Westside MamaMag April 2015

WESTSIDE

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

free Local fun for the Westside mum 1

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!

“I can’t imagine a day without this little one” Angeline & Alfie Le Pepe from Hawthorn

dig deeper at:

dogloversshow.com.au breed showCase sponsor

2

Celebrity vet stage sponsor

arena sponsor

Open daily 10am – 5pm

resCue dog zone sponsor

FOllOw us On

Media partners

Create lasting memories through sport

Sign up now for a free trial!

We are Australia’s leading sports program for 2.5–6 year olds!

Your Local Class Days and Locations: Footscray - Tues, Wed & Thurs Hoppers Crossing - Tues - Sun Werribee - Mon & Sat Carlton - Fri & Sat Williamstown - Now open

readysteadygokids.com.au

1300 766 892

THE AWARDED CITROËN GRAND C4 PICASSO 7 SEATER NOW AT ALAN MANCE CITROËN NOW WITH AUSTRALIA’S FIRST 6 YEAR UNLIMITED KM WARRANTY* INTRODUCING THE CITROËN GRAND C4 PICASSO. The 7- seat people mover that’s big on space and style. Featuring Australia’s first 6-year warranty* and 6 years roadside assistance. And technology like the 360° camera, self - parking and one of the most environmentally friendly diesel engines on the market.

CRÉATIVE TECHNOLOGIE

ALAN MANCE CITROËN 419 BARKLY ST FOOTSCRAY 3012 - PH: (03) 9396 8000 www.alanmancecitroen.com.au *This warranty applies to all qualifying Citroen models excluding Berlingo purchased in Australia from 1 July 2014 and is subject to the New Vehicle Warranty terms and conditions which is available at www.citroen.com.au/citroen-6-year-warranty. LMCT4976

Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

3

it’s a dog’s life!

Well the response from our first issue in March has been just amazing – thank you so much for embracing us here in the west. We’ve had all sorts of little messages coming in on Facebook and Instragram, sharing the MamaMag love!

The stars aligned to bring us a pet theme this month with tickets to the Dog Lovers Show up for grabs, the word on some great off dog off lead areas in the west, and advice for introducing a dog into the family home. And if you are not a pet owner yet, have you thought about pet adoption. We’ve got the lowdown from Lort Smith animal shelter too along with some happy adoption stories. My childhood was full of pets. We had cats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, mice and plenty of fish. These days we have scaled it back to a cat and a bird and we introduced 4 chooks to the mix this month too. Check out the afro on our silkie!!

There have been some great local festival lately.

We’ve been to the Yarraville Festival, the Seddon Festival, the Maribyrnong Pet Expo, and the West Footscray Community Market where the girls shrieked with laughter as they threw colours at one another.

The fun continues into April with Hobsons Bay City Council running Art in Public Places with 150 artists and 40 events in over 80 venues during April. And there’s fun, free activities at Footscray Library with Build & Rebuild, and one for the grown ups—the Setting Sun Short Film Festival.

Now that you’ve seen what we’re all about we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a line at submissions@mamamag.com.au if you have a story idea, or something amazing that we much know about.

We’re on Facebook @localmamamag too!

@localmamamag

WIN

Contents Mama, can we have a pet?

6 Have you considered pet adoption?

Stranger danger 8 Top 9 tips to discuss with your kids Dogs & kids - getting along together 10 Introducing a dog into your house Lovely locals 12 Harrington Square Altona Shut up and listen 14 Communicating with teens Juggling family routines 16 Hit the routine reset button West Welcome Wagon 18 Local material aid to asylum seekers Mama can cook 20 Our take on the Anzac cookie and more Parklife 23 Royal Park Parkville Rethinking the role of ceremony 24 Words from a local civil celebrant Mama of the month 26 Yarraville’s Simone Norris from inviteme These allergies are driving me nuts 28 We’ve got allergies covered It’s a dog’s life 30 Top off lead areas in the west A recipe for art 32 3 steps to creative kids Can you tame a drop bear?

34 Caring for native animals Run for mum 36 Join the Mother’s Day Classic Healthy Mama 37 The pram workout Sh*t on my hands 38 A down and dirty companion to parenting Fun for the kids Kid’s crafts and our colouring comp Turn the page This month’s top picks from The Younger Sun Bookshop

MamaMag April 2015

40 42

1 of 15 double passes to thE

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

Visit our Facebook page to enter

www.facebook.com/localmamamag MamaMag is published monthly for the mums of Melbourne’s west 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.

Westside Editor: Rebecca Gelsi 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.’

7

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.

8

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 in Newport.

Stranger Danger is a key part of the Twins curriculum. For more information, email twins.martialarts@gmail.com or visit their website www.twinsmartialarts.com.au.

enchanted years has a wide selection of high quality wooden toys, games, books, dress-ups, clothing and bedroom decor. each item in our store is individually selected allowing us to stock a range of products that are as unique as the child you love.

30 Ferguson Street Williamstown - 9397 1154 - www.enchantedyears.com.au

Are your kids brushing well?

Interest free payment plans We bulk-bill Medicare for the Childs Dental Scheme $1000 of dental care for kids aged 2 – 18 for families that qualify for the CDBS Health fund extras?

No out of pocket on Check & Cleans for health fund members with benefits available

Dr Casey Edgar, Dr Alex Stojcev, Dr Ben Scully, Dr Russell McDonald, Dr Sam El-Haddad. Oral Health Therapists Mark, Cathy & Joseph.

6 /44 Hampstead Road, Maidstone 3012 Call for appointments 9317 3144 SmartChoiceDental.com.au Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

9

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

10

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

lovely locals Harrington Square Altona West Karinga

3 4

Harring

re

qua

eet

on S

e Str

ingt

ston

Harr

Maid

l Street

5 1 2 6

ton Stre

et

1. Borgs Cakes Borgs Cakes have been run by a Maltese family for over 40 years. They make cakes to order or if you want to do it yourself they sell a huge range of cake toppers and ingredients, including cake mix. They sell and hire an amazing range of cake tins too. When we visited they were stocking figoli – a traditional Maltese Easter treat. 20 Harrington Square www.borgscakes.com.au 2. Waffee Waffles and coffee = Waffee! You’ll love this cute little café. Belgian style waffles, great coffee and the best babycino we’ve ever laid eyes on (and only 50 cents). It’s pram and child friendly and the staff are lovely. You’ll feel like a regular the first time you visit. 25 Harrington Square www.waffee.com.au 3. Altona Curry House This is a family owned Indian restaurant using traditional family recipes. It is relatively new to the area but already has a loyal following of customers coming for delicious food at great prices. They deliver locally—order online.

7 Harrington Square www.altonacurryhouse.com.au 4. Barber by the Bay Here’s one for the men! A wonderful traditional barber where the man in your life can get a shave or a cut at a very reasonable price. No need for an appointment. 6 Harrington Square Altona 5. Eco laundry room A laundromat with WiFi? Yes! Most of us have a machine at home but there are times when a laundromat is handy for big loads such as doonas or all the washing from your rained out camping trip. And you can get a coffee nearby or pop into the supermarket while you wait for your washing to do its stuff.

22 Harrington Square http://theecolaundryroom.com.au 6. Siam Secret Thai One little square – so many hidden gems! Siam Secret Thai is the go to place for Thai in Altona, serving up traditional food in a relaxed setting.

Fully licensed or BYO. They deliver locally too—order on their website.

24 Harrington Square www.siamsecretthai.com.au 12

Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

Get Your Mama Fit On! Burn fat, build strength, laugh, sweat and enjoy your way to feeling fabulous!

2 Weeks Unlimited Small Group Training for $49.

No Fitness Experience Necessary.

Drop into a world of arts workshops for Mamas, Bubbas and Little Acrobats!

Check out our Term 2 workshops now.

Bring in this ad to try a FREE Toddler & Preschool Circus or Toddler Music class in Term 2.

Call Us Today!

Williamstown - 9397 8292 Fitzroy North - 9486 2822 Present this offer for a FREE trial class! www.healthyfit.com.au Live Fit - Live Life!

Toddler & Preschool Circus Class. Image by Percy Caceras.

Williamstown Psychology consists of a team of highly experienced psychologists who each offer specialised skills in counselling, psychotherapy and psychological approaches to addressing a range of issues.

We offer specialised care in: • child & adolescent issues • pregnancy • fertility issues & IVF • parenting • relationships • grief & loss • depression & anxiety • sexuality & gender • adults dealing with childhood trauma.

Please contact us on 03 9397 1698 for a confidential conversation about your needs.

fernwoodfitness.com.au facebook.com/fernwoodfitness

98A Ferguson Street Williamstown www.williamstownpsychology.com.au Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

13

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

15

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.

16

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

17

west welcome wagon Asylum seekers in community detention have a place to stay but often very little furniture, clothes or food. They are generally not allowed to work and are given only a small allowance. Volunteers from West Welcome Wagon bring them beds and other furniture, bedding, a fridge, a food parcel, clothing, bikes, and toys as needed. We talked to Mia McGregor about West Welcome Wagon and how you can help.

Mia McGregor is the Founder and Committee President of West Welcome Wagon, which provides material aid to over 400 asylum seeker households from 20 different countries. Four years ago she left the workforce when she had her first child. During this time she started West Welcome Wagon. Over the past 18 months West Welcome Wagon has grown to over 4000 people who donate, store, transport and deliver goods to asylum seekers in the Western suburbs.

West Welcome Wagon is a volunteer run organisation that receives no government funding and assists asylum through community support. An asylum seeker is a person who has fled from serious harm in their own country and sought protection in Australia as a refugee, but their status has not been finalised. Mia began West Welcome Wagon after visiting a house of asylum seekers in her own community and finding their rooms completely empty six weeks after they had moved in; no beds, no bedding, no cups, no chairs and even no electricity.

As well as material goods West Welcome Wagon provides in-home language support through volunteers who have been trained

by AMES. This program is focused on mums, as they are often unable to attend classes outside the home. Volunteers also provide social support.

Mia’s whole family is involved in West Welcome Wagon. Her husband Fergus has been wonderfully supportive of the massive time commitment and impact that managing WWW 18

involves, and he was with her on her very first visit to an asylum seeker household, filling his ute with donations. Her dad picks up and delivers large goods each week and her mum very frequently minds her children as required.

Her baby and toddler sometimes go along with her to visit asylum seekers in their homes and play with their children across language and cultural barriers. Even from the other side of Melbourne her mother in law collects and sends donations.

How you can help First join the Facebook group. Search for West Welcome Wagon. Once you are a member follow the instructions in the pinned post to get involved.

Donate goods What to donate: The pinned post on the Facebook group links to lists of items that are needed. Volunteer co-ordinators look after different types of donations. Donations must be in good working order and condition with no tears, stains, chips or broken pieces. 
 How to donate: Follow the instructions in the pinned post. You might be asked to drop items at the house of a volunteer or the house of an asylum seeker or you might be asked if you can hold onto it for a while if it is not needed at the moment. You might find it’s not needed at all.

We believe in gifts not charity, neighbours helping neighbours, community Donate your time People are always needed to pick up and deliver large donations such as furniture and white goods. Do you have a van, ute, roof rack, trailer, or even a tow bar (the group has a trailer that was built by prisoners at the Metropolitan Remand Centre and donated)?

Visit an asylum seeker house regularly to provide social support and a sense of community and to see if there’s anything else they need.

Volunteer behind the scenes in administration, fundraising, or community engagement.

Donate your space Storage space is needed for bulky items that might be required up the track such as doonas, fans, and heaters. This might be space at a warehouse or old factory and should be medium to long term. Any leads on grants that could be used to pay for storage are also welcome.

Donate money Donations are always very welcome.

Please note West Welcome Wagon is not a registered charity.

Donation details are available on the Facebook group page.

I would like to thank all of our volunteers and coordinators who give their time freely to make our community a welcoming one. The material goods are obviously of great importance, but so are the connections that are being made.

Neighbour to neighbour, we are letting asylum seeker and refugee families know that there is help and friendship here. Mia McGregor

19

mama can Cook!

Chorizo, Beans & Barley Serves: 4 | Prep: 5min | Cook: 30min

Method:

Ingredients:

In a heavy based pan add the chopped chorizo, cook until it releases its oil.

1 chorizo, quartered lengthways and sliced thinly 1 onion 2 cloves garlic 1 carrot

In the meantime blend the veggies using a food processor until they are fine. Chopping or grating will work fine too, I am just lazy.

2 squash (actually you can use any veg)

Add remaining ingredients (aside from the parsley, salt & pepper), bring to the boil then simmer until the barley is cooked.

1 cup barley

Season with sea salt & pepper, top with parsley.

1 litre stock

As a busy working mother, Claire saw a need for a service that provides tasty, wholesome home cooked food. Unlike other meal services in Melbourne that deliver frozen, highly processed and expensive meals. The focus of the meals is flavour and nutrition and Claire serves up delicious meals that are always popular at her kitchen table.

1 zucchini

1 x 400g tin beans - your choice 1 x 400g tin tomatoes Salt & pepper to taste Parsley to garnish

This family friendly recipe is from Claire’s Kitchen who provide healthy, fresh meals for families in the West. www.claireskitchen.net

20

Pull out these beauties this ANZAC Day! Sure to be a hit, and fabulous in the kid’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 175°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.

21

mamma knows west Inspiring families to uncover amazing stuff nearby.

mammaknowswest.com.au

22

Parklife Royal Park

Brought to you by:

Near the corner of Gatehouse Street and Story Street, Parkville.

This month we are travelling outside the comfort zone of the west to celebrate the opening of the new Royal Park Nature Playground at the old Royal Children’s Hospital site!

This place is the ‘talk of Melbourne town’ at the moment and so much so it inspired Mamma and the crew to venture out of our West 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 Mamma, 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.

Mamma’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 a few little cafes in that direction too.

The nitty gritty: BBQ, water fountains, park benches, picnic tables, public toilets nearby.

23

Re-thinking the role of When you think of the ceremonies you’ve attended they probably include weddings and funerals and possibly a naming ceremony.

People who have been part of a formalised religious community or in military service will have been exposed to a host of other ceremonies and ritual. In the broader community there are flag-raisings, ribboncuttings and presentations. As I write this on the day of Melbourne’s Moomba celebration I’m reminded of the public role of ceremony which has been part of this long-standing tradition.

The role which ceremony has played on the land in which we inhabit, undertaken by the traditional custodians of land and a rich culture should not be ignored and we all have a part to play to increase our understanding about our indigenous history. Throughout time, on every continent and throughout cultures, ceremony and rituals have supported a belief system, spirituality and fostered community while marking collective and individual milestones.

Political, geographic and social unrest has interrupted such practices in many places and countless lives have been lost in defence of religious and cultural practices, which continues to this day.

My decision to be a secular celebrant evolved over time as I became increasingly aware that many of life’s milestones were not acknowledged or celebrated by the increasing number of people who no longer identified with formalised religious orders and for those who had become disconnected from their culture. I was saddened babies were not being welcomed into family and community groupings and later looked at the lack of acknowledgement and celebration of the important transitional phase of adolescents.

This evolving awareness took place through my own period of transition into motherhood and the adjustment of my world view.

Living in the inner-west of Melbourne throughout the baby boom of the early 2000’s meant I was surrounded by conversations about real estate, renovations, child-care 24

places, relocation, schools, heavy traffic, sleep deprivation, first-home buyers, separations, new arrivals – on a continuous loop. Moving house has been at the top of the list of most stressful life events and I understand the additional toll it can take on relationships and wellbeing when combined with reduced income, illness, uncertainty, new surroundings and caring for children. I introduced my concept of ‘hearthwarmings’ as an extension of a house-warming party/bbq as a complementary alternative or addition. Acknowledging events that have led to the acquirement of a home, the sacrifice, compromise, vision and support from family, friends, neighbours and strangers definitely resonated with many. Similar to a birth or a death, while the outcome is all the same, the story of the journey to that end point are all so different, and people love stories!

“Your house shall be not an anchor but a mast.”

Kahlil Gibran Nine years ago I developed a program, in consultation with Kingsville Primary School to support the transition of grade 6 students into secondary school. The ‘Rites of Passage’ program has been running every year, providing a safe space for children to explore the purpose of acknowledging and celebrating milestones throughout the life cycle and reflect upon their own thoughts and feelings about leaving the small pond of primary school as they head for a larger pond of secondary school. A new tradition within the school’s curriculum is now established and includes the popular floating wishes ritual, making the most of the local environment. In recent years it became evident that parents and carers of the children were also keen to take a moment from the busyness of life and end of year mayhem, to reflect upon their child’s stage in life, so in response to this need and in consultation with the school, an opportunity for parent and carer participation was accommodated. Whether it’s the oldest child, youngest child, only child

ceremony or a child and family who have encountered any type of challenges throughout the primary school years, reflecting upon this milestone has been important for many families.

It is my hope to introduce the rites of passage program into other primary schools and to explore the potential to work with secondary schools as teens prepare for their graduation.

There is song in man, Spike Milligan There is song in man There is song in woman And there is the child’s song.

When that song comes There will be no words.

Do not ask where they are.

Just listen to the song.

Listen to it – Learn it – It is the greatest song of all.

The elements that all of my ceremonies have in common is bringing people together for a common purpose, acknowledgement of the past and present and envisioning a future.

There is storytelling, poetry, rituals and always an opportunity for participation, all developed in collaboration.

Karen Ingram is a Registered Civil Celebrant who specialises in acknowledging life’s milestones through secular ceremonies including weddings, namings, funerals, rites of passage, blessing-ways, anniversaries, memorials and hearth-warmings. www.kareningram.com.au

25

MAMA of the month This month we talk to Westside mama of three young girls, Simone Norris.

Simone is a graphic designer and the owner of www.inviteme.com.au, an online store and cute-as-a-button shop at 66 Anderson Street, Yarraville.

Tell us a bit about yourself Born and bred in NE Victoria – Greta South, right in the heart of Kelly Country - I loved to draw as a child and was also pretty crafty.

I sewed, knitted, cut, pasted, coloured pretty much anything I could get my hands on. I moved to the big smoke at 18 to pursue a degree in graphic design.

So you started Invite Me when your oldest was a baby – what did you do before motherhood?

When my oldest daughter was born (who’s now 10) she cried for the first three months of her life and then, probably from the exhaustion of it all, proceeded to sleep for the next six months straight!

I won’t lie, I was bored and it was during this time www.inviteme.com.au was born.

My business first started as an online store that specialised in shape-cut personalised stationery. Fortunately, I built and ran this at a leisurely pace around a very compliant baby. This was in stark contrast to the job I’d left behind which was a high-pressure senior designer role at News Limited where I’d worked right around Australia in various guises as well as international posts in London and New York.

Where did the inspiration to start Invite Me come from?

After a decade away from illustrating, I found that my love of it had returned, but this time rather than a tin of Derwents I explored using a computer instead. It took a couple of months to get my head around this new medium but all of a sudden everything clicked and design after design began to pour out of me.

Tell us about the transition from your online store to your shop in Yarraville.

My little Yarraville store turns 2 this April and I am a very proud mother. The transition from online store to shop front was a massive learning curve and in hindsight, I probably underestimated how much work it would be to open the shop front. That said, I am a long-time local resident so even before I opened the door, I had a keen understanding of the market. .

And tell us about the design aspect of your business.

Being a graphic designer enables me to design some of my own products I sell in my store as well as work on freelance design on the side.

For me, graphic design is my most valuable asset and one I constantly work on to ensure my design skills are always up to scratch. I like to keep my finger in as many pies as possible and thoroughly enjoy the contact with clients – from small business, right up to corporate.

What does an average day look life for you? (including family and work) Juggling work with young kids means the days are crazy! We all get up 7am and I leave the house at 8.15am with my youngest in tow. It’s a 40 minute round trip to get her to day care and back so the other two are walked to school by their dad. After the day care drop, I head straight back to the shop and get in by 9am, I grab a juice and try and get some work done before the store opens at 10am. At 3.30pm my two oldest walk to the shop after school. I shut at 5pm and make the mad dash across town to pick up my youngest. We generally walk through the door at home at 6pm where it’s dinner, bath and bed.

Photographer: Clare Martin-Lapworth www.littlelightstudios.com.au

26

What has been your proudest moment from Invite Me so far?

I have watched my baby start as a micro-business and evolve into a fully-fledged small business which continues to grow at a rate of knots. There were some times where I was ready to throw the towel in but looking at it now, my business has exceeded my expectations and I’m just so pleased I chose to stick with it. No matter what happens, I’ll get to my death bed and know that I gave it my absolute all.

What advice do you have to other mums thinking of starting a business?

Small business is not for the faint hearted. Go into it only if you are serious and are committed to playing a long game - especially if you are raising children at the same time. There’s also no rush! Take the pressure off by pacing yourself and running your own race. And most importantly, DON’T WORRY ABOUT WHAT EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING! The best advice anyone can give you is to tell you to focus on your own game. That lesson took me 9 years to learn and I am a much happier businesswoman now that I know it.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The best part about my job is the flexibility! I also love the fact that I run my own show and that sometimes my kids hang with me in my store or if they’re sick and I need to stay home with them, I have been known to close the store for the day.

What kind of work place would allow that?

What are your favourite products in the shop at the moment?

We have a spectacular range of soft toys in store at the moment which is all part of our new brandspanking new Kids Interiors room. I love our Sack Me! linen which sits beautifully atop of our fabulous Incy beds and cots.

You can follow inviteme’s adventures on Instagram/invitemeshop or facebook/inviteme.com.au

27

THESE ALLERGI

by Rebecca Billing.

Four years ago when our lively and adventurous son Ben entered the world he brought with him pure joy. As days morphed into months (as they do in the early days), we discovered he also brought with him severe allergies to cow’s milk, egg and wheat. The road to his diagnosis was rocky. We watched him wriggle in pain from eczema, bandaged him in wet dressings, endured skin prick tests, held him through blood tests and spoke with paediatricians, GP’s and specialists. We watched him suffer his first three reactions before diagnosis, ranging from a wheezing and coughing fit right up to a reaction that saw him go limp in my arms.

Four years down the track I now consider myself a pro at cooking allergy friendly foods and share tips and tricks with some very switched on allergy mothers through various support groups.

When researching allergies, it’s alarming that Australia is leading the way in this growing epidemic.

So what is an allergy?

According to Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, an allergy is when a person’s immune system reacts to different substances in the environment that would normally be harmless.

These substances are commonly known as allergens and not only include food, but can also include some medications, dust mites, animals, insects, moulds and pollens.

Allergies to any food can occur, however the “top nine” include dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, sesame, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.

Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergy and involves a reaction from more than one of the body systems (respiratory, skin, gastrointestinal and/or cardiovascular).

Australia’s top nine allergies are dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, sesame, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.

28 28

IES ARE DRIVING ME NUTS What are the most common symptoms?

A mild allergic reaction can cause: • Tingling or itchiness in or around the mouth.

• Hives or rashes.

• Swelling of the lips, face or eyes.

• Abdominal pain and or vomiting.

A more severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can cause: • Swelling of the tongue or airways.

• Difficulty talking or hoarseness of the voice.

• A wheeze or cough that persists.

• Dizziness or collapse.

• Pale and floppiness (in young children).

• Difficulty breathing.

The treatment?

While anti histamines are commonly used for mild reactions, the only treatment for anaphylaxis is the administration of adrenaline via an epi pen. If you suspect anaphylaxis, you should always ring 000.

What causes allergies?

There are thousands of “theories” about what causes allergies but no known cause has yet been identified as to why some people suffer allergies, some don’t and some people develop them later in life.

I have received endless “advice” and “theories” from friends and strangers, as to why our son has life threatening allergies. I have heard it’s because I didn’t breastfeed him (I did until he was 15 months old), I limited what I ate whilst pregnant (no I didn’t), because our house is too clean (ask anyone who knows me well, I like tidy and organised but I am most certainly not your cleanest person), because of his immunisations (wrong again, his first reaction was prior to any immunisations), or because he doesn’t play out in the dirt enough (note: we live on a farm, he is ALWAYS outside, in any dirt and mud he can find).

Then there are the theories that crop up in the media from time to time. Not taking probiotics whilst pregnant, a lack of Vitamin D whilst pregnant, introducing foods to your baby too late/ too early.

Truth is no one knows yet.

Is there a cure?

Currently there is no cure for food allergies.

The only way to live with allergies is to manage them. This includes having a management plan provided by a medical practitioner, always carrying medications (including epi pens) and raising awareness. For us, daily cooking in designated pots and pans, knowing you can substitute apple sauce or mashed banana for egg in baking, that sunflower butter tastes remarkably like peanut butter, constantly wiping down slides at playgrounds, and negotiating birthday parties with excitement that our little man has been included are all part of daily life.

Support Groups Support and information can be found at: http://www.allergy.org.au/ http://www.allergyfacts.org.au/ Anaphylaxis and Allergy Friends Australia (on Facebook)

29

It’s a dog’s life Top off lead areas for Westside dogs Altona dog beach/Burns Reserve, Altona Road, Altona This well loved dog beach is best at low tide when there are huge sand bars. It’s so good that people bring their dogs here from all around Melbourne. It is right next to the bike and pedestrian path and there’s also a large grassed area nearby. The beach and Burns Reserve are off lead at all times.

Martin Reserve, Essex Street, West Footscray A huge, fully fenced dog park. Great for would be escapees. The whole area is off lead at all times. Bubbler, seats, poo bags and bins. Café nearby. When we visited the park was full of dogs on the Melbourne Oodle Playdate! Coffee available nearby— try West 48, Jellybread or POD at Post Industrial Design.

Barbara Beyer Reserve Yarraville Gardens, Whitehall Street Yarraville With Greelish Oval closed for turf renovation for some months you’ll have to take your furry friend to the adjacent reserve. It’s further from the food trucks, but closer to the great little café at Kindred Studios! The reserve is off lead at all times.

Cruickshank Park, between Austin Crescent West and Francis Street, Yarraville A beautiful bushy reserve where you can walk for a couple of kilometres with your dog. Stony Creek runs through the centre of the reserve. Off lead except 8-10am and 3-5pm. The park also boasts free tennis courts and a BMX track. There’s a playground at each end of the park – check out Mimi the dinosaur—these are on lead areas.

30

Keepsakes Made With Love

INKLESS PRINT RANGE FRAMED SCULPTURES

FREE PRINT KIT

with every framed sculpture booking

IMPRINT KIT

PRINT GIFTS

www.bellyart.com.au

T 03 9509 4060 E info@bellyart.com.au Order online or visit our shop at 700 Inkerman Road North Caulfield Gift vouchers available Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

SINCE 2003

31

a recipe for art Art is often associated with “MESS”. Yet, like any chef baking a cake, it is through the mess of paint splatter, clay traces and those chaotic crayon or texta swirls that masterpieces are created. Look at Jackson Pollock, for example, an artist famous for splatter art and action painting.

I am an enthusiastic artist and creator myself, but I am also a busy mum of two and a very passionate school teacher. I experience it all; both at home and at school but it doesn’t stop me from encouraging kids to create. Parents can foster imagination and unleash their child’s creativity at home with a few tips and a little imagination themselves.

Why let your kids create?

For three simple reasons: To encourage IMAGINATION, foster CREATIVITY and enjoy CELEBRATING the unique outcome! Mix this altogether and you have good brain food that aids in a child’s ‘full and all-sided’ brain capacity development (Froebel, 1826).

How do we do it (and without the mess all the time)?

Modelling is the key ingredient and creative exploration is the oven that bakes it.

Step 1: IMAGINE Talk about their imagination! Spark the conversation with, ‘imagine if…’, and you will find you and your child laughing and imagining all sorts of new and wonderful ideas.

We all imagine things and we all wish for things. Visualising is a vital part of your imagination. To visualise is to conjure up mental images and pictures, symbols and markings. These elements are what lead to drawing and one thing children do long before they can write.

“The Arts are unique, expressive, creative and communicative forms that engage students in critical and creative thinking and help them understand themselves and the world. In every society the Arts play a pivotal role socially, economically and culturally. The Arts encourage the development of skills and the exploration of technologies, forms and processes through single and multimodal forms.” (AusVELS, 2015).

Step 2: CREATE Let your child create. Get involved and create with them and watch them create.

From imagination we have new inventions!

But these inventions don’t just happen. They were created! Creating involves constructing, tinkering, mistake making and fine-tuning.

It involves reflecting on ones work, problem solving, asking for help when help is needed and finding another point of view. There is no right and wrong way to creating, if there was, we would have no iPad, light bulb, or colourful canvas. The key is to let your children do the creating and give them as much freedom as possible. For young children the ‘doing’ of an activity is always more important than the finished product.

32

The recycle bin should be the first place you turn to for your art supplies. Throw in some unexpected tools such as sponges, feathers and cotton buds and step back and watch the creativity unfold. Sometimes our knowledge or urge for perfection takes over and we tell our children ‘how to do it’ before they have the joy of mastering the creating on their own accordance.

Put down some paper, cardboard, pencils, crayons, glue, sticky tape…whatever you have on hand and let your little artist create!

Materials don’t have to come from an art shop. They can be from the kitchen cupboard like pasta, flour and food dye. They can come from the bathroom such as soap and a steamy shower screen. They can come from the garden, like leaves, sticks, dirt and sweet smelling flowers.

By Rachael Morris Masters Of Education (Student Wellbeing) Founder, Teacher & Artist of Little Art Big Art www.littleartbigart.com.au Photos by Jacqui Taylor Photography www.jacquitaylorphotophy.com

Rachael and Jacqui are running FREE family friendly workshops during April as part of Art in Public Places. Go to littleartbigart.com.au for details.

Step 3: CELEBRATE This is the most important ingredient.

Celebrate your child’s artwork by framing it, posting it to family members, taking a photo of it or adding it to a special art journal.

The options are endless! Like a good cake, you share the end result and relish in the compliments, and so too does your little artist.

How we talk to our children about art is very important. Ask the very important openended question: ‘What have you created?’ (not just, ‘what a lovely picture’) and allow your child’s natural dialogue to flow. Once they have shared their interpretation, then you can share yours. Be positive about each artwork.

Art communicates emotions and complexities in a way that words cannot. It reveals emotions and at times, hidden messages. You can say, ‘You used black over here, tell me about it’ or ‘Yellow is a bright colour, how does that make you feel?’. The ability to express non-verbally is particularly important for young children. When your child’s vocabulary is still developing, asking questions like, ‘Have you drawn a cat?’ is ok. You’ll be surprised, our tiny artists do know what they have created!

Art is a powerful tool and it gives children the power to express their emotions and thoughts well before words will.

33 33

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.

34

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

35

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.

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.

36

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

HEALTHYMAMA

The pram workout!

Ok ladies, there’s always a way to squeeze in some exercise, whether it’s at home or taking out the pram. Pushing a pram is a good workout for the legs, core and arms, but make sure it’s the right height for you and you’re not bending forward too much, loading up your lower back.

That copped enough while you were pregnant.

We want to strengthen it now, especially if you didn’t keep up your exercise prior.

So how do you do this? There are so many things you can do, but let’s start with the pram this month. You have 3 ways to do a pram workout – 1. On your own, 2. Get a group together and hire a trainer like myself to bring equipment and meet at a park for a mums and bubs class, and 3. Instead of just meeting your mothers group for morning tea, meet up to walk and do exercises – then get a coffee!

And if you’re already thinking those 3 options are too hard, then they will be. You have to want to tone, strengthen and get fit, and have a go before you say they don’t work. That’s why a mothers group can be good, as you get support from others going through the same things, and you can help each other with the positives and negatives.

So where to from here? If you’re on your own and want to find a group, ask around. Maybe you prefer to work out alone. Most parks have exercise equipment now, or at least benches you can do things off. Pick 6 exercises and make up your own circuit then take the pram for a jog or walk between sets. A 30min high intensity session is perfect to give you a kickstart 3 times a week with some low impact in between. That means you have to sweat and breathe heavy – it’s good for you!

Or you can do the same thing with your group.

Each pick an exercise to contribute to the session. Or hire a trainer between you to keep the cost down and have someone looking out for your technique, giving you guidance if you have any injury issues to work around, and get more variety with different exercises and equipment.

So are you ready to get started? I know you’re already wondering what to wear. Any excuse to buy something new – even if it is training gear. Make sure you have the right shoes too.

Pick what’s best for you and have fun reaching your goals!

By Caroline Smith from Inspired Fitness Solutions

Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

37 37

Sh*t on my hands A down and dirty companion to early parenthood!

BREASTFEEDING Hello, girls. No, not you. We’re talking to your new tits. They are going to occupy a great swathe of your postnatal body, the parts usually reserved for your stomach, armpits and neck. We’re not going to talk about whether you should or shouldn’t breastfeed as we – in the nicest possible way – don’t care.

Judgement in all matters parenting related is unnecessary and unproductive. What you decide to do is a matter for you and your family – as long as you’re not putting your baby in headbands with oversized bows.

That’s simply immoral.

When breastfeeding goes off without a hitch, it’s quite an extraordinary thing. Note: ‘thing’, not ‘achievement’. If it doesn’t work out, you haven’t failed the first test of motherhood.

‘Not working out’ includes simply deciding you don’t much like it. It is an enormous physical undertaking that requires you to be on call 24/7, at least in the early months. Milk supply can also prove problematic – some women simply don’t seem to produce enough to satiate their babies, while others produce so much that their lives become an endless merry-go- round of stuffing pads into bras, changing shirts and changing sheets.

Despite what you might read, breastfeeding will not prove the difference between your baby becoming Einstein or Hitler. You are no more or less of a woman or mother if you decide not to nurse. ‘Breast is best’, goes the saying, but there’s also that equally famous ‘happy mother, happy baby’ creed. Do what makes you happy.

38

Hello, girls. No, not you. We’re talking to your new tits.

If you do decide to give breastfeeding a go, you need to know this: the arrival of the milk (around day three) will do things to your breasts you may have thought possible only with a plastic surgeon’s intervention.

It can also be quite painful. Imagine a truck full of cement being funnelled into your breasts, and then the truck catching fire.

This discomfort usually passes within a couple of days; in the meantime don’t be too proud to pop the pills the midwives offer. You have hosted a human being for nine months in a space where you normally put toast, juice and muffins, so you’ve earned the right to a little comfort. Make sure all of the clothes you bring to hospital provide for easy access to your nipples – tits twisted between layers of neckhigh jersey will frustrate you and your baby to high hell.

Once your milk supply has established itself, you’ll be able to start expressing milk so that your partner, family and friends can all have a go at feeding the baby. Watching a nursing mother pumping milk from her breasts via a machine that is a precise replica of industrial dairy machinery is truly a sight to behold. It’s also one of the most powerful passion killers known to man, so one’s milk extractor should ideally reside at a discreet distance from the marital bed.

putting your baby in headbands with oversized bows, that’s simply immoral.

ECO-BABY Every generation of mothers and fathers has to contend with some well-intentioned new child-rearing trend that will inevitably make them feel like a bucket of shit. Perhaps the biggest one of our time is the eco- baby movement. While the core idea – lessening baby’s imprint on the planet and keeping them protected from illness-making chemicals and nasties – is undoubtedly sound, you can be left wracked with spasms of guilt for allowing a pesticide-laden strawberry to pass your poppet’s lips.

But hey, let’s keep things in perspective. Giving your kid a chemically enhanced summer berry is hardly akin to putting bong-water in her bottle. Nobody ever lapsed into a coma after eating an apple purchased at a petrol station.

There’s also the indelicate matter of money.

Glossy magazines smoothly advertise a dizzying array of right-on products with the whispered subtext ‘you are rubbish if you don’t purchase this $2000 handcrafted eco-friendly Scandinavian cot. Go ahead, buy that $100 Toys’R’Us number. Earth hater’.

buying crocheted bunny rugs from your local charity shop is just as ecologically sound as spending 90 bucks on an organic bamboo blanket.

Giving your kid a chemically enhanced summer berry is hardly akin to putting bong water in her bottle.

Don’t beat yourself up because you can’t afford the Scando-cage. Small, thoughtful, frequent gestures count more towards doing your bit than helping to prop up the huge not-always-cottage industry of ultra-luxe ecoeverything. There are cheap, environmentally friendly cleaning products for baby and home available in most supermarkets, and buying crocheted bunny rugs from your local charity shop is just as ecologically sound as spending 90 bucks on an organic bamboo blanket. (And while it’s true that organic bamboo blankets make you feel like you’re being caressed by the satin-gloved hand of God, baby doesn’t give a rat’s – she’s accustomed to living in a bloody mass of fluid and placental matter, remember.)

If, however, visions of eco-wank nursery gear stubbornly fill your fantasies, eBay does a thumping trade in second-hand baby goods.

In fact, reusing and recycling other people’s cast-offs will earn you enough green points to justify a nice roll of deliciously smooth, bleached-to-buggery toilet paper, as well as disabuse you of the notion that having a baby is largely about buying a whole lot of bright, shiny, new stuff.

Taken from Sh*t on My Hands: A down and dirty companion to early parenthood by Bunny Banyai and Madeleine Hamilton, Hardie Grant Explore, RRP $19.95, www.exploreaustralia.net.au

39

pet Sparkle Rocks With pets on the menu, why not create some of your own Pet Sparkle Rocks and welcome April in with a touch of sparkle. To start this crafting session get the kids out and about on a bit of a scavenger hunt to collect some rocks, ready for glittering! I hope you have fun sprinkling glitter around.

What you need:

A good collection of rocks A small paint brush PVA glue (white glue)

How to make your Pet Rocks:

Place a rock on the paper. Dip your paint brush in the PVA and draw a shape on the rock in the glue.

Several colours of glitter

Shake your glitter over the glue shape.

Pick up the rock and shake off the extra glitter onto the paper under it.

A piece of paper

Carefully pick up your paper and tip glitter back into its container.

Leave your rock to dry and your done!!

40

WIN one of three ‘Design your own mug for mum’ sets!

Simply post your entry by March 31st to: MamaMag - PO Box 8018 North Road LPO, Brighton East VIC 3187

Name: Age: Address:

Postcode: 41

turn the page Underwater Fancy Dress Parade- written by Davina Bell & illustrated by Allison Colpoys Scribe $24.99 This brand new Picture Book tackles anxiety and is entertaining, gorgeous and reassuring for little ones. The night before The Underwater Fancy Dress Parade, Alfie is filled with fear and when he finally sleeps, underwater dreams drag him down. Can Alfie overcome his worries and make it to the Underwater Fancy Dress parade? Beautifully illustrated this tender tale is a great addition to any home or picture book collector’s library and Australian too.

The Darkest Part of the Forest -Holly Black. Indigo-$22.99 Hazel and her brother Ben have both been in love with the horned boy who sleeps in the glass coffin for as long as Hazel can remember. The horned boy has slept there, down in the deepest darkest part of the woods, for as long as ANYONE can remember. When the townspeople of Fairfold discover the glass coffin broken and empty, Hazel must confront the secrets of her past in order to decipher mysterious messages that will help save the town from the wrath of their neighbouring faeries. This book is an absolute page turner – unputdownable.

Holly Black has blended contemporary young adult fiction with fairytale fantasy to produce a thrilling, engaging narrative. The raw, dark undertones of Hazel and Ben’s past are delicately drawn out throughout the main storyline, and the enchanting faerie forest casts a mysterious backdrop to a sleepy rural American town. 13+

The Tinklers Three The Sick- Well Day. MC Badger. Hardie Grant Egmont $12.95 This is the 6th book in The Tinklers series. All can be read as a stand alone titles and all are very entertaining. The Tinklers Three are children who have parents that are travelling circus performers which means they have to look after themselves a lot, no do not feel sad for them they love looking after themselves. But they do have rules such as 1 bowl of ice cream should be eaten each day and They must go outside when it is sunny. However this sunny day the Tinklers think it might be good to have a sick day at home and out they go to try to catch a sickness. Such a sweet and funny Australian series it has great appeal for the 6 to 8 year olds.

Our monthly kid’s books are brought to you by our friends at The Younger Sun Bookshop.

The Younger Sun started life in December of 2007 and has rapidly established itself as part of the rich life of the Yarraville community. Just a hop, skip and a jump across the road from the delightful Sun Bookshop, we cater for the young and the young at heart. Join them for Storytime on Saturdays at 10.30am in the park out the front!

9 Ballarat Street Yarraville. Ph 9689 0661. www.sunbookshop.com 42

live local – shop local MamaMag is a FREE magazine for the mums of Melbourne’s West!

And we keep it free with the support of our wonderful local advertisers. So make sure you support them too and let them know you saw them in MamaMag!

Live Local + Shop Local! Then you will be a true Local Mama!

advertise local Advertise in Westside MamaMag and target over 5,000 local mums and families every month!

MamaMag is distributed in over 200 locations including local maternal health centres, kindergartens, childcare centres, play centres, libraries, toy libraries, popular cafes, health centres, gyms and many other local hot spots where you find mums.

So it’s an awesomely targeting local publication and perfect for gaining exposure locally. Plus we have excellent advertising rates too!

For advertising enquiries visit www.mamamag.com.au or call 1300 771 328

like mamamag on facebook TO win great prizes

We give away all sorts of great stuff to our ‘likers’! /localmamamag Live Local - Shop Local - and don’t forget to mention MamaMag!

Baby Hampers and Baby Gifts The perfect gift for colleagues, friends and family

Celebrate a new arrival with a beautiful Baby Hamper or Gift from Little Turtle Baby

43

Chris Humfrey’s

ZOOKEEPER EXPERIENCE!

Spend a whole day with zoologist Chris Humfrey from ABC’s hit series “Chris Humfrey’s Wild Life!”

Work as his very own private zoo, and learn from Chris himself! Get up close and personal with over 2000 animals!

Discover what drives Chris to work with animals.

Who knows your child could follow in his footsteps!

This is an exceptional hands-on experience, which is offered nowhere else.

Chris has personally designed this exclusive program.

Stricly limited numbers of children will ensure that your child will get the WILD experience which they CRAVE! Chris’ zoo is nestled in the foothills of Mount Macedon.

It’s an easy 50 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD.

GREAT GIFT IDEA!

Bookings and Enquiries www.wildaction.com.au Phone 0419 385 245