Port Phillip MamaMag April 2015 by MamaMag

port phillip

April 2015

WIN 1 of 15 double passes to the melbourne dog lovers show Adopt a pet Dogs and children Communicating with teens Juggling family routines Stranger danger

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Our Dogs are family and love us unconditionally. They provide benefits throughout the community and make us smile. It’s time to celebrate and learn more about our best friends at one of the largest events in the world dedicated to Dogs! dogs in action with performances of speed, scent, agility, search, rescue and working dogs! discover the right breed for your lifestyle with 30+ breed Clubs and hundreds of dogs on show. expert tips for a healthier, happier dog with presentations on training, behavior and puppy survival! buy everything you need to spoil your fur-kids with free samples, face-painting & loads more!

“My name is Alan and these are my people” Samantha, Rocco and me from St Kilda

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it’s a dog’s life! How good is growing up with a pet? Being a country girl, animals were a huge part of my childhood. Like many little girls, I dreamt of having a pony. Luckily with an auntie as a horse trainer, that dream was a reality with many “ponies” on hand to play with. I would be up at 5am hitting the stables each morning before school, and back to the horses after the final school bell to give them their dinner and tuck them in. Amazing dedication on reflection. I wish I had that kind of commitment and dedication these days! My best friend was a towering bay mare called Cheryl, or Moonlight Ride on race days. Such golden memories. As fun as family pets are, they also teach our kids important lessons allowing them to gain a sense of responsibility and learn a certain gentleness. They help to keep us in the now and get us active in a time when technology is too easily a source of temptation and distraction. Join us in celebrating all our fur-best mates at the Dog Lovers Show next month, we’ve got heaps of free tickets to giveaway so get involved! Although my family is currently furless, we do have a few fur-cousins, a lovely lady Labrador called Greer, a gentle Staffy named Ronnie and Buddy the King Charles Cavalier X Terrier. Nothing lights up my little girl’s face more than when we are off to the doggy beach with Greer or going to visit Ronnie and Buddy. I can’t imagine my childhood without animals in it. Therefore, I can’t wait to introduce a furry member into our family, just as soon as the cat-versus-dog debate is settled. I’m on the fence with the dog, although I’m happy to compromise to a pot-belly pig! Until that discussion is settled, we will continue to spend a lot of our time at the amazing zoos around Melbourne and the many great open farms to visit. We’ve been up close and personal with a precious sugar glider possum and survived patting a snake. Little Miss 2 didn’t hesitate for a second as my heart beat frantically! Check out the ultimate adventure for the kids to step behind the scenes as a Zoo Keeper at Wild Action these holidays. Until next time, keep loving local. @localmamamag

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Contents Mama, can we have a pet? Have you considered pet adoption?

Cots for tots St Kilda Mums latest campaign

1 of 15 double passes to thE

Dogs & kids - getting along together 10 Introducing a dog into your house New mama, new moves Excercise advice for new mums

Shut up and listen Communicating with teens

Lovely locals We explore Glen Eira Road Ripponlea

Juggling family routines Hit the routine reset button

Parklife 20 Royal Park Parkville Made for mama Our Mother’s Day local gift ideas

Mama of the month 24 Dr Nat Kringoudis from The Pagoda Tree Mama can cook 26 Our take on the Anzac cookie and more Fox Mums A great service for local mums

Get it write Preschooler literacy tips

Can you tame a drop bear? Caring for native animals

Stranger danger Top 9 tips to discuss with your kids

Memories made today Stories of love and loss

Run for mum Join the Mother’s Day Classic

Fun for the kids Kid’s crafts and our colouring comp

Childcare guilt Why you don’t have to worry

MamaMag April 2015

Entries open April 1st 12.01am and close April 24th 2015 at 11.59pm. Double passes valid for single day entry to the Dog Lovers Show Melbourne 2015. For further details and full terms & conditions visit mamamag.com.au

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www.facebook.com/localmamamag MamaMag is published monthly for the mums of the Port Phillip area by Grizzle Design Pty Ltd. ABN: 26 042 138 550. PO Box 8018 Brighton East VIC 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au

5,000 copies are distributed monthly. Port Phillip Editor: Kirsty Chick Creative Director: Sarah Cavalier Like to contribute an article or products for review or giveaway? submissions@mamamag.com.au Like to advertise in our next month’s issue? info@mamamag.com.au or download our media kit from www.mamamag.com.au The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishing staff. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission of the publishers. Health related articles are designed to be informative and educational. They are not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace one-on-one advice from your health practitioner.

mama, can we get If your family hasn’t got a pet already, chances are you may have heard this once or twice before! Perhaps it’s time to consider Pet Adoption? Adopting an animal is a rewarding experience that will last a lifetime. But before you adopt a pet you need to consider the commitment you are about to make. Sometimes the excitement of pet ownership can overshadow factors that should be considered before adoption. Before you decide, have you considered the following? • Do I have time to exercise the dog every day? • Do I have time for puppy pre-school and time to socialise a puppy? • Do I have at least an hour every day to spend with my cat? • Do I have time for obedience training? • If renting, does the landlord permit pets? • Is the backyard big enough and secure? • Does the whole family want a pet? • Will the pet be allowed inside? • Can I afford a pet? Pets are a lifelong monetary commitment, you will need to factor in: • Weekly animal food bills and necessities • Yearly council registration • Monthly medications like heart worm/ intestinal worm and flea treatments • Annual vet visits for vaccinations and check ups • Unexpected vet bills due to accidents or medical conditions • Ongoing grooming

Here are the top five reasons we think you should adopt: 1. You give an animal a second chance Every year, hundreds of thousands of animals are abandoned to shelters or the street. At Lort Smith, we rehome around 1,200 pets each year. These pets are surrendered to our shelter by owners who are no longer able to care for them. Adopting a shelter pet means you can give an animal a second chance for a long and happy life with a loving family. 2. You will get a healthy pet All of the animals available for adoption in our shelter have been examined by a vet and vaccinated, spayed or neutered. We also screen animals for specific temperaments and behaviours to ensure each family finds the right pet for its lifestyle. 3. You will save money Adopting a pet from Lort Smith’s shelter is much less expensive than buying a pet from a pet store or from a breeder. It is especially thrifty as vaccinations and desexing are included in the adoption fee. 4. You will feel better Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they have been proven to help people psychologically, emotionally, and physically. Plus you are giving this animal a wonderful new home. 5. You won’t be supporting puppy mills or pet stores Puppy mills are “factory style” dog-breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs. Puppy-mill puppies are sold to unsuspecting consumers in pet stores, over the Internet, and through newspaper classified advertisements to whoever is willing to pay for them.

• Boarding fees for human holidays

For more information on Animal Adoption visit www.lortsmith.com 6

a pet? Happy Adoption stories: The Tans - Chai, Juliana, Amanda, Nathalia Dog - Sabre (Alaskan Malamute) In their words: ‘This is Sabre, he was the fifth foster dog we looked after in the space of two years. People think it gets easier to let them go as you get used to fostering…it’s not true. When faced with the thought of letting Sabre go, we couldn’t do it. He became our beloved “foster failure” and the best birthday present I have received.’ Teena & Presley McLeish Dog - Snowy (Samoyed) In their words: ‘This is Snowy, he is 4 years old. We adopted him in October 2014. Snowy was surrendered by his owners. He came to us completely matted, underweight and not house trained. How his life has changed! His coat is now pure white and matt free, his weight is perfect and he now sleeps on Presley’s bed every night! Our Family is now complete.’ Tyce & Dani Wignell Dog - Diesel (Dogue de Bordeaux) In their words: ‘This is our Dogue de Bordeaux, Diesel with his best ‘little human’ friends. He is a gentle giant and adores his friends and family. As you can see he is a natural guardian and takes this job very seriously…not even a smile for the camera.’

cots for tots Local not-for-profit organisation St Kilda Mums is targeting a goal of collecting 500 cots in their 2015 Cots for Tots campaign, running from 15 March to 30 April. St Kilda Mums collects and rehomes nursery items for families in need, with cots the most consistently sought after item, and up to 70 families per month on the waiting list. The annual campaign launched in 2013 and saw the collection of 400 cots in an eight week period last year. Donations were made by families giving their preloved cots, or through the St Kilda Mums website where a donation of $140 enables St Kilda Mums to purchase a brand new cot (at a heavily subsidised price from loyal suppliers). The target of 500 cots in 2015 would mean St Kilda Mums has a six month supply to help families give their babies a safe place to sleep. St Kilda Mums CEO Jessica Macpherson concedes the target is ambitious but is confident it can be reached. “St Kilda Mums was so fortunate to receive 400 cots in 2014. To be able to make such a significant impact on the lives of babies across Victoria by donating a cot was a rewarding experience for all involved, especially our generous donors.

best for our children. Through circumstances often beyond their control, some families need a helping hand. I know if we put out this call to action, hundreds of families will see what a difference they can make by donating their pre-loved cot to another family, or donating funds for a new cot. “I’m confident and excited about the Cots for Tots campaign and I encourage everyone to spread the word. We will be sharing a weekly tally on our website and Facebook page so our supporters can track our progress,” Ms Macpherson said.

How to donate to St Kilda Mums Cots for Tots campaign. To donate a preloved cot, please email donate@stkildamums.org with the cot make, model and year of manufacture so we can be sure we can rehome it. Cash donations are also welcome, with details available at http://www.stkildamums.org/ donate/money/. As a registered charity, all donations $2 and over are tax deductible.

“In 2015, we’d like to increase that impact. As parents, we want to provide the very

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dogs & kids - getti So you’ve decided to get a dog.... here are great tips from the Royal Children’s Hospital about safely introducing a dog into the family home. To help prevent misunderstandings, dogs, children and adults need to learn how to approach and communicate effectively. Supervising children and dogs when they are together and teaching both children and dogs how to behave around each other are the keys to preventing dog bites. Young children do not have the skills or understanding of how to interact with a dog appropriately. The child may have no concept of the pain they may be inflicting on a dog when they handle it roughly. Remember, any dog can and might bite a child.

Important dog behaviour to recognise Dogs have a special way of communicating with each other and humans. A dog’s body language may give us clues about how a dog is feeling. Some dogs perceive eye contact or staring as a threat or challenge. A dog should be left alone if it: • Lifts its lips • Growls • Backs away • Raises the hair on its back • Stares at you

Teaching children how to interact with dogs Children learn most effectively by “doing”. Many of a child’s life skills, such as crossing the road, grooming and eating are learned from the parent, with the parent modelling the desired behaviour. Telling children “don’t…!” will not give the child the necessary information or skills to perform the correct behaviour. Model the desired behaviour with the child. Tell them what you are doing and why you are doing it.

Introducing a new dog into a household with a child Ideally choose a puppy that has already had friendly experiences with children such as in the breeder’s home. If accepting an older dog then you need to gain as much information as possible about the dog’s life and assess the response of an older dog to children before accepting it into your home. Temperament testing may be available from the place of adoption or it may be best to have a veterinarian or qualified animal behaviourist assist you with this assessment. Prior to the arrival of the dog, children should understand that the dog must always be treated gently and quietly. The child should be encouraged to take on age appropriate responsibilities such as grooming or keeping the water dish full however you still need to make sure this is being done competently as ultimately you are responsible for your dog. Older children can “learn” to teach their dog good manners such as “come” or “sit” on cue.

ng along together Introducing a new baby into a home with a dog

As dogs and kids grow up

Young babies and children should never be left alone with a dog. A new baby in the home will most probably require some major changes to the home routine which will affect the dog. If any adjustments to the dog’s routine are likely, gradually introduce the changes in the months prior to the baby arriving.

As children grow up with a dog, hopefully the relationship between them becomes one of love, mutual respect and understanding of each other’s needs and behaviours. However, as a dog ages, is unwell or if in pain the behaviour of the dog can change. Situations such as moving house, visitors or other changes to the dog’s environment can also cause a dog to feel unsettled. If a bitch is pregnant or has puppies she may feel tired, sore and protective of her babies. Be aware that her behaviour may be different from what you may be used to. Treat her gently and allow her space to be a mother. Be aware and make the appropriate changes such as increasing supervision of dogs and kids, separating them if you need to and communicating with your children so that they understand what is occurring.

There may be changes that need to occur such as which rooms the dog is allowed access to or where the dog will eat or sleep. Again, prepare well before the baby arrives. Babies and dogs need strict and close supervision at all times. Make sure the dog does not have any unwanted access to the baby such as whilst on the floor or in the baby’s room. Close the door or use a door barrier which cannot be breached by the dog. To help the dog get ready for the arrival of the baby, bring home something from the hospital that smells like the baby and allow the dog to sniff it. Gently introduce pleasant but ‘child like’ contact with the dog, for example stroking and gentle pulling of the ears, tail or paws. The dog should be rewarded for being relaxed and accepting the contact. The dog should be taught how to gently accept toys or food from an adult’s hand after an appropriate verbal cue such as “take”.

If you are concerned about your dog’s behaviour then seek help immediately from your veterinarian.

Rewarding a dog when the baby is in its presence creates a positive association for the dog. Shouting at the dog or locking it outside will create a negative association for the dog. Interaction between the dog and adults should not be exclusive to times when the baby is asleep. Taking your child with you when walking the dog is one way to create a positive association between the two. Published with permission from the Royal Children’s Hospital. For more info visit www.rch.org.au/dogsandkids/ 11

new Mama, new moves Exercise for new Mamas is a hot issue. When? What type? How much? What’s good? What’s not? Who to trust with your new body? What will I do with my baby? The physical and hormonal, large and microscopic changes in the years around pregnancy are immense. A new Mama’s body is really a different kind of normal! The body is still changing a great deal following initial recovery, possibly up until 12 months after the birth. Usually Mamas wait until their baby is about 6 weeks before restarting exercise. This allows for important tissue healing. Discuss this with your doctor or the health professional who is leading your exercise class. Exercise is good for your body, brain, and for your wellbeing. It is great to have time to focus on you. A great Mama’s exercise program will focus on abdominal and pelvic muscle recovery, back flexibility and strength, pelvic strength (think of the way you walked when you were pregnant), upper back support and movement (think of the hours spent sitting feeding). It may include some cardio activity or useful relaxation skills. The general public thinks new Mamas are only interested in fitting into their pre-pregnancy clothes. However, there are more important issues to consider. New Mamas have specific problems DRAM stands for Diastasis Rectus Abdominus Muscle; this is medical-speak for separation of the 6-pack muscle. This is very common during and following pregnancy. It requires a tailored exercise program and tells professionals to watch out for other problems such as pelvic muscle weakness, stress urinary incontinence (leakage with coughing or effort), back pain, and more. A good choice is to seek help from a health professional who is trained and experienced in exercise with Mamas and Mamas-to-be. Choose

someone who will assess you before you begin your program. Ask how many Mamas will be in your exercise group. A group is ideally small enough to allow your instructor time for personal feedback as you exercise. Some exercise therapists will allow you to bring your baby along. Others will include your baby in your workout. New Mamas, please avoid these specific exercises: If you have a problem with your abdomen or pelvic floor, please avoid abdominal sit-ups, burpees, planks, and using heavy weights such as kettle bells. If the abdomen is bulging, or you feel your pelvic floor bulging, the exercise is not right for you. Please stop what you are doing and tell your instructor. The exercise needs to be modified to be safe for your body. Intense jumping and running can have a detrimental effect on the recovering pelvic floor – muscles and the other soft tissues. Pilates is a great way to address the concerns of new Mamas. Pilates helps you return to exercise carefully, addressing core strength, specifically abdominal separation, pelvic muscle weakness, back flexibility and strength. Classes tend to be smaller than other exercise groups. Class instructors tend to have thorough training and a working knowledge of the childbearing years. Where do I find a Mama–friendly health professional? Seek help from your local women’s health physiotherapist: www.physiotherapy.asn.au under the heading: find a physio and look for the Continence Women’s Health Register www.continence.org.au or look at the www.pelvicfloorfirst.org.au site for further information. Happy Exercising New Mamas! Annette Beauchamp Women’s Health Physiotherapist Pilates Trainer

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shut up and listen “The best way to communicate with teens? SHUT UP & LISTEN!” Communicating with teenagers is one of life’s great contradictions. We want them to open up and speak to us. By contrast, they can think of nothing worse than a heart-to-heart chat with their parents. Teenagers are notoriously difficult to communicate with. They mumble, they grunt, they speak in monosyllables and they become increasingly distant. We genuinely want good communication with our children. We want them to feel that they can share ideas and opinions with us, and feel comfortable doing so. We are told over and over by all the experts “Good communication is the key to best parenting”. The trouble is that with teenagers effective communication is vastly different from what we think it is! I often ask teenagers: ‘Why do you not like talking to your parents?’ A frequent answer is: ‘When we talk, they never shut up. They either don’t listen to me, they lecture or they criticise. They don’t really want to hear my point of view. So most of the time I don’t even try.’

‘Teenagers don’t lose their ability to communicate, but their attention shifts away from parents and focuses like a laser beam onto their peers’ When we talk to our teens, there is so much that we want to convey as parents. We incessantly remind them to watch their language and not be rude. And we feel the need to frequently correct them. This type of instruction comes naturally to us as parents. It worked just fine throughout their childhood. But it just doesn’t work anymore. This form of didactic guidance is fairly useless with a teenager. The best way to communicate with adolescents is counter-intuitive: SHUT UP & LISTEN! In order to encourage our teens to talk, we need to keep our opinions out of the way until a later stage. The reason we find it so hard to shut up is that we feel that if we don’t correct our teen then and there, we miss the opportunity to teach her 14

the right way. This feels like a loss of control, which it is. But that’s exactly the point. Shutting up means letting go of the control that we may feel we need to exert. Of course, we need to use our discretion. You certainly won’t shut up if he bashes your car, or she gets seriously drunk or you find marijuana in the house. But for everyday conversations and interactions, don’t feel you have to use every opportunity to instruct. Let some of the issues go. Letting go of some control allows your teenager to talk and communicate further. If he doesn’t feel judged, criticised or corrected then he may just begin sharing more than his three favourite words ..... ‘fine’, ‘nothing’ and ‘later’. Although not an easy thing to do, wait until a little later to address the issue. Allow the emotions on both sides to calm down. A common response to this is: ‘If we don’t respond immediately to this back chat, won’t my teen feel as if she is getting away with it?’ Anthony Wolf, author of The secret of parenting, says: ‘Absolutely not. Just try my approach and see how much they hate for the power to rest in your hands.’ They want the response. The back chat is to spark off your emotion and thereby they have a chance at manipulating you. When a child gives you back chat, you have two options – either to respond immediately or not to respond. If you respond to the back chat, the chances are you will just get more of it. The back chat will die down if there is nothing to feed off. Effective communication means that each person’s needs, desires and opinions are considered. Teens need to know that their parents respect them even though we may not agree. Although they don’t always show it, they appreciate it when we truly listen and pay attention to what they are saying in a nonjudgemental manner. And if they still choose not to talk, let them know you are there to listen to listen to anything at any time.. The notion that teens don’t like to communicate with their parents is only partially true. They abhor being told what to do and they are not very good at taking criticism. (Neither are most adults, for that matter.) But they do like to be heard.

‘Teenagers don’t lose their ability to communicate, but their attention shifts away from parents and focuses like a laser beam onto their peers’ explains leading Australian adolescent expert, Michael Grose. Even the most introverted and monosyllabic teen appreciates being heard. It is the most basic part of being human. To a lesser or greater degree, we all want to share with someone what we feel and think. However with teens, the people they choose to share with are not usually their parents. The reason is simple: at this stage, they would much rather share with their peers. It’s a normal developmental experience, but it doesn’t last forever. They eventually move out of adolescence into early adulthood and once again for the most part, value the relationship with their parents. Teens are also often betrayed or let down by a friend or partner and then need someone to turn to. But they will only share with us, their parents, if they feel it’s safe. We could take our relationship with our teens to the next level simply by being as non-judgemental and uncritical as possible while they are talking to us. What to do: • Listening does not necessarily mean you say nothing. The ‘shutting up’ part means withholding correction, criticism or rebuke. • Being heard requires us to make eye contact and truly listen. • For your teen to feel heard also means letting her know that you have understood what she has said, each step of the way.

Dr Linda Friedland is a medical doctor, mother of five and the author of the new book, Raising Competent Teenagers (Rockpool Publishing $27.99), now available at good book stores and online at www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au

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Glen Eira Rd Ripponlea

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1. Healthy delights: The Staple Store Bring your own containers and fill them full of pulses, grains, dried fruit, quinoa, muesli mixes and all the ethically produced and wholesome offerings on display here. The owner Catie Gett is a clinical naturopath who is only too happy to share her knowledge and passion for wholesome and sustainable living. 21 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea VIC 3183, Ph 9523 0190. 2. Date night: Ripponlea Food and Wine Just over 12 months old, this little Modern European Restaurant has a style reminiscent of New York with the exposed brick walls and dangling light bulbs. The menu has some great share options, with the pork sliders being a crowd favourite. Open all day from your morning coffee, lazy lunch to wind down sunset rosés. 15 Glen Eira Avenue, Ripponlea, Ph 8804 1313. 3. Sweet treats: Firebrand Sourdough Bread A stalwart in the street, Firebrand has been baking since 1987 out of an original wood-fired 1930s oven. The depth of flavour in the Sourdough is amazing, coming from a starter that began in the 1970s! We sampled some Hot Cross Buns, which were rustic-looking and full of flavour. 69 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea, Ph 9523 0061. 4. Pamper: POLISH Ripponlea There’s nothing like a bit of a mani and pedi to lift the spirits! It’s amazing how much better a new colour on your nails can make you feel; an instant mood lifter. It’s obvious that the girls at POLISH have fun, from their cute and uplifting pearls of wisdom shared on their blackboard out front to the stylish salon inside. 32-34 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea, Ph 9528 5740. 5. Home and gifts: Maku Living A passion for organic natural and fairtrade product shines throughout this gorgeous wonderland of treasures both locally made and imported from all over the world. There’s beautiful lamps, cushions, sweet smelling soaps from Italy, lovely necklaces and an array of home decor. 68 & 70 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea, Ph 9530 0475. 6. Pram friendly lunch: Hawk & Hunter Brought to us by the guys behind Brighton’s Little Ox cafe, it comes as no surprise that Hawk & Hunter offers something a bit special. The space is vast and impressive, plenty of room to host mother’s group catchups with a bespoke timber communal table tucked up back which can seat up to 20. 8/10 Glen Eira Avenue, Ph 9528 2719. 16

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juggling family Is your family life a chaotic circus in which you spend more time dropping the balls than juggling them? If this sounds like your family then NOW might be a good time to hit the routine RESET button. The word routine conjures up images of hard work and strict schedules.

1. Environment:

Before setting routines - set up systems and structures within your spaces that support your daily routines. Zoning your spaces provides an obvious home environment the entire family can work within.

2. Communication:

However setting routines in place for the entire family can help you establish a positive work/life balance whilst transforming a chaotic household into an organised haven.

Set-up a family Communication hub for incoming paperwork/school notices/calendar dates/bags etc.

Routines are simply a healthy pattern of habits within our daily lives. They are how we organise ourselves to ensure we get things done, spend quality time together and have FUN.

Family calendar/diary: Have a central place for a calendar, either physical or digital. Keeping track of important dates is essential and should be available to everyone within the home. This becomes the schedule you work everyones individual routines around.

Routines also provide us with a sense of security, responsibility, purpose and achievement. Every household is made up of many members so be sure to share the load. Teaching kids organisation and responsibility is a valuable life lesson and let’s face it, as grown-ups we can still learn a thing or two. AAPO Accredited Professional Organiser, Robyn Amott from Bless this Mess, shares her Top 5 Tips which are sure to have you ticking all the boxes and out the door on time. When setting up routines firstly take a step back and consider your goals. Keep in mind all families are different, so it’s important to establish routines that reflect your family’s needs it’s not about perfection.

Paperwork: Paperwork comes at us from all directions, school notices, sports activities, holidays, parties. Establishing a routine around how you deal with incoming information can ensure you don’t miss anything important. You can deal with this paperwork in one of two ways. Action immediately: Complete the notice and pop it back into your child’s bag, RSVP to a party invite and note these in your diary straight away to ensure it’s not forgotten – even if it’s not due for another week or more. Action later that day: Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day to take the required action for new information and to review items that still require attention. Adding paperwork to a pile for LATER is a sure fire way to forget about it. However, not all paperwork can be actioned immediately. Setting up an action folder with simple reference headings (doctors referrals, school notices, follow-up, calls to make, dates or months) will ensure you can access the information quickly and easily when needed.

routines 3. Be Realistic & Set Clear Expectations:

Avoid becoming overwhelmed by not overfilling your bucket.

For the kids: Create a check list of age and stage appropriate daily routines. Work around the general timeframes of Before School/After School/Bedtime etc (for example:- getting dressed, brushing teeth, packing school bags, doing homework and readers before bed.) A simple point system where they challenge themselves to achieve a set number of points per week, stickers or simple praise can be all they need. Don’t fall into the trap of always associating achievement with monetary rewards or gifts. For the parents: Our routines are often more complex and work around smaller blocks of time. Set a pattern for yourself each day that allows you to complete necessary tasks like empting the dishwasher and preparing lunches prior to making the children breakfast; hanging a load of washing out before leaving for school/work etc., yet still taking care of yourself and being present for the kids.

4. Break it Up:

Establish regular daily routines or set them out based on the week ahead. Everyday is not always the same so you need to be flexible whilst also ensuring you’re prepared for each day ahead of time. A simple ‘this follows that’ approach establishes a dance like sequence/ rhythm to the day.

5. Prepare Ahead of Time:

Sundays are a great day to review and set your routine for the week ahead. Finish each day as you intend to start the next. Complete notices to be returned to school, set out any bills/paperwork that require your attention the following day. Morning routines are busy enough without playing catch-up or the stress of those last minute essentials you forgot. Whilst repetition is the key to turning routines into healthy daily habits so too is understanding our limits. Being consistent is just as important as being flexible. Give everyone time to adjust to their new routines. To celebrate take time out together enjoying an outing or activity as a family. Keep it simple and don’t sweat the small stuff! For more information visit www.blessthismess.com.au, or contact Robyn directly 0407 757 466

Parklife Royal Park Near the corner of Gatehouse Street and Story Street, Parkville.

This month we are travelling outside the comfort zone of Bayside to celebrate the opening of the new Royal Park Nature Playground at the old Children’s Hospital site! This place is the ‘talk of Melbourne town’ at the moment and so much so it inspired us to venture out of Port Phillip and into some city park lands. The blend of playground and nature is excellent with ropes, wood and rocks being a refreshing change to the usual run of the mill play equipment. The gardens, paths, bridges and rock stairs make getting from one part of the park to another all part of the adventure. There is the usual stuff like sandpits, slides and swings plus they have added things like a metal sculptures to play on and a water play area really spices up the fun factor. Lots of thought has been put into the older kids enjoyment too with tricky climbing rope ladders and platforms for them to tackle. The beautiful grassy hill overlooking the playground was a highlight for Mama, the views are lovely and the grass is squishy, perfect for a picnic or for rolling down, running up and running down ... again and again! Take your time here, there is heaps to do and one thing is for sure everyone will sleep well after a visit here. Mama’s lil’ tips: Take a towel and change of clothes in case the kids get a little wet. There is no free parking that we could find but the ticket machine takes cards. Parking could well be an issue on a weekend. Toilets and baby change facilities are in the nearest Royal Children’s Hospital building towards the water play area and there are also a few little cafes in that direction too. The nitty gritty: BBQ, water fountains, park benches, picnic tables, public toilets nearby. 20

MamaMag park of the month!

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MAMA of the month There is something so powerful in sharing the trials and triumphs of Motherhood. It’s always uplifting to hear of passionate people doing exactly what they love and naturally shining bright along the way. This month we stand in the beaming light of Dr Nat Kringoudis, a doctor in Chinese medicine, acupuncturist, author, natural fertility champion and Mum to two gorgeous children. Nat combines all these expertise at her clinic The Pagoda Tree in Albert Park.

How did the Pagoda Tree Clinic come about? What were the early challenges for the business? The Pagoda Tree has now been in operation for over 10 years. To say it is all done with ease is a lie. At times, it’s been a tough gig, but to be honest, the challenges have got us to where we are today. Initially the clinic wasn’t a hub for women’s wellness as it stands today, in the beginning our focus was to help as many people as possible. But we had an influx of women needing fertility support, which eventually enlightened me to the fact that if we fixed it before it was broken (say in the early stages of endometriosis or PCOS or hormone imbalance) the long term health of women collectively would be so much better. And so that’s where we are at today. Managing people would be one of the most challenging things I’ve had to do to date and it’s ongoing. Building an amazing team around me has helped immensely and having people on your side that you can completely trust, an absolute must. Nowadays I spend half of my time in the clinic and the other speaking and writing. I absolutely love the path my career has taken me on. Nat Kringoudis is on a mission to... Lead all women to understanding their bodies and their hormones on a new level – from 12 – 82 years of age (and beyond). I’m ‘revolutionising’ the way we see our hormones.

Where did your interest and love of Chinese Medicine and Alternative Therapies spark from? I was so fortunate to grow up in a household where food was medicine, so much of what I advocate for is ingrained. I can thank my wonderful mum for that! But over time I also recognised that whilst modern medicine can be wonderful to treat illness, it doesn’t take you on the path of ‘wellness.’ Approaching health naturally can mean less instance of illness long term, not to mention that if we don’t nourish our bodies correctly, we can’t expect them to thrive. How does food and stress relate to fertility? Do you recommend a regular body cleanse? What we consume lays the foundation for our wellness. Stress too is impacting our bodies at a rapid rate and we aren’t necessarily savvy on how to cope with it. Stress hormones push out of kilter our sex hormones which can be a disaster for many people. It’s so vital we move back to balanced hormones. Our cells require a certain level of nutrition and if we can’t offer that to our body we simply can’t expect it to work. We’ve gone for too long not giving enough thought to this. Times are changing though which is brilliant. I’m a massive fan of cleansing because we can’t all live our lives in bubble wrap and even the most health conscious aren’t exempt from everyday pollutants in our environment. Giving the body a little ‘rest’ and sprucing up the digestive system is key to balancing health and hormones. Granted our livers do a good job of this in a perfect world but sadly that isn’t the world we live in.

Happy hormones are... Balanced hormones! Hormone imbalance presents in a host of ways from anxiety and depression right through to ovulation pain or missing periods. It’s the whole kit and caboodle. Traditionally we are having babies later, when should women be thinking about their fertility? Fertility doesn’t start at the time we are ready to have babies. Our fertility begins when we are born. So always reminding ourselves that a negative approach to health and wellness has consequences and to support fertility long term starts here. What do you love most about what you do? I love every single bit of what I do! I love seeing a women’s face light up when we are able to move her body to health. The evidence of wellness is always clear. How do you juggle managing a successful business, writing books, public engagements and motherhood? I have an amazing support crew. There’s no way I could do it on my own. Knowing my goals, direction and vision helps, but nothing outweighs organisation! Motherhood has taught me... To multitask like nothing else. Also to know love on a deeper level – like I never thought I could know. My guilty pleasure is... Oh… coffee. That stuff! I’m inspired by... Rachel Zoe, Sarah Wilson, my family. You recently started the #just1wish campaign, what inspired this idea and what is your wish? I just wanted to create global awareness that if we knew what we knew right now, when we were young women, could we have done things differently that really made a big difference. I know we can all relate. My wish was “each day the choices I make affect my health on-going. Health is not a gift, it’s a given – don’t waste it.” Where can our readers find you? Too easy! www.natkringoudis.com.au 25

mama can Cook! Date and Coconut â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chocolateâ&#x20AC;? Balls Serves: 4 | Prep: 10min

Method:

Ingredients:

Check the dates for any pits that may still be in them.

400g Dried Pitted Dates 2 Cups Shredded Coconut 20ml Boiling Water 1 Tablespoon choice of Peanut Butter / Nutella / Chocolate Chips / Oreo Cookies 1/2 Cup Almond Meal

Place the dates and almond meal in the bowl of blender and whizz until fairly smooth, adding a little hot water at a time to help loosen the mixture up. Add to the mixture choice of sweetener: Peanut Butter / Nutella etc. and blend until the mixture begins to ball and form one solid mass. Transfer mixture to a bowl and begin rolling into bite sized balls. Roll balls in shredded coconut and store in airtight container for up to a week

Great little sweet treats, from Let Me Be Frank in South Melbourne, that the kids will love to make with you.

Pull out these beauties this ANZAC Day! Sure to be a hit, and fabulous in the kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lunchboxes.

Cranzacs (Cranberry ANZAC biscuits!) Makes: 30 | Prep Time: 12-15 min | Cook time: 10-12 min Ingredients: 1 cup flour 1 cup rolled oats 1 cup coconut 3/4 cup caster sugar 1 cup dried cranberries (craisins) 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 125g butter 1/2 cup golden syrup 1 tsp baking soda 2 tbsp boiling water

Method: Preheat oven to 175Â°C. In a large bowl combine flour, rolled oats, coconut, sugar, cranberries and seeds. Melt butter and syrup together and cool for five minutes. Dissolve soda in boiling water and add to butter (mixture will foam up). Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix well. Roll into walnut sized balls and place on baking paper lined baking trays, flatten slightly with a fork and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.

Fox Mums My name is Sharon Fox. I’m 31 years old and single parent to a beautiful five year old boy. Before I had my son I spent eight years volunteering overseas, doing humanitarian work following the war in Bosnia. At seven months pregnant I made the decision to return to Australia to have my son, as things didn’t work out with his dad. Having my son Bryson was the greatest thing that ever happened to me. That said, my experience as a single mum wasn’t easy. I had been away for a long time and felt disconnected in many ways. I was committed to providing a great life for Bryson and went to Uni to get my Masters degree. While I was studying I worked at a number of casual jobs. Studying and working and raising a toddler on your own is tough. I was time-poor and on a very limited budget, which meant I couldn’t afford to pay a babysitter for the occasional outing with friends, or just to have some down time. I usually missed out on social events at work for the same reason, so this was a very isolated time. The practical challenges of raising a child and meeting the costs of living were difficult, but the hardest thing was the feeling of being completely on my own. After I finished Uni, our quality of life increased drastically. I was fortunate to get a good job, and I realised what a huge difference it can make to have more options and resources available. This is how the idea for Fox Mums came about. I wanted to build a community that provided an affordable option for mums to get the time they need to achieve a better balance and quality of life. The community uses a virtual currency and

A local mum’s idea to create an easier life for herself and mothers. is set up so just about anyone can afford to pay for babysitting and childcare at a fraction of the market rate. Members can use the site to search their area for other nearby mums. Member profiles have information about the member, and a weekly calendar with their babysitting needs and availability for helping out. Members can message and get to know each other on the site, and arrange to meet up. Membership is completely free, and you get 100 free credits to spend on sign up. Single or not, I think all mums can benefit from the support the community provides. There are many wonderful mothers groups already in existence which support mums; Fox Mums has just taken it a step further and provided a framework for mums to get very practical, affordable help. This will free up time and resources which mums can then choose how they will use - whether it be to increase their income through paid work, study, take a fitness class or a childfree trip to the hairdresser, catch up with friends, or just have some down time. I am excited to see Fox Mums becoming a thriving community where mothers feel safe and happy connecting with other local mums. For more information visit www.foxmums.com.au

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GET it write It doesn’t take long for new parents to realise that their child is such an individual with their own needs and demands. It’s important that we recognise these differences even within the same family. There’s a broad understanding of developmental stages such as crawling, walking, talking, etc. Reading and writing also have developmental stages. It’s important that parents understand the differences in development and don’t compare children, particularly their own child’s individual progress. As parents we need to have a general understanding of developmental stages and know how all children develop at their own pace. Go watch an under 13 football game to see how outstanding the differences can be at the same age! Learning to read and write is the same. Some children are ready at preschool age while others are ready at a later stage. But we need to recognise that learning to read is not a natural process that just happens on its own. Many preschool children show an interest in the written word. They want to read! This opportunity should be acted on whether the child is at school or preschool. Research indicates that the 4 to 6 year old age range is the sweet spot for teaching reading. It doesn’t just happen. Pre reading skills are extremely important. Reading to your child is the very first step.

By Trevor Davies Special Education Consultant Back to Basics Education

Reading Progression before School What parents can do : • Encourage verbal feedback of experiences. Expand on this information with drawings, photos, etc. • Practice rhyming jingles which emphasise letter sounds. • Read picture books. Children can make up their own story to match the picture. Never correct the child with an adult perception. Laugh and encourage your child to express his/her ideas. • Reading begins by making sense of pictures. • As you read to your child encourage left to right eye movement by moving your hand from left to right in a flowing fashion as you read the words. • Encourage your child to memorize simple passages and read with you in unison using pictures as cues. • Allow children to “act as though they are reading by themselves.” • If interest is shown, then letter names and sounds can be encouraged and taught. • Read alphabet books. • Start making initial sounds such as “c” for cat. Make the sound with your child feeling your mouth as you make the sound. From here on, the learning process depends on the amount of interest shown by the child and the way learning is presented. From my experience learning about letters and numbers is as much fun as playing in the sandpit. Children love it! There are rewards in learning. But be aware that damage can be done by overzealous parents forcing a learning situation. Recognise readiness and the absolute need for fun and positivity! Simple phonetic based readers provide a solid base for reading in the

future. It’s important to continue pre reading activities in a fun and encouraging manner. Laughter and role play with family members is a great way to learn so many things.

Writing Skills Parents can help their child develop fine motor skills necessary for writing. • Cutting out pictures • Colouring in • Drawing • Playdough activities • Pictures in sand trays If possible teach your child to write his/her own name before starting school. Starting school and learning to read and write is a huge challenge for child and parents. For some children, this is an easy and rewarding experience; for others it can be difficult and frustrating. Making a good early start in learning to read generates enormous benefits for the individual child. But we must all be aware that learning activities with young children must be presented without pressure or expectation. Young children learn through freedom of thought, enjoyment and self motivation. Experienced teachers allow for individual differences and set up their classroom activities accordingly. Long term research studies have shown that children who make sound early progress in reading, not only read more books but also understand far better what they read, even at age 16, than those children who get off to a slow start. Parents who are concerned about their child’s learning and development should initially speak to the teacher to get a balanced and professional perspective on their child’s progress.

Can you tame a Drop I was an animal-kid. You know the type. The ones who drag home abandoned kittens, hatchlings fallen from nests, birds with broken wings, even half-dead lizards.

Through those creatures – tiny and insignificant as they may have been – I learned that loving an animal doesn’t always mean taming it and making it a pet. I learned to love the wildness of those creatures, and let them go when the time came. So when I read that the little prince chose not to tame the beautiful fox, it struck a chord of memory.

Nowadays, I see the kids like me when I visit schools. Their hands shoot up in the air if I ask if anyone wants to be a vet when they grow up. They’re not the only kids who love animals, but their passion is palpable.

All this came back to me when I sat down to write Dexter The Courageous Koala, a story about 13-year-old Ashley, a city kid who’s desperate for a puppy of her own, and what happens when she misses out on a puppy and instead becomes caught up in rescuing an injured mother koala and her young joey ‘Dexter’.

As an animal-kid I pestered my parents for pets – puppies, kittens, ducklings, budgies, mice and, of course, a pony. I guess my parents thought that pets would teach me care and responsibility, which they did (though I never did get a pony). But I wonder now if I didn’t learn more important lessons from the wild and wounded creatures I brought home, hoping to heal them and release them. They weren’t endangered native mammals. I suspect most of them were pigeons and only a few survived. I had enthusiasm but little knowledge, and if wasn’t for a nearby vet who gave advice over the phone, probably none of them would have made it.

In reality, few kids will be rescuing injured native wildlife – such as koalas, kangaroos, possums or bats –and there aren’t many chances for kids to learn about these creatures outside of zoos. It doesn’t seem right somehow – these are the creatures that live wild in Australia, and their survival in the future may rest on people’s care and concern – their willingness to take action to protect these creatures and their homes. But stories shouldn’t preach. So rather than telling kids what they “ought” to know about koalas and the threats facing them, I threw my young heroine right in the middle of a difficult koala rescue so she could learn about courage, loving an animal, and the importance of NOT always taming it. Through the story Ashley

Bear? learns to love young Dexter and ultimately let him be free. And along the way, young readers can absorb a bit about the perils facing koalas – and what to do if they find injured native creatures – without feeling like it’s a lesson on capital E Environment. The story came out of my own delight in seeing wild koalas. In the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to see them in my garden. Our favourite koala, “Elsie”, had symptoms of chlamydia, a disease that eventually killed her. Through trying to rescue Elsie I learned about Friends of the Koala and their amazing work trying to save injured and diseased koalas like Elsie. I discovered that caring for injured or orphaned native creatures (not only koalas) is a tough job. It takes many hours, days and weeks of sometimes round the clock care, and it can often end in tears. But the joy that carers feel when their charges survive and go back to the wild is inspiring. So – if you’d like to share a different kind of Australian animal story with the animal kid in your life, Dexter The Courageous Koala might be the one for you. At the very least check out the Australian Museum’s spoof page on “Drop Bears”: carnivorous marsupials that kill by jumping from above and biting the neck of their intended prey, including humans. (http://australianmuseum.net.au/drop-bear). As far as I can see, no one has been able to tame one.

Top five tips on involving kids in caring for native creatures • Do you have pet dogs and cats? Keep them inside at night, put bells on your cat’s collar, and keep your dog on a leash if wildlife is about. • NEVER pick up an injured wild creature before checking with an adult. You might get hurt, and so might the animal. • If it’s safe, move the animal away from danger and into a quiet, dark environment such a cardboard box with a small towel inside. Don’t offer food or water. • Write down where you found the creature – it should be released back in the same area. • Know the number of the nearest wildlife rescue service. You can also take native creatures to the nearest vet for help (for no charge). • Remember - only licensed carers can look after native wildlife. But everyone can keep an eye out for creatures that need help. Written by Dr Jesse Blackadder. Dr Blackadder is an Australian author fascinated by landscapes, adventurous women, animals and very cold places. She wanted to be a vet from the age of five, but ended up becoming an author instead and has published award-winning books for adults and children. www.jesseblackadder.com

stranger danger Education, situational awareness and being street smart are the keys to preventing your child from being harmed by strangers. This list of 9 things is the perfect starting point for parents to use when discussing Stranger Danger with their kids. It is important to discuss these points with your children on a regular basis. Role playing different situations is a good idea to test their understanding.

1. Don’t trust strangers This may be the most important bit of advice in this list. A stranger may offer your child a present to enter their car. Tell your child that this is always a trick. Don’t trust strangers!

2. Always play near a parent or teacher

Your child is in danger of being harmed by a stranger if they play by themselves where you can’t watch over them. Another good tip is to tell older siblings to always watch over their younger family members.

3. Know your safe places in the neighbourhood

We encourage parents to go for a walk in their area and have a discussion about the different safe places close by.

4. Know who the safe people are in your community These people can include police and family friends. Ask your child to make a list and discuss this with them.

34 34

5. Don’t tell people you will be staying home alone

This is simple - if people know that your child is home alone they may try to harm them.

6. Don’t answer the door if you are home alone

A stranger may try to trick your child into opening the door and letting them in.

7. Don’t give out personal information

If a stranger talks to your child over the phone, internet or person, make sure they know not to tell them where you live.

8. Call 000 for help

If a stranger approaches your child and they feel in danger tell them to run away and call 000 for help if they have access to a phone.

9. Run Yell and Tell

It is important to tell your child that running away to a safe place (see Tip No. 3) should be their first action when in danger. Next, we need to emphasise the importance of using their voice to call for help. Your child’s voice is their most powerful weapon. Your child needs to be loud, which can be difficult. To improve your child’s confidence, we encourage trying martial arts. This article was written by Sensei Kenneth Douglas from Twins Martial Arts.

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memories made today There really is nothing quite like the news that you are expecting a baby, with that mixture of excitement and a little trepidation as you approach this most lifealtering journey, whether for the first time or even the fifth time. Parents-to-be generally fill the months waiting for the ‘big arrival’ with contemplations of what life will be like, what kind of parents they will be, what baby might look like, what gender baby will be; and for those who have already entered the parental rodeo, thoughts on how they might alter the original game plan with the arrival of another child. But what if life bursts that bubble of excitement and replaces that sheer happiness with devastating shock, fear and the desperate need to find answers as to ‘why’? In late July of 2013, I met my niece at the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (Butterfly Ward) at the Royal Children’s Hospital. I met sweet Abby for the first, and sadly, for the last time that night. Abby was a beautiful healthy looking baby, despite her breathing tubes it was hard for me to comprehend that this innocent child only had days left in this world. As her two sisters and my two daughters as her big cousins all clambered onto a chair together to hold Abby for some photos seemingly unaware of what the future held, my heart began to sink as I realised I was not just there to meet Abby but to capture as many tangible memories for her parents as I possibly could to last their lifetime.

I had been in contact with Belly Art and their modern keepsake business over a number of years prior in a professional sense as the editor of a Melbourne based lifestyle magazine. I was always on the lookout for innovative and interesting Australian owned and designed products to feature up and coming contemporary and quality brands. With older children of my own, I never actually thought I would need to use their services, but life is often peculiar. I called Belly Art out of hours on a wintery Saturday afternoon with a last minute plea for one of their now award-winning Inkless Print Kits. Within the hour Ilana, their Creative Director, was at my front door with the keepsake kit and clear instructions as to how to take the prints and how the prints could be stored for later use for different keepsake applications should her parents want to use them in the future. Abby passed on two days later, but her permanent hand and footprints while she was here continue to bring solace to her parents, Loni and Shane. As Loni explained, “the grieving process has been so long, yet the time with Abby was so brief. Sometimes I question whether Abby was actually ever here and then I walk into what would have been her bedroom and I see her footprints in a frame and I feel reassured and blessed that ‘yes, she really was here’, and it means everything to me”.

While the story of Abby is a personal story, I have no doubt that most MamaMag readers would be familiar with the very public story of Michelle Buchholtz and partner Alexander Ansalone’s continuing fight against Michelle’s terminal cancer diagnosis and their decision to forgo her treatment after finding out they were expecting a baby, which resulted in the subsequent delivery of baby Ava three months premature, who is now home and doing well.

This article is intended to draw light on the times in life when those special baby book mementos, belly casts and precious items we collect of our child’s earliest years can be the everlasting keepsakes for tomorrow and provide life lasting tangible memories, especially when that may be all we have to hold on to and cherish. By Lisa Quittner from Belly Art To find out more visit www.bellyart.com.au

While at first Michelle and Alex’s story strikes as one of tragic misfortune, it is actually also one of a mother’s pure and self-sacrificing love for her child. It is also a lesson about positivity and courage in the face of adversity. Despite Michelle’s current chemotherapy treatment, I am extremely thankful for her insights via her sister Janine, into having her belly cast done at Belly Art’s studio in North Caulfield the day before being admitted to hospital to deliver Ava, and why she originally wanted a belly cast prior to the knowledge of her terminal prognosis.

“I wanted to capture that special moment in my life and to have it for my little girl. I wanted to have it on my wall and one day give it to Ava. The belly casting was an opportunity to express how I was feeling about my pregnancy and child through an art form, I am very creative and found this type of expression to be very familiar to me” says Michelle. I asked Michelle whether the meaning and value of having her pregnant belly cast had changed for her emotionally after learning of her prognosis. “Yes, it has made it much more special, it will show Ava what her mother looked like when she was having her. It will also more than likely be my only pregnancy, so that makes that time in my life extra special.” Sometimes, life doesn’t live up to our expectations and certainly isn’t always fair; sometimes we are just simply unable to control the powers that be.

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run for mum Looking for something different to do with the family this Mother’s Day? How about a fun day out getting active at the Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic. The Mother’s Day Classic is becoming an annual event for families across the country. A fun run/walk for all ages and fitness levels, the Mother’s Day Classic also plays host to a range of family activities held throughout the day for kids and big kids to enjoy. Activities include warm up aerobics, performers, food stands, free massages, entertainment plus a kids activity area with face painting and jumping castle. It’s a chance for the whole family to spend time together on a special day for mum. While there is much family fun to be had, the event is about honoring women affected by breast cancer while raising vital funds for breast cancer research. It is a day of celebration for women and their families - a day to enjoy the company of your family and friends while supporting a great cause. This year special discounts are offered for family registrations. The event involves 4km and 8km courses to walk for fun or run for your personal best. Many mums see Mother’s Day Classic as a perfect opportunity to start their fitness journey.

Almost three years down the track Kelly has completed her treatment. She sees participating in the Mother’s Day Classic as an important way to fund advances in treatment and detection, as well as to acknowledge her journey. “I take part in the Mother’s Day Classic each year to help fund vital cancer research so we can find a better treatment and one day a cure for this disease. My children love it as it is such a fun day out,” Kelly says.

The Mother’s Day Classic is Australia’s largest funder of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with $24.3 million raised for research by the event since it began in 1998. More than 100 events will take place on Sunday May 10 in every capital city and major regional areas, please check www.mothersdayclassic. com.au for more details and to join an event near you. To register or for more information go to www.mothersdayclassic.com.au

You’ll find information on the Melbourne event (at Alexandra Gardens around the Tan Track) at http://www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/ our-events/event-locations/melbourne/ and for those outside of Melbourne there are many regional events including one at Geelong and one at Ballarat. One Melbourne family who make Mother’s Day Classic a regular annual calendar date are the Newmans - mum Kelly was only 31 and busy caring for two young children Jack, 2, and Mia, 4 months old, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2012. 39

fun for the kids Keepsake Handprint Ornaments As little hands grow so quickly, make a keepsake handprint ornament to cherish those early years. This is very simple and can be created each year to record how their hands have grown. What you will need Homemade clay recipe: 2 cups baking soda, 1 cup cornflour, 1.5 cups of water. Baking paper, rolling pin, straw, ribbon, paint.

Method 1. Place all the ingredients into a pan and mix together over a

medium heat. Continually stir with a spoon. The mixture will quickly turn into thick mashed potato consistency. Place the clay onto baking paper and cover with a damp cloth

2. Once cooled (15 mins) roll the clay into an approx. 1.5cm thick circle, big enough to place you childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand on (to get a perfect circle a cookie cutter can be used)

3. Place your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand in the middle of the circle and press firmly. Make sure to capture the very cute palm lines

4. Once you have the perfect hand print, use a straw to create two holes to place the ribbon through 5. Allow to dry (normally 24 hrs) keep turning so that both sides can dry. To quicken the drying process - place the clay onto baking paper in an oven on a low heat (100 degrees) for about an hour, also keep turning. 6. Paint and decorate For more hand and feet art join me at my art school Artea in one of our Early Learning Creative Play sessions, Afterschool and Holiday programs - www.artea.com.au, 9A Raglan St, Port Melbourne. Share your beautiful creations on our Facebook page and receive a free creative time session at our art school! www.facebook.com/Artea.studio.cafe

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childcare guilt? As a parent, it’s natural to feel guilty ALL the time about the choices and decisions we make for our children. We can feel guilty about everything ….whether it’s hot chips for dinner, cheaper brands of wipes, TV watching ….especially the decision of when to leave our children in the care of others. Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t feel guilty about childcare; and why it’s not what it used to be!

1. The Facilities Child care centres are no longer what they used to be. Today they are state of the art, purpose built facilities designed specifically for the development of each age group (0 – 5 years). Internal sound systems, iPads, art studios, communal dining spaces and herb and vegetable gardens are now commonplace in unique learning environments, as are custom built play equipment.

2. They will learn and learn more! Childcare is amazing these days. They will teach your kids everything from how to make and keep friends, how to have good manners, the alphabet, counting, music and even things like languages and looking after the environment. Child care centres employ many qualified tertiary and Tafe trained Educators to interact with children and support them to become independent, curious, explorers and discoverers. They participate in a wide range of intentional teaching experiences and learn collaboratively to encourage thinking and creativity.

3. Development is about health and wellbeing too A child’s development is not just about education. Health and wellbeing are just as important to their development. Many child care centres offer health screening in the key developmental areas of hearing, vision and speech for all enrolled children as part of their core offering. Nutritious breakfast, lunches and snacks, often designed by leading Australian nutritionists, are provided too.

4. Your children will make friends Although you may have organised play dates with your friend’s children, long day care allows your child to develop strong social skills and form independent friendships without you to guide their every move. They become confident in all types of social settings, learn how to make friends, keep friends and share.

5. You can stay in contact all the time now Modern technology now allows parents to stay connected to their child’s day to day activities in real time. Only About Children has developed a customised app which allows Educators to send daily updates and photos directly to a parent’s smartphone. Only About Children have a local centre in South Melbourne. onlyaboutchildren.com.au

9681 8911

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Fast Track Holiday Program Tuesday 7th April to Friday 10th April $50 per swimmer Call today to secure your space

Learn to swim at Kings At Kings, we believe that learning to swim is an education, not a sport, and that every child deserves to learn the life skill of swimming safely. Our purpose built facility provides a stimulating environment to fast track learning for children from six months of age. We offer: • Over 25 years of industry experience • Family focused learn to swim facilities • Level specific teaching areas (including different depths) • Specialist trained teachers • Small class sizes • Pay by the month, with no locked in contracts • Family discounts

ALMA PARK

KINGS ST KILDA EAST 97 Alma Road St Kilda East 3183 stkildaeast@kingswim.com.au

www.kingswim.com.au

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9510 6777