatal Mental Health Service (antenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression). If you or your family are in need of expert help call us today.

Help is here... Melissa Homan RPN BN MHN Mental Health Nurse Consultant Mental Health Consulting Pty Ltd

Selangor Preadmission Centre 62 Netherton Street NAMBOUR 4560 Telephone: 07 5459 7411 Facsimile: 07 5459 7417 september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

health

good

DR. SCOTT PARSONS

Don’t make a meal of it An early childhood memory for me was the evening meal. It was not good. I remember quietly clicking my fingers under the dining table, attracting the canine disposal unit to dispatch the spinachy stuff on my plate. (Everything that was green was spinach to me.) This was tricky. I would distract Mum by pointing at something out the window, and those few seconds were enough for me to offload into the labrador. Unfortunately the over enthusiastic pup would engulf the spinach, meat, potatoes and anything else. Busted, I would have to blame the dog. I was then presented with another meal, but with more spinach as there wasn’t much of the other stuff left. Damn that dog. Mealtimes can be a stressful time, particularly during the toddler period. Usually the concern is around picky eating. This results in unsuccessful attempts by parents to encourage, coerce and even force a toddler to eat a meal. This is not recommended by nutritionists, and stems from previous generations where food was sometimes rationed, and/or scarce. “Eat up, who knows where your next meal will come from?” There is also a misheld belief that carrying a little extra will help fight illness and infection. Not true. So what actually happens nutritionally during this period? During the first 12-15 months infants will eat what is necessary for adequate growth. As they move to the toddler age a few things happen. Firstly their calorie requirements drop significantly as the rate of growth lessens. So the parent will perceive this as loss of appetite. The other issue is that as the toddler realises he can influence his parents’ emotions and behaviour he will start to refuse food. The more a parent enforces eating the more stubborn the toddler becomes. Exasperated

parents will sometimes make the mistake of giving bottles of milk thinking that this will suffice. This unfortunately can sometimes lead to an iron deficiency, which is the most common nutritional deficit in toddlers in our country. So how should you approach the picky eater? Firstly check and chart the child’s height and weight. The child health nurse or doctor can help you do this. If it is clear the growth is fine and there are no signs of illness then you can follow these simple guidelines. • Make meal times fun and have low expectations. (Decrease portions) • The parents choose (appropriate) food. • The toddler decides whether and how much he or she will eat. The parent is not to be involved in this part. If the toddler refuses to eat then remove the food without comment. Do not punish for not eating food, and do not reward for finishing food. i.e. remain passive. • If the toddler asks for food, return the plate. Try not to offer anything different, particularly milk. • Some toddlers snack on many small meals throughout the day and so do not need to eat an evening meal. There is no problem with this as long as the snacks are healthy. Meal time battles can continue during the school years. As a parent it becomes frustrating if you go to great lengths to prepare a meal only to find the kids don’t like the ‘yucky bits’. Children will not understand your frustration as you implore them to ‘just try it’. Take the pressure off, present easy to prepare simple healthy foods and slowly introduce new tastes and textures. It would be great if children ate like labradors. However I can remember my Mother taking him to the vet wondering why he was gaining so much weight. Must’ve been all that yucky spinach. For more information, check out the nutrition section of www.raisingchildren.net.au The information contained in this article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for individual professional medical advice from your physician or qualified health care provider.

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ONLY

natural The importance of

posture by Kim Lahey

“The boy on the piebald pony – shoulders back and chin up!” When those words were exclaimed I was too busy smarting from being mistaken for a boy, than listening to the pony club’s posture lesson. But have we become a little blasé about kid’s carriage now the world is trotting along at such a pace?

Bearing the weight Professor and physiotherapist Dr Carolyn Richardson, who’s spent 20 years researching musculoskeletal health and four years devising a core workout program, says musculoskeletal health for children is a “huge problem”. She says by the age of six, children should have a welldeveloped strong healthy spine. “I fear it is all downhill from there, with lack of emphasis on good posture and lack of antigravity exercise, plus lack of cardio exercise too,” Carolyn says. “It’s far better to start young with antigravity exercise for the core muscles.” Once you have a ‘gravity related medical condition’ Carolyn says it is far more difficult to reduce the pain then rehabilitate the core. “Prevention is far better than cure!” she says.

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Children can look after their musculoskeletal health by stretching tall, spending time in bare feet on sandy or grass surfaces and playing games that include weight bearing like wheelbarrow races.

Freeing the spine Many experts agree most back trouble can be avoided with preventative care. Pain is the most common kids’ back problem chiropractor Dr Scott Baker sees at his practice. Most of the back pain results from minor trauma like a fall, repetitive poor posture or habits like sleeping on the stomach, slouching on a chair or playing computer games. “Just observe children sitting or playing a Nintendo DS and poor posture is obvious,” Scott says. Chiropractic treatment for children involves checking all areas of the spine are moving freely and muscles are working in balance. This is followed up with postural exercises and Scott advises sleeping on a good pillow (on the back or side), limiting time on computers and wearing a backpack correctly. Like anything over time, poor posture can become permanent and Scott says kids with poor posture may complain of headaches, neck pain or back pain. This is because poor spinal posture results in excessive weight-bearing loads to the spine and surrounding muscles. These spinal muscles tighten in response to abnormal forces and spinal joints become fixated. As an example, Scott says 12-year-old Josh’s parents noticed him becoming easily irritated at home and school. His posture was deteriorating and he’d had ongoing back pain. Scott’s analysis of Josh’s posture revealed he had a high right shoulder and ear, a high left pelvis with forward head-carriage and a stooped posture. After four visits and some home postural advice Scott says, Josh’s pain had gone. “His parents said he not only looked straighter, he was more confident with his posture, was sleeping better and his concentration had improved,” Scott explains. Another common reason parents bring their child to Scott is bedwetting. You might not think the back relates to such issues, but Scott explains misalignment

in the lower spine (chiropractic subluxations) can affect the function of sacral nerves supplying the bowel and bladder. Research has shown that the weight of a five cent coin on a nerve can effect up to 60% of its function. Correcting these misalignments allows the nerves to these areas to function optimally, which in turn improve the functioning of the organs they supply (like the bowel and bladder).

School bag-sense Chiropractors Association of Australia spokesperson Dr Patrick Sim warns lugging an overloaded bag to school places stress on growing spines and can lead to acute and long-term back problems. “Why treat our kids as pack horses when most of the information they need at school or for homework could be contained on a tiny memory stick?” he says. “Lifting a bag that is too heavy causes immediate strain on the spine and the longer a child carries that load, the more severe the damage.” A wheeled bag with an extendable handle may seem a good solution for a heavy load but students may have to pull a bag over rough ground or grassy areas as well as lift it up stairs and on and off public transport. Dr Sim says all of these actions impact normal posture and could prove problematic in the long run. • Backpacks should be no heavier than 10% of a student’s weight when packed • Backpacks should be sturdy and appropriately sized – no wider than the student’s chest • Put comfort and fit at the top of the priority list, not good looks • Choose a backpack with broad, padded shoulder straps • Use both shoulder straps – never sling the pack over one shoulder • Use waist straps – they are there for a good reason • Don’t wear the backpack any lower than the hollow of the lower back • Don’t overload the backpack – use school lockers and plan homework well in advance • Place all heavy items at the base of the pack, close to the spine, for a better distribution of the weight Source: Chiropractors Association of Australia (CAA)

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A lion’s share of health Posture doesn’t just relate to the back: feet are often at fault too. Podiatrist Trent Johnston says grandparent’s innate ability to read the signs is often how many children’s ‘foot faults’ come to light. “Spending every minute with a child makes it tricky to see changes, so it’s not unusual for parents to be blind to the signs of something amiss with their child’s feet,” Trent says. “The critical aspects of the development of posture occur in the first eight years.”

Tips to prevent back

problems

Posture: • Sit straight with the sho ulders pulled back and the head raised (pretend a balloon is lifting your hea d to the sky) • Stand against the wall with your heels, buttocks, shoulders and head touching the wall. Count to 20 and repeat daily Stretches: • Stand in the corner of a wall with the arms in a T position (stretching the chest muscles). Hold for 20 seconds and repeat dai ly • Have your desk and com puter set up ergonomically so you are looking straight and not slumping Exercise: • Walk a minimum of 30 minutes per day to facilitat e natural spinal movement

But natural variations to the posture of the legs may be hard to read, so how do we know what’s normal? We can look out for signs like really flat feet, excessive tripping, complaints of tired (or sore) legs, wanting to be carried all the time, or not walking by the age of 18 months. “Back your instincts, if you think that there is something wrong with your child’s feet then it’s likely there is!” he says.

“Sitting in the same way all the time can have significant negative effects on the posture and the back.”

A Podiatrist can assess whether the feet are ‘normal’ or are contributing to other problems. Some children will be required to do exercises to improve their posture, balance and foot function. “The beauty of young children is that the foot, and their whole body, is so pliable and responsive to treatment,” Trent says.

“After his treatment his feet had straightened up and he was a very proud lion.”

Often it’s simply giving correct-shoe advice. “You can waste a lot of money on shoes that actually can make things worse, so this is where professional advice is very important,” he says. And what about going barefoot? Yes, kids should have some barefoot time because it allows their feet to develop and strengthen, Trent explains. But it should be balanced out with the use of footwear, particularly for sporting and ballistic activities like trampolining. Prevention comes back to posture. “It’s important to encourage children to change sitting positions,” Trent says. “Young girls often sit in a ‘W’ position, which can encourage knock knees, while boys tend to sit cross legged.

Trent once had a little boy ask him why he had to have ‘bird feet’. “He’d been told he was pidgeon-toed and had taken it literally!” Trent says. “He wanted to know when he grew up would these develop into ‘lion feet’.” For more information: Dr Carolyn Richardson: Visit www.gravityfit.com Her e-book Beyond the Core to Whole Body is available on this website. Physiotherapy Association of Australia: www.physiotherapy.asn.au In Touch Physio: Phone: 5442 2255 or visit: www.intouchphysiotherapy.com.au Children’s Sunshine Chiropractic – Dr Scott Baker: Phone: 5491 7743 or visit: www.naturaltherapypages.com.au Wellness for Life Chiropractic: Phone: 5443 8888 or visit: www.wellnessforlife.com.au Family Wellness Chiropractic: Phone: 5444 0711 or visit: www.familywellness.com.au Chiropractors’ Association of Australia: www.chiropractors.asn.au

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PARENT

profile Kim McCosker’s

recipe for

success by Sandra Smith

Cooking family meals with just four ingredients is a simple concept, but turning that idea into a bestselling cookbook has involved a lot of hard work and determination for mother-of-three Kim McCosker. It’s been an amazing three-year journey for the Sunshine Coast author and entrepreneur, and she is now an international celebrity with four bestsellers and two television series under her belt. Kim and lifelong friend Rachael Bermingham co-wrote 4 Ingredients for busy mums who are “out of inspiration” and often do not have exotic ingredients on hand for the family’s evening meal. When Kim and Rachael self-published 2,000 copies of 4 Ingredients in 2007, they never imagined that they would go on to sell more than 2.5 million books worldwide.

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Groups are run by registered teachers and facilitators of the Fun Friends and Friends for Life Programs. These programs are authored by Brisbane psychologist Dr Paula Barrett (www.pathwayshrc.com.au) and have been recognised by the World Health Organisation. Research has shown the positive effects of the strategies and skills taught in the program in the prevention of anxiety/depression as well as for general well being and ability to cope with life for all children.

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Kim now lives at Pelican Waters on the Sunshine Coast with her husband Glen and her three children, Morgan (8), Hamilton (5), and Flynn (2). Her schedule is packed with media commitments, but her children are her top priority and she spends as much time with her family as she possibly can. Tell us about your family. I have been blessed with the best family in the world. I have a wonderfully supportive husband, Glen, and three happy and healthy little boys who are the absolute loves of my life. Everything I do, I do for them and based around them and their schedules. My husband Glen is just the most wonderful man. He enables me to do what I do, because he gave up his career to stay at home. He doesn’t get stressed out – he just takes it all in his stride and because he is so comfortable doing that, it allows me to travel and do the things I have to do with 4 Ingredients without feeling bad. We are a close, supportive family. My mum and dad live one km from me and are the best parents and grandparents I could ever have hoped for.

Kim’s favourite things Food Chicken, pasta and chocolate – not necessarily in that order. Rainy day activity The kids love games, including Guess Who, Connect 4, Memory, Battleships and most recently, Boggle. Fine day activity Anything to do with the water – we are all water babies. Pool, river, ocean, swimming, skiing, surfing, building sandcastles, chasing crabs on Bribie Island and fishing. Beach My favourite beach is Bulcock Beach at Caloundra. I have an eight-year-old who wants to be ‘gung-ho’ and learn to surf, and for the two littler ones, there’s an inlet and there are tiny trickles of waves, and little crabs in the sand and rocks with oysters in them. What’s really impressive is those big freight ships – for my two-year-old, they look 3D and he reaches out and tries to touch them. Movie Our current favourites are Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and Aladdin. We make homemade pizza (the kids’ favourite is pepperoni), hamburgers, or popcorn (buttered or dusted with icing sugar) and all sit down to enjoy.

How did you learn to cook and who was your main influence? Without a doubt my mum and grandmothers were my main influence in the kitchen. I grew up on a citrus farm in a little country town called Mundubbera. There were no 24-hour supermarkets, and still aren’t. We were on a really tight budget as Dad was building the farm, which forced my Mum to be really creative in the kitchen. She would use the zest of an orange to flavour our pancakes and use the juice to complement tomato soup. She had the knack of taking something simple and making it taste quite spectacular.

never in a million years would I have thought I’d be involved in designing our iApp or creating the packaging for our cookware range. How to deal with media, how to film a TV show...who would ever have thought? 4 Ingredients has brought so much to my life and that of my family. It’s like a fourth child.

What impact has the success of 4 Ingredients had on your family? 4 Ingredients has been a gift to our family. Although I am far busier than I ever was, essentially I am able to work around Glen and the children. I can still help at school, I can pick the days I travel and the jobs I accept to do. It has taught me so much -

How do you balance family time with your busy work schedule? I try to prioritise my day. I have an online diary that select people can access (to add, delete and alter what is there). At the beginning of every term, I get my children’s schedules and enter them into that diary or anything important our

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PARENT

profile

feeling guilty. Get your girlfriends and have a girls’ weekend – it’s so good for the soul – or treat yourself to a monthly facial. Your face is your window to the world and it needs to shine. Look after number one, so that there is plenty left in reserve for others.

family has to attend. Then my office knows when I am available for work commitments. I try to limit the time I am away so that I am rarely away for more than two consecutive nights. Eighty per cent of the time this works beautifully, but even in the most ordered of schedules there are times when the enormity of what I have to do is quite overwhelming and the work/ life balance doesn’t feel so balanced. But that’s life and those moments will always be, so I have learnt the best way to deal with them is just to move forward.

Why did you collaborate with Deepak Chopra for your latest cookbook in the 4 Ingredients series? He had a belief about food that really appealed to me. When Rachael and I first met Deepak, I was heavily pregnant with Flynn and feeling as big as a house. I remember him telling us “Daily diet isn’t just about protein, carbohydrates and fat. You need to understand food and how it reacts in your body; you should derive enjoyment and nourishment from food.” This was just music to my ears, so we started to read about Ayurveda principles, which is what Deepak and millions of others around the world follow for their health and well-being, I was pleasantly surprised to learn it was much easier to follow than pronounce.

Is it important to have goals? I think it’s really healthy to have goals, even if sometimes you can’t reach them in the time-frame you originally set. I do have clear goals but I don’t for a second think that they’re easily achieved. Whether it’s a relationship or a To win a pack including job or motherhood, it all requires time and effort and The 4 Ingredients and energy. Big things come from a lot of little things. We’ve 4 Ingredients calendar, visit just got to concentrate on the little things and we’ll get www.kidsonthecoast.com.au to the big things eventually. It’s good to have the dreams and desires and the goals, but you know that they’re not going to happen without a significant amount of hard work and a little bit of a plan. It doesn’t always work to plan, but you just reassess and alter it accordingly and give it another shot.

WIN!

What parenting advice can you share with our readers? Don’t let ‘mother guilt’ rule your life. Mothers are the backbone of a vast majority of homes and often the most neglected. We mums need time out for us, without

Why is eating healthy food important for families? Food should be your medicine, we hear it everywhere – “you are what you eat”. Deepak says that food is often responsible for the way we feel mentally, emotionally and physically – it’s all interlinked. What 4 Ingredients has allowed me and so many others to realise is that cooking good, healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated. Eating out is expensive and generally take-away isn’t the healthiest option, but when cooking at home is a chore or too hard, it’s because we make it so. Cooking at home is just so important, because this way you know exactly what you are putting into your food and your body – just keep it simple. What do you enjoy most about living on the Sunshine Coast? We moved to Pelican Waters on the Sunshine Coast in July 2007 and we absolutely love it. Peak hour traffic is maybe passing two cars. The boys all love golf and as a family we all love, love, love the beach. Sundays on the water with my boys is my definition of heaven – no mobile phones, no laptops, iPod this, iPad that – just us and the Pacific Ocean.

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PARENT

ville

Meghan Halverson

A child’s practical wisdom Have your kids ever come out with those silencing one-liners that stop you in your tracks? I know them well, as at times when I am about to explode, scream, shout, pull out my hair or succumb to various other inappropriate responses, my kids speak loudly and clearly and teach me the most humble lessons! On a particular trip to London, a very precocious little curly headed blonde daughter of mine, Rachel, stopped everyone in the streets that overheard her profound statement. My mum had just passed away and I was in a state of shock and grief. My husband thought it would be a great idea to get me out of my stupor and take the kids and me overseas. So, off we flew from our home into the unknown, Europe and with kids! Our time at the airport passed by in a blur as we had to keep chasing Rachel to keep her from entering the security zone at a run! The underground was even more challenging. Once we got to Waterloo Station she raced through the ticket turnstiles and ducked under, then ran back and forth! My son knew that my patience was running thin and he stayed by my side. Exhaustion, jetlag and an overwhelming sense of dread ensued and yes, corporal punishment came to mind. But how could I think that? I swore I would never even consider it in today’s bliss of raising a child! We finally made it to the hotel and settled in. I was ready to collapse and settled under the covers for a little RRR (reading, rest and relaxation). The kids had a different idea: The inevitable “I am in a hotel and I NEED to jump on the beds” idea and chaos ensued. “Please!” I begged my husband, “Take these monsters out of here!” Yes, I was feeling selfish and required alone time so my husband, gracious and kind as he is, relented and took them out the door. Silence! Bliss! I dozed into a deep sleep. Hours passed and I awoke fresh and ready but where was everyone? I went for a little exploration and there in the lobby I found my exhausted husband with kids still running on high battery power. We walked out into the brisk air and Rachel proceeded to shake all the doors of the jewelry and clothing stores that we passed as we window-shopped. It was 4 pm but the city was already going to sleep and darkness was lingering. The sounds of rattling chains and shop doors echoed and the shop owners scowled at us as if to say, “Can’t you control that child!” My husbands’ nerves were gone now and his usual quiet and controlled nature was being challenge. He gave the ultimate threat: ‘the S word’. “Rachel, if you don’t come away from those doors right now, I will spank you!” he said. I chuckled to know I wasn’t the only one thinking outside our well-intentioned parenting techniques. Rachel stopped shaking the doors, calmly turned and, with her head cocked to the side and hands on hips, she shouted (while looking my husband directly in the eye) “Daddy, if you spank me now, then I will hit my children when I grow up!”

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

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september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

celebrate

LET’S

marriage with kids

A family affair:

by Jane O’Hare

Traditionally, marriage comes before kids but, in our ever-changing world, one third of Australian marriages involve at least one person who has been married before. Many of these marriages include children from a previous relationship. Marriage, therefore, often becomes a celebration of the creation of a new family, not just a commitment between two people. Bill Scurry, who has been a marriage celebrant for over 30 years says, “Marriage needs more work the second time round”. If people have been divorced for a while, particularly if they have children, it can be difficult for everyone to adjust to a new adult becoming part of the family and, in the case of blended families, for all the children to learn to live together. Bill believes children play an important part in the marriage ceremony, and that their age dictates their level of participation. He says, “Children are a part of what marriage is all about, let them be where they want to be.”

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

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Involving

the children

• Girls may like to be a flower girl. Boys may like to be a page boy or ring bearer • Older children may like to read a poem or some prose • They may also like to write their own welcome letter to the parent who is joining their family • They might like to sing as part of the ceremony or before or after the formalities • If they are musicians they could play music for the bride’s arrival • If not musical there is always the option of being in charge of the taped music • They may like to hand out singing sheets or order of service leaflets • Older children can welcome the guests and show them where to sit or stand • At the reception they can be responsible for handing round the cake • They may also like to open the gifts and display them

Making them

feel special

• Include the children in your vows

• During the ceremony, perhaps after the rings have been exchanged, give a special gift to each of the children. This could be a piece of jewellery like a watch or bracelet • Read out a letter you have written to the children reminding them publicly of your love for them as part of your new family • Read a poem or piece of prose that depicts your new family, and love for your children • Ensure the children have some input into the ceremony. This can be as simple as asking their advice about the dress, venue, or wedding breakfast • Allow the children to choose their own wedding attire, even if it clashes with your ideas, as it is their day too • Ask the children where they wish to be during the ceremony. Let them decide if they want to be with you or seated or standing nearby

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Beck ’s

story

Beck was 16 when her mother married her stepfather. “Mum talked to us before she agreed to marry Corey, making sure we were happy to have him as part of our family,” she remembers. “Actually, my brother, sister and I all liked Corey when we first met him.” Beck believes this was because, “Corey was lovely from the start being nice and normal and did not try to impress us.” Being the new person in the family can be difficult so it is best to be yourself, and not rush into being accepted. Allow the children to get to know you slowly, be interested in them and be an interesting person. “My aunt, sister and I were bridesmaids, and my sister and I made a speech welcoming Corey into the family,” Beck says. Her brother Ben was groomsman for Corey, and although only 13 at the time, felt very important. He and Corey have a very close relationship now.

The unity candle ceremony

Lighting a candle together has long been a traditional element of many marriages and this ceremony can be adjusted to include all new family members. Prepare a display with one large candle in the middle and smaller candles on the outside (one for each family member). The outside ones are lit and each family member takes theirs. Together they light the large candle while the celebrant recites: “The lighting of this candle represents the unity of this new family in which your lives will now shine as one”, or “As you light this candle and the flames become one, let this signify the blending of two families.”

september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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

celebrate

LET’S

John’s

Coloured sands

story

John was an only child, and the very much loved son of Julie and Peter. When he was 10 his parents divorced, and he was devastated. He lived with his mother, and visited his father every second weekend and Wednesday nights. Julie talked to him alone before the announcement of her second marriage was made, seeking his permission to include Richard in the family. When his mother married Richard, who had no children, he was consulted on every aspect of the ceremony and enjoyed his role as page boy, and ring bearer. John said, “I was happy to share my mother with Richard, and today we enjoy an interest in rugby and cars, neither of which are of any interest to Mum.” When his father Peter remarried it was very different. Peter’s partner Anne had been married before and had two sons. John at first resented sharing his father with these two older boys and Anne. The wedding was very small and the boys played a very minor role welcoming the guests at the church. It wasn’t until some time later when John discovered the magnificent bikes Anne’s sons had, that the relationship among the boys began to improve. “I now have a good relationship with all four of ‘my parents’ and have two great older brothers, who may tease me at times, but are also a lot of fun,” John says.

Don’t know what to say?

If candles aren’t your thing (or the kids are too young to handle fire) why not use coloured sands instead? Give each member of the new family their own colour sand. Taking turns, each family member pours their sand into a tall glass vase or shapely bottle. The resulting layers represent their individuality, but the vase represents their new family. Together, we will learn much more about each other. I promise also to be fair and to be honest, to be available for you as I am for your Mum/Dad, and in due time, to earn your love, respect and true friendship. I will not attempt to replace anyone, but be a friend, and I will cherish my life with all of you. On this day when I marry your Mum/Dad, we create a new family, and I promise to love and support you.”

Tips for creating wedding vows:

• Don’t use vows that require kids to respond because they might be embarrassed or suffer stage fright • Don’t refer to yourself as their ‘new’ parent: this might cause animosity • Keep it basic and genuine

Wedding vows should fit your own style and commitment. These, however, might give you a good starting point! “(children’s names), I want you to know that I dearly love your mother/father. As you have so graciously shared this wonderful woman/man with me, so will I share the love I feel for her/him with you.

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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’m a mu m of a beautiful 3 month old baby girl. I’m so happy as a new mu m, but a m just so tired! I thought that by now the baby would sleep better at night but most nights she’s awake 5 or more times! I’ve tried everything I can think of to get her to sleep longer, but I’m just so tired now I’ ll do anything just to get a good night sleep - help!

SAMI

While my husband and I are very excited with our first baby on the way, I feel I would be a bit of a hypocrite to give advice on parenting. Until we actually have more than a cabbage patch doll to practice burping and nappy changing I feel parental advice from me would be akin to Julia Gillard spouting off a sermon about loyalty. So with that in mind, I thought the best tips I can share with you to help get through the nightly warfare with your three month old princess is how to best spend this time. You need to become a professional shopper. Whirl onto E-Bay and buy yourself those new red stilettos. Of course you need that new Madonnna-inspired cone shape bra (even though it is impossibly impractical for breast feeding). See, it is easy to do and even easier to justify because you are so sleep deprived. It is the perfect excuse for shopping. Now, if the internet is down, whirl on the shopping TV channel and buy yourself a Shamwow or six, an Ab Cruncher and a few Magic Bullets. Good times. You will be on such a giddy high from the adrenalin of purchasing pretties, you will not even feel weary come five AM. And just think, it could actually be a sneaky way to get your husband to insist doing the night feed and floor pacing, in an exasperated bid to make you stop spending so much money!

TODD

As a sleep deprived Mum don’t you hate it when folk say “Oh I slept like a baby last night”? Oh righto so you woke up every 2 hours, cried, spewed and then crapped yourself? NICE

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ONE! I sympathise with your plight, we’ve got 4 kiddies at home the youngest, Isla, is 18 months old and still wakes up through the night. Wouldn’t it be grouse if there was a solution...well maybe there is!!! Hey New Mum’s!!! Bub keeping you up at night? Had less sleep than Amy Winehouse in the last 6 months? NO problems!!! Introducing the all new Super Sleep Shop!!! You can whirl in at any time of the day for a block of solid, uninterrupted sleep! Buy gift vouchers for friends who are on the edge and need a quiet 1 hour megasleep!!! We also have the frequent sleeper rewards program, for every 1000 points you earn you’ll receive a complimentary 30 minute express kip and a margarita. So book in today...as we say in the brochure...you snooze... you snooze. Yeah...nice thought eh...sadly the old sleep shop hasn’t arrived on planet reality yet so in the meantime it’s phenergan for you and a midnight scotch for your wee-un...ummm...hang-on switch that...sorry, bit tired...

JAN - from Settle Petal

No one prepares a mother sufficiently for the extreme exhaustion that a new baby brings. You have my empathy. I’ve been there! Research has determined that humans must sleep. Falling asleep and waking is largely determined by your circadian rhythm, a day-night cycle which develops around seven weeks of age. If this rhythm is not encouraged or is inhibited for some reason, it can take a lot longer to establish. Once your baby is about three weeks old, your aim is to be encouraging them with regular and balanced feed, play, sleep rhythms. This can prove difficult for some babies during their first four months for a number of reasons: • Tired signs are ignored, resulting in overtired • No sleep cues or aids are used • Over stimulation from extra visitors, noise, outings, fluorescent lighting and TV • Hungry overfed or fed too often • Allergies and intolerances through breast milk or from infant formula • Lower bowel, abdominal, oesophageal pain or discomfort It helps to understand and allow your baby’s getting to sleep process to progress. For a baby this takes about 10-20 minutes. How your baby goes off to sleep is one of the first associations you are teaching them. They are learning what to expect when they wake, stir and need to go back off to sleep. Seek help or support early before your sleep deprivation becomes dangerous for you and those around you.

september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

holidays

HAPPY

A family trip of a

lifetime by Wendy Buckley, Travel With Kidz

Australians love to travel both locally and overseas so when your family decides to take a well earned holiday, knowledge is the key to success. Having travelled with our two children Tim and Jessica, and more recently our granddaughter Emily, I appreciate how different the needs are when travelling with children especially to some of the more remote and adventurous areas of the world like Africa. Today’s parents juggle their time between children, work, family, and friends and if lucky you fit in some ‘me’ time. Holidays are an essential part of reconnecting with your kids and removing them from today’s daily influences like Facebook, mobile phones, school work and friends. Kenya offers a fun filled holiday for the whole

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

family, though more importantly allows children of all ages firsthand experience to view the most amazing game, history, geography and culture - all in one country. Families often have a perception that Africa is not a child friendly destination though, due to an increase globally in demand safari camps and lodges, guides and tour operators are now taking into account the needs of children of all ages from babies through to teenagers. Families are looking more for experiential and unique holidays and Kenya delivers the ‘family trip of a lifetime’. Experience afternoon tea on the deck of your tent overlooking a watering hole with over 100 elephants drinking at Satao Camp Tsvo East, view giraffe and hyenas with Mt Kilimanjaro in the background at Amboseli National Park, walk the shore of Lake Manyara to where thousands of pink flamingos migrate and view the highly endangered white and black rhino from your private 4x4 Land Cruiser. Even have a Rothschild giraffe lick your face at the Giraffe Centre Nairobi, (don’t panic giraffe’s saliva is antiseptic) and watch lion cubs play with their parents in Maasai Mara National Park.

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Kenya is home to 42 different local tribes located around the country : the most famous being the Maasai. The Maasai continue to respect and honour their culture and live a traditional Massai lifestyle. Women are the workers caring for the children, preparing the meals, building the family’s manyetta (house) which is made from cow’s dung and sticks, fetching the water daily and making traditional jewellery. The male Maasai are tall and strong. They continue to wear the red traditional wrap (blanket), care for their herds of cows and goats, hunt and generally walk around with other males. The Maasai dance includes jumping, singing and showing their very white teeth while laughing. Families are able to visit, learn and interact personally with many of the Maasai villages and we assure you from first hand experiences it is not ‘put on’ for the tourist. They welcome you into their village where they will teach you to make fire as you sit inside their manyetta, teach you to dance like a Maasai and showcase their beaded jewellery. There are various types of safaris available to families depending on your budget and the ages of the children. Transport comes in two types: 4x4 Land Cruiser with your own private guide for the duration of the seven night safari or Toyota minivan catering for up to eight people. There are dedicated family departures or private departures allowing far more flexibility while on safari. The family wanting the ultimate Kenya experience, now has the opportunity to fly from camp to camp on a brand new 14-seater private or scheduled air safari. Made to order in 2010 by Southern Cross Safaris, this Kenyan ground operator has taken into consideration the needs of children with the back seat comfortably sitting three kids across. Travelling by aircraft eliminates road drives, saves time and gives you amazing scenery of Kenya from the air. The camps and lodges offer various accommodation and even the fussiest of eaters will be catered for while on safari. Karen Blixen Camp located in the North Conservancy of the Maasai Mara National Park opened in October 2009. On a recent visit in July 2010, I personally met up with several family groups during the two-night stay. Kids started at six months and many groups included grandparents. The children were relaxed and very happy interacting with the Maasai, downloading their photos from the day’s game drives to their laptop and exploring the camp with staff. Finally after your safari around Kenya what better way to end than on the beach at Diani, one hour’s drive south of Mombasa? There are many family-friendly hotels here - from the big hotel styles to the small and intimate ‘bure’ on the beach. There are endless water sports and Mombasa nearby steeped in history. Children learn from firsthand experience and nothing beats sharing the real thing with your children.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Tips on travelling to Kenya Avoid the rainy months: April, May and November Visas cost Australian passport holders US25pp upon arrival or US$50pp at the Kenyan Consul in Canberra The great migration of wilder beast commences May in Tanzania and crosses the Mara River into Kenya during June and July. Up to 2.5 million gather in the Maasai Mara National park. Be warned, it is carnage at the river with vultures eating dead carcasses. The upside is the ‘big cats’ are plentiful including lions, cheetah and leopards A yellow fever immunisation certificate is required to re-enter Australia Malaria protection is recommended. Malaron is suitable for children 11kgs and over Book early - camps are small Don’t miss the Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Centre in Nairobi Access from Australia is via Johannesburg, Dubai and Asia

september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

to the editor

LETTERS

At Kids on the Coast we really appreciate it when you, as busy parents, take the time to comment on the articles we print. Last month we had a bumper crop of letters to the editor. We hope you will enjoy sharing them with us. Let’s hope these letters continue the conversations the original articles may have prompted. Dear Editor, In 2008 my daughter was forced by a substitute teacher to sit in on a religious lesson. To her shock the religious teacher stated all Muslims and non-believers would go to hell and it went on. When she raised this with me, I contacted the school and left three messages for the principal to ensure this was not repeated but also to question of teaching children that other faiths were less than. After two weeks with no response, I contacted Education Queensland (EQ), who indeed advised that the religion teachers had clear guidelines they had to adhere to, and this had crossed the line. After an investigation I was informed the religious teacher would be advised of these guidelines and cautioned. My child never received an apology from any school representative, but what our family did receive was bullying and intimidation from the school administration because we had dared to question the religious practices taking place in the school. I believe that religion should be kept within the social activities of the child and family environment. And that indeed history lessons inclusive of culture and religion can be taught in an educational manner with sensitivity. It should be made clear that religion is the practise of faith, rather than the belief in something e.g. A God. School is a place for education not for religion. Leah Dear Editor, I understand that Australia is a multicultural and multifaith nation and we do need to provide for all people groups and faiths. BUT I believe that learning about the Bible is an invaluable tool for all children in Australia. There are many text references that children will come across in high school which have Biblical references. There are sayings…in the English language with their origins in the Bible. Even Shakespeare refers to it and our legal system in Australia and Laws are based on it.

Dear Editor, Having taught and coordinated Religious Education (RE) for the past eight years in several schools I would like to offer the following comments. Those who chose to opt out, a very small minority across the coast in my experience, are well catered for by the classroom teacher who is allocated to these children to engage in productive learning. If your child experiences any problems it is up to you as parents to solve this on a local level. This should not reflect on the RE program. The children who opt out are simply carrying on with their education as if the option of RE was not there. That is the choice their parents have taken. I have found in most cases parents have chosen to opt out due to ignorance of the program or a perceived idea of teachers pushing agendas. This could not be further from the truth. I have experienced parents who previously opted out join in as a result of observing my lessons when they see what occurs in the classroom. If you are interested in finding out what happens in RE ask to meet with the schools coordinator who can explain the curriculum and lesson content. Having not had the opportunity to have RE as a child myself because of my parents beliefs I am glad to see parents allowing their children to opt in so they can make decisions about their own faith based on informed choice.

Should we learn about other beliefs? Of course: Won’t it just make us richer and wiser for knowing more not excluding and leaving out? For those who are new to our nation and our ways the Bible can provide a clue as to why we do things the way we do, our values and why we are a democratic nation. Tell me how can learning about forgiveness, charity, kindness, peace, patience and having hope be a bad thing for our young people? Kind regards, Natasha

Fiona Cran, RE coordinator Mooloolah Valley School

KiDs on tHe CoAst – september / october 2010

What rubbish from Margaret Black, the QCPCA president. Schools adhering to policy. Yeah right. Shows that QCPCA is out of touch. My school adheres to policy… sort of. They certainly do NOT do the paperwork, or send out the forms they are supposed to… but after five years of me jumping up and down every damn year, finally my kids are out of the classroom while Religious Indoctrination takes place. Though kids in other classes are apparently still sitting in, mine aren’t because I made a fuss. Parent’s choice? Really? When teachers tell you that RI is “nice stories, and craft and songs”, and that the alternative is to sit in the office, who wants to choose that for their kids? So many parents I have spoken with, who do not want their kids in RI, do not opt them out because they know their kids are made to feel like outcasts.

Religious Education offers non denominational Christian teaching and is represented by many faith groups in our community. Staffed by willing volunteers who have been accredited to teach they offer a positive lesson which includes bible stories, geography, history, archaeology, and moral values taught through the medium of stories, games, drama, quizzes, music and discussions. Ethics forms a part of our teaching and comes through making biblical values relevant in our modern world. We deal with issues such as bullying, friendship, honesty, respect. There is a Sunshine Coast Christian Education Committee which was formed to train, resource and equip RE teachers on the Coast making sure the program meets legislative requirements and remains a relevant engaging experience for the students.

Those who see Religious Instruction as indoctrination are fooling themselves. Religious beliefs come from the home whereas learning about the Bible is like learning about any other subject, you don’t have to like it but boy will it help in life if you have an understanding of it.

Dear Editor

I joined the P&C to voice my concerns and never even felt listened to. They just didn’t get it and were downright cranky when I went over their heads to get RI out of prep, as per EQ’s policy. Honestly, there is no damn place for RI in a state school. Julie Boxsell Dear Editor, In response to your article in WHAT’S NEWS, as a parent of a terminally ill child, it dismays me that the decision has been made to continue with the controversial New Children’s Hospital. While Premier Bligh and Queensland Health continually extol the virtues of the new Children’s Hospital, questions are still being asked and still being avoided. The statement that the new hospital will not just be for today, but to meet the health care needs of the future is a scary statement, as it is well known that the new hospital in its present planning will not cope with today’s needs, much less the future needs of our children. When important departments such as gastro and dental are being downsized and facilities for children with CF are in jeopardy, questions need to be asked and answered. These are only some of the specialists that are at threat, with space needed to be leased at the Mater as all facilities won’t fit in the New Super Hospital. For the many parents that have to travel from the north side of Brisbane and many families travel from North Queensland, the implications of the closure of the Royal Children’s becomes a logistical nightmare… I believe the entire planning process was done in haste and the added Paediatric Accident and Emergency Department at the Prince Charles Hospital at Chermside is one of the most dangerous decisions I can think of. To have this based at a hospital that does not have paediatric back up is playing Russian roulette with our kids’ lives. Before this decision costs children’s lives, parents need to be fully aware of the implications it has to the quality of life for their children. Ask questions and demand answers. Anna Miletic

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september / october 2010 – KiDs on tHe CoAst