My Child Magazine Issue 108 September 2020

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

ISSUE 108 - SEPTEMBER 2020

travel

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Bianca Medina ART DIRECTOR

Bianca Medina DEPUTY EDITOR

Feba Maryann  CONTRIBUTORS

Sheree Hoddinett Amy Adeney Lance Green Tatiana Syrikova Harrison Haines Josh Willink Vlada Karpovich Tatiana Syrikova Rosie Ann Dewey Gallery Ketut Subiyanto Laura Garcia Jonathan Borba Brett Sayles CONTACT

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

Contents 6

40

74

Surviving As A Single Parent

Passive Smoking And Contact

Dad Read - Life Skills

12

Contamination

80

46

Custody Laws In Australia

Get The Look Interiors

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56

Divorced Parenting

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What You Need To Know About

Financial Planning As A Single Parent

24 Book Reviews

28 Help And Support For Single Parents

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Poisoning

62 What You Need To Know About The Coronavirus

68 Toy Reviews

Fathers Day Gift Guide

86 Toxic Grandparents

92 Blogger -Small Minds In A Big World

96 Fashion

106 Fashion Feature - Bassike

118 Recipes

Labour Tips for First Time Mums

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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

Hello Peeps, Hope you are all well, safe and healthy!

Yay - We officially survived the winter and it was a rough winter with COVID 19, so I totally welcome and am so happy that the warmer weather has finally arrived!.

Not much has been happening this month, we have just been super busy getting the magazine back on track so with you’ll notice that we have the next issue out within the next 3 weeks time and then we should be back to our precovid publish of the 1st of each month! yipppeee Also, we have a new Deputy Editor, Feba. Feba has plenty of experience in all things kids and has joined the team at just the right moment while we move in to this new phase of life after lock down. She will also be helping the team get up to date and ensuring that we all stay on track and so much more! Welcome Feba, we are so excited to have you joining the Team!

We also have a new Social Manager, Easter who is a mum herself and truly loves parenthood! Welcome Easter to the team and we are already loving the changes we are seeing on our social channels! XOX Well, until Next Month,

Bianca oxo

editor’s picks

Cassius Styling Clay $38 peggysuesoaps.com

Peggy Sue Body & Bath Oil $48 peggysuesoaps.com

Maternity Navy Chic Satin Pj Set $119 peteralexander.com.au

Peggy Sue Bath Brew Pockets $32 peggysuesoaps.com

CK One Micro Bikini $29.95 myer.com.au

Peggy Sue Silk Lip Kit $36 peggysuesoaps.com

Kids Book Subscription Box Starting from $54.90 luxuread.com.au

Tiger Tribe Bath Crayons $10.00 tigertribe.com.au

Caredent Kids Cosmic Flashing Toothbrush $3.30 caredent.com.au

how to plan a vacation after COVID 19 written by: feba maryann

With the spring holidays around the corner, it becomes almost impossible not to keep dreaming about how life would have been during the pre-COVID era. Dream vacations and getaways seems like such distant thought considering the fact that weekly trips to buy groceries seem like a luxury.

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We asked a Melbourne resident, Anita Robert whether she would consider international travel with her family when the COVID restrictions are lifted, “If we were allowed to travel, we would go to New Zealand because there is a possibility that they may open their borders to us.” she said.

Turning a negative into a positive, this might just be the time to plan the ultimate holiday getaway and with these helpful tips you can plan a risk-free trip.

COVID can’t stop you from vividly daydreaming about your first post-pandemic vacation anyways, right?

Deciding On A Destination Before you choose a destination, research on the risks involved. Use global COVID trackers to find the risk level of your preferred country. Make sure you know about the restrictions and requirements needed by the government of your preferred country.

Some countries might put travellers in quarantine for a few days/weeks. If it’s a high-risk country, it’s advisable to cross it off your travel list. Choose a country which has less than a five percent COVID positive rate.

Transportation Ensure that your plane/cruise ship has proper social distancing measures, even if you end up paying more (you can never be too cautious). If you have a travel agent, check if they implement proper SEPTEMBER 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #108

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COVID protocols. Be careful while settling for cheaper rates, there are high chances of ending up with an agent who doesn’t follow the recommended protocols. Make sure your travel insurance covers COVID 19. Look out for hidden clauses with which you could potentially be tricked with. Be sure to know your route map before you visit the country.

Check the arrangements for ground transport. Make sure the buses you get into are regularly sanitised.

Visit places that are less crowded, places that don’t involve overcrowding in confined spaces.

Accommodation Safety should be your number one priority, don’t allow cheap hotel rates trick you into risking your health. Make sure they adhere to COVID cleaning protocols like deep cleaning after every guest. Try to settle with smaller home stays with proper sanitation or luxury hotels with extensive sanitation procedures.

Pay for the stay in advance and choose a contactless check in. You could even email them in advance to ask about the safety measures they implement to minimise safety risks. It wouldn’t hurt to bring your own toiletries, pillows, bedsheets etc where possible.

Pack While packing the usuals, stock up on pandemic essentials too. Be prepared for a sudden quarantine period or something worse. Carry hand sanitisers, gloves, disinfecting wipes, masks and soaps. You 10

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could also carry washing powder so that you won’t have to give your clothes to the hotel for dry cleaning.

Talk to your kids Before travelling, it is important to speak to your kids about the importance of physical distancing, masks and proper hygiene. Make them aware of the health risks involved with travelling to another country.

Don’t panic if they don’t immediately follow your instructions. If they suddenly hug a new friend, don’t scold them, gently remind them about the safety risks involved. This won’t guarantee a stress-free trip, if you have a tinge of OCD, this trip could turn out to be more exhausting than your normal day to day life!

Right now, we have been tasked with helping to “flatten the curve” by staying at home. However, this is the perfect time to plan and prepare for any future trip you might take. You could also use tripplanning as a coping mechanism. But be practical and flexible. Keep in mind that travel plans can change any minute depending on the situation. Remember to keep the health of your family above everything.

Wait until the risks involved with international travel is minimal. Use our staycation tips and list of fun family activities to help you to feel like you’re on vacation in the comfort of your own home till the boarders are open.

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HOW TO STAY SAFE IN A HOLIDAY RENTAL! Written By: Feba Maryann

It’s been nearly six months since Australia was forced into a nation-wide lockdown and most of us are desperate to escape from the monotony of lockdown life. With hopes of obtaining a new vaccine by January, the possibility of interstate travel has opened up. Many states have given owner’s permission to rent places for tourists and many hotels are allowing pre bookings whilst following strict COVID protocols. However, it is hard to overlook the risks involved with renting a holiday stay as the risk of contact with COVID is significantly higher.

Even if there isn’t a 100% fool proof method to stay safe, you can lower many of the risks by considering the following factors:

Rental History Be sure to check in the details of the previous guests. COVID can be transmitted by touching contaminated objects too. Make sure that the establishment only takes in guests from low- risk areas. The rental host should also have proper COVID procedures in place before renting the place to holiday makers.

Travel Travel is highly discouraged by the department of health because of the significant risks involved. Avoid using public transport as it proves to be a perfect breeding ground for infectious droplets. You are twice more likely to risk your family’s health if you opt for public transport. Even if you decide to travel in your car, it is hard to plan travel without making a pitstop for fuel or food.

Arrival Planning your arrival is equally important as planning your travel. You might have to quarantine for up to 14 days and at your own expense, so be sure to check with local health authorities for any restrictions that are in place. Opt for a non-contact check- in. Be prepared to clean the space you rent when you get there, you can never be too cautious. Choose digital payments, keys etc. Try to avoid any kind of service that requires direct contact like housekeeping services etc. Steer away from shared pools, saunas or any place that requires you to enter enclosed spaces with large groups of people. It’s best to avoid rentals with same day turnovers and one-night stays. Ensure your rental or hotel they have policies on health screenings and mandatory masks for all their staff.

Room Sanitation Check if the establishment follows the established guidelines on cleaning their rentals. You should know if they use PPE kits while disinfecting the rooms. Proper sanitation facilities should be kept in all public areas. Keeping a minimal time gap between accommodating guests is also a necessary, as 14

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“Even if there isn’t a 100% fool proof method to stay safe, you can lower many of the risks”

droplets can stay in contaminated places for up to 2 days.

Ask for a time gap of at least 4 days as airborne particles neutralise with time. The less they rent out their space, the less you are at risk. You also need want to make sure that they keep the health of their visitors as top priority.

Air quality is another major factor. Your room needs to be equipped with filters in the ventilation system. If not, consider bringing a personal air purifier as droplets can also travel through central ventilation systems.

Choosing a room with windows and a fan can be of great benefit as it reduces the chances of being exposed in a room with infected droplets.

Safer Stay While you are staying at the rental, you should do your best to minimise exposure to the primary contact.

Always wear a mask along with gloves and maintain social distancing. Reduce the time you spend in less ventilated, shared places like the elevator. Avoid touching “high-contact” surfaces like door handles, dining tables, dining chairs and elevator buttons with your bare hands. If common rental facilities like gyms, pools and saunas are open, be sure to maintain social distancing and clean the equipment before and after use. Opt out of housekeeping services. If you opt to buy food or dine out, make sure the venue has proper ventilation and sanitation facilities. Bringing your own toiletries, pillows, and duvets is another way to keep you safe. Seal your personal belongings like your driver’s license, credit card and keys in a plastic zip bag. Bring enough masks, gloves, disinfectant, and wipes to last your stay. Avoid using common laundry services.

However, even if you follow all these suggestions with due diligence, you can never be completely safe.

Everything on this list will still not guarantee your safety from the virus. You need to realise that nonessential travel is risky. Ensuring that your kids follow social distancing at all times can turn out to be highly excruciating. Bottom line is, we do not recommend holiday travel at this time, we appreciate that it is need to unwind, relax and enjoy the new normal that we have to live with for the foreseeable future, so if you do choose to travel, make sure you do all you can to keep you and your family safe!

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QUAR-OUTING: The New Staycation written by: Feba Maryann

The outbreak of a pandemic does not eliminate your need for a relaxing vacation. It’s an essential to immerse your troubled thoughts in a luscious cocktail or smoothie as you bask underneath the scorching sun.

But alas, the invasion of COVID has left us devoid of our much-needed vacations. Sadly, we must put our hot summer bodies on the waiting list whilst we engage in social distancing measures as we feel our hot breath underneath the precisely stitched surgical masks. Fortunately, or unfortunately it also means prolonged stretches of family time – which can be a YAY or maybe a NAY, both are ok!

It is most natural to taunt your family members over the loss of privacy and space that you earlier luxuriously possessed. Work from home, online classes, and the stationing of all kinds of interaction in the form of a digital realm within the four walls of your home is quite harrowing.

But safety and health are of prime importance during these difficult times. Health includes both physical and mental health. It is immensely pivotal that one takes utmost care of their mental well-being.

This necessitates the need for a well-deserved staycation with your family. There is a wide range of alternatives available to quench our thirst for travel: Take A Road Trip: This is one of the most convenient outlets if you’re looking for a change. However, it requires precise planning of the roads you’d be hitting beforehand as travel restrictions are still prevalent in many parts of the country. Renting an RV would be the most comfortable and safe option. It not only pampers you with ample space but also ensures the availability of everything you need under the one roof. There is a wide range of major cities and towns in the vicinity of your homes that’d be worth a visit.

Book An Airbnb: If travel restrictions in your state have been lifted it gives you the perfect opportunity to book an Airbnb. It may reside next to a beach adorned by different shades of green or a lake glistening in all of its glory. Search for places as such to ascertain the safety and well-being of your family. Airbnb is adhering to all the safety protocols to ensure top-notch treatment and satisfaction of their customers, they have also entailed provisions for long monthly stays. You don’t have to go big or go home many people are choosing to stay in areas closest to their homes too.

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Go Camping: This alternative is perfect for those families who thrive in outdoor settings. While the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 is relatively lower in the open air, even then it’s essential that one takes all the necessary precautions and follow the social distancing measures. In hindsight, many of the camping sites are now closed. However, there are plenty of remote and isolated campgrounds for the adventurous families out there. Download the WikiCamps app to hunt for sites that meet all your requirements. Note, remember that you might still to make the booking for accommodation.

A Classic Local Staycation: Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay at the nearest hotel or resort that provides you with all the luxuries of a vacation without moving a finger. It soothes you with all the extravagant amenities whilst you leave all your worries behind. As the travel industry has been one of the worst hit by the pandemic there is a lot of discounts available along with the myriad of booking options and cancellation policies. The resorts and hotels are flexible and have implemented all the required safety precautions. Be sure to thoroughly scrutinise the hotel’s refund and cleaning policies to ensure maximum security and welfare.

Hiking: If you and your family are enthusiastic travellers who don’t shy away from going the extra mile to achieve the best experience, this alternative is for you. Be sure to strictly abide by the social distance practice at all times. The appropriate distance from one another being 1.5 meters. There are plenty of remote trails (30+ hiking and walking tracks) open which also have the facilities for an overnight camp.

Ensure you pack all the necessities and maintain good hygiene during the experience. It’s deemed a magical getaway that can be enjoyed by you and your family.

It is hard to find the bright side during these testing times. However, one must find rays of hope to keep moving forward. Mental welfare is the key to striding forward. Staycations and other forms of getaways prove efficient in finding stability. If the above staycation ideas aren’t apt for you and your family, you can always stick to simpler and easier alternatives such as transforming your backyard into a campsite.

Anything that stimulates change aids you in finding inner peace and wellbeing. Wishing a happy staycation to you and your family!

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STAYCATION! 7 tips to make it seem like a vacation without leaving the house!

WRITEN BY: FEBA MARYANN

Let’s be honest for a moment here, we’re all dreaming of that exclusive getaway to that YOLO (you only live once) European Island or maybe that magical tropical beach in a place that is yet to be discovered by the average tourist, but with COVID still affecting our dreams to pack up and jet off, a staycation might be as good as it’s going to get!

Right now, a staycation sounds more like an oxymoron than something to look forward to but keep reading and I’ll try my best to prove you wrong.

1. Recreate Your Family’s International Dream Destination New Zealand? Indonesia or Hawaii? Find out what your family’s dream destination is. Choosing a theme could be overwhelming due to the opinions from various different family members. You could cast votes to decide if things get messy.

Once you finalise with a country, you may need to do a little planning before you kick off your staycation. Research the country you chose, their traditions, food, culture and language. If possible, stock on themed supplies. For example, a DIY Saree/kurta is essential for an Indian themed staycation.

Decorate your backyard or garage with items that remind you of that country.

Get crafty and ask your kids to make DIY objects that correlate with the country chosen. Lookup the most popular dishes of your chosen country and find online recipes so you can prepare them beforehand.

Finally, choose a day to visit your dream destination in your own backyard and enjoy! Remember that this is a golden opportunity to teach your kids about new cultures and the traditions of the country you are exploring on your staycation.

2. Visit A Virtual Zoo If I told you that you could watch magnificent polar bears wrestle each other one day, watch cuddly koala bars another, then explore the deep blue ocean next, would you believe it?

Well, you should. Australia’s top wildlife parks and sanctuaries make it possible to bring wildlife to your living room with exclusive online animal encounter experiences.

You could catch koalas on camera at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, listen to experts from Sea Life Melbourne or even dive underwater with The Nature conservancy.

It doesn’t just turn out to be a valuable lesson in environmental awareness for your kids, a virtual zoo encounter could help you loosen up and relax.

3. Throw A Fun At-Home Disco For Your Kids Why not funk things up by turning your living room into a disco room?

Dig up your box of winter decorations and string around the fairy lights and lamps. If you have a disco ball, that’s all you need to get everyone in the disco mood. Decorate your disco space with paper banners, streamers or glow sticks.

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Dress up in retro outfits and 70’s hairstyles. Let your kids get creative with what they want to wear. Set up a ramp for your kids to show off their creative outfits and best poses. Be sure to throw the party during the night, to get the maximum disco vibe.

I assure you won’t regret dancing to the groovy tunes of Baby Shark all night long!

4. Redesign Your Kid’s Playroom Working with your kids to tweak things up isn’t as hectic as it sounds. Reimagine the playroom with their ideas and suggestions. For example: paint the walls with their favourite colour or build a special DIY princess castle for your little one. If possible, bring in new cushions and change the curtains. Personalise it with their paintings or artworks. Your kid is more likely to spend time in the playroom once it’s decorated with their input!

5. Put Together Your Very Own Family “Olympics” If your family is filled with the sporty gene’s or is particularly active, here’s a great way to lose all that stored up energy. You could replicate the “Olympic Torch Lighting Ceremony” by playing your favourite music and running a family relay by setting a make-believe torch in a place of honour. Set up obstacle courses to crawl over, dive or dribble through. Try organising running races, gymnastics or competitive games.

Finally, adorn the winners of each event with medals and certificates.

6. Organise A Family Game Night Or maybe your family prefers staying indoors? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Try playing a Minute to Win It games like Suck it up, Keep it Up or Yank Me. There’s guaranteed laughter and giggles with these recreations. Bring out family board games like Monopoly to create lasting memories of you all sitting around the dining table with a bowl of popcorn playing your favourite game.

You could also build Lego sets with left over pieces around the house. If you have Nerf guns in your house, why don’t you play a personalised version of paintball?

You can never run out of fun ideas for family game night, trust me.

6 .Create A MasterChef Junior Rally In Your Own Kitchen’s Masterclass Most kids love to get their hands messy with cake batter or even create new versions of their favourite meals. First thing help them put on their favourite apron and you can get to cooking right away.

As you’re cooking, teach them all about the origins and smell of the ingredients.

It’s a great way to enhance their motor skills and coordination. Help them touch and taste everything that’s safe during the cooking process.

Expect the kitchen to get a little dirty and be prepared for it to take a little more time than usual to get dinner on the table, but it will be well worth it and the kids are not going to forget this fun activity, especially a meal they made for their family.

A stay vacation doesn’t sound like an oxymoron anymore, or does it?

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BOOK e

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by: Amy Adeney from Busy Bookworms

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BE YO U R OWN M AN

BY JESSI CA SANDERS AND ROBBI E CATHRO From the best- selling, aw ar d -wi nni ng author of Love Your Bo d y , c om e s this vibrantly illustrated book whi c h encourages boys and men t o e m b r ac e their vulnerability and put th e i r hand up for help. Boys are invited to br oad e n t he i r ideas about what it means t o b e a b oy , supporting them to feel f ree and p r oud to be who they truly are.

Be You r Own Ma n rec ogn ises th a t o u r c u rren t d efin it ion of wh a t it mea n s to b e ma le is h u rt in g b oy s a n d men . T h e b o o k i s a grea t sp rin gb oa rd for d isc u ssio n wi th b o y s a ged 6-12, h elp in g t h em t o u n d er s ta n d t h a t ev ery b oy d eserv es t o f eel f r ee to exp ress t h eir emot ion s a n d b e c o m p l etel y t h emselv es.

THE LO ST LIBR AR Y B Y J E S S M CG E AC H IN F ro m th e c r e a to r o f la s t yea r ’ s b eautif ul p ict ur e b oo k Fly c o m es t h is lo ve letter t o lib r a r i a n s an d lib r ar ies – a perfect re m in d e r o f th e p o w er o f r ead ing and b o o k s . W h e n Oliver fin d s a lo s t library b o o k i n h i s n e w b ed r o o m , h e d ecides to re t urn i t . B u t h o w d o yo u fin d a mys terious h idde n l i b r a r y ? W it h t h e h elp o f a new fr ie nd , of c ou r se. T h is fu n n y, s weet story i s a w on d e r f ul fan t a s y t h a t involves p ir a t es , a n a d ven t u r e t h r o u g h t h e f orest and a n e s c a p e fr o m a fea r s o m e d ragon.

The L o s t L i b r ary is a magical ta le of frie n d s h i p , th e j oy of reading and the p ower of t h e i m a g i n a t ion, for re aders age d 3 a n d up.

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WE LOV E YO U, M AG O O

BY BRI ONY STEWART Magoo has his own ideas a b out what a dog should do – in the kitchen, i n t he c ar , at dinnertime and bedtime ! B ut t he r e are so many rules! So many t hi ngs a d og can’t do. This story is perf e c t l y p i t c he d at young children, just learn i ng t he r ul e s and loving being the boss.

Th is is a gorgeou s rea d -a lou d p i c tu r e b o o k t h a t c a p t u res M a goo’s en ergy a n d emo ti o n in ev ery lin e. A c la ssic in t h e m a k i n g , wi th joy f u l illu st ra t ion s a n d a rh y m i n g tex t th a t’ s a d eligh t t o rea d a lou d t o c h i l d r en a g ed 1 and up.

A CROCODILE IN THE FAMILY

BY KIT T Y BL A CK A N D D A R O N PA RTON A fa m ily of b i r d s s t u m b le a c r o s s an egg i n t he b u s h a n d ta ke it h o m e wit h t hem.

The f a mi l y a r e t h r illed w h en a little cro co dil e h a tc h e s fr o m t h e eg g , b u t the othe r a n i m a l s a r e a lit t le c o n fu s ed . Why do t he b i r d s k e ep t h e c r o c o d ile, even tho ugh i t d oe s n ’t lo o k o r ac t like t h e rest of t he f a m i l y ? T h e b ir d s p at ien t ly explain to t he ir f r i e n d s t h at t h ey keep Croccy be ca use h e b e l on g s w it h t h em. An d that’s tha t .

A C ro co d i l e i n t h e Fam ily is a c h a r ming, w ar m - hea r te d p i c t u r e b o o k ab o u t family i n a ll it s s h a p e s a n d s izes . It ’ s a wo n derful be dt im e r e a d f o r kid s ag ed 3+.

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THE QUINTESSENTIAL GUID

DE TO BACKYARD CAMPING  WRITTEN BY: Feba Maryann

With spring season just around the corner, it’s a great time to get your kids outdoors to connect with nature. Nothing can be compared to the limitless fun that kids have when camping outdoors. However, the state border lockdowns and medical risks involved in a road trip discourages most parents from leaving the comforts of their own home. Highly energetic kids bounded by the four walls of your living room with nothing to do could potentially drive you nuts. What if I told you that you could turn your backyard into your own campsite?

Yes, you heard it right. Here’s a great way to experience the outdoors without having to stress about Coronavirus or losing your sanity. However, proper planning is needed to keep your kids engaged and happy. Here’s all the steps you need to take to ensure you make this “camping trip” a memorable one.

Pitch A Play Tent Grab your camping tent from the garage and decorate it with garlands, fairy lights and blankets or get artsy and build one with your little ones. Building a fantasy fort from your child’s imagination teach them about engineering and sustainability. Stock it up 30

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with books, stuffed animals, board games and a deck of cards.

Engage Your Kids With Outdoor Games.

Your children are innate scientists. A scavenger hunt is a great idea to help them discover nature. You can ask them to hunt for leaves, insects or flowers of different colours or shapes and then help them name it. Paste these specimens in a scrapbook and make a Nature Collage. This activity inculcates STEM learning and fosters their problem solving and creative skills. A magnifying glass and flashlights are sure to add an element of fun to their adventures.

You could also plan a treasure hunt with clues that lead them around your backyard and finally lead them to a reward. You could design a treasure map to help with the process. Give out clues that are geared to family activities or a recent incident. Design a flag for two teams and compete with each other. Make sure each person in the team is involved and engaged.

You could teach them arts and crafts or play board games. Team sports like volleyball and football also helps to burn off energy.

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They teach the family to work together and inculcates team spirit. Water balloons and guns are always a winner with kids of all ages.

Cook Outside Personally, nothing reminds me of camp like the smoky taste of bacon. Make your camping experience authentic by cooking campfire dampers, sticky sausages, chicken kebabs, baked eggs or any other family favourite. Finally, have s’mores for dessert. You could go for the classic Graham, chocolate and marshmallow combo or try new variations.

Campfire Songs And Stories Bring out your acoustic guitar and put your karaoke skills to test around the campfire. Make a list of your children’s favourite songs or take this opportunity to teach them new tunes.

Bring out pots and spoons to keep up with the beat. You could also try to come up with short family jingles and catchy tunes, I’m sure you will be surprised with the creativity they have to offer. If your kids are old enough to listen to spooky tales, huddle around the fire and narrate a ghost story. If not, narrate witty incidents from your childhood. You could also encourage them to create and narrate a few stories of their own.

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Turn Your Backyard Into A Mini Movie Theatre Screen your kids favourite animated movies with an outdoor projector and a white screen. You could also play home videos to personalise the experience. Spread out blankets and pillows hang a few fairy lights and don’t forget your popcorn!

Go Stargazing If you don’t have a telescope, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the night sky with your kids.

While smaller kids can have fun counting the number of stars and drawing the patterns they see, bigger kids can identify those constellations by using reference books or apps. Tall about what they see like the moon, shooting stars or planets in the comfort of your own backyard.

So, instead of getting all worked up because you have nowhere to go, use these ideas to create a memorable and educational getaway for your children. Embrace the unique experience it offers to your whole family. Get ready to explore your lawn from a new point of view and to make memories that will last a lifetime!

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when is the right time for a second child?

Written by Feba Maryann

Are all your friends busy giving bir th to their second babies? Do you feel like your child needs somebody to keep him/ her company? Or do you just miss being pregnant and taking care of a baby?

Just when you thought that you were done with sleepless nights, breast feeding and nappy changes, your mind suddenly gets overwhelmed with thoughts of having a second child.

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T he World Health Organisation recommends

a minimum t wo-year gap bet ween pregnancies. Infants born in bet ween the 18-month time period are more prone to pregnanc y risks. But nobody can predic t the per fec t time for you to have your second child. Each family is unique with dif ferent f inancial and cultural backgrounds.

However, here are a few fac tors you need to take into consideration while thinking of having a second child.

Increased Expenses Are you capable of managing the costs of another child in your family? From initial hospital expenses to education funds, bringing another child into the family can increase family expenses. You need to check if your budget can take the hit of another maternit y leave if you are working. You will also need to fork out money for baby items, daycare and ac tivities. Educational expenses, family trips and vacations also weigh in. Come up with a preliminar y family budget to calculate near future and distant future costs to make your decision.

Your Health Most Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommend a minimum age gap of 18 months to give your body enough time to replenish the depleted nutrients, lose the ex tra weight and get your reproduc tive health into its regular func tioning. Back-to-back pregnancies are also highly demanding.

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our second pregnanc y, you need to be ex tra careful about keeping your nutrient levels high. Back-to-back pregnancies also increase the risk of illness, death and preterm deliver y.

A ge Gap If you still feel conf lic ted on how long to wait, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you need to expec t from dif ferent sibling spacing scenarios: <2 years Kids with less than a 2 years gap tend to be less jealous of each other.

The f irst 2 years can be tough, your mommy schedule will turn out to be quite chaotic. However, they will grow up as adorable lit tle playmates with an inseparable bond. The parenting phase will also get over relatively quickly.

You might miss out on a lot of milestones because youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always tensed. Your marriage may also get tested with sleepless nights, feedings, nappy changes and laundr y. But af ter that, they can enter tain each other with shared toys and ac tivities. Your kids almost grow up as t wins with a close bond. However, you should consider the health risks involved with having a second baby so soon.

2- 4 years This is the best age gap to help preser ve your sanit y. Career-wise, it is

ideal. You can go back to work before you take your second maternit y leave.

You will also be able to give undivided at tention to your f irstborn during the f irst crucial years. Your parental schedule will be less chaotic. You and your husband can also f ind enough time for each again. Although, your f irstborn could get frustrated with all the at tention your second child gets. This could pave a path to sibling rivalr y. >5 years Each kid will be able to enjoy the benef its of being the only child for a few more years. They might not like sharing the spotlight with another baby. Talk to him/her about this, tell your child about the potential changes in your family dynamics. You have 9 months to prepare them for the good and potentially tough changes coming.

A s they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t belong to the same age group, your kids wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turn out to be great playmates. Never theless, the older child may take on more of a mentor or caretaking role for the younger ones.

To sum up, listen to what your hear t tells you to do. Each age group has its own benef its and challenges. Think about how you would feel about another baby. Af ter that, discuss it with your par tner. Reach a decision with which both of you are comfor table and happy.

THE CHALLENG â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;CLASS O Written by Feba Maryann

GES FACING THE OF 2021â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

There is no doubt COVID-19 has changed our lives in a number of ways. From social distancing to mandatory mask-wearing, our world is still reeling from the short-term measures and long-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

It has also significantly affected our schooling system and childcare and preschool programs across the country.

This is seeing parents ask themselves many questions.

‘Will these interruptions create new challenges when my child starts school next year?’ ‘What can I do to help them?’ And, ultimately, ‘Is my child ready for school?’

“When to send your child to school is one of the biggest decisions parents face, and it’s a very individual choice based on the child and the needs of the family. Add to that the complexities of a global pandemic and it’s not surprising that parents are feeling more uncertain than ever,” says Bronywn Thomson, Curriculum Lead, Guardian Childcare & Education.

School readiness is more than knowing their ABCs and 123s – it’s about your child’s social and emotional development. For parents of children who are on the cusp, there really is no right or wrong decision, but there are ways to make an informed decision.

“High quality childcare - with a focus on education - is the perfect environment for children to develop socially and emotionally in the lead up to formal schooling.

“For those children who have missed out on a portion of their childcare or preschool due to COVID-19, it’s important to remember their preparation for primary school is not just about the final year leading up to 42

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that transition. These children have been preparing for the transition to school throughout their entire early learning journey, and in fact, from birth.

“There is no need to panic if you are the parent of a child on the cusp of starting primary school. Yes, it will be a different experience for the class of 2021 starting primary school. But rest assured that if your child has been enrolled in a preschool or kindergarten program such as those we provide at Guardian, the preparation for this transition has been a long time in the making,” says Bronwyn.

Research shows the biggest determinants of a positive transition to school, academic achievement and later success in life, are that young children need to be socially and emotionally ready.

That’s why the Guardian Curriculum has a strong focus on the development of such skills and aptitudes in children through real-world experiences. Working with their natural interests, as opposed to simply ticking a box.

Guardian Preschool and Kindergarten Programs provide children the benefits of a structured daily learning program, while supporting parents and carers with the longer care hours provided in a childcare setting. For parents who are unsure about whether to send their child to primary school next year, a childcare preschool program can help bridge that uncertainty.

So, what can parents of the potential ‘Class of 2021’ look out for to assess whether their child is ready for the next step? Here are a three key indicators to consider: Is your child able to be separated from a carer?

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Independence is an important quality for school children, and it can be developed in many ways.

“As part of our Preschool Program, Guardian encourages children to be independent. For instance, we wrap lunches so that the children know how to unpack their own lunches once in primary school. We also encourage independent play so that children know how to do things for themselves,” says Bronwyn.

“School demands more autonomy and independence, which means children need to be able to act under their own steam, like going to the toilet unaccompanied and knowing when they’re hot or cold.”

Leading child psychologist Dr Anna Cohen from Kids & Co says an important aspect of independence is selfconfidence. This is seen in children who can separate themselves from their parent and adapt to change knowing they have a secure relationship they can draw on should they need to.

Is your child communicating clearly and forming relationships?

The ability to communicate emotions and form friendships are essential skills, and ones that are practised in abundance at childcare.

“Language and good communication are the cornerstones of learning. To grow at school, a child needs to effectively follow direction and competently comprehend what their teacher says. Perhaps even more importantly, they also need to connect with other students using their evolving language and relationship skills.

“Friendships can be complicated in the schoolyard, 44

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and your child needs to be able to navigate conflicts and disagreements as they arise. Preschool presents the opportunity to form friendships, and Guardian’s program encourages group learning, aiding their ability to verbalise and show resilience as they encounter differing opinions and ideas,” explains Bronwyn.

To gauge this skill, watch your child in group settings, tips Dr Cohen. “Being able to communicate their emotions and showing a willingness to try new things will be important in helping them adjust to the new routines and social dynamics of school.”

Does your child problem-solve and show curiosity?

Asking questions about how things work, and why things are the way they are, are good indications that a child may be ready for school.

“Singing songs, engaging children in projects and group activities that interest them, and allowing their imaginations to run wild are just some of the ways we encourage curiosity and problem-solving,” says Bronwyn.

“But, the key thing to remember as parents is that starting school is not so much about academic outcomes as it is about social and emotional readiness, and as parents you know your children. Whatever decision you make will be the right one!” adds Bronwyn.

For more information on Guardian Childcare & Education’s Preschool Programs visit: https://www. guardian.edu.au/childcare-and-education/preschooland-kindergarten-program/ Discover the Guardian difference and book a tour today!

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Sheridan Milson Throw $189.99sheridan.com.au SEPTEMBER 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #108

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What Are The Decisions You Need To Make About Your Birth Plan Before You Go Into Labour?

Written By: Feba Maryann

The day you give birth to your precious baby is an important milestone of your parenting journey. Creating a birth plan helps you to make important decisions regarding your labour beforehand. It is a way of letting your healthcare providers how you want to be treated. However, you need to be flexible. You might need to change your birth plan if something unexpected happens. You can never be too prepared before going into labour. A birth plan allows you to focus on giving birth to your baby, avoiding sudden discrepancies.

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Try to be as short as possible and make it easy to read. Here are a few details your birth plan needs to cover: Where Do You Want To Give Birth?

Where you give birth plays a vital role in your pregnancy experience. Consider previous pregnancy complications and medical risks involved with your current pregnancy while you decide. Ask your midwife to explain the different options, analysing the risks and benefits involved with each choice.

Possible places could include: • Your Home • A Hospital • A Midwifery Unit/Birth Centres You can also ask your friends and family about their experiences with different options to give you an idea about how it is to give birth in different places. If you decide to go ahead with delivering in a hospital, consider booking a tour around the hospital to check the available facilities. Giving birth in a hospital is recommended for high-risk pregnancies. You can opt for a midwife delivery centre or your own house if you are less likely to need any interventions. In case of unexpected complications, you will be directly transferred to a hospital.

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Birth Partner You will need a lot of practical support before, during and after childbirth. Choosing a birth partner should be your personal decision. You could choose any of your family members who can reassure and comfort you. Some women hire an experienced Doula to help out. She/he should be sensitive to your needs and provide you with the motivation needed to go through labour. You should be very comfortable with your birth partner. Talk to them how you want them to help you.

During Labour Even the smallest decisions can affect your birthing experience like the positions you would like to try out while giving birth. Some women prefer moving around during labour. Do whatever feels right for you after looking through different positions. You could also specify if you want any music to play in the background or if you would like to have the lights dimmed. Be sure to have a clear idea of pain relief options. Talk to your midwife about the best pain relief methods so that you can make a wellinformed decision. Specify if you need special requirements like observing certain customs, birthing pools etc.

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After Labour After giving birth to your baby, you need to think about hospital care and feeding plans. You can choose to start breastfeeding right after labour or you can combine it with bottle feeding. You could opt for kangaroo care which helps you to bond with your baby, regulate his/her heartbeat and so much more.

It is also important to decide if you want to be with your baby all day. Part-time nursery care for your child can give you the rest you deserve. If you have a baby boy, you might need to specify if you need to circumcise him. Talk to your doctor to analyse the risks and benefits involved with circumcision.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to seek professional help while making strong decisions about your birth plan. Keep your health and the health of your baby as a number one priority. Review your birth plan with your health care providers to resolve any potential conflicts that could arise. Once you set a birth plan, give a copy to your doctor, birthing partner and your midwife. Keep a copy with yourself for future references. Remember that everything might not go according to your plan.

Certain circumstances might need you to alter your choices here and there, so keep an open mind to any unprecedented changes and be flexible.

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PICKING THE PERFECT DOCTOR FOR YOUR FAMILY: HOW TO FIND DR RIGHT? Written By: Feba Maryann

Choosing a doctor before you have children is easier than once you embark on parenthood. The quest to find a reliable and trustworthy doctor who understands the needs of your family can turn out to be very challenging.

A long-standing relationship with a dependable family doctor is essential for the wellbeing of your family. Over time, he/she knows your allergies, reactions to medicines, lifestyle, treatment choices and the slightest changes in your overall health.

Hence, a doctor who knows the medical history of your family is better suited to making important decisions regarding your healthcare.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a list of factors you need to consider when choosing a family doctor: Ask Around Talk to co-workers, neighbours and friends about their doctors. Try to get insight into the practice by asking questions. For example, What are the wait times? How friendly are the office staff? How good is he/she with kids? Is the office kid-friendly?

Research about his/her clinical expertise and experience. Some prefer older doctors 64

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because of the years of experience they have. Others prefer younger doctors, as they may be more updated with the latest information and technology. You could also look into online reviews and ratings.

Location Distance is a factor that is often neglected but very important. In case of emergencies, having a doctor nearby is essential. Be practical when you consider distance, addressing to everyday health needs becomes much easier when he or she is located somewhere convenient to you. If you have small children, having a doctor close by becomes even more important.

Coverage Before you finalise a suitable candidate, make sure they work within your current health plan’s network. Talk to Medicare and your insurance provider to check if the doctor is part of your plan’s network.

Some doctors may not be covered by your providers and in that case, your providers may charge more, some won’t cover outof-network care at all. Choosing a doctor who is part of your network protects you from surprise co-pays and additional fees.

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Schedule A Visit You can never choose a family doctor until you get the real feel of their personality and commitment. A doctor may tick all the boxes on your preference list but could lack the bedside manner you prefer. Try to make a quick phone call before booking an appointment to get a first impression of how the office runs. For example, ask if they offer after-hours services or same-day care if needed, prescription refills, scheduling online appointments etc. Find out if he/ she works in a hospital or practices solo. I recommend you find a doctor who works in a group practice so that they can crosscover for each other.

Keep Your Specific Needs In Mind Every family has unique healthcare needs which change as people age. Ask your doctor about his/her scope of practice.

Most doctors in Australia provide general care to all ages of patients, but some choose to hone expertise in a particular area of interest. For instance, if your kids are serious athletes, a doctor with expertise in sports medicine will prove to be very beneficial.

Some cultures are more sensitive to certain topics and issues. Try to find a doctor who 66

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understands your culture, customs and ideas. If English isn’t your first language, look for a doctor who speaks your native language.

Level Of Comfort It’s important that you feel comfortable asking questions and trust him/her. Your family doctor is going to play a vital role in making major decisions regarding your health. You need to feel at ease with this doctor. He/she should take time to listen to all your concerns and questions and explain things in a way you understand.

If something feels wrong, trust your gut feeling and look for a new doctor. Just because a doctor was perfect for your friend, doesn’t mean he/she is right for you.

Overall, finding the right doctor is a very important decision that comes with a lot of trust. Your doctor is the primary advocate for your family’s healthcare. Make sure you do thorough research as it is a long-term commitment. Keep these tips in mind while selecting the right fit for your family.

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T O Y r e v i e w s

by: SHEREE HODDINETT

VTECH SPLASHTIME SUBMARINE $39.95

4/5 Le t ’ s s p l a s h a n d p la y in t h e w at er with the Splashtime Submarine – a fun, i nt e r ac t i v e ba t h t oy f e a t u rin g c o o l s ea an imals. Press the light- up googles to spray wat e r f r om t he f u n n e l s i n t ime wit h t h e mu s ic. The water pump continuously spouts wat e r at t he t o p, f or g oo d , c lean fu n . T h e s u b marine also f eatures 4 5 + songs, melod i e s, sound s a nd p h r a s e s , a n d p r o m o t es mo t o r skills, cause and eff ect. A suction cup at t he b ac k me a n s y ou c a n a t t a c h o n t o t h e b a thtub, or simply play in the bath.

Our Ve r d i ct – A s if my k ids ne ed an y exc u se t o ma ke more mess in t h e b a t h r o o m . T h ey st ill lov e h a v i n g a bath and it me a n s a grea t d ea l of p la y t ime a n d wa t er p r etty mu c h e ve rywh e r e ! T h row in a fun toy and y ou c a n ima gin e t h e c h a os. Yes p len t y o f g i g g l es a n d t e st ing to s e e what the toy can do of c ou rse followed b y “M u mmmmmm, th er e’ s wa ter e ve rywh e r e ” a n d “ Mummmmm it wa sn ’t me!” In sert ey e roll h ere. Of c ou rs e th ey ’ l l f i n d a w a y to a i m the w ate r at each other if t h ey c a n , b ec a u se t h a t a d d s t o t h e f u n a n d a n y p o t e n ti a l m e s s they can mak e. They kn ow t h ey won ’t h a v e t o c lea n it u p! Bu t I m u s t adm it , a n y t h i n g that capture s the ir a t t en t ion a n d c a p t iv a t es t h eir ima gin a ti o n i s a wi n f o r e v e r y o n e ! W hile they’ re entertain ed t h ey ’re n ot figh t in g (wa it f or it t h ou g h ! ) a n d I g et a m inu t e o f p e a ce and I’ m certainly h a p p y wit h t h a t !

Ava i l abl e fro m: B i g W, G o od To y Stor es And Online Retailer s. w w w . v t e ch . co m . a u 70

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VTECH SWITCH & GO DINOS ACTION CREW $35.00

4/5 S w it ch & G o D in o s a r e a s p ec ial breed of dinosaurs that transf orm from v e hi c l e t o dino i n a f e w e as y s t ep s . Yo u g et t wo toys in one! Choose from 3 dif f erent c har ac t e r s: Cha ser T h e T h er izin o s au r u s , Ch a rger The Triceratops, and Seeker The T -Re x . Eac h cha r a c te r p l a y s d iffer en t s o u n d effects as you push them along, and whe n y ou swi t c h f ro m d i n o t o v eh ic le an d b a c k. P r ess the action buttons to activate dinosaur f ac t s and so und e f f e c t s . Ea c h S wit c h & G o Dino comes with an educational f lash c ar d , so y ou ca n le a r n a l l a bo u t o u r d in o fr ien ds. (Each sold separately).

Our ver d i ct – While my girls are ve ry mu c h girly wh en it c omes t o t h eir t oy s, th a t d o es n ’ t m e an t h e y w o n ’t give anything els e a go! A keen in t erest in d in osa u rs c omes i n wa v es a n d we c e r ta i n l y h a v e a few friends that a re d in osa u r ma d so t h ey d ef in it ely ge t m en ti o n ed !

W ha t ’ s n o t t o l ik e whe n you get 2 toy s in 1 a n d c a n h a v e a d in osa u r on e m i n u te a n d a ve h ic l e t o p u s h around the nex t? My girls a re a lwa y s u p f or t h e c h a llen ge t o d o s o meth i n g a b it d i f f e r e n t . A fe w roars and rumb les h ere a n d t h ere a n d t h row in t h e f a c t th er e’ s n o i s y b ut t o n s t o p u s h and you’ re definite ly on t o a win n er! Ima gin a t ion s c a n ru n wi l d wi th th es e 2- in- 1 d i n o s a u r s , from play in preh ist oric t imes st ra igh t t o t h e fu t u re, I t h i n k I ’ m ev en re ady to p l a y , h aha! B ut for thos e rea lly d in osa u r ma d f a n s ou t t h ere (a n d I k n o w q u i te a f e w b o y s w h o a re!) you e ve n get to li st en t o some a wesome d in osa u r f a c t s wh i l e y o u p l a y !

K ma r t a n d g o o d to y stores a n d online r etailer s. w w w . v t e ch . co m . a u

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DEMARCATING TODDLER TRAILS: ADVISORY OR NOT? Written by Feba Maryann

The advent of parenthood ought to spark tension in all of your restless minds. It is very common to anticipate every move of your child with growing apprehension. Sometimes, you coddle them with all that you can offer because the sky’s the limit. However, even this expanse of white and blue serenity only is a limit if your baby were delivered by a crane. In a less hyperbolic expression, it is your child and you will have to deal with the repercussions of your attempts to provide them with everything under the sun. The sky isn’t the limit and it will remain the same for the rest of your parenting journey. The only thing limitless is the unconditional love you have for your child.

The onset of the digital age has aided in helping you finish numerous chores whilst your children are distracted by cutesy characters on their screens. As much as television and animation plays a vital role in shaping their imagination and building their language skills, excessive screen time has adverse effects on their delicate minds. From infancy to age five, children undergo rapid brain development. Too much screen time leaves no room for face-to-face interaction and socializing. It also rampantly affects their cognitive and physical development, according to Dr Eva Love of Cleveland Clinic. Increased screen time equals prolonged periods of sitting as opposed to the physical activities children of tender ages engage in. Consequently, their motor skills remain idle added to this is the loss of social exchanges with their caregivers.

It is almost impossible to eradicate the usage of electronics in this digital era. However, conscious efforts must be made by you to limit screen time. The ideal screen time is 1 hour a day for children of ages 1 to 5. Digital plans must be developed by families and followed by all members persistently. This is solely because children learn from their elders. Your habits as a parent or guardian is instantaneously reflected on your younger ones.

So now that electronics as a medium of distraction is off the table, where do we exhaust the outrageous energy of our toddlers?

It’s simple. We divert their energy to tasks that not only hone their cognitive and physical abilities but also simultaneously helps the overall administration of our home sweet home chores. Although it is easier said than done, conditioning their developing brains to discipline, punctuality and work ethics is most effective during their early years.

Not only does it teach them valuable life skills but also inculcates habits of self- reliance, teamwork and responsibility. It is also a great opportunity for bonding.

Make sure to appoint age appropriate chores. Post it on the refrigerator or a commonplace and do provide with rewards as incentives. Don’t be stingy with compliments, don’t insist on perfection, don’t jump on and do it for them, it undermines the whole point, don’t be inconsistent and most importantly don’t delay. You might think your kid is too young 76

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but they are more capable than you think and can grasp instructions a lot quickly than you think.

Examples of kid-friendly chores include: • • • • • • •

Placing The Toys In The Toy Box After Play Time Putting Their Clothes In The Closet Arranging The Books On Their Shelves Making Their Beds Watering The Flowers Bringing In Newspaper Or Mail Filling The Pet’s Food Dish

It’s also important to note that incentives shouldn’t be allowances.

Making it a money earning business is dangerous as these are survival skills that in real life doesn’t come with pay checks. It is essential to instil responsibility without the sole motive behind it being cash. Award them with food they fancy, extra play time or new toys. Making it a weekly reward is convenient and wouldn’t surpass the normal threshold.

Once The Chore Chart Has Been Finalised, How Does One Discipline Their Kids To Perform It? Disciplining kids is one of the most tedious tasks a parent encounters in their journey of parenthood. Many parents are entrapped by the puppy eyes of their toddlers, giving them a free pass at almost anything.

It’s harmful as the granted leniency gets embedded in their minds as a “yes” for everything. There isn’t a distinction in their minds between right and wrong. The foundation of moral virtues and ethics are laid in the early stages of a child. Hence, it’s of utmost importance that they are rightly directed from a young age. Here are a few strategies of discipline: Practice What You Preach As mentioned earlier, parents are the role models for their children.

They look up to them and the behavioural trait of elder’s mould and influence the actions of the young. Model the behaviours you would like to see in your children.

Set A Guideline Prepare a clear set of rules and regulations the children ought to follow.

Explain these rules to them in simple language without using negative affirmatives such as “don’t” or “no”. Save the word no for issues of SEPTEMBER 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #108

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prime importance which concern their safety. Positive reinforcement probe to be more effective.

State The Consequences Firmly and calmly explain to them the aftermath of not complying by the rules.

Stick to what you say. But remember never take away something that your child truly needs, such as a meal.

Listen To Them Listening to what your child has to say is also key to establishing an effective relationship. It shouldn’t be a one-way policy. Communication from both the ends is vital for efficient execution. Keep a look out for misbehaviour patterns and hear what they have to say. Talk it out rather than rambling a set of instructions.

Give Them Your Attention Remember that all children crave for their parents’ attention. This is the most important tool for reinforcing good behaviours and discouraging the bad.

Offer Praises Ensure that it isn’t just a perpetual cycle of guidelines or rules to be followed.

Compliment your kids for their improvement or good behaviour. It is a great source of motivation.

Be Patient It’s most definitely a process. Discipline cannot be instilled overnight. It’s a lengthy and continuous process. Keep your cool and realise that it will be time consuming. Tantrums and meltdowns are most natural reactions on part of the children.

Time Outs This is an effective mechanism which allows the child to dedicate moments of introspection to his/her misbehaviour. There can be a designated area for time outs, take them aside to this spot and explain to them politely why the deed was wrong. Time out for toddlers can last for 1-2 minutes.

Parenthood is indeed a cumbersome process, but the fruits one reaps, the fruits of love, care and compassion are undeniably worth the wait. You are never really prepared for it. You just learn along the way. You as a parent are your child’s first teacher. Don’t shy away from chiding and disciplining them in the name of love. For the very act stems out of love. Never feel guilty of being a good teacher.

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When Should You Get Your Child Involved In Household

Chores?

Written by Feba Maryann

If you are a stay-at-home parent, managing the house along with cleaning after your kids all day could turn out to be mentally and physically exhausting. Moreover, you might feel like you don’t have enough quality time to spend with your kids. The best way to tackle this situation is to get your children to help out with household chores. Chores help your kids to be responsible and competent. It helps in developing their motor skills and learning new life skills. It also gives them a sense of belonging which helps in building up their relationship skills.

However great this sounds, how do you get your children to clean up after themselves and help around the house? How do you assign age-appropriate chores? Well keep reading and find out!

Initially, getting your kids to help out will definitely be more work for you. Doing all the work by yourself might seem like a better way out. But hang in there, you will eventually see your little ones wanting you to help you more … be patient it’s worth it, I promise!

When Should You Start?

You can start training your child as early as 2 years old. The right time to begin is when your child is in a growing phase where he/she imitates whatever you do at home. Around this 82

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age, your child will be able to communicate and follow your cues.

Make sure you appreciate your child’s effort by rewarding them, a cheerful applause would go a long way. Consistency is the key to success, your little helpers will eventually start helping out even without your guidance.

Assign age-appropriate tasks to your child and let them know what they will get in return after it’s done. For small kids, use a reward chart to track completed chores. If your kids are old enough, talk to them about their responsibilities and make a chore timetable together. If your child feels motivated by pocketing some money doing chores, go with it. Explain the chores clearly to them along with what’s expected from them.

Here are some ideas for chores for children of different age groups:

2-3 years • Clean Up After Playtime • Sorting Clothes By Colour • Fill Family Pet’s Food Dish • Wipe Up Spills • Pile Books And Magazines • Throw Away Food Scraps In The Garbage Bin

During this time, children love to copy what you do. Use this as a strategy to get them to

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help around. You can start by teaching them to do the tasks step by step, with an element of fun.

For example, sing a ‘Clean-Up ‘song while you teach them to put their toys away. This could brighten up your toddler and make them want to help you out.

4-5 Years • Bring In Mail • Water Your Plants/ Pull Weeds • Unload Utensils From The Dishwasher • Fix A Bowl Of Cereal You can start using visual checklists filled with funny pictures to help them complete their tasks. This gets them used to a specific routine and helps them understand the concept of time.

6-7 Years • Help Out With Laundry • Set The Dinner Table • Clean Up Your Bedroom • Help Pack Lunch • Set The Dinner Table

At this age, your kid can be more independent.

Although, you should still keep monitoring them every day.

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8-9 Years • Vacuum The Living Room • Put Away Groceries • Help Out With Making Dinner • Make Snacks • Take Your Family Pet For A Walk • Mop Floors

Above 10 Years • Clean The Bathrooms • Wash Your Car • Iron Clothes • Babysit Younger Siblings • Change Bed Sheets

Homework and school activities could make your child slack off. Use a proper reward system to keep them motivated. It is advisable to find an alternative to pocket money as it might tag a price to the work done.

These are many tasks you can assign to your children to help share the load and down the road, sharing housework helps families work better and reduces overall stress. When there is less to do around the house, you could focus on bonding together as a family. It prepares them for adult life while giving them the experience of working together as a team.

Remember to keep them motivated, rotating jobs regularly among family members will help.

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JEALOUS O F THE AT T ENTION Y O UR W IFE G IV ES YOUR B ABY? W Eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE GO T YO U CO V ERED ! written by: Lance Green

Do you feel like an outsider when you look at your baby’s bond with your spouse? Do you feel neglected? Do you feel like you never have alone time with your wife, that you’re in a never-ending cycle of nappy changes and sleepless nights?

Here’s some good news, this is normal and very common among new dads. However, most new dads refrain from talking about it because it’s a very touchy subject. Here are a few steps to help you preserve your love life and let your partner know how you’re feel.

Let Her Know How You Feel The first six months are crucial for your child. Your partner may get involved with trying to create the perfect surrounding for your baby. Perhaps your partner isn’t even aware of the time she spends with her child. She might not realise that she is losing touch with you because of the baby.

While you feel left out, your partner might see it as a lack of support. Talk to her about it. Appreciate the work she is doing but also let her know that she needs to keep aside 88

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some time for you too. Reason with her calmly, do not infuriate her. She might also be suffering from postpartum depression.

Let her know that your child shouldn’t change the dynamics of your relationship.

Join Them Concentrate on spending time together as a family. This will strengthen the bond you have with your partner and your baby.

Share all the responsibilities of childcare.

From nappy changes to playtime, let her know that you are ready to help with anything. The more time you spend with your child, the less envious you feel. When you take up your fair share of chores, your partner’s schedule will get cleared faster which allows her to devote more time for you. You might not be able to enjoy alone time like before, but it’s not impossible.

She will start feeling like you value her, which will bring a positive impact on the time you spend together. Raising a child is purely empathetic teamwork. Mutual understanding is the most important part of childcare.

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Build A Timetable Make a weekly timetable which contains a structured plan on how you plan to share the chores. Set aside a few time slots for both of you to unwind and chat about daily events. Make it a point to eat at least one meal together, without any distractions.

Try to include a special, romantic date every month. Go out on weekly dates once your baby gets used to regular schedules.

If you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit dates into your timetable, get creative and make every day special.

Who said you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get a little flirty while she bends over to pick a nappy?

Be Romantic Romance is a two-way street. As your partner deals with her physical changes and mood swings, let her know how precious she is to you. The smallest romantic gestures like clipping a cute note beside her bed stand or clearing up some of her tasks could keep your relationship fresh and alive. Be spontaneous, shower her 90

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with compliments, bring home special “I love you” flowers.

Applying this might seem impossible. Your partner’s mood swings and outbursts can be hard to handle. Despite all your efforts, your partner might still seem distant to you.

This is completely normal for new mums.

Your partner also needs time to adjust to the new lifestyle changes. Her moods aren’t a reflection of her feelings for you, it’s just because of her hormonal fluctuations.

About 40 per cent of new mothers refrain from having sexual relations for up to two years. The release of prolactin suppresses her libido. She might also not be comfortable with the changes in her body due to the pregnancy. It’s part of an inbuilt mechanism which prevents her from conceiving too soon after her delivery which ensures that all her energy is focused on the newborn.

However, if you’re still having trouble stirring up your love life, consider couples therapy and professional help.

Be patient and supportive, this phase will pass slowly.

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HOW TO BAL

R EL AT I

WITH YOUR PREGN

ANCE

YOU R

O N S H I P

NANCY HORMONES

Written by Feba Maryann

THIS IS FOR ALL THE SOON-TO-BE MOTHERS OUT THERE.

Do you snap at your partner for the smallest issues? Are you overwhelmed with hundreds of different emotions every minute? Is your changing physique affecting your selfconfidence? Is planning for a new member causing too much anxiety? Do you feel like the only thing you do with your partner is fight?

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All these hormonal changes could take a huge toll on your relationship. Making the change from a being couple to new parents is hard. Balancing a relationship along with your pregnancy can be overwhelming as it’s a time of compromise and adjustment. Your body keeps changing to accommodate the growing life inside you. Hence, your progesterone and estrogen levels will be off the charts which explains your conflicting emotions and mood swings.

You could also be dealing with a lot of stress while planning to welcome a new child to your family. Sudden outbursts are the result of sudden hormonal fluctuations. You could feel less attached to your partner, which affects the dynamics of your relationship. Anxiety can also trigger an inflammatory response in your nervous system, which harms the baby.

Let me show you how to keep your hormones from ruining your relationship or harming your baby.

Your Health

If you have older kids or work full-time, you might not have enough time to look after yourself. Make sure you ask your kids and your partner to help you out with basic household chores.

Assign some time for your body to rest. Make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep in a comfortable sleeping position during the night. Do not stay on your feet for more than one hour without taking a break. Also try to take short naps whenever possible throughout SEPTEMBER 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #108

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the day, this helps to ease your physical discomfort which reduces your irritability.

Eat healthy foods as frequently as possible, it helps to fuel your body’s energy needs throughout the day.

It also helps in supplying essential nutrients for the growth of your unborn child. A mild exercise routine helps with releasing endorphins and managing stress hormones. Mediation helps you to maintain your inner peace. Snacking on high nutrient snacks up to six times a day could also prove to be beneficial.

Your Relationship

It is common to struggle with certain strains in your relationship. As you shift your focus to your baby’s wellbeing, he might feel left out. Your partner might not be able to establish an emotional connection with your unborn baby. To resolve that issue, include him in your journey, make him feel your baby’s kicks and movements. Financial issues could worsen your problems. Chart out a map which includes sudden and future expenses so that you have a clear vision of your monetary needs. You might also feel less interested in sex than you used to be which might provoke other issues.

The base of a good relationship during your pregnancy is clear communication. You might feel confused about the future of your love life. All you have to do is talk it out with your partner, the good and bad, the worries and excitements. It helps in clearing a lot of misunderstandings, conflicts and anger. Raw and honest communication plays a pivotal role in 96

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strengthening your relationship. Talk about how you would want to parent your child, the traditions you would want to keep. Be honest about your sexual needs to avoid miscommunication. Listen to your partner’s concerns and worries. Solve your problems together with compromise, understanding and negotiation.

Your Relationship With Your Older Kids And Family

Looking after your older kids as well as nurturing your unborn child can be incredibly taxing for your body.

You might overexert yourself by staying on-the-go all day to cater to the needs of your older children. Teach them to look after their own needs and to clean up after themselves. Prepare them for the changes that will come into effect once the baby comes home.

Give them the freedom to be more independent as you will not have enough time to look after your baby as well as your kids. Create a chart with shared responsibilities between the members of your family.

You might not be able to feel happy 24/7 during your pregnancy. These tips will help you to understand your partner better whilst helping you to solve any conflict before the baby arrives. Find a new hobby or keep a journal to help vent your emotions. If you feel like your situation keeps spiralling out of control, consider professional help.

All new parents feel conflicted at this stage of their lives, you’re not the only ones! So, relax and take life one step at a time.

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THE MUM ROLE WRITTEN BY: SHEREE HODDINETT

To all the mums, this one is for you. But if you’re a dad that kind of fills both roles (and I know there are plenty of you out there), this is for you too.

Just swap a few things out. As a mum, I’m no expert. Not even close.

Never have been, never ever ever ever ever…okay you get the point…will be.

Why?! Because no matter what, on any given day, I still have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.

It’s not a new thing, I’ve been saying it for years. And while I must be doing something right, I’m still convinced I suck at the role. I even say in front of my girls that I’m not doing a very good job. They disagree with me of course, for which I love them dearly, but they just say things to make me smile and because they want something. Yep, I feel you nodding along in agreement. Sure, we make it look like everything is running smoothly and everyone is alive (thankfully!) but underneath the surface, there is possible pandemonium. Okay, so maybe not quite that bad, but you get the picture.

I know how to adult, well I think I do, but there are days I could easily pass for some crazy lady who makes all the wrong decisions. It’s almost like I have the angel/ devil combo hanging on to my shoulders spurring me on. Either that or my kids really are the best in the art of manipulation. I swear it’s like some special built in, but definitely not an optional extra, that kids come with.

They know how to win you over in your weakest moments. If only we mums could revolt sometime. But where’s the fun in that right?

That’s why I eat so much chocolate, because it keeps me sane. That and it keeps the kids quiet when they get some too, hahahaha!

Because I am such a “great” mum, I thought it best to share some of my finest Mum moments (so far – because I know there’s still

an eternity left to create more). They include, but certainly aren’t limited to: • Swearing at my children – Yes I have dropped the f-bomb and the s-word both in front of and at my children. Sometimes they deserve it and I feel like the worst mother ever saying it, but other times I feel better getting it out.

It’s those times when they just won’t stop asking for the same thing over and over again, even after you have said no more times than you can count.

• Telling them they can live with another family – I know it’s a little mean but sometimes it’s deserved. This usually happens when we’re out somewhere. I’ve been pushed to the brink of insanity while they touch every single surface in sight (thanks COVID-19) when I have specifically asked them not to or they repeatedly ask for a toy or a treat or food when I have said no because they have been naughty.

Like we all do, I quite often give in and buy them something, just to get some peace!

• I tell them to go away. I do it because I can.

• Sometimes I hide the good food from them and lie when they catch me eating it. You know, chocolate!

• Saving the best for last.

Sometimes when I hear them coming to look for me, I hide and then jump out and scare the living

daylights out of them.

It’s so good for a laugh!

Yes I know it’s mean, but at least I do it in the daytime, they scare me in the middle of the night just by standing next to my bed!

Another thing that kids change (ruin!) and not for the best is your memory.

No wonder they say having kids turns your brain into something resembling scrambled eggs. I’m normally pretty good at remembering a lot of things. I know getting older certainly doesn’t help and having kids just throws everything out the window.

Quite often I can be walking into a room and have no idea why I went into that particular room. Or have a question ready to ask someone and then 2 seconds later, it’s gone gone gone.

Even as I’m typing, some of my ideas are disappearing, probably my best ones yet, haha!

Being a parent is no fairy tale. It’s not all sunshine and butterflies. You won’t always walk around with a smile plastered on your face. If you do, I want some of what you’re having!

Check out more of my blogs at : www.shereekim.com and until next time, always remembering you are doing a good job even if it doesn’t feel like it!

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fashion SEPTEMBER 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #108

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girls FASHION

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GIRLS Tiered Maxi Dress $22.00 Junior Fashion Sandals $12.00

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UNDER $55 davidjones.com BABY Fox & Finch Scandi Bird Dress $39.95 Old Soles Gabrielle Gold $54.95

UNDER $35 davidjones.com GIRL Rock Your Kid Sweet Roses Romper $69.95 Clarks Shelly Sandal $79.95

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boys FASHION

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BABY Crinkle Set $19.00 Baby Dress Sandals $15.00

UNDER $20 bigw.com.au

BOY Printed Short Sleeve T-Shirt $5.00 Printed Boardshorts $6.00 Junior Fashion Sandals $12.00

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UNDER $55 davidjones.com BABY Fox & Finch Deep Blue Whale Romper $39.95 Old Soles Sandy Sandal $54.95

UNDER $55 davidjones.com

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SPLURGE melijoe.com/au BOYS Burberry Printed T-Shirt - Class Of 2020 $240.00 Stone Island Fleece Shorts $230.00 Birkenstock Sandals With Platform Soles - New York Birko-Flor® $98.00

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Bomber Jacket $69.95

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recipes sourced from: makehealthynormal.nsw.gov.au SEPTEMBER 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #108

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Quick & Easy

Baked Beans On Wholegrain Toast

prep time: 5 mins serves: 1

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS thick slice wholegrain 1 bread (we used sourdough) salt-reduced canned 1/2 cup baked beans handful baby spinach 1 leaves 1 tbsp grated cheese continental parsley, chopped, for garnish

1

Heat beans in the microwave for 1 minute on high (or stovetop).

2

Grate cheese and set aside.

3

Toast bread and lay spinach leaves over the top.

4

Pour over beans and then cheese.

5

Garnish with parsley.

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Delicious

Egg In A Basket INSTRUCTIONS

prep and cooking time: 25 mins serves: 4 INGREDIENTS

1

Preheat oven to 160°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

4

2

Slice off the top of each roll and scoop out the soft bread inside, leaving the bottom and sides of the roll intact. Arrange the rolls on the baking tray. Reserve the tops and middles.

1

3

Divide the spring onion, tomato, mushroom and spinach between the rolls.

4

Crack an egg into each roll. Season with pepper. Sprinkle the eggs with the grated cheese.

5

Bake for 10 minutes or until eggs are to your liking. Add the tops and middles during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

1 2 1 4

wholemeal or wholegrain rolls spring onion (including green top), sliced tomato, chopped mushrooms handful baby spinach leaves, optional small egg pepper, to taste

2 tbsp

reduced-fat cheddar cheese

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Balsamic Beef Salad prep & cook time: 35 mins serves: 6

INSTRUCTIONS

1

combine balsamic vinegar and mustard together in a cup. pour half the mixture into a non-metal dish. add steaks, turning to coat with the marinade. add orange juice to remaining vinegar mixture and set aside. spray a griddle or large non-stick frypan with oil and place on medium to high heat. drain steaks well and discard marinade. grill for 3 minutes each side or until cooked to your liking. remove from heat, cover and set aside to rest for 3 minutes before slicing thinly. meanwhile, place salad leaves, beans, cucumber, onion and tomatoes in a large bowl. pour over orange juice dressing and toss to combine. top with steak and serve immediately.

2

in a large pot add cauliflower, potato, onion, garlic and stock. cook on high heat until boiling then reduce heat to simmer, covered, for 20 minutes until potato and cauliflower stalk is tender.

3

remove from heat, add the milk and puree with stick blender or in small batches in food processor. add more milk if required and stir through to desired consistency.

4

ladle soup into bowls, season with freshly ground black pepper, sprinkle with chives and serve with a dinner roll.

INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 500g lean beef, trimmed of fat freshly squeezed orange 2 tbsp juice mixed salad or baby 4 cups spinach leaves can no-added-salt 420g cannellini beans or butter beans, drained lebanese cucumbers, 2 sliced into half moons red onion, peeled and 1/2 finely sliced drained fat-free semi1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped

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Asian Chicken Salad prep & cook time: 30 mins serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS

1

to poach chicken, place both chicken breasts in a medium saucepan with enough water to just cover. season with black pepper. add garlic, coriander roots and stems, reserving leaves. place over high heat and bring to the boil. reduce heat and simmer with lid on for 2 minutes. switch off heat, cover and leave chicken to rest in the liquid stock while preparationaring salad.

2

place the noodles in a large heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. set aside for 5 minutes to soften. drain well.

3

add cabbage, carrot, spring onions, bean sprouts and mint. roughly chop mint leaves and add to salad ingredients.

4

remove chicken and garlic from liquid stock and set aside to cool slightly.

5

to make dressing, mash cooked garlic in a cup and combine with lime juice, sweet chilli sauce, fish sauce and water.

6

coarsely shred or thinly slice the chicken then add to the salad with dressing and combine.

7

serve immediately, topped with peanuts.

INGREDIENTS skinless chicken 500g breasts, visible fat removed freshly ground or cracked black pepper cloves garlic, peeled 2 and halved coriander stalks, 4 including roots and leaves rice stick noodles or 100g vermicelli noodles finely shredded 3 cups chinese cabbage carrots, peeled, cut 2 into match-sized strips spring onions, thinly 4 sliced diagonally (include green tops) 3 cups bean sprouts (250g) loosely packed mint 1/2 cup leaves, roughly torn 2 tbsp lime juice for dressing sweet chilli sauce for 2 tbsp dressing 2 tbsp fish sauce for dressing 1 tbsp water for dressing unsalted peanuts, 40g roughly chopped for dressing

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Fish Cakes INSTRUCTIONS 1

place potatoes into a microwave safe container and cook on high for about 10 minutes (or boil in a saucepan until tender). drain and place into a bowl.

2

remove zest from lemon and add to potatoes.

3

mash potato (no need to be perfectly smooth).

4

add beaten eggs, salmon, spring onions, parsley, lemon juice and flour. mix well.

5

using a large spoon, mould handfuls into balls and then flatten into cakes around 2cm thick.

6

place flour and sesame seeds in a small bowl and coat fish cakes.

7

heat oil in a non-stick fry pan over medium heat. fry the fish cakes around 3-4 minutes each side until golden, spraying the top with oil while the bottom is cooking.

8

serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

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prep & cook time: 40 mins serves: 4 INGREDIENTS 4 lrg potatoes, skin on, cubed 210g can salmon, drained 1 spring onion, finely sliced 2 eggs 2 continental parsley, chopped 1 zest and juice of lemon (or lime) wholemeal flour, plus extra for 1 tbsp dusting 1tsp sesame seeds 1 tbsp oil, plus oil spray basil leaves, extra to serve

Family Frittata

prep & cook time: 1 hr 35 mins serves: 6

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS 1 lrg onion, peeled and chopped 2 garlic, finely chopped 1 tbsp water 2 zucchini, grated 200g sweet potato, peeled and grated lean bacon trimmed of visible fat, 50g finely diced 1 cup grated reduced fat tasty cheese 1 1/2 cups wholemeal self-raising flour 7 eggs olive oil cooking spray

1

preheat oven to 180°c and spray a large baking dish with olive oil.

2

place onion and garlic into a saucepan with a tablespoon of water and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until softened.

3

place onion and garlic mixture into a large mixing bowl and add remaining ingredients until well combined.

4

pour into baking dish and bake for 60-70 minutes.

5

stand in dish for five minutes and slice into 6-8 squares.

6

serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

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Tutti Fruity Blueberry Popsicles prep time: 15 mins freeze time: 4-6 hrs serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS 1

mix together blueberries and yoghurt.

2

divide between 4 cups. secure lids on moulds or insert popsicle sticks and freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight until solid.

3

stand at room temperature for a few minutes before removing from mould.

INGREDIENTS 200g blueberries low-fat vanilla 200g yoghurt

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Berry Rhubarb Meringue Pots prep & cook time: 40 mins serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS 1

preheat oven to 180ºc (160°c fan forced).

2

place rhubarb, apples, berries, juice or water and cinnamon into a large saucepan over a moderate heat. cover, bring to the boil and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, over a low heat for 15-20 minutes until rhubarb is soft but apples retain their shape.

3

meanwhile, in a clean dry bowl whisk the egg whites until soft peaks have formed. add sugar and beat until sugar has dissolved.

4

divide cooked fruit between 4 small 1-cup capacity overproof bowls and top with meringue, shaping into a peak.

5

sprinkle with almonds and bake for 10 minutes until golden.

6

serve immediately.

INGREDIENTS 4 3 1 1/2 cups 1/2 cup 1 tsp 2 1 tbsp 1/4 cup

stalks rhubarb, cut into 5cm lengths apples, peeled, cored and sliced frozen mixed berried unsweetened apple juice or water ground cinnamon egg whites, at room temperature caster sugar slivered almonds

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