WESTSIDE
mamamAg Feb/Mar 2020
WIN A Langham, Melbourne ChIldren’s themed hIgh tea & sleepover How I beat my bully Talking about school Port Douglas uncovered Lunchbox love The mothers
free Local fun for the Westside mum 1
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back to school Yep, that’s me, taking an unashamed selfie in the pool at The Langham, Melbourne! Summer holidays usually means a camping trip after Christmas Day, somewhere around Victoria, with my best friends and their families. But this year, through several combined circumstances, camping was not to be. At a loss as to what to do I decided the kids and I would instead have a staycation and explore our beautiful city. The Langham was the perfect choice. Not only a stunning hotel it’s perfectly positioned to explore all Melbs has to offer. So you can only imagine my excitement when they offered you (yes you!) the chance to stay there too and enjoy their kids’ high tea as well! How good is this issue’s cover competition!? Whilst Summer in Melbourne is awesome (did you make it to the kids’ Ballpark at the Aus Open?) there is still plenty to see and do in town, long after the hot nights have faded away. Besides the ridiculously fun sleepover we had at The Langham (with a buffet breakfast to die-for), our highlights of our little staycation were a trip on a Go Boat, the Yarra’s little electric boats you can hire and drive yourself, a visit to Summertime Social at Fed Square, which hosts vintage games and caravans, incredible food and fabulous drinks (this is open till April 5 so check it out), and a trip to the gallery to enjoy the KAWS exhibition. Back at home there were plenty of afternoons at the dog beach with our puppy Nova, glasses of rose with friends, and quite a few lonely nights when the kids were away at their dads. There were many tense moments as we all followed the bush fires, then feelings of relief and amazement as the world joined together in support. But now Summer is quickly passing us by and before I know the suntan lines will be fading and I’ll be back to making school lunches. My eldest Lachie is in grade 6 this year and while I’m excited about his opportunity to be one of the schools leaders, I can’t believe we are only a year off high school. How have 6 years passed already? Enjoy every moment mamas, they really do grow up so quickly. xxx
@localmamamag
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Local fun for everyone • Northside • Eastside • Southside • Westside
WIN
Contents How I beat my bully
Worth
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$2000
What to do at school
The perfect season to swim
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Swimming past Summer
Talking about school
10
Why it can be hard
Parklife 12 The Venny, Kensington
Time for Tech-Tok
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Talking tech for kids
Lunch box love
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Sarah Todd’s tips and ideas
Port Douglas uncovered
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Sarah’s trip to the tropical North
Mama can cook
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Quick meals from Plan, Buy Cook
The boy-girl thing
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Finding the balance
Lovely locals
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Checking out District Docklands
The Mothers
WIN a family ‘children’s themed’ high tea and luxury overnight stay with a glamping package at The Langham, Melbourne. You have the chance to win a family ‘children’s themed’ high tea at The Langham, Melbourne’s Aria Lounge plus luxury overnight accommodation for two adults and two children with a stunning glamping package. Entries are open to Victorian residents only. Competition starts Feb 1st 12.01am and closes Mar 10th 2020 at 11.59pm. Prize valid 24/03/2020 - 10/04/2020. Visit www.mamamag.com.au/competitions for full terms and conditions.
Enter at www.mamamag.com.au/langham Didn’t win? You can book your own glamping package starting from $610.
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www.langhamhotels.com/melbourne
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MamaMag is published bi-monthly for the mums of Melbourne’s West by Grizzle Design Pty Ltd.
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ABN: 26 042 138 550. PO Box 8018 Brighton East 3187 Phone: 1300 771 446 Email: info@mamamag.com.au www.mamamag.com.au | www.grizzledesign.com.au
A book by Genevieve Gannon
Turn the page Mama’s top book picks
Parents play with art
The family behind Geelong’s new MoPA
Savvy saving in the kitchen
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Planning your weekly meals
Lunch list
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Does your lunch box tick all the boxes?
Return to work
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Transition made easy for you and bub
Prep’ing for the stress
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Surviving your first year of school
Colour to WIN
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4 family passes to The Gruffalo’s Child
Mindfulness and meditation Tips to share this with your kids
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12,500 copies per issue distributed bi-monthly across Melbourne’s West with 50,000 copies in total across all four MamaMag areas: Bayside • Eastside • Northside • Westside. Editor in Chief/Creative Director: Sarah Cavalier: sarah@mamamag.com.au Westside Editor: Rebecca Gelsi For advertising enquiries contact: Olivia Wilson: olivia@mamamag.com.au For distribution enquiries contact: info@mamamag.com.au Want to write for us or have an article idea? submissions@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.
MamaMag Feb/Mar 2020
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.
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how I beat my bully What to do when your child gets bullied in primary school No parent wants their child to be bullied. And when it happens, we want our children to tell us, so we can help them deal with it. On the other hand, as parents, we need to be able to read the signs of bullying and know how to act when it happens. There are lots of aspects to bullying and there are many different types – verbal, physical, emotional, social, and cyberbullying. And not every argument, disagreement, little fight or act of aggression is bullying. According to Bullyingnoway, bullying has three main features: • it involves a misuse of power in a relationship • it is ongoing and repeated • it involves behaviours that can cause harm The statistics are appalling. Approximately one in four Year 4 to Year 9 Australian students reported being bullied every few weeks or more often. 84% of students who were bullied online were also bullied in person. Bullying can have a severe impact on the mental health and well-being of your child, let alone the simple childhood happiness they deserve. Frighteningly, bullying can sometimes lead to the situation where a child doesn’t want to live anymore. An unbelievable and horrific thought for any parent! One of the most important steps to take for children, is to discuss the bullying situation at home or with a trusted adult. However, this can also be one of the hardest steps for children, as they might feel ashamed or at fault. Therefore, it is important for caretakers and educators to
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tune into any changes in behaviour and body language children might display. My grade three daughter got bullied at primary school recently. At first, I tried to assess how much of this harassment she could solve herself. As a mental toughness coach, I believe it is important for my children to learn how to navigate these situations, as they will come back later in life. However, the verbal and physical harassment kept going for multiple terms. When it started to impact her happy self and she started crying on our walk home from school, I acted. I informed her teacher and formalised a complaint in a letter to the principal, curiously asking what their bullying policy entails. This was what I learned during the research into my latest picture book about bullying. The mother of a bully victim told me that one thing she would have done differently is to write a letter to the school to formalise her daughter’s bullying situation. Formalising a bullying complaint means the school must document it, report on it and take action to solve it. I quickly noticed an increased focus to solve the bullying problem at my daughter’s primary school. The teachers pro-actively started to update me about the situation. My daughter and her bully had weekly catchups with the principal. The bully was disciplined when a teacher overheard his verbal harassment in the schoolyard. The principal called the parents of the bully to discuss the situation. The school is on top of it now and the situation is being managed. This wouldn’t necessarily have happened without a formal complaint.
I keep on top of it too, as the bully is still in her classroom and teachers admit they can’t see or hear everything that happens in the schoolyard. We discuss it openly at home and I’m positive we can manage it from here. If you find yourself in a serious bullying situation with your child, make it your first action to formalise a complaint, so that the school must log it and act. However, also continue the conversation at home and find ways to mitigate the direct impact: • Tell them you love them and discuss their many great traits • Explore together why bullies do what they do and what drives them • Discuss how your child can stand up for herself in a constructive non-violent way • Help them to have play days and friendships outside the bully circle • Ask others to keep an eye out in the schoolyard to keep your child safe
There is no silver bullet to stop a bullying situation when your child is the victim. Having an open conversation at home, whilst working on your child’s self-worth, confidence, health, proper self-defence and emotional resilience, is surely of essence to manage the severity of the impact. More importantly, by doing this, we help them develop skills and traits that can last a lifetime. Because as adults we know that bullying is an unfortunate part of life and doesn’t just stop after primary school. Niels Van Hove is an author, mental toughness coach and founder of www.mentaltoughness. online. Niels lives in Melbourne with his wife and two daughters. His latest book; How I Beat My Bully, is available in Kindle version and paperback from Amazon and hardcover from Booktopia. For more information about Niels or his books visit www.mentaltoughness.online
• Make sure your child keeps active and enjoy their hobbies
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The perfect season to sWIM As summer sadly comes to an end, we say goodbye to family beach days and pool parties with friends. But as the weather cools, Kingswim Caroline Springs Assistant Manager and mother of three Rose Suntesic is urging parents to capitalise on the valuable skills learnt over summer.
In addition to capitalising on your child’s excitement and experience in the water, continuing swimming year round will provide higher fitness levels and a stronger immune system that make kids more resilient to stress and illness.
“After a big summer of swimming, kids are better placed than ever to continue building their skills and confidence in the water,” she says.
While some parents withdraw their children from swimming classes when the temperature drops believing it will help avoid illness, children who swim throughout autumn and winter are actually far less likely to catch colds and flu.
Children who put their skills from lessons into practice in different environments such as the ocean or rivers come back from summer holidays excited, confident and hungry to continue their lessons.
By the time your next holiday rolls around, you’ll be able to see and celebrate all the hard work from year-round lessons paying off, have peace of mind, and enjoy an even safer and more fun summer in the water together.
This is why autumn is the perfect time to start or stay in lessons. Let your child’s swimming teacher know how their summer holiday went, what they enjoyed most or struggled with in the water. This will help their teacher understand their swimming ability and how to best help them moving forward.
For more information on Kingswim programs and the benefits of year-round swimming, please visit kingswim.com.au
After a big summer of swimming, kids are better placed than ever to continue building their skills and confidence in the water
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At its heart, learning to swim is about fun. We learn as children so we can spend a lifetime safely and confidently enjoying all that water has to offer.
Book your FREE introductory lesson today!*
*T&Cs apply
kingswim.com.au
Why talkIng about school Is hard ‘How was school?’ is a big question. To answer, your child has to sum up a whole day, and that’s hard for children (and even adults!) to do. A child might really want to say, ‘My day was so jam-packed with ideas and classes and social stuff that I don’t know where to start’. So it’s easier just to say ‘OK’. Some children feel their school experiences are private, so they might not want to share them. This is a normal part of school-age development as children start to shape their own identities and social worlds. But your child still needs to know you’re there when she’s ready to talk.
Why talking about school is important Talking with your child about the school day shows you’re interested in what’s going on in his life. This interest boosts his mental health, happiness and wellbeing. It can also have a very positive effect on your child’s behaviour and achievement. It shows your child that you value school and education, which encourages him to value it too. Talking together about school also helps you get to know more about what’s expected of your child at school, how she learns and how she handles challenges. It can help you understand when she’s feeling less interested in school or having problems. When you’re in touch with your child’s feelings about school, you’re more likely to see problems before they get too big. This way you can work on overcoming challenges together. 10
And talking about school issues – like school projects or friendship problems – is also a great chance for you to express your family values about things like teamwork, respect for self and others, friendships, relationships, problemsolving and so on.
Strategies for talking about school with your child Your child will probably be tired and hungry or thinking about other things when she first gets home. So easing the transition from school or after-school activities to home can help your child feel more like talking. It’s best to avoid asking him lots of questions straight away. You can just let your child know that you’re glad to see him, and talk about nonschool topics for a while. Younger children will probably also like unpacking their bags and going through any notes before you ask about school. Saving questions about homework for later on can also take the pressure off!
Every afternoon or evening will be different. Even if your child usually likes to share her day with you, there’ll be days when she doesn’t want to talk. Sometimes it’s a matter of sensing her mood and picking the right moment. Some days there might not be a right moment at all, and that’s OK. Simple, positive and specific questions about parts of the day can get your child talking. For example: • What’s the news from school today?
Your child’s behaviour and communication style might seem to change overnight when she starts school. Suddenly everything’s ‘awesome’, or she’s rolling her eyes at everything you say. She’s learning all kinds of new things from her friends and teachers, so this is part of her developing a unique identity.
Ideas for talking about school with secondary school children
• Who did you hang out with today?
As your child develops into the teenage years, he might want more privacy and time to himself, which can make it harder to talk about school. But this isn’t the end of your warm, close relationship – it’s just that getting some distance from you is how your child becomes a more independent individual.
• What subjects did you do today?
Stay connected
• What projects are you working on at the moment?
Staying connected to your child can help you balance respect for her independence and privacy with your need to keep in touch with her life.
• What was fun? • What did you like best at school today? • What does your classroom look like at the moment?
When you ask your child about his day, try to use open-ended questions. For example, you could ask questions like, ‘What did you do in class after recess?’ or ‘What topics are you working on in science at the moment?’ Questions like these invite answers that are longer than just ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘OK’.
Tips for talking about school with primary school children These tips can help you get a conversation going: • Make time to talk. This can often be when you’re doing something with your child. For example, your child might like to talk when you’re walking the dog or preparing dinner together. • Give your child your full attention if she wants to talk with you about her day. • Take seriously whatever your child tells you. For example, you can say things like, ‘That’s really interesting. Then what happened?’ or ‘And how do you feel about that?’ • When you talk about the school and teachers with or in front of your child, use respectful language. For example, ‘I can see that’s frustrating, but Ms Adams is your teacher and you need to speak respectfully to her’.
Ask about links between schoolwork and future plans At this age, your child might be more open to talking about the links between his schoolwork and what he wants to do when he’s finished school. For example, ‘How’s the webpage you were designing in information technology coming along? Are you still thinking you might want to get into web design after school?’ Look out for signs of problems Even if you usually have a good relationship with your child, she might not always tell you when she’s having a tough time. If she’s upset or nervous about discussing school or refuses to answer a question, there might be a bigger problem. Stay calm around tricky topics Conversations with your teenage child about school might bring up tricky topics. Try to stay calm – this is a great chance for you to be supportive and show your child that you value his honesty. From Raising Children. raisingchildren.net.au provides ad-free parenting videos, articles and apps backed by Australian experts. raisingchildren.net.au 11
Parklife THE VENY, kensIngton The Venny is a fabulous supervised adventure playground in Kensington. It’s a really special space and has been serving local children for over 30 years. With an emphasis on unstructured but safe play The Venny encourages children to develop skills and build resilience. Stand out features are two large inground trampolines, an old style tyre swing, and huge hanging bamboo to run through. There’s some great structural elements providing hidey holes, cubbies, and music play. There’s a veggie garden and animals including rabbits, chooks, guinea pigs and a duck. Supervised cuddles are available! Other fun includes bikes, scooters, and giant Jenga. Kids can also enjoy staffed indoor activities like crafts and board games. They can prepare and eat a healthy snack. On our recent visit this was smoothies and salad. The Venny operates on
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the principals of inclusion, participation and connection and there’s lots of opportunities for children to play together. We always enjoy chatting to other families on our visits. The playground is designed for children aged 5-16 and this is reflected in its after school and Saturday afternoon opening hours. Younger children will enjoy the trampolines and the animals. You can also team your visit with a visit to the nearby Kensington Skate Park, Kensington YMCA or the playground at JJ Holland Park. You need to visit during open hours - if it looks locked, keep going around as the entrance is on the side away from the road. School terms: Tuesday-Friday: 3:30pm-5:30pm. Saturday: 1pm-5pm. School holidays:Tuesday-Saturday: 1pm-5pm .
85 Kensington Rd, Kensington
t n i m e d e l o g A for learning
Delivered by qualified teachers, Goodstart’s Kindergarten & Preschool program is a time of transition, learning and fun.
Book a tour
TIME FOR tech-tok? Mobile phones, Tik-Tok, Snap Chat, Fortnite, there is so much going on tech wise and so many things our kids are just not ready for yet. As parents grapple with the ongoing challenge of screen time for their children, not to mention the quality of online content and technology, thankfully there are many companies trying to create safe age-appropriate solutions for the younger generation.
Osmo Genius Kit Specifically for iPad, Osmo Genius Kit brings life into traditional STEM learning and digital gaming. Osmo expands gameplay beyond the screen, transforming the physical space in front of the iPad into an interactive environment that turns any object into a digitally connected game piece or even captures physical drawings and makes them digital in real time. Their Genius Kit contains Tangrams, Numbers, Words, Masterpiece, and Newton — five smart games that transform your iPad into a hands-on tool for learning and laughter. Osmo technology “sees” how kids move real-world tangible pieces in front of the screen and responds with on-screen encouragement, guidance, and giggles. Ages 6-10 yrs www.playosmo.com RRP $159.99
ZAAP debit card for kids ZAPP is designed to help tweens and teens learn good money habits with increased independence. Choose between a Mastercard, a wearable ZAAP band or get both linked to the one account. Money is controlled via the Parent Wallet from which parents transfer funds to their child’s account in the app on their phone. It’s safer than cash and allows you to transfer funds to your child’s account instantly! Plus they can see their account balance, history and set savings goals within their own app on their tablet or phone. ZAAP can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard – in store and online. Available online at zaap.com.au starting from $9.95.
Leapfrog Rockit Twist Twist, turn, play and learn with the RockIt Twist rotatable, single-player game system with three profiles! Four sides of colourful, light-up controls include buttons, dials, a spinner, slider, switch and D-pad to provide a totally unique way to play exciting video games. Nurture three adorable virtual RockIt Pets that hatch and grow from eggs. 12 preloaded games have three levels of difficulty that help kids learn skills including literacy, maths, problem solving, science and creativity all while having fun! Since there’s no need for Wi-Fi, kids can play anywhere. Built-in MP3 player for music, volume controls and a headphone jack are also included. Ages 4-10 yrs. Available at Big W and Target RRP $89.95.
TCL Movetime Family Watch For kids too young for a phone, this clever smart-watch helps parents stay connected with their kids. It has voice calling and messaging plus video calls, only to numbers you put in the phone through your TCL app. In the app you can easily locate your child and you can set up geofencing to get an alert if they leave your set area. The design is fun and kid-friendly, has IP65 waterproofing, a replaceable band and a 1.3 inch colour display with changeable watch face. www.tclcom.com/wearables. Available at Big W. RRP $199.
Birde Birde is a smart media player for children under the age of 8, which allows them to play independently by autonomously choosing what content they wish to interact with, but without giving them access to the Internet. It provides a walled garden of content, stored on small tokens called ‘Birde seeds’ and kids only need to tap the seed on the Birde to activate their favourite audiobooks, music and/or videos (when paired with a smart tv). The Birde content library continues to grow with current titles from ABC kids, Nickelodeon, Play School and a number of local Australian authors. Ages 2-5 yrs. Available from www.birde.co from $179. The Seeds retail for between $10 and $30 a pack.
Sphero Mini Soccer Sphero Mini Soccer is an app-controlled robot ball and STEM learning and coding toy for ages 8 and up. It was born from Sphero’s best selling robot, Sphero Mini. Mini Soccer packs tons of fun and play into a tiny, app-enabled robotic ball. Gyroscope and accelerometer sensors allow the user to control the orientation and speed of the robot. Drive, play, and test your skills with Kick Mode in the Sphero Play App and learn the fundamentals of STEM and coding with the Sphero Edu App. Compatible with both Android and Apple, it comes with micro USB, rechargeable battery and 8 tiny cones for games, activities and challenges. Ages 8+ yrs. Available on Amazon AU. RRP $89.95.
VTech Kidizoom® Action Cam HD For kids on the go a Kidizoom Action Cam HD is the perfect light-weight, multi-functional action camera! Capture great photos and videos in high definition, choosing from lots of cool visual effects! Play through three fantastic games, including an augmented reality game, or create fun stop motion, slow motion, fast motion and reverse videos! It features a wide angle lens which you can use to create professional looking photos and videos! It also includes a waterproof case and a floating mount so you can take photos and videos in the water! Attach the camera to bicycles and more with the included mounts! Ages 5+ yrs. www.vtech.com.au. Available at Big W. RRP $89.95. 15
lunch box love
Mums and dads across Melbourne are about to deal with the relentless dilemma of what to put in their children’s lunch boxes as the beginning of the school year approaches. With that also comes the challenge of creating lunch boxes that are filled with food that’s healthy, easy to prepare and affordable.
at school and discuss healthier food and drink choices. This will help you save time, and they won’t complain about what’s in their lunch boxes, because they put it there!
Melbourne mum Sarah Todd is a celebrity chef (you may remember her from season 6 of Masterchef!), ClickClack ambassador and mum to her son Phoenix. She said convenient foods are the easy option, but not always the cheapest or healthiest. Sarah provides us with her top tips on getting more bang for your buck when it comes to school meals.
If it’s a meal your kids love to eat, why not make a little extra? Pop leftovers into a ClickClack container and send it with them to school the next day.
Naked lunch boxes This is something my son and I have been doing for the last two years. Everything in Phoenix’s lunch box has absolutely no packaging. It’s something we consciously work on together.
Get the kids involved It’s all about getting your children involved. Encourage them to prepare their own lunches. Talk to them about what they would like to eat 16
Turn your lunches into dinners
Plan, plan, plan ahead Waking up in the morning and thinking ‘what am I going to pack for the kids’ lunches?’ is a recipe for disaster. On a Sunday morning, make some time to plan the week ahead. Write a shopping list that actually meets your needs and doesn’t result in food wastage.
Buy in bulk You don’t need to purchase the carrots that are already cut up for you…buy a bag of them and chop them up yourself. Same goes with prepackaged items like popcorn or crackers and even things like cheese and yoghurt.
Cook in bulk with a Sunday cook off
Phoenix’s cookie recipe
Every Sunday we make Phoenix’s cookies for the week. It’s become his signature. We create this together and use them throughout the week for school. We’ve even printed recipe cards out and given them to all of his friends.
180g unsalted butter, softened
Invest in good quality containers
2 cups (300g) plain (all-purpose) flour, sifted
If you had to add up how much you’re spending on plastic zip lock bags over the course of a year, you’ll quickly realise that investing in reusable containers is a brilliant idea, and it’s so much better for the environment too! I use ClickClack containers which offer a fantastic and helpful range to help make school lunches easier to pack and manage. They’re not only chic and stylish, but they’re also handy and versatile. They’re BPA-free, airtight, easy to stack and easy to open. www.clickclack.com
Ingredients 3/4 cup (135g) brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 1 teaspoon baking powder, sifted 150g dark chocolate, chopped Method Preheat oven to 180oC. Place the butter, sugar and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until pale and creamy. Gradually add the eggs and beat well. Add the flour and baking powder and beat until a smooth dough forms. Fold through the chocolate. Roll 1 tablespoon of the mixture into balls, place on baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper and press to flatten. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool on the trays. Makes 24.
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Image: www.vickypalmieri.com
West Footscray Festival SUNDAY 15 MARCH
11am – 4pm, Barkly Street, West Footscray Throwing of the colours • Cultural games • Roller disco Craft activities • Market stalls • Jumping castles Face painting • Henna tattoos • Food stalls • Street dancing Live music and entertainment
www.festivalofcolours.org.au wfnh.com.au Ph. 9687 3345
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PORT DOUGLAS UNCOVERED By Sarah Cavalier @thecavaliermama
As Summer slowly draws to a close, one can hardly blame me for thinking about where I can take the kids to escape what is inevitably going to be a cold wet Melbourne Winter. The exact thoughts were running through my head this time last year, so when a Jetstar sale popped up in my in-box I jumped at the chance to book some cheap flights to Cairns. The time had come to finally take my two kids to one of my favourite Australian destinations, Port Douglas. The climate of Tropical North Queensland is brilliant in our Winter months. We headed up over the Queen’s Birthday weekend last June to arrive to sunny 28 degree days. This was my 4th visit to PD, but my first with kids, so I jumped on portdouglasuncovered.com to find some new ideas that the kids would adore.
Our hotel: Of course the first thing to consider is accommodation. On one of my earlier visits to PD (pre-marriage and with my now exhusband!) we spent two nights at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. At the time this was all we could afford, and we schlepped the other three nights in a budget place in town, but our minds were blown. This was ‘incredible’ and worth every penny. Today the Sheraton is surprisingly 20
quite budget friendly, considering how fabulous it is, and is in my opinion simply the BEST place to take kids in Port Douglas. Part of the impressive Marriott Bonvoy group, the resort is set on 147 hectares of lush tropical gardens running along Port Douglas’ famed Four Mile Beach, with the centre piece undoubtedly being their almost 5 acres of lagoon-style pools. These pools were hands down the kids’ favourite part of the hotel and we were lucky enough to have a swim-up balcony so the kids could practically roll out of bed and into the water! I could go on all day about the amazing features of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, so you know what, I will. There are some important things to consider when deciding where to stay in Port Douglas. The main town centre is set on a little peninsular divided by the sea and Packers Creek. There are lots of great little hotels through out the town centre, but the majority of the big resorts are located at the other end of Four Mile Beach. Sheraton on the other hand is located about mid way meaning access to all the restaurants, cafes and tourism hubs is so much easier with kids, and totally walkable. We took a gorgeous stroll back to the hotel along the beach after dinner one night, but a word of warning, don’t leave it too late as the tide comes right in at night and the beach disappears. We made it back just in the nick-of-time! If walking is not your thing, there is however a very handy bus.
Another benefit of the resort being set on 147 hectares of land is it’s huge, so beach access to the North and South of the resort is very limited. Besides people taking long walks along the beach, you don’t get anyone but hotel users on this section of the beach. The winter months are outside stinger season so the beach is a perfect place to swim and play. The beach is lined with draping palms trees, making you instantly feel like you are on a luxurious tropical holiday (you are!) and my kids had a ball making cubbies with dropped palm fronds and playing with coconuts. Each morning I’d get up early and go for a walk on the beach. Sunrise through the trees is simply stunning and even walking through the grounds of the resort, whilst so many are still in bed, was so nice with the beautiful morning light filtering through the palm trees. Once the kids were up it was coffee time and time to hit the breakfast buffet. There were so many choices, much to the kids’ delight, and it was the perfect way to fuel up for the day’s adventures. marriott.com.au
The Daintree: Of course one of the most famous things in Tropical North Queensland is the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest in the world. Along the coastline north of the Daintree River, the forest grows right down to the edge of the sea. We hired a car (there are heaps of places in town) and set off early to go check it out. After passing sugar cane fields and the town of Mossman the drive quickly turns to one of beauty. Stunning beaches to the right, equally stunning mountains to the left. Access to Cape Tribulation is made via a ferry crossing of the Daintree River which is great fun. There are lots of river cruises available on the Daintree River where you can go crocodile spotting, but we had a lot planned for our five day stay and decided the crocs could wait for another time. Beyond the river you can stop in at the Daintree Ice Cream Company. Ice cream, gelatos and sorbets are handmade on site using classic artisan methods with exotic fruit organically grown and farmed in their orchards. Flavours change daily based on what fruits are in season, but expect some surprises like black sapote, rollinia, mangosteen and soursop as well as more expected mango, pineapple, coconut and macadamia. daintreeicecream.com.au
ulation
Cape Trib
Once we arrived at Cape Tribulation we took a walk out to the stunning beach. Crocodiles are very common up here, so swimming is off the cards, but a quick stroll in the shallows of this crystal clear water, where the forest meets the sea, is truly memorable. 21
The Great Barrier Reef Of course no trip to Port Douglas is complete without a trip out to the reef. There are two main options here. The outer reef or the Low Isles. The outer reef is incredible, especially if you want to scuba dive, but for a family day out I can’t recommend the Low Isles enough. Being island based, not a floating pontoon in the middle of the sea, there is so much more for the kids to do beyond just snorkelling. Whilst there are plenty of big operators leaving the marina daily, but the boats are busy and the queues for lunch crowded, so we opted for a more personalised tour for our day at the Low Isles. Bretto from Wind Swell is a one-stop-shop for all your water adventures in PD, offering snorkelling, standup paddle boarding, wakeboarding, foilboarding, tube riding and even spear fishing. Bretto’s private charters on board his fast boat are the perfect way to enjoy the day as a family as you get the whole boat to yourself. Upon arrival we spotted a family of small tiny reef sharks frolicking in the shallows. These creatures are harmless but provided some great entertainment to start our adventure. Next we were given a quick snorkelling lesson where the kids were provided pool noodles to help them float better, then we were off. Bretto led the way and knew exactly where to go to find turtles, stunning fish and also where not to go to help avoid other tour groups on some bigger boats.
Happy
faces!
Exploring th e Low Isles
After some fresh fruits and delicious rolls Bretto led us on a tour of this tiny islands. He knows plenty of its history and I couldn’t help thinking “I bet no one else gets this experience on with their reef tours”. Afterwards it was time for some SUP to get a different view of the reef. Gently gliding my board over turtles swimming below was simply incredible. The waters surrounding all islands of this magnificent coastline boasts 150 different species of hard coral, which is dominated by 15 species of soft coral. Swimming amongst them are colourful tribes of parrot fish, angelfish, damsel fish, clown fish, trevally, rabbit fish, sweetlip, moon wrasse, fusiliers, giant 60-yearold clams and resident turtles- just to name a few! For the afternoon, you can customise your itinerary and choose to do more SUP and snorkelling or opt for a session of adrenaline-fuelled water sports, choosing from wakeboarding or tubing. If you are an experienced kiteboarder, equipment will be on board for you to use, but Bretto gave Lachie a quick lesson on how to fly the kite from shore with a small trainer kite which was super fun! windswell.com.au
e! That’s m t! Our boa
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Sunset cruise There are quite a few boat operators in PD that offer sunset cruises, the perfect way to spend an evening. If you’ve got pirate loving kids, you can’t go past The Shaolin, an authentic sailing junk boat. This boat is gorgeous, in all her wooden glory. The cruise takes you from the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, along Port Douglas waterfront and out into the Coral Sea. Once at sea the views of the local mountains with the sun setting behind are fabulous. The captain gave an entertaining commentary along the way as we sat out the front on the wooden bow and snacked on delicious Yum Cha and drank wine (well the kids had juice!). The first drink is included but more drinks can be purchased along the way. The Shaolin sails daily, leaving the marina at 5pm for a 1.5hr cruise. shaolinportdouglas.com.au
Shaolin The stunning
River rafting We were almost going to cancel this tour as by day four I had a really nasty head cold (I know, fancy getting a cold in the tropics), but I’m so glad I pushed through because this was honestly the highlight of my trip. Winding though the Daintree Forest is the Mossman River, and being too cold for the crocodiles it provides the most safe and picturesque location for some river rafting. Run by Back Country Bliss, this is an adventure like no other called ‘river drift snorkelling’. Think floating down through an ancient rainforest in the clearest, freshest water, on board an inflatable lilo, whilst also dipping under for some snorkelling adventures to find fresh water fish and turtles. backcountrybliss.com.au
Back Country
Bliss
Food and fun in town My kids highly recommend the cane toad racing at the Iron Bar. Racing daily, these hilariously named toads, like Camel Toad, Jerry Springer and Pidgeon Toad, are released from a bucket on a special racing table and punters have to encourage their toad to make it outside the line using only a party-horn. ironbarportdouglas.com.au The Surf Club provides excellent food, all served in their open air dining area. They’ve got a small playground on-site to entertain the kids, but I let mine run over to the adjoining beach for a play as well. The food selection was fantastic, we actually ate here twice! Be sure to drop by the Sunday market too. You’ll find arts and crafts, jewellery, fruit and vegetables, glassware, books, coffee, boats, and more. Runs every Sunday from 8am-2pm. For more expert ideas and advice on Port Douglas make sure you check out portdouglasuncovered.com
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Cane toad racing
mama can Cook! Fettuccine Carbonara
Prep 5 min | Cook 10 min| Serves 4
Ingredients
Method
2 eggs, beaten
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil.
1 cup grated parmesan
In a bowl, combine the egg, parmesan, some pepper, parsley and rocket and set aside.
4 flat-leaf parsley sprigs, leaves picked, chopped 1 cup rocket 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 garlic cloves, bruised 500g fettuccine 200g bacon, diced 2 tablespoons white wine
Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the bruised garlic and cook until fragrant and golden. In the meantime, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the packet instructions until al dente. Remove the garlic from the oil, then add the bacon and fry until cooked to your liking (crispy or slightly softer). Once cooked, add the wine to the pan then remove from the heat. Strain the pasta in a colander (keeping Âź cup of the cooking liquid aside in case it is needed for the sauce), then place the frying pan back over a medium heat. Add the strained pasta to the pan and toss to combine with the bacon. Add the egg mixture to the pan and immediately turn off the heat. Stir the egg mixture through the pasta and bacon, adding a splash of the cooking liquid if you need it to help stir through the egg. Serve immediately.
There are some nights when you just need a meal on the table in 15 minutes. While many recipes finish this dish with cream, traditionally it is made without it. We add some rocket for a bit of extra zing. Dinner done. 24
Photographer: Š Bec Hudson
This is an edited extract from The Plan, Buy, Cook Book by Jen Petrovic and Gaby Chapman published by Hardie Grant Books $29.99 and is available where all good books are sold.
Bean Quesadillas Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed or grated 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 × 400g tin diced tomatoes 2 × 400g tins red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 8 tortillas Cheddar cheese, grated (optional) Lime wedges, to serve (optional) 1/2 cup yoghurt or sour cream 2 slices pickled jalapeño chilli Salsa: 100g corn kernels 1 shallot, finely diced 1 tomato, chopped 8 fresh coriander sprigs, leaves picked, chopped
Prep 15 min | Cook 50 min | Serves 4
Method Heat the oil in a saucepan and cook the onion and garlic over a medium heat for 10 minutes. Add the cumin and coriander, stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon water if needed to stop the spices burning. Add the tomatoes, kidney beans and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mix needs to be quite dry. If doubling up the recipe, split the mixture in two and allow the extra meal to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate overnight before freezing for later use. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Place a tortilla in the pan and spread a few tablespoons of the bean mixture on top. Add the grated cheese, if using. Place another tortilla on top and press down with a spatula, turn over and cook until golden. Alternatively, use a sandwich press or the oven grill. If cooking under the grill, flip to crisp the other side. To make the salsa, combine the corn, shallot, tomato and coriander, then set aside. To serve, cut the quesadillas into quarters, transfer to a plate and top with salsa, yoghurt and jalapeño chilli. Serve with lime wedges, if desired. 25
the boy-gIrl thIng Four ways to get around the ‘boy-girl’ thing. As a mother of a daughter and a son, I was always trying, perhaps over-trying, to balance the boy-girl thing. I would encourage Edvard to cuddle his teddy bear and Emma to build with Lego bricks. Edvard happily came for the cuddles, but Emma always gathered up all the Lego people and sat them down for a morning meeting, like the one at kindergarten. Oh well you can lead a child to Lego but you can’t make them build… And as I read my kids bedtime stories, especially fairy tales, I would find myself editing them on the fly to make them more the stories I wanted my son and daughter to hear. I would tweak the girl character’s actions or speech to make them appear a little less useless. Surely Rapunzel with a brain as clever as her hair was long, had time enough in that tower to work her own way out? And there was no way Little Red Riding Hood would not recognise a wolf when she saw one – and why was she being defined by what she wore? I would do the same to the boy characters too, adjusting to make them a bit more emotionally normal. It would be weird, wouldn’t it, if the prince wasn’t just a little scared, even maybe shed a tear as he faced up against a fire-breathing dragon? After all, what would be the point of all that dragon-felling and tower-climbing, if the princes didn’t have an emotional, let alone an empathetic, thought in their handsome heads? After all, what we want is feisty and feeling kids who can help and rescue people – and sometimes themselves. To help them become that, I think we need to crush the clichés and smash the stereotypes.
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Here are four things I learnt – or my kids taught me.
1. Caring is pretty cool and not just for girls When my son wasn’t building towers with Lego or shooting people with bananas, one of his favourite toys was ‘baby’ Sammy. He had asked for a baby doll when he spied one in a toy shop and I confess my first instinct was to move him quickly on to the adventure toys. Thankfully, he persisted and I came to my senses and Sammy became a much-loved part of family life. Playing with Sammy gave an early lesson in nurturing and caring that I would have been nuts to stop him having - but I nearly did because I was a little trapped in the ‘boy-girl thing’.
2. Heroes help people but still smash stuff My son loved fire engines and fire men (well, who doesn’t?). It may have been the scream of the sirens and the trucks and hoses that drew him in, but it also taught him that heroes are people that help other people, often at great risk. However, it can make a bit of a mess, this rescuing business, as my son explained why his bedroom was so trashed – ‘I was just rescuing!’. He had a point. Things can get messy when rescuing – things can crack open, burst into flames – I learnt to embrace the explosions as part of process!
3. Heroes can and should cry One of my favourite memories is coming into the living room to see father, son and daughter all tearing up watching Marley and Me. Big boys – including really big boys, like husbands, can and definitely should cry. After all, what’s wrong with showing you feel stuff? Armour is for bodies not hearts. Real men do eat quiche (never got that one) and cry when something or someone hurts.
Which leads me to the conclusion that what we really need to do is …
4. Crush the clichés Smash or don’t smash? I think I have finally learnt that the answer lies in the messy middle. My little nephew’s favourite nail polish colour at the moment is a beautiful pink with sparkles – it does get a bit chipped when he engages his friends in stick-sword-fighting at school. It’s reapplied each evening – at the same time that his mum talks to him about the potential pitfalls of waving sticks around at each other…
So I’m learning to check my assumptions, ease up on the boy-girl thing and enjoy life in the messy middle. By Susannah McFarlane. Susannah is the bestselling Australian author of Fairytales for Feisty Girls and Bold Tales for Brave-hearted Boys.
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lovely locals
DISTRICT DOCKLANDS
The District Docklands is the experiential heart of the Docklands and quickly becoming one of Melbourne’s leading lifestyle destinations. It’s so accessible from the West which makes it makes a great destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, both with and without the kids!
1.
1. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq Archie Bros has a really fun, appealing look about it and offers arcade games, bowling and bumper cars. We tried out the infinity deal available from 5pm Mondays for two hours of all-you-can-play arcade games and had a great time. They also feature deals each school holidays. Note that after 8pm this venue becomes adults only.
2.
2. Hoyts Docklands Featuring powered reclining seats plus the option of xtreme screen these cinemas are very comfortable! As well as the usual popcorn and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream you can purchase pizza and a beer or wine from Artie’s Bar & Cafe. Half price parking is available with validation.
3. 3. Chipmunks Playland and Cafe This well equipped play centre offers two play areas; an enclosed area for 0-4 year olds and the rest of the space for older children. Under one year olds and adults receive free entry. It’s also a stress free venue for a birthday party. Your child can enjoy a mermaid or pirate party, jungle, super hero, and more.
4.
4. O’Brien Icehouse A great option for indoor active play, ice skating is lots of fun for almost all ages. If you have little ones you’ll find you’ll need to join them on the ice but they’ll love you for it. Parties here are very popular, especially among tweens and teens, with a party host supervising your children on the ice.
5. The Lost Forests Do you have fond memories of attending parties in fairy shops as a child? You can recreate the magic for your own children at The Lost Forests. You can also stock up on nostalgic toys like the Puggle!
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5.
6.
6. The Reading Room If you’re after a relaxing, free activity District Docklands have created a lounge-like reading room with comfy lounges, rugs and cushions. Enjoy a read and even borrow or swap books with plenty for kids and adults.
7.
7. Artvo Artvo has been repainted with all new scenes, so if you’ve been before, go again! If you’ve never been expect to see wall-sized immersive scenes created especially for playful photography. Picture the kids on a flying swan, escaping a hungry hippo or escaping a burning inferno.
8.
8. Carl’s Jr American burger chain with the usual burgers and fries plus novelty items like ice cream shakes and crisscut fries. A low carb burger (think lettuce instead of bun) and veggie burger are also available.
9. Rollys Roll
9.
Thai street food inspired rolled ice cream that boasts no preservatives. The ice cream rolls are served alongside inclusions like Ferrero Rocher, brownie, nuts, and toppings. Try Oreonie, Strawfer, or even Paan Pan with its betel leaf and papaya cherries.
10.
10. Melbourne Star Not just for tourists, a flight on the Melbourne Star is a great way to see Melbourne from above. Children under 4 do not require a ticket to fly and there’s discounts or extras during school holidays. Why not escape the kids for a slow yoga flight with your mates!? You can also buy an annual pass for the cost of only two flights.
11.Market Lane
11.
Market Lane is their new local fresh food experience, with diverse offerings and exceptional variety. Market Lane now boasts a brand-new Woolworths supermarket, Dan Murphy’s, The Butcher Club, MarketPlace Fresh and more! In the coming weeks, Market Lane will welcome a large-scale Asian supermarket – Empire Asian, deli by Gourmet Deli House, a pharmacy and more food variety!
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the mothers It was a perfect baby, slippery and pink. Its legs and arms were tucked into its body and its head was bowed as if sleeping, or praying, like a tiny pious monk. Smooth and compact, shiny and hard, it seemed to be made of resin and sat on the sort of wooden display stand that might hold a Fabergé egg, or a football trophy. But it is a sort of trophy, isn’t it, Grace thought, reaching out towards it. ‘Oh!’ As soon as she made contact, the baby toppled off his wooden stand. His? Hers? Grace couldn’t tell, but she sensed that knocking the model baby across the examination room shelf did not bode well for their appointment. ‘What have you done?’ Dan asked, his voice teasing. ‘I’m so tense.’ She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. ‘Why doesn’t it get easier?’ He took her hand in his bearish paw and squeezed it, giving three short pumps in place of a platitude about how everything would be fine. Grace tried to return the baby to its upright position in the display stand but it was topheavy and refused to stay in the base, which bore the label Twenty-six weeks. She stared at the baby’s face, which appeared peaceful and somehow wise. She could scarcely believe that a hot-blooded version of this creature could ever grow inside her, and for a moment she wanted to scoop up her handbag and pull Dan out the door before they caused themselves any more heartache born of false hope.
‘We have to live our lives.’ ‘I thought we were putting all our energy into this. I don’t want to give up.’ ‘I’m not giving up. I just think we need a holiday.’ ‘What’s keeping Doctor Li?’ Grace asked, looking back to the closed office door. A cable of tension stretched from the base of her skull all the way down her spine. She rolled her head back until she heard a satisfying crack. The motion gave her a sweeping view of the Empona consultation room— the bottles of hand sanitiser, the mauve and violet décor, the poster showing the cross-section of a woman’s torso that looked like a piece of meat, eerily congruent with the disposable cover that had been pulled across the examination bed like butcher’s paper. The door opened and Grace whipped her hands away from the broken baby model. ‘Hello, Doctor,’ she said hastily. ‘Hello, Ardens,’ Doctor Li replied. ‘I suppose you don’t want me to say it’s good to see you again,’ she said with a wry smile.
‘I asked if you wanted me to book those cheap flights to Tokyo. You’re staring at that baby like it leaked the final exam answers to your maths students.’
Despite the boxy skirt and prim, tightly buttoned shirt she wore under her white coat, Doctor Li looked breathtaking, as always. Before their first appointment Grace had thought Doctor Ashley Li could not possibly be as attractive as the photos of her in magazines, when in fact, the pictures had scarcely done her justice. Were it not for her plain clothes and her purple rubber Fitbit, Doctor Li could be from the distant future when aesthetic imperfections, such as weak jaws and dry skin, had been bred out of the species altogether.
This is how they spoke to each other at the clinic: with careful, pointed cheer.
‘How are you today?’ she asked, pert and professional.
Her husband inched closer to her. ‘You’re doing it again,’ he said, sweeping back the stray hairs that fell in pale wisps around her face. ‘Sorry, what did you say?’
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Grace’s brow creased as she focused on righting the baby, but its slick finish meant she couldn’t get any purchase on the varnished stand. ‘I don’t want to book anything while we’re having treatment.’
Dan straightened his back. ‘Excellent, Doctor, just excellent.’ He always turned into a prize student in the presence of their doctor, as if he were expecting her to reward his good behaviour by pulling out a vial of magical fluid with a secretive grin and the preamble, ‘I only give this to very special patients . . .’ Doctor Li walked purposefully across the room to the sink where she squirted antibacterial gel into her palm and rubbed her hands together before seating herself at her desk. ‘So,’ she said. ‘We’re going to try again?’ ‘We should get a loyalty reward card,’ Dan said. ‘Every tenth round is free, right?’ Doctor Li opened the Ardens’ file. ‘Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.’ ‘Doctor,’ Grace said, pulling a folded newspaper article from her handbag, ‘I wanted to know what you think about trying dehydroepiandrosterone.’ She pronounced the compound carefully. ‘I’ve been reading about a maverick fertility specialist in London. This article says he has the highest success rate in the country. Double the national average.’ She held out the clipping as evidence. Doctor Li gave a reassuring smile. ‘Grace, I assure you, you’re getting the very best care here. Everything that can be done will be done. Studies have not been able to demonstrate any real benefit to taking DHEA.’ Grace silently refolded the article and returned it to her bag. Doctor Li was as compassionate as a patient could want, but every time she scuffed into the room in pastel-coloured ballet flats to deliver bad news with her standard chaser ‘Sometimes it just takes time’, Grace wanted to shake her and shout, ‘Easy for you to say!’
She looked at him now, her shrewd, caring, grizzly bear of a husband, and felt a surge of gratitude and love. She squeezed his knee and he rewarded her with a smile. Her heart lurched. He would make such a good father. ‘As this is your sixth round of treatment I feel I should take you through the statistics again,’ Doctor Li said. ‘We know the odds,’ Grace said... What if you gave birth to someone else’s child? A gripping family drama inspired by a real-life case of an IVF laboratory mix-up, The Mothers follows the story of two couples, one baby. An unimaginable choice. Grace and Dan Arden are in their forties and have been on the IVF treadmill since the day they got married. Six attempts have yielded no results and with each failure a little piece of their hope dies. Priya Laghari and her husband Nick Archer are being treated at the same fertility clinic, and while they don’t face the same time pressure as the Ardens, the younger couple have their own problems. Priya is booked for her next IVF cycle the same day that Grace goes in for her final, last-chance embryo transfer. Two weeks later, both women get their results. A year on, angry and heartbroken, one of the women learns her embryo was implanted in the other’s uterus and must make a devastating choice: live a childless life knowing her son is being raised by strangers or seek custody of a baby who has been nurtured and loved by another couple. The Mothers by Genevieve Gannon is published by Allen & Unwin.
In three weeks she and Dan would celebrate their second wedding anniversary. The happy event had taken place within a year of their meeting on Grace’s fortieth birthday and it had given her a glimpse of the dream she had all but given up on: blanket forts in the lounge room; homemade playdough cooked over the stove on a rainy afternoon; piggyback rides; fairy bread; and bedtime stories told with all the voices. These were things she had always wanted but feared had slipped the noose — until she met Dan.
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turn the page Penelope Perfect - Very Private List for Camp Success by Chrissie Perry Penelope Kingston wants to be perfect. But being a perfectionist can be superstressful! Sometimes, when things don’t go exactly to plan, Penelope can’t hold back her big feelings. It’s going to take a whole lot of fun, friendship and calming techniques for Penelope to be her best self. When Penelope thinks of school camp, she feels sick, sick, sick. She’s so nervous! So many things could go wrong. But she knows that being prepared makes everything better – so she writes the perfect list. Published by Hardie Grant Egmont. RRP $12.99.
How we got cyber smart by Lisa Rothfield-Kirschner This book addresses cyber safety for primary school-aged children. The information pulls from realistic online events as Lisa explains the dangers of the Internet in terms children will understand. It follows the adventures of two kids Olivia and Jack, as they navigate the online world and tells the story of how they became cyber smart and dealt with their online bully. It provides practical advice to parents and children in how to protect themselves online and look after their safety. This book is a helpful tool for all parents, caregivers and teachers of school-aged children to help start the conversation about online safety and safe online habits. owwegotcybersmart.com. Available from amazon.com.au, RRP $18.95.
The Easter Bunnyroo by Susannah Chambers Last week my dad found an orphan who needs our help. She has LONG ears and BIG feet and a BUILT-IN BASKET. He says she’s a joey but I know who she really is - THE EASTER BUNNY! Melbourne mum Susannah Chambers has created this very Australian Easter story about an understandable misunderstanding and an Easter Bunny who turns out to be an Easter Bunnyroo. Age 3-6. Published by Allen & Unwin RRP $19.95
The Chicken’s Curse by Frances Watts Felix and Livia are being pursued across the Roman empire, from the darkest, dampest corner of Gaul to the dry, desert sands of Tadmor. They must reach Rome by the Ides of April to rescue Livia’s brother before he is sent into the arena to do battle with lions - and perhaps a vicious ostrich or two! Along the way, the pair are helped (and hindered) by a selfish sacred chicken, a foolish camel and a grumpy magic carpet as they encounter bandits, a shipwreck and a false accusation. Will they save Livia’s brother in time, or will they all fall victim to the chicken’s curse? Age 8-12. Published by Allen & Unwin RRP $16.95 32
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Puffing Billy Railway invites you to a “Day out with thomas” this Autumn at Gembrook Station Book online today!
For February and March dates, please visit our website. Day Out With ThomasTM © 2020 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas & FriendsTM Based on The Railway Series by The Reverend W. Awdry. © 2020 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas & Friends and Day Out With Thomas are trademarks of Gullane (Thomas) Limited. © 2020 Mattel. All Rights Reserved. ® and TM designated U.S. trademarks of Mattel, except as noted.
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PARENTS PLAY WITH ART Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself and your two kids.
What can families expect to find in a visit to MoPA?
Tom and I have two cheeky boys, Eddie 5 and Rafferty 2. Family life is super hectic, and has been particularly so over the last year, but we feel blessed to have the opportunity to be raising two wonderful young men… And working on our new third child, MoPA!
Firstly, a beautiful building. Formerly the Wintergarden, this 160 year old heritage building has provided us the most incredible canvas to create a truly amazing space. Inside, visitors will find a range of exhibits and activities across two levels, a conservatory and a gorgeous back yard. The exhibits have been curated to support the Early Learning Framework, and early primary curriculum, but are most importantly very creative and loads of fun! The kids won’t know how much they’re learning because they’ll just be having far too much fun.
What were you both up to work wise before the idea for MoPA came about? Tom is jack of all trades, but has spent most of his career in marketing, technology and management, and I have been lucky enough to work with some of Australia’s most fantastic brands in various lead creative roles. Tom and I have a complementary skill-set, but it wasn’t until we began building MoPA that we realised just how well the skill-set would work together to create something special.
We’d love to hear where the idea for MoPA came from? Like lots of ideas, it started as a niggle and grew into a big itch that we just couldn’t resist itching. We are constantly looking for great things to do with kids, and we’ve tried just about every activity on offer, and we just couldn’t find a place that was fun, creative AND educational, that also provided a beautiful space for us to hang out and engage with the kids. We were inspired by some of the worlds best Children’s museums, but MoPA is an original concept; a beautiful calm space designed specifically for families to play, create and learn together. 34 34
A lot of what we see has been custom-designed, hand-built and painted by yourselves. Who else was involved in bringing this creative space to life? It would be an understatement to say that it has been a behemoth effort to both renovate an entire building, and design, build and refine all the exhibits. We learned to 3D model just so we could design and reposition everything before we built it. Then, after much debate and half a dozen re-shuffles, we finally settled on the exhibits and site layout. Some exhibits have actually been in build for 2-years; others were pulled together [incredibly] in just a few weeks. We engaged a small but incredible team of prop makers, craftspeople, and self-proclaimed ‘tech nerds’ to bring these wonderful ideas to life – and we’re so proud of everyone in involved.
Tell us about the beautiful 160 year
,
When Geelong parents Tim and Billie Mahon couldn’t find the perfect place for their two kids to play locally, they created their own amazing space; Geelong’s first children’s museum MoPA: Museum of Play and Art which opened on January 7 in the gorgeous and historic Wintergarden Building in McKillop Street. MoPA is a beautiful and creative space for children and families to play and learn together.
old Wintergarden building. The building has a very rich history! It has been a church, scout and army hall, and even a dry cleaners for a decent period of time. For the last 30-years though, it has primarily been used as a creative, function and gallery space. The history and legacy of the building is actually one of the things that made it such an obvious choice. We’re incredibly thrilled that now the building has a new lease on life, and for many of the folk that know it well, they’re bringing their grandkids along to create a new wave of special memories. It’s actually very heart-warming to be part of.
What’s your fave thing about being a parent? Most definitely, seeing the children become their own little people. Nothing gives Tom and I more gratification than when the boys learn or even try new things, and when they grow as a result.
Got any funny parenting tales? At the tender age of 3, Ed woke up one day to find ants in our kitchen. We went over to inspect with him and he muttered under his breath ‘f**n ants!’. He so doesn’t get that language from us, ha! More recently, it has been really fun hearing of how Ed and Raff have had to convince their kinder teacher and friends that their Mum and Dad are making toys all day for everyone to play with! He makes it sound like we’ve been Santa’s helpers!
What are your favourite go-to’s in Geelong with the kids? Geelong is so blessed with outdoor spaces – you can’t go past fish and chips on the beach!
And when you’re in Melbourne, what’s your favourite place to visit? The boys love their animals, and so we’d have to say that visiting Melbourne and Werribee Zoo or Healesville are our favourite Melbourne outings. We’ve long been members, and they do such amazing work at Zoo’s Vic – we’re massive fans. You can find MoPA at 51 McKillop Street, Geelong, open Tues - Sun, 9.30am -4.30pm. To ensure everyone’s experience is comfortable and calm, there is a capacity limit on entries. They’re currently booking out around 2 weeks in advance, so be sure to reserve your tickets early at www.museumofplayandart.com.au.
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SAVVY SAVING IN THE Ever since having children I’ve really learnt the benefits to dedicating some time each week to planning healthy family meals for the week ahead. Have you ever found yourself feeling so stressed each afternoon, thinking ‘what are we having for dinner?’. I sure have, and found myself reaching for quick and easy options, including lots of packaged and pre-prepared foods. This was not only expensive, but full of additives that I didn’t feel comfortable my kids having so often. If you are all too familiar with this stress, I hope that my meal planning tips and tricks not only save you money at the checkout, but inspire you to think about how you can make healthier choices for your family (without forfeiting the flavour!). Here are my top tips to planning healthy, fresh meals for your family on a savvy mum’s budget.
Carve out the time The first and most important step is to work out when the best time to do this is. For me, I do it on Mondays at lunchtime whilst my boys are having their quiet time, so I can meal plan in peace!
Inventory check Do an inventory check of your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Look at what you can put together for a dish. For example if you have a tin of kidney beans in the pantry, mince in the freezer, avocado in the fridge, you may just need some sour cream and onion and you are on your way to a nice Mexican dinner!
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Bake instead of buy Think about what you can bake instead of buying. Packaged snacks are generally full of sugar and preservatives, and really make the grocery bill add up. The added benefit of this is getting the kids involved in the baking process, which all kids seem to love, and encouraging them to eat their freshly made goodies!
Get to know your food labels Try to avoid buying packaged pre-prepared meals. As with the packaged snacks, they are expensive and full of preservatives. There are a few exceptions to the rule, so check the ingredient list (and not just the claims on the front of the packet) for products that contain no artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. A good reason to get to know your food labels.
Meat free meals Have at least one meatless night. Meat is generally expensive so by not including it on your meal plan a night or two a week you can save yourself some money. A fun meat free idea your kids will just love helping you make is homemade pizzas (obviously omit the meat!)
Check your diary Look at your week ahead and plan meals accordingly. You might need to plan a quick and easy meal for evenings that you have sports with the kids, or you may like to put more time into meals on a Sunday when there isn’t the rush.
Double up Think about doubling certain ingredients so you can make double batches and freeze half. My favourite recipe for this is our Quinoa Con Carne, as once you have your base you can make it into so many things. Think nachos, tacos, tortillas, puff pastry, jacket potatoes.!
KITCHEN
Slow cookers are your friend Save money by cooking dishes that work well with cheaper cuts of meat. Chuck steak works perfectly in slow cooked dishes.
Check for specials Jump online (or your catalogues) and check the specials. If meatballs are on the meal plan you may choose to do chicken rather than beef meatballs if you see a good special on chicken mince. Note down any specials for pantry staples you may wish to stock up on. Dishwasher tablets tend to be expensive so last time they were half price I bought five packets and saved $50.
How to avoid impulse purchases My most important tip – never, I repeat never, shop on an empty stomach! It can lead to not so healthy impulse purchases.
Give yourself a break Cut yourself some slack. On Friday evenings after hubby and I have both rushed home from work, the last thing we felt like doing was
spending much time in the kitchen. One of the best decisions we made was to make Friday night ‘toastie’ night. The boys get veges given to them as part of their lunch at daycare/school so I have no guilt about not including them at dinner on Friday nights. They just love toasties so it’s another win/win for us, as they get to eat something they love and we get more time to hang out with them and relax. For more meal planning tips and inspiration, come and join our Meal Planning Essential Guide - it’s jam-packed with information from experts, and will seriously save your sanity at mealtimes! Head to our website www.littlepeepseats.com for details and kid approved recipes, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Little Peeps Eats is run by two Melbourne mums, Rach and Kara (who is also MamaMag’s Northside editor), who are both passionate about making mealtimes that little bit easier for families.
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lunch-list The start of the school year heralds the start of making the school lunch boxes. Kids need lots of different nutrients to make sure they are getting the most out of their school day and whether it’s your first year or your last year, making sure they have a selection of foods that cover these bases can be a challenge. A well balanced lunch box should include:
Carbohydrates: Utilised by the body to provide energy for body and mind these are found in a number of food sources. Not all carbs are created equal and while sugary items are often the most popular for little ones, complex carbohydrates are best for sustaining them through out the day. Sources of carbohydrates are (opt for brown or multigrain) foods like bread, pasta, rice, crispbreads, crackers and wraps or vegetables. Protein: Protein is another one of those
important nutrients for kid’s lunch boxes; it is required for growth, learning and many metabolic processes. Protein can help little tummies feel fuller for longer and can work as a filling for sandwiches or prepared into a salad. Meats like beef, lamb, chicken. Eggs, fish (like tuna) and cheese are other examples. If you prefer a non animal based protein, then beans, lentils, tofu and tempeh are great options.
By Bec Talia, Melbourne mum and owner of Bec The Naturopath. www.becthenaturopath.com
Healthy Fats: Healthy fats are involved
in brain development and growth and are essential component of our kid’s diets. They also have a role in sustaining energy levels and helping your child feel fuller for longer. Foods such as avocado, oily fish like tuna or salmon, eggs, seeds and dairy can be incorporated into a salad or sandwich or on their own for those who like to graze.
Fibre: Fibre helps keep kid’s bowel motions regular and can take a while to digest helping our kids feel fuller for longer. It may also assist in maintaining energy levels by balancing blood sugar - this will aid in concentration and focus. Fibre is also beneficial for our microbiome which is the good bacteria found in our gut. Fruits and vegetables are a great source - they also contain a range of vitamins and minerals. These are perfect foods to give for snacks or “brain food” times. Other good sources are wholegrains, beans and lentils.
Drinks: Learning is thirsty work and making sure a child is well hydrated enhances their ability to concentrate and learn. Water is the best drink to offer - it is essential for life and keeps kids hydrated. It has the added bonus of acting as an ice block to keep food cool if you freeze it overnight and add it to the lunch box.
Remember, it can be easy to get discouraged when food comes back in the lunch box or your child will only eat a vegemite sandwich (been there!). Don’t worry too much – sometimes children are too busy they can forget to eat or they like to take their time over their meals. It is just one meal and we can make sure the other meals in a day are balanced. Happy New School Year!
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return to work Preparing your return to work for you and your baby Returning to work after having a baby can be a daunting time and feel like an emotional rollercoaster. You may experience emotions you never imagined as both you and your child undergo new daily routines and experiences. Having the right support, networks and resources will facilitate a smooth and seamless as possible transition. To support you on your way we have provided tips that will allow you to understand how your little one is feeling when beginning a transition into an early year’s education setting and to manage your own emotional wellbeing throughout this journey.
Recognising infant cues Infant cues are the key to communicating with your child. Being able to recognise your babies’ cues will assist you with their needs throughout their daily routine. Babies will display both engaging and disengaging cues, and all individual infants will have different cues for different things; the key is getting to know your baby. Understanding and responding to their cues will nurture the attachment and accommodate the infant’s social-emotional development. In the early months of life most of your infant’s cues will be non-verbal. When infants want to engage, they will turn to your voice or make eye contact. These are engaging cues and their way of notifying that they would like to interact and connect with you. When infants need a change or break from something, they will display disengaging cues, such as turning their head away, crying and fussing, pulling away from you and back arching. Infants have the capacity to absorb finite stimulation before they require a break from interaction. As parents, it is important to allow infants to disconnect and wait for them to re-engage with you.
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The power of attachment John Bowlby, the founder of attachment theoryi, believed that early childhood attachment plays a critical role in later development and mental functioning. The experiences a baby sees and feels is influential to the development of their emotional capacity as this develops positive connections, forming trust and building positive relationships. Attachment plays a significant part in our lives. Infants gain responses from us as they grow, such as smiling at their parent, gazing eyes fixed on your eyes, and turning their head in your direction when they hear your voice. Secure attachment is also evident when our infant is separated from us and is in distress, but then we see the joy on their face when we return. Reassurance supports the identification for your baby to understand what it is to feel a sense of attachment. When the adult leaves, the child may be upset but feels assured that the parent or caregiver will return. This exhibits a sense of security for the child who can depend on their parent or carer to provide comfort and reassurance, seeking them out in times of need. As a parent returning to work, you will also feel these emotions of attachment. You may begin to experience emotions of difficulty as you begin searching your options in having your baby cared for by family/friends or an early year’s education setting. Taking the time for both you and your baby to form a trusting relationship with others plays a significant part in attachment. This may be as simple as others holding your child and being able to move away for short times throughout their early years. Throughout our lives building trust takes times. It is a steady growth and, by understanding and reading your child’s cues and informing others, a smoother transition will continue to be supported when you are away from your child during their lifetime.
Securely attached infants enjoy more happiness as children. They can turn to their parents when in need and build on respectful and meaningful strong relationships with family, friends and others. Trust forms when the people around you display love and affection. Securely attached infants and children relate positively to others; they will display resilience, engage in play and be more successful in interacting with other children in their future years. In the Niño Early Learning Adventures Infant Specialist Training and Curriculum, a standalone program in the Early Childhood services sector, educators and families learn the skills required to enhance the sleep and the settling of children. They prioritise intensive training to all educators, focusing on baby cues, infant development, sleep and settling, the circle of security, primary caregiving and the health and wellbeing of all infants, together with supporting families and their transition into and throughout their child’s early years journey. A response-based gentle approach to settling children into an early learning environment, comforting each baby through a change process helps the child to undergo positive emotional development.
Understanding your infant’s emotional wellbeing and effecting self-care empowers parents to support positive outcomes for children and themselves alike. With many options for support available, it is comforting to know that your return to work and your child’s care and wellbeing are on the pathway to a positive future. By Melinda Ackerman and Nicole Atcheson. Melinda has more than 25 years in the early learning industry and is Company Manager at Niño Early Learning Adventures (Niño ELA). With over 22 years’ experience in the early learning sector, Nicole is a Mentor & Leadership Manager at Niño ELA and developed Niño ELA’s Infant Specialist Training and Curriculum program. To learn more, visit ninoela.com.au i https://www.simplypsychology.org/attachment.html
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prep’ing for the str Kids starting prep this year? Here’s how to survive the stress. Do you know that fleeting moment of ‘feeling on top of your routine when it comes to childcare? As working mum for a very short moment, I felt like I had it all figured around the third term of Kinder – that is until we attended the first information session for prep late last year. Suddenly there is a morning drop off at a time when you are supposed to be in the office already. Now there is a 3 pm pick up, every day – you know that parallel universe that exists that you miss out on? Yes, that’s the one.
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The most significant pain point for working mamas is the juggle of both work, school dropoffs and pickups. Below are some practical tips for working mamas (and dads) with prep kids to help ease the stress of juggling work and your child’s first weeks and months at school.
1. Ask for a flexible work arrangement If your employer is okay with you having to work shorter hours on some days so you can drop off and pick up your child, then that would be a perfect way to manage your time. Or work from home so you save the travel time to work and can handle the pick-up hours that way. Your partner should try to do the same – if possible.
ress 2. Make friends with fellow mamas at school If you can wing it; you may want to take a few days off/ or hours each day from work so you can take your time getting to know fellow working mamas and make real connections. Trust me; it will be worth it if you still have no networks among other parents. You will usually find a fellow mama who either lives right across the street from your house or around the block. Try and create a win-win scenario – and negotiate a pickup and drop off schedule. By now you will know which of your child’s friends from childcare and kinder friends are joining the same prep class or at least school.
3. Connect via social media You will naturally gravitate to each other once prep starts, so find a group of mamas online who can relate to what you’re going through and can give tips on how to make it work. Making friends with the mamas in your child’s class will also help you get included in an exclusive group chat for working mamas – if you can’t find one, create one yourself. As mentioned earlier, you can share pick-ups or drop-offs once you can make friends with parents at the class. If you can find a holiday program in your area, you can also send your child with a friend on days that you won’t be able to pick him or her early.
4. Get support If you are not lucky enough to have relatives helping you out, hosting an Au Pair might be a great alternative. What is an Au Pair? Au Pairs are young people, who come to Australia to experience the Aussie culture and improve their language skills while living with a family as a family member in exchange for free board and food plus some pocket money.
Au Pairs can help you with all things childcare for 20-35 hours per week. That’s your school drop off and pick up sorted! All you need is a spare furnished bedroom and the willingness to share your home with a ‘new family member’ and genuinely include them in your family as you would let’s say your husband’s niece. The little things they do to help a working mama like you are a huge time saver, potentially money saver and your mental load can go down tremendously. They can help you with packing lunches, drop-offs and pickups from school/childcare, prepare snacks for kids after school, help with homework, cook simple dinners, get the kids to bed, and even help with child-related housework (i.e. kids laundry). On top of that, you’ll feel much better when you know you have another adult in the house helping to look after your little ones. And if you have a toddler at home as well – an Au Pair is even better as you could save a few days on the ever-increasing childcare costs. These tips might seem a bit tricky, but, once you establish a routine, it gets easier. Find what works for you and your family so you can finally focus on the very first milestones your precious little one is about to take. Being a first-time preppy mama myself, I would love to hear from you and your tips as well! By Irene Becker, mama of two and founder of 99aupairs.com®. www.99aupairs.com
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One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist... does he? The team behind The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and The 13-, 26-, 52-, 78- and 91-Storey Treehouses return with The Gruffalo’s Child, bringing together physical theatre, music and puppetry to deliver songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up, and their adults… Simply colour to win!
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MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION WITH CHILDREN As parents and carers we have so much vying for our attention. That coupled with the very real and present danger of the looming climate crisis you may be feeling overwhelmed, powerless or scared. The views expressed in this article have served my family, my students and I well but they should not be used as a replacement for the specialised support needed in times of trauma. If you or your family have been directly affected by the bush fire crisis, please reach out to the appropriate professionals. Mindfulness and meditation have been scientifically proven to enhance wellbeing, feelings of optimism and decrease stress levels. Your ability to monitor and process stress has never been more important. We need our wellbeing to be a priority so we can support our families and community members who may be suffering. For those who think they don’t have enough time to be mindful, let’s make it easy. Here are five simple activities you can share with children, to bring you back into the present, observing your thoughts with curiosity and kindness.
Simple Definition Mindfulness is bringing your attention to your body, breathe, thoughts and actions, now, in this moment, while embracing an attitude non- judgement and curiosity. 46
Practise First I encourage you to do the work first. Which means you should try all these activities a couple of times before you share them with young people. All invitations are just that an invite. It doesn’t mean they will want to join in at first. However, over time they may feel more comfortable with the idea of joining in.
1. Anchor to the present Focus on your feet. Invite the children to join in by using the following prompts. Have you said hello to your feet today? Have you thanked them for their service in taking you here there and everywhere? Now, focus on the sensation of your feet on the floor. Roll back on your heels then slowly roll to your toes, side to side. Paying attention to how it feels on different points of contact. Mamas, if your thoughts wander, embrace an attitude of non-judgement and bring your attention and awareness back to your feet.
2. Breath breaks Deep, full, mindful breathing is one of the most powerful tools that you can use to calm the stress responses in your brain and body. But it takes practice. Like anything it is best to practice when you are calm so in moments of overwhelm or big emotions you can more easily access this skill. Set a reminder in your phone to go off three times a day. When it does, say to your child “It’s
time for a Breath Break. Want to join me?” Take 5 deep mindful breaths. Inhale slowly though your nose while the oxygen fills up your belly like a balloon. Then exhale slowly out of your mouth. Repeat.
attention to our breath or simply tell them to sit in a quiet and comfortable position and listen to the music.
3. Think aloud
When I say schedule, I don’t mean add it to your list. I mean choose an action and commit to being totally present for 15 minutes. If you are doing the dishes you are focusing on each movement. The cloth touching the plates, the water on your hands, the motions from the water to the dry plate. Your practice could be playing with your children. In both instances when ever your mind wanders label it ‘thinking’ and go back to the task or moment.
When you are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. STOP DROP and BREATHE. Explain to the child or children in your care, “I am feeling frustrated. For me to make good choices I need to take a Breath Break because it helps me to calm down and then think clearly. You are welcome to join me.” When you choose calm over chaos everyone wins.
4. Meditation for more than YOU You can invite your child to join you in a simple meditation. Set up cushions alongside of you. Let your children know ahead of time that you are going to meditate, this is quiet time, you will be meditating for 10 minutes, and they are welcome to join in or not. Put on soothing music and focus on your breath…as it comes in and out of your nostrils. If your thoughts wander label them as ‘thinking’ then return your attention to the breath as it leaves and enters your nostrils. If your children/child has decided to join, you can say we are paying
5. Schedule mindful moments
Like all things in life, take the activities that resonate with you and leave the rest. If you are interested in cultivating your own practice join us for Mindful March, a month-long program where community members are invited to experience a variety of classes from over 20 different businesses for FREE! By Cathy Koman from Mindful Storytelling. Westside mum Cathy delivers workshops and training at schools, early learning centres and in the community. Check out mindfulmarch.org.au for a month long community celebration supporting participants to be more mindful. mindfulstoytelling.com.au 47
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