Bayside MamaMag February 2016 by MamaMag

BAYSIDE

mamamag February 2016

WIN 1 of 6 luna park family passes worth $15o each Starting school right Lunchbox legends Separate success Digital dilemma Lego play

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We’re back! Hey mamas, how were your holidays? They seem like a distant memory for me already and boy did they go quick. Dec/Jan is meant to be my quiet time with January the only month of the year we don’t have a magazine. But instead of taking a break I decided in 2016 we would launch two more magazines and double the size of the existing ones. So it’s fair to say that my annual rest month didn’t really happen this year! It’s been planning, planning, planning for weeks! I did have a little break though. This included a big family day in town with the cousins, Lego Xmas tree visit, Xmas show in Crown, horse and carriage ride, the works! Christmas day was quiet. With split custody of my kidlets, it’s always a tricky day to navigate, but we had a gorgeous picnic in Landcox park in the morning with my mum and sister before the kids went off to Dad’s. I took myself to the beach for 2.5hrs of glorious book reading and sunbaking before heading to an orphan’s Xmas dinner at a friends. What I thought was going to be a horrible day, my first alone in a long time, was actually fabulous. Then two days later the kids and I headed off to Tocumwal for 5 nights camping with my besties. Swimming in the river, beers and ciders, laughs with my besr friends, happy children, it’s all a girl needs and I came home relaxed and ready to tackle 2016. Whilst most people I know have been juggling their kids between grandparents, friends and holiday programs, I just ship mine off to Dad for two weeks and get back to work! It’s got to have its perks right! It’s strange being home alone for two weeks. Sure I got lots of work done but I also talked to my pet rabbit a lot! I even joined Tinder in my boredom, but that’s a whole other story, perhaps I should write an article! And so 2016 begins. This month we are bringing the Bayside fun to the mamas of Bayside, Port Phillip, Glen Eira and Kingston. So much more fun to be had! Next month we welcome Northside to the fold with a mag out there, so mama is going to get rather busy! Until then....

@localmamamag

WIN

Contents ABC of starting school Top tips for an easy start

Lunchbox legends Our favourite school bag items

Separate success Navigating divorce and separation

1 of 6 family passes to worth

$150 each!

Back to school 16 Organising projects to keep you on track Banana three ways Cooking with the humble banana

Lovely locals Koornang Road Carnegie

Mama can cook Yum ideas from Stacey Clare

Digital dilemma Steer kids through the digital age

Benefits of Lego play Educational benefits for all

Why you have nothing to wear Fun from the Flat Bum Mum

Parklife 34 Sir William Fry Reserve Highett Mama of the month Natalie from Electric Confetti

Water safety at home How to avoid dangers

Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s colouring comp 43 WIN some awesome counting books Get into cloth in 2016 Cloth nappies explored

MamaMag February 2016

Visit our Facebook page to enter

www.facebook.com/localmamamag Entries open to Victorian residents only. Competition starts February 1st 12.01am and closes February 29th 2016 at 11.59pm. Passes valid for 1 year from date of issue and allows unlimited rides and FREE entry for 1 day. Option 1: 2 Adults (13+ Years) and 2 Children (4-12 Years), Option 2: 1 Adult (13+ Years) and 3 Children (4-12 Years). Visit mamamag.com.au full terms and conditions. Visit www.lunapark.com.au for opening hours and further details.

MamaMag is published monthly for the mums of the Bayside 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

10,000 copies monthly in the Bayside area. Editor in Chief: Sarah Cavalier Design & layout: Grizzle Design Sales & Marketing Manager: Charlotte Whelpton Bayside Ad Sales: Linda Corr and Daniela Simonetta Distribution: Lara Schendzielorz Like to contribute an article submission or products for Facebook giveaways? submissions@mamamag.com.au For advertising enquiries: download our media kit from www.mamamag.com.au or email info@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.

The ABC of startin As a new school year begins, the long sunny summer days, sleep-ins and joyous lack of routine dissipate for another year and school uniforms, weekly timetables and stationery lists come back in to focus. The relaxed laziness holidays manage to bring is all too quickly replaced by anxieties and stressors that seem to just slip to the fore. Even kids who are ready and excited to see all their mates again can dread the establishment of new structures life with a new teacher and in a new class requires. But starting school doesn’t have to be all frazzle and no fun. In fact, with these few simple tips, your child can be ready for that first day and confident in the year ahead:

And for those who find their child a little reluctant to engage in such intimate interactions? There’s no need to sign-post such a discussion as a ‘feelings talk’. Join them in taking the dog for a walk or kicking the footy or drawing a picture then just casually work the topic into the conversation.

A is for Acknowledgement

B is for B-Side

If your child is feeling nervous, anxious or even super-excited, it is important that both you and they acknowledge those feelings. Help them understand that whatever it is they are feeling is normal – any sort of change can bubble a mixture of emotion to the surface. But rather than simply reassure them that ‘everything will be ok’, help them make a plan to address any source of concern. Talk through what the absolute worst-case scenario might be and brainstorm together how that situation could be dealt with. Feel free to be a little dramatic! Being a little over-the-top can help lighten the mood.

Whatever happens, there is always the B-side. That is, there is always another way of viewing the situation, another perspective. For anything that doesn’t actually go as your child would have liked, work with them to look at the B-Side and see that with the right perspective, all situations have positive potential.

Also be sure to discuss expectation management. Some kids start school on a real high, expecting to spend their days hanging out happily with all their friends or soaring through the curriculum because they found last year ‘easy’. A positive approach is gloriously fantastic, but it helps to check-in that your child isn’t

setting themselves up for an emotional crash and burn. Review some highs and lows from last year and reflect on how every school year will have its really good and not so good days.

Your son doesn’t get the teacher they wanted? Disappointing, but the B-Side? He will quickly develop skills in working in unexpected conditions or building new connections – something that will help him in all aspects of life. Your daughter’s best friend is in another class? Upsetting, but the B-Side? She will have to develop skills in making new friends and working with others. Most likely, she’ll simply end up with more friends actually making the social aspect of school even more enjoyable, and will learn a bit more about herself along the way.

ng school right C is for Create Goals and Consequences School reports may seem a distant memory now, but they are actually an excellent learning tool. Work with your child to review how they could approach their subject-specific or general approach to learning and set meaningful but achievable goals, such as: ‘I will keep my school bag organised by packing it before bed each night’ ‘I will complete my homework between 5pm and 6pm every night’

And remember, as a parent, your actions often really do speak louder than words. Model a an optimistic and organised approach to the new school year and your child will see that with the right mindset, anything is possible. By Olivia Shelton Teacher for 15 years and director of The SPARK Academy, running confidence and connection building courses for girls in Grades 3-8. www.thesparkacademy.com.au

‘I will master all the times tables by practicing one each day in the bath’ ‘I will choose to sit at a desk where I will be less tempted by distraction’. But just as important as academic learning goals is the setting of personal goals. That is, help your child work on social or emotional skills that they could also benefit from developing. Again, be as specific as possible: ‘I will share at least one of my own ideas in each group task’ ‘I will use positive-self talk rather than think others are talking behind my back’ ‘I will invite a classmate I don’t usually play with to my house at least once a term’ ‘I will not give up if I do badly on a test but ask my teacher how to improve’. Be sure to help your child stay motivated with their goals by asking about them at least once a week, or make some sort of visual progress chart to display in the kitchen. Also work with them to decide on the consequences of achieving their goal or not within a set timeframe as this will help them stay motivated.

From Tiny Tots to Big Kids Lessons start from 12 weeks old

Kingswim

241-245 Bay Road

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Bayside

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Dingley

kingswim.com.au Enrol before the end of Feb 2016 and receive a FREE holiday program for the Easter break

Lunchbox Legends Skip Hop - zoo insulated food jar - owl $32.95 www.limetreekids.com.au little mashies - twin pack $9.95 www.minimeorganics.com.au

Apple & Mint lunchbag - batman $34.95 www.minimeorganics.com.au

Marvel Bento Lunchbox $18 littlebentoworld.com Sinchies 140ml reusable food pouches pack of 5 $11 www.sinchies.com.au

500ml Green owl bottle $15.95 350ml Butterfly bottle $13.95 cheeki.net.au 10

Apple & Mint lunchbag - aqua flamingo $34.95 www.minimeorganics.com.au

Bentgo Kids purple bento lunchbox $39.95 www.minimeorganics.com.au

Thermos Funtainer Food Jars $24.95 haggusandstookles.com.au

350ml Bottle Zoo friends $29.95 www.ecococoon.com.au

Fiona Baker, from Mini Me Organics in Bayside, shares with us her top picks for a healthy litter free lunchbox: 1. An insulated lunchbag

Unicorn insulated lunchbox $29.95 www.woddlers.com.au

Nude Food Movers Rubbish Free Lunchbox $15 Coles/Woolies

This is an absolute must for me, in warm weather lunchboxes can really heat up so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to keep them cool! We love the Apple & Mint insulated lunchbags as they come with a gel ice pack which zips into the back of the bag and keeps your lunchbox cool for up to 8 hours. They also come in 6 funky designs. 2. Bento style lunchbox Most schools are introducing a nude food or litter free lunch policy these days so bento style lunchboxes are perfect for eliminating the need for glad wrap and zip lock bags. They also encourage healthy eating by discouraging filling your lunchbox with shop bought packets of food. Our favourite for younger kids is the Bentgo Kids as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compact, easy to open and close, and has a rubberised overlay around the sides which protects it from bangs and when dropped. For bigger kids we are big fans of the Goodbyn range. You can fit a really good amount of food in them, just over 5 cups in the Bynto and over 6 cups in the Hero, the lid comes off and on really easily and they are quick and easy to pack. 3. Reusable yoghurt pouches

Sandwich Keeper Plus $33 www.tupperware.com.au

Tritan Bottle with Ice Stick $5 www.kmart.com.au

The eco-friendlier option for yoghurt lovers. Those pesky pouches in the supermarket add up to a huge amount of landfill and compared to buying a large yoghurt tub and filling reusable pouches you will save about 50% of the cost so they are great for the environment and your pocket! One of our favourites are little mashies, they come in a really cute design and hold 130 mls. 4. Insulated drink bottle

Goodbyn Bynto, purple $17.95 www.minimeorganics.com.au

It goes without saying that your child should be drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Our pick would be the Stainless Steel Ecococoon. They are double walled vacuum insulated which means they keep liquids cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours, plus they come in three different sizes and lots of really cute designs.

separate success Being a single parent is far more common these days than it used to be, however that doesn’t mean it gets any easier. It’s hard enough raising kids with a supportive partner, let alone parenting on your own after a divorce or during a separation. It takes confidence, resilience and courage. If you’re a single mum or dad trying to juggle the needs of one or more kids… rest assured you’re not alone. If you are separated or divorced, especially in the beginning, you need to work at being civil with one another. Ongoing conflicts often have a negative effect on children, and can leave them feeling bitter, frustrated, withdrawn and stressed. Work to manage your communication and emotions well so your child isn’t caught in the middle of your battles. There are many tools out there that can assist in this such as the SharedCare App, which allows you to manage the day-to-day needs of the kids and share the load with your family or support group. You don’t need to be a “super parent”—and if you try to be one, your stress will get in the way of that goal. Be compassionate and reasonable toward yourself, your ex and your kids. This is the only way forward. As a single parent, one thing to remember is that the kids’ need to be a priority. Children will appreciate it if you put your energy toward maintaining good relationships rather than trying to prove what a jerk their other parent is. If your ex criticises you to the kids, just respond by saying that you are comfortable with how you are handling things, rather than defending yourself or throwing back a jab. This way your children are not in a position to have to decide which parent is right, wrong, better or worse. Kids want to be free to have good feelings towards both parents and get on with their lives.

Family breakdown is never easy, however it can be less difficult if arrangements are agreed in advance and everything is kept civil and out in the open and always with the children’s wellbeing in mind. Things like negotiating school holidays can be difficult, particularly when parents are juggling their own work commitments and perhaps even new relationships. It is important to ensure these arrangements also include time with grandparents or extended family, who are often forgotten during the messy process of separation and divorce. Children tend to function best when they know what to expect. For many, moving between Mum’s house and Dad’s house literally feels like transitioning between two worlds. When children don’t have an opportunity to regroup often their anxiety levels go through the roof. Without our guidance and support, kids tend to manage those feelings by acting out… which only adds to the stress levels of parents. Whatever you choose to do with your kids, do your best to keep it relaxing, tension free and enjoyable. Not only will transitions smooth out, but you may also discover some treasured memories get created along the way. SharedCare is currently available for iPhone and Android devices and costs A$1.99 For further information, visit www.sharedcare.net.au

“Women of the Future”

— Miss Jeanie Hood Founding Principal 1896–1902

Provide your child the best start to their educational journey by establishing a love of learning. St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre and Junior School inspire children to play, learn and grow. Discover more about St Catherine’s by taking a personal tour of the School or book for our first 2016 Open Morning on Thursday 17 March commencing at 8.45am. Please contact our Registrar, Ms Amanda Bennett, on 03 9828 3971 or email admissions@stcatherines.net.au to reserve your place.

17 OPEN MORNING Thursday 17 March

ST CATHERINE’S SCHOOL A Day and Boarding School for Girls, ELC to Year 12 (ELC includes boys) 17 Heyington Place Toorak VIC 3142 T: (03) 9822 1285 | www.stcatherines.net.au 13

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Bayside’s Biggest and Best Indoor Playcentre! A “zoo themed” adventure playground unmatched by any play centre in Australia. With a floor area of 2270m, five fully decorated party rooms, and a café serving Genovese coffee and chef prepared meals, we have an unparalleled range of equipment and attractions for ages 0 – 12 Years. Come in and GO WILD!

362-364 Boundary Rd, Dingley. 9551 7559. 9am - 5pm, 7 days. www.superzu.com.au 14

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

Story time is back! Story time at Bayside libraries start again Monday 1 February. No bookings required, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free, so just turn up! Also coming to Bayside Library; Lucy Sussex, Leah Kaminsky and Lise Rodgers. For more information about these and other events at the library pick up a Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On brochure at any branch. Tel 9591 5907 bayside.vic.gov.au/library 0417

Back to School Organising Projects School holidays are a great time to reconnect with our family, without all the schedules. Racing from one place to another, all those drop offs, pick-ups and lunchboxes become so yesterday. On the flip side, trying to keep a sense of order in our homes over the holidays is just a losing battle and we all know everything takes longer with kids in tow.

As the holidays draw to a close, no doubt, your list of bugbears and projects are piling up and you’re ready to get back into the swing of things. Before you rush ahead and do a regular tidy up, consider these organising tips from expert accredited AAPO professional organiser Robyn Amott from Bless this Mess. They are sure to have you hitting the ‘go button’ on all those organising and decluttering projects from the minute the school bell rings

Tip 1: Assess

Tip 6. Storage

Take note of all your bugbears. Those zones/ spaces/stuff that have been driving you nuts throughout the year, or over the break, which you just never seem to find time to get to.

Measure your space to ensure storage items will fit the depth of the space and are size relevant to the content. Additionally, extra shelves can maximise your storage potential and provide greater flexibility in how you group items, whilst divisions within draws will provide homes for individual groups of items.

Tip 2: Prioritise Consider your list and focus on each one independently. How do you want this space to feel and function, what is its purpose? What does/doesn’t work within the space? Be realistic about how much time you have for each task/area, whilst also ensuring you set aside the time in your schedule over the coming weeks or months.

Tip 3: Group Start with one space or category of item at a time. Clear the contents of the space into the nearest hallway and group ‘like with like items’ together. Additionally, draw any items of the same category from other areas.

Tip 4: Sort Work through each pile deciding what needs to be de-cluttered/donated/kept or is garbage. Ask yourself – ‘Do I need IT’, ‘Do I use IT’, ‘Does IT have a purpose to me’, ‘Is IT age and stage appropriate’? Consider how much space you have available to allocate to each of these categories. This provides you with a guideline as to how much content you need to declutter, sets limits and ensures effective storage use.

Tip 5: Map Out & Zone Your space is now a blank canvas. So consider a new layout. Break each space into zones – prioritising items you access regularly in a central, easily accessible zone, with those rarely accessed items in higher zones. Consider too if you’re right or left handed as this will also impact on your zoning. Allocate only one space for a set function/purpose to assist in the location and return of items. You want to create homes for your items that make sense, saving you time and stress.

Choose storage items based on whether they suit the required function ahead of something that just looks pretty.

Tip 7: Pack Up Time to put it all away. Keep within the zones/ limits of your plan. If items within each category exceed their limit you may need to re-assess and declutter further or even rethink your plan or storage items. Group like with like items in a container or on the same shelf.

Tip 8: Identify Label your new spaces/homes/storage items to help the entire household know where to find and pack away for the future, to ensure all your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Tip 9: Maintenance Items are constantly coming into our home. To maintain the balance, adopt this very simple rule. It’s called the ‘one in – one out’ rule. For every item that enters your home, an item of equal value or content needs to be moved on. Also reconsider purchases you don’t need. You’ll find you stay within the space limits and won’t need to set aside as much time to keep it all under control. By Robyn Amott, Professional Organiser and owner of Bless this Mess. blessthismess.com.au

WHERE EVERY CHILD MATTERS

NEW Bentleigh East Centre Now Open NEW McKinnon centre opening May 2016 Kids Time Early Learning Centre is a family owned and operated Long Day Care and Kindergarten facility providing high quality care and education for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Kids Time Early Learning Centre is a fully accredited, bright and spacious purpose built centre. We provide a secure and nurturing environment for children to play, learn and grow into happy and confident individuals.

Things that make our centre special: A new state of the art building A secure and nurturing environment for children Our friendly qualified and experienced staff 3 year old and 4 year old Kinder programs Fun filled programs enriching each childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual development Nutritious and delicious meals using the highest quality ingredients prepared by our in house chef Complimentary Yoga, Music and Sport and French classes Multicultural programming and events

Call us today 9532 9673 to secure a place for your child

31 East Boundary Road, Bentleigh East www.kidstimeelc.com.au

Chris Humfrey’s

ZOOKEEPER EXPERIENCE!

Spend a whole day with zoologist Chris Humfrey from ABC’s hit series “Chris Humfrey’s Wild Life!” Work at 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. Strictly 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 24519

banana three ways The kids come home from school or kinder and are starving, but all you can find is a battered banana from the depths of their school bag or an over-ripe one in the fruit bowl. Sound familiar? Then you’ll love these quick and super easy banana recipes. Perfect for afterschool snacks, school lunch box treats or even a fun breakfast option.

Banana and blueberry chia bread

Banana icecream crunch

Ingredients:

Great afterschool snack on a hot day! Also perfect for a healthy breakfast and just wait till the kids hear they are having ice-cream for breakfast!

2 bananas 2 eggs Pinch of baking powder Pinch of cinnamon (optional) A little oil or butter for frying

Ingredients:

Method:

2 frozen bananas Ted & Mems Buckwheat Blend Method:

Mash bananas until smooth. This is best done in a food processor as the consistency will be more like a batter.

Put bananas into a blender and purée, turning off the motor and stirring the mixture two or three times until smooth and creamy.

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl and then add to banana mixture along with baking powder and cinnamon. Stir well.

Pour into bowls and serve topped with a generous serving of Ted & Mems Buckwheat Blend.

Heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan on low/ medium heat. Spoon a tablespoon of the mixture into the pan and wait until bubbles appear (approx 1 minute). Carefully turn over and cook on the other side. These are best served straight away.

2 bananas mashed 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1 cup instant oats ¾ cup greek yoghurt ½ wholemeal self-raising flour ½ tsp baking powder ¼ cup milk 1 egg 2 tbs pear concentrate* (honey can be used as an alternative)

1 tbs chia seeds Method: Preheat oven to 180 degrees and line a loaf tin with baking paper. Combine all ingredients except for the blueberries into a bowl and mix well. Pour mixture into a loaf tin and scatter blueberries on top of mixture. Gently push blueberries into the cake batter and then place into the oven for 30-40 mins. Leave to cool before serving. *Pear concentrate can be found in most health stores

Add a tablespoon of milo, almond butter or a handful of berries to create fun ice-cream flavours. The options are endless and can be as healthy or indulgent as you wish!

Banana pancakes Ingredients:

Top with ricotta and honey for a healthy afterschool snack.

By St Kilda East mama Sarah Hosking - a Granola Guru, Muesli Maker and Breakfast Baker from Ted & Mems. Follow Sarah on Instagram @tedandmems www.tedandmems.com.au 20

lovely locals

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1. Ramen Heaven - Shyun Ramen Bar If you judged a place by its website, then this place would be fabulous, however it holds it’s own in the flesh as the perfect lunch or dinner destination. Homemade Japanese broths, noodles and main meals in a vibrant locale with an open kitchen. Not a huge amount of space in the trendy interior so prams are best sitting outside on a nice day. 73 Koornang Road www.shyunramenbar.com.au

2. Lunchtime legend - Huff Bagelry This has long been a MamaMag favourite, especially with their 2nd store in Mentone. Choose from 7 savoury and 3 sweet bagels, toasted or fresh with your choice of toppings. I can’t go past the chicken aioli, avocado and lettuce for $10. 112 Koornang Road www.huffbagelry.com

3. Kiddie fun - Croc’s Playcentre Whether you want the best party or just a day out with your little ones, Croc’s is a winner. Stacey and Keith’s indoor play areas have been designed by one of Australia’s leading indoor play specialists. Slides, climbing structure, jumping pillow, balance and pedal bike track, toddler and baby areas, Muffin Break cafe and much more. Open 7 days 9.30am to 5pm and till 8pm on Fridays. 2/20 Koornang Road www.crocsplaycentre.com.au/carnegie

4. Me time - Paradai Thai Massage and Spa If you can find an hour to yourself, treat yourself to a hot stone massage or a Salt Spa Body Scrub. Of course they have the standard head, neck, shoulder and back or a relaxation massage with oil, but come on mamas, you deserve a treat! Prices are great too. 67 Koornang Road www.paradaithaimassage.net 5. Last minute gifts - Serenity Serenity is the first port of call for a last-minute gift in Carnegie. Serenity offers a wide range of unusual and eclectic jewellery, bags, scarves, clothing and giftware. Owner Robyn introduces new items regularly, with pieces from local and overseas designers and says “The underlying theme of Serenity is choosing products that tell a story.” I like it already! 76 Koornang Road www.facebook.com/SerenityForTheInnerSpirit 22

The Music Education and Resource Centre Music Classes for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers Dance Classes for Children and Adults Holiday Programs Instrumental Tuition 3+ yrs Educational Resources & Gifts

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mama can Cook! Sweet Corn & Carrot Fritters Makes 20 | Prep time 15 mins | Cooking time 10 mins Ingredients: (make this 24hrs in advance) 3 medium carrots, diced 1 corn cob 1 small bunch of mint 1 egg 3 tbsp coconut flour 1/3 cup quinoa flakes 1/3 cup sesame seeds 100ml x Japanese kewpie mayonnaise 200g x lavosh or similar crisp flat bread Nutritional Tip: Carrots are rich in Vitamin A which is fantastic not just for our eyes but also for our skin and nails.

Filling your lunchbox has never been easier with these recipes from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A Healthy Lunchboxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by Stacey Clare.

24 24

Method: Steam the diced carrot until tender. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, cut the kernels from the cob of corn and set aside. Pull the leaves from the bunch of mint and chop them in a food processor until fine. Add the cooled carrots and egg and pulse until the carrot is lightly mashed and the ingredients are combined. Place in a large bowl and stir through the corn kernels and coconut flour. Combine the quinoa flakes with the sesame seeds and place on a large plate. Mould the carrot mixture into small fritters and coat them in the sesame/quinoa crumb. Cook in a warm frypan, over a medium heat, until golden. Serving Suggestion: Great with avocado salsa, Storage: Fridge for 3 days & freezer for 1 month.

Crepes are a dessert favourite and when they’re this healthy, they can be a lunchbox favourite too. Play with the fillings and have some fun.

For more great lunch box ideas visit www.staceyclare.com

Coconut & Berry Crepes Makes 12 | Prep time 5 mins | Cooking time 5 mins Ingredients: 3 eggs 5 tbsp desiccated coconut ¼ cup coconut cream 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 4 tbsp yoghurt ½ punnet blueberries Nutritional Tip: Coconut is a great option when you’re looking for a gluten and grain-free alternative. It’s packed with protein and good fats for your heart and general wellbeing.

Method: Whisk the eggs, 3 tbsp of the desiccated coconut, coconut cream and vanilla bean paste together until smooth and well combined. Oil a large frypan and heat over a low to medium heat. Add 3-4 tablespoons of crepe mixture, ensuring you help it to spread evenly. Flip once the top appears to be nearly set. Cook for another minute or so, then remove and place on a plate to cool. Repeat the process until all the mixture is used. Spread the crepes with yoghurt and top with the remaining coconut and the blueberries. Roll and serve. Serving Suggestion: Try filling with your own favourites but the addition of peanut butter and muesli is a winner in my eyes. Store the un-rolled crepes in a sealed container, ready to make up in the morning for that day’s lunchbox. Storage: Fridge for 2 days & freezer for 2 weeks.

digital dileMma

Help steer your child through the digital world Do you have concerns about how your children are using the internet? Did you just buy them a tablet or smart phone for Christmas? The rise of the digital age has delivered society a wonderful and seamless connection, eradicating distance and giving us access to information anywhere, anytime. But it has also created opportunities for individuals and groups to take advantage of the public, specifically young people, who might not be aware or educated enough about the potential risks. Of course, the idea that technology is both a blessing and curse is well understood. And, technology disruptors or ‘game-changers’ have been introduced for centuries – notably, ones that alter relationships and reputations. There are stories from the 19th century of young women employed as telegraph operators, for the first time being able to organise secret rendezvous with suitors unbeknown to their parents. While moral panic narratives are common, especially regarding technology, there are certainly enduring issues of concern. The ongoing dilemma is of connectivity and the risks that are introduced by it. While telegrams and telephones originally changed social dynamics, the scale of distribution of digital technology is staggering. Smartphones are now used by children as young as two and three. This means that the impact of social technologies on behaviour and safety is much larger and starts from a younger age. Children navigating the internet may also be willingly or unwillingly exposed to inappropriate content, such as sex, violence and drug abuse. In these cases appropriate 26

guidance is essential to ensure children are aware of how to avoid these sites. While social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have established more rigorous user guidelines and protections, it’s the social media start-ups companies that pose the greatest threat to young users, as they are often focused on company growth, rather than usersafety and friendly communities. New start up sites are often off the radar of mainstream media, parents, carers and educators too. Direct messaging and anonymous questionand-answer apps are the latest ‘game-changers’ in social media, such as Snapchat, Kik and Ask.fm. They are popular with young people because, well, they are popular with young people – meaning that teenagers tend to gravitate to technologies that are used by their peer group – think of it as the ‘yo-yo craze’ effect. Their instant appeal is largely due to the speed and ease of messaging, and crucially, they are free to use. It is on these platforms where the assumption of anonymity and/or impermanence can bite back. While young people are usually more confident practitioners of technology, they sometimes lack the caution to think of possible consequences. A case in point: Snapchat’s promise of ‘impermanence’ has recently been rocked by a US industry regulator’s decision that they have been deceiving customers. Under terms of the settlement, Snapchat’s privacy practices will be monitored by an independent professional for the next 20 years. These developments highlight the overriding importance of digital literacy education. There is no substitute for active parenting in these matters, but parenting and teaching these days is often a constant fight against prevailing messages and behaviour.

A 2014 Telstra study revealed that more than half of young adults surveyed regretted content they had posted online when they were younger. 46 per cent of young teens witness cyberbullying either frequently or sometimes. Here are some useful tips for helping children more safely navigate the Age of Social Media – all of which are drawn from various modules in the eSmart Digital Licence. 1. Age restrictions on social media sites vary – know what they are and why they are there 2. Know what social media sites get in return for a free service – e.g. private information, advertising, your likes and dislikes 3. Make deliberate decisions about why and how you use social media 4. Avoid the ‘over-share’ (ask yourself: why am I really sharing this?) 5. Keep passwords private – regardless of friendships. 6. These tips can be used as great conversation starters for parents and their children. Better

yet, try the eSmart Digital Licence together to see what you really know Developed by The Alannah and Madeline Foundation in conjunction with industry experts, the eSmart Digital Licence, includes eight learning modules, which evaluate comprehension of key technology and cybersafety topics, and equips children with the knowledge and skills they need to learn, play and socialise safely online. The Alannah and Madeline Foundation works to keep children safe from violence and recover from trauma. More than 100,000 Australian school-aged children have registered for the eSmart Digital Licence since it was introduced last year. Through its education and prevention programs the Foundation aims to ensure children are well equipped for a safe future.

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Benefits of LEGO Play The year was 1958, Robert Menzies was re-elected for his 7th term as Prime Minister of Australia, Monash University was founded in Melbourne, Baystone won the Melbourne Cup and Collingwood won its 13th Premiership in the VFL. There was another significant event which occurred in 1958 across the other side of the globe which revolutionised the world of play and learning for children and their families. On January 28, 1958, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen filed a patent for the iconic plastic brick with its stud-and-hole design. The rest as they say is history. The LEGO® name is made from the first two letters of the Danish words LEG GODT, meaning, “play well”. Today, on average, every person on the earth owns 86 LEGO® bricks! In 2012, 45.7 billion LEGO® bricks were produced at a rate of 5.2 million per hour. Over the years many studies and research projects have been conducted exploring the

educational and social benefits a child gains by playing with LEGO® bricks. These studies have now branched out to recognising the value of LEGO® play in children with autism and other ASDs.

What are the Key Benefits of LEGO® Play For Pre School Children: Spatial Skills One of the many learning objectives of Preschool programs is mastering the skill of spatial reasoning, which helps students learn about context, width, height, and how to recreate complex models using their own set of blocks. Studies have shown this set of skills is almost always taught more effectively when students use LEGO® bricks.

Social Skills Another major skill taught to young children in preschool is how to cooperate and collaborate with others. Theses basic sets of social skills are key to achieving future educational success. By introducing LEGO to pre-schoolers, the learning of those skills can start early. The presence of Legos, and their near-ubiquitous popularity among boys and girls in this age group, makes them a popular item and a central gathering point when they’re part of an unstructured play scenario. ®

Mathematical and Numeracy Skills Playing with LEGO® bricks give students something to manipulate and demonstrates to them the nature of addition, subtraction, and basic math skills. Studies have long shown that students perform better when they have something to manipulate during the lesson. Their ability to work hands-on with materials that showcase addition and subtraction, perhaps by adding or subtracting blocks from a structure, shows them the real-world application of these skills and gives them a reference when they must perform the same mathematics tasks in a written form.

For School Age Children: When children reach school age, this is where the real educational benefits of LEGO® bricks are optimised. Amongst other things: • Lego provides tools that develop lateral thinking in a fun environment. • It teaches children to think in three dimensions. • It improves literacy as children work with instructions. • It develops problem-solving, organization, and planning by construction. • It improves creativity. • It enhances communication and critical thinking. • It develops fine motor skills.

Benefits of LEGO® Play for children with autism We are only just beginning to understand the value of LEGO® based therapy for children with autism. Studies have shown that LEGO® provides the platform for easier engagement for the child which in turn allows them to open the circle of communication readily. LEGO® blocks offer a highly routine, repetitive, structured form of play that many children with autism find appealing. Engaging in activities that work off their strengths builds their confidence. Therefore they are more likely to participate in behaviours that are often challenging for children with autism like creativity, imaginative play and socialisation. One of the challenges often faced by children with autism or other ASDs is troublesome fine motor skills. The child is so engaged playing with LEGO® their motor skills improve significantly without even specifically trying to teach them to improve their dexterity. Research conducted at the University of Cambridge concluded children with autism and ASD showed an improvement in social skills as a result of LEGO® Brick play. This leads to better engagement with their peers, which transfers to other settings. We are witnessing first hand the high engagement levels in children with autism and ASD at our Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO® workshops and classes. They are displaying social and collaborative skills with other children in an environment they are comfortable with and displaying behaviours which are absent in school classrooms.

By Mitchell Wu, Director, Bricks4Kidz, Bayside & Port Phillip www.bricks4kidzaustralia.com.au/BPP Facebook: www.facebook.com/b4kBPP

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the real reason you Becoming a mum comes with a whole set of challenges to conquer; boobs, bottles, mother’s groups and more trips to the chemist than we all care to mention. Is it any wonder that by the time we have wrangled our offspring into their clothing each morning, we have zero energy left to adorn ourselves and are left staring at a wardrobe full of nothing to wear? After peeking into the closets of many Melbournians in my role as a personal stylist and having navigated the tricky terrain of motherhood myself, I have discovered the 5 big reasons your wardrobe isn’t working.

1. It’s too dressy

This applies to all your old ‘corporate’ gear and to all those fashionable frocks you have hoarded in your wardrobe from weddings and events gone by. It is very hard to dress down a corporate or event item. Many have tried and many more have failed. Black pencil skirts just seem strange sitting amongst a sandpit.

2. It’s dated

Yes it looked great on you the first time around! It still fits and is in good condition. Only problem is that style hasn’t seen the light of day for over a decade. This applies to prints and patterns from the past as well as shapes and styles that make us shudder. If a Spice Girl wore it then it’s time to say goodbye.

3. It doesn’t fit

You are no longer the woman you once were. Things have changed! So it’s reasonable to assume that your body might have a little baggage from your 9 month battle. Finding clothes that fit your new body is a tricky task and can take some trial and error. Hanging onto clothes that are too tight or too loose is not doing you any favours. Ditch the maternity gear and start shopping for your new shape. 32

4. It’s too casual

It is very easy to fall into a comfort trap when the majority of your time is spent at home. If your outfits are old, faded, pilling or stretched then it’s time to put them to good use – as cleaning rags. Don’t waste precious wardrobe space on your old and daggy items because just like a packet of Tim Tams if they are there we will eat them. (or wear them as the case may be.)

5. It’s high maintenance

Oh, it’s so silky and soft. The fabric feels lovely but guess what? One drip or drop from a rouge sippy cup is going to render that gorgeous piece useless. These dry clean only pieces are going to become the ‘rare wears’ of your wardrobe. Keep these pretty pieces for your ‘going out’ wardrobe – just be realistic that you may only wear it once a year, to the kinder concert. Hey, at least it’s a night out!

Here are some simple things you can do to update your style this month.

• Join Pinterest and start pinning inspiring style images. • Copy, copy and copy some more. That’s what celebs and the internet are there for right? • Play along with an Instagram style challenge or jump on the #realmumstyle hashtag to see what the other real mums of Melbourne and beyond are wearing. • Start sorting your wardrobe and getting rid of the clutter. • Book a session with a stylist to point you in the right direction. By Bron Sheridan. Bron is the hilariously honest Melbourne based stylist, blogger and Boss Mama behind Flat Bum Mum. She writes about staying stylish during the madness of motherhood. Find her on www.flatbummum.com or styling up Instagram. @flatbummum Melbourne mums can book a style session with Bron by calling 0403 123 140.

have nothing to wear

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This gorgeous park has something for everyone from a toddler friendly playground with a huge sandpit complete with digger, to a giant metal slide for the more adventurous, plus a tennis wall, basketball court and funky skate park for the bigger kids. Even the toilet block looks cool!

Other equipment includes spiral slide, balance beam, bars, hanging balance disk and swining nbasket and the usual swings for all.

And of course the central feature is a wellplanted lake with a path around the outside, perfect for a spot of bike riding. It was home to many swans on my visit including some babies. What child doesn’t love that?

And don’t forget the park plays host to the Vic Farmers Markets accredited “Kingston Farmers Market”, run ins association with Rotary Club of Chelsea, on the first Saturday of every month, 8am - 12.30pm.

Facilities include: sheltered tables, BBQ, water tap, tennis wall, sculptures, viewing deck, toilets and ample car parking.

BENTLEIGH Everything for baby and kids! New and second hand items available Every 3rd Saturday of the month! Next market: 20th February 9am - 12.30pm St Johns Church Hall, Corner of Tucker and Centre Road, Bentleigh Coffee Truck and Sausage Sizzle Future market dates: 19/3, 16/4, 21/5, 18/6, 16/7, 20/8, 17/9, 15/10, 19/11

Stalls $25 each. www.trybooking.com/JUJE For more info call 9557 2226 or bentleighanglican@bigpond.com SPHC St Kilda_Swim School-Learn how to swim_Term 2 2016_138mm x 97mm (Mama Mag).pdf 1 18/01/2016 2:57:09 PM

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MAMA of the month This month we meet with Brighton mama of two, Natalie Jarvis. Natalie is not only a designer and illustrator but also the clever creator of Electric Confetti, fun, vintage style neon lights for your home made with super safe LEDs. Natalie’s designs are truly unique and you’ll want them all for your kids bedroom!

Of course you’re a mum, that’s why you’re here! Tell us a little about your children... Matilda is almost three, and Stella is 5 months. Matilda shares my passion for anything creative, especially dancing! She has a love for colours and clashing prints in her outfit choices. Stella is happy laying on the floor watching all the action about her.

Your husband and yourself originally hail from across the Tasman Sea. When did you come to Australia? In 2007, soon after completing a double major in Design and Art History, I crossed the Tasman to Melbourne following my then-boyfriend and now-husband Scott (he would say I CHASED him). I almost became a cleaner … and then went for a job at the Formula 1 store (my mum was relieved when she found out it wasn’t as a bikinied ‘grid girl’). After a short while, I tumbled into an exciting career in publishing as a book designer.

What were you up to before you created Electric Confetti and how did you decide to get into ‘neon’? The past eight years have involved many changes, with me working for large publishing companies and also spending some time travelling in Europe. I eventually struck out on my own as a freelance designer and illustrator,

still working in books, but also creating custom art posters and wedding invitations. One of my favourite jobs has been to create monograms for couples to use forevermore, stamping letters and paid bills, I guess! After the birth of my little girl Matilda Mae, I came across LED neon flex when researching traditional neon as a possible art medium to explore. After two years in the making behind the scenes, Stella came along, and Electric Confetti was then launched!

What advice do you have for other aspiring business mums? I understand the frustration at having an idea for that long you lose faith and interest in it. I kept thinking perhaps this is a stupid idea/why am I investing all this time, money and effort into something that no-one may like? I knew I wanted to get everything right before the launch (branding/position in market/style of neon) but these things seemed to take forever. After it was out there I had to let go of these concerns and see where it would take me.

What has been the biggest learning journey in growing your business? Probably the financial and administration side of the business. It’s absolutely not my forte, and I’m not afraid to admit that. I’ve caused my husband a few headaches on this front . He would insert the rolling eye emoji here if it were possible!

What inspires you? Colour, pattern, interiors and typography.

What is your favourite part of what you do? Talking to people about their ideas then designing their neon! The nature of the LED neon requires the design to be kept simple. This can be a challenge sometimes especially as I can be inclined to make my designs quite intricate.

Do you have any funny parenting stories to give us a giggle… Matilda brought home a gastro bug, and after tending to her through the night for two nights I got it on the third – at 1am. I then went into labour the following day while I was constantly being sick. I was in denial because I felt so crook. My husband came home with the same bug that afternoon and we were both in bed feeling sorry for ourselves (but me more so!). At 11pm I was ready to go to the hospital and had to wrench Scott out of bed. He was in the bathroom for a lot of the delivery, then I was in isolation with Stella for 48 hours after her birth so was unable to see anyone apart from the nurses (who were so suited up only their eyes were visible!). It’s one way to get a private room in a public hospital I guess!

Motherhood has taught me… That every cliche mentioned about motherhood is true!

You can find Natalie’s gorgeous designs at electricconfetti.com.au

water safety at home In Australia we take much pride in our ability to access sandy blue beaches and to be able to dip into a pool on a hot summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day! In saying this, we are also very aware of the dangers that can occur with our children around water. I would like to share some statistics and also some research on how to prevent and therefore minimise water rescues. The 2015 facts have been released by The Royal Life Saving Society and they are pretty disturbing. From one parent to another it certainly had me concerned and got me looking into what we can possibly do ourselves to reduce these horrible statistics! Whenever I talk about statistics I think it is important that we take a moment to reflect that each statistic represents a personal story, one of pain and grief. Each and every number is a person, a person who is surrounded by family, friends and a community that has been struck with sadness and emotional pain. There has been a 30% increase in drownings for childrenaged 0-4 in Australia in the last decade. Our little children are finding their way into the water and sadly are losing their lives. There are a few aways we can reduce this risk in our home and also when we are in unpredictable environments such as the beach, lakes, and damns!

Water safety in your home Bath time: Interesting fact! Children can drown in very small amounts of water! Water that is deep enough to cover their nose and mouth is enough for a small children to drown in! During bath time it is essential for the child to have 100% adult supervision. The use of bathing tools such as bath seats does not suffice for supervision. Each moment your child is their bath they require an adult with them. Some tips during bath time is: - Prepare for bath time. Ensure that you have clothing, towels, and anything requires after bath time ready before the bath is full. This will reduce the risk of you having to leave the room. - Ensure that the bath is not too full and that soaps and lotions that are slippery are not used. - Using grips at the bottom of the bath will help create friction. - Once the bath is complete empty the bath promptly and restrict access to wet areas without adult supervision. Home pool: When it comes to having a pool at home there are multiple things to take into account: fencing, gates, environment, ability to supervise, chemicals and electricity. The Royal Australian Life Saving Society has created a short but informative video on things to consider and have a printable checklist available on their website.

General water safety in your home: Have you considered all the other areas in your home that could be a drowning risk to your child? Some other areas to think about are buckets, inflatable pools, eskies, water tanks, irrigation channels, drains, pet bowls, spas, streams/lakes, fish ponds and water features. As the statistics have shown itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our little ones from the ages of 0-4 at highest risk! At this age they are very inquisitive and will explore areas they shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. The process of exploring leads children into unsafe zones they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know are dangerous. Taking measures to prevent these incidences is very important however keep mind that supervision is always essential.

Swimming classes and survival lessons for your child We looked into the different types of swimming lessons available to equip your children with the skills to be confident in water and to be safe. There is no debate that introduction to water and education is important for Australian children and here we outline a few different approaches. Water familiarisation: We can begin water familiarisation at an early age, and this can be done during bath time. We can encourage positive play, splashing and introducing the child into water gently being poured on their head and body. This helps them become comfortable around water and therefore allows you as the parent to increase water activities for your children.

not encourage overuse of floatation devices however use them as a tool for learning to swim. These centres provide some focus days on survival however it is not the main focus. Survival classes: Kids Aquatic Survival School have been running survival classes in Sydney for 11 yearsand are now offering classes in other states. The classes are designed with survival as the key focus. In consideration that the largest age group for drowning is 0-4, the classes only provide survival skills. It is recognised that a child at a very young age will not be able to develop the swimming skills to survive dangerous water emergencies so they teach children to float before they start to learn how to swim. The courses teach also teach infants how to calmly deal with sudden water immersion and spontaneous water entry.

First aid Any water prevention information will explain the importance of knowing first aid and CPR. If you are required to rescue your child it is very important to know how to do CPR. We offer these classes and if you are unable to attend a class we can provide further resources for you, your family and your community. By Nataly Tormey, Wonderwoman children www.wonderwomanchildren.com

Swim and survival: This education is designed for younger children and is the most common form of water education available. These classes are where children develop confidence in water through water familiarisation and then develop swimming and floating skills. Most centres will

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get into cloth Did you know that on average a child will go through approximately 6000 nappies from birth to toilet training? That equates to not only a mountain of nappies in landfill but up to $3000 for each child. Whilst pregnant I worked as a dietitian at the Royal Children’s Hospital and I was aware of many decisions that parents make on behalf of their children, especially when it came to nutrition. Daily I asked parents ‘what is going in and what’s coming out’ questions so I knew very well how many nappies a typical child would go through daily from newborn to toilet training age and that was certainly a lot of nappies per child! I consider myself to be an environmentally conscious person so I was not overly keen on using disposable nappies. As we were also making the transition to a single income, the initial cost of setting up cloth was definitely going to outweigh the ongoing cost of disposables, especially across multiple children. A good quality cloth nappy system will cost less than $600 to set up and the savings multiply across several kids! I made a decision to use cloth nappies just like my mother did for my siblings and I, but I knew that I would struggle to convince my husband to do the same until a colleague mentioned ‘modern cloth nappies’ (MCNs) to me. Cloth nappies conjured images of terry flats, pins, pilchers and chunky nappies on bots, not a cloth version of a disposable nappy. I am so grateful that she introduced me to the world of cloth as it is rarely promoted as an option by caregivers or hospitals providing disposables and distributing the new mum’s show bags.

I researched all the different types and brands of MCNs. Would I choose all in one, all in two, pocket, prefolds, fitted; one size fits most, a progressive sizing system; bamboo or microfibre; snaps or velcro? The options were quite endless and overwhelming. I eventually decided to go all out and purchase a full time stash of one size fits most (OSFM) pocket nappies. I started using my MCNs soon after we came home from hospital once I had become accustomed to life with a newborn and breastfeeding. Whilst I loved cloth from the first MCN we used, over the next few months I felt that my initial choice of MCNs wasn’t really ideally suited to us. My cousin gave me some velcro all in ones and we were converted! For us the velcro option is dad friendly and the sized option gives us the best fit, however given the overwhelming choice when it comes to cloth, there is really no one perfect system for everyone. But what about all the ‘clean up’ and laundry involved? Well either way you have to deal with the mess and you will get the occasional ‘poonami’ not matter what nappy system you use! Using a microfleece liner to catch the poop makes the clean up easy (only one option amongst others, you can even get mini hoses that attach to the toilet!). I find myself doing an extra 3-4 loads of washing each week, not much amongst all the other washing you do with a baby!

in 2o16 In hindsight I wish I had trialled a few different to find out what suited us. Most brands of cloth nappies and small businesses selling MCNs offer MCN demonstrations and nappy parties for parents to see, feel and get an idea of what might work best for them by discussing their needs with the consultant. A cloth nappy party is a good option for new parent groups who are wanting to know a bit more about using cloth, or if you know an expectant mother who is keen to use cloth, why not have a MCN demo as part of her baby shower? Maybe you are soon to be parents and considering using cloth or you are already a parent and wanting to get into cloth for the New Year? By choosing cloth you are reducing waste and your family’s environmental footprint, limiting the chemicals you put against your baby’s skin and saving yourselves lots of money! Check out the Australian Nappy Association’s website at www.australiannappyassociation.org.au for all things relating to cloth! By Jamie Errico. (B Nut Diet.) Consultant for Baby BeeHinds™ www.babybeehinds.com.au

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