My Child Magazine December 2019 Issue 99

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

ISSUE 99 - DECEMBER 2019

christmas issue

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Bianca Medina ART DIRECTOR

Bianca Medina DEPUTY EDITOR

Caroline Meyer CONTRIBUTORS

Sheree Hoddinett Amy Adeney Lance Green Ylanite Koppens J Carter Jonathan Borba Roberto Nickson Craig Adderley Brandless Christian Bowen Minnie Zhou Alvaro Reyes Freepik CONTACT

My Child Magazine North Parramatta NSW Sydney Australia +614 11 572 877 editorial@mychildmagazine.com.au

Contents 6

42

100

Ideas For New Family Christmas

What Is An Apgar Score?

Dad Read - Controlling Your

46

Emotions When Kids Make You Mad

Traditions

10

Christmas Gift Guide

Co-Parenting Christmas Do’s &

64

Don’ts

16

Get The Look Interiors

74

Less Gifts, More Time!

20

5 Things You Can Expect If Your

110 Blogger - Which Way Is Up??

116 Birdie

80

122

How To Tell If Your Infant Is Sick

Fashion

86

132

Dental Care For Toddlers

Fashion Feature: Stardust & Magic

90

146

Toy Reviews

Recipes

Other Religion)

Cooking With The Kids

32

Alcoholism And Other Addictions

Baby Goes To NICU!

We Don’t Do Christmas (Jewish Or

26

106

Book Reviews

36 What Is Hyperemesis?

96 The Santa Anomaly

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MY CHILD DIRECTORY

DISCLAIMER: It My Child Magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by My Child Magazine (ABN 79 167 787 662). No other parties or individuals have any financial interest in the company or in My Child or mychildmagazine.com.au. My Child contains general information only and does not purport to be a substitute for health and parenting advice. Readers are advised to seek a doctor for all medical and health matters. The publisher and authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. Reproduction of any material without written permission by the publisher is strictly forbidden. We cannot accept responsibility for material lost or damaged in the post or for any unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.

Bianca Medina editor-in-chief Editor’s Letter Hi Peeps OMG it is officially the silly season!!! Hooray Hooray Hooray!!!

I absolutely love this time of year, even more now than ever before, and it’s all to do with having a preschooler!

Every holiday season has been special since Max arrived, but this year she has told us what she wants from Santa and it honestly warms my heart to the point of exploding listening to the wish list that she has curated in that little mind of hers. We’ve already put our tree up, nice and early and I mean the beginning of November early. It was Max idea and she was so excited when we agreed. We have been listing to Christmas Carols all month and I’m happy to report that she kind of has Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer down pat.

I‘ll never get over how quickly the year’s go by once you have a child and as we approach the transition from daycare to school next year I’m expecting to go by even faster if that is humanly possible. Oh well time will tell and it will be telling me in around 8 weeks .

On a serious note, as 2019 comes to an end, we the team at My Child Magazine would love to thank you all for your support throughout this year. This last issue of 2019 is our 99th Issue and to kick off the new year we will be celebrating our 100th issue and look forward to presenting you with even more great content throughout 2020.

We hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday season and enjoy your time with family and loved ones and make sure your have a wonderful New Year too.

Until Next Year !

Bianca oxo

editor’s picks

Swarovski Symbolic Stud Pierced Earrings, Blue, Rose-Gold Tone Plated From $69 swarovski.com

Messer Straw Fedora Tan $69.95 brixton.com/au

Nura Reef Stacking Ring $150.00 monicavinader.com/au

Heritage Peace on Earth Christmas Candle $24.95 myer.com.au

Helena $145.00 baileynelson.com.au

Quench Lip Rescue $28.00 tartecosmetics.com/en_AU

Barbie Dreamhouse $189.00 kmart.com.au

Wooderful Life Baby Stork Delivery Music Box $119.95 hipkids.com.au

Loop Fork and Spoon Baby Set $570 tiffany.com.au

ideas for new family Christmas traditions written by: caroline meyer

Christmas is a time for family and making memories that will last a lifetime. We may have some traditions that have been carried over from parents and grandparents that we still practise today as part of our celebrations. It is nice to start some new traditions with your family as well that they can carry forward to the next generation.

As kids get older, they may forget the gifts they received and even the day to day living, but the occasions that are made special tend to leave a lasting impression. You can add any traditions that suit your family and you believe will make the holiday season just that little more special. Here are a few ideas to give you some inspiration.

START DECORATING EARLY Traditionally decorations go up on the 10th of December and come down again 10th of January, making for a full month of cheery colour and fun. Why not start your decorating early. You can even do it over a few days and spend the time to make the decorations really stand out. Encourage the festive cheer by playing carols and spending time together as you put up the tree.

GET THE KIDS INVOLVED Get the kids to help make homemade Christmas Cards to send out to the family. Get them to help you bake sweet treats that you can share with other family members or even the less fortunate. Let them help you put together a playlist of favourite Christmas songs to play every year. You can even get the whole family involved in some community work to add extra joy to the occasion.

GO ON HOLIDAY Agree on small gifts or skip the gifts all together and go on a family vacation together.

This time of year usually means time of work for most people. Use the time to bond closer as a family while exploring somewhere outside of your home. If money is a bit tight, look for fun things to do in your own area or nearby cities and towns that can be done on a budget. Go camping or on road trips. The main thing is spending time together as a family and having some fun. You can get the kids involved by making a list of activities and allowing them to choose what they would like to do.

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HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT You can put out sleeping bags or cushions in the lounge or a bedroom. Play some fun Christmas movies, eat some popcorn together and have a slumber party. Drink hot chocolate and other festive drinks while enjoying time together as a family. You can eat Christmas treats such as gingerbread and mince pies and enjoy some mulled wine or egg nog for the adult family members. You don’t have to restrict this to only one night; you can have a few movie nights over the holidays if it goes well. You could also do crafts together or play games such as Pictionary, Uno, Monopoly or simple Snakes and Ladders and Ludo with the little ones.

SNACK NIGHT Have a snack night where you can put out finger foods for everyone to enjoy. This is a great time to experiment with different flavours and ideas. We do samosas, pigs in a blanket, cherry bacon pops, peanuts, chips and dips, mini hotdogs, cheese puffs, spring rolls and more. This gives us a range of different tastes and flavours and there is something for everyone to enjoy. We usually do this on Christmas Eve and allow the kids to open 1 gift before bedtime. It helps calm down the night before Christmas vibes so they can get some sleep as well.

CHRISTMAS MORNING PYJAMAS AND HOT CHOCOLATE We had a rule in our home growing up that no gifts could be opened until everyone was out of bed. This did make for some early mornings but everyone got to enjoy watching the excitement of gifts being distributed and opened. Put on the kettle, make some hot chocolate and everyone can sit around in their pyjamas as the gifts are opened. This is a simple, yet fun tradition that can bring a family closer together.

MAKE SPECIAL ORNAMENTS EVERY YEAR Allow the kids to make or decorate one special ornament every year. They can add their names and the year to the ornaments. This allows your ornament collection to grow every year and adds a special memento that you can eventually pass on to your kids and grandkids.

These are just a few of the many, many possible traditions you can start with your family. As long as it is fun and brings the family closer together, any festive tradition may good to introduce this year. If it doesn’t work out that great, you can try something different next year. That’s how traditions are created after all. Make those memories and enjoy spending tome together as a family!

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CO-PARENTING CHRISTMAS DO’S AND DON’TS Written By: Caroline Meyer

Christmas can be an especially difficult time for separated families.

Many divorced parents have problems devising a schedule that works for both sets of parents.

This is especially true where there is animosity between the ex-partners.

This is also a big issue when one or both parents are not reliable when it comes to sticking to arrangements. Some may also feel that the child will be let down if they are not with them on Christmas day. This is quite often the case in families that are newly divorced or separated.

CONCERNS THAT THE OTHER PARENT WILL LET YOU DOWN This happens quite often where the parents have agreed on a schedule to share time with the children over Christmas and then one parent changes their mind at the last minute. This may be unintentional or completely intentional, but at the end of the day, the other parent is left to scramble and still try and have a great festive season with the children. Communication is key. Unless there is a dire emergency, plans should be made ahead of time and parents should be responsible enough to stick to the arrangements that are made. Don’t leave things to the last minute. Even if there is animosity between the parents, the children should not be made to suffer for this.

Creating an expectation and then letting the child down can be very distressing for your child. Being vindictive towards an ex should not form part of your thoughts when arranging to spend time with your child over Christmas. Make sure that you have plans in place in the event of an emergency and discuss this with your ex-partner as well. If you feel you may not be able to meet your commitment, let the other party know as far ahead of time as possible to prevent distressing the child.

ARGUING OVER THE SCHEDULE One of the best solutions is to split the holidays and alternate on a yearly basis. Have one parent celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the child and the other gets the day after Christmas and New Year. The next year it will be the other parents turn for Christmas Day. This is a fair and equitable way to ensure that both parents get to spend some time with the kids over the holidays and the expectation for the following year is set in place a year in advance. Long term planning can be laid out in writing so each parent is aware of their responsibilities and commitments when it comes to spending time with the children. This can actually be done for 12

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“Besides co-ordinating the schedule, you may also want to co-ordinate the gift giving.”

the entire year if preferred, so each parent always knows when they will have the child with them. Arguing about it will generally just create more animosity and no resolution will be found. Agreeing to a written schedule is a good way to ensure no one can say “I forgot” and it is laid out in black and white as opposed to being a verbal agreement.

COMPETING WITH THE EX There is no such thing as a perfect Christmas and trying to compete with an ex over the “best” Christmas will only lead to heartache for the child. Have your own traditions and give your child attention, this is the best way to ensure a great Christmas without negativity or self-doubt about how “good” your Christmas celebrations are in comparison to your ex-partner. For many parents there may be financial constraints as well, so trying to compete may just make the holiday unpleasant and disheartening. For most kids, as long as Santa knows where to drop off their presents and they get to spend quality time with family, they tend to be quite happy.

Especially for younger children, it is not about elaborate decorations or overflowing tables, it is about DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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having fun and being loved. Take the pressure off yourself by doing the best you can without competing with anyone else.

For the days when your children are not with you over the festive season, make plans to pamper yourself, spend time with friends and family and not allow yourself to get down or depressed.

REMEMBER THE CHILDREN When your children are old enough to understand the question, ask them where they want to spend Christmas. Make sure this is not done in a judgemental way and that the child does not feel pressured to choose between their parents. Let them speak freely and openly and be prepared to accept that they may prefer to spend the day with the other parent. The children need to know that they are loved by both parents regardless and that they are free to love both parents equally even if the parents no longer love each other. The child should never feel like they are in a tug-of-war between the parents.

COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER Besides co-ordinating the schedule, you may also want to coordinate the gift giving. Discuss which parent will be giving which gift to avoid duplication or one parent giving all the gifts the child wants and the other one being left to buy socks and soap for Christmas. It is important to maintain the usual rules and regulations as far as possible while in both homes to keep discipline unambiguous. Discuss issues such as bedtimes, pocket money and any specific issues such as allergy control and so forth. Remember that this is about your child and any animosity to feel towards your partner should be put aside so that your child can enjoy a pleasant and happy Christmas.

Do send along a gift for your partner (from your child) so that they have something to give on the day as well.

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LESS GIFTS, MORE TIME! written by: CAROLINE MEYER

Christmas is a time of giving, but it should be about more than the gifts. This is when you should be giving your family the gift of time spent together.

Even if you have a tight budget and cannot afford expensive presents, Christmas can still be a wonderful time spent together full of love and laughter.

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People sometimes ask how much should be budgeted for gifts. The truth is, this is a question only the parent can really answer. This is based around your family and your means. Some things that can be pointed out though, is that little ones may not appreciate expensive gifts and can become overwhelmed by big piles of presents to open. Most little ones will get most of their enjoyment playing with the wrapping.

For little ones under 2 years old, keep it simple and limit the expenditure on toys. Rather give them 2 or 3 small gifts and put the balance you would’ve spent in to a savings account for them to have when they are older. Choose gifts that they can enjoy and perhaps learn from. Don’t overwhelm them with toys that are too advanced as this may become frustrating or boring quite quickly for little children.

You don’t need to compare your family with others.

You know your budget, your lifestyle and what your children need. Base your gifts around this and don’t go in to debt trying to get your children all the latest and greatest gadgets that will probably be cast aside in a couple of weeks. Encourage your children to give instead of receive so they can experience the joy it brings. Let your older kids help shop for a gift to be donated to the underprivileged.

Get gifts for the family. Family gifts can include craft equipment, Lego sets, books, movies, games or activities that can be done together as a family. The gift of your time is one of the most precious you can give your children. Each Christmas will be different as your kids grow and mature. Change up the family 18

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activities as the years change. Maybe even volunteer at a shelter or donate to a charity instead of giving many gifts that are unwanted and unneeded. As your finances change, you can also adjust accordingly but remember that your time is far more valuable than any gift you can give your child.

Try getting 1 list off the “want” list that you child would really like for Christmas and 1 gift off the “need” list which could be clothing, stationery, shoes or something similar that the child needs. You can then look at 1 or 2 small, fun gifts per child. Set a budget at the start and try and stay within the budget per child. Don’t be tempted to buy a pile of extra items just because they are on sale. Stick to your budget and avoid going in to debt to present a pile of gifts on Christmas day.

Being more frugal with gifts may also allow you to save up some spending money that can be used for family outings instead. If you have money left in the budget after Christmas shopping, you can use this to take the kids to movies or a play. Go on a road trip or camping, even if it is just overnight. For older kids you can look at experiences which include some learning such as cooking classes or scuba lessons.

If there isn’t a lot left, you could look at something smaller scale such as treating them to their favourite dessert at a nice restaurant or going on a picnic to a park. Spending time with your children will build a better relationship and long term memories of a great Christmas, long after the clothes have been outgrown and the toys have been discarded.

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we don’t do

WRITTEN BY: C

o christmas

CAROLINE MEYER

In many parts of the world, Christmas in inescapable. All the shops are decorated with Christmas decorations and there are giant trees everywhere. Christmas carols are playing wherever you go. The radio and televisions spew out Christmas specials, Christmas songs and Christmas stories. There are Mall Santas everywhere you go and for 2 months of the year Christmas is literally everywhere!

In many parts of the world, while the population may be predominantly Christian, there is still a large portion (10 to 20%) of people that practise other faiths or are of no faith. Many of these religions may have adopted a go with the flow attitude, while others have created their own traditions to blend in with the festive season. While some may try to ignore it all together, it may be tough for people of different faiths when they are being blasted with Yuletide cheer on a continual basis over this period.

People of different faiths generally choose from 3 paths when it comes to Christmas. Some may just reject the entire fanfare including all the rituals and symbols, which may make it especially difficult this time of year for them.

Some choose to get involved in the festivities and while they may not embrace the religion, they still participate in family feasts and get-togethers and even gift giving.

Others may choose to blend their religions to fit in with the festivities such as celebrating Hanukkah during the Christmas period which allows the Jews to embrace the holiday period while remaining faithful to their own religious practises.

Much of the spirit of Christmas can be brought in to Jewish holidays such as Hanukkah and many of the decorations such as wreaths, garlands and evergreens are included in the Hanukkah traditions. Hanukkah also allows for the gift giving and Jewish children are showered with gifts over this time period. This also allows for inclusion with their peers over this period each year. Mitzvah is a Jewish practise of doing charitable deeds which is often done over the festive season which blends well with the 22

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spirit of giving and doing charity work that permeates Christmas time. This can include volunteering, giving out toys and food to the less fortunate or hosting charity events to raise funds for good causes.

While Muslims do believe in Jesus, they do not believe he was the son of God and believe that he was born in March or September. In general Muslims that are staunch in their faith do not celebrate any aspect of Christmas. Less orthodox Muslims may be involved in charitable deeds and spending time with their family over the festive season. Many Hindus participate in gift giving and parties with family and friends over the festive season. They may also incorporate Pancha Ganapati into this time period as this is a 5 day holiday which starts on the 21st of December to celebrate Ganesha, the god of culture and new beginnings. This can include decorating homes with pine boughs, ornaments and lights, picnics and feasts as well as gift giving.

Buddhists often incorporate the spirit of Christmas in to their religion and this can include sending heartfelt cards to family and friends, decorating their temples and homes, having late night vigils and even listening to Christmas songs. This is a time of peace and goodwill for all and this also meshes well with the Buddhist culture.

There are many religions and people should be mindful in the workplace and with other people that not everyone participates in the Christian beliefs over November and December each year. Not everyone will choose to participate in the spirit of the season and it is their right not to do so.

Peace and goodwill to all mankind should remain the mantra over Christmas and acceptance of each and every person’s beliefs and choices to their level of participation in the festive season. May this time of year be a time to relax and spend time with family and enjoy the spirit of the season.

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COOKING WITH THE KIDS WRITTEN BY: CAROLINE MEYER

Christmas is a time for family and of course wonderful food to eat. Why not combine the two and spend time with the kids in the kitchen? This doesn’t need to be stressful. If you prepare well ahead of time, this can be a fun time and may even become part of your family traditions.

As the kids become older, it can become even easier and eventually take some of the burden off you.

CHOOSE CHILD FRIENDLY RECIPES When deciding what to cook, you need to think about what your child is able to do. Look at simple no-cook recipes that that just need all the ingredients thrown in together or biscuits that they can decorate themselves.

Put together a few ideas that you think your child will be capable of doing and then ask them which ones they would like to make. This will also get them interested in cooking with you, although when they are younger, most kids will love joining in and spending time with you in the kitchen.

PREPARE WELL Once you know what recipes your little ones are going to be making, make sure you get everything ready that you will need. Stock up on the fun decorating items 28

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such as chocolate chips and sprinkles. If you are making biscuits, get a few different cookie cutters so they can make and decorate a few different shapes. For most kids, the decorating is the fun part of cooking. For younger kids, pre-measure out everything in to bowls.

Prepare all the equipment needed ahead of time. For older kids, you can allow them to do some measuring too. This will also alleviate some of the mess.

MAKE SURE YOU ALLOW ENOUGH TIME Cooking with kids will generally take a bit more time than it would take you to do it alone and there may also be some spills and mistakes. Allow enough time so that you don’t become stressed worrying that you are running out of time to get it all done. Make it a relaxed time. Put on some soft music, chat and have fun with your kids.

HYGIENE AND SAFETY This is a great time to teach children about hygiene while cooking. Help them keep hair out of the way and not to pick noses or touch anything else while they are cooking. Show them how to keep the counters clean as they work as well. Hands need to be washed before, during and after the cooking process. Ensure that the child can either work on a lower surface or if they have to stand on a chair, that is does not move and can’t tip very easily. Explain about avoiding hot surfaces such as the stove and oven as well as the steam when the kettle has been boiled. Do not allow them to use sharp knives and explain while these are for adults only.

Having a mug full of teaspoons on the counter so that they can taste the food they make in a hygienic way.

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COOK STEP BY STEP AND ALLOW FOR MISTAKES You can go through the whole procedure at first and assign them things to do step by step. There may be mistakes, but that’s fine. Let them try again when they make an error instead of taking over. This allows for life lessons such as trying again until you succeed. If the kids are old enough to read, allow them to read the instructions themselves. Those that can’t, you can give instructions, one at a time and allow them to finish the first before moving on to the next. You can also take this opportunity to tell your children about where the ingredients come from and what they are made from. Little ones can do chicken sounds for eggs and cow noises for milk etc. This is a great way to combine learning into the cooking experience. You can arrange aprons for the kids and perhaps put some newspaper on the floor to catch the worst of the messes. Or otherwise let them put on old clothes or an old adult T-shirt to prevent stains on good clothes. This will also take the focus off staying clean as opposed to having fun.

ENJOY THE TIME TOGETHER! Use this time as a positive bonding experience while creating treats the kids can be proud to share out.

Praise them when they get it right and don’t be afraid to hand them out as gifts to family and let them know the kids made them. This enhances the message of sharing while making the kids proud of their accomplishments.

This will also make them more likely to want to cook with you next year! Make sure there is enough left over for your own Christmas table and so the children can also enjoy the fruits of their labour.

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BOOK e

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i

e

w

s

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by: Amy Adeney from Busy Bookworms

r

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TAKE HEART, TAKE ACTION

BY BECI ORPIN

Renowned Australian i l l ust r at or , Beci Orpin, created thi s b ook as a reminder that anyone , y oung or old, can make a positiv e i m p ac t on today’s world. From s av i ng wat e r and protecting nature t o hav i ng gratitude and riding b i k e s, t hi s book includes twenty conv e r sat i on starters to remind us t hat we hav e the power to make our Ear t h a better place.

Th is is a mea n in gf u l a n d v i s u a l l y st rikin g b ook t o sh a re with c h i l d r en o f a ll a ges, a n d is p erfec t f o r a n y o n e wh o wa n t s t o c rea t e a more o p en h ea r ted a n d su st a in a b le world .

NO P

BY CAROLINE MAGERL

No p i s a s c r u ffy kin d o f b ea r . H e sits o n a d u s t y ar m c h a ir in O d d mint’s Dum p or e u m s u r r o u n d ed b y the be a d e r s , k n it t er s , p a t c h er s and st it c h e r s w h o a r e mu c h t o o b u sy to t a lk t o h i m . So h e w at c h es t h e litter t um b l e u n ti l , a r m ed w it h a n ew bow t ie , h e h a s a n id ea t h a t w ill c h ange his l i f e f o r e v er .

Award-winning author-illus trat or C a r o l i n e M a g e rl be autifully blen d s po e ti c t e x t w ith s tunning w ate rcolou r illu s t r a t i o n s in this tale of t wo unli k e l y l o n e rs who forge a forev er f rien d s h i p . A he artw arming re ad for c h il d r e n a g e d two and up.

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T H E CR AYO NS ’ CH R IST M A S

BY DREW DAYWALT & OLIVER JEFFERS

A brand- new Crayons b ook f r om the best- selling creato r s of T he Day the Crayons Quit and T he Day the Crayons Came Hom e . ‘ T i s t he season for all of us to wr i t e our Christmas wish lists. Bu t e v e r y one knows – even the Crayon s – t hat t he best presents are the on e s t hat y ou give. In this unique book , r e ad e r s join in as Duncan, the C r ay ons and their f amilies celebrate t he f e st i v e season.

Th is h ila riou s in t era c ti v e book c on t a in s let t ers, ga mes, or n a men ts , a p ost er a n d ev en a p op -up C h r i s tma s t ree - t h e p erf ec t gif t f o r c h i l d r en a ged t h ree a n d u p .

KIKI & JAX: THE LIFECHANGING MAGIC OF FRIENDSHIP

BY MARIE KONDO & SALINA YOON

Kik i a n d J a x a r e b es t fr ien d s – Jax e nj oy s s or t in g b u t K iki enjoys co l l e c t i n g a n d g a t h er s t o o much ‘ st u f f ’. S oo n h er h o me h as b ec ome a n ob s ta c l e c o u r s e an d it ’ s h ar d for Kik i a n d J a x t o p lay t o g et h er . But Ja x h a s a p l an – h e t ea c h es K iki how t o s or t e v e r y t h in g an d t o keep only t ho s e t h i n g s t h a t s p ar k jo y.

T id y i n g s u p e r s tar Marie Kondo brin gs he r u n i q u e magic to K ik i and Ja x, a c h a r m i n g p i cture book about h ow t idy i n g u p ca n s park joy in the liv es o f y o u n g ch i l d re n, aged three and u p .

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WHAT IS HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM? Written by: Caroline Meyer

Nausea and morning sickness is quite common during pregnancy.

In general it is quite harmless and by the time the pregnancy gets to 12 weeks, this have usually substantially decreased or gone away all together. For some women, the morning sickness can cause severe nausea and vomiting that can last all day during. This may also last a lot longer than normal morning sickness. This is known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is quite different to morning sickness. Both conditions have side effects and complications, which are not the same as the other. To treat the symptoms correctly, it is important to distinguish between the two.

Morning sickness is often only a feeling of nausea which can be brought on by smells and tastes. This can also include vomiting.

It typically starts during the first week of pregnancy but has disappeared by the 4th month. Where there is vomiting, it does not usually lead to dehydration. Women with morning sickness may also experience other symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue. They may also not feel up to accomplishing tasks they would usually carry out during the day. For some women, even brushing their teeth might bring on nausea and vomiting.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a lot more serious and the nausea usually does not subside during the day. There may be severe vomiting which can lead to dehydration that could require treatment. The constant nausea and vomiting usually prevents the expectant mother from keeping fluids or food down. HG typically presents within the first 6 weeks of pregnancy but the nausea may not go away for the entire pregnancy. The mum to be will often feel exhausted and drained and may lose their appetite all together. They may also find it very difficult to perform the usual activities that they would normally.

Hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to poor weight gain as well as 38

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dehydration. While there is no way to prevent HG or morning sickness, the symptoms can be adequately managed before it presents a major problem to the health of the mother or baby.

CAUSES OF HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM? While almost all women will experience morning sickness to varying degrees during pregnancy, much fewer develop HG. Morning sickness and HG are not confined to the morning and nausea and vomiting can present throughout the day or night.

HG and morning sickness are generally accepted as being caused by the human chorionic gonadotrophin hormone in the body.

During pregnancy, this hormone is created by the placenta. In the early stages of pregnancy, this hormone spikes and a lot is produced as the placenta is being established. The levels increase all throughout the pregnancy, but for some women, the body seems to adjust to these levels, while for others, it does not.

RISK FACTORS FOR HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM? While there are no specific factors that determine if a woman will get hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy, but there does appear to be a heightened risk for women that have a family history of HG, are overweight, are pregnancy for the first time or who are carrying multiple babies at the same time. Abnormal cell growth inside the uterus, known as Trophoblastic disease can also cause hyperemesis gravidarum.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT If you feel that your morning sickness is lasting longer or if you are experiencing dehydration, dizziness, lack of appetite, weight loss or more than mild discomfort from nausea and vomiting in the early stages of pregnancy, you should contact your health professional immediately. They will more than likely do a standard DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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physical exam, ask about your medical history as well as discuss the symptoms you are experiencing. The doctor will check for HG symptoms which can include a faster than normal pulse and low blood pressure. He may also check for dehydration by taking urine and blood samples. There may be additional tests done to ensure that the nausea and vomiting is not due to other gastrointestinal issues.

The doctor will possibly schedule an ultrasound scan to check for any internal issues and see if you may be carrying more than one baby. Depending on how severe the symptoms are, your doctor may look at simple nausea prevention through using ginger or vitamin B-6. They may also suggest that you eat bland foods, dry foods and eat small meats but a lot more frequently. Drink fluids to try and stay hydrated. In severe cases, you may be put on an IV to get fluid intravenously to rehydrate.

Where the HG becomes severe enough to actually cause a threat the health of the baby or the mother, medication may be used. This will usually be anti-nausea drugs such as meclizine or promethazine. This will be administered via a suppository or IV to ensure it gets in to the system. Mediation during pregnancy can have a negative effect on the baby, but in severe cases of HG. Dehydration is considered a far greater risk. You doctor will discuss the potential health risks should you need medication for HG. The good news is that HG will stop shortly after the hormones go back to normal after giving birth.

Postpartum recovery can take a little longer for women with HG than normal. If you have any concerns, make sure to discuss them with your doctor or medical caregiver. Let your family know as you may need extra support during your pregnancy due to the symptoms you experience with severe morning sickness or HG. 40

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WHAT IS AN APGAR SCORE? written by: CAROLINE MEYER

The Apgar score is a system that is used when babies are born after being assessed by a doctor or nurse. This is usually done at one minute and again at five minutes after birth. The system was originally created in 1952 by Dr. Virginia Apgar, for whom the scoring system is named. She used her own last name as a mnemonic for the five categories that are assessed. This scoring system is used internationally to assess infants all over the world.

WHAT DOES APGAR STAND FOR? Apgar stands for: Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration. These are the five categories that are assessed and are scored on a scale of zero to two. This means the baby can score from 0 to 10 on the Apgar scale. Appearance is based on the colour of the baby at one minute and five minutes after birth.

The pulse is the heart rate. The Grimace response refers to the baby’s reflexes.

Activity looks at muscle tone, while Respiration refers to the effort and rate of breathing. Most babies do not score a perfect 10 because their feet and hands may stay blue for a while after birth until they have warmed up.

A low Apgar score may indicate that the baby might require special attention.

The Apgar score may be announced in the labour room. This gives the medical professionals in the room a good idea of the baby’s condition immediately after birth. Babies with a low Apgar may need assistance with breathing or to be put on a heart monitor for example. A score of 7 and above usually indicates that the baby is in good health. A lower score does not automatically indicate a problem but it may mean the baby requires additional medical care straight away. This can be as simple as suctioning the airways or giving the new-born oxygen to help them breathe easier. Some babies may be perfectly healthy even after having a score of under 7 at the time of their birth.

Appearance (colour): 0 for bluish-grey, blue or very pale

1 for pink body but blue hands and feet 2 for pink all over Pulse/Heart Rate:

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0 is there is no heart rate 1 heart rate is under 100 beats a minute 2 heart rate is over 100 beats per minute

Grimace: 0 is for no response (stimulation response) 1 grimacing or other facial movement when stimulated

2 sneeze/cough/cry or pull feet away when stimulated Activity: 0 floppy or limp & Muscle Tone 1 limbs are flexed 2 displays active movement Respiration: (breathing)

0 no breathing 1 breathing is irregular / crying weakly 2 regular breathing / strong cry

Scores are often lower at one minute but increase after 5 minutes when there has been some intervention. This allows the doctors to determine if the baby has improved after initial interventions as well. Some babies are a lot more likely to have lower Apgar scores at birth. These include: babies born via Caesarean, premature babies, babies born after a complicated delivery.

WHAT IS A NORMAL APGAR SCORE? A score of 7 to 10 after five minutes is considered the general norm. A score of 4 to 6 is considered to be moderately abnormal and may need further intervention.

A score of 0 to 3 is usually indicates a need for increased intervention. This is often assistance for breathing. The baby may be transferred to an intensive care unit and will often be dried off vigorously and oxygen will be given to try and improve respiration. If the Apgar score is particularly low and there are concerns for the baby’s health, your doctor or nurse will usually explain what the issue is and the interventions that are being done to improve the situation.

The Apgar scoring system is by no means a perfect system. Many doctors will use a Combined Apgar scoring system. This will indicate the score as well as the interventions taken. A Combined Apgar will score out of 17. A score of 17 means a perfect Apgar and no interventions were taken. A score of 0 means that there was no response to any of the interventions taken.

While the Apgar is a useful measuring tool for the caregivers when baby has just been born, it does not necessarily have a long term impact on the potential health of your baby. It is also quite subjective and the scores given by 2 different people may not always be exactly the same. So even if your new-born does not score 10 out 10 at 1 minute after birth, they may still go on to be perfectly healthy, happy infants.

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last m

Christmas

minute

Gift Guide

Boon Marco Light Up Bath Toy $29.95 babykingdom.com.au.com.au

Hop-A-Roo Kangaroo $59.00 bigw.com.au

Toot-Toot Drivers Train Set $79.00 target.com.au

Lion King - Simba or Nala Clip N Go $19.95 myer.com.au

Medium Lunch Bag $40.95 fridgetogo.com.au

Peppa Pig Let’s Chat Learning Phone $19.95 bigw.com.au

gifts for baby Learn & Groove Dancing Panda $59.99 dicksmith.com.au

gifts for 3-5 year olds

LeapStory $69.00 bigw.com.au

Peppa Pig Scribbles & Sounds Doodle Board $24.95 toysrus.com.au

Rizmo $59.00 kmart.com.au

Smart Sizzling BBQ $79.00 bigw.com.au

Peppa Pig Learn & Discover Book $29.95 bigw.com.au

Thomas and Friends Big Loader Sodor Island Delivery Set $49.95 thenile.com.au

Doodle Bear $30.00 target.com.au

Ifrogz Wireless Headphones Little Rockerz Glitter Princess $60.00 accessories.telstra.com.au 52

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Touchable Bubbles $5,95 thetherapystore.com.au

LEGO® DUPLO® Town Airport $39 target.com.au

Kiddy Float Croc $29.95 sunnylife.com.au

Hatch It! Dinosaur $11.95 buymythings.com.au DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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Kidi SuperStar Lightshow $69.00 bigw.com.au

Pop Up Pirate $15.00 target.com.au

Magic Adventures Globe $129.95 toysrus.com.au

KidiGear Walkie Talkies $49.00 bigw.com.au

gifts for 6-8 year olds

Harry Potter Sorting Hat $59.00 bigw.com.au

Merge Holographic Cube $25.00 accessories.telstra.com.au 56

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Laser X Double Pack $49.99 myer.com.au

Poly Dough Balls $3.00 mightyape.com.au

Water Misting Cooling Fan $13.00 mightyape.com.au

Lucite Tic Tac Toe $79.95 sunnylife.com.au DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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gifts for mum

Tiffany & Love For Her Eau De Parfum $170.00 myer.com.au

Brazilian Cupuaรงu Scrubin-Oil $45.00 .com.au

C&M Huntington Tee $120.00 camillaandmarc.com

Herbal Recovery Signature Eye Gel $65.00 jurlique.com

Adjustable Bracelet With Cultured Freshwater Pearls $99.00 michaelhill.com.au

Beach Cooler Box Sounds $169.95 sunnylife.com.au

Stanton Fine Toyo Panama Hat $49.00 hatworld.com.au

Tommy Hilfiger Medium Drawstring $119.00 davidjones.com

Aesop Moroccan Neroli Shaving Duet $87 myer.com.au

Ray-Ban $285 sunglasshut.com

gifts for dad

gifts for grandparents 1 to 6 mths Audible Gift Membership From $20-$100 audible.com.au

Eleganza Tea For Two Cobalt $78.00 t2tea.com

Slazenger Unisex Hazard Putt Mat $27.95 fruugoaustralia.com

$ fridgetogooz

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INTERIORS

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nursery 66

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Photo: Norsu Interiors DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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Club House Pom Pom Garland $4.25 spotlightstores.com

Heritage Vivienne Velvet Cushion in Light Pink $39.95 myer.com.au

Willow Baby Bassinet $499.00 abideinteriors.com.au 68

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Sheridan Conneleigh Baby Cot Blanket - Sea Blue $139.95 sheridan.com.au

Blush Tailored Linen Cushion $69.95 templeandwebster.com.au

Kmart Gigi Rug Pink $19.00 kmart.com.au DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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Photo: Pixabay

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Hakuna Matata, Poster from $39.95 desenio.com.au

Good Morning Little One Poster $39.95 desenio.com.au

Hyllestad $399.00 ikea.com/au

Grace Round Cushion - Pink $8.00 kmart.com.au 72

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Bekväm Step Stool, White $24.99 ikea.com/au

Fifi Cushion $8.00 kmart.com.au

Bunny - Bashful Beige - Huge $95.00 liltreasures.com.au

Willow Cushion $12.00 kmart.com.au

Coastal Chevron Rug $115.00 LivingStyles.com.au DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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5 THINGS YOU CAN EXPECT IF YOUR BABY GOES TO NICU!

When your baby is born premature or sick, you enter a completely foreign world. Sadly, you are not alone; thousands of parents in Australia travel a similar journey every year when bringing their babies into the world.

If your baby is born premature or sick they may need to be admitted into a specialised area of the hospital that is equipped to care for them. The most common specialised medical units are called Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) or Special Care Nurseries (SCN). They can be highly technical environments which may be overwhelming.

BE PREPARED TO ASK QUESTIONS When your baby arrives early, it may be a stressful time for you and your family. Asking relevant questions to your baby’s doctor, nurses and other medical professionals will help you understand what is happening and what to expect in the days and weeks ahead. Some questions you may consider asking is: Why was my baby born early?

How serious is my baby’s condition? Who is in charge of my baby’s medical care? What types of tests are being given to my baby and what information will they provide? How soon will my baby get better? What outcome should I expect for my baby?

You can also ask to be more involved in your baby’s care. Ask to spend time having cuddles, don’t wait to be offered. Kangaroo care has been shown to help your baby maintain a stable heart and breathing rate, and develop better both physically and mentally.

Be as much of an active participant in your baby’s day as you can.

GET TO KNOW YOUR NEONATAL CARE TEAM AND THE EQUIPMENT Initially seeing all of the medical equipment used to treat your baby can be very daunting. The noises, beeps, clicks, alarms and flashing lights coming from the machines may seem strange at first, but over time you will become familiar with the equipment and learn how each machine is helping. The staff will be happy to explain any equipment to you. The following is a small list of some of the medical equipment you may see in the unit: Humidicrib: Also known as an incubator or isolette, this is a clear plastic covered crib that provides a warm, controlled, clean, enclosed 76

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“Babies

born premature or sick have weakened immune systems and are extremely vulnerable to infections.”

environment where the baby can be easily observed. It helps protect the baby from infection and excess handling, and prevents them from using vital energy/calories to keep warm.

Bili lights: Bright blue ultraviolet lights, also known as phototherapy lights. They are used to treat jaundice, which is yellowness of the skin caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. The lights are placed over the baby’s humidicrib or open care bed and the baby usually only wears a nappy and cloth eye shield. The light helps break down your baby’s excess bilirubin which then get filtered through your baby’s liver.

C-PAP (continuous positive airway pressure): Many premature babies need help with their breathing. One or two soft prongs are inserted into the baby’s nostrils and oxygen (or air) is given under a small amount of pressure. Delivering oxygen under pressure helps keep the lungs expanded and reduces the amount of effort it takes for your baby to breathe.

Gastric tube: Most babies do not learn to suck feed until 34 weeks in utero. A gastric tube is a soft tube inserted via the mouth or nose into the stomach which gives your baby expressed breast milk, donor milk, or formula until they can suck feed.

STRICT HYGIENE RULES Babies born premature or sick have weakened immune systems and are extremely vulnerable to infections. Most illnesses are transmitted to infants by the hands; therefore, regular hand washing is essential as it represents the single best DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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way to avoid the spread of disease. What may be a mild illness in adults can actually be life-threatening in babies.

All visitors including parents must wash their hands on entry into the NICU or SCN, and especially before touching the baby. Be sure to remove all your jewellery, including rings, bracelets and watches from fingertips to elbows before using soap and warm water to wash your hands and arms. Take care to scrub all surfaces, including between your fingers, around your thumbs, the backs of your hands, wrists, arms and under your fingernails.

YOU MAY NEED TO GO HOME WITHOUT YOUR BABY Parents instinctively want to nurture and protect their baby and being separated while their baby is in NICU can be a painful experience. When a mother is discharged from the hospital without her baby, most describe it as one of the hardest and most emotional days of their entire NICU journey.

Many have envisioned leaving hospital with a healthy baby. Most are completely unprepared for the array of emotions that surface when leaving the hospital with empty arms.

Walking into your house can feel strange and the first night at home can brings lots of tears and sadness. An empty nursery with new clothes and toys is another solemn reminder that your journey has taken an unexpected path.

Tips for coping with separation from your baby: • Acknowledge your baby’s birth by sending out birth announcements or placing an announcement in the paper or online.

• Take photos and start an album or baby book.

• Ask your baby’s nurse if you can take something home with your baby’s scent on it.

• Express breast milk; it can help you to feel close to your baby when you are away from them.

• Call the hospital at any time of day or night to check on your baby’s progress.

• Contact Miracle Babies Foundation for support. You can call our NurtureLine on 1300 MBABIES / 1300 622 243 anytime and you can find more resources and family stories on our website www.miraclebabies.org.au BE KIND TO YOURSELF Coping with having a premature or sick newborn can be very difficult. It is common for parents to feel a range of complex emotions and each person will handle the crisis in their own way.

At different times you may experience a combination of powerful feelings, including fear, love, guilt, elation, anxiety, joy, isolation, pride, sadness, anger, confusion, numbness and disappointment. It is important to remember that it takes time to adjust to new experiences and new environments, and there is no right or wrong way to cope.

Be assured that these are all natural responses to what is a very emotional and stressful time in your life. It is normal to grieve the loss of your dream of a normal pregnancy and all the experiences you were anticipating.

Many neonatal units run parent groups where you can meet with other families and share your experiences. You may find it helps you feel less isolated and more supported in your journey. Miracle Babies Foundation have NurtureTime support groups in hospitals around Australia. You can also call the free 24 hour family support NurtureLine on 1300 MBABIES / 1300 622 243.

During this experience, all of your energy can go into worrying and caring for your new baby, but it is important to remember to take good care of yourself too. Eat and drink regular, healthy meals, accept the help of family and friends, and meet with a NICU social worker or counsellor to help develop a self-care plan.

To find out more about Miracle Babies support services visit www.miraclebabies.org.au or call 1300 MBABIES / 1300 622 243 DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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how to tell if your infant is sick?

Written By: Caroline Meyer

Bringing a new life in to the world can be exciting and frightening all at once. While it is generally rewarding, it comes with many challenges that you are not always expecting. Your baby cannot communicate what is troubling them and you need to figure out what their cries mean. You also have to figure out what hurts or if they are ill. How can you work out if they are just being niggly, tired, hungry or are ill? How do you know if it’s just a stuffy nose of if you need to get to the doctor immediately?

While it is possible to have a look for some of the warning signs, it is not always possible to pick up on all the warning signs of illness. If you have any concerns at any time, consult your doctor to rule out illness and disease.

We look at some of the more common symptoms, but the list is not allinclusive.

One of the first signs that parents often pick up is when babies are running a fever. A fever is usually a clear indication of infection of some kind. For some babies, this may be the only indication of illness. If your notice that your babies temperature goes about 38°C, 82

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“One of the first signs that parents often pick up is when babies are running a fever.”

you should have him checked out by the doctor. Another common sign would be fussiness, fatigue or changes in sleep. Babies may appear listless or a lot less energetic than usual. They may wake from a nap still sleepy and appear sluggish or drowsy.

If their reaction to sounds or visual stimulation is slow or nonexistent, there is quite often a health problem of some kind.

Keep tabs on your baby’s energy levels as this is something parents don’t often pick up on as the energy levels may decrease over a period of time. A decrease in energy can indicate a mild infection such as a cold or something more serious including blood diseases or heart problems.

Behavioural changes are often an indication or ill-health in a baby. Changes in activity levels or crying can indicate illness.

Over time you might pick up the difference between baby crying for hunger, attention, sleep, nappy change or illness.

This can be difficult at the start. Some babies develop colic which results in almost constant crying which can go on for hours at a time. This can also result in other illnesses being overlooked. Colic tends to clear up by 3 or 4 months, but can be terrifying for parents during the time baby is suffering from it. If baby is fussing a lot, it can be due to pain or illness. If they seem jittery or are trembling, this could indicate pain or infection. If you notice any changes of this type you should get baby checked by your medical care giver.

Vomiting, diarrhoea or blood in the stool could be indicative of a number of illnesses and diseases. Even if you think it may not be serious, babies can become dehydrated quite quickly, so it is important that you seek treatment if there DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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are a number of loose stools or if it is combined with vomiting.

Other symptoms and signs of illness can include unexplained rashes (could also indicate an allergy) or rashes that become raw and painful or look purple.

Pulling on the ears can indicate an ear infection. This may be accompanied by fever and irritability. Nasal discharge that is yellow or green, especially if it continues for more than a week can indicate a sinus infection. If there is coughing, wheezing, difficulty feeding and constant crying with this symptom, it could indicate a more serious illness. If baby looks abnormally pale or flushed, you should get him checked out as soon as possible. If baby starts refusing to feed or has reduced milk intake for a few feeds, has not had a wet nappy for many hours or is wheezing or coughing continually, speak to your doctor to check for causes of the problems as soon as possible.

If baby has sudden seizures (convulsions) especially if combined with a fever, ensure they get emergency care as soon as possible. If there is a change in the fontanelle (soft spot on top of the head), this can also indicate a problem. If the fontanelle swells or 84

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appears sunken in, you should get the baby to an emergency care centre as soon as possible.

Problems swallowing or breathing also requires emergency care. If breathing becomes strained or rapid this may need instant assistance. If baby is vomiting constantly or the vomit becomes green in colour, get to a hospital for urgent attention. If baby becomes limp or abnormally lethargic, this is usually reason for concern and to get immediate medical assistance.

While most illnesses are not serious and can be attended to in normal office hours, if you have any concerns for your babies health you should seek assistance. Talk to your paediatrician about what to do in the case of an emergency.

Many doctors will offer an afterhours service for taking emergency calls, but if they do not, they can usually advise who to call if you have concerns outside of office hours. If you experience any of the major issues as outlined above, take your baby through to a hospital for emergency care immediately and contact your paediatrician once you are at the hospital. For little ones, a delay in treatment can literally be the difference between life and death.

While we can list the most common signs and symptoms of baby illness and when to get urgent care, it is often best for you to go with your gut feeling. You know your baby and how they usually behave so you would know when there is a change in behaviour and if you feel something is wrong, you should get medical assistance as soon as possible. Sometimes it is better to get care and it turn out to be something mild, than not to go with your gut feel and it becomes a dire situation.

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Written by Caroline Meyer

DENTAL CARE FOR TODDLERS

In most cases, all 20 baby teeth will be in by the age of 3. The first teeth usually arrive at between 6 months and 10 months although in some cases they can arrive as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. While the central teeth at the bottom are usually the first to arrive, they can actually arrive in any order. Adult teeth start coming in between the ages of 6 years and 20 years.

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Once the teeth start coming in, you need to start taking care of them with a gentle toothbrush designed for little ones. From 18 months of age, use a small amount of low-fluoride toothpaste unless indicated otherwise by your dentist or doctor. Prior to that, just use water. You should take your child for a first dental visit at around 12 months or anytime just after the first tooth arrives. Brush baby teeth twice a day, in the morning and just before bedtime. Avoid sugary drinks and food to help combat tooth decay.

From the age of two you might want to get your toddler used to the process of brushing her own teeth. You can still help by showing her how to hold the toothbrush and teaching her the correct movements.

She will still need supervision to ensure she is brushing properly until she is around 7 or 8 years old.

Tooth brushing is not enough to ensure that she will not end up with cavities or other dental issues. Diet also plays a very important role.

Flavoured milk, soft drinks, sweetened fruit juices and foods that are packed with sugar can all contribute to dental problems. Cut out added sugars in her diet and encourage her to drink water and unsweetened drinks.

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You can start introducing the tooth cleaning process by having your child help you shop for a toothbrush, if they are old enough to understand. You can also show them toothpaste and let them know it is for them.

Let them see you brushing your own teeth so they get the general idea. When you start with brushing, the most comfortable position is to sit or stand behind the child with their head resting against your body. Having a mirror in front of the two of you may also make the process easier as you can then clearly see the child’s mouth and they can also watch the process in the mirror, which may make it more interesting for them too.

Gently cup her chin and place the brush against her teeth. Angle the bristles up towards the gum line and brush in small, gentle circles.

This will clean the inner and outer teeth and gums. Brush back and forth on the top of the teeth, on the chewing surfaces. End off with asking her to stick out her tongue and gently brushing the top of the tongue. Try and get her not to swallow but rather to spit out the excess water or toothpaste. There is no need to rinse after brushing unless she really wants to.

The toothpaste that remains in the mouth actually works

to protect the teeth from decay. You can use an electric toothbrush for your toddler, but refrain from brushing in circles if you do. Just guide the brush across the teeth and gum line and let the rotating head do the brushing.

Some toddlers will not enjoy having their teeth brushed or brushing themselves. You need to find ways to encourage them to do so and it needs to be part of the daily routine to reduce the risk of tooth and gum problems. Try making the process more fun by singing songs about it. Let the child play with a toy while you brush. You can pretend the toothbrush is magical and will make the teeth instantly clean and shiny. Even a quick brush is better than none at all.

Good dental habits that are started early in life will help form habits that ensure improved dental health as they grow up.

When purchasing a toothbrush, choose one that is especially designed for babies and toddlers. These have softer bristles, small, oval shaped heads and usually a non-slip handle. They usually have fun and interesting designs that appeal to small children. Some little ones will be okay with an electric toothbrush, while others will prefer manual. Electric is better as they generally give a better clean, but don’t force the issue if your child prefers a manual brush.

Once you have finished cleaning your child’s teeth, rinse the toothbrush well with tap water. Let it stand openly, upright so that it can dry. A toothbrush should be replaced at around the four-month mark or as soon as it starts to show signs of wear.

Start taking your child for annual visits to the dentist once the teeth come in. This allows them to get used to the process and not fear dentist visits. Your dentist is also able to catch any problems before they escalate and can advise on any special care that may be needed. Most dentists will offer services for children. In the public dental system, dental services are often offered free of charge up to a certain age.

Check your territory’s health website for more details.

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T O Y r e v i e w s

by: SHEREE HODDINETT DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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CLASSIC SNAKES & LADDERS/ NOUGHTS & CROSSES $27.95

4/5

F o r so m e f u n -f illed en t er t ain men t, you get 2 games in 1 cool tin! This ti n c ont ai ns 2 g r e a t f a m i l y g am es ; S n akes & Lad ders plus Noughts & Crosses. It’s perf e c t f or t r av e l a nd t o p l a y a t h o me. T h e b r ig h t and colourful tin contents include 9 pi e c e p uz z l e g a m e b o a r d , 8 p layin g p iec es and 2 dice f or Snakes and Ladders and 10 p l ay i ng pie ces f o r N o u g h t s a n d Cr o s s es . Make unforgettable memories and laught e r wi t h yo ur l o v e d o n es .

Our V e r d i ct – T eaching my girls to p la y ga mes t h a t I d id a s a c h ild wa s c ert a i n l y a n e x pe ri e n ce a n d a half! The re may hav e b een a few t a n t ru ms a lon g t h e wa y o v er wh o wa s a ct u a l l y p l a ying Snak es and L add ers p rop erly (n ot ju st t h e c h ild ren , h a h a ! ) b u t we d e f in i t e l y h a d f u n. W e actually got t o u se t h is wh ile we were on a rec en t roa d tr i p a n d it w a s th e p e r f e ct s ize to trave l w ith , n ot t a kin g u p mu c h room a t a ll, wh ic h i s i d ea l whe n tr a v e l l i n g either on the road or if y ou n eed t o t a ke it on a p la n e. P rob a b l y th e o n ly d o w n s i d e , es pe cially with little on es in v olv ed , wa s t h e p ot en t ia l t o lose s o me o f t he p i e ce s b u t that is inevitable eve n wit h ga mes on a la rger sc a le a s well! Def i n i tel y a win ne r f o r u s !

Ava i l abl e fro m: B u y My Th i n gs 92

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LIGHT UP BUBBLE BLASTER $19.95

3/5

S que e z e t h e tr ig g er fo r lig h t u p b ubble power and create a blast of bubbl e s t o c ov e r e ve r y o n e a r ou nd yo u in b u b b ly fu n!

Our ve r d i ct – W e love bubble s , can’ t get en ou gh of t h em, esp ec ia lly wit h t wo l i ttl e g i r l s ! S o we ’ re k e e n to g i ve anything bubble rela t ed a go. As a lwa y s t h ere were p len t y o f a r g u m en ts o ve r wh o s e t u r n it w as but to s e ttle t h in gs ea sily , we t u rn ed it in t o a ga me of wh o c o u l d c ha se e a ch o t h er the quick e s t and c ov er t h e ot h er p erson in b u b b les. Th e d o wn s i d e i s p ro ba b l y h o w q u ick ly the bubble s olu t ion foa ms u p b loc kin g t h e lit t le p ip e w h er e b u b b l es c o m e o u t a n d i t als o does n’ t tak e lon g t o ru n ou t of b u b b le solu t ion , so ma k e s u r e y o u h a v e a b a ck - u p plan! Plus if you hav e more t h a n on e c h ild , get more t h a n on e b l a s ter !

Ava i l abl e fro m: m i gh tya pe. co m . au

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VTECH TOOT-TOOT DRIVERS BIG VEHICLE CARRIER $29.95

4/5

To o t ! T o o t ! I ’m a h eavy veh ic le c ar rier. I transport vehicles everywhere. L oad up , l e t ’ s mo v e ou t. T h i s 2-in -1 c a r c a r r ier includes 2 mini vehicles and will carry up t o 5 f ul l siz e d T o o t -T oo t c ar s . Ra is e t h e zig- zag ramp and launch the cars down t hr ough t he t r a p d oo r a n d o u t t h e b ac k o f t h e carrier. Press the light up f ace butto n t o t r i gge r f un p h r a s e s , s o n g s an d en g in e s o unds. Press the f eature button to see t he e xhaust vibra te . A l s o f ea t u r es m a n ip u lat iv e walkie talkie and gears. Includes 2 S m ar t Poi nt re co g n i ti on s e n s o r s t h at p la y p h r a ses and sounds when triggered. Activate t he m ot i on se nso r f o r f u n s o u n d s a n d c h eer ful melodies.

Our ver d i ct – Ev en w ith girls , w e s till like t o p la y wit h a n y t h in g c a r or t ru c k r el a ted , s tu f f wit h w h e e l s r e a lly. Plus anything th a t ma kes n oise a lwa y s seems t o a t t ra c t th e a tten ti o n o f m y ch i l d r e n , w ith buttons pres sed a n d t u rn ed lef t , righ t a n d c en t re. A n y th i n g th a t p lay s r e p e ti t i v e tunes als o w ins the m ov er, wh et h er it ’s t o a n n oy me or b ec a u s e th ey l o v e t o sin g , I ’m y e t to work that out! Th ey a lso c on t in u ou sly set t h e c a rs u p t o l a u n c h th em o u t t h e b a ck o f the carrie r, over and ov er a ga in , so t h a t wa s a d efin it e h it ! L o ts o f to o t t o o t f u n f o r a n y little one s who lik e to p la y wit h t oy s on wh eels, p u sh b u t t on s o r p l a y wi th t urnin g m e ch a n is ms which are grea t for h a n d a n d ey e c o-ord in a t ion .

Ava i l abl e fro m: Ta rget, good to y stor es and online r etailer s.

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VTECH KIDIGEAR WALKIE TALKIES $49.95

4/5

A dd ex c i t e m e n t t o a n y ad ven t u r e with the KidiGear Walkie Talkies. Ke e p i n t ouc h w it h y ou r s i b l i n g d o w n s t a ir s o r t he neighbour next door with a huge 200m r ange !

The se k i d -s a f e , t w o -w ay r a d io s feature a digital connection that’s clear and k e e p s childr e n ’s c on v er s a t io n s s ec u r e, preventing other walkie talkie users from l i st e ni ng in o r c h a t t i n g w it h t h em. Lit t le adventurers can also send messages back and f or t h by ch oo s i n g f r o m p r e-s et a n ima t ed messages using the large, backlit L C D sc r e e n.

The w a l k i e ta l k ies a ls o in c lu d e fo ur two- player games f or real- time gami ng b e t we e n de vice s .

Our Ve r d i ct – I still re membe r the fu n of wa lkie t a lkies wh en I wa s kid . Fa st for wa r d a f ew ye ars a n d th i n g s have changed a lit t le b it , t ec h n ology wise a n y wa y , t h ey d o n ’ t s o u n d a s sc ra t c h y a s th e y us ed to. It’ s hilariou s wa t c h in g my girls p la y wit h t h ese. Th ey s ta n d i n th e st a y ro o m a n d y e ll into the m, not very effec t iv e, h a h a ! Tea c h in g t h em t o u se th em l i k e a p ho ne h a s a l s o had funny res ults wit h more y ellin g d own ou r h a llwa y b ec a us e th ey th i n k the y n e e d to r a i s e their voice to talk in t o t h em. An d t h eir t op ic s of c h oic e, wh o k n ew h o w silly m u m m y r e ally is ? H aha! The s e wou ld b e id ea l for kid s wh o lov e t o p lay a d v en tu r e ga m e s a r o u n d t he yard or jus t for a b it of in d oor f a mily f u n on a ra in y d a y o r a f ter d a rk.

B i g W, J B Hi - F i , go od to y stores and online r etailer s,

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THE SANTA ANOMALY WRITTEN BY: CAROLINE MEYER

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Kids are amazing little beings and as they grow they start to question what they have been told more and more. They start asking some of the more difficult questions regarding the birds and the bees, the Easter bunny, the tooth fairy and of course, Santa. The time will come when they start to question if Santa is truly a real being that comes around every Christmas or if he is something that parents made up. How you handle the situation will often depend on the child’s age and level of understanding.

AGE APPROPRIATE While the question can come at any age, usually even earlier if there are older siblings, how you handle it depends on the perceived level of maturity. When they are younger, they often want Santa to be real and just want reassurance that they will still be getting a visit that year. At this point, you might want to reinforce the idea of Santa by watching a movie with them or taking them to meet “Santa” at the local shopping centre. By the time they are 8 or 9, they may realize that Santa is not real, but still want to pretend. If you feel your child can handle the truth at this point, you should explain to them the idea behind Santa and where it originates. Start by asking them why they want to know so you can judge how best to answer. If they are not yet ready for the truth, you can continue the Santa story for another year.

By the age of 10 or so they are unlikely to believe in Santa anymore.

Before the age of 7, Santa is a fun story to tell and helps enhance their imaginations so you can embellish the story however you see fit at this point so that they keep believing. If your 11 year old still wants to hold on to the story of Santa, there is no harm in it, they will eventually let it go as they generally already know the truth of it at this age.

In most cases, by the time they ask you the question: “Is Santa real?” they already know the truth. They are usually waiting for you to confirm it. Santa is a Christmas story and even if you have not told your children the story of Saint Nick or actively cultivated the Santa myth, they will be exposed to it on the TV, in stores, on the internet and so forth. Their 98

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peers will also help them believe (or not) in a man that knows if you have been bad or good and who rewards for good behaviour and leaves you coal if you have not behaved.

There is no “best” time to tell a child that Santa Claus is not real. It is really up to you to decide, based on when your child starts doubting his existence. If there are younger siblings in the home, you might even want to prolong the fantasy so that the enjoyment is not spoiled for the younger kids too early. Wait until your child brings up the topic and starts asking pointed questions as to how Santa gets down chimneys, flies around the whole world in one night or gets into your home when you don’t have a fireplace. They may just ask you outright if you buy them gifts and put it under the tree and say it was Santa. If they are ready for the truth, they will accept the fact that Santa does not exist. For younger children, who are not yet ready to have Santa debunked, they probably won’t accept the premise that Santa is made-up.

Once they know the truth and accept it, you can explain the ideas behind the story of Santa Claus. You can explain that Christmas is a time of giving and keeping up the tradition established by Saint Nicholas helps keep the spirit of Christmas alive. They can then help with the preparations and keep the secret so that it isn’t spoiled for younger siblings. Once they know and accept that Santa isn’t real you can look at getting them to help set out the gifts, stuff stockings and even give away some toys to underprivileged kids themselves to experience the true spirit of Christmas.

If they have it all figured out and you feel they are not wanting you to carry on the fantasy for them, don’t lie. It is best to be truthful at this point, explain the tradition and even tell them a bit more about your beliefs and traditions in your own family over the festive season.

Christmas is about being generous and giving to others, whether it is toys or our time, or both. Santa Claus helps carry the story of selflessness and bringing joy to others. Explain to the child that we can choose to believe in anything that we want. This may also help on the perspective of believing in something more enduring and greater than the Santa Claus anomaly.

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CONTROLLING YOUR EMOTIONS WHEN KIDS MAKE YOU MAD written by: Lance Green

It’s not unusual. All parents get angry at their kids on the odd occasion.

Daily life subjects us to a lot of stresses and strains. Financial and health concerns can exacerbate these feelings of intense emotions. This can lead to having a lot less patience and control when it comes to dealing with rambunctious kids. We learnt to control our emotions at work and hold in all the negative emotions. When we are at home, it can sometimes take something small to set us off and we lose our cool with our children.

While some children may be a handful, in general, as parents, we can cope with the day to day parenting challenges. When we reach peaks of anger, we may not be thinking the way we usually would and can see our children as being the cause of our emotional outbursts. The anger may not even be directly related to the situation at hand. When we are angry our minds tend to go on a trip, seeing the bad behaviour as leading to something worse in future or that the child will turn out to be a psychopath. This then adds in feelings of guilt and failure. All of these negative emotions culminate in lashing out at the child, when we would not normally behave in that way. We may not always be able to control our kids’ behaviour; we can control our reactions to it.

WHY CAN OUR KIDS MAKE US SO ANGRY? Parents and kids can push each other’s buttons like no one else can.

Even when we are adults and may have children of our own, we may still find that our own parents can make us behave like children. There is a psychological reason for this. Our children stimulate some of the intense feelings within us that hearken back to when we were little children. This can stimulate unconscious feelings and reactions. These intense feelings can actually overwhelm us as adults and cause us to lash out. As adults we have to learn to control these impulses, accept them for what they are and reduce the parental anger in the home which may scar our own children, perpetuating the cycle. When we scream at our kids or hit them in anger, we break the trust our kids have in us as their protectors and source of love. It can turn us in to monsters in our children’s eyes. We will get angry sometimes, it is inevitable. How we handle our anger and choose to express it makes all the difference.

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Children who experience bouts of anger from their parents regularly and who are screamed at or hit often, eventually build up a defence against it. These children are more likely to have behavioural problems as they grow up. They may also withdraw and show developmental issues such as a lower IQ and speech impediments.

HANDLING YOUR ANGER There may be times when you feel overwhelmed by the negative feelings and go in to “fight or flight” mode. Our bodies blast us with hormones, making the pulse race, muscles tense and breathing speed up past our normal limits. It can feel impossible to maintain a sense of calm in these situations. We may feel that lashing out at our kids physically or verbally will bring everything back to normal again. The truth is, this can do so much damage in the long run that we need to learn how to curb these impulses. We need to act maturely and find constructive ways of handling anger. This also sets a good example for your child who can then learn to handle their own frustrations in a better way. Here are a few ways to handle things at home to prevent anger escalating and leading to violence or name calling.

INSTIL DISCIPLINE IN THE HOME Set boundaries and limits in the home. Often we will get angry because a child has done something we do not want them to. They may not even know that this is a problem. Set rules and regulations about what is okay and what isn’t. This may help to prevent some of the behaviours that trigger your anger. This can include allowing you to unwind when you get home from work and reducing the behaviours that you may find annoying. You can refer to these expectations when you find yourself starting to become annoyed or angry and reaffirm the household rules with the children. Ask them to stop what they are doing or do it elsewhere before your anger escalates.

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go to your car and scream, take deep breaths, whatever you need to calm down. The old counting to 10 while taking deep breaths is actually quite a good way to reduce rising levels of anxiety and anger. If the first 10 don’t work well enough, take 10 more. Shake your hands to relieve tension and remind yourself that you can deal with the situation once you are calm. Take as many breaths as you need to get some semblance of calm back. Listen to some music, watch a comedic show, hum to yourself. Do something active such as dancing if you feel you need to do something physical to relieve the rage. Meditation once a day can also help you improve your neural capacity and help you calm down in high tension situations. Yoga, meditation and similar calming practises will help you achieve more self-control.

PLACE YOURSELF IN TIMEOUT If there is no physical danger to the child, take a time out from the situation. Take five minutes or so out of the room to allow you to calm down without being in confrontation with the child. If needed, explain to the child you are leaving the room to calm down and that they are to leave you be for the time it take for you to do so. If possible, ask another adult to take over supervision while you distance yourself from the situation while you get your emotions back in check. This also sets an example for your child as a method to deal with their own anger issues. If you cannot safely leave the child alone due to their age and you do not have another adult available to supervise, then try and go to the bathroom and run some water on your hands and wipe your face while breathing in deeply. Hum or say a manta repeatedly to calm yourself down. You can say it out loud if you want to. The child may even pick up on the mantra and use it themselves when they feel overwhelmed or angry.

WAIT TO CALM DOWN BEFORE DISCIPLINING Anger is basically attacking another person due to the overwhelming feelings inside of you. You need to first deal with the anger yourself, calm down and then you can deal with the issues that trigger the anger.

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because of specific things as well. Do not act when you are angry. Tell the child that you will deal with their misdemeanours once you have cooled down. This can even be a period of hours before you dish out punishment for behaviours that trigger anger. Once calm, sit the child down and explain exactly what they did that upset you and ensure they know the limits. You can also then listen to your child’s explanation if there is one. Then only put the punishment in effect. Avoid physical punishment such as hitting your child. If you find yourself constantly hitting your child, you may want to delve deeper into the reasons why you do so. Often the temporary relief from lashing out helps diffuse the anger, but it can emotionally and sometimes physically scar your child. Seek help from a therapist to help get past the personal pain causing you to lash out at your child. Do not make threats and not follow through as this undermines your own authority. Explain what they did wrong and apply an appropriate punishment such as no TV or video games for a period of time as an example. Speak calmly, clearly and rationally which will also help diffuse the child’s emotions. Choose positive words and speak in a low, calm voice.

DON’T HOLD GRUDGES Revisiting the anger in your head over and over will only make things worse. Once you have dealt with the issue, you need to let the anger go. You can add to the house rules if you find it necessary to try and remove triggers for your anger, but you need to explain to your children what the rules are and why they need to behave in a certain way. You can also make a list for yourself on ways to deal with your anger. You can share anger management tools with your partner and the kids as well if anger is a general issue in your home. Be a role model to your children. Exhibit the behaviours that you expect them to emulate. Be open to growing an improving yourself as well. Learning to handle your own emotions and dealing with your internal negative feelings will help improve how you feel about yourself, reduce triggers and ultimately improve your relationship with your child. If you have problems dealing with your anger, seek help. A councillor may be able to help you resolve some of your issues and give you more advanced anger management tools.

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alcoholism and other addictions

written by: CAROLINE MEYER

Harmful substances such as alcohol and drugs take a major toll on the user and can even be fatal. Other addictions such as gambling and sex addictions can have serious consequences for the person with the addiction as well.

Most people only consider the person with the addiction and how it affects the person involved, but serious addictions have an impact on the entire family. Partners, parents and children suffer due to legal, medical, financial and emotional damage and even experience long term consequences as a result.

Looking at substance abuse addictions such as alcohol and drugs in particular, there are short-term and long-term effects for the family. Whether the person with the addiction is a parent or a child, this often leads to a loss of trust. Other relatives may distance themselves from the family due to issues such as theft, aggression, lying and other bad behaviour. This is noticed particularly when the family is trying to hide the substance abuse problem.

Communication between family members and the person abusing drugs or alcohol becomes strained and difficult, often leading to arguments or the person cutting themselves off further from family members. Spousal addictions can often lead to the marriage ending and the children being separated from the partner who is addicted.

The side effects of addictions such as aggression and sudden mood swings can drive away friends and relatives quite quickly. Most people will distance themselves and not want to deal with these issues. The person with the addiction may become estranged from everyone and may actually disappear for long periods of time, often turning up to solicit money for their next “fix”. Some people who are unable to fight their addictions may end up homeless and living on the streets and may even end up dying as a result of the addiction. The shock of losing a loved one to an addiction can also cause a lot of trauma to the family. This can sometimes lead to unhealthy behaviours on the part of family members as a means of coping with their grief.

HOW ADDICTIONS START Addictions, especially alcohol addictions usually start quite slowly. It is a progressive disease that may start of as socially acceptable behaviour which starts to become unacceptable but is not curbed at this point. The family often makes excuses for the bad behaviour. This slowly but surely escalates and at each step is “accepted” by the members of the family until it becomes rote. The addictions can bring out worse and worse behaviour, but because the unacceptable behaviour has been accepted as part of the normal behaviour of the person, no one points out that the behaviour is related to substance abuse.

If you look back to a time prior to the addiction and then to the point where the addiction is a set thing, you can see how unacceptable the behaviour has become. If you had seen the behaviours that you now live with in your family as if it is normal played out by someone else, you would be shocked.

You may even have tried to get help for the family embroiled with a person suffering from an addiction, but do not get help for yourself.

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ADDICTION AND KIDS In a family where there are members suffering from substance abuse addictions, there is a lack of positive role models and the stability needed to thrive is missing. The family is dysfunctional and the kids may start to model their behaviours on that of the parent with the addiction or of the brother or sister with the problem. There may also be physical and emotional abuse which can affect the child in the long term as well as the short term. Kids are also quite sensitive to animosity in the home and a home with addiction can be a warzone with the little ones being caught in the crossfire.

The behaviours may also be inconsistent, creating confusion. The parent may be wonderful and loving one minute and turn in to a screaming banshee the next. The one parent may be make excuses for the other parent at one point while threatening to leave the next. Children that grow up with parents that have substance abuse problems are also a lot more likely to become addicts themselves. There is also more likely to be sexual and physical abuse as well as neglect of children in homes of addicts. The kids can become very distressed and often suffer from emotional and mental problems. Kids from homes where there is an addict may suffer developmental issues, learning delays among other disorders.

Children are easily influenced by external influences. Their personalities are still developing and they may pick up cues from abusive parents or siblings.

This can include inappropriate sexual behaviour, anger and aggression and acting out violently. The earlier they are exposed to issues in the home stemming from substance abuse the more likely they are to grow up emotionally and mentally unstable. They may even develop feelings of guilt or a lack of self-worth especially when parents blame the children for the bad behaviour they present. One partner may also try and prevent anger and rages but making the child behave in a certain way to not incite the other partner’s ire. They may even blame the child for the partner’s behaviour. In some cases of substance abuse, the children may even be removed from the home and put in to foster care. The child may also feel responsible for this.

Teenagers that have suffered through a period of time with one or more parents that have addictions are far more likely to become substance abusers themselves. This can lead to problems at school, under performing, behavioural issues and aggression. They may become overstimulated and unable to sleep and may go from one substance to the next. This can cause further disruption in the home, a vulnerability to other destructive behaviours such as unprotected sex, delinquency, running away from home and even death.

There is help out there for people with addictions as well as those that suffer from the effects of a relationship of someone who is an addict. Reach out for assistance before it is too late.

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W HI CH WAY IS UP??

WRITTEN BY: SHEREE HODDINETT

I’m no expert when it comes to parenting. Not, at all. I’d barely even consider myself a novice in the whole scheme of things. Probably still very much in the infancy stage of getting the hang of this mothering gig. I always say I’m winging it, that I don’t really have a clue what I’m doing.

While they aren’t babies anymore, my girls are still very dependent on me for many things and I, in turn, still rely on them for lots of kisses and cuddles. Awwww, right?!

On a good day, of course! I think we’re both teaching each other a lot. I’m teaching them not to be right royal pains in the bum and they’re teaching me how to be as patient as possible, without a lot of success on probably both fronts.

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I also think since becoming a single mum, it’s changed a few more dynamics as well. Not in the way of what to do but what not to do anymore. Some days it all works and others, I prefer to hide in the cupboard with chocolate, lots of it!

Being a mum is tough.

Giving birth was hard but actually taking on the role of mum, role model, guide, life teacher and everything else you can think of, has been even harder and it’s far from over. Not that I want it to be! Some days, maybe and others I fight back the pride of watching everything my babies know how to do while knowing I had a hand in it. It’s a shame that not everything I try to teach them sinks in and then I feel like I’m on constant repeat. The joys of being a parent!

I thought my girls didn’t listen to me before, but now it’s taken on a whole new level. I can look them square in the eye and ask them not to do something and it’s like they see the challenge and accept it wholeheartedly, in turn doing the exact opposite of what I say. It makes my blood boil. Even more when they laugh at me.

Karma you say mum?! in tow, and I’m glad I did.

Surely I wasn’t that bad?! It’s madness out there and good luck to you if you come out of those Speaking of my mum, shops alive! Yeah I know, I had a moment of true it happens every year but I mothering clarity recently. swear as I get older it feels I said something to my like it’s getting worse. I love girls and then thought, the gift giving and spending ‘when did I start to sound time with family but man I like my own mum’? And I hate shopping for presents don’t mean that in the bad and especially for the men way where I’m scared of in my life, who never know turning into my mum, that what they want!!! One of wouldn’t be a bad thing! these years I’m going to I thought about it in a go by my word and not proud way, that my mum give them anything and has had quite an impact see what happens then! on me and I’m starting to use it in my own parenting.

She would laugh at me for If you need a laugh this saying that, but in a truly festive season, head on awwww moment, I would over to my blog: be lost without my mum www.shereekim.com and I know I wouldn’t be even half the mother I I’m sure I can provide a am without her help! Yes laugh or two over my lovely Mumma Bear, I love you and fun parenting skills… it gets better eventually lots! right?! On that note, I’d like to wish everyone a And in a slight change of very Merry Christmas and tune, it’s probably high time a safe and prosperous I mention the silly season. new year ahead. Have If by now, you haven’t fun (if your children aren’t been driven absolutely driving you crazy) and batty by Christmas carols enjoy the craziness that blaring out while you shop, accompanies this time of I take my hat off to you. year. Until next time…

I started my Christmas shopping early this year, online of course because crowds drive me crazy let alone with two children DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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BIRDE THE WORLD’S FIRST SMART MEDIA PLAYER JUST FOR KIDS!

With so much technology available for kids these days, finding the right device that keeps your child entertained and safe can be very overwhelming and that’s before you’ve even chosen a product!

Well, research no more, introducing the Birde! It’s what most parents have been looking for and what your kids are going to love.

Birde is the world’s first smart media player that has been specifically designed for children. It allows them to learn, play and be entertained with educational digital content and best of all it ensures their safety.

So What Makes Birde A Standout?

Birde is an Australian designed media streaming player that has been designed for kids. The device allows your child to play digital content which includes audiobooks, music and can also be connected to your TV so your little ones will even be able to watch videos.

With kids being so tech savy today, having a Birde ensure a safe and fun way for children to learn through play with parent approved content.

Kids simply tap a Birde Seed (these are the media tiles) against the device, and they’ll be able to hear or see what they want.

What We Love About Birde!

There are so many things to love about Birde, but here’s what we love about this little device: 1. It’s Kid Proof!

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no more broken or cracked screens, phone or remotes.

2. You Can Wash It! Yes, you read that correctly. It’s waterproof and washable, so no stress when your little one drops water, juice or even picks it up with grubby little hands, simply wash your Birde and you can keep it looking nice and new!

3. You Can Take It Anywhere!

With an 8-hr battery, Birde entertains anywhere and everywhere. It a saviour for those long-haul trips and everything in between.

4. The Content is Amazing!

With a large variety of ABC Kids, Nickelodeon and even the Wizard Of Oz, the content is incredible.

3 My Child Magazine Mums’s tested the Birde and here is what they had to say: “As a mum of a 2-year-old girl and a 10 year old boy, it’s been challenging allowing my daughter to play on a device without the need to be looking over her shoulder constantly. My eldest son loves his iPad, however he only got this when he turned 10 earlier this year. We have very strict conditions on what content he is allowed to watch, and he respects the rules and boundaries, this however is not possible to do with a toddler.

When we were given the opportunity to review the Birde, I was excited to see how it would be received by my daughter and it didn’t disappoint. It was super simple to use and set up (although hubby did setup the streaming for video’s) and my baby girl just loves it. She was excited that she had a device that was hers and was immediately able to grasp how to use the device. She loves music so we hear her playing music all the time especially the Chrip Seed. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone wanting a safe, fun and educational device for a toddler/pre-schooler.”

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“Birde is everything a parent of a young child could want or need. The device is super easy to set up and use, your child won’t have any problems working it out. I was stunned how it can withstand toddler’s drops and bumps and the best part is that it is super quick to clean. My son is 3 years and loves the Kitten Sleepy Story and has taken Birde to bed every night since we got it. Birde has a great variety of content to keep your child entertained and gives parents a peace of mind.”

- Sarah “My daughter is 4 years and Birdie is her “best friend” as stated by her. I was excited to see this device in action as it looks too good to be true, and it’s actually just that, too good to be true!

My daughter has limited screen time, so we don’t use Birde on the TV, but she has it in her playroom and we can hear her using it all the time. I love how she has taken to using Birde as part of her roleplay and uses Birde when putting her baby dolls to sleep and then wakes them up with either the Wiggles or the Chripy Seeds. She has picked up the all the songs quickly and sings along with Birde which is also so cute to listen too.

I really love and appreciate that I don’t have to worry about what she is listen to or watching when using the Birde and the fact that it’s educational is an added bonus.”

- Bianca Birde takes the worry and hassle out of screening content and makes choosing a device that much easier. The content is age appropriate and allows parents to feel confident in allowing their child to explore a digital world independently is a safe, fun and educational environment.

The Birde Media Player retails from $179 and includes 3 Birde Seeds and you can purchase additional Birde Seeds from $11.95.

To find out more, visit: www.birde.co 120

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fashion DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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girls FASHION 124

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BABY Waffle Frill Romper $12.00 Baby Sandals $8.00

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GIRLS Zimmermann Sundress With flounces $353.00 Dolce & Gabban Patent Leather Sandals $332.00

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boys FASHION 128

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UNDER $17 kmart.com.au BABY Dungaree Set $17.00 Baby Sandals $8.00

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BOY Photo Print Tee $5.00 Poplin Printed Shorts $15.00 Junior Printed Slip On Canvas Shoes $9.00

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UNDER $47 davidjones.com

BABY Marquise Bodysuit And Short Set $46.95 Converse Min Cons Crib First Stars $34.95

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BOYS Tommy Hilfiger Small Stripe Polo $69.95 Jcrew Palm Trees Stanton Short $69.00 Walnut Melbourne Classic Boatie $29.95

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BABY Il Gufo Classic Polo And Bermudas $159.00 Converse Scratch Leather Trainers Star Player 2V Ox $81.00

SPLURGE melijoe.com/au BOYS Gucci Mini Me Logo T-Shirt $205.00 Il Gufo Fancy Pique Knit Bermudas $185.00 Dolce & Gabbana Mini Me Leather Sneakers $403.00

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recipes sourced from: australianeggs.org.au DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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Delicious Huevos Rancheros INSTRUCTIONS

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1

preheat oven to 180°c (160°c fan forced). heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. add onion, chilli, smoked paprika, cumin, salt and pepper and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until softened.

2

add capsicum, kidney beans, tomatoes and water and bring to the boil. reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until thickened.

3

spoon the mixture into four 1 cup-capacity ovenproof dishes. make an indentation into each bean mixture, and crack an egg into each.

4

bake for 15-18 minutes or until the egg is cooked to your liking. serve with coriander, avocado, sour cream, lime and tortillas.

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prep time: 15 mins cook time: 30 mins serves: 4 INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp olive oil 1 med brown onion, finely chopped 1/2 tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp smoked paprika 2 tsp ground cumin red capsicum, deseeded, finely 1 large chopped 1 can kidney beans, drained, rinsed 1 can diced tomatoes 1/2 cup water 4 eggs 1/2 cup coriander leaves 1 avocado, thinly sliced salt and pepper, to season sour cream, lime wedges and small toasted tortillas, to serve

Quick & Easy Easy “On-The-Go” Breakfast Muffins INSTRUCTIONS

prep time: 15 mins cook time: 30 mins serves: 6

1

preheat oven to 160°c fan-forced. spray a 12 hole x 1/3-cup capacity with oil to grease.

2

grate zucchini. firmly squeeze zucchini, then wrap in paper INGREDIENTS 1 med zucchini towel and squeeze again to remove excess moisture.

88 eggs whisk eggs and milk in a large bowl.

2 tbsp milk carrot, coarsely 1 med stir in zucchini, carrot, green onions and frozen peas. grated season and stir through cheese.

3 green onions 1/3 cup frozen peas evenly spoon mixture into muffin pan. bake for 25-30 minutes or golden and until set. reduced fat grated 1 cup tasty cheese set aside in the pan for 5 minutes to cool then turn onto a wire rack. serve hot or cold. these muffins can be frozen and enjoyed later.

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Wild Rice, Dukkah Egg and Pomegranate Salad prep & cook time: 25 mins serves: 6 INSTRUCTIONS 1

place rice in a medium saucepan of boiling water. bring to the boil, reduce heat to medium and cook for 40-45 minutes or until tender. drain.

2

bring a small saucepan of water to the boil. add eggs and simmer for 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs. drain and stand in cold water. crack shells and gently peel. place dukkha on a plate and roll the eggs in the dukkha. set aside.

3

place rice, mint, coriander, rocket, almonds, pomegranate, cranberries and chickpeas in a large bowl and toss to combine. place on a large platter.

orange dressing:

4

to make the dressing place the orange rind and juice, vinegar, oil, mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl and whisk to combine.

5

drizzle the salad with dressing. halve the eggs and place on top of the salad. sprinkle with extra dukkah to serve.

INGREDIENTS SALAD: 2/3 cup wild rice 6 1/2 cup 1 cup 1 cup 2 cups 1/2 cup 1/4 cup 1/4 cup

eggs store-bought dukkha baby mint leaves baby coriander leaves baby rocket leaves toasted flaked almonds pomegranate seeds dried cranberries chickpeas, rinsed and 1 can drained

1 1 tbsp 2tbsp 1 tsp

ORANGE DRESSING: orange, rind finely grated and juiced red wine vinegar olive oil dijon mustard

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Spiced Sweet Potato and Chickpea Fritters with Soft Boiled Eggs prep & cook time: 36 mins serves: 6 INSTRUCTIONS FRITTERS:

1

place the chickpeas into a large bowl and mash slightly using a fork. add the grated sweet potato, chives, feta, tikka masala spice blend, 2 eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly to combine.

2

heat a fry pan to medium heat. cover the base of the fry pan with a thin layer of olive oil. gently place tablespoons of the mixture into pan and cook for 4 minutes or until golden and the fritter is holding together.

3

gently flip each fritter and cook for another 3 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

4

place the fritters on a plate lined with kitchen paper and continue frying until no batter remains. set aside.

SOFT BOILED EGGS:

5

prepare an ice bath. set aside.

6

bring a large pot of water to the boil then reduce heat to simmer. carefully add 6 eggs to the pot of simmering water and cook for 7 minutes.

7

carefully remove eggs and place into ice bath until cool enough to handle. peel eggs and slice in half.

INGREDIENTS FRITTERS of chickpeas, 1 can drained and rinsed thoroughly sweet potato, 500 g peeled and grated chives, finely 1/4 cup chopped 100 g feta, crumbled tikka masala spice 1 tbsp blend 2 eggs 1/3 cup plain flour ½ tsp baking 1/2 tsp powder sea salt and pepper, to season olive oil, to fry in SOFT BOILED EGGS AND SALAD 6 eggs salad greens

TO SERVE: 8

arrange fritters on a plate lined with salad greens, top with soft boiled eggs and a good pinch of salt and pepper.

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Tomato and Ginger Biriyani with Eggs

prep time: 20 mins cook time: 15 mins serves: 4

INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp canola oil INSTRUCTIONS brown onion, halved 1 lengthways 1 for the best soft-boiled eggs, bring a small saucepan of water to the boil. add thinly sliced eggs and simmer for 6 minutes. drain and stand in cold water. crack shells 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced and gently peel.

1 tbsp finely grated ginger 2 heat oil in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. add onion, 1 red chilli, thinly sliced, garlic, ginger, chilli, salt and pepper. cook, stirring, for 4-5 minutes or until Salt and pepper, to season softened.

1 tbsp ground cumin add spices, rice and tomato and stir to coat. add water and stir. cover with 3 1tbsp ground coriander a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 30 minutes.

1 cup 1 cup long-grain rice 3 tomatoes, chopped 4 add the eggs, cover and cook for a further 5 minutes or until rice is cooked 2 cup water and eggs are warm.

1/2 cup coriander leaves 5 meanwhile, cook the beans in boiling salted water for 4–6 minutes or until 4 eggs, soft boiled, peeled just cooked. drain and shred. set aside.

250g green beans, trimmed plain yoghurt, optional, to 6 fluff up rice with a fork and serve topped with beans. cut eggs in half and place on top. serve with coriander, chilli, yoghurt and lime. serve lime wedges, to serve 154 DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

Easy Fish Pie INSTRUCTIONS 1

preheat oven to 200°c/180°c fan forced. place a 10-cup capacity shallow baking dish (about 35cm x 28cm) on an oven tray to catch any spills.

2

place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. bring to the boil. add the eggs and simmer for 6 minutes. use a slotted spoon to transfer eggs to a bowl of iced water. continue cooking potatoes for 3-4 minutes, until tender. drain well and roughly mash. meanwhile, peel eggs and cut into quarters.

3

in a large bowl whisk sour cream, milk and mustard together. add potato, salmon, fish, peas, green onion and dill. season and mix well. spoon into dish. tuck in egg quarters.

4

for the topping, brush pastry sheets with butter then cut into 4 strips lengthways. scrunch each strip into a loose ball and arrange on top of pie.

5

bake pie for 25-30 minutes, until topping turns golden brown and filling bubbles up around the edges. scatter with extra dill. serve with mixed greens and lemon wedges

prep time: 45 mins cook time: 30 mins serves: 8 INGREDIENTS baby new potatoes, 750g quartered 6 eggs skinless salmon fillet, cut 400g into 3cm pieces skinless white fish fillet 400g (such as snapper or basa), cut into 3cm pieces 250g light sour cream 3/4 cup milk 1 tsp dijon mustard 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 2 green onions, finely sliced chopped dill, plus extra to 1 tbsp garnish 6 sheets filo pastry,butter, melted mixed greens, to serve lemon wedges, to serve DECEMBER 2019 | My Child

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Crushed Raspberry Semifreddo prep time: 30 mins cooking time: 34 mins freeze time: overnight serves: 10 INSTRUCTIONS SEMIFREDDO 5

grease a 6cm deep, 19cm long, 9cm wide loaf tin and line with baking paper, leaving a 5cm overhang at each long end. place eggs, egg yolks, sugar and vanilla in a heatproof bowl. place bowl over a saucepan over simmering water over low heat. using hand-held beaters, whisk for 4 minutes or until thick and creamy. remove from heat and whisk for a further 3 minutes, or until cool. place cream in a large bowl and whisk until thickened. add the egg mixture into the cream and gently fold to combine. place half the raspberries and sugar in a small bowl and crush with a fork. add the crushed raspberries to the cream mixture and gently fold to combine. pour into prepared tin, scatter with remaining raspberries (they will sink as it freezes). cover and freeze overnight.

MERINGUE KISSES

INGREDIENTS 1/3 cups caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla bean paste 2 cups thickened cream fresh raspberries, 300g plus extra to serve 1 tbsp sugar, extra Freeze-dried 1/4 cup raspberries, crushed to serve MERINGUE KISSES whites at room 2 egg temperature 1/2 cup caster sugar 1/2 tspn white vinegar Pink gel food colouring

preheat oven to 150°c fan forced. place egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixture. whisk on high speed until stiff peaks. gradually add sugar a tablespoon at a time, making sure sugar is dissolved between each addition. once all the sugar is added, use a spatula to scrape down sides of bowl. whisk for a further 6 minutes, or until mixture is thick and glossy. add vinegar and whisk for further 2 minutes. brush 3 stripes of pink food colouring into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm nozzle. add meringue mixture. line a baking tray with baking paper and pipe meringue kisses onto tray. place kisses in oven, reduce oven temperature to 120°c fan forced and bake for 30 minutes or until dry. invert semifreddo onto a serving platter and top with meringue kisses, extra raspberries and crushed freeze-dried raspberries. serve immediately.

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Wholesome Baked Custard prep time: 10 mins cooking time: 65 mins serves: 6

INSTRUCTIONS

3

4

1

preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius. place all ingredients except nutmeg into a blender and combine until smooth.

2

pour into a baking dish. place baking dish into a larger roasting tray. fill roasting tray with boiling water until it reaches half way up the baking dish. grate fresh nutmeg over the top. bake for 50-65 minutes, depending on the size of your baking dish. the custard will still be very wobbly when you take it out.

INGREDIENTS 3 eggs 1/3 cup maple syrup 2 cup milk 1 tbsp vanilla extract nutmeg to taste

let it sit in the remaining water in the roasting tray on the bench until cool. you can eat it warm or transfer to fridge until cold then enjoy.

tip: this custard is best consumed right away, don’t leave it in the fridge too long.

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