Westside MamaMag February 2016 by MamaMag

WESTSIDE

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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Join us for Open Twilight at Williamstown Thursday 17 March 4.30pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7.00pm WILLIAMSTOWN (P-3) 67 The Strand, Newport Vic 3015 | Telephone 03 9731 9555 For further information and to register, please visit westbournegrammar.com/news-and-events

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We’re back! It’s been so long since we talked and so much has happened… Christmas, New Year, endless summer holidays, endless summer holidays ending. And best of all, MamaMag has grown! Westside MamaMag has doubled to 10,000 copies each month and is now across Brimbank and Wyndham councils (in addition to Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay). Our baby’s growing up, but of course you’ll still see our love of all things local. This month we head to Gamon Street Seddon for our street review and talk to Ange from Finch Emporium in Charles Street Seddon about the story behind her gorgeous toy shop. We’ve got a back to school focus with an article on starting school as well as a lunchbox round up, and recipes for lunches and yummy after school snacks. Time to go bananas! For all the mums in our new areas, let me introduce myself. I’m Bec, and at my place there’s also hubby Steve, our two girls aged five and ten, a grumpy cat, one budgie and three chooks. I’ve lived in Footscray for over 10 years and love the sense of community in the West, as well as uncovering fun places to go and things to do. I also work at West Footscray Neighbourhood house, so pop in and say hi! Our family amused ourselves on the holidays with camping and a farmstay—two of our family’s traditional summer favourites. We stayed on a free range chicken farm and the girls enjoyed collecting and stamping the eggs ready for sale. And of course there was lots of silly season excitement. I bought my five year old a carton of Shopkins and my ten year old a term of art classes at the fabulous Little Creatures Collective in Seddon and there were smiles all round! We love getting to know our readers. We’re on Facebook and Instagram @localmamamag and our email’s on the next page. If you’d like to write an article this year we’d love to hear from you! Keep in touch mamas.

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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

Mama can cook Yum ideas from Stacey Clare

1 of 6 family passes to worth

$150 each!

Back to school 18 Organising projects to keep you on track Lovely locals Checking out Gamon Street Seddon

Banana three ways Cooking with the humble banana

Motivation for the New Year Keeping motivated and on track

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Mama of the month Ange from Finch Emporium

Digital dilemma Steer kids through the digital age

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.

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Parklife 30 Visiting G. H. Ransom Reserve Benefits of Lego play Educational benefits for all

MamaMag is published monthly for the mums of Melbourne’s West by Grizzle Design Pty Ltd.

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Kid’s colouring comp 43 WIN some awesome counting books Water safety at home How to avoid dangers

Foundation 46 Tips for kids beginning school

MamaMag February 2016

Like to contribute an article submission or products for Facebook giveaways? submissions@mamamag.com.au Like to advertise? See page 47 for further details. Download our full media kit at www.mamamag.com.au or email maree@mamamag.com.au for enquiries. 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.

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Marvel Bento Lunchbox $18 littlebentoworld.com 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 Melbourne based online store Mini Me Organics, 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

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.

14 14

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.

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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

lovely locals

Tongue

Charles

Rd Station

n St Tennyso

St Seddon

Brownin

g St St

1 365 St

Street

Mackay

Little Sm

Gamon

Somerv

ille Rd

ith St

we explore vibrant gamon street seddon

1. Lady Moustache This café and bar is a little bit quirky. The décor is cosy and unusual. The menu is mainly South American with dishes from various countries—think Cuban black beans and Peruvian rice pudding. We love the different spaces, though it’s probably easiest to save a trip upstairs for a date without the kids. 84 Gamon Street ladymoustache.com.au

2. Luxsmith Owner Andy has made Le Chien over. New name, new look, and new food (think modern Vietnamese). It’s open all day and till late. Recently opened, it already has a loyal following, with Seddonians exclaiming “just what we needed”. 5 Gamon Street luxsmith.com.au

3. See Kai Run This local and online shoe store stocks the US brand See Kai Run for children aged birth to 6 years. These shoes tick all the boxes—flexible, soft leather, velco fastening. There’s all kinds of styles too. 81 Gamon Street seekairun.com.au 4. Sedonia Another gorgeous local gift shop. Jewelry, home wares, clothes, and children’s linen and toys. Some stunning iconic brands including Liberty and Marimekko, as well as some local designers. 41 Gamon Street facebook.com/SedoniaMelbourne

5. Advieh Middle Eastern breakfasts and lunches that are oh so good. We always leave here feeling nurtured. Try their zucchini fritters or falafels with amazing salads—it’s all so fresh. 71B Gamon Street 6. Flourish Chiropractic Not just a chiropractor, the well regarded practitioners here also provide naturopathy, acupuncture, myotherapy, and pregnancy and remedial massage. Plus they have a yoga studio offering mindful yoga in classes of only four. 73 Gamon Street (Yarraville) flourishchiropractic.com.au 20

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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 Melbourne mama Sarah Hosking - a Granola Guru, Muesli Maker and Breakfast Baker from Ted & Mems. Follow Sarah on Instagram @tedandmems www.tedandmems.com.au 22

motivation for the new year It’s that time of year again, the festive season is over and everyone’s attention is focused on their goals for the year ahead. New Year’s resolutions are a great way to break out of a rut and motivate yourself to make positive changes in your life. You may have written a two-page list of goals but just remember that changing habits takes work and determination. After all, how many times have we decided to give up chocolate or that daily muffin, only to fall at the first hurdle and then find ourselves on a guilt trip?

Rather than jump headfirst into making changes in 2016, it can be useful to understand the psychology of habit. Habits are formed through repetition. You’re likely acting on autopilot in the morning when you brush your teeth or have a shower, but remember how long it takes to reinforce these practices in children. Other habits, such as smoking, overeating or drinking alcohol, trigger our brain’s reward centre to release dopamine, a natural feel-good chemical. Each time you repeat the habit you get a hit of dopamine, reinforcing the desire to keep doing it. When you stop the habit, you get dopamine cravings, making it harder to break the cycle. This is why it can be challenging and takes motivation to kick certain habits.

The popular “beat your habit in 21 days” mantra doesn’t appear to have any real grounding in science. The general rule is that it takes four to six weeks, sometimes longer, to convert new practices into a part of our daily routine but remember we’re all different.

Enrol positive people to support you

Setting positive goals for the new year is a fantastic way to commit to living a healthier and happier life, and they’re more effective if you take a slow and steady approach, says Dr Mandy Deeks, Jean Hailes psychologist. “Be kind to yourself as you set your goals,” says Dr Deeks. “Think about starting a few in the first few months of the year and then perhaps roll out another few in the second half of the year. Don’t be hard on yourself if you stumble, no one is perfect. Accept that we all make mistakes and stay focused on continuing with your good work.”

Avoid situations or people that trigger your old habits

There are various ways to help you stay motivated and on track:

Keeping a food or exercise diary helps keep you moving forward. Making healthy changes to your diet or physical fitness is generally more successful if you write down or record what you eat and do. You can quickly see patterns in less-healthy choices and a record helps you stay accountable, even if it’s just to yourself.

Set some achievable, easy goals and reward yourself when you reach them Quick and easy wins will make you feel good about yourself and encourage you to stay focused on the big picture. Simple resolutions such as using the stairs instead of the lift, or drinking an extra glass of water each day are easy to do. Reward yourself with a healthy treat or time out when you reach a simple goal.

Positive, optimistic friends or co-workers can help you stay happy and encourage you not to return to old habits.

Situations such as going to your local bar, or having a coffee with a colleague can trigger cravings for old habits, you may find you want a cigarette the moment you have a coffee or a beer. Change your routine so you don’t put yourself in a situation which may weaken your resolve. Take a walk while having a meeting, for instance, instead of sitting at a café.

Write it down or monitor

Read more about how to set goals and stick to an exercise plan on the Jean Hailes website. Published with the permission of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health jeanhailes.org.au 1800 JEAN HAILES (532 642)

Find your happy zone Create a music list of your favourite tunes. Listening to music you love will help distract you and boost your mood. Dancing, laughing and exercise trigger the release of endorphins, these feel-good hormones help you beat cravings and keep your mood elevated.

MAMA of the month This month we meet with Ange O’Regan who runs the lovely Finch Emporium in Charles Street, Seddon. We’ve admired Ange’s toy store for a while now, especially when we pop our monthly supply of magazines in there, so we loved finding out a bit more about her story this month. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Why children’s toys?

I am the mother of two boys who are now 14 and 12. When I discovered I was pregnant with my eldest son, I was working in marketing for a large corporate organisation and I decided that I wanted a more flexible working life when raising my child. I had always loved the copywriting/editing component of my job, so I decided to focus on this and go freelance. I had an established network to call on for projects, so the transition was relatively easy. This gave me a great balance between working and spending time with my children in their earliest years. I feel very lucky that I was able to continue to work in a way that suited me and my kids.

I have really strong memories of playing with my toys, dressing up and reading as a child. The freedom to imagine without constraint was so important and I wanted to allow my children the same uninhibited experience of creative play by providing them with toys that they could learn from and adapt to suit their interests. As I shopped for toys that fit my criteria, they seemed to be increasingly hard to find. I wanted unisex toys that were not affiliated with any television shows or films. It was this desire to find something different from the mainstream that sparked my interest in toys in a professional context. I also think children should get to be children for as long as possible, so I was keen to find toys and games to keep the 8 to 12 year olds engaged. Often it is the old fashioned toys that the parents remember fondly that serve this purpose and they help to forge a connection free from age constraints.

Where did the idea to create Finch Emporium come from? Working for myself from home without much in the way of adult interaction, I felt my social skills start to wane. I do have a tendency for introversion anyway, so I decided to get back out in the world and applied for a job in a children’s shop. I worked there for about 9 months and during this time, I realised that what I really wanted was to open my own toyshop. Living in the inner west, I could see that Seddon shopping village was starting to change. The Bendigo Bank had opened which was great for encouraging new retailers and the streets were full of families with young children. The shop in Charles Street became available and I decided to take the plunge. Finch is a combination of my children’s names, so they would feel a part of this new adventure.

What do you like best about being your own boss? The biggest benefit of working for myself would have to be the flexibility it gives me to manage my time. It was great for me to be available for my children in their early years and to help at kinder and school. With the shop, I can tailor the hours, so that there is still some family/ work balance.

How do you select the products you stock at Finch Emporium? Good quality toys have always appealed to me, as they can be treasured and they last. They take me back to a time before built-in obsolescence, when society was less consumer driven and we took great care with what we had. I look for products that are visually appealing and have an educational or imaginative play focus. Interesting art and craft products that teach children skills they can use to develop their own artistic style are also high on my list. Eco friendly, sustainable and Australian designs suit my desire to be ethical and community minded in running my business. It is often a challenge to source products that are of great quality and affordable for the birthday gift market, but I am constantly on the lookout for toys that fit this criteria.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Without a doubt, my children are my greatest achievement. I feel like the luckiest person on earth that I get to experience their development and continue to learn from them as much as I teach them. They are such interesting, funny people and they were the inspiration for Finch Emporium.

Tell us about the shopping village in Seddon? Seddon is the best kept secret in Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s west. The shopping village is constantly evolving and has changed enormously in the almost 6 years that I have been a shop owner. We have great cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and an interesting mix of retail. The best thing about our village is the locals. They are an eclectic bunch, with a strong sense of community and Seddon often feels like a country town even though it is only a few kilometres from Melbourneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CBD. The Seddon Festival each March now encompasses Victoria, Charles and part of Gamon Street and is getting bigger every year. You can find Finch Emporium at 86 Charles St, Seddon or visit them online at www.finchemporium.com.au

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 28

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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in a good mood. And of course it is just a hop, skip and a jump across the road for sandcastle play and a quick dip on a hot summer’s day. Mamma’s special mention: If you love beachside playgrounds as much as Mamma, check out Apex Park Reserve and WG Cresser Reserve in Altona or have a look at Mamma’s HOT FIVE westie beach playgrounds. The nitty gritty toilets - bbq’s - free parking no fencing.

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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 a utism 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. 34

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

some are weak and “Some of us are weak and some of us are strong” my friend sarcastically quipped the other day when we were discussing a passing comment someone had made in regards to pain relief in labour.

This well-meaning comment did nothing to make me feel ‘good’ about the fact I had an epidural in my labour. Was she in fact calling me weak – saying I had a low pain threshold?

This was at 3:30pm on Thursday 31st July. By 4:30pm we were back home as my contractions hadn’t started yet. We were told to sit tight and if nothing had happened by 7am to come back. At 5:00pm I had my first contraction – WOW. At 5:03pm I had my second – WOW. 5:06pm my third....what? Hang on a minute, where was my warm up? Where were my Braxton hicks? Where were my ‘easy’ contractions, the ones that are meant to feel like period pains? This is how things continued and well, I panicked. This was not what I had read happened…

The truth is many things can affect the birthing process. Our bodies are all different shapes and sizes, as are those of our babies. Yes as women we are built to handle the birthing process, but unfortunately, as with conception, this natural ability is not a certain thing for all.

By 6pm we were back in hospital on their advice and I was being monitored as baby’s heart rate was a little slow. The contractions continued every three to five minutes with little mini ones in between, just for an extra treat, however I was only 3cm dilated.

“Was she in fact calling me weak, saying I had a low pain threshold?”

By 9pm I was in the bath and sucking on gas, which did provide some light relief but was not without some unfortunate side effects. Thank you to my husband for rubbing my back and passing the sick bag.

“It’s up to the individual if they want any drugs; I mean no one should be judged, we all have different pain thresholds”.

If labour were a natural thing - if we didn’t need assistance - then women would never die in childbirth. Though this is not something we usually have to worry about in our developed world as the women before us did, it does still happen, as does infant mortality. This is not meant to shock and I certainly won’t be digging through archives to find statistics, but the fact is that it is not just a case of ‘pain thresholds’ for all. My story in a nutshell: After a small operation (that’s another story) and a lot of acupuncture, in just under 3yrs I fell pregnant. Needless to say this was a much wanted baby. The pregnancy went very well despite a small case of a dislocated rib and I went into labour naturally. I was 39 weeks gestation and already at the hospital for a check-up. As I was walking from the waiting room to my appointment, my waters broke!

“It’s up to the individual if they want any drugs; I mean no one should be judged, we all have different pain thresholds”. By midnight I was out of the bath. The baby’s heart rate was not doing what they wanted and so I had to be monitored for the rest of the labour. I was checked again – 5 cm! What? 5pm till midnight and only 5cm? My baby was not in a good position for exit; the little delight was trying to come out diagonally. ”This can make labour slower and more painful.” they said, oh goody, “...and contractions closer together”...yes, I had noticed that. However they were hopeful the baby would turn.

some are strong This was when I started to ask for the epidural. I say started as my husband and I had discussed that if I was to ask for one, his job was to try to dissuade me to ensure I really wanted it. Our birthing plan was to try to go as natural as we were able. Why, you ask? To be honest I have no idea! But for some reason a natural labour is held up by society as the higher standard. As with many things along this bumpy road we call parenthood, we set ourselves up for perceived failure and disappointment by promoting these unrealistic expectations for all. I felt I had to do it naturally otherwise I had failed at birthing, failed as a strong independent women, failed at keeping my precious baby free from nasty chemicals, that my husband would not be proud of me, that I was weak. Anyway to cut a long and rather messy story short, my baby, a beautiful girl, finally made her appearance at 1:19PM on Friday the 1st August. Just after the hastily gotten obstetrician said very firmly â&#x20AC;&#x153;we need to get your baby out nowâ&#x20AC;?, she came out facing the wrong way. I am not taking anything away from women who do manage to labour without pain relief, I think they are incredible, I really do. I would just really like it if people could respect that those of us who did use pain relief, or even more terrifyingly had to face emergency caesareans are incredible too. By Jessica Perry, local Altona mama.

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

3 tips for returning Is 2016 the year to get back into work for you? Getting back in the saddle of work can be pretty tough for anyone, especially when the break has been a couple of years. But when you throw into that mix the reason for absence as being having children it can get even more complicated. Guilt about ‘abandoning’ your children and loss of confidence gang up together to make you feel terrible, confused and frustrated. Other people’s choices cloud your judgment about whether you are doing the right thing for you and for your children. Added to which the dog has got used to you being home all day. So before we get too far into this spiral of despair lets pause, take a breath and work through just some of our tips to help make this easier.

Tip Number One: Motivation

First of all the choice to work, not work, work part time is entirely personal. It’s important to understand what you want both for yourself and your family. Not what your mother-in-law thinks or your best friend who might secretly be hoping you are going to always be available to have coffee. Start off with understanding your motivations for returning to work. Write down on a piece of paper the 5 biggest reasons for going to work. These can be entirely practical like “we need the money” to more emotional needs such as “I’m bored building train sets all day”. Be totally honest with yourself. And be honest about the reality. There is no point writing “I was happier at work because I had a great team and we socialized a lot together” if the new reality is that you are lucky if you and your partner leave the house together to do the shopping never mind have a drink. You are not returning to work just as a career woman, you are also a mum and the days of post work drinks every week may no longer be a reality for you. Be truthful. And then share them with your partner or trusted friend to help check they are true to you.

Tip Number Two: Confidence

There are lots of things that get in the way of returning to work and one of the biggest is lack of self-belief. Within a week of leaving work we convince ourselves we are no longer in touch, incapable of performing the tasks we used to do and struggle to remember how the coffee machine worked, never mind the spreadsheet of weekly financials. The net effect of a prolonged absence is these little doubts build up and quite often mums find when they decide to return to work they pitch themselves way too low in the job market and accept roles and pay below their true abilities. Therefore it is important to start building your confidence back up quickly. Writing or updating your resume is one good way. Initially it feels hard to talk about yourself but remembering all the things you have achieved and succeeded in is a real confidence boost. Ask friends and old colleagues to take a look and you will be amazed how high an opinion of your abilities other people have of you. Your resume quickly starts to reflect the real you and not the one your inner gremlin tells you is you.

Written by Vanessa Potts from coaching4mums Vanessa is co-founder of coaching4mums. They run workshops and coaching on the many aspects involved in being a mum and working. For more information visit www.coaching4mums.com.au

to work Tip Number Three: Networking

It’s amazing how much fear that word can generate in people. “You mean go and approach people for a job? Oh I couldn’t”. Well no I don’t mean walk up to someone you met at a party 4 years ago and haven’t seen since, and ask them to employ you. What I mean is think about the areas of work you might want to return to and map out who in your network of friends family and colleagues would be worth buying a coffee for in exchange for finding out more about what the reality of jobs in their sector is. Are there any companies that are great to work for, what is the culture on hours? Is there someone you can shadow to get a feel for a potential job area? Are there any skills gaps that need addressing before applying for roles? In other words do your homework. By understanding the reality of work in your chosen field it helps bring you up to date and make decisions about where you want to work before the formal job hunt starts. This is empowering and useful to make sure you set yourself up to succeed. And don’t be surprised if a job offer does come out of this informal approach. We recently had a lady practice her networking skills two weeks after attending our course only to be offered her ideal job. Finally, remember you are a capable woman who has worked before and has enhanced her skills in negotiation, time management and budget control whilst raising her children. Good Luck!

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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

FOUnDATION Surviving the first few weeks! Is your child going into foundation, (yes we mean prep!)? Are they finally staring school? You’ve bought the fancy new uniform, lunch box and pencil case, taken all the first day photos and revelled in the excitement of a new era for you and your child. But what happens once the routine of school sets in? Starting school is an exciting and emotional time for children and their parents. The change from kindergarten or child care to five full, action packed school days is enormous. Here are some great tips for a smooth introduction to school life.

Be Organised! Organised parents equal organised children. Pack the school bag the night before. Sign and return notices immediately. Develop a morning and nightly routine for reading take home books and any other school related tasks. Purchase a spare hat as most schools have a “No Hat No Play” policy. Label EVERYTHING! Drop off and pick up on time. Children can become quite anxious if they don’t have a certain notice, lose their belongings or if you’re not there waiting at the end of the day!

Stay Calm! Be prepared for a variety of emotions during the first few weeks. A child who has a positive first day or week might become tired and grumpy as the term progresses, especially in the hot Melbourne weather! It is not uncommon for their attitude to change when the reality of the long school week kicks in. Try to remain calm and positive and restrict after school activities as much as possible. Remember, they have had a full day, and after school is a time to unwind. Inviting school friends over is a good way to strengthen the link between school and home, and can be a good idea for a more relaxed after school activity.

Get Involved! There are many opportunities to become a part of the school community. You can help with fundraisers, attend morning teas to meet other parents, help out on excursions or in the classroom. Take advantage of these, as you will meet new people and get an inside view of school life. Your child will appreciate your involvement and you can see how they are interacting with their peers and teacher! Before you know it, Term 1 will be over, your child will now be a fully fledged “school kid” and you’ll wonder where the time has gone! By Emily Weight - B. Ed. Primary. 46

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