Northside MamaMag March 2016 by MamaMag

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NORTHSIDE

mamamag March 2016

WIN A family pass to the cadbury easter egg hunt Hanging with Hi-5 Preparing for VCE Tutoring benefits Playdate perfection Bully busting

free Local fun for the Northside mum

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A WARM WELCOME So here we are with a brand-spanking new Northside MamaMag! In the past we have been promoting local fun for families in the Bayside and Westside areas of Melbourne and it has been received with open arms! So now it is the North’s turn for some MamaMag fun. I myself have long been an admirer of MamaMag and secretly wished for it to come to the Northern suburbs; an area dear to my heart. And it seems wishes do come true. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining the team and unearthing the treasures this fabulous area has to offer! A bit about me… I am a proud Mum of two beautiful boys aged 6 and 3. It is a crazy busy time of life but I wouldn’t have it any other way! I spent my early years living in a gorgeous quaint cottage in Primrose Street Essendon. I have extended family living in various pockets all across the Northern suburbs. My Grandparents chose this area to migrate to from The Netherlands in 1956. My ancestors who arrived by sea also settled in this area. One of my great, great, great grandmothers who was in service at Highclere Castle in England (TV’s Downton Abbey) came here and set up a farm near Fawkner, calling it ‘Highclere’. The other who came tragically as an Irish orphan from the Potato Famine, still has her image cast in stone above a shop on Brunswick’s Sydney Road. So yes, you could say this area is in my blood (and I do love my history)! Melbourne’s Northern suburbs have so much family friendliness! Whether it be the strong sense of community, the multitude of parks to choose from, the abundance of kid-friendly cafes or the diversity of cultures and eating options; there truly is something for every family! Some of our family’s favourite things to do include the Traffic School in Essendon, CERES Environmental Park in Brunswick, plane watching at Melbourne Airport, the Collingwood Children’s Farm and the nearby Abbotsford Convent, the pirate ship on the Maribyrnong River and the popular Queens Park and Tea Rooms in Moonee Ponds. But of course there is so much more to do. We hope you love reading the new Northside MamaMag as much as we love bringing it to you. Enjoy!

@localmamamag

WIN

Be prepared 6 Preparing primary kids for VCE success Hanging with Hi-5 We meet the new look cast

The positive benefits of tutoring How it can help your child

1 of 2 family passes to 2016 Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Werribee Park on Good Friday! SO EV OU LD EN T T

Contents Lovely locals 16 Queens Parade Fitzroy North/Clifton Hill The many faces of bullying Some tips to consider

Mama of the month Antonette from Little Innoscents

I found it in the North Mama’s favourite finds

Keys to a successful playdate Top 10 tips and more

How drama saves the world! Belinda’s journey - school and beyond

Parklife 32 All Nations Park, Northcote No choking matter 34 Child Revive explain choking hazards Mama can cook Tasty treats to try at home

Invest in education Saving for your child’s future

Dear mamas in the school yard A school mum’s letter

Brighten up a room 5 cost effective ways

Turn the page 44 Top books from The Little Bookroom Art play for conversation Get creative and talk with the kids

Colour & win WIN tickets to Ice Age Live!

MamaMag March 2016

Visit our Facebook page to enter

www.facebook.com/localmamamag Entries open to Victorian residents only. Competition starts March 1st 12.01am and closes March 21st 2016 at 11.59pm. Each prize is 4 tickets to the hunt on friday March 25 2015 at Werribee Park. All participants in the Hunt must be between the ages of 3-12 years. Visit mamamag.com.au full terms and conditions.

MamaMag is published monthly for the mums of Melbourne’s North by Grizzle Design Pty Ltd. ABN: 26 042 138 550. PO Box 8018 Brighton East VIC 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au

10,000 copies monthly in Melbourne’s North: Moonee Valley, Darebin, Moreland and Yarra. Editor in Chief: Sarah Cavalier Assistant Editor: Kirsty Chick Northside Editor: Danielle Ross Walls Sales & Marketing Manager: Charlotte Whelpton Distribution: Christine Richter & Danielle Ross Walls Northside Advertising: danielle@mamamag.com.au Like to contribute an article submission or products for Facebook giveaways? submissions@mamamag.com.au Advertising enquiries: danielle@mamamag.com.au or download our media kit from www.mamamag.com.au The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publishing staff. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without permission of the publishers. Health related articles are designed to be informative and educational. They are not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace one-on-one advice from your health practitioner.

Be prepareD How to prepare your child for a VCE success from primary school. It’s a new school year and once you have sorted out the uniform and perhaps the books list, your thoughts may turn to how to help your child have a successful academic year. Here are some tips and hints that may help you and your child: • Achievement in VCE is dependent on intellect but also on maturity and resilience. Being academically talented is not enough to do well. Students need to be reasonably mature to manage the stress of VCE and to have the discipline, focus and organisational skills required. Therefore, I would consider very seriously, any advice from your school or a professional whom you trust, that your child should repeat Year 11 or take 3 years to complete VCE. Sometimes that extra year taken to mature emotionally and intellectually can be very helpful. For the same reason, if there is talk about your child repeating a year or even having an extra year in Kinder, this could be the key to setting your child up for an easier journey through school. Obviously, each student is unique, but extra time for your child to develop may be the best gift he or she can be given. • If you are concerned about your child’s speech, learning, social skills, movement or emotional state, trust your gut. As the parent or carer, you know your child best. Ask questions of your child’s teacher and consider having your child assessed by a relevant allied health professional. You can start this process by seeing your general practitioner who will guide you about which type of professional you need to see. You GP may also be able to provide you with a care plan so that most or all of your appointments are paid for by Medicare.

Asking friends who are well networked for names of good speech or occupational therapists, for example, can also be helpful. Above all, trust your gut, keep asking questions until you feel satisfied that your child is receiving the help he or she requires. • Expose your child to the world beyond his or her own life and city. Talk to your child about discoveries, inventions and appropriate news events. The ABC3 news for kids can often start an interesting conversation. Weave in where we live, how government works, how tax works. • Ask them questions. How do you think that works? Where does the rain come from? Why do we recycle? Is this made of plastic or glass? Encourage them to think, wonder and ask. Two books that really support this and which my girls love are Manfish and On a Beam of Light. Point out and explain scientific ideas in action, such as condensation or magnets. If you do not know how these work, look it up with your kids (or look it up before and explain to them). There are lots of science sites just for kids. Peep and The Big Wide World, Science Toy Maker, and Ology are fun and explanatory. • Use a varied and descriptive vocabulary around and with them. Explain what a new word means (even if you have to look it up yourself). • Teach them to observe nature closely. Watch the snails and how they move in the garden. Notice how plants, trees and flowers grow and change. Try and use and find vocabulary to describe the changes. You can also bring out the science questions here.

• The obvious one; keep them reading! As long they are interested it does not matter what they read. Ask at libraries and bookshops that may interest your child. Fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, e-books, sophisticated picture books are some examples. Google books on topics your child is interested in. Take them to author discussions about books at libraries or reading festivals. The Children’s Book Council runs Book Week in October each year which starts off with a huge fun free book festival. Tell them summaries of some of the books you read as a child. Look up bios of authors of books that they like.

• Have you ever wondered how as parents we go the extra mile to foster a love of reading and instil sportsmanship by repeatedly practicing multiple sports with our child, but expect that maths will be learnt entirely through osmosis? If there is only one thing you can do at home to teach maths, it should be an attitude that maths is fun! If you have time for more, ask them to guess. Guess the time, the distance, the cost, the quantity, the direction etc. Monopoly is handy and chess is even better. Learning to take numbers head on will enable a strong and successful engagement with maths (contributed by Ritika Walia).

• Get them to make their own books or help you tell a story. It can be as simple as you saying one sentence and then each taking a turn to add one more line.

• Teach your child that mistakes are fine and that is ok to make mistakes. Try to model that trying with something that can be hard, and then succeeding can be a really good feeling.

• Give them some responsibility at home, appropriate to their age. This will hopefully develop discipline and a sense of achievement.

• Celebrate their learning, their questions and their ideas!

Marissa Pinkas (together with educator Judith Field) has created Speech Matters, a practical resource for teachers in which all aspects of public speaking are explicitly explained and illustrated. The teaching of oral skills is broken down into logical and clear chapters, making it very easy to teach important aspects of planning, writing and presenting speeches. To order call 0419 09 9839.

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hanging with The Hi-5 team are in their 18th year of entertaining our little ones. They’ve won ARIAs and Logies, and most importantly the hearts and minds of our children (and parents as well!). They have probably saved you once or twice and provided a living room of happy feet and smiling faces. You’re likely to have had one of their catchy tunes stuck in your head (so many animals right now!). The quintet may have evolved and changed over the years, yet the delivery of high energy and charisma has remained constant – it’s a magic formula that has endured almost two decades. In 2016, the Hi-5 gang welcomes two new members into the fold, Lachlan and Gabriel. Ahead of their performance at The Essential Baby and Toddler show, we chatted to Tanika, Lachlan, Gabriel and Dayen about the group’s new dynamics and what life is like as rock stars to the young.

What can audiences expect from Hi-5 in 2016? Tanika: We are going to be spending a bit more time in Australia reconnecting with our Aussie fans which we are very excited about. We also have two new members, Lachie and Gabe who are really keen to meet you all! Lachlan: Audiences can expect lots of fun and laughter like always from Hi-5 this year, but because there are two new cast members, Gabe and myself, they can certainly expect some new excitement and energy! Gabriel: Audiences can expect a Hi-5 team with a new fresh energy. Obviously with two new members the team has a completely different energy whilst still providing the same quality of entertainment that Hi-5 has prided itself on since its conception. Dayen: We have two brand new members this year, and we are so excited to have them on board! We can’t wait for everyone to meet Lachie and Gabe.

What is the magic that makes Hi-5 so popular? Tanika: Hi-5 makes learning fun. Through song and dance, colour and games; kids are able to reach their fullest potential by being confident and comfortable with who they are. All the

members of Hi-5 (past and present) are just big kids who want to want to have a good time. Lachlan: There are so many magical things about Hi-5 but I think the most magical is our special way of making learning so much fun through music and dance. Gabriel: I think it’s the honest performances of all the cast members past and present and the wonderful direction of the creative team. There is a huge amount of importance on interacting with the kids as if we were their older brothers and/or sisters, allowing for performances that are kind and generous and never condescending. Dayen: Hi-5’s Magic is a combination of music, dancing and colour. I believe that Hi-5 is loved by children all around the world because the songs and dance moves are catchy and easy to follow plus they don’t even realise they are learning while they are having fun!

You’ll be at The Essential Baby and Toddler show, what do you love most about Melbourne? Tanika: I absolutely adore Melbourne. The culture and the people make Melbourne such a special place. The city is filled with so much art and plenty of hidden spots where the locals go to hang out.

Lachlan: Melbourne is fantastic for shopping which I really love and I am a massive AFL fan! Gabriel: I personally am a Melbournian, born and bred so it’s very exciting to be performing so close to home. Dayen: We are so excited that we will be at the essential baby and toddler show! Aside from all the really cute babies that will be there, our fans in Melbourne are particularly very welcoming.

A huge welcome to Lachie and Gabe to the Hi-5 group! What were your backgrounds before joining Hi-5? Lachlan: I have been incredibly lucky to have joined Hi-5 immediately after finishing high school! In fact, I received the call to say I was in the group the morning after my last HSC exam. I have however been working towards a career in entertainment for a very long time. I began dance training at four years of age and took up acting and singing not long after that. For the last few years, while still at school I have been teaching dance, performing in corporate gigs, performing in pantomimes and cabaret club shows, filming a few TV commercials and doing a bit of modelling.

Gabriel: I didn’t know I wanted to be performer until later in life so once I finished high school I ended up going to the University of Melbourne studying a Bachelor of Arts before changing after a year to the Victorian College of the Arts where I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre in 2014. From here I was very fortunate to be cast as Neil Kellerman in GFO’s Dirty Dancing that ended up touring Australia for a total of 330 shows. Whilst touring I auditioned for Hi-5 and well here I am now.

Is it hard to transition new members into the group? Do the kids take a while to accept the new dynamics? Tanika: It’s actually quite a fun and interesting experience. Every kid reacts differently but the most beautiful thing about Hi-5 is that we are all one big family and I think the kids know that, which makes cast changes easier for the kids to accept. Lachlan: I can only speak from my experience and I have to say that everyone at Hi-5 has welcomed me so lovingly that I feel like they have been in my life forever! Although I’m sure the kids will miss Stevie, they too have been really accepting of me and I’m going to do my best to give them an awesome time.

How does one even become part of one of the most successful groups in Australia? Was it a big casting process? Lachlan: I still have to pinch myself sometimes to believe that being a part of Hi-5 is real! Since I was a very little boy I have only ever wanted to perform, so auditioning is just a part of my everyday life. So when my agent asked me to submit a video audition for a part in Hi-5, I filmed it and sent it off without thinking too much about it. You can never get your hopes up too high or the disappointment would be crippling. So when I got a call to say that I was on the short list and had to attend an audition I was pretty excited! The audition fell right in the middle of the HSC exams too, but luck was on my side and they were days when I didn’t have exams. The luck seemed to continue as I stayed in the mix as the elimination process went on!

What’s a typical day in the life of a HI-5 cast member? Tanika: We eat a BIG breaky together, spend a lot of time in vans and aeroplanes, we sing and dance almost every day and we laugh so much that it hurts. Lachlan: The best thing about Hi-5 is that no day is ever the same. Most days I start by reading through emails! Some days it will be a singing session or a dance choreography session, script readings or costume fittings. Other days we have radio or newspaper interviews, photoshoots, and the best days of all are when we have a show!

What have been some of the funniest things kids have said to you?

very intensely “You’re a monkey” like I have absolutely no idea! Dayen: ‘Why are you so sweaty?’

What’s the best part of working with children? Tanika: I love how honest and awesome they are. Their carefree approach to life is a quality that every adult can learn from. Lachlan: The best part of working with children is their positive energy. Kids just want to learn and have fun! Gabriel: Their energy! They are such a joy to be around and make our lives that much better for their love of the show. Dayen: Their honesty. As adults we build walls, filters and we can tend to get lost within what society shapes us to be. But children are so pure and they are on a journey discovering who they are which is so special to watch.

What would you like children to take away with them after watching you perform? Tanika: Be yourself, love one another and never stop having fun. Lachlan: I really want them to leave with their imaginations and creativity inspired, with a greater love for music and dance and to feel energetic and positive about our world. Gabriel: To be themselves. I hope the kids take from the show the fact that there is nothing funnier than just letting go as they dance and sing away.

Tanika: One time a little four year old boy asked me out on a date after a show to get milkshakes, so I went with him. He made his mum walk behind us and sit at another table.

Dayen: I hope that the kids can go home having learnt something new! When children come to a show, they don’t realise they are learning so much because they are having fun. They learn about beat, rhythm, memorising dance moves, expanding their vocabulary, coordination and the list goes on.

Lachlan: I struggle containing my laughter before we sing “So Many Animals” and we put on face masks and ask the kids what animals we are. While hopping around scratching myself there is always a kid that screams

Hi-5 will be performing live daily at the Essential Baby & Toddler Show (1-3 April, Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton). Free tickets are available until 5pm March 31, register online now at www.babyandtoddlershow.com.au

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The positive benefits of tutoring

By Linda Sacco - M. Teaching (Primary). Linda is a tutor at Kip McGrath Education Centres. www.kipmcgrath.com.au

Does your child dread maths at school? Are they falling behind in reading? Do you wonder if your child is really achieving their potential at school? Tutoring is beneficial to every child whether they are struggling, considered average or are ahead of their peers.

Tutoring ABCs Children as young as pre-school can enrol into tutoring, but in most cases, children commence tutoring sometime in primary school. Tutoring is available for literary (reading, writing, grammar, spelling) and numeracy, or both could be tackled in one session. If a child is experiencing significant problems with both, most parents opt for two separate tutoring sessions per week to allow the child to concentrate uninterrupted, on either literacy or numeracy in a single session. Tutoring sessions usually run 60-80 minutes, any more and a child becomes too tired or unfocussed, any less and the lesson may have a limited impact on the child, without the time needed to fully grasp and commit new knowledge to memory. Choose the best time for your child to have a tutoring session. If your child is having a tutoring session after school, make that the only after-school activity that weeknight. Avoid scheduling tutoring after piano lessons and sports practise. Children learn more when they are as focussed and alert as possible. Many tutors also run sessions on weekends.

What makes a tutoring session successful? Tutoring sessions are first and foremost about the individual child. A good tutor will do an assessment to determine a child’s current level in literary and numeracy. This is usually done through a short test given to the child, by looking at recent school reports and listening to parents’ observations of their own child. A lesson plan should be discussed with the parent. This will acknowledge the child’s areas of weakness that need to be concentrated on, as well as highlighting their strengths in other areas of literary and numeracy. Parents may also wish for their child to work on the areas they are performing well in, because this will sharpen their child’s overall ability in school. Tutoring works best when children are individually tutored or in a small group of 3-5 children. In a small group, siblings can usually be tutored together. In a quiet, studious tutoring environment, most children have the ability to concentrate on their work without distracting other children, and this is another skill they pick up in tutoring.

What to look for in a tutor Tutoring is most beneficial when run by a qualified educator (Victorian Institute of Teaching registered teacher or university student-teacher with a Working with Children Check). These educators are police checked and deemed trustworthy to be around children. They are professionals with a network of other educators to collaborate with, a wide variety of resources, expert knowledge and best of all, a passion for education.

Every child benefits from tutoring Struggling at school, even with just one subject, can lead to a drop in a student’s self-esteem. Children need to feel confident and learn to persevere when work gets challenging. The first big milestone for any student starting school is to learn to read. Children who are struggling with their reading in the first few critical years of school are uncomfortable reading out loud and less likely to seek help from a teacher, who will already be juggling the demands of other children in the classroom. Parents will notice they do not even want to try to read their take-home book anymore. Tutoring provides a safe environment where a tutor can build up the confidence of the child by giving them the chance to read at their own pace. By providing children with plenty of praise and the right reading strategies the benefits of tutoring a child struggling with reading are paramount. Children in the middle years of primary school can unfortunately start to develop a phobia of numeracy. This is when the curriculum starts to widen to include a larger amount of topics, and Grade 3 NAPLAN results are looming. Many frustrated parents try to explain numeracy to their children but both child and parent often give up when a child “doesn’t get it.” Numeracy tutoring at this age allows the child not only to focus on trouble areas in maths, but to build connections between mathematical topics, making them more fluent in maths overall. Tutoring also makes a difference to senior primary school students by getting them ready for the demands of high school courses and homework. Parents who want their child considered for selective high school programs have found tutoring the essential ingredient to successful admission. Tutoring fosters essential study skills needed for the student to organise productive study sessions at home, by teaching them to be organised, self-motivated and goal-driven. The benefits of tutoring are for parents as well as children. It is far more difficult to schedule an appointment with a classroom teacher than a tutor. A tutor should be able to give you a quick update on the child’s progress each and every week. A tutor will be a valued supporter in your child’s life as they travel the road to success. 15 15

lovely locals

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1. Moppit & More. Peta showed us through her gorgeous kids and lifestyle store, packed with fun, colour, fashion, homewares and inspiration. There’s an obvious appreciation for local, style and design here, with a number of brands from the North stocked, including Halcyon Nights and Bride and Wolfe. As well as some of the most stylish Australian kids fashion players, Sunday The Label, Huxbaby, and Bella & Lace. Cute dolls, Sonny Angels, Nana Huchy and La De Dah crocheted softies amongst Saltwater sandals and other treasures. 312 Queens Parade Fitzroy North.

2. Childplay. You won’t find battery-operated toys inside this longstanding (over 30 years) kid’s toy store. Instead there are plenty of toys of the classic and traditional nature – the spinning top, jack-in-the-box, endless gift inspiration, heaps of games, puzzles and beautifully made wooden learning toys. The best toys are often simple, peaceful and inviting the curious mind to discover – without flashing lights, bells and whistles. Appreciate design and functionality here. Caters newborn – 8 years old. 151 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill. 3. Pip Dot Studio. Tucked away just off the main strip, behind Rubber Duck Café, Pip Dot Studio is a creative hub for the little ones. The owner Julie Kennedy is an art teacher who inspires freedom of expression with an emphasis on the process (and the fun!) rather than the end product. When we popped our head into the studio one weekday after 4pm, life was buzzing inside. A room full of engaged kids painting all kinds of masterpieces. Pre-school classes are offered during the week and afterschool classes from 3.30pm-5.30pm. Art and craft themed parties can be booked in the studio. 249a Gold St Clifton Hill www.pipdot.com 4. Birch Living. If you are looking for something beautiful to style a space in your home, this is a great spot for inspiration. Filled with colours of the moment, Peter tells us Gold and Black are big players this winter, as well as pops of copper remaining strong. The ideal place to find a gorgeous gift and let your inner interior stylist run wild. 288 Queens Parade Fitzroy North. birchliving.com.au 5. Cavallini Bakery & Patisserie: Holy Cannoli! Perfectly balanced sweets live here. Baker and owner, Robert Coco greets regulars by name with a warm smile and familiar chat. Cavallini is an artisan bakery, patisserie and expresso bar that could easily be at home in the streets of Paris or Rome. There’s a distinct European feel, both in flavor and warmth, influenced by Coco’s Italian roots. 354 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North. www.cavallini.com.au 16

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The many faces of bullying There has been bullying in schools from day dot. Despite decade’s worth of research and the attention placed on it in schools today, bullying still continues to be a real issue. Primary school kids are more educated than ever on what bullying is, but sometimes kids (and their parents and teachers) can still find themselves stuck in knowing how to deal with it. As a result, children’s wellbeing can be significantly compromised.

If your child reports they witnessed bullying happen….

Below are some tips to consider if you find your child caught up in the tangled web of bullying.

• Encourage your child to report any incidences to the teachers at school.

If your child reports they are being bullied….

Bullying is a complex issue and unfortunately there is no quick fix. Working together with the school, and understanding your child’s needs will help lead to a resolution. If you are finding your child is going through a challenging time in regards to bullying, contact one of our psychologists who can give you and your child strategies to work through these challenging times.

• Be supportive. Give your child the time to express themselves and listen to their story. • Build a positive relationship with your child’s teacher and be in regular contact with him or her. Be mindful that your child may not have told their teacher about bullying incidents. • Promote positive problem solving behaviours to keep them safe. • Promote self-soothing/relaxation strategies to cope with the stress. • Encourage your child to widen their friendship network.

If your child has been involved in bullying incidences…. • Question and explore what is triggering this behaviour. Is this behaviour out of character? Has your child recently gone through a stressful time? Have there been changes at home? Has your child developed ageappropriate social skills? • Help develop your child’s empathy skills. Some ways of developing these might be through reflecting on past experiences or analysing character’s behaviours and feelings in books and movies.

• Be supportive and listen to their story. Be mindful that your child may be negatively affected by witnessing the bullying. For example, they may have felt a sense of helplessness towards the victim, or possibly felt sadness by seeing someone get hurt. • Encourage positive helping behaviours.

By Emma Trifiletti, Psychologist, Sensational Kids Moonee Ponds. www.sensationalkids.com.au

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MAMA of the month Each month we will share the story of a Mama who hails from the North. These are women have started something new since having kids. They could have forged a successful new career pathway, created a new business or new pursuit in life. But most importantly they all will have been inspired by their motherhood journey. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always inspiring to discover how many talented mamas we have in our own backyard, kicking butt in their ventures and realising their dreams. Here we celebrate our local business mamas and share their passion. We see how the major life-changer. of parenting sparks some of the best entrepreneurial adventures and successes. Northside mama Antonette Golikidis is the creative force behind Little Innoscents, a premium organic baby skincare brand, which she started 9 years ago in her kitchen. Her team at home is made up of her husband Arthur, a systems analyst,

and her two sons Alex, ten, and Antonio, eight. Antonette maintains her active role as company director, while her business continues to grow. Here she talks about the vision, passion and family-balancing act that goes on behind her brand.

How did Little Innoscents start? I searched for baby products that were chemical free and was disappointed to find a limited range available. These were often difficult to locate and overly expensive or offered misleading information. I was so tired of “pretend organic” companies making natural claims and misleading consumers, and clever marketing that enabled many companies to promote their products as being natural and organic without really having formulations that abided by this claim. So I decided to develop my own baby skincare range that could prove its authenticity. I wanted to create organic, natural products with no hidden nasties and beautiful scents.

How did you stay motivated in the tough early days of start-up? It was really difficult to get the business off the ground. I mean really hard! It took 11 months of business planning and product formulation. Now it’s almost nine years since the birth of Little Innoscents and in the last 24 months we have entered into the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore and recently China, and we have won over the hearts of Chemist Warehouse so it’s definitely taken lots of time and effort.

What frustrated you about what was in the skincare market for kids? What differentiates Little Innoscents? Little Innoscents was a simple creation of my values and ethos as a person. I have always regarded children as the little innocent ones who are brought on this earth for us to nurture and keep safe from all the bad habits and nasty environmental effects that we create throughout our lives growing up. Combined with beautiful signature scents I came up with “Little Innoscents.” Organic is both a challenge and an opportunity. My aspiration is that every consumer will have the choice to experience pure and natural products which are better for themselves and for the environment. Education is the key. The symptoms of some skin irritations can be cleared up quite quickly

with creams that are riddled with synthetic active ingredients such as cortisone and other steroid type ingredients. However, they cannot be controlled unless suitable skincare products are continuously used to maintain good healthy skin. Unless the skin is healthy the symptoms will always reappear. I believe the range’s success in treating skin complaints common in early childhood such as eczema, dermatitis and itchiness, comes back to the use of high-quality, organic products. Our products prevent the symptoms by making the skin healthier rather than trying to cure the problem. We believe that the true essence of why our range works is its combination of certified organic ingredients. It seems that everyone is talking about natural and organic products and how they are a miracle for sensitive skin. Well the question that really should be asked is WHY are they so good? Clever marketing has enabled many companies to promote natural and organic without really having formulations that abide to this claim. That makes me very frustrated! Certified organic makes a statement about who Little Innoscents is. It means everything. We pride ourselves on boasting a certified organic product range because we believe that only the very best will do. At Little Innoscents we aim to provide you with healthy and environmentally friendly products made from certified organic ingredients to produce a certified organic end product that proudly holds the ACO (Australian Certified Organic) certification stamp of approval for authenticity. I wanted to give my consumers the assurance that our products have been manufactured and handled according to strict guidelines completely free of any chemicals.

We know what’s inside is packed with natural and organic goodness. How did you go about packaging and product design? I went to an award-winning agency to seek advice on packaging and shared my ideas with them. They basically laughed in my face and

said it was not possible to bring out a bright funky looking range that people would take seriously as organic. They suggested I use white packaging and ducks or babies to make the message clear. I thanked them for their time and started designing the look myself. I designed the packaging to suit my personality and what I thought would attract children and differentiate us in the market. I have no background in marketing but I have an extremely adaptive personality so I learn as I go. Most people are attracted to our range by the colouring then they investigate further to see what it’s about.

What has been an important lesson about running Little Innoscents? Don’t be afraid of what people think. Find something you’re passionate about and believe in yourself, has been my biggest lesson. I love that I have the ability to work on something I am truly passionate about and to take different paths where I ultimately make the decisions.

What does your average day look like? Busy busy busy! I wake up early, get to some emails for an hour or two. Then I usually jump back into bed and call the kids to start their day. We have a 15-minute play time every morning in bed and this just keeps me going for the rest of the day.

What advice do you have for other inspiring business mums? I would definitely say that it is crucial to have a clear vision of the business and express this in a good clear business plan. Taking thoughts out of your mind and putting them onto paper makes you realise what your true potential is. Take a vision and turn it into action—without a vision or dreams there would be no Little Innoscents.

What did winning the 2010 AusMumpreneur award mean to you? Did it open up new connections and opportunities? Winning an award allows you the opportunity to boast about your business and is a useful tool to promote and acknowledge your business achievements. I have had many interviews that highlight my Mumpreneur achievements along with TV and radio exposure. It has also opened up avenues to nominate my business in other awards (I was a Telstra Victorian finalist in 2011).

Then it’s school drop off, meetings, production, marketing and general admin throughout the day. School pick up, activities and family time. Once or twice a week I stay back and work a 10 to 12 hour day.

Are there any new products in the pipeline? What’s next?

The best part of what you do is…

And finally, what is your guilty pleasure?

The flexibility and freedom to create, try out new things and be innovative.

How do you balance work and home life? Business is a big part of my life but my life must fundamentally include family fun, personal fulfillment and harmony. I often work around my kids’ schedules and they work around mine at times so we get to everything in some way or form.

I involve my family in my ideas and they inspire me in my work. Sure there are good days and bad days – that’s part of the package. Success comes with determination, passion and a willingness to do what is right—then all the hectic days seem worth it.

We are working on a completely natural laundry line, which is very exciting.

Ice cream!

Check out the Little Innoscents range at littleinnoscents.com.au

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THE KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL PLAYDATE… Any parent who has tackled a holiday or after-school playdate for their child will know just how tiring and challenging playdates can be! Playdates bring multiple emotions, ideas, and opinions into play. This can lead to conflict between strong personalities, cause our sensitive child to retreat, or send our ‘busy’ kids into their most ‘busy’ state! Despite these challenges, playdates are known to be a highly valuable opportunity for social skills development (Greenspan & Wieder, Engaging Autism) and, with a few helpful tips in place, can become successful and rewarding experiences for us and our children.

Initiating the playdate Consider who would make the best playdate partner for your child. You may find your child has connected well with a child at school, kinder, or another activity and would like to play with them more. Or, you may find that

you have connected well with a parent from school, kinder or another activity, and you feel comfortable initiating a playdate with them. Try asking the child’s parent face to face how they would feel about arranging a playdate some time. Exchange numbers so you can arrange the playdate when you have your calendars in

front of you. Or try sending a note in your child’s school bag for them to pass on to the other child. The note might say something like, “We’d like to have Johnny over for a playdate! How would Tuesday afternoon work for you?” Be sure to include your contact details. Nine out of ten times, other parents will also see the value of a playdate for their child, and will jump at the invitation!

Setting up for the playdate As you already know, children can be unpredictable! – It is impossible to entirely predict how an interaction between two kiddos might go. However, there are some things we can do to set our playdate up for success. 1. Keep the playdates short to start with – aim for 45-60mins. 2. Host the playdates at your place – at least initially. This can help your child feel most confident and comfortable as they learn about playdates. 3. Consider your child’s interests – can they be turned into a shared activity? Or not? Your child’s interest in building or construction may be more helpful in achieving shared play than their favourite computer game, for example. 4. Consider the other child’s interests – ask the child’s parents what these are; can their interests be incorporated into shared play somehow? 5. Avoid or modify the use of electronic toys or activities – electronic or screen-based activities (eg TV, iPad, computer games, noise making toys) can be too overloading or consuming from a sensory perspective. They may derail engagement and shared play, particularly for young children. For older children (mid primary school and older), interactive software that involves movement (eg PlayStation Eye Toy, Dance Mat, Wii Sports) is much more conducive to shared play than sit-down screen activities.

6. Use simple, sensory-motor games to foster shared enjoyment – games or activities that get their bodies moving in purposeful ways. If indoors, use cushions and blankets to build a lounge room cubby house; make a pillow or soft toy ‘road’ to travel along between rooms; build a block ‘city’; or try a treasure hunt. If outdoors, blow giant bubbles; play trampoline games; play simple ball games like catch or tunnel ball; make chalk art on the pavement; play hopscotch; or try an outdoor obstacle course. The Learn Play Imagine and Hands On As We Grow websites have some great ideas. 7. Pack away most of the small toys as well as ‘special’ toys that your child may not want to share – this helps keep the environment less visually-distracting, and reduces the likelihood of fights. 8. Keep up regular playdates with the same peer over a period of time if possible. This allows the children to develop shared history, which can foster confidence and playdate success. 9. Make friends with other parents who have a positive, accepting attitude to kids with developmental differences, and who share your values. Discuss with the parents your need to facilitate the play in order for your child to play successfully, and discuss with the parents whether you need them to be present at the playdate too. 10. Develop relationships between your families – suggest outings together, to the zoo, beach, aquarium, swimming pool, or nearby park or playground, or go on a train/bus/ bike ride together. In the meantime, you can continue to build your child’s playdate skills with the help of your occupational therapist, speech therapist or psychologist, or by involving your child in a social skills group program. By Alyssa Mann, Speech Pathologist, Sensational Kids Moonee Ponds. www.sensationalkids.com.au

how drama saves the world! My mother will tell you that I always liked school. If I didn’t want to go, she knew I was either sick, bullied, or had a math test. Mum’s a teacher (especially skilled in drama and comprehension) and it’s thanks to her that I enjoyed school despite my tonsils, meanies a nd maths. Mum knew me and that I worried. She knew that despite my clever accountant dad and his best efforts to explain long division, I struggled with math. She knew that words muddled themselves up and that reading (without pictures) was difficult. She also knew that drama was an important part of children’s learning and development. So, I went to drama class. Learning to count to 100 was nerve-racking. The teacher who taught it was probably the scariest person on planet earth. Tears were shed. Then a stroke of genius hit, and Mum brought out the counting mat. This calico square had numbers 1 to 100 on it, set out with 1-10 across the top and so on. A pattern emerged! I saw the numbers down each column line up and repeat on each row with a new leader. I sat on the mat with Mum’s stories and songs and learned to count to 100. This mat was magic. And so was my Mum. As I grew older, the gap between me and the rest of the class lessened. My teachers labelled me a ‘good reader’. Even maths improved! Although it’s never been my favourite, I was never the bottom of the class. The largest contributor to this improvement was drama. My parents were heavily involved in theatre and I lived for it. As I thrived acting out a scene pretending to be a camel, so did my reading, general knowledge, communication, mathematics, problem solving and social skills.

There are countless studies on the benefits of drama for learning. This one* explores how time spent and enjoyed in arts, increases ability to learn other things. Science! Drama was a saviour in high-school. Bullies get meaner, subjects get harder. But drama gave me the confidence to try anything. Because I excelled in that subject, it felt possible to try everything. Everybody can succeed in drama— at their own level—there is never any failure. In drama, ‘weird’, quiet Belinda was no longer silenced. There was no need to hide. We could let go of high-school and just be people. And drama’s non-competitive nature meant we were all equal. For an hour, I got to let go of my worries and be someone else. I even got the chance to act the bully, discovering how that feels and what might make someone behave that way. To play a character, you must identify with them. Drama teaches you to feel what others feel. I grew more empathetic. Imagine if the people who send asylum seekers into abuse on Nauru and Manus were in drama class right now, putting themselves in another’s place. Weekly drama classes should be compulsory for politicians. I still believe drama equipped me to survive high school. When the time came to pick another course of study, I couldn’t think of anything else I needed to do. Because of drama I felt I was capable of anything. I wanted to save the world. Maybe a teacher? Or an early child carer? Or a shop owner? Or a computer tech? *http://www.dana.org/Cerebrum/2009/How_Arts_ Training_Improves_Attention_and_Cognition/

Thankfully, I left saving the world until later, and stuck with performing arts. I moved to Melbourne and met a kindred spirit in Jennifer Piper. We started wit incorporated, and spend our days (and nights) making theatre. Several of Mum’s drama students are still in theatre, 40 years later. But drama has benefits beyond a career in the arts. While I was travelling towards theatre, my classmates were following other paths. Mum remembers someone who struggled to form sentences when she first arrived, who later worked in public relations in Auckland and then advertising in Spain. Other students are now film techs, marine biologists and primary teachers. We don’t learn communication and confidence from any subject the way we do from drama. And we need to communicate, no matter our occupation.

My love for children’s drama survived adulthood and I continue to introduce children from diverse backgrounds to the joy of drama. It might not sound much like saving the world, but when I look through the eyes of my students (and think about how it looked to my own 5-year-old self), creating drama’s safe, collaborative, artistic, explorative, inspiring environment for kids almost feels like saving the world. Because drama saved me. Because of drama I am an actor, salesperson, playwright, teacher, director, production manager and entrepreneur. Did I ever expect to balance budgets and write business proposals? No! But I can. Thanks to drama. And Mum. By Belinda Campell. Belinda has a Bachelor of Performing Arts from NASDA (NZ). She’s the Artistic Director of wit incorporated theatre company and runs the children’s drama program, Wit Kids. www.witinc.com.au/wit-kids

Our Dogs are family and love us unconditionally. So if you love them as much as we do then join us to celebrate, connect and learn more about our best friends at one of the largest events in the world dedicated to Dogs. Here’s just a few highlights: Australia’s most talented canines showcasing agility, working, flyball, frisbee, police, rescue & guide Dogs! Discover the right breed for your lifestyle with 30+ Dogs Victoria Breed Clubs & hundreds of Dogs on Show.

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Parklife

MamaMag park of the month!

all nations park separation street, Northcote Tucked behind Northcote Plaza resides the big open and diverse space of All Nations Park. The grassland offers plenty of picnic facility areas spread around the park, a duck-pond, skate park, basketball half-court, tennis/down ball wall, man-made hill with panoramic views and two playgrounds. The two playgrounds are very different. The one closest to the shopping plaza is a smaller and older structure and features a sandpit, curved slide, set of swings, monkey bars, sea-saw, steel rope climb, springer and wooden bridge. The bonus here is having the supermarket for easy drinks, picnic or BBQ supplies right next to the playground. The more modern and larger playground can be found past the duck pond (where toilets are beside), and close to the fitness area. On offer is some more challenging climbing fun, as well as

a long ramp up to the high end that leads to a fully enclosed curved slide. The main structure is metal and includes a small rock climbing wall, climbing net, naughts and crosses blocks, small colourful beads and swinging rope underneath. As you would expect, a set of swings are also on the grounds. A separate structure suitable for younger toddlers is also a handy inclusion and has a cute slide and a little cubby space underneath. There is no shade on the playground structure, however there is a big undercover area with picnic tables, BBQs and plenty of space which make this playground a popular birthday party location. Since the opening of the park in 2002 (on what was once the local tip) it remains a peaceful escape from traffic and inner-city buzz, a popular joggers and walkers spot and has the facilities to entertain the entire family.

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no choking matter Even for the most experienced paediatric nurse the sight of seeing your own child choke creates a state of automatic panic. Child Revive instructor Leanne recently had to manage this potentially life threatening emergency at home with her fourth child, Alexander. Being a paediatric nurse for over 12 years Leanne has had to deal with many stressful situations involving sick children at work but seeing her own child suddenly choke had her in an unusual state of anxiety. However, like she teaches her hundreds of parents who attend her paediatric first aid courses each year, she had to do more than just stand there and panic. In 2014 the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released a statistics that showed in one year infants aged less than 12 months had more admissions to hospital for foreign bodies in their airway (commonly called choking) than for children aged 1-4 collectively. In this age group almost 6% of all injury related hospital admissions were due to choking. Of course, these statistics don’t include the many other occasions where choking has been successfully resolved at home and didn’t require review at hospital, like it was for Child Revive instructor Leanne and her 10 month old child, Alexander. Leanne reports that “he was just sitting there playing happily on the floor next to me whilst I was getting dinner ready and I looked over at him and thought how strange as he was not making any sound but his face was bright red with tears streaming down. His eyes were bulging and he had a look of absolute panic on his face”. For most parents it is not an immediate realisation because unlike adults young children cannot motion that they are choking. Leanne said “it did take me a few moments to process what I was seeing and the reason why but as soon as I realised I knew what to do”. She reports immediately picking him up and placing him face down over her leg and giving him a firm 34

back slap. Fortunately, this initial back slap was successful and out came a piece of craft material that had fallen off her eldest child’s school project. When a child initially chokes it can present in two ways; as either a partial obstruction or complete obstruction of the airway. The best way to identify between the two is to observe if the child is coughing effectively because in order to cough there must be movement of air in and out of the lungs. Therefore, if the child is coughing the obstruction will only be partially blocking the airway. A partial airway obstruction is common amongst all children and usually self-resolves with their cough. All parents might need to do to assist is reposition the child upright or lean them forward. A child’s own cough is more effective at removing an obstruction than any manoeuvre performed on them by the parent. However, if the child is not coughing effectively then the parent must take action to remove the obstruction which is best done by forcing the movement of air out of the lungs with either the back slap technique or chest thrust technique. It is recommended to complete five of each technique continuously until the child begins to cry indicating they are breathing and have a clear airway or the ambulance arrives. Leanne urges parents to call Triple 000 for an ambulance if the initial five back slaps are not effective. In her parent first aid courses Leanne has had parents suggest a range of inappropriate techniques they thought they could use if they found their child choking like her son Alexander was. These include the Heimleich manoeuvre which can cause significant injury to internal organs, using an object like a pen to sweep it out which can easily cut the roof of the mouth and cause a lot of bleeding and the most common suggestion of using a finger to grab it out. Leanne reports that “my automatic reaction was to put my finger in his mouth and grab whatever was in there however I know how dangerous this can be in a child who is alert”. Children who are choking and are still

responding are not calmly sitting there and having the sensation of a finger enter their airway can easily result in the obstruction being pushed further and unable to be easily cleared by parents or paramedics. Such a situation could result in the child becoming unresponsive and needing resuscitation. There are many ways that parents can minimise the risk of choking in their child including supervising them and having them seated when eating, minimising exposure to high risk foods by cutting smaller pieces and/ or cooking food so it is soft and providing them with toys that are recommended for their age. The ideal would be to remove all risk of choking for children however, knowing that this is impossible Leanne urges all parents to â&#x20AC;&#x153;learn and practice the techniques that are recommended by the Australian Resuscitation Council for managing a child who is chokingâ&#x20AC;?. She assures parents that if their own child chokes they will still feel panicked like she certainly was but having that knowledge will empower them and give them the confidence to immediately take action and effectively help their child in this emergency situation.

Almost 6% of all injury related hospital admissions for infants aged less than 12 months were due to choking. Leanne and her colleagues from Child Revive First Aid will be conducting a free daily presentation on the choking child at The Baby and Toddler Show in Melbourne from 1-3 April. There they will also be conducting 90 minute Parent First Aid courses which will include training in CPR, choking, fever and seizure management for parents of infants and young children. Bookings are essential for the Parent First Aid courses and cost $39 per person. Go to http://www.babyandtoddlershow. com.au/melbourne/melbourne-showfeatures/child-revive-first-aid-courses/ for more information and bookings.

35 35

mama can Cook! Chicken and tomato rice paper rolls Ingredients:

Method:

1 packet rice paper sheets

Soak a piece of rice paper in water to soften slightly.

Cooked shredded chicken

Then simply lay out the sheet of rice paper, placing chicken in the centre topped with a drizzle of mayonnaise. Followed by a layer of cheese, lettuce and tomato.

Cheese Shredded lettuce Tomato slices Mayonnaise

An easy lunchtime idea thats great for lunchboxes from sonaughtybutnice.com

36 36

Roll it up firmly and repeat with the next piece. Keep refrigerated and airtight. A perfect alternative to a sandwich!

Versatile and delicious, a healthy lunch for mum from Green Park Dining, North Carlton

Roast pumpkin, lentil, fig, sweet capsicum and feta salad Ingredients:

Method:

1/4 japanese pumpkin

Cut pumpkin into 4 wedges. Place on a tray with salt, olive oil.

1 capsicum or roasted from a jar 200g dried lentils or one tin (if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a tough day!) 140g feta or goats cheese Some freshly picked herbs. Parsley, mint and coriander are our favourites!

Boil the lentils (unless using canned) in unsalted water until just cooked. Cool in the water with a large pinch of salt (salting after cooking helps keep the skin tender). Once cooled, drain.

Dressing:

To make the dressing place all ingredients in a bowl and whisk. Easy!

2 figs

50mls red wine or balsamic vinegar 150mls olive oil 1 teaspoon dijon mustard a few thyme or chopped rosemary leaves salt and pepper.

Roast in a hot oven (180C) for 18-25 minutes or until the pumpkin is soft and sweet. If using a fresh capsicum add for the last 12 minutes.Â

When cool, peel the capsicum and de-seed and slice. Place this with the drained lentils, herbs and dressing in a bowl.Â Now you can dress the pumpkin on individual plates or a platter, arranging the lentil and capsicums over the top. Sprinkle with feta and place a wedge of fig on top. 37

invest in education What better investment can you make than in your child’s education? Parents and grandparents with the means to do so, often wish to set aside money to help their children or grandchildren with the costs of education, the purchase of a home or car, or overseas travel. However investing on behalf of a child comes with its own complications and considerations. For instance, do you know that children under the age of 18 and not earning an income are taxed at the highest marginal tax rate? This means that if you make an investment under your child’s name, he or she will lose almost half of their investment gains in tax. This seems unfair, I know, but the tax office established these rules specifically to prevent wealthy parents from investing their money in their children’s names to avoid paying tax. So it makes sense. Not only that, there can be potential issues for adults should they invest on behalf of children but in their own name. Often the adult will still be regarded as owning the investment (their money was used to fund the investment after all and the investment is in their name) and this can potentially impact their Centrelink benefits. There are also gifting rules around the Age Pension that must be considered. How about Estate Planning considerations? If the adult were to die (a particularly important consideration for grandparents) and they are still the legal owner of the assets, the investment would form part of their Estate. Even if these are to be passed on correctly according to the Will, it is possible that issues could arise if another family member wished to contest the Will.

Why does it have to be so complicated? It doesn’t. One way to reduce all this complexity is through an Investment Bond. An Investment Bond allows you to invest in various asset classes such as cash, fixed interest, property and shares, but they have a unique tax treatment, and are particularly useful for long term investments such as children’s education costs. An Investment Bond has a number of key advantages over other investment products: • Tax effective: income is taxed inside the bond at the corporate rate (30%) rather than your marginal rate. This makes it ideal for high income earners looking to get their kids into private schooling. • No capital gains: when you switch between investment options (you don’t incur any capital gains tax, you do with managed funds) • No impact to your tax return: there’s no need to include anything (income or capital gain) on your tax return if your funds remain invested for 10 years. If withdrawn in less than 10 years, tax rebates apply. • After 10 years there is no tax liability whatsoever on withdrawals. (That’s right, if you keep your Investment Bond ticking away for ten years you will not pay any tax on the proceeds when you withdraw.) • You can access your money at any time (just like any other managed fund, which should give you peace of mind) • You can nominate beneficiaries (the kids) and the proceeds can be paid very quickly and directly to them with no tax implications. (proceeds do not go via the estate so it cannot be contested)

Information contained in this article is of a general nature only. It does not constitute financial or taxation advice. The information does not take into account your objectives, needs and circumstances. We recommend that you obtain investment and taxation advice specific to your investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs before making any investment decision or acting on any of the information contained in this article.

How it all works in practice: The adult is the policy owner who nominates an age (between 10 and 25 years old) when the policy is to be transferred into the child’s name. No stamp duty is payable on the transfer. At the time of application the nominated child needs to be less than 16 years old and if no vesting age is nominated, the transfer automatically occurs at age 25. Have a few set up, and stagger them, for education, graduation, or a house, or car, or to fund a gap year. You can start with a lump sum, or as little as $500. You can make extra contributions to your Investment Bond each year, provided you don’t invest more than 125% of your previous year’s investment amount. If you do, the ten years tax free period starts again. Of course investing on behalf of a child or grandchild requires considerable research and consideration. And the most suitable option for you will depend on a range of factors such as your tax position, the child’s situation, grandparent’s situation, and how and when the investment needs to be accessed. It always makes sense to seek professional advice specific to your situation before proceeding with a strategy. If you would like to discuss these options in more detail, please contact Nicole Heales. www.creatingprosperity.com.au

Dear mamas in the school yard

I want to write you this letter in the hope that it may help you to underst and. I am writing it on behalf of the mother of the child who has a behaviour issue. The one whose child may be in your child’s classroom. The one whose child may at times be disruptive and need lots of attention from the teacher. The one that no doubt the whole year level will alre ady know about! Did you know that this mother has probably crie d an ocean of tears for her child? She has probably been through more tha n you or I could ever imagine. Maybe her chi ld has a formal diagnosis like autism or ADHD, but that really shouldn’t matter anyway. Maybe she is still grieving for the fact that her child will face so many more challenges in their life tha n yours. She is still a mother, like you and I, wh o just always wants the very best for her child. Did you know that she hears your whispers and feels your disapproving looks? She knows all too well that you do not wa nt your child to interact with hers in any way bec ause of their behaviour. Did you know that she holds her child tightly as they sob because they have yet again not been invited to a party that you are hosting? Later that night when they are fast asleep, she also cries with sadness for her chi ld and a pain in her hea rt that she cannot make go away. Did you now that most day s she holds her phone close and is filled with anx iety as she expects the school to call and say tha t there has been yet another incident at school with her child? She can’t relax and enjoy the time to herself. You probably couldn’t kno w that by now she has very few friends in her life anymore. Having a child with such high nee ds has meant many appointments, social skil ls groups and therapies. It has also meant she is left exhausted and wiped out each and eve ry day, and barely has enough energy for her husband, let alone even

attempting to reach out to one of her few friends left who understand.

And if you took the tim e to actually get to kno w her she might share wit h you that even memb ers of her own family make her feel like it is her fau lt. That she is a bad parent and responsible for her child’s behaviour. Most events or outings that she attempts end in disaster . People have stopped inviting them now. It will probably break you r heart to hear that she has had to seek the rapy and medication to cope with the stresses of her daily life. And in her darkest hours she has con templated leaving this world behind. I want to also let you kno w that your child cannot catch a behavio ural issue from being associated with this fam ily. They do not have a contagious disease. What you and your chi ld can learn by being friends with them is a ver y valuable lesson in life. You can teach your chi ld how to have empathy and compassion for oth er individuals who have challenges. You can tea ch your child to lead the way in showing kindne ss and acceptance to the children who need it mo st. You can do this by leading by example.

That lovely mother nee ds more than anyone else in your life—a friend. Someone to listen to her and shows suppor t, without judgment. Even just a simple smile or hello could lift her spirits immensely. We tea ch our students that ‘excluding’ is a form of bul lying, yet other parents seem to do this to each other all of the time. Yes there may be times when you are together that issues may arise, but you can handle that. You are after all, a mothe r—and together women are a force to be reckon ed with!

Love Chrissie xx

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FIVE COST-EFFECTIVE WAYS TO BRIGHTEN UP A ROOM Is your home feeling a little dull? Worn out and dated? Simply boring?

2. Wall Art

If your home decor has hit the snooze button then these five simple updates will instantly revive it. And best of all, they won’t break the bank.

Artwork can set the mood of your space and reflect the personality of the people who live or work there. Generally speaking, your art should be consistent with the rest of your decor, so if you have a contemporary style, go for something abstract. If you like things more eclectic and offbeat then hunt down some old street signs via a site like ebay or by attending a flea / secondhand market. If you have lots of treasured family photos sitting on your computer, get them printed and frame them yourself. Or frame old concert tickets and/or other meaningful items. It can be very simple and easy!

1. Plants The easiest way to breathe new life into a space is with a healthy plant. Plants not only bring nature indoors they can also add colour, texture and interest to any room. Even if you’ve had a black thumb in the past, there’s always time to try again! The main rule of uh…thumb…is to get the right plant for the right space. Many plants meet their end simply because they’re the wrong plant in the wrong place at the wrong time. You need to consider a range of factors including how much light your plant will get and whether it will be placed next to heaters or drafty hallways. If you’re not sure, simply ask someone at your local nursery and they’ll happily pair you with the right foliage for your space.

There’s no doubt that a bare wall can be beautiful when it’s a conscious design decision. But a neglected, forgotten wall just looks empty.

If you’re still not sure you might like to try a decorative mirror. Mirrors can make a small space seem larger and a dim room seem brighter. If eyes are the window to the soul then surely wall art is the window to the home owner’s style. What do your walls say about you?

3. Clean

5. Paint

I know. Boring right? But there’s no denying the wonderful feeling you get from a wellcleaned room.

Works every time. A newly painted room may feel like a million dollars, but in reality it’s a relatively inexpensive change to make.

Before you start to feel overwhelmed, break it down. Choose one room and vow to clean it really well this weekend.

Depending on the purpose of the room, choose colours that will uplift and inspire, relax and calm or even be completely neutral.

When you’re finished cleaning, light a scented candle, make yourself a coffee or pour that well earned glass of wine, sit down, put your feet up and we promise you’ll wonder why you don’t do this more often.

As a general rule, warmer colours work well in social spaces like lounge rooms and kitchens, and cooler colours can be a great option for utilitarian zones like bathrooms and bedrooms. That said, the rules are there to be broken. The biggest decision you need to make is how you want a room to make you feel then choose your colour palette accordingly.

4. Cushions and Throws If your room is lacking a bit of colour and personality then scatter some cushions and a throw for an instant and easy update. If you have a neutral (or even bland) room then adding one of two cushions in a bright colour will really make your couch pop. We think sofas look a little naked if they’re not properly ‘dressed’ so don’t forget to add a throw for colour, texture, interest and for something to snuggle into on those cooler nights.

So there you have it! Making one or more of the changes above will have a big impact on both your home and state of mind but, most importantly, a small impact on your wallet. Happy sprucing! By Jen Clark of Jen Clark Spaces, Collingwood jenclarkspaces.com.au

turn the page Oh No, George! - Chris Haughton Chris Haughton’s vibrant artwork is just the tip of the iceberg: this board book edition of Oh No, George! Is the perfect follow up to Where is the Green Sheep? It’s an ideal length, repetitive (but not too much for us grown-ups) and most importantly it is absolutely hilarious. Our favourite board book and an essential for all toddlers.

Squishy Taylor and the Bonus Sisters - Alisa Wild Squishy Taylor is an inquisitive kid who lives in a Melbourne apartment with her dad and Alice, their baby, and her two stepsisters - Jessie and Vee (her mum works for the UN in Geneva). Readers aged 6-9 will be captivated by the satisfying mystery and parents (it’s a great read-aloud) will be delighted by the fresh depiction of modern family life.

Bear Make Den - Jane Godwin and Michael Wagner Jane Godwin + Michael Wagner + Andrew Joyner = a truly talented trio! They have put their heads together to create a satisfyingly clever and wonderfully warm new picture book with surprisingly few words. A hugely entertaining story about what it takes to make a home. Ideal for 3-5-yearolds. A River - Marc Martin This picture book is for everyone: eighteen-month-olds who adore searching out animals amongst the detailed double page spreads to eighteen-year-olds who are drawn in by Martin’s striking illustrations to three-year-olds who can’t go to bed without it and primary schoolers whose imagination will be captured by the journey. A precious gift.

The Little Bookroom has been bringing the best children’s books to Melbourne since 1960. They are passionate about finding the perfect book for every reader, from baby to teen. They also run a dynamic events program - check their website for the latest offerings. www.littlebookroom.com.au 759 Nicholson Street, Carlton North 44

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A family pass to: Ice Age Live! A Mammoth Adventure combines exceptional ice skating, aerial arts, puppetry and film; it will be the coolest event since the actual Ice Age! Catch all the action at Hisense Arena 8th April â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10th April 2016.

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Full Name: Address:

Age: Postcode: 45

Art play for conversation Being creative with your child means so much more than you think. Next time you set up the craft table for your child to get messy, I encourage you to get messy too! The beautiful conversation that occurs during the creative process is so powerful and reflective not only for your child, but for you too. This type of conversation helps to develop your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s language and questioning. Here are some ideas to get your conversation started.

Collage

Go outside and collect little treasures outside with your child. Let them bring in the leaves, stones, flowers, sticks, stems, tanbark and create a collage on a blank surface. While you are making this with your child, ask them where they think each treasure came from and why they believe this to be true. Scatter the pieces on the surface and use them to tell a story. Make each treasure a different character. Take photos of your collaborative piece and print it out on A3 in black and white (20 cents at Officeworks), frame it and talk about it again!

Draw

Talk about your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s week at school/ childcare/kinder/at home with you and about your week and what you did. On a large piece of paper, draw all the things that you have both done throughout the week. What was your favourite moment? What was your least favourite moment? Why? What would you do the same next week? What would you do differently next week? Why? Draw what you would both like next week to look like.

Paint

Walk around your home and look out each window with your child and talk about what you can see when you look up, down, left, right and across. Get some watercolour pencils and after each window, draw what each of you can see on separate pieces of paper. Keep adding to the same piece of paper as you move to each window in your home. You will most likely end up with a lovely landscape of random things. Bring your drawing to life by painting over your watercoloured image with a brush and water. What is the same about your drawings and what is different? Why? This is a great conversation starter to explain how everyone sees things differently. Next time your child asks you to get out the craft box, stick around with them for a minute and chat about what they are doing, join in, have fun and revel in the creative process. Who knows, you might enjoy it more than they do! By Francesca Sferlazza from See Make Play, w: www.seemakeplay.com.au i: @seemakeplay

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