Sydney MamaMag Jun/Jul 2022

SYDNEY

Jun/Jul 2022

WIN 1 OF 3 FAMILY PLATINUM MERLIN ANNUAL PASSES Parties & Play Super-mum Jana Pittman Is digital play ok?

Top party picks Let them eat cake Support and fun for the Sydney mum 1

Let their learning story start with us.

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At Story House, every child’s story matters to us. We believe that each child is on their own unique journey that shapes the person they are and who they’ll become.

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ary A nnivers

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108 Parraweena Road Miranda 02 9526 5922

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enquiries@shel.edu.au 1300 786 794 shel.edu.au

The fun and easy way for kids to play tennis!

Start playing!

Visit hotshots.tennis.com.au to find out more

PARTY TIME Hey there lovely ladies (and gents, and anyone else that fancies a little read of MamaMag!). I hope you’ve got your party shoes on because we’re celebrating MamaMag’s eighth birthday this month. Eight years in Melbourne, two years in Sydney and we’re so excited to have launched MamaMag into Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Tassie this year too. So, like always, we’ve filled this issue up with lots of ‘Parties & Play’ fun.

Speaking of birthdays, super-mum and Olympic legend Jana Pittman celebrated the birth of her twins, Willow and Quinlan, in March. She fell pregnant not long after her gruelling stint on SAS Australia and the twins join her four other kids. Talk about having your hands full!

Turn the page to read more about her incredible story of balancing life, motherhood and career.

Now no birthday is complete without presents, so make sure you head to the Competition page of our website where all the fun happens. We’ve got 3 Merlin Entertainment Platinum family passes to give away so you can hit up Madame Tussauds Sydney, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye, Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures and more cool spots across Australia, all year round for free! And keep an eye out on our socials for more giveaway fun as well!

And no party is complete without popping so bubbles, so if you will excuse me, I’m off now. Cheers!

Sarah Cavalier Editor - MamaMag - @thecavaliermama Support andSydney fun for the everyday mum MamaMag is designed and published free online, bi-monthly for mums, families and carers.

Publisher: Mama Creative Group Pty Ltd. ABN: 26 042 138 550.

PO Box 8018, North Road LPO, Brighton East VIC 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au | www.mamacreative.com.au Editor in Chief/Creative Director: Sarah Cavalier: sarah@mamamag.com.au For advertising enquiries contact: Olivia Wilson: olivia@mamamag.com.au Want to write for us or have an article idea? submissions@mamamag.com.au

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Support and fun for the everyday mum

MamaMag give thanks to our 2022 Proud Partner

Support and fun for the everyday mum

Support and fun for the Sydney mum

WIN

CONTENTS A yarn with Jana

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We chat to Jana Pittman

Sort your sport

8

Eight great sporting ideas for kids

Parklife

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Ador Park, Rockdale

The perfect party

WIN 1 of 3 Family Platinum Merlin Annual Passes Worth

$428 each

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Party ideas for every taste

Holiday heroes

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Kitchen fun for these school holidays

It’s child’s play

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How play stimulates imagination

Is digital play ok?

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How to protect kids from social media

The gluten free plan

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Party recipes from Becky Excell

Let the eat cake

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A round up of fab local cake makers

Plan a hit party in the park

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How to make outdoor parties a success

Love a mother

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Lou Duggan from Cake To The Rescue

Kid’s parties based on star sign

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The perfect party based on the stars

Conscious gifting made easy

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11 great gift ideas to mix it up

WIN 1 of 3 VTech Kidi Tech packs

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Simply colour in to win!

Australia’s next game developer

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Could your child be them?

How to plan a ski trip

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One that the whole family will enjoy

New on the shelf

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Mama’s latest book picks

Time to swim

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When is the right time to learn?

How to style a nursery two ways Two looks to complete your bub’s room

MamaMag Jun/Jul 22

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Unlock entry to 10 magical attractions in Australia and New Zealand with the Merlin Annual Pass.

Dive into an adventure at one of four SEA LIFE Aquariums, discover the Aussie Big 5 at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, let your imagination come alive at Madame Tussauds Sydney, enjoy breathtaking views from Sydney Tower Eye, create, play and learn at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre and immerse yourself in nature at Australian Treetop Adventures all 10 magical worlds are waiting for you to explore!

Entries are open to Australian residents only. Each prize consists of 2 adult and 2 children platinum passes. Competition starts June 1st 12.01am and closes June 30th 2022 at 11.59pm. Conditions: This prize is valid for 12 months from date of issue and provides family fun at 10 top attractions in Australia and New Zealand, a great range of exclusive benefits and deals and no blackout periods The prize is not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash. Visit www.mamamag.com.au/competitions for full terms and conditions.

More details at www.merlinannualpass.com.au

For your chance to win enter at www.mamamag.com.au/merlin 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.5

A YARN WITH JANA

Jana Pittman is one of Australia’s greatest female athletes. She’s represented Australia at three Olympic Games, is a four-time Commonwealth hurdles champion, plus she’s the first Australian woman to compete in both a summer and winter Olympics (hello bobsled team!). But what many might not realise is what an absolute super-mum she is too. Jana is a mother to six children (yes six!) including her new twins, Willow and Quinlan, who were born in March this year.

But that’s not all… She’s also a qualified medical doctor, specialising in women’s health with a Masters in reproductive medicine, and somewhere in the middle of all these sporting, career and parenting achievements, she even found time to go on SAS Australia. We had a quick chat to Jana about how motherhood and the secret to her success!

Firstly, congrats on the recent safe arrival of the twins. How are you surviving motherhood with six kids?

Thankyou - it’s busy but it’s going well! I always found it hard after having a baby that my cluckiness didn’t go away. I’d think, 6

‘My goodness when am I ever going to feel complete?’ well, I now finally feel like my family is done at six kids!

Tell us all about your family.

There’s Cornelius, 15, who’s kind, friendly and an amazing babysitter; Emily, 7, who is the spitting image of me personality wise - driven, sensitive, loving; Jemima, 5, my outgoing pocket rocket; Charlie, 18 months, who’s very adventurous and can often be found standing on the kitchen table; and the twins who are 10 weeks. Quinlin who was born first is super chilled and Willow is already quite fiery. And then there’s my husband, Paul, who helps hold everything together and thankfully is great at cleaning.

You went into labour with the twins at 35 weeks after a fall at home. What happened?

I had a speaking gig and was rushing around.

Charlie started running up the stairs, so I chased after him. He fell backwards and I tried to catch him, but I then fell quite hard on the stairs. It brought everything on as I’d already been having intermittent contractions for a few days.

I topped up with formula as well, but now my milk supply is really good, and the babies have been exclusively breast fed since three weeks.

Any advice for mums struggling with breastfeeding?

Besides coming two weeks earlier than hoped for, did the birth go as planned?

Yes, it was beautiful and calm. It was a risky delivery as it was a twin vaginal birth, and we knew Willow was breech. However, my vaginal births had all been good - I labour quickly, have a good pelvis and never had any tears. However, If I’d needed a c-section for Willow I would have done that. My amazing obstetrician and myself were prepared to make the best decisions.

You’re currently working with The Breast Feeding Tea Co. How are they helping your breastfeeding journey?

I’ve always had ups and downs with breastfeeding. With Cornelius I stopped at six weeks and with Jemima it went off and on for three years! With medication to help promote milk supply its only something you can take for a short while. Breastfeeding Charlie wasn’t working well, so I researched galactagogues – food or herbs that may help increase supply.

I found the Lactation Tea from The Breast Feeding Tea Co. on their website which contains amazing galactagogues such as Blessed Thistle and Nettle. It tastes great and worked for me immediately – I was so relieved!

So how are you managing your breastfeeding journey for two and keeping up your milk supply?

I make a big pot of the tea in the morning and drink cups throughout the day. About three hours after drinking a cup I have a good let down. I also take advice from a lactation consultant when I need to. At the beginning when it was really tough with the twins, I was feeding eight times a day and expressing eight times a day into bottles it was horrible!

Give yourself a break, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Then try everything. That may be lactation tea and lactation cookies – the ones from Franjos are good – it may be more pumping or medication. I know it’s a challenge hunting down what may work for you, so be open minded. I’ll be appearing at the 2022 Naturally Good Expo, on June 6&7, encouraging more retailers to stock the tea so it’s available in more chemists and stores as it’s good for women to have options.

How has the rest of your recovery been? Carrying two babies must be super-tough on your pelvic floor! Are you living in Modibodi now?

I’m working with a women’s physio now which has helped strengthen my pelvic floor.

After labour I couldn’t hold my urine in for a week, I had to wear a big nappy! But now I can go for a run, jump up and down, sneeze and am pretty continent! The Modibodi underwear has really helped and given me confidence to go about my day.

What led you down the path of medicine and what do you find more rewarding; competing for your country at the Olympics or working with women supporting their health?

I’ve always wanted to be a doctor since I was five and Mum bought me a little doctor’s bag with a stethoscope. I got very close to not doing medicine thinking I was too old for a career change, but I’m so grateful I took the leap. I definitely prefer medicine to athletics, I get an adrenalin rush out of helping women.

When do you think you will be back in the scrubs at work? Or perhaps there is something different up next for Jana-Emily Pittman?

In two months, I’ll be returning to work part time at the hospital. I’m a senior resident in women’s health obstetrics and gynaecology and a year away from being a registrar. I also do public speaking and eventually want to form a business to inspire women and find their strength.

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SORT YOUR SPORT Only six out of 10 children aged between five and 14 years participate in sport outside of school, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, a number we’d like to change.

Development from sport goes beyond learning new physical skills. Sport helps children develop better ways to cope with the highs and lows of life. When they’re playing sport, children learn to lose. Being a good loser takes maturity and practice. Losing teaches children to bounce back from disappointment, cope with unpleasant experiences and is an important part of becoming resilient.

Playing sport helps children learn to control their emotions and channel negative feelings in a positive way. It also helps children to develop patience and understand that it can take a lot of practice to improve both their physical skills and what they do in school. So what are you waiting for? Here are eight great options to keep your little ones active!

1. Athletics: Little Athletics Australia (Ages 5-15) With programs for children of all ages throughout VIC Little Athletics is a fun, social and active program for girls and boys. The program teaches a wide range of skills in all types of track and field events from running and jumping, to throwing. Programs generally take place from October to late March.

2. Cricket: Cricket Star Academy (Ages 5-12) CSA is a skills based cricket program designed to teach children at all levels the skills of cricket by professional coaches. This fantastic program was developed alongside the late Shane Warne and because of him, the future of grassroots cricket is bright and he will no doubt continue to inspire countless children to pick up the bat or have a bowl.

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3. Tennis: HotShots Tennis (Ages 3-12) Kids play on smaller courts with modified equipment to make it easier, and more fun to progress. They use lighter racquets, lower nets, and tennis balls that don’t bounce too high – so they are easier to hit and chase down.

A child’s early years are when fine motor skills are developed, and tennis is amazing for developing coordination, speed, strength, and agility. The HotShots program develops kids mentally, and physically.

4. Netball: Woolworths NetSetGo (Ages 5-10) Woolworths NetSetGO is Australia’s official netball starter program for kids. It’s a chance to learn the netball basics, get outside and make some friends. For a lot of kids, this is the first time they’ll pick up a netball or chuck on a bib. It’s a learning experience. And a lot of fun. The program is divided up into three tiers: Net, Set and GO, and where you start depends on your age and netball experience.

5. AFL: NAB AFL Auskick (Ages 5-12) Get moving with over 120,000 Aussie kids with this super fun introduction to AFL. It’s all about fun, getting hands on the ball and constantly being involved in exciting activities. Kids can join in the year that they turn five. Auskick offers an inclusive environment for kids at any skill level to play. With locations throughout the country it’s easy for your children to learn the fundamentals of AFL in a supportive environment via weekly coaching sessions.

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6. Ice skating: ICE Z00 (Ages 3-17) ICE ZOO in Alexandria’s Learn to Skate Academy focuses on fun, participation and basic skill development. Using Ice Skating Australia’s Aussie Skate program, it teaches the ice-skating fundamentals needed to participate in any ice sport, or to skate recreationally!

7. Soccer: Little Kickers (Ages 18 months - 7) Learning through play, Little Kickers gives your children a positive introduction to sport by teaching high quality football (soccer) skills in a friendly, pressure-free environment. There are four different classes tailored specifically to the needs of your child’s age, so it’s the perfect way to ignite an enthusiasm for sport that will stay with them for life. An award winning, innovative football program run at indoor venues throughout Sydney.

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8. Dance: Ready, Set, Dance (Ages 2-5) Ready Set Dance is a one hour combo class of JAZZ, TAP, HIP HOP, SINGING and MUSIC, and a whole lot of fun! The program caters for two levels, 2-3 years and 4-5 years. Classes are designed specifically to introduce young children to the world of dance. Through regular and sustained participation children develop positive dispositions to learning such as enthusiasm, independence, concentration, persistence, co-operation and the three C’s of confidence, coordination, and creativity.

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PARKLIFE Ador Park, Rockdale This awesome $20 million Ador Park Precinct, delivered by Transport for NSW and the M6 Stage 1 project, has transformed the former Rockdale Bowling Club area into a recreational hub for active and passive activities from sporting fields to playgrounds and barbecue areas.

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housed under fun circular shade structures that light up at night.

Combined with a multi-generational Seniors exercise unit and outdoor adult fitness equipment from Lappset; this precinct is designed to cater for all age groups and all abilities.

In a nutshell:

The centerpiece is the skate park, which was also designed for scooters, as well as the all abilities adventure playground which features a giant 9m high steel climbing tower with two tube slides, a 38m long accessible ramp and a balancing combination unit.

Inclusive playground and BBQ area

There are wooden balancing beams, fun giant sandstone animals and great play equipment

West Botany Street, Rockdale NSW

New skate park Great tree planting and landscaping New shared cyclist and pedestrian pathway Mid-sized grass field

Images: Lark Industries

Ignite your child’s passion for sport!

Australia's largest and most reputable multi-sport and exercise program for kids aged 1.5-6 years!

• Learn the basics of 10 great sports • Build confidence and self-esteem • Indoors, physio-designed, structured and FUN All our coaches have completed the Australian Government COVID-19 infection control training and are following our ‘Return to Play’ plan.

Term 3 bookings open

readysteadygokids.com.au 1300 766 892 Franchise opportunities available

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THE PERFECT PARTY No matter what style of party your child wants, we’ve got you covered! Check out these great ideas!

Little Bakers: We Came Here to Party wecameheretoparty.com.au

Little Climbers: Climb Fit Sydney

Kids Cupcake Decorating Parties are always a hit! Guests can decorate 6 individual vanilla cupcakes in any way that they desire before adding the final touches with a range of special cupcake decorations. Once all of the mini cupcake chefs have completed decorating their cupcakes, they can take their masterpieces home to eat! Aprons and hats on, let the decorating begin!

Kirrawee, St Leonards & Macquarie. climbfit.com.au Fun, safe and affordable, a climbing party is an actionpacked two-hour experience your child and their friends will never forget. With climbing walls ranging from six to 10 metres high, a cargo net to challenge friends on and a ladder to scale, the kids will be fully entertained from the get-go, working up a healthy appetite for some birthday cake!

Animal Lovers: Aussie Wildlife Displays aussiewildlifedisplays.com.au Whether your child wants to hold a snake, cuddle a crocodile or pat a possum, Aussie Wildlife Displays will be sure to give them an unforgettable birthday experience. Parties include a variety of reptiles, marsupials, frogs, birds and can easily be performed indoors or outdoors to inspire, intrigue and educate not only children but parents and adults as well!

Beauty Kings & Queens:Glamour Girl Kids Day Spa Earlwood. glamourgirlkidsdayspa.com.au Two hours of pure indulgence, sounds perfect (for Mama). Spa foot soaks, mini manicures, mini facial treatments and so much more, this has got to be the most luxurious party package you’ve ever seen!

Your party guests will go home feeling like pampered princesses!

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Wanna be astronauts:Fizzics Education Blacktown. fizzicseducation.com.au Fizzics Education’s science parties have been designed by experienced science teachers and communicators to make sure that the balance is right; cool experiments that kids don’t normally see at school and all the fun stuff that you would see at a science toy store! Space loving party goers will get to launch several types of rockets and hold a searing hot (yet safe) space shuttle tile, look through telescopes, ride the giant gyroscope and much, much more… Parties also include access to free science experiments emailed EVERY month!

Arcade Crazies:Kingpin 3 locations in Sydney. kingpinplay.com Party-on with bowling, laser tag, arcade, karaoke, virtual reality and escape rooms alongside perfect party food and drinks, the Kingpin team has your child’s party covered. Each party comes with a dedicated party host to take care of the experience, so you can focus on the celebrations and making lifelong memories.

Thrill Seekers: Oz Jet Boating Circular Quay. www.ozjetboating.com.au

High Flyers:iFLY Australia Penrith. iflyworld.com.au A kids party at iFLY can be shared by anyone aged 3 - 17 years old whatever the weather. With all the gear ready to go, your group will get one on one instruction before their skydiving flights! You can make your child’s party experience extra special by booking the flight session exclusively for your group and enjoy all the thrills of indoor skydiving solely with your friends and family.

For a seriously fun and memorable party that’s sure to be a great topic of conversation in the playground on Monday morning look no further! This turbo-charged, thrill-seeking adventure will take your child and their friends on a hot-lap of Sydney’s famous Circular Quay, zooming past some of the most stunning sights Sydney has to offer including the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge! This will be an experience they’ll never ever forget.

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HolIday Heroes Stuck inside the house these school holidays? Get the kids creative in the kitchen with these fun ideas from McKenzie’s Foods.

For more ideas visit www.mckenziesfoods.com.au

Make your own lunch homemade pizza Ingredients: 375ml (1 1/2 cups) warm water 2 tsp (7g/1 sachet) dried yeast Pinch of caster sugar 600g (4 cups) plain flour 1 tsp Australian Natural Sea Salt 60ml (1/4 cup) olive oil, plus extra for brushing Your choice of pizza toppings Method: Step 1: Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes or until foamy. Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl and make a well in the centre. Add the yeast mixture and oil. Use a round-bladed knife in a cutting motion to mix until the mixture is combined. Use your hands to bring the dough together in the bowl.

Step 2: Brush a bowl lightly with oil.

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in the prepared bowl and turn to coat in oil. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draught-free place to rise for 30 minutes or until dough doubles in size.

Step 3: Divide dough into thirds. Flour the bench and roll out each piece into 2530cm rounds. Place each base onto either a pizza stone or a baking tray lined with baking paper.

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Step 4: Top 2 bases with tomato puree and savoury toppings of choice including mozzarella cheese, ham, pineapple, capsicum, olives and mushrooms. Cook in a preheated oven (180°C) for 15 to 20 minutes or until base is golden.

Step 5: For an extra special treat top the last pizza base with butter. Cook for 10 minutes, then top with Nutella spread and chocolate pieces. Top with McKenzie’s Shredded Coconut. Cook for a further 5-10 minutes until chocolate melts.

Makes: 3 Pizzas Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Create your own Puffy Paint Ingredients: 1 cup plain flour 3 tsp Baking Powder 1 tsp Australian Natural Sea Salt Water Method: Step 1: Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Add enough water to make the consistency of a pancake batter.

Step 2: Divide mixture into four parts and place each into zip lock bags. Add a few drops of food colouring to each zip lock bag. “Squish” the mixture in the zip lock bag until desired colour is reached.

Step 3: Rubber band the zip lock bag on one edge like you were icing a cake and snip off the very tip.

Paint away. Best to use thick paper or cardboard to paint on.

Step 4: Once painting is completed, place your son/daughter’s masterpiece in the microwave for 30-45 seconds and watch the puffy paint puff and grow!!! If paint is still wet, place in the microwave for an additional 10-15 seconds. NB: Please note all microwave wattages are different so times may vary.

Baking gingerbread biscuits Ingredients: 125g unsalted butter, softened ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup golden syrup 1 egg yolk 2 ½ cups plain flour 1 tsp Bi-Carb Soda 2 tsps Ground Ginger 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon ½ tsp ground cloves Royal Icing: 1 ½ cups pure icing sugar 1 tsp lemon juice 1 egg white Method: Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C. Line 2 oven trays with baking paper.

Step 2: Beat butter, sugar and golden syrup with electric mixer until pale and creamy.

Step 3: Add egg yolk and beat until just combined. Sift flour, Bi-Carb, ginger, cinnamon and cloves into mixture. Use a wooden spoon to combine.

Step 4: Turn onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead until smooth. Roll out dough to approximately 5mm thick. Use cutters to cut out shapes. If hanging on string, with a skewer, create a hole in your preferred spot. Place on prepared trays. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool.

Step 5: TO MAKE ROYAL ICING: Sift icing sugar into a small bowl. Add lemon juice and egg white to form a firm paste. Place in a piping bag fitted with a 1mm nozzle. Pipe icing onto biscuits. Set aside for 1 hour to set.

Makes: Approx. 20 Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes

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Make an erupting volcano Remember to always supervise young children

Step 3: When the paper mache is dry, get the kids to paint the volcano.

Materials: Used empty drink bottle (plastic or glass) Newspapers PVA glue and water mixed together Water 4- 5 drops dishwashing liquid Red food colouring 2 tbsp McKenzie’s Bi-Carb Soda ¼ cup of Vinegar

MAKING THE ERUPTION:

Method: MAKING THE VOLCANO SHELL Step 1: To make the basic shape of a volcano cut the middle of a plastic bottle out and then overlap the two ends together securing it with masking tape.

Step 2: Now for the fun part: Apply paper mache to the volcano using small strips of newspaper dipped into a gluey water mixture. Allow to dry.

Homemade Playdough Ingredients: 2 tbs cooking oil 4 tbs McKenzie’s Cream of Tartar 2 cups plain flour 1 cup salt Food colouring 2 cups water Method: Mix all the ingredients in a saucepan and stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture congeals.

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Step 1: Fill the bottle almost full with water.

Put four to five drops of dishwashing liquid into the water followed by two drops of red food colouring.

Step 2: Add the Bi-Carb to the mix. Put the Volcano over the bottle so it is in place and ready to go.

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IT’S CHILD’S PLAY Did you know that 90% of a child brain is developed before the age of 5, and this development occurs through play opportunities?

Research suggests that opportunities to play are a significant factor related to brain and muscle development, and that purposeful play within the context of nurturing relationships and responsive interactions supports this development of the brain.

Play is thought to stimulate imagination and creativity, to encourage problemsolving, and to offer children opportunities to experiment with their understandings and test their theories of how the world works.

When children use props or materials to symbolise something else, it allows children to be involved in and be the conductor of their brain development. For example, a block becomes a mobile phone, this can be linked with language and literacy development along with skills in representing ideas and transforming materials. Imaginative play assists children to use objects and events in their play to make sense of the world and understand the process of how things work.

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Play is also thought to be an excellent context for parents to promote vocabulary learning by extending children’s interests and offering opportunities to acquire new words related to their interests through everyday interactions.

By using the process of trial and error in their play children are also found to have better thinking abilities, such as the ability to reason and conceptualise actions, and are also more able to transfer learning into problem-solving tasks. Children who engage in imaginative play and fantasy play are found to demonstrate better cognitive control and resilience as they are the organisers and directors of their play.

Tips for effective play experiences: •

Use simple toys that encourage imagination and creativity, including household objects such as boxes, blankets, pots and pans, as well as playdough, blocks, sand, paper and crayons. Offer versatile and open-ended dress ups such as capes, scarves and aprons.

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Be available to children as they play. Encourage children in their play trough being involved or questioning the reason why they are playing that character, building that cubby or drawing a particular picture.

This engagement is more likely to engage children in cognitively challenging conversations.

Allowing children time to discover, think, predict and problem solve through play with an adult’s guidance is the best way to build your children brain.

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Initiate conversation, model language use, and facilitate and expand on pretend talk.

Describe the play by asking open-ended questions to elaborate on play themes and introduce relevant knowledge and concepts. For example, I can see you are cuddling your teddy, do you think teddy is sad or is he feeling hungry?

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Make the problematic situation explicit, asking children to give their account of the problem and offer their perspective. Hold off giving direct answers or evaluating responses as good or correct. Encourage children to share knowledge, ideas and hypotheses, challenge and evaluate each other’s ideas, and consider choices. For example, I am wondering if we keep filling the basket with blocks that it will overflow, is the basket too small for all our blocks?

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Support children in extending their abilities to meet problem-solving tasks. Unpack problems (whether these are task-focused or emotional problems) through question sequences, and model strategies such as observing and monitoring your own actions and thinking. For example, what is stopping you from placing your arm in your jumper, is the sleeve of the jumper tangled? I wonder how we can untangle the sleeve.

Encouraging shared problem-solving Play activities encourage discussions on ways to problem solve with peers, siblings or parents to build knowledge and understanding.

Problem-solving opportunities can emerge from the issues, problems and questions in children’s everyday lives, such as reaching the top of shelf to get a toy, making a tunnel in the sandpit, or helping set the table. Tips for engaging in shared problem-solving: •

Create opportunities for shared endeavours: even the briefest of moments of shared attention with young infants are valuable.

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Provide open-ended activities and authentic materials (such as seeds and real gardening tools, or actual supermarket items for playing shop) this facilitates children’s thinking and language as they participate in the experience. Plan activities which encourage challenging conversations, for example how many placemats do we need for our family to sit together for dinner?

The most important concept to remember is that play is the avenue for children to work out their world and build their understanding by being actively involved and have ownership over their play event. Allowing children time to discover, think, predict and problem solve through play with an adult’s guidance is the best way to build your children brain.

By Suzie Wood – Head of Quality and Compliance – Story House Early Learning 19

IS DIGITAL PLAY OK? How social media affects children at different ages – and how to protect them A report from the UK’s communications regulator Ofcom confirms children are avid social media users.

Some 99% of children aged three to 17 used the internet in 2021. YouTube was the most popular platform, with 89% of children using it. Meanwhile, half of kids used TikTok, a popular site which allows users to watch and share short videos.

Most social media platforms require users to be aged 13 or older. Nonetheless, the report found that a majority of children under 13 had their own profile on at least one social media app or site. One-third of parents of children aged five to seven said their child had a profile, which rose to 60% among children aged eight to 11.

Overcoming these age restrictions is clearly not a difficult task. Children simply supply a fake age when setting up their account.

Meanwhile, some children have multiple 20

accounts on the same platform – one for their friends, and another for their parents.

The report also found that roughly 16% of three and four-year-olds watch videos on TikTok. This could be children being shown videos by a parent or somebody else and does not mean they have their own account. But they are still being exposed to social media content at a very young age.

With these findings in mind, it’s timely to take a look at what we know about how social media use can affect children across different ages.

The good and the bad Engaging with social media can have both positive and negative effects on people, especially children. My colleagues and I have shown that social media use is important for emotional support, community building and self-expression among adolescents, but that it can negatively impact mental health and wellbeing as well.

In our work at the Cyberpsychology Research Group at Nottingham Trent University, we have talked to young adolescents, their parents and teachers about perceived challenges and online harms from social media use.

We found that the effects range from spending increasing amounts of time online, behaviour change due to anticipated judgement from peers, and sensory overload, to more serious cognitive and emotional consequences such as attention problems, stress and anxiety.

Read more: Protecting children in the metaverse: it’s easy to blame big tech, but we all have a role to play New research suggests that there appear to be differences across age groups with regards to the effects social media use can have on life satisfaction. In a large UK sample of over 17,000 young people aged ten to 21, researchers found the detrimental effects of high levels of social media use may be especially pronounced at ages 14-15 and 19 for boys, and 11-13 and 19 for girls.

Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen revealed in 2021 that internal Facebook research has repeatedly shown detrimental mental health impacts of Instagram use for young girls.

Separately, we know excessive screen time can be associated with symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and addiction.

Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest no screen time for children under two, and a maximum of one hour per day for those aged two to five years, focused on high-quality content (for example, content which is educational).

While we don’t know exactly what kind of content young children are watching on social media, it’s unlikely to be high-quality, and could be harmful.

What can we do?

With the recently published online safety bill, the UK government aims to make the UK the safest place in the world to go online. Accordingly, we need to consider the potentially detrimental impacts internet use in general and excessive social media use specifically can have on young people, especially those who are vulnerable.

We need to see increased user protection (such as age verification measures) and harm prevention initiatives (such as school-based education about the benefits and potential harms of social media use).

We also need to see the involvement of community and government organisations in education and awareness campaigns, as well as a focus on increased corporate social responsibility, where the industry takes an active approach in designing products with the best interests of the user in mind.

While we discourage over-pathologising everyday behaviour – for example, we shouldn’t assume everyone who spends a few hours online has a problem with their internet use – problematic behaviour needs to be acknowledged and users need to be supported. This can prevent it leading to negative mental health consequences.

Support for young internet users needs to come from parents, teachers, governments and the social media industry. Parents can be encouraged to start an open dialogue with their children, which will build rapport and allow children to open up about their social media use.

By Daria Kuss, Associate Professor in Psychology and Lead, Cyberpsychology Research Group, Nottingham Trent University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/how-socialmedia-affects-children-at-different-agesand-how-to-protect-them-180374 21

THE GLUTEN FREE PLAN Imagine visiting a restaurant and browsing an entirely gluten-free menu, filled with all the things you could only otherwise dream of eating. The chef just so happens to be gluten-free themselves, meaning you have total peace of mind that everything is going to be prepared safely. And, of course, they’re equipped with all the right ingredients and top-secret recipes to make food that doesn’t taste or look gluten-free.

Well, I’ve got some great news for you; there is a place very close to home where all of the above is possible... your own kitchen! Yep, with just 10 minutes of meal planning once a week, you can decide exactly what’s on that dream menu, as well as which ingredients do or don’t go into your food.

Hi, I’m Becky and I’m a big planner (not literally).

I should probably start by saying that I’ve been gluten-free for over a decade and I share recipes online that nobody would ever know were gluten-free.

So welcome to my third book, How To Plan Anything Gluten Free.

Though I’ve always labelled myself as an avid list-loving, schedule-following, all-round planning enthusiast, I’m not sure I knew the true definition of the word ‘planning’ until I had to go gluten-free. When my doctor told me that gluten was off the menu for good, I had no idea so much would change other than what was on my plate.

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Gone were the days where I could decide which restaurant I fancied going to right then and there in the moment. The convenience of ordering a last-minute Chinese takeaway vanished and still hasn’t been sighted since. I instantly became ‘the awkward dinner guest’ whenever I was invited over to eat. The supermarket seemed suddenly to shrink in size, and almost all the convenience products I relied on became off limits without notice.

I learned the hard way that, when you’re gluten-free, failing to plan is planning to go hungry. And not long after I realized that my definition of the word ‘planning’ had changed for good.

Being gluten-free without planning is like camping without a tent. Or, less metaphorically, it’s like ordering a three-course meal only to find that every course is some sort of fruit salad. Yes, that actually happened to me. More than once.

But, as you’ll soon discover if you haven’t already, a little planning ahead can make a huge difference to your future self, regardless of whether you’re eating at home or eating out.

Planning instantly brought back a level of convenience and normality that I thought was gone for good, so it’s not surprising that I wrote an entire book dedicated to the topic – so that you can reclaim it, too.

This, and the following recipes, is an edited extract from How to plan anything gluten free by Becky Excell published by Hardie Grant Books. RRP $24.99

McDonald’s style chicken nuggets Serves: 2-3.

Time: 45min Ingredients: 2 large skinless chicken breast fillets, about 400g in total 40g (1/3 cup) cornflour 100g (3/4 cup) gluten-free flour 30g gluten-free breadcrumbs 1 tsp celery salt ¼ tsp ground white pepper ¼ tsp ground black pepper ¼ tsp gluten-free baking powder ¼ tsp ground turmeric 170ml (generous 2/3 cup) water Vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Method: Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking parchment.

To prepare the chicken, either butterfly the breasts or place between two sheets of glad wrap and pound with a rolling pin until 1cm thick. Chop into 5cm pieces and set aside.

Spread out the cornflour on a large plate. Put the plain flour, breadcrumbs, celery salt, white and black pepper, baking powder and turmeric in a large mixing bowl. Stir well and add the water, to achieve a thick, smooth consistency.

Take five pieces of chicken at a time and roll them in cornflour until well coated.

Transfer to the batter mixture and coat well then onto a lined baking tray. Repeat until all the chicken is coated.

Place in freezer for 1–2 hours.

Half-fill a large, deep, heavy-based saucepan with vegetable oil and place over a medium heat for 15 minutes or it until it reaches 180°C. Remove the nuggets from the freezer and lower them, five at a time, into the hot oil.

Cook for 5 minutes, turning halfway until golden. Remove from the oil and transfer to the plate lined with paper towel to drain.

Repeat with the remaining nuggets then serve with your favourite G-F sauce.

Is it strange that I forget so many important things in life, but I can remember the exact date I was last able to enjoy a McDonald’s chicken nugget? The celery salt and white pepper are what give this recipe that authentic flavour and the freezing step (though essentially optional) gives them that authentic look and texture. You won’t believe they’re gluten-free, or not actually from McDonald’s!

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Strawberry crumble bars Makes: 9-16 Takes: 60mins Ingredients: For the base and crumble top: 220g gluten-free plain flour ¼ tsp xanthan gum 100g (1 cup) gluten-free oats 150g (3/4 cup) caster sugar Grated zest of 1 lemon 155g (2/3 cup) butter, melted and cooled For the filling: 400g strawberries, sliced 1 tsp lemon juice 1½ tbsp cornflour 2 tbsp strawberry jam

Method: Preheat your oven to 160°C fan / 180°C and line a 20cm square baking tin with nonstick baking paper, leaving a little overhang as this will help you remove the bars from the tin later.

In a large bowl, mix together your flour, xanthan gum, oats and sugar, then stir in the lemon zest. Pour in your melted butter and combine with a spatula so that you have a wet, sand-like texture.

You should have some smaller and some larger chunks.

With an oaty, shortbread base, a jammy filling packed with fresh strawberries and a crumble topping, these would most definitely be on sale in my imaginary gluten-free bakery. Best of all, they’re easily transportable too!

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Press about two-thirds of your mixture into your prepared tin so you have a nice, even base. Pop the remaining third into a small bowl in the freezer while you prepare the fruit layer.

Place the strawberries in a medium bowl, then add the lemon juice, cornflour and jam and mix gently to coat.

Spread the strawberries out evenly on top of the base.

Remove the mixture from the freezer and sprinkle it over the top of the fruit, ensuring the crumble pieces vary in size.

Lemon meringue cheesecake pots

These mini cheesecakes are perfect for making ahead of time, ready for dessert whenever you fancy them. Every bite is packed with that buttery biscuit base, creamy lemon filling and lemon curd, topped with marshmallow-y meringue. Making the meringue is optional – you can always skip it and stick with lemon cheesecake pots.

Makes: 6 Takes: 30min plus 1 – 2 hours chilling For the base: 150g gluten-free ginger biscuits 50g butter, melted For the filling: 350g mascarpone 50g icing sugar 60g lemon curd, plus 1–2 tsp for each topping Grated zest of 2 lemons 1½ tsp lemon juice 150ml double (heavy) cream For the Italian meringue: 100g egg whites (3–4 eggs) 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional) 200g (1 cup) caster sugar 45ml (3 tbsp) water

melted butter. Mix well.

Divide between 6 ramekins, and press it down firmly to form a base. Place in the fridge to chill.

For the meringue, place your egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, and whisk on a medium speed until soft peaks form.

George’s Wonton Ravioli

Method: Blitz the biscuits to a crumblike texture in a food processor or bash them with a rolling pin in a ziplock bag. Add to a large bowl and pour in your

Place mascarpone, icing sugar, lemon curd, lemon zest and juice in the bowl of a stand mixer (or you can use a hand-held mixer). Mix on a low to medium speed for 10– 20 seconds, then add cream.

On a medium speed, mix for 2 more minutes until it begins to firm up. Don’t overmix as the mixture can split.

Divide evenly between the ramekins, filling them to a little lower than the tops to leave space for the curd and meringue. Place in the fridge for an hour to firm up.

Spread a little lemon curd on the top of each mini cheesecake in a nice, even layer, then pop back into the fridge.

Put the sugar and water in a medium saucepan and mix so it’s combined and gloopy.

Place over a medium heat and, once the sugar syrup reaches 120°C remove from the heat and carefully drizzle it into the egg whites, with the mixer running. Try not to get the sugar syrup on the sides of the bowl as it will instantly harden. Continue to whisk until stiff, glossy and cooled.

Top your cheesecakes with the Italian meringue either using a piping bag or by spooning it on. If you’ve got one, finish by using a kitchen blowtorch to toast some of the meringue.

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m e h t eL t eat Cake 26

#sydneyecakes With Instagram in our hands it’s pretty easy to find some of Sydney’s best cake peeps!

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PLAN A HIT PARTY IN THE PARK

Weather permitting, a party in the park can be huge fun no matter what time of year! Fresh air, no limits on numbers, a theme of your choosing and plenty of space to burn off the sugar highs. Park parties are also, more often than not, a really cost effective way to celebrate! Here are Mama’s top tips for making your celebration a real walk in the park!

Most councils are more than happy for birthday parties Choose to take place without prior your notice, however, if you’re going all out and hiring a venue! petting zoo or a jumping castle, you may have to organise a permit! Be prepared to pay for reserving the space.

When choosing your position in the park, bear in mind where you’re going to place 28

yourselves. Do you want to be closest to the playground, or nearest the tables & the toilets?

Top tip: Being closer to the bathroom may seem trivial, but if you’re a big walk to the nearest toilet, with 25 children under the age of 5, it could be a pain!

Time will be important for food planning and if any of the children play sports on the weekend. Will your guests be expecting a meal or just cakes and snacks? Is it just after

Choose your time carefully

brekkie or nearing the end of the day? Two hours party time is often more than enough to satisfy even the most serious party animals so try not to go over that.

Top tip: If it’s later in the day, limiting sugar is a must! No parent will thank you for a sugar fuelled child at 6pm.

Having your kids party at a park releases you from having to decorate too Simplicity much, you can simply let nature do the talking! is key However, if you’re keen to work your magic, make sure the balloons, banners and of course candles (and lighter) are all in one box, with all the fixings you need. Sticky tape, string & ribbon are essentials! We love the party decor at Lombard.

Top tip: Remember to wrap your cake cutting knife in a cloth to make sure no one hurts themselves.

If your playground has a BBQ you may want to cook whilst you’re Waste there. However, there’s free food something nice about preparing food beforehand so you can lay it out and enjoy the party.

Try to be mindful of waste.

Instead of offering individual packets of everything, offer food that can be hand held with minimal rubbish. Also encourage all the guests to bring their own drink bottle with them to avoid dozens of plastic cups being mislaid!

Top tip: Fruit kebabs, sandwiches, sausage rolls & hot dogs are perfect for a birthday party at the park without the excess rubbish.

If there’s a large grassy area at your park you’ll find it super handy to entertainment have some games on (from your hand to make the most garage) of the space. Pack a big tub full of fun games to entertain the kids! Soccer balls, frisbees and a cricket set are a good start! Equally fun, if there’s space, is to ask all guests to bring their scooters or bikes!

Bring the

Top tip: There are heaps of fun outdoor games at Kmart that can be used well after the party finishes.

It doesn’t matter how much planning you do, sometimes mother nature strikes unexpectedly!

Being prepared for a change in the weather is a good idea as is having a small first aid kit to hand just in case of any cuts or grazes. Pack a few umbrellas, a couple of towels if benches need drying, and extra sticky tape for tablecloths and decorations if the wind picks up!

Be prepared for bad weather

Top Tip: It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in place as really heavy rain is a party pooper!

Before you party, make a promise to yourself that whatever you take Clean to the park, you’ll take it up home! Try not to rely on the bins provided. There’s the potential that the park bins could be full when you get there, and there’s nothing worse than trying to cram your rubbish into an already full bin at the end of the day!

Top tip: Pack a few rubbish bags, kitchen paper and something to clean down the tables with before you leave.

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LOVE A MOTHER Growing up with homemade birthday cakes, chosen from the pages of Women’s Weekly, is what many of our childhood memories are made of! Who can forget the swimming pool cake filled with jelly, the giant duck with chips for a beak or the amazing train with all its carriages filled with popcorn.

Aussie Mum of three Lou Duggan loves making her kids special themed cakes but was done with all the special ingredients and the 3am finishes trying to create them as a surprise. Stressed to the max, she knew there had to be a better way! So she founded Cake 2 The Rescue, providing families with cake kits containing ingredients, instructions and everything they need to create a homemade masterpiece. Today Lou has helped over 50,000 families pour their love into a homemade cake the easy way, so we chat to Lou about how this all came about and why Cake 2 The Rescue has been such a success.

Firstly, what a brilliant idea. Cake making for a novice is hard and social media has placed such unrealistic expectations on parents too. Your kits allow parents of ‘all baking skills levels’ to have a go. Tell us about how it all began.

I can’t believe it’s been 12 years since two mums decided to create a business together.

I was such a Martha Stewart type mum that we started off trying to work out how to ship me to everyones home each time they had a party. That’s when we came up with the kit concept. The genius behind the concept is my lack of cake decorating skills. I’m a Geologist, Engineer and Interior Designer with no cooking qualifications at all. We knew if I could design the kits and make them, then so could every other parent. My lack of skills became our secret weapon.

You’ve got three daughters and you’re originally from Scotland. Tell us a bit more about you and your family.

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When they say your kids will grow up in the blink of an eye, I couldn’t agree more. My girls are 21, 19 and 17 and hubby and I have been

married for 25 years in October! We live in the Gold Coast hinterland with our Covid Cavi George. We are at the beautiful stage where we are now more like friends living together, but I still set the boundaries and pay for everything hahaha!!!

You created the business to rescue families from the stress of cake making, but realistically it also rescued you. How? I really struggled with being a stay at home mum if I’m honest. We had 3 girls in 4.5 years and in those early years I lost myself. I was bored and lonely and my self-confidence was hanging by a thread. So when my youngest was ready for school I jumped on a friends suggestion to start a business together. Cake 2 The Rescue gave me a place to stand in the world again, a place to remember all the things I loved about me.

The Facebook Cake 2 The Rescue Support Group is a place where mums can cheer on total stranger’s creations, ask questions and celebrate imperfection! With more than 13k members, you must see some amazing creations come to life here, or some great fails. Care to share any?

I’m so so proud of our carer community.

I’m just not willing to tolerate those faceless bullies living in the comments of social media so we call it the kindest group on Facebook.

Our group’s not really a place for those intimidating 3D tiered masterpieces. The stories are about parents who’ve never made a cake before who are just so damn proud and blown away that their cake kit turns out “just like the picture”. Teary posts about their kids saying “wow that cake is amazing mama”.

Our mantra is, kids don’t see crumbs in the icing, they only see the love and time you poured into their homemade cake.

How many different cake designs do you have available in your range and what has been the most popular ones?

Oh gosh, we have over 300 designs in our standard range and have also helped design more than 200 custom design that are also

available. After 11 years and 300 designs we still see a massive range of designs go out each week, but Dinosaurs and Unicorns have been favourites every year without fail.

What’s been the best part and the hardest part about running your own business.

The best part has been the community for sure.

They came into my life at a time when I needed someone to raise me up and tell me I had something to offer the world as an individual.

Now at 47, that baton has been passed to me and it’s my aim to ensure every person who comes into our cake kit community knows that they are enough just as they are. Encouraging them to cut themselves some slack and love themselves starting today. In the past I would have said hardest is building a financially viable business, but now that has been achieved it’s more about adaptability and navigating unexpected circumstances, hello Covid!

Your three girls are pretty grown up now compared the when you started 11 years ago.

Do they still get a cake each year?

Hahaha I would love to say yes but honestly, when you grow up in a house where there is always cake on the bench, it’s the last thing you want for your birthday. The eldest loves a woollies $5 chocolate mud cake, the middle loves raspberry meringue and the youngest glazed donut towers!

Speaking of the girls, got any funny parenting stories you’d like to share with us?

I might live to regret this, but there was one particular birthday party when I’d been up all night making cakes for two of my daughters who are 2 years and 2 days apart. I was exhausted and frantically finishing off cleaning the kitchen with my bestie, before all the guests arrived, when I tipped an entire bottle of green food colouring over my white wood kitchen and floor. Before I had time to think rationally, I whipped off my dress and was using it to soak up all the food colouring.

I can still hear my girlfriend roaring with laughter at me in my undies covered in green, scrubbing the floor as the party was about to start.

And lastly, where can we find your amazing cake kits? @cake2therescue on FB, Insta, Pinterest and of course our website www.cake2therescue. com.au But more than anything, come join our community group Cake 2 The Rescue Support.

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Astrologer Patsy Bennett, author of Sun Sign Secrets (Rockpool Publishing $34.99), provides a guide to the perfect party for little ones based on their stars.

ARIES High-energy Aries will appreciate outdoors activities such as running around in children’s playgrounds or a beach party. Being competitive, they’ll enjoy races such as sprints, and hitting pinatas. And, if weather is an issue, consider booking a party at an indoor playground with plenty of diverse activities on offer to keep these active toddlers busy.

Ideal themes: Outdoor activities such as a beach or pool party, indoor bouncy castles and soft landings for active Aries.

TAURUS Activities that engage the senses will appeal to your earthy Taurean. A naturethemed party and keeping hands busy with sand castles or making art will appeal.

A treasure hunt or ramble in nature will entertain them and, for the younger Taureans, a large playground with plenty of room to enjoy nature will suit.

Ideal themes: Treasure island/pirate themes; nature trails, playing with clay or sand, music and dance.

GEMINI Indulge your little Twin’s mischievous side. Games that involve their quick wit, such as pin the tail on the donkey and musical chairs will appeal, but most of all a sense of fun 32

and light-heartedness will suit. Games that encourage interactions will be a hit too, such as two-legged races. Consider hiring a fun entertainer or face painter if it’s in your budget.

Ideal themes: interactive party games in pairs, and entertainment such as a juggler or magician and circus themes.

CANCER Cancerians love a good story so toddlers will enjoy a trip to the movies with their friends or a visit with a storyteller.

Base themes around your child’s favourite book or movie to bring the main characters alive. Dress ups with fairy or angel themes, magical and fictional characters will be popular.

Ideal themes: a storybook character dressup; a visit from a children’s favourite book author or fictional (dress-up) character.

LEO Little Leos love to shine, so they’ll love sparkly, flamboyant themes. They love drama too, so the chance to act or sing via karaoke for example will appeal, as would a visit to a live theatre play or a circus with their friends.

A dress-up party with a celebrity angle will appeal, with their favourite movie or TV characters a theme in the cake, decorations and outfits.

Ideal themes: performance, theatre and acting, with a favourite movie or TV character as a theme. A sing-along for musical toddlers.

VIRGO Virgos like everything to be just right, and so themed party food and presentation will hold the key to a happy party. Invest in some special trimmings with your child’s input as to the colour theme, for example. Sporty and earthy Virgos love the outdoors and meticulous little Virgos will prefer a perfect table setting with all the trimmings as the base of operations.

Ideal themes: the outdoors and nature: games and races in the garden or playground and, for choosy Virgos, a beautiful table and well-timed activities.

LIBRA Little Librans love luxury: large bows, ribbons and balloons all spell party time! Tie party themes to a centrepiece cake, gift bags and party rewards. A ‘best dressed’ theme, such as a flower or hat theme, and dress-ups to match characters Librans love to love will remind them they’re admired too. Consider the idea of a photographer at the party to offer portraits to the guests.

Ideal themes: luxury, ‘best-dressed’, lush colours or materials, characters they admire, photography, music.

SCORPIO Scorpios enjoy a little theatre and drama, passion and fun, so they’ll love to marvel at life’s wonders and to experience something special. A visit to a wildlife park, a mini golf course or an upbeat theatre play, dramatic games such as ‘cops and robbers’ will also appeal to their sense of play and competitiveness.

Ideal themes: role-playing or dramatic themes, such as magic or wildlife themes; a visit to a theatre, bowling alley or zoo visit with friends.

SAGITTARIUS An outdoor theme is a must, even if the weather spells indoors. Animal themes, such as ‘the outback’ or ‘owls and pussycats’ will appeal. Ask guests to come prepared for

walking and dancing. Competitive activities such as egg and spoon races, sack races and musical chairs will engage little Sagittarians and their friends in friendly games.

Ideal themes: wildlife, animals, outdoors, picnics, competitive games.

CAPRICORN An earthy atmosphere will appeal, such as a marquee in the garden or flower decorations. Glitz and glamour are a must on the day too, so add shiny balloons or a sparkly table setting. Traditional games like passthe-parcel with a luxurious feel in the layers will add to the special occasion. Capricorn children like to be rewarded so add prizes for the activities.

Ideal themes: a traditional event with family; an earthy theme; an ideal dream, glitz and glamour.

AQUARIUS Bright-spark Aquarians adore funky outfits and fun activities.

Add another dimension by asking parents to dress up too; or hire a professional fairy or clown. Go carts and music, dancing and fun-fair themes will appeal. Go with the flow with little Aquarians; let the decorations, fuss and music take them where it will on the day!

Ideal themes: funky outfits, fun-fair themes such as bumper cars/go-carts, slides, swing sets, clowns and music and delights will all appeal.

PISCES Pisces love sea-based and fantasy themes such as ‘Mermaids’ and ‘Sea creatures’ and fantastical characters like pixies and wizards. A party by the beach or a river would be ideal. Little Pisces love dreamy surroundings, so blue and green decorations and mystical lighting will appeal, plus light-hearted activities such as bobbing for apples.

Ideal themes: sea and water-based activities, such as a picnic on the beach, a paddling pool or boating on a lake, imaginative role-playing games and arts and crafts.

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CONSCIOUS GIFTING MADE EASY! Gift giving doesn’t have to mean piles of useless plastic items that’ll be forgotten about by the next morning! There are so many wonderful gifts that the planet will love just as much as the child who’s opening them. Check out these affordable, super fun and most importantly planet friendly gifts.

Book an Elephant Encounter at Sydney Zoo – $149.99 Ages 12+ This is Western Sydney’s Asian elephant experience! There’s nothing quite like getting up close and personal with these magical, mesmerizing, Asian elephants.

During this brand new elephant encounter, your child will get the chance to go behindthe-scenes of the elephant facilities, meet and greet the elephants, and interact with these majestic mammals. What an unforgettable gift.

SoYoung Raw Linen Toddler Backpack Cacti Desert – $52.95 A cute BPA, PVC and phthalate-free, roomy toddler backpack from Biome made with raw, uncoated linen. The delightful print, two side pockets, carry handle, chest strap and internal mesh pocket give this bag everything a child needs for a fun filled day. 2-5 years.

Nisha Pink Natural Kids Play Makeup Goody Set – $29.95

Bug Spotter Kit – $12.95 3 years + Help encourage little ones to get outside and play, with this super cute Bug Spotter Kit from Tiger Tribe at Seed Heritage. The magnifying lid of the spotter will let them observe bugs and then safely release them whilst the guide book teaches them about all sorts of critters.

This gorgeous 100% Australian made, toxin free, easily removable kids makeup set is absolutely going to stop little hands stealing your expensive lippys! See the little ones sparkle in these shimmering pots of fun!

Flora & Fauna Steggi Blue Dino – $36 Made from 100% organic cotton, this gorgeous vegan and cruelty free rattle is soft to the touch but strong enough even for the chewiest baby.

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Bamboo Kids 5pc ‘Byron Bay’ Dining Set – $49.00 This Byron Bay themed, bamboo kids dinner set features icons such as the Byron Bay Lighthouse, koalas and the ocean.

The 5 section, colourful tray with bowl, cup and spoon are going to ensure mum’s home cooked dinners are devoured!

Bath Box® Cookie Dough Cup Bubble Bomb – $12.95 A bath bomb base, topped with custom bubble bath decorations will make bathtime super fun and smell like cookies! Simply remove the cup, toss the entire ice cream bubble bath bomb into the bath and as the bath bomb base fizzes in the water, little ones can crumble the bubble bath decorations to create extra foamy bubbles!

Glitter is made from eucalyptus leaves and is 100% biodegradable, making it safe for the environment and our aquatic friends.

Recycle and Remake Creative Projects for Eco Kids – $15.25 Booktopia Kids are on a mission to save the Earth! Recycle and Remake is the hands-on, practical guide all kids need to get started.

This gentle, but empowering book is full of creative making activities, information, and ideas that give young eco-warriors the know-how to really help the environment.

From kite making to using junkmail to make recycled seeded paper, this is a must for all gift buyers!

Yogi Fun Kids Yoga Deluxe Eco Mat Purple

By Yogi Fun at Kidstuff – $69.99 Got a Yogi to buy for? Even the most skillful poses won’t be enough to cause slippage on this non toxic mat as it has an anti slip surface on both sides. Gift boxed with a decorative activity poster to encourage and remind them that Yoga is always available to them this Yoga Mat also comes with morning ritual and evening ritual routines on the side which can be cut out and stood up for use.

The Perfect Bear - Reusable ceramic drink bottle & cup – set $109.95 To celebrate Winnie the Pooh turning 95 this year Frank Green and Disney have paired up to launch these special edition customisable gift sets that let you mix and match your favourite characters from Hundred Acre Wood. Choose between two 10oz ceramic reusable cups or a 10oz ceramic reusable cup and 34oz ceramic reusable bottle (lids aren’t customisable). Best gift ever award goes to… YOU! Classic Play Rocket Printed from The Little Cardboard Co. – $79 These cardboard rockets are great fun for kids to build and paint.

They’re easy to assemble, eco friendly and affordable! Watch their imagination sky rocket as they launch into their most exciting mission to date!

Rocket Dimensions: 70cm wide x 110cm high.

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CHEERS TO A BETTER LIFE FOR PEOPLE AFFECTED

BY CANCER Sign up for Dry July and raise money for cancer support and care that makes life better.

visit dryjuly.com today 36

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Each of these awesome prize packs include a KidiZoom Studio; “Be the star of your own video universe”, a Kidi DJ Mix; “Scratch and jam to the music on the DJ turntable”, a KidiGo Basketball; “It’s game on with this 5-game mode basketball hoop” and a Kidi Superstar Move; “Sing your heart out on the go with the built-in speaker”. Simply colour to WIN!

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COULD YOUR CHILD BE AUSTRALIA’S NEXT BEST GAME DEVELOPER? Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen how video games have a positive effect on mental health, enabling families and friends to remain connected even while physically apart. In fact, according to research from the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association, video games are now more popular than free to air TV in Australia.

With so many of us picking up the controls, it’s only natural that parents have started to imagine gaming as the perfect future career for their children. Move over architecture, medical, or veterinary school, gaming might be the new answer to ‘what do you want to be when you’re older?’

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It’s easy to see why. The future of the gaming industry is looking bright, with global gaming revenue worth more than the film and music industries combined.

In Australia, the video game development industry doubled its revenue to $226 million since 2016, according to results from the fifth annual Australian Game Development Survey (AGDS) 2021.

The survey also revealed that the industry expects further growth locally, contributing to the growth of the global market, which was worth $AU240 billion in 2020.

On top of all that, the federal government is jumping on the trend with the announcement of a Digital Games Tax Offset, a scheme that grants gaming businesses earning more than $500,000 a 30 per cent tax offset.

The current generation of parents and students have a vastly different attitude toward pursuing a career in game development than just a few decades prior.

The average gamer is 35 years old, and many of these ‘millennial gamers’ likely have children of their own. This is very different to when I started my own career in the industry, when my parents had never even seen a video game, let alone played one.

However, just because your family loves gaming, that doesn’t necessarily mean your child is destined for a career in the industry.

After all, does loving watching Netflix necessarily mean you’re destined for the future in film and TV? I have found that many parents decide that their children will make great developers because all they do is play games, but a passion for games is just the first step. In fact, the first thing I tell students commencing game courses at AIE Institute is that they will not have much time to play games anymore.

The good news is that there are many other key attributes that might give parents a clue about their child’s potential career in the gaming industry. Take, for instance, the ability to learn new skills. Gaming technology is constantly changing, and an aptitude for adapting to new challenges and ideas is key.

Today, the industry is a tried and tested career path for many. In order to help all those young students who love gaming but aren’t sure how to turn it into a career, we’ve recently launched AIE Institute, a higher education provider that will be offering a Bachelor of Game Development for the first time in 2023.

So, if you’ve got a motivated, passionate, productive child on your hands, a career in the gaming industry might very well be the step they’ve been looking for.

By John Margheriti, Chairman and CEO of The Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE). John established the AIE which is today Australia's most awarded 3D animation, game design and visual FX educator. Created as a non-profit organisation to grow the creative digital sector, AIE pioneered the development of specialist game qualifications and offers a Bachelor of Game Development, including three separate majors in game art, game design or game programming. By providing students with real avenues to employment and further studies, the AIE Institute conducts innovative and interactive programs that combine current knowledge and role-based learning within a project-based professional environment. aie.edu.au

Productivity and the ability to work on one project for a long time are also important.

A typical game takes anywhere from 15 to 200 people working on it for 18 months to as long as five years - and its hard work. The graduates that I have seen succeed have been the hardest workers, typically putting in double or triple the hours they spent in class on their own projects.

Game development is rewarding but it’s not easy. Completing projects is hard when you’re in a team of highly creative people that think in different ways and have different approaches in how they tackle problems. So is maintaining the passion and dedication it takes to bring an idea to fruition. If your child has these skills, then they might very well have a bright career in gaming ahead of them.

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HOW TO PLAN A SKI TRIP THAT THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL ENJOY A ski trip can be quite involved – you have to factor in a long road travel to reach the mountains, you’ll be staying in an environment of high altitude and cold weather, and you’ll need to get accustomed to wearing different clothes and footwear.

But with some planning, you can make it an enjoyable holiday for the whole family. Here are my top tips:

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Plan ahead If it’s your first time doing a snow trip and everything will be new to you, consider booking via a family-friendly travel company. They’ll be able to give you tips for structuring your holiday and can put together an all-inclusive package.

I’d also suggest booking as much as possible in advance, so you can enjoy more time on the mountain. This includes ski and snowboard hire, which you can rent from my store Bumps.

We can fit and modify the required equipment to suit your needs and have it ready to collect ahead of your departure.

While you can rent equipment at the ski resort, it’s not something I recommend as waiting times can be long, which eats into the time you should be enjoying skiing, and the equipment hire facilities often have limited stock available, meaning you may not get the best fit or the equipment you want.

If you’ve never worn ski boots before, ask the technician to show you the right way to do them up. Boots can be awkward unless fitted well – it’s worth taking the time to get it right.

resort every day which can mean paying more in fees and parking.

Take the right gear You want to make sure all members of the family are comfortable, so getting quality ski gear is a must as you’ll be in a cold climate every day.

Your ski boots are your top priority. Make sure they are comfortable and that they have been fitted properly by a technician.

Booking everything in advance also means you can get better prices on accommodation, travel, car rental, and gear hire, as these prices tend to increase the later you book. Consider prebooking lift tickets too, as they sometimes place limits on daily allocations during peak times.

When it comes to your gear, ensure it fits properly – it shouldn’t be too tight or too baggy.

I recommend good mittens for small kids and those who feel the cold, while gloves are okay for everyone else. For children under the age of five, a one-piece suit is a good option.

Importantly, make sure you get your car organised if you will be driving to the mountain.

Ensure you have anti-freeze in your radiator and that you have tyre chains at the ready.

You want to dress in multiple layers – use thermals for your base layer, then a middle layer of polyester or wool (or a blend of the two), completed with your final layer, known as the outer shell, which should include an insulated ski jacket and ski pants that are waterproof.

Look for a 5000-waterproof rating.

Consider ski school For those with children that are new to the snow, ski school is a great option if you can factor it in. It can be costly, but it frees up time for parents to hit the slopes on their own. And there’s the added bonus of your kids learning from a qualified instructor. I find that kids tend to be more receptive to learning from an external authority rather than mum or dad, and it’s a great way for them to get the basics down pat.

You’ve got to be warm and you’ve got to be comfortable, so I highly recommend taking the time to select the right gear and quality gear.

If everyone is warm and comfortable, everyone has a good time.

Accommodation options When it comes to accommodation, there are a few different options.

The most convenient is ski-in, ski-out accommodation. It’s the more expensive choice, but it will give you more time on the mountain as you won’t have to factor in commuting in and out of the resort.

If you’re staying just outside this zone, there is generally a free shuttle bus that runs around the village that can get you to your accommodation.

Some people choose to stay off mountain in nearby towns, as this accommodation is cheaper, and they drive up to the resort each day. This can be a pain, as there is daily commuting involved, and you’re entering the 41

new on the shelf

kids

Romans Magnified by David Long Zoom in to discover what life was like for Ancient Romans in this innovative and interactive illustrated title that takes you right into their fascinating world! Grab your magnifying glass and dive into the sights and sounds of ancient Rome in sixteen fascinating search-and-find puzzles, packed with over 200 things to spot. The artwork bursts with hidden detail and bustles with action, and detailed factual text will tell you everything you need to know about different areas of Roman life.

Published by Allen and Unwin. RRP $27.99.

Family, All That You Dream It To Be by Teeny Tiny Stevies You love who you love, and you build a great team, because family’s all that you dream it to be. From Byll and Beth Stephen, the writers behind the ABC TV musical sensations Teeny Tiny Stevies, comes a gorgeous reimagining of their much-loved song, Family (Love is Love).

Published by HarperCollins. RRP $19.99.

Kind by Jess McGeachin From one of Australia’s most talented new picture-book creators comes this beautiful ode to the wonders of our natural world.

From the tiniest beetle to the most majestic whale, every creature on Earth is a marvel, deserving of awe and compassion. This beautiful picture book is a unique celebration of living things of many kinds—and the kindness we can show them as we wander through the world.

Published by Allen and Unwin. RRP $24.99.

A New Friend by Lucy Menzies It’s Joe’s first day at a new school. It’s big, scary and different. Can’t he just go back to the way things were? When Mae hears that there’s a new kid starting school, she can’t wait to meet him. Is this her chance to make a true friend? Follow the heart-warming story of a new friendship in this innovative title, comprised of two books telling two different perspectives! This uplifting tale of overcoming fears and making new friends is the perfect gift for anyone struggling with new challenges.

Published by Allen and Unwin. RRP $19.99.

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t(w)een

The Wrath of the Woolington Wyrm: Miss Mary-Kate Martin’s Guide to Monsters 1 by Karen Foxlee Miss Mary-Kate Martin might be anxious, but she’s not scared of monsters. Travelling the globe with her famous archaeologist mother, Mary-Kate helps solve legendary problems in this fun fantasy adventure suitable for fans of the Travelling Bookshop or the Magnolia Moon series.

Published by Allen and Unwin. RRP $14.99.

Mars Awakens by H.M. Waugh Raised in two colonies on Mars each long ago abandoned by Earth, Dee and Holt have been brought up to hate even the idea of each other. But when a mysterious object crash-lands on a far-flung plain, they are both sent to investigate and their fates intertwine. Together they must battle epic storms and deadly bioclouds while unpicking the web of lies they have been told about their planet.

Timely and compelling, Mars Awakens is the unputdownable first book in a duology offering a window into our future.

Published by Allen and Unwin. RRP $16.99.

Wylah: The Koorie Warrior by Jordan Gould & Richard Pritchard Meet Wylah: warrior, hero and friend. Her adventures have been 40,000 years in the making! Wylah is brave, clever and strong-willed, and all her best friends are giant megafauna animals. But she isn’t a warrior. Not yet, anyway. Then comes the day when her family is stolen by the dragon army, and her life is forever changed. She must find the courage to set out on a journey to save them. What will it take for Wylah to become a warrior, like her Grandmother before her? Introducing an unforgettable cast of characters, Wylah: The Koorie Warrior is a heart-stopping and imaginative adventure, inspired by First Nation’s history and grounded in culture.

Published by Allen and Unwin. RRP $15.99.

My Spare Heart by Jared Thomas Phoebe’s life is turned upside down when she moves to the country to live with her dad in this powerful and uplifting story about family breakdowns, facing truths and finding balance. Dr Jared Thomas is a Nukunu person of the Southern Flinders Ranges, Research Fellow, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Material Culture at the South Australian Museum and University of South Australia, and an Indigenous Literacy Foundation ambassador.

Published by Allen and Unwin Childrens. RRP $19.99.

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adults The Family String by Denise Picton Meet Dorcas, a spirited 12-year-old struggling to contain her irrepressible humour and naughty streak in a family of Christadelphians in 1960s Adelaide.

She is her mother’s least favourite child and always at the bottom of the order on the family’s string of beads that she and her younger siblings Ruthy and Caleb reorder according to their mother’s ever-changing moods.

This is a superb coming of age story that explores a fraught mother-daughter dynamic, and the secrets adults keep from their children. It is about resilience, and the loves that sustain us when our most essential bonds are tested, and how to find the way back through hope and forgiveness.

Published by UltimoPress. RRP $32.99

Anna - The Biography by Amy Odell This definitive biography of Anna Wintour chronicles the steep climb of an ambitious young woman who would, with singular and legendary focus, become the most powerful woman in media. Based on extensive interviews with Anna Wintour’s closest friends and collaborators, including some of the biggest names in fashion, journalist Amy Odell has crafted the most revealing portrait of Wintour ever published. Weaving Anna’s personal story into a larger narrative about the hierarchical dynamics of the fashion industry and the complex world of Condé Nast, Anna charts the relentless ambition of the woman who would become an icon.

Published by Allen and Unwin. RRP $34.99.

Family Matters by Ellie O’Neill Funny, poignant, real and engaging, Family Matters is a thoroughly captivating story of three generations of women, each facing down their troubles to find the power of family. Ellie is an Irish Australian author based in Geelong, Victoria. She is the author of four novels, the first of which, Reluctantly Charmed, was a top ten Australian debut and a bestseller. Ellie’s writing has been described as charming, whimsical, funny and touching.

Published by Allen and Unwin. RRP $32.99

The Ghosts of Paris by Tara Moss A gripping story of secrets and intrigue set in postwar London and Paris. The search for a missing husband forces investigator and former war reporter Billie Walker to face the ghosts of her own painful past, and sets her on a collision course with an underground network of Nazis... It’s 1947. The world continues to grapple with the fallout of the Second World War, and former war reporter Billie Walker is finding her feet as an investigator. When a wealthy client hires Billie and her assistant Sam to track down her missing husband, the trail leads Billie back to London and Paris, where Billie’s own painful memories also lurk.

Published by HarperCollins. RRP $32.99.

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TIME TO SWIM When is the right time for children to learn to swim?

During Winter, swimming lessons are often not top of mind. A cold wet-haired child is never fun. But each year in Australia, an average of 23 children under five die from unintentional drowning, usually due to factors such as a lack of adult supervision, unrestricted access to water and not having the skills to stay safe in water, so swimming lessons are important year round.

Teaching children to swim is crucial to prevent drowning; it’s also good for fun and fitness, and sets kids up for a lifetime of water enjoyment. But when is the best age to enrol children in swimming?

Age four is a good time to start Many learn-to-swim schools offer lessons for children as young as six months, and parents often feel under pressure to get kids started as early as possible.

These lessons can help a child get used to water, learn to put their face under and learn to close their mouths.

They can also be a great opportunity for parent and child to bond, as the caregiver is in the water with the child. Research has even suggested swimming in the early years can benefit physical, cognitive and language skills among three-to-five-year olds.

But while it may be possible to teach young infants basic motor skills in water, infants cannot, and should not, be expected to know how to swim or to be able to react appropriately in emergencies.

There’s not a lot of research available on what age is the “best” time to start swim lessons.

But studies from Australia suggest children start being able to master water confidence 46

and basic aquatic locomotive skills at around four years of age, regardless of the age they are when lessons begin.

The same researchers also reported that regardless of whether lessons began at two, three or four years of age, children achieved the skills necessary to perform freestyle at five and a half years of age.

Some evidence suggests swimming lessons improve swimming ability and behaviour around the pool in younger children (between two and four years of age).

But the jury is out on how well these skills are maintained in the long term.

You may have also seen videos circulating on social media showing infants being tossed into pools and rolling over to float on their back unassisted.

But Austswim, Australia’s national organisation for the teaching of swimming and water safety, has advised against forced back float and submersion in favour of more developmentally appropriate strategies.

Research I led also showed a negative prior aquatic experience, which can occur during formal learn-to-swim lessons, can negatively impact a child’s achievement level.

Consistency is key Parents sometimes enrol their children in swimming lessons at a young age and then pull them out before minimum competencies are achieved, frustrated by the cost of lessons and the seemingly slow progress.

COVID has also interrupted swimming lessons and water safety education for many children.

Some will return to lessons and catch up, but some may never return – perhaps due to the cost of lessons or because the child is now focused on a different sport or activity.

So when considering whether to enrol your child in swimming lessons, consider sticking with it over the long term until your child truly has the skills to stay safe in the water.

in a pool, at the beach or at the river, the better they will do at swimming lessons.

My co-authors and I recommended children swim at least once a fortnight.

Consider your child’s maturity level and how ready they are to learn to swim. Factor in the long-term costs associated with lessons and when that investment may provide the greatest benefit.

It has been a tragic summer for drowning so far, with several factors increasing the risk at this time of year. Therefore, water safety is vital.

Once enrolled, what’s the best way to learn?

You might be wondering what’s better: a short weekly lesson or school holiday intensives, where the child does a swim lesson every day for a week or two.

The answer may depend on your family’s schedule and what’s available in your area but even if you opt for holiday intensives, try to provide opportunities for your child to regularly practise the skills learned in the pool.

Research I co-authored found the more often a child swims (formally or informally)

For children, in addition to learning to swim, that means active adult supervision of children at all times around the water, checking the pool fence and gate are in good working order and learning CPR so you have the skills to respond in an emergency.

By Amy Peden, Lecturer - Injury Prevention, UNSW Sydney. Amy Peden is an honorary Senior Research Fellow with Royal Life Saving Society - Australia and is the co-founder of the UNSW Beach Safety Research Group. Amy Peden receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NH&MRC). This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here.

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How to style a nursery two ways When it comes to setting up a nursery, most new parents start with the foundation pieces of the room – the cot, bassinet and a change table or chest of drawers.

But once you’ve ticked off the basics, then what?

Here are some stylish and timeless ways to decorate a nursery around two of the most popular furniture finishes – white and timber.

How to style white nursery furniture White furniture creates a bright and crisp look in your baby’s nursery and gives you scope to have fun with colour and pattern. To ensure they stand the test of time, seek out pieces with clean, simple lines in durable materials that will cope with whatever life (and a growing toddler) throws at them. Furniture crafted from sustainably sourced, FSCcertified pine with a non-toxic finish is better for your baby’s health and the environment.

Create contrast Colour on your walls will make white nursery furniture pop, so now’s the time to grab the paint brush or splash out on a gorgeous, patterned wallpaper. When selecting wall colour, bear in mind that your main objective is creating a sleep sanctuary for your baby, so steer clear of bright or jarring hues. That still leaves plenty of options; tap into the current trend for cocooning, brown-based tones with cosy terracotta, brick or soothing sage on walls, or for something bold yet serene, try teal.

The nursery is the perfect spot to have a bit of a fun with colour and pattern; why not 48

create a modern dado look by painting two thirds of the wall in colour and leaving the top third plain, or create a feature wall with a look-at-me wallpaper behind the cot and keep the other walls neutral.

Add texture A neutral scheme based around white furniture calls for plenty of texture – it’s the perfect way to add warmth and interest to your nursery. Up the cosiness factor with textured blankets, a woven wall hanging or a tactile boucle armchair topped with supersoft cushions.

Don’t forget storage It often surprises new parents just how much stuff babies have! If you want to keep the nursery organised and clutter-free, wellplanned storage is essential. A generous and well-made chest of drawers with clean, minimalist lines, such as Tasman Eco’s Alana 3-Drawer Chest, is a great starting point and will see your little one all the way through from babyhood to the school years.

Boost it with one or two large, woven baskets to keep toys and bulky items. If you’re in need of more storage but don’t know where to squeeze it in, look for any under-utilised spots in the room; think hooks behind the bedroom door or lidded storage boxes that tuck under the cot.

Personalise with art Colourful artworks offset white furniture beautifully and will bring personality and interest to your baby’s nursery. If you’ve given your nursery a theme, such as jungle animals or hot- air balloons, add fun framed posters or prints to the walls that bring it to life. Or liven up walls with photo art, Scandiinspired abstracts or a decorative wall decal.

How to style timber nursery furniture

gold or a mobile that doubles as a work of art above your baby’s cot.

Timber furniture creates a warm, earthy feel in a nursery and, if you’ve also used it in your main living areas, will link the spaces stylistically. It’s versatile too; timber works a treat with myriad nursery styles, from boho and eclectic to modern classic.

Include a spot for you

For a cohesive look, select pieces such as a cot and a chest of drawers from the same range. Little ones grow fast, so it’s wise to think long-term with adaptable pieces that will last several years, such as a cot that converts to a toddler bed (try Tasman Eco’s Elyse and Zaria cots), or a chest of drawers with a removable changer top, such as Tasman Eco’s Julian 3-Drawer Chest, that will see your child from babyhood through their school years.

Embrace the natural feel Muted, earth-drawn tones such as a soft olive, mustard and blush complement timber furniture beautifully, and will set a warm and inviting tone in your baby’s nursery. Choose a hero colour for walls and then two or three accent colours for bedlinen, rugs and art.

A comfortable and supportive armchair that’s easy to get in and out of is a godsend when you’re feeding or settling your little one to sleep. A quality armchair is a sizable investment so consider one in a neutral tone, such as cream, that teams effortlessly with timber nursery furniture now and will also work in your main living spaces down the track.

Or go bold and use your armchair as an opportunity to bring in a funky pattern or a contrasting colour, such as sky blue or burnt orange, to the nursery. You’ll be spending a lot of time there, so you may as well love it!

Tasman Eco’s nursery furniture and accessories help new parents create a loving haven for their growing family.

Their contemporary design is the perfect complement to modern interior styles, and sustainable materials help preserve the environment for future generations.

Play up the natural vibe set by timber furniture with a soft, sisal rug underfoot, woven rattan accessories and tactile linen curtains.

Add luxe touches One or two touches of the unexpected can bring depth and dynamism to a space, and a nursery is no different. Consider adding a statement chandelier or lamp (safely positioned where your baby can’t reach it) in a luxe finish such as a bronze or brushed

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Give happiness to sick kids

Donate today at starlightday.org.au

Anabela, age 7