My Child Magazine Issue 118 July 2021 by My Child Magazine

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

ISSUE 118 - JULY 2021

baby

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Bianca Medina ART DIRECTOR

Bianca Medina DEPUTY EDITOR

Feba Maryann  CONTRIBUTORS

Sheree Hoddinett Amy Adeney Lance Green Liza John Tú Nguyễn Pixabay RODNAE Productions Helena Lopes Andrea Piacquadio Yan Krukov Wendy Wei Allan Mas Jonathan Borba Nataliya Vaitkevich Olya Kobruseva CONTACT

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

Contents 6

Can You Spoil A Baby, Or Is That A

Dad Read - How Dads Can Support

Myth?

Breastfeeding

Get The Look Interiors

Developing A Relationship With Your Baby: Why It’s Important

Intimacy And Sex After Having A Baby

Top Tips To Relax During Pregnancy

18 Positive Bedtime Routines For Babies

24 Top Strategies To Socialise Your Baby

54 Toy Reviws

96 Blogger -Taking The Wrong Path The

60 Breastfeeding While Travelling: Practical Tips

Book Reviews

Tips For Dealing With Childhood Obesity

Baby Blues After Pregnancy: What Can You Do?T

Right Way

188 Fashion

98 Sand N Salt Feature

112 Recipes

126

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 My Child Mamma’s and Papa’s, The milestones of a child growning seem to go by so fast, it almost flash by in the blink of an eye. From the moment you hold your newborn in your arms for the very first time, to the time that you dress them to head off to school to start kindergarten, it all goes by in a blur. As a parent of a single child, it doesn’t quite seem fair that time isn’t slower, allowing you to capture every milestone in more detail, because as time goes by the memories that you store of your child growing seem to diminish over time. I suppose what I am trying to say, is breath and take it all in, before you know it, your child will be heading off into the big world with endless possibilities and dreams of whats to come and all that you’ll have left of the so called hard days of parenting is the memories that you make, so make them count! Well, until Next Issue,

Bianca oxo

editor’s picks

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NIKE WOMENS REPOSTO $120 platypusshoes.com.au

LUX SKIN® Derma Roller Kit $29 au.luxskin.co

Natio Spa Relaxing Magnesium & Mineral Bath Salts $14.95 myer.com.au

GG Marmont Mini Bag $1,465 gucci.com/au

Yves Saint Laurent Catwalk Hardcover Book $ 66.75 booktopia.com.au

Kids Bath And Body Set $98 gotoskincare.com

Maileg Mouse Car & Garage $149.95 dollshouseboutique.com.au

Peg Perego Fiat 500 Star Pink 6V $508 kidstoyswarehouse.com.au

CAN YOU SPOIL A BABY, OR IS THAT A MYTH? written by: Liza John

As soon as you let people know that you’re an expecting parent, a tsunami of information hits you. How many times have you heard that you should not spoil your baby? Through the rest of this article, we will find out if there is any truth to this. What Do Studies Say? Going through numerous parenting articles and books, we noticed that all of these unanimously confirmed the same. No, you cannot spoil a baby in the first year of life. On the other hand, expert studies suggest that responding to your baby’s cries is crucial for proper development that results in emotionally secure and independent children. The myth that you can spoil your babies, came to life in the 1920s when health experts started telling parents that they shouldn’t attend babies whenever they cried. They thought that being too responsive would cause the babies to be clingy and dependent. However, this was merely an opinion rather than an evidence-backed fact. Despite tons of reliable information available now, for some reason, this myth carried on, passing from one generation to the next.

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Why Can’t You Spoil Your Baby? Here are a few reasons backed by science that suggest why you can’t spoil your baby in the first year. Babies Need Comfort And Security. The first few months of life at least will be extremely difficult for both you and your baby. Your baby was suddenly jolted into a new, strange world. Until a couple of months ago, your baby enjoyed the safety and security of your womb. But now that has changed. Your baby will have a profound need for comfort and security. The only way you can let them know that you are there for them is by being responsive. Babies Do Not Possess Enough Skills To Be Manipulative. A common argument that your well-meaning friends or family give would be that your baby can manipulate you by crying. But this is simply impossible, and here’s why. A newborn baby’s cognitive and communicative skills are only in the process of being developed. They do not possess the advanced skills one requires to manipulate others.

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Babies Have To Communicate Their Needs. Babies are born helpless and are completely dependent on you for their needs. Unlike adults, babies have very few needs like being fed, being comforted, and being loved. They communicate it in the only way they can, by crying. So a cry or coo may just be her way of telling you that she needs a diaper change or needs food. Babies Grow Up To Be Independent If They Know They Can Depend On Their Caretaker. When you are a responsible parent, your baby learns that you are safe and reliable. Your baby grows up to love and connect with you. These positive actions are especially important during the first year of your child’s life. These actions also lead to your child feeling secure, growing up to tolerate separation, and also learning how to self-soothe. Thus, by being a responsive parent during the first year, you teach your child to be independent in the future. Skin-To-Skin Contact Proves To Be Beneficial For Babies. Responding to your baby’s coos and cries often result in having some skin-to-skin contact. According to 10

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UNICEF, skin-to-skin contact is beneficial not only for the baby, but also for the mother. Skin-to-skin contact helps the baby adjust to the world outside the mother’s womb. It helps regulate the baby’s breathing and heart rate. When Should You Start Worrying About Spoiling Your Child? With the data furnished above, it must be quite clear now that you cannot spoil your newborn baby during the initial months of life. So when should you be concerned about spoiling your child? If you find yourself constantly giving in to the whims and whines of your one-year-old, maybe it is time to consider your approach. After about 9 to 12 months, you should ideally start teaching your child about limits and following rules. After a year or so, do not let them do something on their whim, even if they throw a tantrum. Bottom Line The main takeaway here is that you need not worry about spoiling your baby for the first year of their lives. Right now, they need your unconditional love, protection, and comfort. Being responsive to their needs will develop a sense of trust in your baby that will carry over to the future.

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DEVELOPING A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR BABY: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT Written By: Liza John

Being a parent is no easy job, but it sure can be satisfying. From researching to figure out what would work for your baby to applying parenting hacks, parents wake up each day planning or trying to figure out what would be best for their kids. No matter what you do as a parent, at the end of the day it depends on your relationship with your baby. A strong parent-child relation leads to better outcomes for the child later in life. Why Is Developing A Parent-child Relationship Important? A parent-child relationship is a unique bond between a baby and their caretaker or parent. The Parent-Child Relationship or PCR plays a crucial role in the holistic development of the baby -including social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. Studies suggest that an overall positive and strong PCR pays off better for the child and the family. The relationship a child has with their parents plays a crucial role in their character formation, choices, and personality. Here are some benefits of developing a parent-child relationship: Better Relations With Others Developing a secure and healthy relationship with your baby will enable them to develop happy relations with others. A positive relationship with your child instils

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in them a sense of security and confidence, this, in turn, has a positive impact on the way they view other people as well. The Child Grows Up To Be Independent.

“When you have a good relationship with your child, your child learns to trust you and learns that you have their backs at all times.”

When you have a good relationship with your child, your child learns to trust you and learns that you have their backs at all times. This sense of security lets your child grow up to cope with separation anxiety, learn how to self-soothe, and thus be an independent human. Studies suggest that children who have a positive relationship with their parents can handle stress better and regulate their emotions. Promotes Holistic Development Growing up in a healthy, safe, and positive environment aids your child’s development. This includes cognitive ability, communicative skills, and physical growth. When a good parent-child relationship exists, your child can pick up essential skills and values

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from you, enabling better possibilities for them in the future. Improved Social Behaviour The way you treat your child has a direct impact on their attitude towards the world around them. Loving parents create loving children. On the other end of the spectrum, children who have had to face domestic violence, enter into abusive relationships in the future, continuing the cycle. A happy, healthy, and comforting relationship with your child is essential to developing good social behaviour in your child. If you are neglectful towards your child, your child may grow up to be anxious or stressed and could result in an emotionally withdrawn child. Better Academic Performance Children with a good relationship with their parents tend to fare better academically. This may be again due to the positive outlook they possess, which in turn results in motivated and ambitious children. How Can You Develop A Strong Relationship With Your Baby? Your newborn enjoyed the safety, security, and comfort of the mother’s womb up until a couple of months ago. Now

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you have to provide the baby with the same. All humans are born helpless and are dependent on their parents. Your baby has very few needs during the initial year -namely food, sleep, pee, and potty. Your baby communicates these needs in the only way it can communicate, coos and cries. Being responsive to these are essential to forming a trustful relationship with your child. When you carry out the necessary functions of providing love, comfort, and care, you are simultaneously laying the foundation for a strong, secure, and positive parentchild relationship. Babies develop an attachment to their parents or caretakers during the first year of their life. Bottom Line A positive parent-child relationship is vital for the overall development of your baby. Spend quality time with your baby, and work towards creating a positive, caring environment for your baby to grow. Hey there, you got this! You’re the best parent in the world. How do we know? Well, you’re reading this article and trying to improve. That’s all there is to parenting, a will to change and improve.

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

POSITIVE BEDTIME ROUTINES FOR BABIES written by: Liza John

A positive bedtime routine acts as a bridge between a hassling day to a calm, relaxing night. It tells your body that it is time to shut down and hit the sack. Cultivating a positive bedtime routine in your child is essential, and here’s why: 1. In your child. Children love routines, as they establish some normalcy in their It soothes and calms your child. Some babies and children find it difficult to settle into bed, a good bedtime routine facilitates this. 2. It inculcates healthy sleep habits like sleeping early, waking up less often in the middle of the night, and longer sleep. These habits will also help your child get enough sleep and keep many diseases at bay. 3. A consistent and predictable routine gives a sense of control and reduces anxiety lives. When To Start? So now that you are convinced that a positive bedtime routine is beneficial to your child, naturally a question that comes up is when do you start? Your baby is not going to have any sense of day or night during the initial few weeks of her life. Around two months of age, she will develop a more predictable pattern and

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around this time you can introduce a very basic version of the bedtime routine. This may be singing a lullaby or reading a storybook. Establishing A Bedtime Routine Every baby is different, hence there is no universal bedtime routine that works for all babies. That being said, we will now address some basic pointers to help you get started and set up a positive bedtime routine for your baby. Consistency Now you might have an ideal bedtime in your mind for your baby, try to stick to it every day. It is easier to start with a bedtime that is closest to when your baby usually falls asleep. Then, if you want, you can gradually correct this to the ideal bedtime you have in mind. For example, say your child sleeps by 10 PM and, you want them to sleep by 9 PM. Start at 10 PM the first day. On the subsequent days, start the bedtime routine a few minutes earlier than the previous day. While your child’s bedtime may change with age, keep it somewhat consistent. Abruptly making changes to the bedtime routine may be counterproductive.

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Make Them Comfortable Cannot help reiterating, but a good bedtime routine helps your baby relax and transition into the tranquillity of the night. Make good use of the sleep-inducing powers of a good bath or a gentle massage. Remind your child to use the bathroom and brush their teeth before bed. Help them change into something a bit more comfortable, like, pyjamas. Adjust the room temperature so that the room is cool but not cold. Snugly tuck your child into bed. Additionally, dim the lighting and get rid of any electronic devices. Make it a rule that your child stops using electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. Lullabies and Bedtime Stories Sing a lullaby or a gentle song to lull your baby to sleep. A soothing song or lullaby can soothe your baby and calm their distressed body. If you think you are a terrible singer or are not in the mood to sing, read your baby an age-appropriate storybook in a calm voice. Lullabies and bedtime stories will also help your baby develop language skills. 22

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Parting Before leaving the room, say some comforting affectionate words like “I love you 3000”, and couple it up with hugs or kisses. These acts of affection go a long way and can turn into memories that you can cherish later on. Sometimes children may keep making requests to delay sleeping or to stop you from leaving. Deflect off these requests in the best possible ways. Let your child know that once they are in bed, they cannot leave the bed. If they misbehave, do not make a scene or talk to them or give attention in any way possible, this is exactly what they want. If they leave the bed, just guide them back to bed. Final Thoughts A bedtime routine is a wonderful way to bond with your child at the end of a busy day. Tucking your child into bed helps you calm down and have a relaxing evening. Jim Henson, the creator of The Muppets, once said: “Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are”. Try to incorporate a good bedtime routine into your life as well.

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

TOP STRATEGIES TO SOCIALISE YOUR BABY

WRITEN BY: LIZA JOHN

The first few years of your baby’s life are a time of development in more than one aspect. Along with physical growth, they also attain other milestones. Being able to interact with the surrounding people effectively is one such important skill they develop. Social skills can be even considered more essential than the academic results your child produces during this period. Once you succeed in cultivating the ability to express freely and communicate effectively in your child at a young age, they are set for life in terms of social skills. Children need these skills at all turns of life. At the same time, deficits in social skills indicate a delay in neurological and psychological development in some cases. So here are some simple yet effective ways in which you can inculcate social skills in your child. Establishing Eye Contact While holding a conversation, be it formal or informal, eye contact is a must at all ages. You need to teach children the importance of establishing eye contact while talking at a young age. Persistent refusal to do this needs to be analysed by a clinical psychologist because it is a sign of neurodiverse behaviour. You can start simple here. For example, while playing with your child, ask them to narrate a story for an audience of toys. Or get your child to look at your face and guess the emotions you are depicting at the moment. This way they can learn how to maintain eye contact as well as get to know about different emotions. Open-Ended Suggestions When it comes to parenting, people tend to give their children an order to act. For example, “Say hello to your aunt,” and the child may comply, but this does not allow them to think for themselves. Instead, try giving them open-ended suggestions like “Do you have something to tell your aunt?” Open-ended suggestions also mean that the child sets the pace at which they approach others. Though socialising is critical, forcing the process can have undesirable effects. Playdates Teaching children how to interact with individuals similar in age usually happens by trial and error. Arrange a playdate with a friend’s or 26

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neighbour’s kids and supervise them to see how the group interacts. At a younger age, the children might indulge in parallel play, which means that they will continue playing on their own but in the presence of others. As toddlers, they start sharing toys, space, and ideas to play together. You can use this opportunity to teach values like sharing, acceptance, taking turns, and expressing emotions. Some children display a tendency to show microaggressions like biting and swatting at others when they are frustrated. Placing them in a group and conditioning these undesirable behaviours away will do them good. Role-play Among the many things that the pandemic has taken away from us, one important thing might be the various social stimuli for developing children. If not for social distancing, children would receive regular exposure to the people at grocery stores, the waitstaff at restaurants, pedestrians, and even pets on the street. Since social distancing means prevention from deadly viruses, parents have to get creative here. Role-play as various people your child may come across on a normal day. Switch roles and see how your child behaves in each situation. This can also be utilised to pass on lessons of social etiquette, otherwise learned with experience. Perspective Taking This is yet another strategy for developing social skills while social distancing. While watching a movie with your child, inquire about what different characters might be feeling. Ask the kids how they would deal with similar situations and why. Such questions can give the parents insight into how well the child is equipped to deal with life’s small crises and frustrations. This exercise can promote empathy and identification of other’s emotions in children. Movies like The Lion King and Inside Out, or even classic fairy tales like The Little Mermaid and Goldilocks can aid in showcasing various emotions. Conclusion You may ask why socialisation is necessary for your kids, and the answer is simple. Human beings are social animals and need each other to flourish. Being able to communicate and interact well with others may not mean survival like centuries ago, but it does have perks. JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

BOOK e

by: Amy Adeney from Busy Bookworms

H ELLO WO R LD BY LI SA SHANAHAN AND LEI L A RU D G E Hello world. Hello sun. Hello day just begun. The sun is up and so is on e gor ge ous munchkin, ready to welcome t he wor l d ! In this beautif ul new book, re ad e r s se e a single ordinary day through t he e y e s of a toddler, f rom mealtimes and p ar k v i si t s to bath fun and snuggling up f or a st or y . Wit h a d elic iou s rh y min g tex t a n d sc ru mp t iou s illu st ra t ion s, t h is i s a j o y o u s c eleb ra t ion of a ll t h e sma ll won d er s wa i ti n g t o b e d isc ov ered . A lov ely b o o k to s h a r e wit h rea d ers from b irt h t o t h ree y ea r s o l d .

MY BE AU TIF U L VOICE BY J O S E P H CO E L H O A N D A L L IS O N C OLPOYS This st or y f o l l o w s a c h ild w h o is s o s hy, she do e sn’ t s p e a k . Wit h t h e en c o u r ag ement of an e nch a n t i n g an d m a g ic al t eac h er, she w rit e s a p o e m . Bu t a p o em is meant to be rea d a l ou d ! S h e mu s t er s a ll h er c ourage, sta nds a t t h e f r o n t o f t h e c las s a n d shows he r cla s s m a te s t h a t s h e d o es h ave a voice. And he r v oi c e i s b ea u t ifu l! T h is stu n n i n g l y illus trated, heart-wa rmin g boo k sh o w s ch i ldre n that anyone’ s v oic e c an be p o w e r f u l and be autiful, h owev er sm all. T h e m o v i n g , lyrical te x t and gorgeou s ar t w o rk g l o w o f f eve ry page . The pe rfec t wa y to e nc o u r a g e e m p athy in young children , a n d show sh y r e a d e r s age d four and up h ow t o feel bra v e .

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

T H E SPE C TACU L AR SU I T BY KAT PATRI CK AND HAYL E Y W E L L S It’s almost Frankie’s bi r t hd ay and everything is ready - except for som e t hi ng to wear. All of her party d r e sse s f e e l wrong. Her f amily tries to he l p , b ut i t ’ s no good. What Frankie longs f or i s a sui t . A spectacular suit ...Can Fra nk i e f i nd t he outf it of her dreams? Th is is a b u oy a n t a n d hea r t-wa r m i n g c eleb ra t ion of in d iv id u a lit y , i d en ti ty , a n d d ressin g t o su it y ou rself ! It i s a wo n d er f u l c on v ersa t ion st a rt er t o exp lo r e g en d er a n d id en t it y , a n d wou ld ma ke a per f ec t g i f t f o r rea d ers a ged fou r a n d u p , esp ec i a l l y th o s e wh o d on ’t id en t ify wit h t ra d i ti o n a l g en d er roles.

WHERE ARE YOU, MAGOO? BY BR I O N Y S T E WA RT In t his a d or a b l e c o mp an io n b o o k to the ac cla im e d W e Lo ve Yo u , Mag o o !, pres cho o le r s w i l l l ove t o p la y h id e-a n d- seek wit h M a g oo , th e fu n a n d lo veab l e red d o g. Wi th a n i n t er a c t ive s eek-and- find ele me n t , r e a d e rs c an h ave fu n fi nding Ma go o i n th e p ic t u r es a n d s eein g what mischie f t h i s c h eeky p u p h a s b een up to. A de lig h t f u l s to r y w ith a ton of in st a n t appe a l, a n d p e rfe ct e ne rgy for the p res c ho o l a g e g r o u p , this book has k id-frien d ly r o u nde d co r n e r s and is a joyous rhy min g r o m p of a b o o k for young children a ged th re e t o f i v e .

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

BABY BLUES AFTER PREGNANCY: WHAT CAN YOU DO? Written by Liza John

So, you recently brought your bundle of joy home, congrats! But do you find yourself getting worked up over changing diapers, flaring up at your partner, or wishing that you could leave all of this and go somewhere far away? What’s wrong? Aren’t you supposed to be walking on air right now? Not exactly. Many mothers experience what is known as Baby blues. Taking care of a baby is no easy work. Sleepless nights, incessant crying, hormonal changes, and more often means that having a new baby becomes a stressful, exhaustive, and overwhelming experience. It is fair to say that now there is no return to the normal life you were used to. Be that as it may, there are things you can do to manage baby blues and to enjoy the experience. First, let us try to understand what baby blues are. What Are Baby Blues? Baby blues are feelings of gloom or sadness that mothers experience a few days after delivery. Baby blues affect about four out of five mothers, or about 80% of postpartum mothers.

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Mothers usually experience baby blues 2 to 3 days after delivery. Baby blues usually resolve in about 10 days or two weeks on their own. Baby blues are completely normal and do not require any sort of treatment. However, if it lasts for more than two weeks, consult a doctor as it may be a sign of postpartum depression. What Causes Baby Blues? Hormonal imbalance is thought to be the major culprit behind baby blues. Soon after the delivery, levels of estrogen and progesterone suddenly plunge, leading to mood swings. There may be variations in other hormones as well that contribute to your sadness. Additionally, sleepless nights and poor diets can add to your misery. Experts also suggest that emotional stress may be another factor causing baby blues. You may feel worked up due to the sudden changes to your daily routine or thoughts about taking care of the baby. If you had complications during a previous pregnancy or felt depressed previously, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing baby blues. What Can You Do? Baby blues can be managed by doing things JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

that could help you feel a little better. Here we have a few tips to help you get used to the new normal. Sleep Well You must be thinking, “Oh! If only I could”. You’d think that pigs would fly the day you get good sleep while having a newborn. But it is rather simple, sleep when the baby does. You may have a ton of work to finish when your baby is sleeping, but let it be and sleep. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep a day. Get Support If your friends or family are willing to lend a hand, let them. Ask for help when you don’t feel like doing it. You have a lot on your plate right now, so outsource some of it and take some time off. Eat Well You just pushed a little human out of your body. Right now there are two things your body needs, good rest and good nutrition. Eat well and eat healthily. Aim for whole foods, tons of vegetables and fruits, and lean protein. Consult your doctor and get supplements if necessary.

Vent It Out Talk to someone about how you feel. Vent it out. You could talk to your spouse, best friend, mum, dad, or anyone you feel won’t judge you. Contact a therapist if you feel it’s going out of hand. Do Stuff You Love You might feel that hell would freeze over before you can find time for yourself. But spending every minute of your life for another person will leave you despondent and fed up. Find some time each day for doing things you love. Read a book, listen to music, dance, or do whatever you love, break a leg. Final Thoughts Baby blues are a common phase almost every mum has to go through, and they usually fade away without any treatment. Get in touch with other mums you know for tips or to talk to people who understand how you feel. Do not drink alcohol or use recreational drugs during this period, as they may worsen your mood swings. Be wary of postpartum depression and reach out if you don’t feel better even after a couple of weeks.

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

INTERIORS

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JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

Kids Table and Chairs Activity Desk 3pcs $89.95 kidstoyswarehouse.com.au

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JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

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The Shorty in Navy $199 mustardmade.com

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

Lush Dalya Knitted Throw Green $80 spotlightstores.com

Medallion Round Jute Rug $49.95 templeandwebster.com.au

Cotton Velvet Cushion $20 next.com.au

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

TOP TIPS TO RELAX DURING PREGNANCY

Written by Liza John

Embarking on a journey of parenthood, from the moment you find out about the pregnancy to holding the child in your arms, is that of an emotional rollercoaster. Like ripples in a pond that undulates out into larger currents, the changes that occur are unforeseen and pervasive. During pregnancy, the mother endures drastic body transformation. Weight gain, hormonal fluctuation, expanding belly, and changes in sleep pattern and appetite are some commonly seen issues. Additionally, you may experience discomfort such as nausea and tiredness due to the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone over the trimesters. While taking care of yourself, there is also an additional responsibility felt towards another life. It often leaves us with a constant fear of what to expect and whether we are doing the right thing. A quick google search results in the consumption of contradicting information, ensued by doubt and confusion. New to-be parents are subjected to unsolicited advice from people around them. The expectant mother is told of the right thing to do, what should be eaten, what should be avoided, and other 101 remedies for a perfect child. Piling up these issues makes it difficult for the expecting parents to enjoy this beautiful journey 50

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and make the most of it. For achieving optimal experience, this article suggests a few tips that you can follow to relax during pregnancy. Diet and Sleep First and foremost, the expecting mother needs to eat right and hydrate herself. While a balanced diet boosts energy, nourishing your body also helps control weight gain, improves your mood, and empowers you to take on the day. It is common to experience pregnancy fatigue, which can leave you feeling blue and moody. There is nothing that an adequate amount of sleep and rest cannot tackle. So mothers, take a nap when you can and prioritise getting rest each day! Exercise If you’re healthy, and you exercised before you got pregnant, it’s usually safe to continue your activities during pregnancy. However, consult your physician/doctor before. Activities such as swimming, prenatal yoga, walking are considered to be safe for moms-to-be. Research shows that physical activities keep the mind and body healthy, manage stress and sleep better, eases the discomfort of pregnancy, and JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

prepares the body for labour and birth. Self-Love You might not fit into your favourite pair of jeans anymore or may witness changes in your body such as stretch marks, acne, and so on. You may even have to cut down activities that do not seem necessary. Knowing and listening to your body and embracing it will help you relax through everything that comes your way. Give yourself some love! Research If this is your first child, and you do not know what to expect, read up about pregnancy or talk to other expecting or new mothers. Take a childbirth education class, so you know what to expect during pregnancy and when your baby arrives. Practice the breathing and relaxation methods you learn in your class. Self-Care Activities Doing a brief calming meditation, by taking a few minutes to breathe, focus and relax, can help you stay grounded to the present moments. Take some alone time for yourself to listen to music, watch

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TV, get a massage, employ some positive talk or sip on some peppermint tea. This increases the number of happy hormones produced by the body, improves mood, and will help you relax. For The Better Halves A partner’s support during this crucial time is important for the mother and baby. So what can the partner do during pregnancy? Learn as much as you can about pregnancy, extend physical and emotional support to your partner. This can be done by participating in doctor’s visits, helping with household chores, spending time together, or even communicating each other’s needs and feelings. If the woman feels supported by her partner during pregnancy, she may feel happier and less stressed. So, to the ‘better half, it is time for you to step up. Bottom Line Getting ready to have a baby is a very exciting time. It is important to take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. Practising certain measures will help you calmly sail through your pregnancy.

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T O Y r e v i e w s

by: SHEREE HODDINETT

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Sui t a b l e fo r : 12-36 m on th s Me e t th e f u n a n d p layfu l P o p p in g Surprise Seal. This happy and mischi e v ous se al re a lly i s b a b y ’s b es t fr ien d . P la c e Seal’s ball on his tail to see him perf or m hi s t r i c k a nd t o h e a r f u n s o u n d s an d p la yfu l melodies. Seal also magically moves, wob b l e s and flips h i s ta i l . Pr es s o n e o f t h e t h r ee shape buttons to hear fun phrases, co l our s, si nga lo ng s o n g s , m elo d ies a n d s o u n d s. Bop his nose to make him move and t o he ar f un phra s e s a n d s i ng -a lo n g s o n g s . Featuring 3 catchy songs and f un melodies, S e al he l p s de ve lo p m ot o r s kills an d t ea c h es cause and ef f ect relationships. Our Ve r d i ct – A t firs t glance , I almost t h ou gh t t h is wa s goin g t o b e on e f or t h e b a th , b u t it ’ s no t! T h a t d oes n’ t mean there isn ’t st ill some f u n a n d en t ert a in men t in i t f o r y o u r lit t le o n e . P l u s a little le arning add ed in a s well. A c u t e lit t le t ric k of p lac i n g th e b a l l o n h is ta i l a n d flipping it tow ards h is h a t will h a v e y ou r lit t le on e gigglin g i n n o ti m e. T h e re ’s a l s o f u n s ongs and tune s to b op a lon g t o a s well a s lea rn in g c olou rs. I t’ s g r ea t f o r ke e p in g ch i l d r e n entertaine d while d ev elop in g t h eir fin e mot or skills a n d t ea c h i n g th em the c o n ce p t o f caus e and e ffect - press t h e sea l’s n ose t o wa t c h h im mov e a nd p l a y wh i l e p e rf o r m i n g tr i cks . If nois y toys aren ’t u p y ou r a lley , t h a n I’d h igh ly rec om m en d g i v i n g this o n e a m i s s . W hile enriching for y ou r c h ild ’s lea rn in g, t h e mov in g, wob bl i n g a n d ta i l fl ip pin g ca n g e t a little annoying. W i t h my girls, t oy s like t h is on e a re grea t ei th er o u ts i d e o r in a n o th e r r oom, haha! Ava i l a bl e fro m: vtech . co m . a u , B ig W, g ood toy stor es and online r eta i l e r s 56

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VTECH KIDIZOOM STUDIO $99.95

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Sui t abl e fo r : 5 - 12 yea rs B e t he s t a r o f yo u r o wn vid eo u niverse with the Kidizoom Studio! Crea t e awe som e vide o s w i th t h i s h ig h -d efin it io n v ideo camera kit, that comes with eve r y t hi ng y ou ne e d to c r e a t e t h e s h o w o f yo u r dreams! Take still photos or create vi d e os on t he HD vi d e o c a m e r a wit h a b u ilt -in microphone and a f lip- up lens for self ies. S e t up t he pe rf e c t s h o t w i t h t h e in c lu d ed t a bletop tripod to film your very own unbox i ng v i d e os o r co n v e r t i t to a 5-in c h s elfie s t ic k and f lip up the camera lens to frame pe r f e c t se l f i e s o r o n - t h e - m ove s elfie-vid eo s . P lus, play in between takes with the thre e i nc l ud e d g a m e s ! U s e t h e g r een s c r een an d 2 0 + animated backgrounds to set th e st age f or a ll yo u r v i d e o ad ven t u r es - p r et end to host a show, give tours, create di sap p e ar i ng illusion s o r g e t c h a s ed b y a T -R ex ! You can even create new backgrounds f r om y our o w n p h o t o s f or mo r e c r eat ive fu n . When it’s time to edit your video, use t he e asy onca m e r a e d i ti n g t o o ls t o t r im c lip s and add intros or music. Cut scenes t oge t he r f or a w e so m e t r i c k effec t s o r jo in p h otos to create time- lapse and stop- mot i on v i d e os. Le t yo u r c r e a t i v it y lo o s e! Our v e r d i ct – I fe el lik e there’ s a run wa y set u p b eh in d me…my t wo lit t le s u p er mo d el s are al r e a d y f i l ming their ow n fas hion sh ows. N ot t o men t ion p u llin g a ll kin d s o f f a c es f o r t he ir mo s t f a v o urite photo of all, the selfie. Th e wa y we c a n t a ke p h ot os n ow ( a n d s o c a n o u r ki d s ) i s a f a r cry from the “ old” d a y s of p u sh in g t h e b u t t on , d rop p in g t h e c a m er a r o l l o f f a n d w a i ti n g to s ee if your photos a c t u a lly t u rn ed ou t . P lu s kid s c a mera s wer en ’ t mu c h o f a t h i n g , o t h e r than pre te nding of c ou rse! My girls a re ma d a b ou t p h ot os. T a k i n g th em , b e in g i n t h e m , talk ing about the m, y ou n a me it . I d on ’t u n d erst a n d t h e fa sc i n a ti o n , b u t t he joy th e y g e t out of playing with a c a mera a n d h a v in g f u n wit h it a t t h e sa m e ti me, i s kind of i n f e ct i o us . I won’ t lie, I may h a v e h a d a lit t le p la y wit h t h is c a mera t o o … th e a b i l i ty t o b e a b l e to d elete any photos I don ’t like is d ef in it ely a n a d d ed b on u s, h ah a ! T h i s o n e is d e f i n i t e l y a winner. If only, I had t wo, t h a t wou ld sa v e t h e a rgu men t s! Ava i l abl e fr o m : vtech . co m . a u , Tar g et, M y er , g ood toy stor es and onli ne r e t ai l e r s 58

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

BREASTFEEDING WHILE TRAVELLING: PRACTICAL TIPS Written by Liza John

Newborns need their sustenance at regular intervals, and they also need their mother for emotional support during distressing times. While travelling, newborns become even needier due to the change in environment and the onslaught of stimulus. Calming your baby down and feeding them in these situations can prove to be tricky. Therefore, breastfeeding while travelling is worrisome for any new mother. Even if you are not travelling with the baby, nursing parents need to express their milk to keep up its production. Often, for the process, convenient settings may not be available, and storing or disposing of the milk also becomes a question. Here are 5 practical tips for nursing parents to make travelling easier. Prepare, Prepare, And Prepare Regardless of your mode of travel, pack ample amounts of diapers, pacifiers, nursing tops, outfits for your baby and yourself, and your breast milk pump. Do not forget to keep sanitisers and baby wipes within your arm’s reach. If you are taking a flight, take your diaper bag as your carry-on. For the road, stay prepared with liquids to keep yourself hydrated. Staying hydrated while breastfeeding and travelling are critical to your health. Do your research on how to store your pumped milk while travelling, there are many establishments that cool and ship breast milk to desired locations. Also, look for hotels and flights that allow you to store your expressed milk while you avail of their services.

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Sort Your Itinerary If you are taking a flight or a train, reserve a window seat before the journey. If you are travelling with someone else, book the aisle seat as well. This way, you can feed the baby privately. On the other hand, if you are on a road trip, look for rest stops with the required facilities. Apps like TripAdvisor and Yelp can help you with this. While travelling with the baby, make sure that your schedule is not too packed to make your baby or you unsettled. If you are not travelling with your baby, take sufficient breaks to express your milk and call your baby so that they don’t feel abandoned. Research On Guidelines And Restrictions Air travel has restrictions on the number of liquids you can carry on the flight, but this does not apply to breast milk. If you are carrying breast milk with you, store it in safe zip lock bags with cooling pads to preserve it. Carry it separately from the other liquids that you are carrying so that you have proof of how many liquids you are carrying. Some airport personnel may give you trouble with this depending on the airports. To prevent this, keep a printout of the guidelines with you. If you are breastfeeding in public places, the surrounding people might get uncomfortable in some places. Know your rights and feed your baby anywhere without fear. Some helplines can come to your aid if the situations become sticky.

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Stay Safe The pandemic has shown us the importance of hygiene. Do not make any compromises when it comes to your baby’s health. Before breastfeeding, sanitise your hands. Wipe down the immediate surroundings with antibacterial wipes before starting to feed. You may find lactation pods or rooms reserved for nursing mothers at airports. Make use of such facilities to ensure maximum safety. If you feel unsafe breastfeeding your baby, feed them your expressed milk or formula. Other Points To Take Note Of Besides keeping your baby full, feeding your baby can keep them settled while you are on the go. Letting your baby feed during the take-off and landing of the flights can prevent their ears from getting plugged. Pouring drops of your breast milk into your baby’s eyes can give them further protection from the germs in the environment. For making the journey more comfortable, pack wraparound carriers along with all the baby-related paraphernalia. This will come of immense use if your baby feels too stressed by everything. Final Words Travelling requires a lot of planning and looking after a baby is work on its own. Together, the combination can take a toll on anyone without proper strategies. It may sound overwhelming, but a bit of research and planning can solve your troubles. Moreover, do not hesitate to ask family or fellow travellers for help if you need it. People will always be ready to extend a helping hand.

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

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TIPS FOR DEALING WITH CHILDHOOD OBESITY Written by Liza John

A chubby toddler with full cheeks and a pot-belly is as adorable as it gets. But for some, it can turn into a health concern in the future. WHO estimates suggest that around 340 million kids, aged 5 to 19, around the world are obese or overweight. The scariest part is that childhood obesity has been increasing over the years. Overview A child or adolescent is said to be experiencing childhood obesity if they are significantly overweight for their age and height. Several factors go into determining whether your child is overweight. Different children grow at different rates and achieve developmental milestones at different times. So it may not always be easy to determine if your child is having Childhood Obesity. BMI may be a good indicator to tell you if your child is obese, however, it has its flaws. But as a rule of thumb, BMI should work fairly well. Why Is Childhood Obesity A Problem? Childhood obesity can lead to many other health problems, including: • High blood pressure and high cholesterol leading to cardiovascular issues. 68

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• Type 2 diabetes • Breathing issues like asthma • Joint pain or other issues • Liver problems Another major consequence of childhood obesity is emotional stress, low self-esteem, and other psychological problems. Fat shaming, bullying, and social stigma your child may have to face at school or the park can even lead to severe issues such as anxiety and depression. Children who are obese are likely to become adults with obesity, which in turn leads to more severe health risks in the future. That said, we have good news for you. Childhood obesity can be reversed! How? Let’s find out. Tips To Deal With Childhood Obesity Here are some tips to help your child manage childhood obesity and maintain a healthy weight. Develop Healthy Habits The first and foremost step you need to take is to inculcate healthy habits in your child. Teach them the importance of a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight. DO NOT SHAME or otherwise tease them. Be a good role model for your child to look up to. Better yet, make health a family thing. Engage in JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

healthy activities and eat healthy together. Cook healthy whole foods, and ensure that your diet consists of vegetables, fruits, and protein. Plan for your child’s snacks. Getting your child to eat healthy snacks is going to be tricky and will require some creativity. Your kids should probably enjoy fruit smoothies, salted/toasted nuts, whole wheat veggie pockets, or banana oats cookies. Limit Refined Sugar/ Junk Food Refined sugar, junk food, and other high-calorie foods are perhaps the largest contributors to childhood obesity. The easiest option is to not stock up on these foods, but again when their aunts or uncles come over, they’re bound to bring tasty treats with them. So another approach would be to teach them portion control. Be assertive about how much junk food they eat. Remember that these are treats only if your child eats them rarely. If your child keeps nagging you about it, stir up a low-calorie, healthy version of it. For example, you could try making a pizza with half whole wheat flour and half refined flour. Encourage Your Child To Get Active Getting your child to be active might be the hardest part, as obese children often face bullying from their 70

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mates at the park or the playground. The bullying leaves them with low self-esteem and causes them to be apprehensive about going to the park or playing with their friends. A way to encourage them is by joining them in getting active. By being active, you don’t have to do high-intensity workouts or play rugby with your child. A stroll in the park, cycling together, or running can do the magic. Additionally, you can involve your child in helping you with the yard work, which is a pretty good workout in itself. Reduce Sedentary Time Video games, cartoons, series, and social media, all mean that your child remains stuck to the screen and the couch all the time. Put a limit on the total screen time your child has in a day. Do not set up PCs or TVs in their rooms, instead put them in places where you can always keep an eye on them. Establish gadget-free zones in your house. Ensure Good Sleep Good sleep is vital to good health. Studies suggest that not getting adequate sleep can often lead to obesity, as it makes you eat more and be less active. Ensure that your child gets at least 8 hours of sleep every day. JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

HOW DADS CAN SUPPORT BREASTFEEDING

Written by Lance Green

So, your newborn has come home, right now all they need is fuel, rest, and care. There is no better fuel than breast milk. Breast milk helps strengthen the immune system and lowers the chances of illness in your baby. Many associate breastfeeding as a mom’s job and those dads have no say in it. Needless to say, it is far from true, and dads usually don’t realise how instrumental their role can be. Did you know that a positive, supporting dad can encourage the mother to breastfeed? Studies also suggest that a positive, encouraging partner means that the mother is more successful at breastfeeding and breastfeed for longer periods. Your support can help your spouse breastfeed your baby even if she feels drained and get through any complications that may arise. Breastfeeding for longer often translates into more health benefits for the baby. By being a supporting partner, you also improve your family’s overall health. In the rest of this article, we’ll be dealing with how you can support your breastfeeding partner. Educate Yourself Learn all you can about breastfeeding, including baby 74

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and mother positions, amount of breast milk baby should get, and so on. Learn about its benefits and how you can be supportive. Sign up for prenatal classes, or breastfeeding classes with mom, and be a part of the lactation consultant appointments. Moms often get inundated with a flurry of information about breastfeeding and other baby-related stuff, but dads often find themselves on the other end, clueless and sometimes anxious. Educating yourself on these topics will help reduce your anxiety and to be more useful. Communicate With Mom As joyful as having a baby may be, it is surely going to be stressful for both the mom and you. The mom may experience baby blues, and you may experience breastfeeding anxiety. Oftentimes, miscommunication can put additional stress on your relationship. Be compassionate and empathetic towards each other and communicate what you want with clarity. Sometimes, your partner may just want to vent, be available and listen to them. Reassure your partner that you’re there for them and JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

that they have your unconditional love and support. Small words can go a long way during these times. Be The Stork Be the stork that delivers the baby to mom at feeding time. After feeding, you can also burp the baby, change diapers, cuddle, or put them to sleep. Many moms find this extremely helpful, especially during those sleepless nights. You can take the baby on strolls or nurse the baby with a bottle. Skin-to-skin contact can be beneficial for the baby and also strengthen your bond. Be Helpful While Mom Breastfeeds Being a pillar of support does not mean you have to stand there like a pillar while your spouse or partner is breastfeeding. Instead, you can get them a bottle of water, a small snack, nursing pillows, or whatever she wants. Even a simple “Can I get you something?” could help your partner relax and feel confident knowing that you have their backs. Be encouraging and cheer for mom while she is nursing the baby.

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Take Care Of Mom And The House. Your spouse has just pushed out a new human to the world and is providing sustenance and care for the baby. Mothers often tend to overlook their health in the process. Ensure that they get enough rest and nourishment. Do not forget to let her know that she is loved, and small gestures matter. Taking care of the house and splitting up household chores would take the weight off your spouse’s shoulder and let her breathe easy. You can also prepare meals and snacks for mom and the rest of the household. Even if the rest of your family does not recommend breastfeeding or are discouraging it and your spouse wants to go ahead with it, support her decision. In case you have older children, spend time with them. Take care of them when your spouse is nursing the baby. Final Thoughts Understand that breastfeeding is a learning experience, especially for first-time moms. It may take about six weeks to get the hang of it. From emotional support to taking care of the house, you can be more helpful in breastfeeding than you think. Be caring, thoughtful, and a loving partner.

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INTIMACY AND SEX AFTER HAVING A BABY Written by Liza John

Baby blues, wrathful hormonal changes, pain from the delivery, and postpartum stress mean that sex and intimacy would be the last thing on a new parent’s mind. But surely this would not be the case forever. In the rest of this article, we’ll be looking into all aspects of intimacy and sex after having a baby. How Long Should You Wait Before Having Sex Again? A fairly common question among new parents is when to have sex again. Well, for most cases, it depends on whenever you’re ready. In cases where the mother had to undergo difficult labour or required stitches, sex can wait until the body is healed. Many health providers recommend waiting for about four to six weeks after delivery before having sex. This period provides ample time for your body to heal and postpartum vaginal discharges to stop. However, before you start grinding the corn, remember that sex after having a baby will take time and effort. Is Sex Going To Be The Same? Well, let’s cut to the chase, postpartum sex will not feel good at first. But we have good news, it will improve over time. 80

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Many moms find postpartum sex to be painful at first, even moms who’ve had C-section report painful sex after labour. So, hold your horses till the mother has completely healed. Sleepless nights, insecurities or body image issues, and postpartum fatigue aren’t exactly the perfect combination to get you in the mood. There’s another catch for breastfeeding mothers, breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which lowers sex drive. Postpartum Vaginal Changes Postpartum, your vagina is naturally going to undergo some changes and is probably not going to completely return to its prenatal state. Let us see what to expect and what you can do to help recovery. Wider Vagina It is not uncommon for the vagina to feel wider, softer, and looser than before. Some women also report additional swelling or that it feels bruised. However, in a few days, the swelling goes away and the width reduces. Dryness The vagina might feel dry after childbirth due to the lower levels of estrogen in your body. In the case of breastfeeding mothers, estrogen may be lower, and JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

the dryness may be more. Hence, if you start having sex, consider using lubes. Soreness Or Perineal Pain Sometimes during labour, the perineum tears or has to be torn(episiotomy) to allow childbirth. This can leave your perineum sore and cause pain. Using painkillers can help reduce this pain but talk to your doctor before you do so. Medical practitioners generally recommend women to do pelvic floor strengthening exercises like Kegels. These exercises speed up the recovery of the vaginal muscles and pelvic floor muscles, thus reducing incontinence and make your vagina feel firmer. Your And Your Partner’s Feelings It is natural for new mothers to feel confused if they’re not interested in sex. It may take about 1 to 3 months for interest to return to women. At the same time, your partner may feel dejected or unwelcome. The relationship may feel strained during the initial days after childbirth. Hence, it is crucial to start working on rekindling your love. Do something nice for your significant other like buying them flowers, preparing a meal, or kissing them. Take things slow and easy. Once you get the hang of it, sex might even be better than before. 82

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Understand that your partner may not be in the mood for sex, so find other ways to be intimate. Your partner may sometimes be anxious about having pain or bleeding during sex, so don’t rush them. Contraception New parents often think that the mother isn’t fertile soon after delivery. While in the case of exclusively breastfeeding mothers who are less than six months postpartum and are not menstruating, chances of getting pregnant are very low. But health providers suggest that contraception is necessary for sex after delivery. Getting pregnant too quickly after a recent delivery might cause premature birth, birth defects, or other complications. Waiting for at least one year is recommended before you get pregnant again. If you are using latex condoms during sex, ensure that you use only water-based lubricants. Final Thoughts Sex and babies don’t go well together, but for any relationship to sustain, there needs to be intimacy. Put in the time and effort to be intimate, set apart some time to spend with your partner doing things you both love.

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taking the wrong path the right way WRITTEN BY: Sheree Hoddinett

I often question my parenting decisions. Given that I’m pretty much winging it, it really comes as no surprise that I second guess myself. But is there really a correct way to parent? I’m asking for a friend. She asks me a lot of questions (wink wink). It seems to me that these days, you can never win, both in the eyes of your child or children and the judgemental eyes of every other parent out there. Yes I know, who cares what anyone else thinks?! But in reality, we all do. If someone had asked me 8 years when I was pregnant with my first child what kind of parent I was going to be, I’d probably have laughed and said something along the lines of one who keeps them alive. I had no idea what I was in for and that terrified me the most. But here I am 8 years later with my two beautiful girls, who are very much thriving. They’re strong-willed, argumentative and attitude riddled of course, but they both have this sensitive side that is very much ingrained in their personalities. I could take some credit for that but in all honesty, they have played a very big part in the young girls they have become. Who am I kidding?! They are both so much like me on the sass scale, which I’m often reminded of by my dearest darling father. Yes, we too are strong personalities who clash on a regular basis and I’m starting to see the signs in my own girls. What have I done?! What am I in for?! Haha!

It’s crazy how when your toddler first talks back to you, it’s funny and downright cute. When it happens again, you start to think okay I can still handle this. But when your soonto-be 8-year-old mimics you on a regular basis, it’s no longer cute and funny has run so fast out the door, it’s not even funny anymore (pun intended!). I like to think I’m a fairly laidback mum. But I’m certainly not. I yell (a lot), I swear way more than I probably should (no one’s perfect) and I quite often tell my girls to go away because they’re annoying me (I’m only human after all). I do worry I’m messing them up completely but then they tell me I’m the best mumma ever, so I wonder if I’m worrying over nothing. Then in the blink of an eye they tell me they don’t like/ hate me and the worry creeps back again.

Kids have this inane way of making you question yourself without even realising what they’re doing! Well, you hope they don’t realise, they are the masters of manipulation after all, haha! What I hope they don’t lose (and I’m probably dreaming here) is their affectionate side and how they still tell their mumma how they feel (all the good stuff, of course!). I know the cute cuddles and kisses will soon be replaced with “get away from me mum” so I’ll try to enjoy them while I still can. One day I’ll probably look back on everything and have a good laugh at myself, but for now the raw reality of watching my babies grow up so fast is still hitting home. I’ve watched them grow from tiny helpless babies who needed me constantly into little girls who still need me a lot, until they don’t and then they do again. Parenting is a constant

battle of wills - yours and theirs. No one wins, ever! But you can rest assured you’re doing something right when you hear the compliments on how well behaved they are. Granted it’s from their teachers at school, but that’s what you want, haha! I know one day I’ll stop yelling at them and I won’t even realise it’s the last time. I long for that day, haha! In all seriousness I take my hat off to all the parents out there, it’s not easy, you feel like things don’t always go right and kids certainly push the boundaries on a regular basis. But deep down they do love us… well I certainly hope they do anyway. While I’m certainly no expert in parenting, I do like to share all my fun and believe me there’s plenty of it. Head on over to my page www. shereekim.com if you want to read some more! Until next time… JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

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JULY 2021 | My Child Magazine Issue #118

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recipes sourced from: healthywa.wa.gov.au

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Delicious

Egg, Rocket & Avocado Toast Topper INSTRUCTIONS 1

spread avocado on toast.

top with rocket leaves, sliced tomato and egg slices.

add a sprinkle of tabasco sauce, if desired, and pepper to taste.

prep time: 5 mins serves: 1 INGREDIENTS 1 1 tbsp 1 1/2 med 1

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slice wholegrain bread, toasted avocado, mashed handful of rocket or baby spinach tomato, sliced boiled egg, peeled and sliced drizzle of Tabasco sauce, optional freshly ground or cracked black pepper, to taste

Quick & Easy

Moroccan Baked Eggs INSTRUCTIONS 1

preheat oven to 200ºc.

brush oil on a non-stick frying pan, over medium heat add onion and garlic, cook until soft about 5 minutes.

stir in spices and cook for 1 minute.

add the tomatoes, freshly ground black pepper and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes.

scatter over half of the coriander and then divide the tomato mixture into two small (individual) ovenproof dishes.

break an egg into each dish.

bake for 8-10 minutes in the oven until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still slightly runny. cook for a further 2-3 minutes if you prefer a harder cooked yolk.

scatter over the remaining coriander and serve.

prep time: 35 mins serves: 2 INGREDIENTS 1/2 tbsp 1/2 med 1 1/2 tsp

olive oil red onion, chopped finely garlic clove, crushed ras-el-hanout pinch of ground cinnamon punnet cherry tomatoes, 1 chopped 2 tbsp coriander, chopped 2 eggs freshly ground black pepper

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Hummus & Salad Sandwich prep & cook time: 5 mins serves: 1 INSTRUCTIONS 1

in a small bowl, mix hummus and celery.

spread over 1 slice of bread.

add cucumber slices, grated carrot, tomatoes and lettuce.

top with remaining slice of bread.

INGREDIENTS 2 1 tbsp 1 2 1/2 sml

slices wholegrain bread hummus stick celery, finely diced cherry tomatoes, sliced small carrot, grated lebanese cucumber, thinly 1/2 sliced 1 med lettuce leaf, roughly torn

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Crunchy Tuna Sandwich prep & cook time: 10 mins serves: 4 INSTRUCTIONS 1

place tuna in a medium sized bowl and break up the large pieces with a fork.

stir the celery, spring onion and lemon pepper (optional) through the tuna, then add the mayonnaise and mix well to combine.

spread 4 slices of bread with ¼ of the tuna mixture each.

season with pepper then top each with a lettuce leaf and the remaining slices of bread.

cut the sandwiches in half.

INGREDIENTS 425g 2 1 1/2 tsp 2 tbsp 8 4

tuna in spring water, drained sticks celery, diced whole spring onion, trimmed, chopped lemon pepper (optional) low-fat mayonnaise slices wholegrain bread cos lettuce leaves freshly ground or cracked black pepper, to taste

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Spicy Orange Chicken with Baked Vegetable Parcelsy INSTRUCTIONS 1

divide orange juice, garlic, cumin/coriander and pepper evenly between two cups, stir to combine.

add honey and rind to one cup for chicken marinade. place chicken in a medium sized baking dish, pour honey marinade over and toss to coat chicken. cover dish, refrigerate and marinate chicken for as long as time permits, from 30 minutes to overnight.

preheat oven to 200°c (180°c fan forced).

to make vegetable parcels, cut four 50cm lengths of both baking paper and foil and place foil on a flat surface, top with baking paper.

divide the pumpkin, sweet potato, onion and chickpeas amongst the parcels.

pour ¼ marinade on each parcel. fold the long sides of baking paper and foil over filling to enclose, tuck short sides under to seal. place parcels on a tray and bake with chicken, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

turn legs over and cook for a further 15 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through, and vegetables are tender.

divide chicken between plates, spoon over any pan juices. add a vegetable parcel to be opened at the table, or spoon vegetables and sauce onto plates.

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prep & cook time: 1 hr 15 mins serves: 4

INGREDIENTS chicken lovely legs trimmed of 8 fat 200ml juice of fresh oranges 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tbsp ground cumin or coriander freshly ground or cracked black pepper, to taste 1 tbsp honey 1 grated rind of 1 orange pumpkin, peeled, cut into 1cm 700g cubes sweet potato, peeled, cut into 500g 1cm cubes 1 med red onion, sliced into wedges 440g chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Quick Chicken Pizza

prep & cook time: 20 mins serves: 2

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS 1 thin pizza base (dinner plate size) 2 tbsp no-added-salt tomato paste 1 cup baby spinach leaves 1/2 lrg red onion, finely chopped cooked or bbq chicken breast, 100g thinly sliced 1/2 sml red capsicum, seeded and diced 6 lrg cherry tomatoes halved grated reduced-fat mozzarella 1/2 cup cheese basil leaves, to serve

preheat oven to 220ºc (200ºc fan-forced).

spread tomato paste evenly over pizza base. top with spinach leaves, sliced onion, chicken, capsicum strips and cherry tomatoes. sprinkle with cheese and place on a baking tray, pizza stone or wire rack.

bake for 5 minutes until cheese is melted then cover with foil to prevent burning. bake for a further 5 minutes until base is crisp.

sprinkle with roughly torn basil leaves on top to serve.

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Fruity Rice Pudding prep & freeze time: 65 mins serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS 1

preheat oven to 160 °c.

in a 4-cup pie dish, mix all ingredients except the spice.

sprinkle nutmeg on top and bake for 1–1 ½ hours until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.

serve hot or cold.

INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup short grain rice 2 cups low-fat milk 1 tbsp honey grated orange or 1 tsp lemon rind dried apricots, 1/4 cup chopped 1/4 cup sultanas pinch nutmeg or cinnamon

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Tropical Fruit Smoothie prep & cook time : 10 mins serves: 2

INSTRUCTIONS 1

place frozen fruit, pineapple and milk into a blender jug and blend until smooth.

pour into 2 serving glasses.

spoon pulp of half a passionfruit on top of each smoothie and serve immediately.

INGREDIENTS ripe banana, frozen, roughly chopped mango cheek, frozen, 1 roughly chopped pineapple pieces canned 1/2 cup in natural juice (including juice) 1/2

1 cup low-fat milk HINT

pulp of 1 passionfruit

when plentiful, mango flesh and ripe peeled bananas can be frozen in ziplock bags for use in smoothies and fruit.

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MY CHILD directory

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