Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 43

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IssUe 43 MAR/APR 2o11

sunshine coast

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

HIP HIP HOORAY! We celebrate our

th

BIRTHDAY

Food and numbers: why the additives?

Kids behind the wheel?!

Help them grow up to be safer drivers

HOMESCHOOL: parents as educators Does only child = lonely child?

WIN

A fami ly to see pass Hi-5 Check ou r for detwebsite ails

plus Babies on the Coast, what’s on Calendar and lots more!

Grab the kids and JOIN THE PARTY! 100 year old !

Ginger train - TOOT

FUN ! & s S es F i t n t h e K ID for

Great fun for everyone

65 ice-cream flavours... yum

Check out all the fun at Overboard

These school holidays grab the kids and JOIN THE PARTY with our ZIN Master, Cassie, as she harnesses all that energy with a little ZUMBA®! The kids will LOVE this crazy-cool dance-fitness workout! Great action, laughs and a little wiggle and jiggle set to hip-hop, salsa, reggaeton and more. PERFECT exercise for kids 4 and over and those young at heart!

l 4 x 30 minutes DAILY from Saturday April 16 to Thursday April 21

l 2 AGE GROUPS - each with morning and afternoon sessions

u OVER 8’s Zumba® at 9.45am AND ALSO 12.30pm

u 4-7 years Zumba® at 10.30am AND ALSO 1.15pm

l $6 per head or $3 with any other ticket purchase

JOIN THE PARTY - IT’LL BE A TOTAL BLAST!!

PLUS with the World’s Largest Ginger Factory, TOURS GALORE, Super Bee Live Bee Show, Gingertown, Ye Olde Ginger Train, KIDS COOKING CLASSES, The Ginger Shop, Bliss Ice Creamery, our fun Overboard attraction and special BALLOON CREATION SESSIONS you’ll find there’s FUN FOR ALL AGES and tons to do at The Ginger Factory. So DROP IN anytime... AND JOIN THE PARTY!

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

BGT1092

Open 7 Days.

FREE Admission

CONTeNTS March/April 2011 14

46

8

FEATURE Kids in the driver’s seat

4

WELCOME

28 competitions

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COMMUNITY NEWS

30 BABIES ON THE COAST

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WHAT’S NEWS

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CHECK THIS OUT

A look at the recent changes to Midwifery

35 HEALTH Eye health for kids

Fabulous finds for parents and kids

36 ONLY NATURAL

14 THE “P” FILES I s only lonely? Discussing the challenges of raising ‘only’ children

Additives: why are they there anyway?

41 PARENTVILLE Renaissance Boy

20 EDUCATION Homeschool: the mainstream alternative

42 PARENT PROFILE

44 LET’S CELEBRATE Fun and (party) games

46 HAPPY HOLIDAYS Visit our nation’s capital

50 ENCOURAGING KIDS eet the trio who make music the gift M that keeps on giving

52 MOVIE AND BOOK REVIEWS The low down on the latest movies and books

54 KIDS ON THE COAST DIRECTORY

Be inspired by fitness guru Mireille Ryan

28 WHAT’S ON CALENDAR F ind out the places to be and the things to do for March/April

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. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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onthecoast.com.au

kids Read more @ www.

WHAT’S ON CALENDAR

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 and advertising in Kids on the Coast is published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers. No responsibility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Kids on the Coast is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Feedback/comments/suggestions? Send to: 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: Belinda Hopper EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Sandra Smith, Maxine Arthur, Kim Lahey, Michelle MacFarlane, Sarah Hindle, David O’Neill, Aleney de Winter, Sarah Pye, Belinda Hopper 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 15,000 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

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

3

oAST C e h t n so OUR KId

Welcome to

Kids on the Coast

COMMUNITY

…and tell your friends!

If you’re a Facebook friend of Kids onthe Coast but we seem to have gone all quiet lately, you could be missing out on our latest updates, comments and competitions! Facebook recently changed their settings, so your news feed might now be filtering out anyone you haven’t interacted with recently. Eek! Click on “Most Recent” (twice if you’ve come from “Top News” view) and select “Edit Options” from the menu that appears. Then select “Show posts from: All of your friends and pages” to make sure you don’t lose touch with us (and all your other Facebook friends)!

First issue of Kids on the Coast

They say every seventh wave is the biggest, so naturally we’re excited about our seventh birthday. Like every mum, I can scarcely believe how quickly the years have gone. But when I think about the number of times we’ve moved premises (twice), the Kids on the Coast babies who’ve been born in that time (3 and counting, plus all the other little and big kids we have between us), and the way our team of super-staff keeps growing (and growing!), it’s not so hard to figure out why it’s flown by. (I’m VERY happy that we’ve come a long way since the `office’ was my hallway and I had to handdeliver every issue…)

Sneak peek at our next issue: advertiser alert!

Got a product or service that has something to do with these issues? Like to tell our readers all about it?

Call Tanya Ryan on 1300 430 320 for advertising info.

I’d like to thank everyone who’s helped Kids on the Coast come this far, especially our loyal advertisers and readers, and hope you enjoy this issue and many more to come.

As always, happy parenting…

Toni Eggleston

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

for this logo

Di

s c o u nt

for special discounts!

Reader discounts available at these places: Holy Spirit - Mention ad for 20% discount Sunshine Coast Gymnastics Academy - Mention ad for 5% discount Crystal Visions Photography - Mention ad for 10% discount Swim Fit - Mention ad for FREE trial lesson (new customers only) In Touch Physio - $20 off a 1 hour massage KidzOwn - Mention ad for $5.00 entry per child Mon-Fri between 3 & 5pm Kiah Park - $20 discount for KOTC readers SODA - Free trial lesson Aussie World - *Present coupon to receive Unlimited Fast & Fun Pass only $20! (normally $25). Unlimited 4 person pass only $70! (normally $80) *Must present coupon from ad to receive this offer

S W Ne

LOCAL ‘HAPPY PACKS’ HELP FLOOD-AFFECTED KIDS

WHAT ARE SISTERS FOR!

9 THOUSAND BABIES - AND COUNTING…

When pregnant with her first daughter Luca in 2007, it was discovered that local mum Lucy Delzia had a preexisting, life-threatening heart condition and her cardiologist recommended that she not have any further pregnancies.

However, this month she celebrated the end of the first trimester for her second baby, achieved in a surrogacy arrangement, with her sister Joanne as the birth mother! It’s the first successful case of its kind on the Sunshine Coast.

Queensland announced the legalisation of altruistic surrogacy on 1 June, 2010. The baby is due in early August.

The whole hospital celebrated with a cake when gorgeous twin boys Mitchell and Thomas Cannon were born on January 12. They were the 9000th and 9001st babies born at Nambour Selangor Private Hospital. The milestone came just over 12 months after the hospital celebrated the arrival of their 8000th baby and the 12th birthday of the hospital’s now internationally-renowned maternity unit.

COMMUNITY

Whether you’re just about to have your first baby, or are ushering your kids into the teenage years, we’re very proud and happy to have you along with us, and hope we can continue to be part of your parenting journey.

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• Protecting versus over-protecting – how much is enough?

• Middle Schooling • Weird pregnancy cravings • P Files: When parenting styles clash

Look

ader Re

BABY LEFT IN PRAM WHILE MUM SWAM Noosa Heads police had to give a mother a lesson on sun safety after she left her child in a pram at the beach while she went for a swim. Beachgoers alerted authorities after the woman parked the pram at Noosa’s Main Beach and walked into the water for a cooling swim. At the time, it was 30 degrees and the child had little protection from the elements.

“The woman was intelligent, it was just a bad call,” police said. “I don’t think she was aware how easily young children can become dehydrated.”

Local business owners and parents, Sonny and Somer Henderson have set to work bringing some sunshine back to the faces of flood-affected children. The Meridan Plains couple, who have two children and run a children’s sports program called Happy Coconuts, have been putting together ‘happy packs’ made up of donated children’s clothes, toys and colouring supplies to send to needy areas in Brisbane and Ipswich. Sonny said it was rewarding to watch the children’s little eyes light up as they tore through the packaging to see what they had been given. “The kids are the ones that need normality in their lives,” he said.

THE FIRST BABY’S HERE The first baby on the Sunshine Coast birthed under the care of a Medicare eligible midwife arrived on Wednesday, February 9. Mum, Dee Koops, contacted private midwife, Mary Young, when she went into labour in the morning, but she was fully dilated by the time Mary arrived. Despite a planned hospital birth, little Curtis was born at home with Mary’s guidance. Dad, stuck in the Solomon Islands, nervously listened to the whole ordeal over the phone. Mum and bub were transferred to Nambour General Hospital, both are well.

Dad arrived home later that night to meet his new son. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Fast forward your child’s learning ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

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MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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S ' HAT W

S W Ne KEEP YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL RECEIPTS Now the kids are back at school, collect all your receipts for back-to-school costs so you can claim money back at tax time. Receipts for stationery, textbooks and computer equipment are all eligible. Under the $4.4 billion Education Tax Refund scheme, families can claim 50 per cent of eligible education expenses and get a maximum refund of $397 for primary school children and $794 for secondary school children.

WHAT REALLY HAPPENS IN AUSSIE HOMES A recent survey of more than 1,000 Australian parents by The Daily Telegraph provides this interesting snapshot of parenting today: • Discipline: 83% of parents believe it is OK for children to be smacked for misbehaviour, but punishments such as washing a child’s mouth out with soap or hitting with a wooden spoon are not considered acceptable • Phones: most 13 year olds were given access to a mobile phone but weren’t allowed to have computers in their bedrooms, go to the movies unsupervised or meet friends at the shops (although they were allowed to walk to school unaccompanied from 11 years) • Movies: Almost 60% of parents admitted that they had allowed children aged between 11 and 13 to watch MA-rated movies, despite guidelines recommending viewing by those over 15 years

ONLINE SAFETY: BE CYBERSMART

If you’re concerned about how safe your kids are when using the internet, check out the Cybersmart website and free booklet. There’s heaps of practical advice for parents on issues such as children being exposed to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, privacy, spam, scams and sharing information on social networking sites. The website also has online activities for young kids through to teens, as well as school resources. Visit www.cybersmart.gov.au.

Do you know a great Queenslander?

Get in quick!

BRINGING BACK BREKKIE New research reveals breakfast is a low priority for parents in the busy back to school period, with most focused on organising school uniforms, school bags and stationery, rather than deciding what to feed the kids for breakfast this new school term. Kelloggs are encouraging Australian parents to take their Big Breakfast Pledge. Every parent who goes to www.facebook.com/ kelloggsbigbreakfastpledge and pledges to bring back brekkie will go into the running to win a $10,000 cheque for their child’s school. Parents will have until April 22 to take the Pledge.

KIDS STILL LOVE TV

A recent Roy Morgan survey of 2914 Australian children shows TV remains their dominant activity, and their media of choice, despite a rise in internet use. Children aged between 6 and 13 spend an average of 14 hours and 24 minutes watching TV each week, nearly five hours more than they spend playing with or talking to friends, the next highest activity, and almost three times as long as they spend playing sport.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

“Queenslanders are encouraged to nominate remarkable people or groups that have made a significant contribution to making our state great,” says Premier Anna Bligh. “I encourage Queenslanders to nominate a friend, colleague, family member, community leader, or institution that they believe has made a significant contribution to Queensland.” The 2011 Queensland Greats will be announced during Queensland Week celebrations, 4 - 13 June 2011. Nomination forms are available online at www.queenslandweek.qld.gov.au or by calling 07 3405 5215.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday 18 March 2011.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

K C e CH

THIS OUT

KEEP IT CLEAN

Secret Scent’s ‘green‘n’clean’ range uses pure essential oils containing anti-bacterial properties to kill germs for day-to-day cleaning. Plant-based, free from chemicals and sulphates. RRP $45 for small or $80 for a large pack. Available at www.secretscent.com.au

our guide to interesting & essential bits & pieces

STUCK ON FUN

Magna Play will keep kids entertained for hours, making the images on the design cards, or creating their own.

Themed packs include Creative Creatures, Forest Fantasy and Robots in Space. RRP $34.95 Available at Child@play, Caloundra, and Evolve, Peregian Beach.

A LAIDBACK, EASY RIDE

The EzyRoller moves like a snake, without chains or pedals; using easy right-left leg movements on push bar. Silent, with non marking wheels, it can be used on smooth indoor and outdoor surfaces. RRP $159.98.

Available at Bright Sparks Toys, Maroochydore.

MAKE ICEPOPS IN A JIFFY

SUCKER FOR WATER Babies need to suck to get fluids down. The Sucker™ bottle top converts store bought water bottles into baby bottles. RRP $9.95 Available at Bubs baby shop, Warana.

Zoku Quick Pop Maker freezes ice pops in as little as seven minutes; right on your bench top and without electricity. RRP $69.95.

Available at King of Knives, Maroochydore or Noosa.

DEEP SEA TV

Whether you love to snorkel, scuba dive, swim, or even go spear fishing, you can now record all the action with these awesome video camera goggles. Liquid Image Goggles, Explorer Series RRP $199. Available at Anaconda, Home Central Kawana; BCF, Maroochydore and Noosa.

SECURE YOUR TV

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Sticky Wicky is the definitive umpire in backyard cricket. Its patented design replaces a real wicket keeper with velcro stumps and catch patches.

‘If it sticks, you’re out!’ RRP $169.90.

Available at www.stickywicky.com.au

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The Babydan Anti Tip TV Straps are secured into the standard VESA points at the back of your TV, then to your furniture or wall to help prevent tip over tragedies.

RRP $22.95. Available at www.motherknowsbest.com.au MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

7

FEATURE

Kids

behind the

How can you help your child become a safe driver – and just how early should you start?

by Michelle MacFarlane

We’ve all seen the news reports: another young driver killed or badly injured in a car crash, often with friends involved. We’ve watched the grieving parents face the television cameras, heard the police plead for safer driving, and seen the crosses and flowers that spring up next to roads across Queensland.

Watching your child become a driver is one of the most nerve-wracking rites of passage many parents endure. If you’re the mother or father of an under-12, you’re probably heaving a sigh of relief that this is one issue you don’t need to think about just yet. But the truth is that you can start helping your child become a safer driver long before they’re old enough to get a learner’s licence.

The riskiest group

According to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, young drivers in their first year of driving have the highest crash rates on Queensland’s roads.

The department says about 100 deaths occur annually as a result of crashes involving drivers aged 17–24 years, with the young driver at fault about 75% of the time. Around 80% of young drivers involved in fatal crashes are males.

Frightening statistics, certainly. But how do they relate to you if you’re the parent of a younger child?

Baby on board — in more ways than one

The answer is that you are teaching your children about driving every time you drive with them in the car. Over the last 20 years, studies around the world have found that parents’ attitudes and behaviours when driving influence their children’s eventual performance as drivers.

For example, in the 1990s, health researchers in the USA found that college students’ attitudes to wearing seatbelts were likely to be similar to those of their parents, and that “direct modelling” was the major influence. Put simply, if the students had grown up watching parents not wear seatbelts, they tended not to do it themselves.

Also in the US, a 2000 study by the Highway Safety Research Center found that young drivers whose parents had three or more crashes were 22% more likely to have a crash themselves. Those whose parents had three or more traffic infringements were 38% more likely to break traffic laws. Closer to home, a 2008 New Zealand study also found an association between parents’ and adolescents’ risky driving behaviours.

Most recently, the London Department for Transport commissioned two psychology researchers to consider all the available evidence on this issue. In a study published last year, the researchers concluded that children are “witnesses” to their parents’ driving behaviour for many years, and that: “Parental beliefs about how it is

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

appropriate to behave as a driver are likely to have become apparent [in children] before adolescents actually start learning to drive.”

In other words, when you drive, your children are watching — and learning.

How can you help?

Bridie Scott-Parker is a PhD student in psychology at the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety — Queensland (based at Queensland University of Technology). A passionate advocate for road safety, she is investigating how parents and friends influence young drivers in their first year of driving.

After interviewing hundreds of young people, Bridie has found that parents’ attitudes, behaviour, and rewards or punishments to encourage safe driving do influence young drivers’ behaviour. She believes that parents should model safe driving from when children are very young. “[W]hen we talk to young drivers, they are able to recall mum’s and dad’s driving behaviours,” she says. “And if it’s a behaviour that you’re doing over and over, certainly that’s more likely to be repeated by the young driver.

“So we would encourage parents to always ensure that they’re modelling safe driving behaviours from a very early age, and consistently, all the way until the child is licensed and beyond, of course.”

It’s not hard to work out that parents (like every other driver) should obey the speed limit, follow the road rules, and be considerate of other road-users. But Bridie says more subtle factors are also at work in forming children’s attitudes to driving.

“If they see mum or dad drink and drive and nothing happens, they don’t have a crash, they’re not caught by the police, their licence or vehicle isn’t confiscated, the young person learns that that’s a safe behaviour,” she says. “ Just the same, if the family is driving along and mum and dad are saying ‘Oh, look, the police are just revenue-raising, catching people who are speeding’, the young driver internalises that, and they may end up having very similar attitudes to their parents.” www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

So, in the ideal world, parents would always stay calm when driving, and only display positive attitudes… But nobody’s perfect, and we all know what it’s like when the kids are fighting in the back seat, you’re running late, somebody’s just cut you off, and frustration is bubbling up. What should you do if you’re about to lose your temper and do something you might regret?

Bridie, mother of a 10- and a 12-year-old herself, laughs sympathetically.

“Certainly that’s a common situation! I myself have been involved in that circumstance, and the best thing is just to stop… pull over if necessary, defuse the situation, calmly look at it like a third person, try to assess what’s going on in that circumstance and reappraise… and come back to the situation and move on from there.”

If you do make a mistake in the car in front of your children, Bridie suggests you discuss it honestly afterwards. “[E]xplain to the child what went wrong and what would have been a more appropriate alternative behaviour or attitude at that time, and explain the reasoning behind that,” she says.

Schools can help too While you are an important influence on what kind of driver your child becomes, you aren’t the only factor. Research shows that your child’s personality, peers and age also have a major impact. Adolescence is a time for risk-taking, not just on the road but in many parts of life.

Dr Lisa Buckley is another researcher at the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety. Her work focuses on reducing teenage injuries caused by risky behaviour, including risk-taking on the road. Working mostly with 14 and 15-year-olds, she’s

been trialling a school program to help them become safer passengers, pedestrians and cyclists — and to encourage them not to drive until they’re licensed.

Dr Buckley says that the program tries to encourage positive relationships between young people and parents, peers and teachers, and to affect attitudes to risk-taking.

“Part of the program is one lesson a week for 8 weeks — which is the school term — looking primarily at messages of safe attitudes to the road and getting them to look out for their mates around the road. First aid has also been a key component, understanding the consequences of key behaviours in terms of injuries,” she says.

Teachers are trained beforehand to use role plays, workbooks and discussions to get young people thinking about risks and strategies for staying safe on the road.

Dr Buckley says a pilot of the program in six Queensland schools in 2006 produced pleasing results, with participating students reporting a 20% increase in wearing bike helmets and a 15% reduction in cycling injuries. They also had a greater awareness of risk and actions to reduce risk.

So successful was the program that it will soon expand to 26 schools with a $330,000 grant from the Commonwealth Government.

“The program will run in 2012,” says Dr Buckley. “Then we’ll come back to the schools a year after the program finishes to see if the change in risk-taking behaviour and injury holds.”

If the program is eventually introduced more widely, we could see schools playing a key role in helping Queensland students become safer drivers — again, well before they are old enough to get a learner’s licence. Interestingly, there is research to show that emphasising attitudinal programs in schools — rather than emphasising ‘hands-on’ driving skills — is likely to have a bigger impact on creating safe drivers.

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FEATURE

Driveway runovers - Stopping driveway deaths While it’s important to think about safety when children are in the car, you must also know exactly where any children are when you’re reversing out of your driveway and they aren’t with you. Driveway runovers kill an average of one child a week in Australia.

• Low-speed run-over is the third most common cause of death by injury for children 1–4 years in Queensland.

• Children 1–2 years are the most likely to be killed in home driveways.

Young boys are at greatest risk.

• Vehicles are usually moving slowly and are often driven by a parent, relative or friend.

• Late afternoon is the riskiest time.

• A “blind space” means that small children cannot be seen behind many vehicles. 4WDs are over-represented in driveway runovers.

• In almost all driveway runovers, there is no clear separation between the driveway, garage and rest of the yard where children play.

Three steps to safety

1 Supervise Know where your children are and hold them close if someone is moving a vehicle. If you are the only adult home and need to move the car, the safest approach is to restrain all children appropriately in the car with you.

2 Separate Separate play areas from driveways. For example, use high handles on garage doors if your house opens directly into your garage, and install self-closing doors and fences to separate the driveway and front lawn.

Keep toys away from the garage or driveway.

3 See Walk around your vehicle to check nobody is under or behind it. Install car cameras or sensors but don’t rely on them alone.

Source: Kidsafe Qld fact sheet: driveway runovers. For more information, visit www.health.qld.gov.au and search for “child injury prevention”. To check the “reversing visibility index” of popular cars, visit www.nrma.com.au.

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Read more @ www.kidsonthecoa

st.com.au ivers

nsing for young dr

New Queensland lice Stricter licensing laws for young drivers

The Queensland Government has also taken steps to reduce the road toll among young drivers. In July 2007, the government introduced the Graduated Licensing Scheme. The new scheme requires young people to go through a more stringent process to get their licence, and places more restrictions on them during their early years of driving (see box for more details).

It’s early years yet, but experts are hopeful that the scheme will lead to a reduction in crashes involving young drivers.

Keep trying to connect with your kids

If all this seems a bit daunting, there is some good news: being a loving, connected parent is one of the best things you can do to help your child grow up safely.

Studies the world over have found that children are less likely to engage in highrisk behaviours (including risky driving) if their family communicates, provides appropriate discipline, offers a supportive environment, and takes an interest in what children are doing.

So — connect with your kids, keep talking, and try to get them on the right road early on.

-and-a-half to sixteen nce reduced from sixteen • Age to get learner’s lice years. at least 12 months and hold learner’s licence for • Young people must now car. attach an L plate to their rs of supervised driving logbook recording 100 hou • Learners must keep a k is submitted boo rs of night driving. Log practice, including 10 hou ctical test for pra ore bef rt and Main Roads to Department of Transpo provisional licence. visional licence (red P test, they receive a ‘P1’ pro al ctic pra ses pas ner lear • If plate). ard perception test to level, driver must pass a haz • After 12 months at P1 a minimum of two for d plate). P2 must be hel progress to ‘P2’ (green P . nce lice gress to open years before driver can pro ds-free mobile phones. s under 25 cannot use han • Learners and P1 holder senger under 21 carry no more than one pas • P1 drivers under 25s can between 11pm and 5am. to high-powered vehicles. er 25 have restricted access • P1 and P2 drivers und t www.tmr.qld.gov.au.

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Shared Care laws explained “A lot of mums and dads come to me saying, `shared care (equal time) is now the law’, but that’s not true,” says Michelle Beatty, Senior Associate with Ferguson Cannon Lawyers. “The 2006 changes to the law specifically says parents have `equal parental responsibility’. So parents must both agree on long term decisions for children - education, name (including surname), health, religious and cultural upbringing and changes in a child’s living arrangements that would affect them seeing the other parent,” she adds.

to implement a shared care regime; the level of communication between the parents and the impact of a shared care regime on the child.”

“If equal parental responsibility applies, then the first thing the court has to decide is whether shared care (equal time) would be practical and in the child’s best interests. As to practicalities, a court will want to know, amongst other things - how close the parents live to each other; the parents’ ability

“Essentially, the changes in the law require parents to agree on the big issues. Orders like we used to see in the past, for children to only spend alternative weekends with Dad, are rare, rather than the norm, if Dad does want more time. The Court’s position is: `The welfare of the children is the paramount consideration,” Michelle adds.

Michelle explains that if shared care isn’t appropriate, the Court must consider whether the child should spend `substantial and significant time’ with each parent: time on weekdays, weekends and holidays that allows both parents to be involved in the child’s daily routine as well as occasions and events of special significance to both the parent and the child.

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Separation or relationship breakdown can put you into conflict affecting your whole family. Advice from a family law professional, who is focused on achieving positive outcomes, p for fo you and your children can put you in safe hands.

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EastEr traDing Hours good Friday 22 april closed* Easter saturday 23 april 9am-5.30pm Easter sunday 24 april closed* anzac Day Monday 25 april closed* Easter Monday public holiday tuesday 26 april 10.30am-4pm

12

*Subject to change. See www.sunshineplaza.com for details.

Birch Carroll & Coyle Cinemas and Riverwalk retailers may trade extended hours. Please check with individual retailers for more information.

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

EastEr Bunny DEcorating activity cEntrE come along and join in the fun at our chocolate Easter Bunny decorating workshop where the children will be able to take home their own creations.

18 - 23 March (excluding 22 March as the centre is closed) riverwalk stage, 11am - 2pm daily

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18, 19, 20 & 23 april 11am - 2pm 21 april 5pm - 8pm

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MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

13

THE ‘P’ Files

Is only

lonely?

by Sarah Hindle

With single child households fast becoming the nuclear family for the 21st century, parents are beginning to consider the effects of being an ‘only’ child: Is their personality or level of happiness affected? And, are they really lonely?

It’s a conversation many adult ‘onlies’ have with each other about their experience as an only child: Some loved it, others loathed it.

“I don’t ever remember being lonely. I knew I was massively loved and never doubted I was the centre of my mother’s universe and that’s a very nice place to be,” says Jenny.

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The Myths and the Facts

“After my parent’s divorce my mother had to work and had limited time to be with me and I played by myself a lot… I became an introverted child who didn’t know how to mix with others and developed a fear of social situations, like school,” recalls Cherie.

The late 19th century psychologist Stanley Hall, who knew very little of credible research practices, supervised a study in 1896 entitled “Of Peculiar and Exceptional Children”, which surmised only children to be permanent misfits. “Being an only child is a disease in itself” he claimed.

There is also a widely-held misperception that ‘only’ children are usually spoilt, antisocial and lonely.

Clearly the experience of being an only child is as different as one family’s situation from another’s, which means there’s plenty of scope for parents to lay their concerns or anxieties to rest, and focus on nurturing a confident, happy child.

Even today, well meaning advice from strangers can sound something like, “Have another child; it would be the best thing for him/her”. The sub-text of their meaning is obvious: The ‘only’ child MUST be over-privileged, over-indulged and self-centred!

The Rise of the Single-Child Household

But is this really true?

Some of the contributing factors feeding the trend towards single child families are:

The good news is that current research suggests that many popular beliefs about the only child are completely unfounded. ‘Only’ children are no more spoiled, lonely or maladjusted than children with brothers and sisters.

• Delaying parenthood: the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found that the proportion of older mothers aged 35 years and over, has continued to increase from 16.3% in 1999 to 22.9% in 2008.

• Divorce rates are higher than ever before, and relationships later in life can be shorter in duration with potentially fewer children.

• The majority of women are now employed before they have children, and the benefits of income and career may lead some women to postpone childbirth and bear fewer children.

• Financial meltdowns: the Great Depression saw single-child families spike at 23% of all families in the United States. The natural response is to provide for the existing child, without taking on the financial demands of another.

• Many couples want to balance the joy of children with the sacrifices made to care for them: All the giggles that go with grooving to the Wiggles, with enough energy leftover for sex, conversation and hobbies.

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There are no magic formulas about how to configure your family - it’s all about being the best possible version of yourselves, and there is plenty of help along the way.

The How To and How Not To Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist, Colleen Hirst, describes “helicopter parents” as parents so busy whizzing around their ‘only’ child, they don’t allow authentic peer relationships to develop. The key is to be present but not dominant in social situations, to allow the child to learn and grow. “They need the opportunity to learn invaluable skills of socialisation; such as how to negotiate, compromise, wait their turn and be part of a team”, and play-dates, playgroups and team sports are the way to do it.

Colleen describes taking her daughter’s friend (an only child) away on holidays, along with her own children. The friend was great at dealing with older children,

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15

THE ‘P’ Files

Research shows there are some advantages to being an only child. An only child often: • is more highly motivated to academic achievement • has higher self esteem • has better relationships with parents, than children with siblings.

Only children show signs of being: • verbally advanced • better off in education • more likely to learn to do things by himself and to learn to like to do things that you do alone, than children with siblings.

Some other benefits of being an only child are: • enjoying solitude and peace, with no other kids at home to make noise • living in a calm household that lacks the chaos of larger households • developing escape strategies such as reading • having the undivided attention of parents. but struggled to relate to the younger members of the family, not understanding why events didn’t happen according to her preferences, and why she couldn’t choose the TV channel she wanted to watch. “It wasn’t her fault and she wasn’t being difficult, but it was outside of her experience.”

Some relationship lessons are learnt more easily by virtue of having siblings: having to share favourite toys or clothing with a sister, or finding your new lego broken into bits on the floor at the hands of your toddler brother! The usual squabbles that rear their heads in the family home most days are actually teaching kids how to negotiate, to stand up for themselves, and when to walk away, all in a safe family context.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

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‘Only’ children can be sheltered from this behaviour and might not cope as well when they’re inevitably faced with it. Parents can help prepare their child by taking a step back and allowing them to learn to make and keep friends on their own. An important aspect is learning to not always take the lead, and how friendships are affected if they don’t allow others to lead sometimes.

Entitlement and Attachment ‘Entitlement’ is a pattern of indulgence many parents can easily fall into, particularly with an ‘only’ child. It is well-meaning, and stems from the parents’ ability to provide for and protect their one child without divided attention or resources. ‘Only’ children enjoy greater financial resources, and may never learn to graciously accept hand-me-downs, or wait and save for a significant item, like a DS or computer.

Starting a saving plan with your child towards a goal is a great way to delay gratification and help your child to plan ahead. Buying second hand goods is one way to teach children about the responsible recycling of valuable resources.

The best thing we can give our child in the early years is ourselves. “Attachment in the form of a secure bond with parents in a predictable and loving environment is what builds self-esteem and self-worth into children”, Colleen says. Feeling secure in their bond with their parents ensures a child doesn’t develop issues stemming from a sense of abandonment.

A Balanced Approach With balance, a high level of parental involvement and attention can be a source of great self-esteem, as well as academic and artistic achievement; Condoleezza Rice, Jean Paul Satre, Elvis Presley and Leonardo Da Vinci are all inspiring examples of ‘only’ children shining.

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17

THE ‘P’ Files

oast.com.au

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But everything is double-edged.

High levels of parental involvement are often accompanied by expectation, and can be part of the pressure only children feel. Large amounts of their time spent interacting with parents can turn them into peers; suddenly the child is comparing their own performance with that of an adult. Parents need to communicate that it is okay to fail, and what’s important is what we do next.

Parents of ‘only’ children need to remember the age of their child, and adjust their expectations accordingly. Many ‘only’ children feel great pressure to be everything to their parents, and sustain a level of guilt for enjoying themselves away from home, particularly if they come from a single parent family. Comments like, “What would I do without you?” or “you’re all I’ve got” are best avoided entirely!

The biggest trap for single parents of only children is the pressure they might place upon themselves to try and make up for the missing role model of the opposite sex.

“Single parents cannot be both a Mum and a Dad, but they can provide contact with a role model of the opposite sex in a formal, safe environment by involving their child in an activity such as football, or a youth group” advises Colleen. Regular contact in this way reduces the tendency of the child to become apprehensive or fearful of relating to the opposite sex.

Can I have a brother? Please?

The Future of Your Only Child: How to Guide Your Child to a Happy and Successful Life A practical book aimed at parents of ‘only’ children, and ‘only’ children as adults, with a focus on how parents can positively influence their only child’s development. RRP $ 23.95.

Some boys will never have a sister, some sisters will never have a little brother, and some women will never mother a biological child - this is the diversity of families. The life lesson for everyone is to treasure who they can call family - and for many ‘onlies’, this includes an ‘enhanced’ extended family with cousins and aunts and uncles.

Looking to the long-term Wise parents, who consider the long-term well-being of their child, know the most important gift they can give them is the opportunity to nurture solid and lifelong friends who will be there when their parents are gone. It’s up to the parents to ensure that their child (‘only’ or not) feels understood, has a sense of belonging, and maintains good relationships with close family friends.

In the end, there’s a big difference between being ‘only’ and being lonely!

For more information visit: http://onlychildproject.com/

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Acknowledge the feeling without indulging it, pointing out the very different compositions of ‘family’. Just think Buzz, Woody, Bo Peep and the gang!

Further reading

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

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19

education

educators Parents as

The homeschool alternative

by Sandra Smith

Most Queensland families are satisfied with our state and independent schools, but for some families, conventional school is not the best option and they turn to home education, or homeschooling, as a viable alternative.

Among the benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility that comes with a learning program tailored to the individual child and delivered in a supportive home environment. Homeschoolers say their children’s natural creativity, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are nurtured by those who know them best – their immediate family.

Home Education Australia (HEA) spokesperson Lindy Hadges believes that the conventional school system works well for some children but not for others, and she says many families decide to educate their children at home due to “a general dissatisfaction with the education system and the kind of results it produces.”

A pioneer of the home education movement in Australia, Lindy started homeschooling when her firstborn child reached pre-school age and over the last 18 years she has taught all of her children at home. “None of our five children have ever been to school, and they still look quite normal,” she laughs.

Lindy and her husband are both in fulltime Christian ministry, and she says this was only one of their reasons for choosing to educate their children at home. “Some people do choose to homeschool on the basis of faith, but for me, it wasn’t the only reason why,” she says. “It was part of a more complex exploration.”

Parents decide to homeschool for a variety of reasons, including personal values, religious ideology, location or health. Some families begin homeschooling after their children have suffered from the emotional and psychological trauma of bullying in schools, explains Lindy.

“When parents attempt to have that resolved through the normal processes and for whatever reason that fails, I guess they feel quite disempowered to support their children in those settings, and home schooling becomes an alternative,” she says.

Sunshine Coast mum Sarah is another veteran homeschooler, with 10 years’ experience in home educating her four children, now aged from 10 to 16. “For us, homeschooling is more than just a style of education, it really is a lifestyle,” she says.

Sarah began homeschooling because she and her husband didn’t agree with a lot of the pressures to conform within the mainstream school culture, and they wanted their children to have the opportunity for extended learning in certain subjects.

20

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

“We have always believed that there are a variety of ways to teach children - no system is perfect and each one has its own set of benefits and challenges,” she says.

“It is healthy for a society to be tolerant of different ways of doing things. There are disadvantages in teaching everyone the same things the same way - a likely casualty being diversity of thoughts and ideas and different forms of expression.”

The close-knit family lives on an acreage property and Sarah says they enjoy the flexibility of homeschooling. The learning is tailored to suit each individual child’s needs, interests and talents, and Sarah can incorporate “real world situations” into their academic learning. She says her children are thriving and she believes that learning is not just a “school event” but a “lifelong, lifetime event”.

A growing sector

Over the last three years, the number of Queensland children registered for home education has more than doubled. In 2007, there were 558 children registered with Education Queensland (EQ) for home education, and this number increased to 1,228 in 2010.

Hundreds of families are turning to homeschooling as a means of giving their children what they believe is the best education. However, it remains a very small niche in the education sector in comparison with almost half a million student enrolments in Queensland state schools in 2010.

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www.immanuel.qld.edu.au MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

21

education Legal issues

EQ requirements for home education include:

“We had to put up with a lot of flack years ago,” she says. “There was a lot less acceptance - even my family, for example, nearly had heart failure. They were horrified that we were going to absolutely destroy or damage them irreparably in some way.”

Homeschooled children are now emerging as well-adjusted young adults and Lindy says people can now see the positive outcomes of home education, and this helps to remove some fears and uncertainties around homeschooling.

“It generally does produce very mature, quite strong, sensible sort of kids,” Lindy says.

Children educated at home usually do very well academically, according to Lindy, and some go on to tertiary education.

“The amount of work that they would cover in school, they can cover much more quickly in a short time at home,” Lindy explains. “It gives them a lot more time to explore other passions and interests in life, and I think it makes them more wellrounded children who’ve got more life experiences under their belt.”

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“Generally speaking, this type of education is only able to be conducted in the child’s home and must be taught by one, or both, of the child’s parents, or by a registered teacher,” Mr Kimber says. “Parents who home educate their child can develop a program to suit the individual needs of the child. Many parents base the child’s program on the state’s curriculum as taught in schools.”

Public perception of homeschooling has changed over the last 20 years and HEA spokesperson Lindy says there is now more acceptance and understanding.

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Homeschool parents create their own curriculum and learning program tailored to their child, but they are not required to be registered teachers. Mr Kimber also advises that all parents have free online access to Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) syllabus documents.

Dispelling the myths

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EQ’s acting assistant director-general for Tertiary and Non-State Education, Ian Kimber, says that to maintain registration, a parent is required to submit an annual written report that demonstrates the child’s educational progress and shows that the child is receiving a high-quality education. This annual report is the primary way that EQ monitors the home-educated children’s progress, and there are no home visits from the Home Education Unit in Queensland.

• details of how that program or philosophy is adapted to meet the educational needs of the individual child.

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Education Queensland (EQ) recognises home education as an alternative to classroom education or distance education, under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006. Parents must register with EQ’s Home Education Unit, which is responsible for the regulation and support of all home education in Queensland.

• a summary of the educational program to be used or learning philosophy to be followed,

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In Australia, it is legally acceptable for parents to homeschool their children if certain educational criteria are met, however, procedures and guidelines vary from state to state.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Lil Lyily

ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

Hands on is minds on at Pacific Lutheran Prep teachers at Pacific Lutheran College know there’s no substitute for activities that require students to use their hands as well as their minds, as they deliver the content of the new Australian Curriculum. Developing student’s literacy and numeracy skills is a key focus across all learning areas as these skills are the essential platform for their future success. During Literacy and Numeracy blocks students work in small groups or pairs to tackle hands-on vocabulary, reading and maths activities. In English and Spelling students thumb through clues to find mystery words, they manipulate alphabet puzzle shapes to piece together words and play computer games choosing the correct beginning sounds for words. In maths students stack buttons, plastic fruit, and toy bugs to create graphs, count and do addition and subtraction.

says Mrs Sue Zweck. “Hands-on activities let students become teachers. When students explain and demonstrate skills to each other, they are validating their understanding of the material being learned and helping their peers to build and master new skills.”

Some students explain their work to other students by showing them how to move, group, or assemble objects. Concepts are explained through tactile procedures, and skills are bolstered as children practice new ideas and test out theories. Prep teachers know that the best way to engage kids’ brains is by having them move their hands.

All students have settled well into Prep for 2011. A typical school day will involve a variety of activities such as physical exercise, reading and writing tasks, learning about numbers, shapes and patterns, science and how things work, art and music activities, visiting the library and using information technologies.

“We know our students learn in many different ways: visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, and social, and it’s a missed opportunity if we don’t use the way that a child learns best to hook them in and get them excited about learning,”

“ Differentiation and higher order thinking skills happen automatically. Hands-on activities also lend themselves to authentic assessment and observation. Our Prep teachers have observed how well their students follow directions and use fine motor skills during well planned and exciting rotations,” she goes on to explain.

During the year students will participate in a range of programs to develop their intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and physical skills to help them realise their potential.

There is a buzz of learning and excitement in the air as each day unfolds— all students eager to learn and do new things and teachers ready to provide a range of experiences that will challenge and stimulate learning while supporting each child to meet their individual needs in becoming confident learners.

growing and learning together we understand that every child is unique. at Pacific lutheran College we apply individual focus and attention – every child is known to us and every child is important. a specialised early learning program at Prep optimises children’s learning.

Foundation college • • • •

Specialist early Childhood teachers Strong Parent Partnerships high level of teacher aide Support Strong focus on literacy & numeracy

Phone College registrar, Chris henschke on 5436 7321 location woodlands Boulevard Meridan Plains 4551

Together we grow for a better tomorrow.

www.pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

23

education Approaches to home educatio n Teaching styles commonly used by the homeschool community include a structured approach, natural learning, unschooling and distance education. As parents gain experience and confidence, they tend to develop their own unique homeschooling style that may combine more than one method.

Structured learning

Unschooling

This style of learning is measured and controlled, with achievable levels and goals for students. There is a set curriculum, with lesson plans and a structured daily schedule. The materials are often purchased from an educational institution, and there may be correspondence courses or a selection of texts and workbooks from various sources.

Unschooling negates the idea of “one size fits all” schooling and aims to avoid the rigidity of school. Childdriven education is activated and children are encouraged to develop independence, self-reliance and responsibility.

They can develop their own learning style and pursue their passions at their own pace, while learning through everyday tasks like; cooking, shopping or gardening.

Natural learning

Distance Education

Natural learning is based on the principle that children learn by absorbing what is going on around them, and that they will learn naturally, just as they learn to walk and talk. This approach, which is similar to unschooling, is characterised by imagination, enthusiasm, mutual respect and curiosity about the world.

Distance education schools provide a service for home-based learners that parents may find helpful. Parents are provided with lesson plans and they can create a daily schedule that is similar to regular school. The structured curriculum of a distance education school can be supplemented with other compatible materials and subjects.

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Montessori - The Parent and the Adolescent “A fundamental point of difference between Montessori education and mainstream schooling is that we are, in essence, about raising the child, and so we provide ongoing parent education from birth through to adolescence,” says Chiray Fitton, Principal, Montessori International.

Ms Fitton says that when the child completes childhood and enters adolescence, they’re in the stage of development that is the most difficult for adults to appreciate, or even understand.

“I’ve seen young adolescents be incredibly sensitive, mature, caring, wise, spectacularly creative, and wonderfully funny. But all too often, the parent of the adolescent cries out in despair and frustration. It could simply be because we’re still parenting the way we parented the 6-12 child,” she explains.

“As parents we need to acknowledge that our parenting requires a shift during adolescence. There’s a shared fragility for both the adolescent and parent during this time of development, and it’s vital that parents have an understanding of their changing role. Often, parents forget that the adolescent is ‘in formation’,” adds Ms Fitton.

“You’re no longer parenting a child but rather an emerging adult. Whilst this stage of development presents a gamut of complexities, the relationship between parent and adolescent need not be hopeless or feared.”

For further information about the Montessori approach to secondary schooling, visit the website: www.montessori.qld.edu.au

24

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

“There is the potential for homeschooling to be isolating, but parents can avoid this by keeping up contact with friends and extended family, and by joining community groups and clubs."

Social integratio n There is the potential for homeschooling to be isolating, but parents can avoid this by keeping up contact with friends and extended family, and by joining community groups and clubs. Regional Queensland has an active homeschool community, with parents often starting to network through Yahoo homeschool newsgroups, and making connections with other families from there.

Homeschoolers invariably report that their children have a wide social circle, and homeschool mum Sarah says the choice of activities is enormous.

“There are all the regular sports, music and activities that kids participate in available after school hours,” Sarah says. “The older boys have casual employment, go to annual camps and there are many other Homeschool Association or Distance Education events available to choose from, incorporating sporting activities, creative art classes and excursions.”

Homeschool parents say their children become excellent communicators because they engage with people of diverse ages and interests, whereas the communication in mainstream schools is restricted to a narrow group of peers and adults.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

25

education

Going the distance Homeschooling has its own unique challenges, and parents who choose to homeschool their children need courage, lots of time and commitment, innovative thinking, and above all, love and respect for their children.

Lindy advises homeschool parents to look after their own health and energy. “You can suffer from burnout, so you’ve really got to pace yourself and make sure you’re looking after yourself,” she says. “Your relationship with your husband and girlfriends is really important.”

Housework may have to take a lower priority and Lindy had to give up her expectations of a “picture-perfect house” as her children engaged in creative activities at various times. “It strengthens me in a way, to be less controlling and uptight,” she says. “I think it’s made me more accessible.”

Like most homeschoolers, Lindy doesn’t have a separate school room. “It goes against the grain, for what is probably the common approach to homeschooling in Australia, which is that our life is our learning,” she says.

Resources and support Home Education Association. Phone: 1300 729 991 or visit: www.hea.asn.au Home Education Unit, Education Queensland. Phone: 07 3405 3916 or 1800 677 176. Visit: www.education.qld.gov.au or email: homeeducation@deta.qld.gov.au Homeschool Australia. Visit: www.homeschoolaustralia.com or join the Homeschool Australia Yahoo group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ HomeschoolAustraliaFAQ/ Sunshine Coast: Phone Beverley McMahon: 07 5494 1610 or email: mcmahonbev@ yahoo.com.au. Join the Sunshine Coast homeschoolers community group at: sunshinecoasthomeschoolers@yahoo.groups.com.au

PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR LIFE’S UPS AND DOWNS Building Resiliency Workshops

10 week workshops on the Sunshine Coast Children 4-7 years, and 7-12 years

Children: • Learn how to be brave and use assertive communication skills • Develop an understanding of their own and others feelings • Learn how to recognise and self-regulate feelings • Learn strategies to change unhelpful thinking into more helpful thinking • Become aware of their self talk and that they can control what they are thinking • Recognise that our thinking affects the way we feel and the way we behave • Develop empathy skills and ways to use strengths to help others • Learn how to achieve goals or overcome fears • Develop ways to reward themselves for doing their best and having a go • Look for role models and support networks • Explore friendships- what makes a good friend and how to be a good friend Groups at Maroochydore, Caloundra and Sunshine Beach Book now for Term 2 & Term 3, 2011

We’re building futures now!

Enrolling 2012 Prep Classes

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program equips our young learners to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalizing world.

Your child can benefit from a comprehensive educational program incorporating reading, writing and numeracy Contact our Registrar today!

For more information or to book your child’s place, call Donna Farman Mobile: O414 674 674

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.

2 Parent Information sessions included

Call Donna 0414 674 674

One hour Private consultations are also available for a range of behaviour changes • Strengths based • Positive and practical strategies • Easy to implement

www.growingearlychildhood.com.au 26

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

115 Eumundi Road Noosaville

5455 8600 gslc.qld.edu.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Off with the nappies STARTINg TOILET TRAININg With the big kids out of the house, and weather still warm, it’s a perfect time to tackle toilet training with smaller members of the family. Director of the Nursery Wing at New Leaf Early Learning Centre, Carolyn Watson, shares her tips for making the transition smooth and painless: “The first easy step is to leave a potty in easy sight and reach and practice the process, as a game, with their teddy.

Parents might also notice their child’s habits follow a pattern. If so, this is a good time to lead them to the toilet and say something like, ‘let’s see if there’s a wee in there’. Children should not be made to sit on a potty or toilet for long periods of time. This feels like punishment to the child and does not help.

Importantly, parents must be prepared for accidents and always carry a spare set of clothes. Often kids are so busy with what

they are doing that they don’t notice their body’s message. Avoid reverting back to nappies, though, because it is confusing for children and they will take longer to master the skill. Once you have decided to start the process be consistent and persevere.

Every child is an individual and will master the skill when they are ready, but it is important to keep your encouragement consistent. This way your child will want to cooperate and toilet training will not be difficult. Regardless of your child’s success rate, rewarding their effort is important.

Make sure they see your praise is for learning a new skill, not for doing something to please their parent. Be positive and praise every small success, and ignore the accidents.”

Director of the Nursery Wing at New Leaf Early Learning Centre - Carolyn Watson Phone: 5453 7077 or visit www.scgs.qld.edu.au/newleaf

FREE usic Libra ry, m and sport (Pre-Prep)

Quality childcare and early learning for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

• Separate Nursery and Pre-Prep wings • Air-conditioned centre • Library, music and sport lessons for Pre-Prep For more information Ph: (07) 5453 7077 • newleaf@scgs.qld.edu.au 372 Mons Road, Forest Glen Qld 4556 www.scgs.qld.edu.au/newleaf

Come,

play with us!

Begin your journey earlier – book a tour today! Phone (07) 5453 7077 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

27

MARCH

Compiled by: Jessica Chaplin

What’s on CalendaR March 4

GREENZONE DISCO Where: The J, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction When: 6pm-8pm The ever popular Green Zone Disco is held on the first Friday of every month. The same great DJ and awesome prizes and giveaways mean the Green Zone Disco is always welcomed with enthusiastic cheers! Strictly 8-12yr olds. For full instructions visit the website.

Cost: $6 per child Details: www.thej.com.au

March 5 and April 2

KIDS CLUB ART ZONE Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery, 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra When: 10am-12 noon On the first Saturday of each month, kids of all ages can come along and have fun with an alternating free art-making activity at the Caloundra Regional Gallery. Come along for five minutes or stay for the whole session.

Cost: Free Details: www.caloundraregionalgallery.org.au

March 11

DIVE IN MOVIE Where: Nambour Aquatic Centre, Petrie Park Rd, Nambour When: From 6pm.

Bring your togs, pool noodles and floaties along to the pool for a great evening of entertainment with Disney-Pixar’s “Toy Story 3”. Food, drink and sausage sizzle available for purchase.

Cost: $8 pp children under 3 FREE Details: www.swimfit.com.au

6

March 3-6

TOP GEAR LIVE – THE PROTOTYPE TOUR Where: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Melaleuca Drive, Boondall Experience the thrills, spills, speed and mania of precision stunt driving during the all new PROTOTYPE Top Gear Live world tour – the most exciting, ambitious, and complex automotive stage show ever. Featuring some of the world’s most expensive, powerful and absurdly modified cars.

Cost: Ticket prices vary, dependant on package Details: www.topgearlive.com.au

March 10-12

Where: Sunshine Coast Function Centre, 19 West Terrace, Caloundra When: 7.30pm Don’t miss your chance to see ‘Real Volunteers...

REALLY Hypnotised!’ Although the show is 18+, there is no stripping and no filth in any of the shows. Watch as hypnotised volunteers are transformed into ‘great pianists’, ‘rally car drivers’, or ‘amazing dancers’!

Cost: From $28 Details: www.sunshinecoastfunctioncentre.com.au

25-26

Where: Lake Kawana Community Centre, Bokarina When: 8.30am-1pm Packed full of unique stalls, spacious marketplace, Kaleido-kid playroom, crafts, songs and yummy food and coffee. It’s a place that both parents and children can enjoy.

Cost: Adults: $3. Children free Details: www.kaleidoscopeevents.com.au

March 17

March 17

Where: Maroochy RSL, Memorial Ave, Maroochydore When: 6-9pm. Come and celebrate St Patrick’s Day at Mystery Island. Wear all the green you can and create Irish arts and crafts!

Cost: Membership fees may apply Details: www.maroochyrsl.com.au

Where: Australia Zoo, Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah When: All day.

Leaping leprechauns! Australia Zoo is going green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. There will be heaps of cool activities and games. Find a hidden lucky coin to win a yummy ice-cream, and see if you can spot a lucky leprechaun roving around the zoo.

Cost: Admission costs apply Details: www.australiazoo.com.au

March 19 and April 2

March 20

March 24-27

Where: Buderim War Memorial Hall, Cnr Gloucester Rd and Main Street, Buderim When: 9am-1pm Mamma’s Market showcases beautiful handmade clothing, accessories, toys, homewares and food. There will be gourmet food to enjoy, activities for the children and live entertainment which will complement the unique wares for sale, and it’s indoors, out of the sun.

Cost: Free Entry Details: www.mammasmarket.com.au

Where: Maroochy RSL, Memorial Ave, Maroochydore When: 6-9pm.

Make a mask at home to wear, or design one in Mystery Island and join us for a mask relay and celebrity games. Each child who wears or makes a mask will receive a Mystery Island party bag and a prize for the best boys and girls mask.

Cost: Membership fees may apply Details: www.maroochyrsl.com.au

Where: Brisbane Exhibition Centre, Cnr Merivale and Glenelg Sts, Southbank When: 10am-4.30pm.

Craft enthusiasts of all ages (even the youngest ones) will find plenty to keep themselves entertained. There’s a host of interactive features, classes and displays, designed to encourage kids to get in touch with their inner artist. Sign up to be a Craft Club member, book tickets online by 5pm March 11, and pay only $10!

Cost: Admission costs apply Details: www.craftexpo.net.au

ST PATRICK’S DAY

MAMMA’S MARKET

GO GREEN AT AUSTRALIA ZOO

MASQUERADE PARTY

GINGERBREAD DECORATING WORKSHOP AND EASTER BUNNY VISIT Where: Riverwalk Stage, Sunshine Plaza, Horton Parade, Maroochydore When: 11am-2pm Come along and join in the fun at the gingerbread decorating workshop. See the Easter Bunny and receive a special treat! Date excludes 22 March as the centre is closed for Good Friday.

Cost: Free Details: www.sunshineplaza.com

CRAFT EXPO

March 25-27 and April 23-26

Where: Nambour Civic Centre, Currie Street Nambour When: 10am and 12 noon “A mouse took a stroll through the deep, dark wood….” Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in this big scary monster of a show. This imaginative show is pitched at just the right level for three to seven-year-olds, as well as the big ones they have brought along with them.

Cost: $22 per ticket Details: www.nambourciviccentre.com.au

Where: Kiah Park, 20km East of Gympie When: Check website for drop off and pick up times.

Kiah Park Holiday Camp offers a wide range of horse riding camps, catering for all riding abilities and absolute beginner riders are welcome. From 7-day camps to shorter trail rides, Kiah Park is sure to have something to suit all families and budgets.

Cost: Costs will apply Details: www.kiahpark.com.au or ph; 5486 6166

KIAH PARK WEEKEND HORSE RIDING CAMPS

COMPS WIN! WIN! FOR YOUR CHANCE TO GREAT PRIZES ENTER ONLINE @ www.kidsonthecoast.com.au Competitions are regularly updated on our website so keep checking back.

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

March 18-23

March 25 and 26

THE GRUFFALO

28

Where: Anywhere in Australia Register your school, or your business, or just family and friends, and get stuck into cleaning our environment. Pick up rubbish at the kids’ school, the beach, bushlands or your street. Register online and show the kids how important it is to keep our community clean.

Cost: Free Details: www.cleanup.org.au, 1800 282 329

KALEIDOSCOPE MARKETS

Where: Various locations around the country Be brave and shave. Whether you’ll be at school, work or home, shave or colour your hair to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. Sign up, join a team or register your school for Crazy Hair day.

Crazy Hair day is happening March 11.

Cost: Costs apply Details: www.worldsgreatestshave.com www.worldsgreatestshave.com/schools

COME SEE AUSTRALIA’S NAUGHTIEST HYPNOTIST!

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY

March 10

LEUKAEMIA FOUNDATIONS WORLD’S GREATEST SHAVE

March 12

March 6

pass to Win a Family Music! the Up rn Tu s 5’ Hi www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

APRIL

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

April 1-3

SUNSHINE COAST HOME SHOW, CARAVAN AND CAMPING EXPO

April 5 and April 7

DOROTHY THE DINOSAUR’S TRAVELLING SHOW!

Where: Nambour Showgrounds, Coronation Ave, Nambour When: 9am-5pm Showcasing the latest in camper trailers, caravans, motor homes, camping gear plus home and lifestyle products. Food court, coffee shops, free entertainment, rides for kids, it will be an excellent day out for the whole family.

Cost: Costs may apply Details: 07 5476 2948

April 9-10

BUNNY EGGVENTURES Where: The Workshops Rail Museum, North Street, North Ipswich When: From 10am.

Hop to it and bring the family along for a day of Bunny fun! With appearances by The Workshops’ Bunny every hour, free Easter treat, face painting and many other activities, it’s guaranteed to be a day of fun for the whole family.

Cost: General Admission, adult-$19 child-$11 under 3-free Details: www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au

April 6

Where: Caboolture RSL Club (5th) and Tewantin Noosa RSL (7th) When: 10am You won’t believe your eyes! For the first time ever, Dorothy will have her own plane to travel around the world in search of the perfect rose! Dorothy wants to find the perfect rose to make the best ever rosy-posy pie.

You’ll see the fairies’ castle live on stage and of course, you’ll sing and dance along with Dorothy and all her friends! Let’s go up, up and away with Dorothy the Dinosaur’s Travelling Show!

Cost: From $18. Kids under 12mths free Details: www.caboolturersl.com.au or www.dorothythedinosaur.com.au

9-10

April 8-10

BRISBANE TINNIE AND TACKLE AND NATIONAL 4X4 AND OUTDOOR EXPO

BABES IN ARMS Where: Birch Carroll and Coyle Maroochydore When: Check website for session times Bring bub and come see ‘Just Go With it’. On a weekend trip to Hawaii, a plastic surgeon convinces his loyal assistant to pose as his soonto-be-divorced wife in order to cover a careless lie he told to his much-younger girlfriend.

Cost: Admission costs apply Details: www.birch.com.au

April 15-24

ALL ABOARD TICKETS $18 THE GINGER FACTORY EXPRESS THESE HOLIDAYS

Where: RNA Showgrounds, Gregory Terrace, Booking fees Bowen Hills, Brisbane may apply.

ON SALE NOW! When: 9am-6pm CABOOLTURE RSL CLUB TUE APRIL 5 10am Fishing, four wheel drives, campervans, trailers, For tickets phone 07 5495 1699 or visit www.caboolturersl.com.au big and small boats, bait, tents and sleeping bags…..what more could a family want? TEWANTIN NOOSA RSL THU APRIL 7 10am For Tickets phone 07 5447 1766 or OzTix on 1300 762 545 Cost: Adults $12 Kids under 15 FREE or visit www.dorothythedinosaur.com.au Details: www.rnashowgounds.com.au

© 2011 The Wiggles Pty Ltd. Individual artists may be substituted.

The Wiggles and Paul Paddick do not appear in the Dorothy the Dinosaur Show

Official Partners

April 16

April 17-21

NOOSA CIVIC’S EASTER SHOW

COSMODOME IS BACK AT NOOSA CIVIC

Where: Noosa civic Centre, 28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville When: 11am Come and be dazzled by acrobatic and comedy displays by Hans and Eva, see the Easter bunny, and get a free goodie bag at Noosa Civic’s Easter Show!

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

Where: Noosa Civic Shopping Centre, 28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville When: 10am, 11am, midday and 1pm daily CosmoDome expands the concept of the portable planetarium into a travelling cinema, where the film totally surrounds the audience, watching in the comfort of a ventilated, inflatable dome. It combines learning and entertainment which captivates and excites audiences.

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

© 2011 The Wiggles Pty Ltd. Individual artists may be substituted.

The Wiggles and Paul Paddick do not appear in the Dorothy the Dinosaur Show

Where: Buderim Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina When: Check website or phone for times It’s that time of the year again when parents start thinking about how to keep their ‘little treasures’ entertained over the holidays, without spending a fortune. Kids can hone their cooking skills with a diverse range of healthy cooking classes, come see the Superbee Live Bee Show, where you will see honeybees close up in their beehives and taste different honey flavours. And don’t forget the Overboard, Adventures of a Stowaway boat ride, plus so much more!

Cost: Admission costs may apply Details: www.gingerfactory.com.au

April 18-26

April 23

April 23

Where: Maroochy RSL, Memorial Ave, Maroochydore When: 10am-2pm.

Come and visit Mystery Island during the school holidays, with something different happening every day! For full details of the school holiday activities download the Mystery Island Calendar.

Cost: Membership fees may apply Details: www.maroochyrsl.com.au

Where: Kawana Shoppingworld, 119 Pt Cartwright Drive, Buddina When: 10am-2pm Come and see the Easter Bunny and Alice in Wonderland as they hand out Easter eggs and spread the Easter Cheer!

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

Where: Town Park, Elizabeth Street, Kenilworth When: All day event A day for the whole family to indulge in all the best bounty of the renowned Mary Valley, for a memorable farm-to-fork feast. The day also includes a ‘Cheeseter’ Egg Hunt and Cheese rolling contest.

Cost: Free Details: www.kenilworthfoodfest.org.au

April 23-24

April 25

During Easter School Holidays

Where: Maroochy RSL, Memorial Ave, Maroochydore When: 10am-3pm.

Celebrate Easter in Mystery Island with our Easter Craft weekend. Make your very own Easter cards, bunny ears and Easter baskets – which will come in handy for the Easter egg hunts on Sunday! Special appearances by the Easter Bunny on Sunday as well.

Cost: Membership fees may apply Details: www.maroochyrsl.com.au

Where: Kings Beach, Caloundra When: From 5.28am.

Come down to Kings Beach to take part in Caloundra’s Anzac Day Service. Times are suggested, but get in early to secure your spot. The day will start with the 5.28am Dawn service, 9.30am march from Burgess St to Kings Beach Park and 10am service.

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

Where: Nutworks and the Chocolate Factory, 37 Pioneer Rd, Yandina When: Call Nutworks for more information.

Nutworks and the Chocolate Factory hold Chocolate Making Workshops during school holidays, subject to demand. At these workshops you can learn the art of making your own handmade chocolates. Register online to find out what workshops are being held in the holidays.

Cost: $19.95 Details: www.nutworks.com.au

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AT MAROOCHY RSL

EASTER AT KAWANA SHOPPINGWORLD

EASTER CRAFT WEEKEND

KENILWORTH CHEESE, WINE AND FOOD FEST

CALOUNDRA ANZAC DAY SERVICE

CHOCOLATE MAKING WORKSHOPS

Win Wiggles and CD

’s

Win lots of DVD www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

PJ’s

To hear about our latest comps!

WIN! MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

29

BABIES ON

the coast

Doing what comes naturally Midwives – building confidence, giving choices

by Maxine Arthur

Some women just know…others are taken by surprise. Either way, when you receive confirmation of your pregnancy you will be faced with a number of decisions. How will you prepare for the birth? Who will provide medical care for you throughout your pregnancy, birth and post-natal periods? Where will you birth? How much will it cost?

In our mother’s generation most Australian women started with their GP and most opted for a hospital birth. This is still the case but there are significant changes occurring in maternal care based on a greater respect for a woman’s right to control her birthing experience and for the role of qualified midwives becoming central in providing continuity of care.

Recent government legislation opens up a much wider range of affordable choices for pregnant women and recognises midwives as the most appropriate primary carers in normal pregnancy and birth.

It’s a very personal experience Nambour Selangor Maternity Centre – The Natural Choice Pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting are significant events in the lives of those who experience them. That’s why at Nambour Selangor Maternity Centre, birthing means choice.

We invite you and your partner to meet one of our experienced midwives and to tour our maternity centre. Phone today to make an appointment and/ or obtain an information package.

We realise each woman comes into the experience with her own set of expectations. We ensure you are aware of the range of birthing options available and will respect, support and encourage your choice providing it is safe for mother and baby.

Our services also include:

Our experienced obstetricians, paediatricians, anaesthetists and midwives work together to provide you and your family with the best possible outcomes and a positive experience.

62 Netherton Street, Nambour QLD 4560

· Pre admission & midwives’ clinic · A comprehensive range of childbirth education classes · Specialist paediatric services & Level 2 Special Care Nursery · Perinatal Support Service · Modern, private rooms with ensuite · New Family Suites with electric double bed. The Family Suites provide an environment for couples to stay together to share the experience of parenthood

07 5459 7444 www.nambourselangor.com.au

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Overdue for review The need for a new approach to maternal care became obvious around ten years ago. With the number of births rising rapidly, shortages in the maternity workforce, concerns about high rates of intervention in hospital births and urgent calls for improved maternity services, particularly for rural and indigenous mothers, the government decided to act.

A Government Discussion Paper (2008) set the agenda: “Women and their babies must be the focus of maternity care. They should be able to feel they are in control of what is happening during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, based on their individual needs and having discussed issues fully with their care providers. In order for women to feel this control, we must recognise that pregnancy and childbirth, while requiring quick and highly specialised responses to complications, are normal physiological processes, not an illness or disease.”

The Maternity Services Review that followed in 2010 made a number of recommendations, one of which was to expand the role of midwives in a collaborative team model. Commonwealth Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer Rosemary Bryant, who led the review, identified the major problem in working “collaboratively” in hospitals.

professional development are now able to access the Medical Benefits Scheme, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and enter into a “collaborative” arrangement with a Doctor. This means that women are able to claim Medicare benefits for specific midwifery services and an authorised midwife may order and interpret tests, prescribe medications on a client’s behalf, and access visiting rights to hospitals.

Mary Young is the founder of Know Your Midwife and a Medicare-eligible private midwife, one of two currently practising on the Sunshine Coast. Mary believes the care that a midwife can provide for a woman through antenatal, labour, birth and post-natal periods leads to the best possible outcomes for mother and child.

Research shows that continuity of midwifery care can lead to reduced intervention in labour and higher satisfaction with the birthing experience, breastfeeding and a reduction in post-natal depression.

“We have to swing the culture of birth around so that women see that birth is a natural process. Doctors and obstetricians are there for the abnormal. Midwives are the experts when it comes to a normal pregnancy and birth. Women have to take back their power,” Mary says.

Women become empowered when they can make an informed choice but too often the first person the mum-to-be goes to for help presents a very limited range of options.

“There is a lack of unanimity within and between some groups of the medical and midwifery professions on the issue of how to deal with risk and consumer preferences. While it is acknowledged that safety and quality of care is an overarching goal, it would be remiss to always use it as an excuse not to change practice.”

“GPs are the gatekeepers,” Mary says. “The doctor asks if the woman has private medical insurance. If so, she is referred on to an obstetrician. If the answer is no, she is referred directly to a public hospital. Other options, such as private midwifery care are not presented.”

Things look better now

Under the new legislation expectant mothers can claim some midwifery services from Medicare. Some private health insurance funds also allow claims for private midwifery services. “Cost is no longer such a barrier to helping mothers-to-be experience the benefits of continuity of care with a private midwife, and the impact this has on their birthing experience if they are birthing in a hospital,” Mary says.

As a result of the review the Australian Government announced a package of reforms to improve maternity care in November 2010. Midwives who meet advanced requirements in regard to experience, competence and continuing

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www.ncc.qld.edu.au MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

31

BABIES ON

the coast

The first baby’s born!

See community news p.4

The home birth debate Not everyone is happy with the new provisions. Home birth midwives and the women who choose to birth in their own homes have missed out on government support.

It is a requirement for registration that health practitioners hold professional indemnity insurance. No insurance is available to cover birth care at home, though insurers will cover midwives for ante-natal and post-natal care. Home birth advocates want the government to provide appropriate funding and insurance protection for private midwife homebirth care.

The decision has reignited debate about quality and safety issues in a long-running ‘turf war’ between midwives and obstetricians.

The Spokesperson for Homebirth Australia and mother of eight home birthed children Justine Caines OAM rejects the suggestion that mothers are gambling with the health of their babies by choosing a home birth, and the presumption that a hospital birth equals a safe birth.

“There is no reliable evidence to demonstrate that hospital is safer than home.

There is (strong) evidence that shows intervention is taking place for no clinical reason especially if a woman is a private patient in a private hospital.”

Justine says that any evaluation of homebirth versus hospital birth safety should include data on the considerable number of women and babies who suffer poor health outcomes as a consequence of intervention, especially in private hospitals which are known to have higher rates of intervention than public hospitals.

Interventions include caesarean section, epidurals and episiotomies.

“Homebirth keeps birth normal unless absolutely clinically necessary. Hospital birth intervenes and schedules birth according to the needs of the organisation and the practitioners,” Justine says.

Continuity of care is known to increase the chances of a normal birth.

“The vast majority of homebirth women receive care from one known midwife while the vast majority of hospital birthing women receive care from a number of providers including some they have never met. Birth is intimate (like sex) so it is no wonder that when women are forced to share this intimacy with total strangers, things don’t work. Imagine ‘performing’ while being watched.”

In an interview on Radio 2GB in August 2010 Justine told listeners that the Australian Medical Association (AMA) ‘has a gun to the head of government’. The AMA has certainly been very influential in setting the framework for maternity reform. In the same interview obstetrician and gynaecologist, and President of the AMA, Doctor Andrew Pesce explained the AMA’s position. He pointed out that less than 1% of women in Australia choose a home birth.

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Affordable maternity

“We should be focussing on improving hospital-based maternity units rather than going outside the hospital system.”

Dr Pesce said that rather than allowing midwives and obstetricians ‘to go their own way and do what they want’ as he says has happened in New Zealand over the past ten years, the AMA has insisted that obstetricians and midwives need to work together and agree on how care will be shared.

“If we are going to consider home birth within the maternity care system we have to consider it within the hospital system,” Doctor Pesce said.

care options

• The Govern ment is making changes to the MBS and PBS so that maternity ca re options are more afford able.

• From 1 Nove mber 2010, eligib le midwives in Australia will be able to access th e MBS and PBS. • For the first time, you can cla im Medicare rebates for spec ific services prov ided by an eligible privately practicing midw ife.

• You will have more choice in th e type of care you wish to rece ive when havin g a baby Source: http://ww w.heal th.gov.au

to. Check what your private medical insurance will cover as substantial costs are involved.

Public hospital facilities - If you choose to use a public hospital you will need a referral from your local GP. There are usually no costs to you if you have valid Medicare cover. The following options may be available for continuing care, provided yours is a low-risk pregnancy: • maternity clinic at a hospital • midwife managed ‘birthing centre’ at a hospital • community based midwifery program • shared care with your local GP (some costs involved) • community based ante-natal clinic with a hospital birth

Making the best maternity care choices for you There are many things to consider when deciding where to have your baby and who should care for you. What facilities and types of care are available in your area? What is important to you in your pregnancy and birth? What costs are involved and what rebates can you claim?

The majority of Australian women still opt for pregnancy care by a GP or obstetrician and a hospital birth (98%). This may change substantially as women come to understand the services that private midwives can provide and as costs of such care become more affordable under government subsidy.

At present the main choices are: Private hospital - If you wish to have your baby as a private patient you can either choose your hospital first and find out which obstetricians work there or choose your obstetrician first and find out which hospitals he has admitting rights

‘the baby osteopath’ Dr Roger Kingston DO Osteopath & Cranial Osteopath

Private Midwifery Care - As a primary carer your midwife works to provide normal maternity care from early pregnancy through birth and early parenting. She is trained to detect complications or illness in mother or baby and will refer and collaborate with specialist medical and nursing providers as needed. Contact your choice of private practice midwife to enquire about services and costs.

For more detailed information on care choices see www.bubhub.com.au, pregnancy tab, look under pregnancy info sheets and articles.

Need help? National Pregnancy Support Helpline 1800 422 213 is an integrated national pregnancy and perinatal support helpline. It is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-daya-week telephone helpline that women can use during pregnancy and for up to 12 months after the birth of a child.

Helpful websites: www.knowyourmidwife.com.au, www.homebirthaustralia.com.au and www.health.gov.au (Information by topic dropdown box) ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

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FREE SUNGLASSES for your children when they 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 March and April)

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

34

Phone: 5439 7844

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

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Considering a child?

Plan ahead!

health

good

By David O’Neill, Therapeutic Behavioural Optometrist Looking Smart Optometrists, Pelican Waters

Why children need their eyes checked Looking Smart Optometrists recommend that every child from 6 months of age should have an eye exam.

This should be followed up by a yearly exam until the age of six and then testing a minimum of every two years after that.

The obvious question is what can you test for at 6 months?

There are several things, but primarily glaucoma and retinoblastoma are ruled out, the prescription is checked and we do our best to make sure there is not a turn in the eyes. The two diseases above can cause total blindness but are often unknown to most parents.

Turns in the eyes and severe long-sightedness can also be treated. The younger the patient, the easier it is to correct. If a turn in the eyes is found at six months to a year old, often this can be fixed via contact lenses, which are put in by the optometrist and worn by the child for a month at a time. Trying to get a six year old baby to wear glasses is often impossible.

There’s so much to consider when you’re planning a baby, and your prepregnancy health is one of the most important. Dr Petra Ladwig from Suncoast Women’s Centre says, “It’s a good idea to see your doctor for a pre-conceptual visit, to review all aspects of your health.”

Dr Ladwig, the infertility and gynaecology specialist at the centre discusses some of the factors affecting fertility; “Smoking decreases fertility and increases the risk of miscarriage, and weight is a factor: being underweight can decrease your fertility as much as being overweight.”

Age is also an issue. Dr Ladwig says, “Fertility falls after age 27. Up to 10% of women in their early 30s are already perimenopausal, but may still have regular periods and assume all is normal.” These facts are given not to scare women into pregnancy, but allow them to consider options. She says, “If you want to delay starting, or adding to your family, perhaps have a check of your egg reserve. Maybe egg freezing would be an option for you.”

Not all fertility problems are age-related, but time is still of the essence.

Dr Ladwig says, “If you have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months, seek help regardless of your age.”

Dr Ladwig says, “At IVF Sunshine Coast and IVF Caboolture, we offer the full range of assisted reproduction, including donor eggs and sperm, egg-freezing and pre-implantation diagnosis. We use the latest technologies including assisted hatching and vitrification.” You can call the Suncoast Women’s Centre on 5437 7244 and make an appointment to discuss your fertility options.

      

If the turn is detected later, then often the child will require surgery or patching of an eye to help the now “lazy” eye to see properly. All of which could have been averted by spending 20 minutes checking a child through a bulk billed eye exam.

The majority of children checked are fine.

 

In terms of actual statistics, Looking Smart Optometrists gives glasses to  approximately 10% of children tested. If a child does end up getting glasses, they   are often excited as the range of glasses is extensive these days and they can choose    their colours and styles.      

 There are also children who come in who want glasses but do not require them. A       technique called objective testing is used with specialised machinery and equipment      that can get the answers often without the patient saying a word. 

             One of these pieces of machinery is called an autorefractor. This uses a non visible      and painless laser to measure the exact size of the eye, and therefore tells the    optometrist whether the eye is longer/shorter than normal (Long/Short Sighted) or     whether it is wider (Astigmatism).

How it’s done



These devices are very expensive but invaluable on children who cannot give correct answers, and most adults love them as well. Often the most frustrating thing about the old style of eye test is the time taken to give the right answers on which lens is “better”.

  

To find out a prescription for glasses in under 20 seconds of just sitting still, is amazing to a lot of our patients.

On another note, 30% of children get some type of exercise to be done to improve co-ordination or to get them to work their eyes in a more efficient manner. This can often make the difference from good to great performance in school.

Either way, it is good to have confirmed that your child’s eyesight is OK! 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. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

           

   

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst 35  

 

ONLY

natural

Food and numbers: why the additives?

211

951

226

110

102

by Kim Lahey

They surround us. They protect us. There’s a mind-numbing amount of them. And one was once traded ounce-for-ounce for gold.

Mammoth-tasked with keeping our food fresh and helping out its colour, taste or texture, these remedy-giants can hardly hide. In the label-jungle out there, additives still must obey rules. They must sit in descending weight-order (like other wellbehaved ingredients) and they must state their (functional) name and code number.

At the very least, who hasn’t checked out a wine bottle label and noticed Preservative (220)? But we would hardly have felt gratitude - to the sulphur dioxide for prolonging the life of wine – or attributed its presence to our own demands!

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Having our cake…

Our pressure for our food to be tasty, well priced and look good is additives’ lifeblood. Think of sliced apple yelling to oxygen - “Stop! You’re turning me brown!” Prevention of this ‘demise-by-oxygen’ in hundreds of our processed foods gives the antioxidant additives the lions’ share of additives’ work.

And without another of our most widely used additives – Ascorbic acid (aka Vitamin C) - a good dose of scurvy may have rendered us extinct long ago.

But do we really need the 1400 of them? And what’s natural and what’s not?

Who watched SBS’s Food Additives - An Incredible Adventure late last year? The presenter went to quite ‘personal’ lengths to prove many additives are made of naturally occurring chemicals like those found in our bodies, by making a cake with ….. Read on if you’re game.

He offered his tear drops (Lysozyme - a preservative which prevents bacterial infection), sweat (Propionic acid - a mould suppressant), hair strands (L-Cysteine – a flour improvement agent), digestive juices (Hydrochloric acid –an acidity regulator) and endured liposuction to provide the glycerol component to the recipe – the magic ingredient that keeps cakes and icing moist….

Downing the cake, he made his point “Just because it’s made in a lab doesn’t mean it’s not natural.”

Hyper or Hype?

Screaming, crying, running: Birthday party. Host pours the kids red cordial. Scathing glances at host by other parents.

“My 3-year-old goes berserk within minutes of downing red-colouring stuff, and he’s a pretty calm kid in the scheme of things,” mum Fi says.

So are the food-colouring glares justified?

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In 2006 FSANZ commissioned the most detailed survey of added colours in food and beverages ever undertaken in Australia. It concluded; “current exposure levels (of added colours) – do not pose a public health and safety concern for Australians.” Not surprisingly the biggest contributors to under 12s’ dietary exposure (of added colours) were; confectionary and sugar, sweet biscuits, flavoured milk, cordial, soft drink, ice-cream/ice confection, margarine/ table spread, cakes, muffins and pastries, savoury sauces and yogurt, jelly and savoury snack foods.

But recent UK studies showed a link between artificial food colours, a preservative and hyperactivity in children. In their sample of 3-year-old and 8 to 9-yearolds, they found that consuming food or drinks which contained certain artificial food colours, together with the preservative sodium benzoate, produced hyperactive behaviour in the children. Interestingly, the food colours and preservative used in the study are approved as safe in Australia.

FSANZ communication adviser Lydia Buchtmann explains Sodium benzoate (211) is a preservative found naturally in fruit, including berries. “It plays an important role in preventing food poisoning,” she says. “We’ve been working with the food industry to reduce levels of sodium benzoate since an Australian Total Diet Study in 2005, and [because of] concerns about Sodium benzoate reacting with vitamin C in some soft drinks to form benzene,” Lydia says. New studies are underway to check level reductions.

What about natural colours? Nutritionist and dietitian Catherine Saxelby says the orange-yellow food colour - Carotene (160a) - derived from plant pigments (think pumpkin, carrots, mango and apricots) functions as an antioxidant so this one is actually good for you.

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MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

37

ONLY

natural

ots?

Who calls theedsh ia New

by Food Standards Austral

Additives must be approv the requested ck the additive is safe (at Zealand (FSANZ). They che , and that use logical reasons for its level), there are good techno estimates NZ FSA it. rly informed about the consumer will be clea the to it es par com sumed and the likely amount to be con the additive The ADI is the amount of I).

(AD ke inta ly dai e acceptabl effect. erse in a lifetime without adv that can be eaten every day allowed itive add the a maximum level of FSANZ then recommends to 100 des (co s itive add 0 out of 140 in that particular food. And lify for Australian use.

1521!) only 300 - 400 qua

And what about the not-so-red part of that cordial?

Cyclamates are one type of artificial sweetener added to foods and drinks. FSANZ’s 2004 research showed Australian kids under 12 were having close to the ADI (the amount considered safe to have per day) - of cyclamate. FSANZ successfully recommended the maximum level of cyclamate permitted in water-based flavoured drinks (like soft drinks and fruit and vegetable juice products) be reduced from 600 mg/kg to 350 mg/kg.

Recent studies using MRI scans demonstrated the brain can detect a difference between sugar and artificial sweeteners. It registers the missing calories and may go in search of them later on. Ah, a whole new jungle to explore!

Reactions and reasons Nutrition Australia nutrition program manager Aloysa Hourigan says a minority of children are affected by additives. But it is a “very important issue for some families”, she says. Additives’ impacts will vary with different children. Symptoms can be physical like eczema, asthma or bowel symptoms, or behavioural, she says. “Not all additives are an issue.” “The best way to avoid them is to prepare food from fresh – but this can be difficult for parents from a time perspective,” Aloysa says.

The Victorian Government’s Better Health Channel advises that additives aren’t a problem for most people, but 50 of the 400 Australian-approved additives have been linked with adverse reactions in some people. “It is often the additives that are used to give a food a marketable quality, such as colour, that most commonly cause allergic reactions,” they advise. The possible problem-causing common additives are listed as the flavour enhancer Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) plus the food colourings and preservatives – benzoates, nitrates and sulphites. The code numbers and the types of reactions they can cause are detailed on the Channel’s website.

“Many people with food allergies/intolerances will have a certain level of tolerance to the offending agent – but in young children this threshold can be very low,” Aloysa says If parents suspect their child is additive-sensitive it’s best to seek advice from an accredited practising dietitian, Aloysa says. She points out that people who are food intolerant can react to naturally occurring chemicals already in food like salicylates and amines – so there may be a need to consider even the fresh food content of the diet.

Additive-smart kids Teacher and mother-of-two Bridy Fulvio is so sure of the link between additives and kids’ health, she teamed up with mother-of-two Olivia Dyer to write a cookbook - Low to No Additives Family Favourites - to warn parents on how to avoid additives.

Bridy thinks it’s never too late to start teaching children about what’s in their food.

Start by encouraging kids to understand real food versus processed food, she says.

“Real food does not often have any additives!”

ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

Chiropractic can help common pregnancy problems Kawana Chiropractor Dr David Hendrey has been helping pregnant women since 1995, and says chiropractic care can assist with common pregnancy problems like back pain, labour pain and even duration of labour.

Attention all Pregnant women, you may be able to suffer less back pain, have quicker labour, and need less pain relief.

“As your baby grows, your back is placed under strain. So chiropractic care, which focusses on ensuring the spine, pelvis and nerve systems are balanced, moving and working properly can have some major benefits for both Mum and Baby,” he says.

“A study by Joan Fallon shows that first-time mums who received chiropractic care during their pregnancy had 24% quicker labour times, while multi-mums experience 39% quicker labour times1. Keeping in mind, regular adjustments are gentle and can safely continue up until and during birth,” Dr David adds.

“In related research, a clinical study by Dr Irvin Hendryson, MD, (a member of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees) found that women under chiropractic care in the third trimester were able to carry to term and needed less painkillers during delivery; while Dr Per Freitag found that for women who had chiropractic adjustments, the need for painkillers during labour was halved2.”

For more info on chiropractic care during pregnancy, call Hendrey Chiropractic on (07) 5437 7222.

1. “The effect of chiropractic treatment on pregnancy and labour” by Dr Joan Fallon World Federation of Chiropractic (1991), pp. 24-31.

2. Expert testimony, U.S District court Northern Illinois Eastern Division No 76, Case number 3777 in May 1987.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

Revolutionary fees At Hendrey Chiropractic we believe that great quality health care should be available to all people. That’s why our fees are radically different.

An Adult exam is just $37. A child exam is FREE. Any required x-rays are done on site and bulk billed to Medicare with no gap. (We typically only x-ray adults. We DON’T x-ray pregnant women.)

Follow up sessions are: $45 for Adults, $35 for Concession, $25 under 18’s

Call today 5437 7222

re We’d rather help mo people and charge less

13/5 Innovation Parkway (Level 1) Kawana Waters www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Additives answers at your fingertips Former nurse, IT expert and now-new-mum of twins, Sandy Abram’s latest business venture helps shoppers check out what’s in their food while they shop.

“Reading labels is a minefield,” says Sandy. “And I thought; why not make use of our phones, which we have with us anyway.”

Tapping into a phone app, the shopper will be able to uncover all there is to know about the additive code while the packet’s still half-way into the trolley.

“It will include a list of the top 10 nasties of additives and colours which emerge from research,” she says. The app will also include tailored shopping requirements for those with special dietary needs.

Sandy says subscribers will have access to additive information at their fingertips when the app is launched mid-year.

NEWS FLASH A just-released report - Labelling Logic - commissioned by the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, aims to improve food labelling laws.

Two of the report’s 61 recommendations include dropping mandatory “per serve” columns (explicitly stating the trans-fats and salt content instead) and voluntary use of a front-of-pack traffic light system. A traffic light system (a nutritionistcalculated rating system for nutrients, salt and sugar in a product) like the one adopted by Western Australian schools, would include five lights for more detail.

The report was prepared by a panel of independent experts, led by former federal health minister Neal Blewett. If the food is changed in any way, whether by colour, taste or genetic modification, it must be labelled, Dr Blewett said. The Government has until December this year to respond to the report.

Celebrate the special relationship with your Mum this Mothers Day To ensure delivery for Mothers Day, place your order before midnight on the 26th April

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

39

ONLY

natural

The next step is to look for numbers. “In our house we have banned additive 211,” Bridy says. When her children are offered a soft drink her five-year-old asks ‘does it have additive 211?’ “And if it does, he simply refuses”, she says.

Bridy thinks it’s important to show children images of what additives could be made of. “Would we drink anti-mould agents? Well, then why would we have it in soft drink!”she says.

Bridy says her five-year-old “could be brain-washed, but he knows why he makes choices and it makes him feel confident he made good choices too!” At parties he often chooses to drink water, instead of cordial or lemonade, she explains.

Further rea

ding

Low to No Ad ditives – Family Favourites sets out what’s in pr ocessed food, what addi tives to avoid an d provides diverse recipes. RRP $2 4.95.

Choosing the Right Stuff- th e official shoppers’ guid e teaches you ho w to read labels an d understand fo od additives, kilojou les and fat cont ent. It includes the offic ial list of additiv es by number, name and use RRP $1 4.95.

Checking out packets on supermarket shelves has been a great educator for Bridy’s kids.

“Now they know food labeled with bright funky colours and items low on shelves (‘how come they are not up here where mummy can see them?’) at the register are often laden with terrible additives.” “They also check and if there are more than three (additive) numbers, that is usually a ‘no’, unless mum checks to see if it’s safe,” Bridy says.

For more information: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) provide a list of all additives and their code numbers, advice about what additives do, and fact sheets about the effects of artificial colours(which includes the official list of additives by number, name and use). Visit: www.foodstandards.gov.au

Bridy recently took a group of grade 5/6 kids on a supermarket trip to buy one item of choice and one healthy item. “They were horrified when they got back to class and decoded what they were really about to eat,” she says. “It’s always great if you get the one that can be derived from hair!”

Low to No Additives Visit: www.lowtonoadditives.com

Our mums told us not to judge a book by a cover - she must have been talking about additives! If we take stock of the reason an additive is in a food and it’s just to make that food look better – to ‘lure us in’ – we all know what our mum would do.

The additives with the plainest covers can trick us too. Salt, the oldest known additive – once worth its weight in gold – might be an essential nutrient, but in the doses we are consuming nowadays (some experts say eight times what we should, thanks to packaged food!) it may not glow so bright.

All in all, it’s another good excuse to steer clear of the junk and processed offerings.

Nutrition Australia offers food fact-sheets and answers to a range of nutrition questions www.nutritionaustralia.org Dietitians Association of Australia provides food additive lists (by name or code number) and tells you where to get help from a dietitian. Visit: www.daa.asn.au The Victorian Government’s The Better Health Channel lists food additives which can cause reactions. Visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au Foodwatch with Catherine Saxelby outlines answers to frequently asked questions about additives and food labels Visit: www.foodwatch.com.au Additive phone app – due for launch mid 2011. Visit: www.ourfood.com.au SBS’s Food Additives, an incredible adventure. Visit: www.sbs.com.au

ader Re

Di

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

s c o u nt

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

PARENT

ville

by Aleney de Winter

Renaissance Boy Devilboy awoke at 5am this morning. This in itself is, unfortunately, not an unusual occurrence.

Devilboy’s mummy chugged back the best part of a bottle of red wine last night.

These days this is, also unfortunately, a very unusual occurrence.

Ergo, Devilboy’s mummy was in no fit state to; a) Attempt to soothe him back to sleep, or b) Get up and help him plot the downfall of whichever of his Little People have earned his ire today.

Desperate for another hour or two of sleep - and bad mummy hat firmly in place Devilboy was promptly tossed into our bed and we all snuggled happily back to sleep until I was woken by a raspy and quite sinister voice chanting, “tiiiickkkllle”. Weighted down, I realised that a freakishly small demon was slowly attempting to strangle me. I momentarily feared for my life but as consciousness returned to my wine saturated brain, I realised that my attacker wasn’t a hound from hell, just a fluey Devilboy prising open my eyes, so I’d join his pre-dawn party. Shouting “Tickle mammy” at the top of his enviable lungs he vigorously attacked me with his scratchy little fingers, giggling himself silly.

My hangover was almost entirely obliterated in that joyous instant.

Tickle is another new word for Devilboy. Smiling, I was rewarded with a deluge of proud ‘tickle, tickle, tickles.’ Wave after wave of love (and alcohol induced nausea) washed over me for my clever little man.

“What a distressing contrast there is between the radiant intelligence of the child and the feeble mentality of the average adult.” So said Sigmund Freud, someone I’d mostly thought of as a sad mummy’s boy but who, it would seem, occasionally belted out some wise words.

Devilboy’s capacity for learning really is a thing of shiny, sparkling wonder. At 15 months, it appears his vocabulary is already superior to that of many fully-grown footy players. Over the last week some kind of brain explosion has occurred and he spurts out new words and sounds every time he opens his mouth, which is often... so very, very often. He is an adorable blue-eyed sponge sucking up everything around him and then spitting it out in an excited flurry of non-stop noise.

Devilboy’s non-verbal skills also continue to develop at warp speed. Engineer, artist, historian, musician, athlete, raconteur… he’s a veritable Renaissance boy.

His creative engineering skills are easily observed as he constructs beautiful towers from exotic combinations of wooden blocks, sippy-cups and a plastic walrus. As an artist he can recreate the entire back catalogue of Jackson Pollock using only breakfast cereal. He cleverly combines his skills as a historian with his artistic talents, which extend to interior decorating, to turn a tidy room into a scale model of Hiroshima in seconds. Musically, I am unable to convince him that the Wiggles are where it’s at for hip and happening 15 month olds, but I delight as he bops to Bob Marley, head bangs to Hendrix and pogos to Placebo. He plays along on a drum kit of his own design, generally consisting of a plastic tambourine, an upside down box and the cat. The cat is also key in the development of his athleticism as he ‘pats’ him in a style best utilised by professional boxers.

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

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

At the sudden sound of inhuman screeching I look up from writing this missive on his great genius and observe my delightful devil throwing his lunch across the room and demonstrating all the intellectual capacities of a socially inept gibbon. As he grows bored of throwing his sandwich and instead attempts to grind it in to the cat, I feel it’s time to break from boasting about his ‘alleged’ intellect and attend to my little primate before he starts flinging his own poo... www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

41

PARENT

profile

Inspirational!

Fitness Guru Mireille Ryan inspires thousands of mums, but believes we all have the power to inspire

by Belinda Hopper

She says she lives by two mottos – “Thoughts become your words and words become your actions” and “if you can dream it, you can do it”.

And when you learn Mireille Ryan is Australia’s leading fitness expert for mums who runs not one, but two businesses from home, you realise she means it—she actually does live by them!

Mireille was named 2010 Australian Exercise Professional of the Year representing Queensland. She owns Health Guru Boot Camp and co-founded The Busy Mums Fitness Club, a free online fitness club for mums. She has been in the fitness industry for 10 years and gave regular fitness tips to 30,000 listeners as the 107.3FM Life FM Fitness Guru. Despite all of her professional achievements, Mireille says, “Being a mother is my biggest achievement in life.”

Pre and Post Natal Pilates and Yoga

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Intouch Physio also offer Baby Massage Courses

Cnr Nambour Connection Rd & Blackall St, Woombye Ph: 5442 2255 E: admin@intouchphysiotherapy.com.au

www.intouchphysiotherapy.com.au

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

Is the journey of motherhood what you expected? I love being a mum. Every day brings some special moment. What I never realised was how tired you feel as a mum. I also didn’t appreciate all the spare time I had before kids!

How has motherhood changed you? Motherhood has taught me patience.

It’s also taught me to appreciate the simple things in life. Motherhood definitely changes your priorities.

Are you looking for some extra income? Does the price of everything creeping up worry your family?

Call 5442 2255 for class times and to book

ALSO at Cooroy

Can you give our readers a little snapshot of your family? I’ve been married to my best friend and husband, Shannon, for almost 14 years.

We have three beautiful kids; Harrison, 11, Taylor, 8, and Cierra, 5. We all love to get outside and go to the beach together. We keep very active.

Are you wanting to stay home with your kids however bills still need to be paid?

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

ader Re

Where do you live and why? I live on The Gold Coast. We choose to live here because of the lifestyle. I always want to feel like I’m on holidays.

Mine too – however an on line business (no franchise fees or large start up - cost $29) could be the answer. You don’t sell or party plan, no stock – there is NO RISK we GUARANTEE it in WRITING. This is an on line PAY PER CLICK business (fully supported). You will require a great attitude and high work ethic, leadership skills a must or willingness to learn. Able to juggle working from home. Excellent income for the people we are looking for

NO OBLIGATION to CALL and FIND OUT MORE 0458 815 124 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

What qualities do you most admire in each of your children? My son, Harrison, is friends with everyone. He’s so easy to be around and is inclusive of everyone. With my daughter Taylor, it’s her determination I admire most. She wants to be the best at everything she does and works to achieve that. And with Cierra, I admire her unconditional love and kindness for everyone, including animals.

What are your biggest parenting frustrations? I guess my biggest frustrations are when my kids disagree. I don’t enjoy being the referee.

What delights you most about motherhood? I love talking with my kids, I love swimming at the beach with them and seeing their laughter and happiness. I also enjoy the cuddles and kisses.

Who do you find inspiring? I’m inspired by people who dream big and follow their passions. I love reading biographies – like Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, Li Cuxin. Each of us has the power to inspire others.

What advice has had the biggest impact on you? Never give up! The only time you fail is when you give up. If I do something and it doesn’t work, I look at what I can learn from that experience and move forward. I know I will always reach my goal if I never give up and move forward step by step.

What does a typical day look like at your place? It’s a day of organisation and routine. I find life gets easier when you’re organised. The kids have their routine before school, I drop the kids at school and hubby rides his bike to work, then I see clients, or work from my office, pick the kids up from school and go to after school sport. We come home and eat dinner together with my husband, read stories to the kids, they go to bed and my husband and I generally talk or plan and then go to bed by 9:30pm.

What would be an ideal day for you? Get up early and exercise, work until lunch, catch up with friends, then pick up the kids and do something with them and then spend the evening with my husband.

How do you balance family and work demands? Running two businesses from home makes setting boundaries really important. I work from 9am to 3pm and then

Mireille’s favourite things: Book: Twilight series – I read the first one and it sucked me in Music: Anything that makes me want to dance Food: Sushi – healthy and yummy!

Holiday destination: Europe – went there with my husband and we loved it!

Rainy Day activity: Reading

finish for the day. I used to be always answering calls after hours and checking emails.

It never truly allowed me to switch off. So I made some changes. I find planning and organisation are the key. I plan each day out so I can be realistic about what I can achieve. I only look at my email twice a day. We have a second telephone line, so if the phone rings I know whether it’s a work or personal call. After hours and weekends is family time. I also take a half-day off on Friday for some “me” time.

If you have any spare time, what do you like to do with it? I love to read. I devour biographies of people who inspire me.

Where do you see yourself in five years – personally and professionally? I want to travel with my family and cherish our time together because my kids are getting older and I want to make the most of our time together before they move out. Professionally, I will have even more success with my two businesses, have written a successful book, have my own TV show and help over 100,000 mums to reclaim their yummy mummy bodies.

ON SALE NOW! TICKETS $18 CABOOLTURE RSL CLUB TUE APRIL 5 10am Booking fees may apply.

© 2011 The Wiggles Pty Ltd. Individual artists may be substituted.

The Wiggles and Paul Paddick do not appear in the Dorothy the Dinosaur Show

For tickets phone 07 5495 1699 or visit www.caboolturersl.com.au

mon - fri 9.30am – 4.30pm

sat & sun 9am – 1pm

TEWANTIN NOOSA RSL THU APRIL 7 10am For Tickets phone 07 5447 1766 or OzTix on 1300 762 545 or visit www.dorothythedinosaur.com.au

Official Partners www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

© 2011 The Wiggles Pty Ltd. Individual artists may be substituted.

The Wiggles and Paul Paddick do not appear in the Dorothy the Dinosaur Show

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

43

celebrate

LET’S

Fun and

by Belinda Hopper

party games Kids really know how to have fun, don’t they? That’s the beauty of the backyard birthday party—some friends, some yummy food, a cake, a few games, and they’re happy. A couple of things I’ve learnt in my years of throwing kids’ parties are; a quick game’s a good game, and you always need to prepare more games than you think you’ll need.

I had a running list written out for one party (a tip I gleaned from a super organised friend), only to find I had been through the whole list of games twenty minutes into a 2 hour party!

There are the old favourites everyone loves, like pass the parcel, musical chairs and what’s the time Mr Wolf? But we thought we’d find a few more you can add to your repertoire of party games.

The Coast’s newest indoor play centre -March Opening Mid

The

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BOOk yOur BirThday party nOw Cupcake Creations Mobile Fairy Parties Birthday & Wedding Cakes All Special Occasion Cakes Corporate Logo Cupcakes

• Large play structure • On-site cafe Bring yOur sOcks

2 Sydal St, Caloundra

Next to Chemist Warehouse

Opening hours: Mon - Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am – 4pm Website: www.skidaddle.com.au Email: info@skidaddle.com.au Twitter: @skidaddle_kids Facebook: ‘Skidaddle’

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5438 2412

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

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Specialising in gluten and dairy free cakes

EASTER HOLIDAY COOKING CLASSES

P: 5476 8467 M: 0409 065 626 E: thecupcaketeahouse@gmail.com www.cupcaketeahouse.com.au

To order a personally designed cake Call Suzie (formally of Kiddies Cakes)

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

For the older kids For the younger kids Try a new twist on the old faithful treasure hunt. This is a game to get dad involved; it’s called CATCH THE PIRATE. Dad has stolen all of the hidden treasure and the kids have to chase him to get it back. Just get an old flannelette shirt and tape minties (or other individually wrapped lollies) all over it. Get dad to put it on and run around the backyard with the kids trying to catch him to redeem their treasure.

The younger kids absolutely love it. As for dad… you might need to get a cold drink ready for him, for when he’s done.

Water play is a great theme for Queensland birthday parties nine months of the year. Invite the kids to turn up in their swimmers for fun with water bombs, a slip and slide, or those super-powered water squirters. When it’s time for an organised game, they can play the BUCKET AND SPONGE RACE. Grab a couple of buckets and fill them to the same level with water. Then place two cups twenty paces away from the buckets. Divide the kids into two teams and get them to take turns dipping the sponge in the bucket of water and sprinting up to the cup to squeeze the water into the cup. The winner is the first team whose cup overflows.

Music is the backdrop for party games like musical chairs and pass-the-parcel. But a quick and easy time-filler is MUSICAL STATUES. It’s loved by kids up to about age 9.

All you need is a CD player, some fun dance music and a keen eye to help pick the last one to become a statue when the music stops.

ROB THE NEST is a game that keeps them running. All you need is a bag of balls and a few chairs. Divide the kids into teams of at least 3 and set up a chair for each team, a few metres apart. Tip all the balls on the ground and watch the kids swoop on them! The aim of the game is to gather as many ‘eggs’ for your own nest, and if that means robbing someone else’s, then so be it. The key is; they can only carry one ball at a time. Whichever team has the most eggs in their nest by the time they’re all worn out, wins.

There comes a time when kids are just too cool for running around and dancing. This is the age where kids love the challenge of technical skills. Give them a fun project to keep them busy and entertained. If it’s a race against the clock and another team: even better.

You could have a race to build the tallest MARSHMALLOW TOWER. It can be played individually or in teams. All you need to do is hand out toothpicks and mini marshmallows, set the timer for 5 minutes and watch them race the clock and each other to build the sweetest, stickiest tower possible.

What about a twist on the old fashioned lucky dip: To play TREASURE HOOK, you need to place individually wrapped gifts in a large bucket. They need to have a loop of string or ribbon taped to them, so the kids can go fishing and catch them with their fishing line. You can attach string and a hook to any old stick, or use a fishing line if you have one. The kids can take it in turns using their fishing skills to catch a gift. It takes more skill than you think and the kids love the challenge.

Older kids love playing BALLOON STOMP. Everyone blows up two balloons, ties a large rubber band around the balloon and slips it over their foot, so it rests on their ankles. Then everyone has to run around with an inflated balloon attached to each ankle, trying to stomp on everyone else’s balloons, while protecting their own from bursting. The last person left with an inflated balloon, wins.

The loot bag alternative: Instead of giving out party bags at the end of the party, why not turn it into a game? Place a rug on the ground and scatter packets of chips, lollies and some small novelty toys all around the rug. Get the children to line up and take it in turns throwing a small hula hoop onto the rug. Whatever their hoop lands on, that’s what they get to take home with them. They can have as many goes as it takes for all the loot to be won.

It takes a bit of planning to run some creative party games, but think of the absolute delight on your child’s face, as they run around having a ball with their friends – and how worthwhile the effort when you consider they’ll never celebrate turning this age again!

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Call 07 5476 6646 • www.forestglenresort.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

45

holidays

HAPPY

A capital adventure A family holiday to Canberra

by Sarah Pye It’s one of those places people either rave about, or shrug their shoulders. Canberra, our nation’s capital is abuzz with politics, memorials and museums. As an imported Aussie, I had always wanted to see what all the fuss was about and last spring the opportunity arose to join Amber’s Scout group on a driving tour to the capital. It didn’t disappoint and this is one family safari I can certainly recommend.

Australian Capital Tourism

Kids Club Activities for Easter Cosmodome is back!

Sunday 17th – Thursday 21st April 10am, 11am, midday and 1pm Show: The Secret of the Cardboard Rocket

Hans and Eva Easter Show Saturday 16th April, Live show, 11am Free Showbag for every child

The Easter Bunny is at Noosa Civic

UMB10793

Easter Saturday 23rd April, 11am-2pm

28 Eenie Creek Rd (Cnr Walter Hay Drive) Noosaville Ph 5440 7900 Open 7 days

46

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

MARCH 3 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Australian Capital Tourism

If you arrive in Canberra after a long drive, the last thing you want to do is be on your best behavior in a museum, so I recommend letting off steam at Questacon (www.questacon.edu.au). This is one of the few paid attractions in Canberra but well worth the admission. Questacon boasts several floors of science experiments divided into seven different galleries. Each is themed so you can watch tornadoes form, experience an earthquake, learn the science of music and laugh at yourself in the funny mirrors. The bottom floor is just like a mini fairground and I dare you to try Freefall when you hang from a metal bar 6m in the air and will yourself to let go! Most of these galleries are best suited to school-aged kids, but a separate area called Mini Q is just perfect for preschoolers and Quiet Space offers a little time out when they reach sensory overload.

A trip to Canberra wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Houses of Parliament (www.aph.gov.au). From the moment you climb the marble steps and cross the dot-painting tiles, you know you are entering a special place. Regular tours are conducted here but, if you make contact with your local member of parliament before you arrive (which we did), you might be able to arrange to visit their rooms and get an insight into the workings of this amazing building. Did you know, for instance, that all clocks in this building are synchronised and members are given four minutes to get to the chamber at voting time before they are locked out? If the pollies are sitting, it’s free to visit at Question Time, but book ahead by calling the Sergeant-at-Arm’s Office on 02 6277 4889 (there’s no need to book ahead for Question Time in the Senate).

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Yearning for some quality family time?

In our overly hectic lives, we often yearn to slow down, reconnect with the kids and live a life less complicated. Especially in summer when the beaches are packed with tourists and the crowds are unrelenting. It might not be possible to run for the hills permanently, but at Cedar Glen Farmstay it’s possible to escape for a little while.

Cedar Glen has been in the Stephen’s family since 1882. Located at the foot of World Heritage Lamington National Park, this spectacular 1050 acre property is home to beef cattle, Arabian horses, milking cows, sheep, pigs and poultry. With private swimming holes, shady 100-year-old trees and cool summer breezes, Autumn and Winter are great times to visit. Imagine the kids’ excitement as they get to feed the animals twice daily, or try their hand at milking the house cow each morning.

Escape to

A real highlight of Cedar Glen is the activities they have to offer. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on a horse ride through some of South East Qld’s most spectacular country – riders of all ages and experience are catered for.

You can also learn how to throw a returning boomerang and crack the Australian stock whip while enjoying a cup of billy tea and freshly made damper.

Guests can stay in the stately 1901 homestead, or choose one of three historic cottages which have been renovated to maintain the charm and authenticity of a bygone era. All buildings are surrounded by wide breezy verandas perfect for a summer siesta. Mums in particular will love the optional fully catered holiday.

Imagine leaving even the cooking behind!

Contact us now for great rates on your Autumn or Winter getaway info@cedarglen.com.au | (07) 5544 8170 | www.cedarglen.com.au Lost World Valley, Qld

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

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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holidays

HAPPY

“The attractions in this beautiful city are endless…”

Another must is the Australia War Memorial (www.awm.gov.au). It has rooms dedicated to each of the wars in which Australia has participated. This brings the history of Australia alive for school-age kids. The surrounding grounds are also a great picnic spot. Next on our agenda was the Royal Australian Mint, where we watched shiny currency being scrupulously checked before release (www.ramint.gov.au).

Australian Capital Tourism

It’s easy to reach overload in Canberra, so make sure you don’t squeeze too much in each day. When you need time off your feet, a drive around the embassies is a wonderful activity (between Empire Circuit and Forster Circuit). Unlike other capitals which evolved over time, Canberra was strategically designed and this meant that all the embassies are close to each other. Driving around these streets is like travelling around the world at break-neck speed. The architecture of Thailand neighbours colonial mansions of the US and the colours of PNG. Why not print out a map of the world before you go and play a version of bingo as you cross off different nations?

The attractions in this beautiful city are endless, and our three days flew by in seconds. We could have easily filled twice that time, and I urge you to spend as long as you can. Me, I’ve started a Canberra Bucket List for next time…

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Getting there Depending on where you live, actually getting to Canberra can be a marathon in its own right. From North Queensland a plane is by far the easiest way and you can either fly into Canberra or fly to Sydney and rent a car from there. It takes about three hours to drive from Sydney which is manageable, and with regular sale fares, this could save heaps.

From southern parts of the state, getting there can be half the fun. To avoid frayed nerves and loud backseat arguments, I would recommend three or four nights on the road. Tenterfield, Moree, Dubbo and Cowra would be my recommendations as places to stop for a night, because each offers attractions along the way.

Road trip to Canberra

way is home to a multi-storey Kirby Park, Moree on the Newell High s a wonderful picnic spot. rocket ship climbing frame which make emdrive.com): Follow this scale model Virtual Solar System (www.solarsyst of our planets as you drive. dir Caravan Park, the hot springs are Moree Hot Springs: If you stay at Gwy free (www.familyparks.com.au). com.au): make sure you time your Old Dubbo Gaol (www.olddubbogaol. visit for the re-enactment. u): I suggest touring the zoo on Western Plains Zoo (www.taronga.org.a bikes, it adds another exciting element. nf.csiro.au): An integral part of the Parkes Observatory (www.parkes.at edge in space exploration.

Moon landing, this facility is still cutting ion.com.au): Watch the hologram Cowra POW Theatre (www.cowrareg Info Centre for free. story of the POW escape at the Visitor

Australian Capital Tourism

Sarah’s Canberra Attractions Bucket List Australian Institute of Sport: www.ausport.gov.au Australian Reptile Sanctuary: www.canberrareptilesanctuary.org.au Canberra Glass Works: www.canberraglassworks.com Cockington Green miniature village: www.cockingtongreen.com.au CSIRO Discovery Centre: www.csiro.au Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House: www.moadoph.gov.au National Dinosaur Museum: www.nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

L S R y h c o o @ Mar MARCH

17th St Patrick’s Day - 6.00pm 20th Masquerade Party - 6.00pm

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SUPERVISED KIDS CLUB Pirate Ship | Rock Climbing Wall | Mini Cinema | Arts & Craft Latest Xbox | Playstation | Wii Sports | Internet Access Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore | Phone 5443 2211 | www.maroochyrsl.com.au Information for members, guests & bonafide visitors. *Terms and conditions apply www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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kids

encouraging

The Three Busketeers Three Sunshine Coast boys pool their time and talents to help others.

by Belinda Hopper

Brothers, Jackson (11) and Hudson Lucas (9), together with their friend Bradley Entermann (7), are “The Three Busketeers”. It’s a name Bradley’s grandma came up with for the trio, who met at playgroup when they were toddlers, and again through sport in recent years.

The boys have a lot in common; they are registered with Education Queensland for homeschooling, and when asked what they do for regular-kid fun, they rattle off a long list, “We like skateboarding, ripsticking, surfing, motor biking, mountain bike riding,

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swimming, tennis, ju-jitsu and gymnastics.” (During the interview, the three of them had fun performing an impromptu human tower to show their gymnastic strength and skill).

But for these boys, life is about more than just fun. They have an acute awareness of others and their families have fostered a keenness to give generously of their time, talents, and money, particularly to those in need.

Bradley has played piano for 3 years and started learning auto harp at Christmas time. Jackson has learnt the trumpet and guitar over the past 18 months. And, Hudson has played piano for 3 years and started learning saxophone around February of last year. The instrument all three have in common is the harmonica, and they’re all self-taught! Jackson has been playing since his great-grandfather gave him one for his first birthday, and Hudson and Bradley have been teaching themselves since about August of last year.

Last September, the boys’ parents applied to local council for a busking permit and the boys have played weekly, mainly along the café strip at Mooloolaba. They play their harmonicas as a trio, playing popular songs, Aussie favourites like Waltzing Matilda and well-known hymns like Amazing Grace. Then they play sax, trumpet or harp individually, while the others have a breather.

Through busking, Bradley raised enough money to adopt two families during the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, and bought toys to present to Nambour general hospital’s emergency department for Christmas. All three boys have filled two shoe boxes each with age-appropriate gifts to send to children in developing nations, through Samaritan’s Purse: Operation Christmas Child. And Jackson and Hudson have also raised money to donate to an orphanage in Tanzania.

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In January, the boys decided to raise money for the Queensland flood victims. They set themselves up with a sign, “100% for Flood Appeal” and raised $2,300 over two nights, busking two-and-a-half hours each night. When they took the money to deposit at the Commonwealth Bank, the bank gave the boys a Mike Hussey hat and 2 mini replica signature bats to auction off and add to the money they raised. They fetched a further $60. The money has been given to families who lost everything in the floods.

On one of those evenings, their parents were approached and asked if they would like to join forces with Westpac bank at Chancellor Park, who pledged to match what the boys made, dollar for dollar. So on Thursday, 20th January, Westpac held a “Big Red Heart Day”, giving out cupcakes while the boys busked outside Woolworths, Chancellor Park. The boys raised $3,223 which Westpac matched and forwarded to the Premier’s flood appeal.

But the boys don’t just use their talents to raise money; they also play their instruments at a nursing home in Nambour once a month, purely to bring joy to the elderly.

Talk about encouraging kids!

If you know of some outstanding kids who through effort, achievement or attitude, make an inspiring contribution to our community, why don’t you nominate them to be profiled in our Encouraging Kids section. The Three Busketeers were nominated by a friend who saw them in action at the “Big Red Heart Day” event.

Send us an email at editorial@kidsonthecoast.com.au telling us who you’d like to nominate, and why; their parent or guardian’s contact details, so we can get in touch with them, and your name, so we can tell them who has nominated them.

Let’s encourage coast kids who do great things, and inspire others along the way.

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We’re growing!!

Our little team is getting bigger, and we’re looking for the right people to help Kids on the Coast grow and succeed. We’re looking for people who have proven ability in one of the following areas: Advertising sales Writing, editing, proof-reading Graphic design (in-house ad design) If you’ve got a healthy appetite for interesting, exciting work in a flexible, friendly environment and can bring to the table the skills, experience and passion to be a successful part of our team, let’s talk!

For more details, email simone@kidsonthecoast.com.au with “job ad” in the subject line.

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

51

e i MOV

S W e i REV

To hear about our latest comps!

Hop Release: April 7, Rating:TBA Hop tells the comic tale of Fred, an out-of-work slacker who accidentally injures the Easter Bunny and must take him in as he recovers. As Fred struggles with the world’s worst houseguest, both will learn what it takes to finally grow up. The film is helmed by Tim Hill, director of the blockbuster Alvin and the Chipmunks and produced by Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me).

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with than

Rango Release: March 10, Rating: PG A chameleon that aspires to be a swashbuckling hero finds himself in a Western town plagued by bandits and is forced to literally play the role in order to protect it.

Rango is a sheltered chameleon living as an ordinary family pet, while facing a major identity crisis. After all, how high can you aim when your whole purpose in life is to blend in?

To WIN a family pass, visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

!

N I W Disney’s double feature

Mars needs Moms Release: April 7, rated: TBA When Martians steal nine-yearold Milo’s mum for their own young, he realises how much he needs her. Produced by the team behind Disney’s A Christmas Carol and The Polar Express, Mars Needs Moms showcases Milo’s quest to save his mum—a wild adventure in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX®

Release: March 3, for a limited time only, rated G Playhouse Disney presents a special movie event for preschoolers and their families. It’s a dazzling doublefeature where Minnie takes centre stage in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Minnie’s Masquerade, and everyone’s favourite handyman, Handy Manny hits the road in Handy Manny Motorcycle Adventure.

RIO 3D Release: April 7, Rating: TBA From the creators of Ice Age comes Rio, the story of Blu, a macaw of a rare species who is brought up as a pet in a small-town home in Minnesota. He worries he might be the last of his kind until he learns about another one in his species in Brazil. He leaves his perfect life to go for an unsure trip through the lush tropical forests of Brazil and the high-energy, busy streets of Rio de Janeiro.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2011

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

S W e i REV BOOK MOZZIE AND MIDGIE

by Doug MacLeod. Illustrated by Sandy Okalyi. H/B $24.95 This is quite a quirky book for its illustrations but the storyline is familiar. Two spoonbills see themselves as very boring compared to other animals and proceed to try to dress themselves up to be more interesting like other creatures. Finally they realise that they are special just as they are but they do still like to dress up at times. This is a good book for reminding children of the importance of being themselves and celebrating their uniqueness. Ages 3-5

by

SONG OF THE WINNS

by Frances Watts. P/B $15.00 This is a great adventure story about some young mice with human qualities. They uncover a family secret and two pairs of mice set out in different directions to face perils and excitement. There is also an underlying message about prejudice in the story. It is the first book in a series called the Gerander Trilogy.

Ages 8-12

“Remember You” Written and Illustrated by Lisa Tyree P/B RRP $17.95 With beds of lolly-pops, trees of fairy floss and flying pink baby elephants, “Remember You” is a magical journey of discovery which “gives people hope in their hearts, that their love for each other is stronger than anything else, that magic truly does exist!”

BILLY B BROWN: THE SECOND-BEST FRIEND

by Sally Rippin. P/B $7.95 This is one of the latest in a recent series written for early readers. The main character in these stories is a girl who deals with many of the same issues that children experience in early primary years.

She plays soccer but also does ballet, a well-rounded girl. In this book Billy learns that making a new friend doesn’t mean that you have to lose an old one. Ages 5-7

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

The Secret of the Lonely Isles

by Joanne Van Os. P/B $15.95 This is a well-written Australian story about a group of children setting out on an adventure with their great-aunt.

It is set around the north of Australia and some of the islands as they are sailing on her boat, trying to find a lost artefact. The children vary in age and the story deals with a few issues the different children are facing. A respect for history and for indigenous culture pervades the writing. Ages 9-13.

MARCH / APRIL 2011 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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DIRECTORY Activities

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Aikido for kids Self awareness, anti bullying and self defence lessons in a safe environment Promotes calmness of mind, enhances strength & stamina For children from 8 years old Ph 0401 866 414 www.takemusukai.asn.au

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

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SUNSHINE COAST ART THERAPY STUDIO Individual and small group therapy services for children to adults Early intervention, Disability, Autism, Developmental delay, Life review

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