My Child Magazine April 2019 Issue by My Child Magazine

ISSUE 91 - APRIL 2019

MOTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY GIFT GUIDE

STEP-PARENTING

TIPS BONDING WITH BABY DURING PREGNANCY

Mine, yours and ours : The modern blended family BRINGING A NEW BABY INTO A BLENDED FAMILY

CONTENTS FEATURED ARTICLES

EVERY MONTH

YOUR CHILD

EDITORS LETTER

MAKING YOUR HOME SAFE FOR A TODDLER

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MINE, YOURS AND OURS:

THE MODERN BLENDED FAMILY

Written by Caroline Meyer

April 2019 | mychild

What is a blended family exactly? Blended families simply refer to relationships where there are children from previous relationships which now form part of a new family dynamic. This could mean that either or both of you have children from a previous relationship and may also include children belonging to both of you. These children may be from different backgrounds, different ethnicities, different cultures and may even have vast age gaps between them. In most cases, some of the children will be with you some of the time or most of the time and others may even be with you all of the time. Sometimes even children from the same original family group may spend different amounts of time with the family. An older child may choose to live with their other biological parent as opposed to the one you are married to, or your own children may prefer to stay with your ex-spouse and only visit you on occasion. There is nothing standard about what makes up a blended family. A blended family may even include adoptive or fostered children as well.

What are the main relationships in a blended family? • You and your spouse • You and your children • Your spouse and their children • Your spouse and your children • You and your spouse’s children • The entire family

You and your spouse Your personal relationship is the basis for the blended family. There will be strain on your relationship but keeping the foundation strong is very important. There may be strife from multiple angles including extended family that may cause problems in your relationship. There may even be issues between you and partner if your bond with your child is exceedingly strong. You may want to defend your child instead of backing up your partner. You need to avoid this kind of strife as far as possible if you hope to make a blended family work. You may also feel excluded by your partner when they are interacting with their children. Your spouse’s family might also go out of their way to try and exclude you from family events. Spend time with your partner as a couple regularly to ensure your relationship stays healthy and strong. Discuss your issues rationally and in private. Never undermine each other in front of the children. Show each other love and affection as well as appreciation for everything the other partner does. Listen to each other and be prepared to compromise. Don’t use the children against each other at any time.

The parent and their child Your children and your partner’s children may think that they will lose their parent’s love due to becoming part of a larger family. They may also resent the time you spend with your stepchildren and new partner. They need to be reassured of your love and guidance. Allay their fears and let them know they will never lose your love. Make sure you spend one on one time with your children so they can express their emotions as well as enjoy the time with you. Try and stick to a family routine. Make sure you still attend important events such as prize giving and sporting matches. Keep to the rules of your previous household as far as possible. 10 April 2019 | mychild

The step-parent and your children The children brought in to the family by your partner may not take to you at all at the start of the family relationship. While you can insist on respect, you cannot demand their affection. Spend time with these children as well. Get to know them and be prepared to listen to them and understand how they feel as well. Even if you never develop the same deep love for your step-children as you have for your own child, you must ensure that the children are treated equally. There cannot be favouritism in a blended family. Rules, rewards and punishments must be the same for everyone (age dependent). Show interest in your step-children. Attend their events and functions if possible and give them your support. Try and have one-on-one conversations where possible and help out by being their in practical ways as well. Bake those muffins for the tea-party, teach her how to ride a bike, teach him how to swim. There are many ways you can offer support without forcing your attention on a step-child. This approach will often win their affections over time, as long as you are sincere.

The step-siblings For some children, gaining new brothers and sisters may be exciting and fun. Other children may be frightened by the prospect, while others will blatantly act out in defiance of becoming a blended family. Age differences can often pay a big role as well. Children of similar ages often get on well especially if they become step-siblings at a young age. There will be sibling rivalry though, the same as in a non-blended family. Children with feel jealousy and will try and compete with each other. There will be conflict, and it can be even more intense in a larger group. You can improve the situation by having household rules that everyone has to stick to, no matter which parent is mom or dad to them. Age-related rules should apply to all children equally. The younger children will have some rules that are different to the teens such as bedtime. Rewards and gifts for all the kids should be of similar value. Each child should have some space of their own. There should be photos of all the children displayed in the home. Try and get them to spend time together and encourage sibling bonding wherever possible.

The family While you do need to try and give each child and your partner some individual time, family time is extremely important. Even if it is just eating dinner together at night, having everyone involved in the same activity can be a bonding experience. Look for fun activities that all children can be involved in, no matter their age group. Try an outing to a fun fair, go to a putt-putt course, try joining a creative group that allows little ones to colour while older ones create paintings or pottery. If you can’t find suitable activities away from home, create some yourself. Besides the babies, almost everyone can get involved in a scrapbooking day or a read-a-thon. Make up games you can play together and generally just have fun as a family.

What are the benefits of a blended family? Having extra adults that will give your children love and affection is invaluable. Having extra grandparents, aunts and uncles can make for a richer upbringing for children in a blended family. There are more people around and step-siblings can also become the greatest of friends. Blended families often give children insight in to different cultures and backgrounds, different perspectives and interests and can be a source of growth for parents as well as children. Children from blended families are often more open and accommodating and more tolerant of differences in others.

April 2019 | mychild

The challenges of

Written by Ca 12 April 2019 | mychild

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aroline Meyer April 2019 | mychild

While the divorce rate across the world is quite high, more than three-quarters of divorced people eventually remarry. This means that there are millions of people who find themselves part of blended families. Stepfamilies can be quite complicated and there needs to be proper organization to ensure everyone can still function with some normality. There are more than extra children, there are ex-spouses, their families and extended families to deal with. Instead of just 2 sets of parents, there are now 4 sets or more involved in the lives of the children and impacting yours as well. While there are challenges, there are also many opportunities for joy. You get to interact with children that may reciprocate your love and affection over time. You get to meet people that have the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best interests at heart who may take you in and welcome you as part of their families. You also have more choices of babysitters for when you and your partner want to get some alone time. It takes time to build good relationships but it can make everything worthwhile when they work.

Starting a home together You may be moving in to the home which once housed your step-childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mom or dad and this may be quite difficult. In the case of a spouse that has passed away, you have to be extra sensitive about making your mark on the home. While you will need to eventually make the house your home as well, you may have to do this gradually over time. If your partner is moving in with you, you need to ensure that they have some personal space in the home and are also able to make their mark on the place over time. You will also find that things you may have once found endearing or amusing when you were dating and seldom spent time with the children may wear off quickly when it happens every day. You might also be walking in on issues such as children that have been sleeping with a parent and now do not want to give up their place in your spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bed. There will also be issues with discipline and structure as you are blending two families that may have completely different methods of discipline. Some other minor issues may crop up such as dealing with pets, annoying hobbies and expectations that are beyond what you would be prepared to offer. If you are a working parent and your partner is as well, you cannot expect one person to do all the housework, attend to the children and still bring in a salary. Chores will need to be shared.

Discipline When it comes to the children, consistency is key. Both parents have to come to terms with discipline that suits both parents and you may have to compromise to find a system that works for both. You then need to apply this consistently and for all children. Parents should never argue over discipline in front of the children. Never allow children to play you against each other. Discipline should be effective and fair and the children will come around and be happier for it. Another good idea is to set up a family routine which can be put up in the home. You can add a list of chores to this for all children that are old enough to contribute to the smooth running of the home. Make sure you put up a list of house rules based on the values you want to teach the children and remind younger children often of these rules. You can also have a reward chart so that discipline is not punishment only but that there is a reward for good behaviour. While deciding on discipline and house rules may seem easy enough, you have to stick to them for it to be effective.

14 April 2019 | mychild October 2018 | mychild

Turning two or more families into one Now that the discipline is sorted out, things will just fall into place, right? Wrong. This is just the start. Check the family schedules, between custody and visitations, try and find times when all the children and both parents are available and plan some bonding activities. At other times you can start smaller. Individual bonding with little ones by reading to them before bedtime or taking them to the park to play could be a good way to have some quality time with them. For older children, you can do some one on one bonding by taking them out on their own to fun activities or something they enjoy. Individual bonding is great but you do need to try and have family bonding so parents and all the children can spend time together and interact. This may also help to nip issues in the bud that may develop between step-children. As children may spend time between homes, it is also great if they can have their own space in your combined home so they feel at home there too. Having a space to put their stuff will also cut down on sibling fights over touching each other’s stuff.

Don’t leave your spouse out in the cold You may be putting a lot of work in to ensuring that everything is great with the kids. You may be investing a ton of energy in to bonding with them and trying to make your blended family work. This can be a little overwhelming, but don’t forget the main reason you have a blended family. Your spouse needs to have quality time with you as well. Take some time out each day for discussion on important household happenings and one night a month (or a weekend if possible) when you can have a date night and work on your own relationship. Some time when you can leave the kid’s issues behind and work on your personal bonding with the person you married.

Everyone else There may be issues with ex-spouses, grandparents, in-laws and other family members which may interfere with putting together your blended family. Where possible, try and iron the issues out as quickly as possible. Where it is not possible to avoid all conflict, try and limit it as much as you can. Get your spouse involved as necessary as well as it is important for the emotional health of your blended family to avoid conflict situations as far as possible with the extended fa

Are the children okay? One of the harder parts of getting it right with putting together a blended family is if the children do not get on with each other. While some children may welcome their new siblings and love having a larger family, others won’t. Some little ones may not like sharing attention and many may find the additional family members a nuisance. There is no ideal fix for this situation. Make sure you do spend individual time with each child and encourage your partner to do the same, so no one feels left out of your affections. Encourage them to play together and do bonding exercises. Do family activities where everyone is involved as often as is viable in your dynamic. All you can do is be as fair as possible, ensure everyone follows the house rules and hope that siblings may grow to appreciate each other over time. When all is said and done, a blended family is a family. There may be extra ups and downs which isn’t experienced in other households, but many of the issues remain the same. There will be interfering relatives and sibling rivalry in many families and not everything will go smoothly all the time. You and your partner will make mistakes and children may have difficulty adjusting. Learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to seek help when needed. At the end of the day, you are aiming for a family that is well-adjusted, as happy as possible and as blended as you can get them to be. Recognize the symptoms of potential burnout and get help before it gets to the point when you are seriously ill or you break down physically or mentally. You do not have the bear the burden alone. No two situations are exactly the same, just as caregivers are unique. Look at what works for you so that you are able to relax and recharge now and then. April 2019 | mychild

10 Ste

a healthy fam

Written by Ca

16 April 2019 | mychild

eps to

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y blended mily

aroline Meyer

April 2019 | mychild

Marrying in to a ready-made family or bringing your own existing family in to a new one can be very complicated and will take time, patience and dedication to make it work. A partnership between two people can be quite difficult on it’s own. When you become part of a blended family, you have step-children, ex-partners and their families and a lot more to contend with. Here are a few suggestions to making the transition a little easier and more workable for most blended families.

Your partner is important To make any marriage work, your partner has to be a priority in the home. Yes, there are a lot more people to focus on now, but your new spouse must be number one. You need to work together as a couple and be a united front. Children from both sides must know that you stand together when parenting and that you both are in charge. This will help your relationship as well as offering the children security. Your new partnership must be strong enough to weather the new storms that are sure to come your way.

Respect is an essential building block No matter who it is, a parent, child, in-law, ex-partner or any other member of family, they should be shown respect and be required to do the same in return. You need to set boundaries in your home and outside of it for your extended family. Let everyone know what is okay, and what is not. Hold everyone who oversteps these boundaries accountable. Discuss issues with your partner and agree what goes and where you will put your foot down when it comes to the children and everyone else involved in your new family. Stick to your guns and you will find respect building naturally and everyone settling in easier when they know where the boundaries are.

Develop a thick skin You are going to hear “Your not my mom / dad” more than once, especially in the beginning of your relationship. You will hear kids comparing parents with each other. You may hear comparisons with regards to other step-parents as well if your ex-spouses remarry. You may also experience issues created by your partner’s ex-spouses in relation to the children or your new partner. You have to take this in your stride and not let it get you down. Discuss everything with your spouse and keep the stress levels as low as possible. As long as there is no boundary crossing or open disrespect, accept the little niggles and know they should abate with time. Take time to talk to your children from your previous relationship as well as the children from the new one. Kids need to know their feelings matter and how to express them constructively without intentionally hurting someone else’s feelings.

Get some help Sometimes it helps to have a neutral ear or someone to offer help and guidance who is not emotionally invested in your relationship. This is when a professional counsellor can be invaluable. Someone who you and your partner can speak to, alone or as a couple as well as someone that the children can talk to to let out some of their feelings without judgement.

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Stand up for yourself Yes you want to be nice and you want the new children in your life to like you, that does not mean you have to be a doormat. You may also find children will try and play you and your partner up against each other. Make sure you and your partner have discussed issues such as behaviour and discipline and you both enforce the same rules. This will make it easier for both of you. Talk to each other and don’t let the children get in between you. When it comes to the kids and even the extended step-family, be prepared to stick to your guns. Don’t let them walk all over you.

Keep your partnership strong Make time for each other. Take some time away from the kids at least once a month. Go on a date night, alone, and work on your relationship. Concentrate on the two of you and don’t spend the whole time talking about the children. You are entitled to some time alone together and the kids will actually benefit from seeing a healthy relationship at work.

Share your spouse with the children While it is extremely important that the two of you get time together, it is equally as important that you both get time alone with the kids. It doesn’t matter who the kids belong to in a blended family, you need to bond with all of them. Let Dad take all the kids to the movies while mom has a relax in the bath tub and catches up on some reading. Let Mom take them to the zoo while Dad works on his golf game. Besides the group time, allow the kids to also have some personal time with either parent to allow for one on one chats and individual bonding moments.

Don’t sugar coat the reality of a blended family Try and get to know the kids from both sides before you get married. It may help a lot in the long run. Go in to your new marriage with your eyes open and an appreciation for the possible challenges that lay ahead. No one said this would be easy, but it can certainly be worth it.

Don’t choose sides Discussions about the children should not take place in front of the children. Never put your spouse on the spot in front of the kids. No one should have to choose sides between a partner or a child. Don’t show favouritism to specific children from either side as far as possible either. Some children will be a bit more needy and you will need to manage this, but always keep things fair. Difficult discussions are always better one on one and not as part of a group discussion. Family decisions are best discussed with all the children at the same time though, so everyone feels part of it.

Stick with it If you have done your homework before becoming part of a blended family, you will know that this is not the easiest thing to do. There will be tears and sadness but there will also be lots of joy and laughter. Enjoy all your moments together as a family. Time will help everyone acclimate and it will get easier. Stick with it. It is worth the hard work in the long run.

April 2019 | mychild

Blended families:

Exes and in-laws

By: Caroline Meyer

20 April 2019 | mychild

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April 2019 | mychild

When you marry someone, you generally become part of their extended family as well. When you marry into a family where there are exes and children involved, the extended family becomes decidedly larger. It is important that the children are allowed to keep in contact with their extended family as well as get to know everyone in their new family as well. This helps children feel secure and gives them something to be part of. Belonging is very important to children of all ages.

Relationships may change After a death, or a divorce, there may be many relationships that change. Sometimes the families on either side no longer want to have anything to do with you or your spouse. This is something you will need to explain to the children as well and reassure them that it is not their fault or due to anything that they have done. Sometimes these relationships fade over longer periods, which may be easier for everyone in the long run. Your own family will have to meet the children as well as your new spouse and welcome them to your extended family.

Keep family in the family Sometimes it is better for each parent to involve their children with their personal families and not to mix things up as much. You can introduce your step-children to your own family as well as involve your own children with your own family. Your ex-spouse will most likely have nothing to do with your step-children, but he will want to involve his biological children with his parents and extended family. This will go double for your partner and his ex-spouse. There may be some overlapping such as large family events such as weddings, and in these circumstances, everyone needs to co-operate and keep the peace. In the event of a death of a spouse or one who is not as involved in his children’s lives, you might to extend the hand of friendship to his parents and family to allow them to have a relationship with family on their biological father’s side, if they want to and the family is amenable. As long as your ex-spouse is okay with it, the kids are wanting to know them and you have discussed all the potential issues with your current spouse as well.

Your new family Just as you gain new in-laws when you get married, your children will now have stepgrandparents, step-aunts, step-uncles and other new family members. The involvement of the newly extended step-family depends on your in-laws themselves and how much they want to know your children and if your children want to spend time with them as well. Younger children are usually able to accept their new adult family members as well as their new brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews. Older children may battle to adapt and this is okay too. The process can take time. Family is not always biological and they may come to love their step-family as much as they do their biological one. Don’t force the issue, let it happen naturally. Make sure to involve step-family in family gatherings and attend events they invite you to as well. This way the children can get to know them without pressure. It is important that everyone is on the same page when it comes to treating all the children the same and that your family boundaries are respected.

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When things go wrong While your ex-partner may have a legal right to spend time with your biological children, no one else in his family does. If there is a lot of issues due to extended family causing rifts, arguments or otherwise negatively influencing your family, you may want to restrict access. While you may be able to limit contact with some family members, you cannot do so for your ex-partner if he or she is allowed by law to spend time with the children. All you can do is open discussion with them and try to mitigate issues caused by exes, especially in relation to your current blended family situation. Where an ex-spouse goes all out to sabotage your new relationship, there is very little you can do past trying to negotiate a truce. You need to have open communication with your kids and your step-kids so that they can come to you with issues raised by your ex-partners and hopefully you can prevent fall-out damage from things they have said or done. Let the ex-spouses on both sides know that your new partners are not looking to replace them as parents, but rather to offer support as another permanent fixture in the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Do your best to build bridges, keep your cool and a positive attitude and hopefully things will improve in the long run.

Step-parent and in-law challenges If you are lucky, your partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; parents and family will welcome you into the fold. This is especially true if their previous relationship was not a healthy one. They will offer support and respect and work with you to bring your blended family together. While this is the ideal, this is seldom the reality. Often the new in-laws prefer the previous spouse to you and will make it obvious. They may offer no support at all and even exclude you wherever possible. They may be openly critical and may cause conflict in your relationship with your spouse and stepchildren. You will need to take this in your stride and let them know that you are here to stay. You are working to be a good parent to their grand-kids as well as a good wife or husband to their child. If things get out of hand, you may want to involve your partner in the issues and have him or her lay down the law with regards to his or her family treating you with respect. Marrying someone that comes complete with a family is not easy and exes and in-laws that cause rifts can make things even more difficult. You need to persevere and try and build a relationship based on respect with these people as it is important to your step-children and your partner as well. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever force children to choose or split their loyalties. This is unfair on them and you may find yourself being the one left out in the cold. All you can offer is your best and a willingness to work things out so that everyone at least feels comfortable with the new blended family arrangement.

April 2019 | mychild

Bringin

baby into a bl

Written by: Ca

24 April 2019 | mychild

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lended family

aroline Mayer

April 2019 | mychild

Deciding to have a baby together is a big step in any relationship. In blended families, this can become a quite complicated thing for everyone involved as well. A new baby can be exciting and something that the children look forward to, but they may also feel insecure and worried that the new baby may take you and your partner away from them. A new baby is not only an extra body in the home. They also demand a lot of attention and also add to the demands on space and finance in your blended home. If you decide to have a baby together, you may want to talk to the children in the blended family before you take the step. This will help them get used to the idea before a new little one is on the way.

Considering the feelings of existing children One great part of bringing a new baby in to a blended family is that the new baby will be related to the children on both sides and will be a half brother or sister as opposed to being step-family. This could help the family bond, but may also have the current children feel like they are not enough or that you might love the new baby more than them. The extra attention during pregnancy and once baby is born can also leave children feeling threatened by the baby. This is especially prevalent when there is split parenting and the child gets to spend limited time at the home with the new baby. They will be concerned that the parent may have less time for them after a new baby comes in to the fold. They may also be concerned about having to share space with the baby or having to sacrifice their room or other benefits due to the baby. They also realise that the baby will belong to both you and your partner, which can make things difficult in a newly blended family when children don’t feel they fit in with the step-family as yet.

Discuss it with your partner from all angles A new baby is exciting and a gift but in a blended family there may be added concern about the reactions from family and children. You may be a lot more excited by the prospect than your partner or vice versa. These feelings may also change when you get pregnant and go through all the phases of pregnancy and childbirth especially with hormone fluctuations. Make sure you have discussed the idea and both are in agreement and ready for long term commitment to a baby and each other before you go ahead with trying to have a baby.

You’re pregnant, now what? Get the children involved before the baby is born so they get used to the idea and feel included. Talk to them about their feelings and reassure them that there is enough love for everyone. Give them one on one time to express themselves so that you can talk everything out. Let them be involved in the planning such as painting out the baby room, setting up the crib, shopping for clothes and toys and so forth. Let them also experience some of the excitement of welcoming a new baby to the family. If they are old enough, you can take them to ultrasounds to “see” their new brother or sister before they are born. Let them feel baby kick. Allow them to talk or sing to the baby while you are pregnant. Just make sure that you keep things fair so that the children don’t feel resentment before the baby is born. Perhaps allow them to repaint their rooms, redecorate their spaces and maybe get a new toy as well so they don’t feel the baby is getting everything and they are being left out.

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Baby has arrived, what are the next steps? A new baby will demand attention and mom may be exhausted for the first few months, but it is important to still find time for all the children, whether step-children or biological children or even adopted children. There may be some jealousy which you will need to address. These are natural feelings and you need to talk them out with the children. Ensure that there is no aggression due to these feelings and make sure that children know to treat baby gently at all times. Make time to let each child feel special and ensure you still celebrate their special occasions and attend important events. Try and keep routines as consistent as possible even though some may have to change a bit due to a little one. Try and make the changes gradually so that there isn’t a huge shift in routine when baby comes home. All children to bond with the new baby in a safe environment. There should always be adult supervision especially with younger children. Older children may be given extra responsibilities that they can handle to help with baby. Make sure to thank and praise them for their efforts. Encourage caregivers and other adults in the children’s family circle to perhaps give a little extra attention while the family is adjusting. Make sure to keep working on the bond with all your children and don’t exclude them now that there is a new baby in the home.

Get the extended family involved The other biological parents of the children in your blended family need to be informed that you have a new baby. If possible, let them know before baby arrives so that they also have time to adjust in case they may have negative feelings about the situation as well. Let other family members such as aunts, uncles and grandparents know as well, don’t wait until the kids tell them. Let them be as involved or uninvolved as they want. Your limits are going to be stretched as it is and while you may really want your parents or your partner’s parents to be involved throughout the process, they may not feel the same. Don’t let it get to you. Enjoy your new baby and all the joys that come with it. There will be many challenges, but in this situation, not too many more than experienced by any families bringing a new baby in to a home where there are older siblings already. Help them welcome their new brother or sister and keep the communication lines open and everyone should accept the new addition without too many issues.

April 2019 | mychild

Bonding w

during pr

Written by: C

28 April 2019 | mychild

PREGNANCY

with baby

regnancy

By Caroline Meyer

Caroline Mayer

April 2019 | mychild

You carry your baby for around 9 months, and while the baby is in the womb, they are developing quickly. There is no need to wait until they enter the world to start the bonding process. You can bond during pregnancy and help your baby’s development at the same time. Babies start developing senses early in the pregnancy before you even reach halfway. This means that you can start stimulating your baby and preparing them for an entrance in to the outside world long before they are ready to join us outside the womb.

Sounds Your baby starts being aware of sound from around 18 weeks. They are able to hear the internal sounds of your body such as your heartbeat. They may begin to react to these sounds as well as sounds from outside your body from around 26 weeks. Your baby will be able to hear your voice (as well as other people’s voices, although muted by half) and might startle in response to loud or sudden noises. You can start singing and talking to your baby at this point and the sound of your voice will often soothe a restless baby. There is even a theory that language development can start as early as 32 weeks and baby can start to recognize certain vowel sounds at this point. Your baby might even remember music played to them before they were born.

Sight Light and dark are experienced from around 22 weeks as the retinas are developed at this point. Babies can open their eyes and these start developing from this point and continue to do so after they are born. You can play with light and shadow to stimulate the little one in the womb. Combine light with other sensations to start stimulating baby early.

Sensations From around 18 weeks your baby can sense movement and may actually be rocked to sleep by the movement of your body while you are awake and doing things. That is why moms often complain that baby sleeps while she is awake and then kicks her all night long. Babies can feel pain from 22 weeks old. From 26 weeks they can be stimulated by outside sensations such as someone rubbing your stomach.

What can you do to bond and stimulate baby during your pregnancy? • Play music to your baby (music at 60 beats per minute is soothing to a little one) • Sing to your baby or simply talk softly so he or she gets to know your voice • Rub your belly gently or push gently against where baby is kicking to get a response • Take time to relax and enjoy your pregnancy as this time is limited • Eat well and try and exercise while thinking about your baby • Pick out books, toys and clothing while you are pregnant to feel closer to the little one • Have regular ultrasounds if possible so you can actually see your baby • Talk to caregivers, family or friends if you are not feeling positive about things

30 April 2019 | mychild

Get caregivers and partners involved You are generally not alone in your pregnancy and you can involve your partner, family, friends and caregivers in the bonding process before baby arrives as well. • Allow other people to attend your ultrasounds (especially your partner) • Let people talk to your baby, read a story or sing songs softly so baby gets to know their voices too • Allow those you feel comfortable with to touch your belly and feel baby moving • Invite your partner to prenatal classes to prepare for the birth with you • Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and feelings with those you care about.

Let your other children start bonding too If this is not your first pregnancy, you will also be bringing baby in to a family where there are older siblings. You can start the other children bonding with the new baby early on as well. • Take them shopping and let them pick out something for the baby • Let them help you pick out something for baby’s room or crib • If they are old enough, let them do a drawing for the new baby • Let them touch your tummy and talk to their brother or sister early on as well • Allow them to sing to the baby if they want to • Let them ask questions and allay any fears they may have Pregnancy is a wonderful time but it can also be quite scary and even difficult. It will help improve your positivity to bond with baby and accept the reality of a little one about to enter the world. If you find yourself feeling confused, frightened or stressed out during this time, you should never be afraid to seek help. Your baby may also sense the negative feelings leasing to increased heart rates. You also do not want to flood your system with fear hormones while pregnant. Speak to your partner, a family member, a trusted friend or seek help from a professional if necessary. Bonding with baby before and after birth should be joyous and fun and full of positive emotions. Get everyone you want to be involved in your baby’s life to spend a little time bonding with the little one before he or she enters the world. Give baby a good start and some voices to cling to and recognize. Enjoy your pre-natal bonding and stimulation of your little one for a better relationship and better development of baby overall.

April 2019 | mychild

BIRTH ARTICLE

BREAST

BOTTLE: HOW TO CHOOSE

Written by Caroline Mayer 32 April 2019 | mychild

There are so many decisions to make when it comes to your newborn. One of the big decisions that is widely debated is whether to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby. For some people, it is not a choice as they have no options, but for most new moms, they need to decide what they want to do themselves. While most health experts agree that breast milk is best, it may not always be possible to breastfeed or some may choose not to based on their medical situation, lifestyle or comfort levels. There are many formulas on the market today that are well-researched and a healthy alternative to breast milk so that babies can thrive, no matter the choice. This is a very personal decision that a mother needs to make and there should not be any pressure to decide either way. We provide some pros and cons to allow new moms to make an informed decision on what is best for them and their particular situation.

Breastfeeding Feeding your baby from your own body can be a very emotional and bonding experience for new moms. Breast milk provides the ideal nourishment for your baby and helps baby’s immune to fight against infection. Breast milk can also help prevent allergies and certain chronic conditions. Breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months and up to a year if the mom and baby are both willing. Infections that can be prevented or the risk reduced by breastfeeding include respiratory infections, diarrhoea, meningitis, ear infections, allergies, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome and even obesity and diabetes later in life. Breastfeeding is particularly recommended for premature babies. Breast milk is easy to digest and reduces the risk of gastric problems such as constipation or diarrhoea. Breast milk is manufactured by each mother for her baby and the formula is not exactly the same every time. This is a process that cannot be replicated. Breast milk is free, kept at the perfect temperature and instantly available when your baby needs to be fed. You also don’t need to invest in bottles, teats, sterilizing equipment and so forth unless you are pumping your milk in order to bottle feed. Breastfed babies are less likely to fall ill, which also reduces costs when it comes to doctors visits and medications. Baby is introduced to various flavours and tastes as the breast milk changes slightly depending on what mom has eaten or drank during the day. Moms should be eating a variety of healthy foods to pass the nutrition on to their little ones. This means that when babies start eating solids, they often find it easier to eat a range of new foods as opposed to formula fed babies that are used to one taste only. There are some studies that suggest that breastfed babies have higher IQs than formula fed infants. They may also have an enhanced emotional connection with their mother based on the skin to skin contact during breastfeeding. This is also likely to create a stronger bond between mother and child. This contact also helps the mom feel more confident in her ability to care for her child. Breastfeeding helps stimulate the uterus to return to normal size as well as helping to get back in to shape as it burns calories too. Breastfeeding has also been shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even breast cancer in mothers. There is also a potential link in a reduction in ovarian and uterine cancers in breastfeeding moms.

Breastfeeding issues For some moms breastfeeding may be a breeze right from the start. For others it may take longer to get in to a routine and for other moms, it doesn’t ever work out. Some of the issues experienced include discomfort and even embarrassment when breastfeeding baby. Where possible, try to continue breastfeeding and this will eventually abate. Some moms experience severe pain and discomfort when breastfeeding, especially when baby first latches on. This should abate within the first minute of feeding. April 2019 | mychild

If it doesn’t, you may want to consult a doctor. Sometimes it is just a change in technique that is required. Occasionally this could signify an infection which needs to be treated. Breastfed babies need to feed more often than formula-fed as the milk digests faster. This means you have to schedule your day well to allow for feeding or pumping of breast milk for your baby. Diet is extremely important while breastfeeding and you have to ensure that you eat properly. You also need to avoid alcohol, large amounts of caffeine and most medications when breastfeeding as this is passed on to baby through your milk. If you undergoing treatment for life-threatening illnesses and require constant medication or treatments such as chemotherapy, you will not be able to breastfeed your baby. If you are unsure, always check with your doctor before taking medication that could possibly do harm to your little one. This includes herbal medications and over the counter medication. If you have had a breast reduction or experience other issues with your milk supply, you can talk to your doctor or a lactation specialist as there may still be ways to improve the milk production so you can breastfeed your baby.

Formula Feeding When most people talk about bottle feeding, they are referring to formula-feeding and not feeding breast milk through a bottle. Formula is manufactured to have all the vitamins and nutrients of human breast milk and even some added supplements not found in breast milk. Formula is created to mimic breast milk and is a scientific formulation prepared in a sterile environment. Don’t try make your own formula at home. There are a number of reasons women may choose to use formula over breast milk to feed their babies. Formula feeding is convenient. You can have other people feed your baby which allows moms to share the feeding duties. It can also allow other people to bond with baby during the process. Formula babies don’t have to be fed as often and can be fed on a specific schedule easier. It is also easier for mom to be able to leave baby with a caregiver in an emergency or otherwise and not have to worry about baby not being fed. There is also less discomfort and embarrassment when feeding baby in public. When feeding formula, you also don’t have to worry about what you eat or drink as much as it won’t affect your baby. You can also take prescribed medication without worries that it will carry over in to your milk. If you have lactation problems or it is very painful or uncomfortable to breastfeed, you may also choose to formula feed your baby.

Formula feeding issues Formula does not contain the antibodies that are carried over in breast milk and it also does not change to baby’s changing needs the way breast milk does. This may mean changing formulas every few months to adjust to baby’s requirements. Babies may also have issues with allergies to certain formulas or not thrive on certain types, so it may take a few tries to get the brand right for your little one. Formula feeding takes planning as you have to ensure you have formula on hand, sterilized bottles and teats and water that is at the correct temperature for baby. You have to have everything with you should you go out so that baby can be fed if needed. Formula is also quite expensive, especially those that cater for allergies. Babies that are formula-fed can suffer from constipation and diarrhoea more often and generally have more gas than breastfed babies.

34 April 2019 | mychild

How do you choose? At the end of the day, this comes down to a personal decision on your part. You have to decide what is best for you and your growing baby. You may decide one way before you have your baby and then change your mind later. You may decide to use a combination of breast milk and formula feeding if it works out better for you and your family. Now that you know the benefits and challenges, the decision is yours.Â Another option you might want to look at is combination feeding.

What is combination feeding? Simply put, this is a combination of breast and bottle feeding. You can feed expressed milk via a bottle and breast feed at other times or use breast milk straight from the source at some times of the day and formula feed at others. Some of the issues experienced at the start is that baby has to learn to accept milk from a teat and get used to a different method of sucking to get the milk as opposed to breastfeeding. Moving from full breastfeeding, straight to full formula feeding can be even more challenging as the tastes are quite different as well. Combination feeding can be of use if you need to check how much your baby is getting at every feed. It also allows for other people to feed your baby and for others to bond with the little one during feeding. If you have to go back to work, combination feeding is a good way to ensure baby is still getting all they need even when you are not there and you can still feed them directly when you are at home. You have to decide what works best for your situation and for your little oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-being.

April 2019 | mychild

A GU

TO PREM

BAB

By: Karli S

36 April 2019 | mychild

BABY ARTICLES

UIDE

MATURE

BIES

Steenkamp

By: Jana Angeles April 2019 | mychild

Having a baby is an exciting journey, but can also be a fairly frightening one. Receiving the news that your baby might be born prematurely or suddenly going into early labour can be a shock. We are not in control of our bodies neither can we stop nature. Doctors can try their best to delay labour, but babies can be quite adamant about when they want to join the world. The most important thing for you to do is to stay calm. Qualified doctors and current medical advances have saved many premature babies over the years. In Australia, 1/10 babies are born prematurely. This guide will help assist you through premature childbirth and tell you almost everything you need to know, but it is important to remember that every baby is different and everyone’s experience will possibly be different as well.

When is a baby considered premature? A premature baby is one that is born before 37 weeks. According to Raising Children, there are four levels of premature babies: • • • •

Extremely premature 23 – 28 weeks Very premature 28 – 32 weeks Moderately premature 32 – 34 weeks Late preterm 34 – 37 weeks

Babies born before 32 weeks will be cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to help them breathe properly and grow stronger. Babies born over 32 weeks and a good weight will most likely be looked after in a Special Care Nursery (SCN). Because babies aren’t fully grown before 38 weeks there are a few areas where they will need to play catch up. In this special care unit babies will be cared for away from potential infection until they are better developed.

What to expect? It can be very overwhelming to get used to your baby in a hospital with all the tubes and monitors. It is completely normal to feel sad, upset or even disappointed. This is not the idea you had in your mind for how you would be spending your baby’s first few weeks. Your baby is in the best hands. These doctors and nurses look after premature babies daily and even though it is new for you it is not for them. Your baby will look very fragile while it is so little. The skin might be shiny and translucent and can appear dry and flaky. Their eyelids can be shut and they can have hair over their body called Lanugo. Babies this small can’t regulate their own temperature because that part of the brain is still developing. This underdeveloped part of the brain can also affect breathing and your babies’ heart rate. They will stay in hospital till they can do all these things on their own.

How old is your premature baby? You have to calculate your baby’s correct age and that is not based on day your baby is born. Your baby’s womb development has stopped but that development will continue in an incubator. 38 April 2019 | mychild

They will still need the ‘full pregnancy time’ to develop. Therefore it is important to take the age of the day your baby is born minus the time he or she was born prematurely. In other words, if your baby is eight months old but was born a month early, it will only be able to do what a baby of seven months will be able to do. You will only have to do this till your baby is a toddler then he or she should catch up to their peers.

What is next? When your baby is developed, stronger and can function mostly without machines and tubes, you will be able to take your little one home. It can be overwhelming to hear the news because now your baby is your sole responsibility. Doctors would not have sent your baby home if they felt that you could not handle it. Doctors and nurses would have given you everything you need to look after your baby. You just need confidence in yourself. Whenever you are in doubt rather phone your doctor and confirm what is normal and what is not. You will have to do regular health check-ups with doctors and paediatricians and nurses will also pay you visits. Ask as many questions as you want to ask to get the answers you need to feel secure in your ability to care for your little one.

Remember Premature babies are at higher risk for developmental problems, language delays, learning difficulties or social and emotional problems. Some premature babies have no lasting effects, but some might need a little more help than others. Never compare your child to others, because he or she will develop at their own pace.

Accessories There are great products out there to assist in your premature journey. Nappy stockists have catered for premature babies’ needs so try a few brands and see what works for your baby. Premature baby clothes are easily found in major stores. Keep track of your babies’ milestones by making a treasure box or photo book of each milestone. Having a premature baby is a rocky but very worthwhile journey. Hang in there and know that many babies have pulled through being born early and lead completely normal lives. Try and enjoy every moment with your bundle of joy and remember to celebrate the small things. Make sure you have a support network and that you look after yourself and your relationship during this time as well. 24 hour support 1300 622 243 References: Raising Children Huggies Better Health Pregnancy, birth & baby .

April 2019 | mychild

Makin

home s

for a to

By Caroli

40 April 2019 | mychild

TODDLER 2-4 YEARS

ng your

safe for

oddler

ine Meyer

April 2019 | mychild

Your little one is getting more independent and starting to run around the house. Your toddler is opening cupboards and starting to explore. If you haven’t yet, now is the time to make sure your home is safe for your growing child. Your child should never be unsupervised and you should also be teaching your little one about what is safe and what is not. While accidents may still happen, there are some things you can do to avoid dangers such as poisoning, suffocation, drowning, falls and burns. It is also helpful to take a CPR and a basic first aid course to allow you to tend to minor injuries as well as keep your child as stable as possible while waiting on emergency services in the case of more serious situations. You navigate your home at an adult height and may not always realize all the risks there are to little ones. Bring yourself down to their level and look for common hazards so you can remove them. This will not remove all chance of injury or risks of other serious health problems, but it may help reduce the chances. Constant supervision is also important so that if something was to happen, you are on hand to give first aid and CPR if required. If nothing else, your little one will need to be reassured and pacified after an injury or accident, however small it may seem.

Reducing the risk of falls • Stairs and balconies should have safety guards across the entrance ways • Lock windows or install burglar guards they cannot fit through • Set up emergency lights or sensor lights in hallways to prevent tripping in the dark • Don’t leave children unattended on surfaces where they are at risk of falling • Put up barriers on cribs at night to prevent toddlers from climbing out on their own

Prevention of scalds and burns • Never leave little ones unsupervised in the kitchen or near a fire or barbecue • Do not leave hot appliances, including hair straighteners etc. where toddlers can reach • Do not leave hot drinks anywhere where toddlers can reach • Check the temperature of bath water and ensure you use a mixer to prevent scalding water coming out the taps • Make sure no cables hang where your toddler can grab and pull kettles or irons on to themselves • Be careful when handling hot pots and pans with a little one underfoot • Ensure you have working fire and smoke alarms in your home • Have your wiring and electrical appliances checked regularly to avoid fires from electrical faults • Do not have flammable materials anywhere within reach of toddlers or young children

Avoid poisoning • Ensure no medications are within reach of toddlers and keep them in a locked medicine chest or cabinet • Remove any potentially harmful chemicals or poisons from the house. If you need to use them, keep them in a garage or outside storage and in a locked cupboard or cabinet • Keep cleaning materials in upper-level cupboards and fit a safety latch to prevent your toddler from climbing up and opening the cupboard

Suffocation and strangulation • Tie plastic bags in knots so they cannot be accidentality pulled over a toddlers head • Wrap cords from blinds and the like around cleats at a minimum of 1.6m above floor level • Do not leave cushions, loose bedding, clothing or stuffed toys in your little one’s pram or bed • Do not leave rope, packaging material or anything else that could potentially pose a risk to your child in reach of your toddler 42 April 2019 | mychild

Electrical safety • Ensure you have safety switches installed by a licenced electrician • Have your electrical boxes and wires checked and repaired regularly by qualified people • Use covers over unused power points • Replace appliances and any cords that are damaged and worn

Glass safety • Put stickers on any glass, at eye level for your little one (and higher too) • Use safety glass in windows and doors in case of breakage • In older homes, use shatter-resistant film on the doors and windows

Water safety • Never leave children unsupervised near a body of water of any kind, not even a bucket of water • Never leave a child under five in the bath without adult supervision • Pools should be fenced and have a self-locking gate • Teach your baby the turn over and float method when small of possible • Teach your toddler to swim as soon as possible

Furniture safety • Make sure furniture is sturdy so a toddler cannot pull it over • Fasten cupboards to the walls if there is a risk of them tipping • Televisions should be braced or strapped to prevent them from being pulled down • Move furniture with sharp corners away from high traffic areas and fit buffers to corners as far as possible. • Only use furniture for your little one that meets the Australian Standards for safety • Check the safety of anything you bring in to your child’s environment

Outdoor safety • Make sure you know where your toddler is at all times • Keep tools and outdoor appliances away from the reach of little hands • Do not work with power tools and equipment when a toddler is in the vicinity • Always unplug any tools if you step away from your work area • Make sure your yard is safe for your little one to play in Accidents and injuries can happen, so it is important to refresh your First Aid knowledge every now and then. Always keep a first aid kit handy and replace any used or expired items on a rotational basis every few months. Keep a CPR diagram on the wall, on the fridge and near the pool if you happen to have one. Keep a list of emergency numbers visible such as the Ambulance, Fire and Police emergency services (000), a list of close family names and numbers, your doctor’s number and any other emergency service you might find useful. This may also help in the event that you are injured, a young child may be able to call for help. Help keep your toddler safe while still having some room to move by having a creative space indoors and outdoors where they can explore and play. If there is plenty to keep them occupied, toddlers are less likely to get up to mischief and explore areas they shouldn’t. While you may not be able to prevent every injury or accident in your home, as a parent, you have to try and reduce the chances of anything bad happening to your little one.

April 2019 | mychild

KIDS 5-8 YEARS

Pocket money: To pay, or not to pay, that is the question Written by Kylie Kaden

44 April 2019 | mychild

For most of us, washing the car to save for the latest Cabbage Patch doll or Lego set was part of being a kid. Everyone had their rostered jobs (and you made sure you smothered your cutlery in gravy when it was your brother’s turn for the dishes). It taught you how the world worked – how to save, how to earn, and how it felt when you wasted your stash at the corner shop.

Now that we’re the ones dishing out the coin, what’s the best way to model a good work ethic and prepare our kids to be money-savvy? Experts agree on one thing - our children’s financial future depends on getting it right. (After all, the quicker they learn to be financially independent adults, the quicker they can move out). So, what methods are most effective? The Raising Children Network says earning pocket money for household chores can be valuable as kids actively have to choose between spending or saving and learning to save means learning to wait (something most Post-millennials don’t do quite enough of if you ask me). But is paying our kids to do basic jobs (we adults are stuck doing for free), the best way to get them to learn to earn and manage cash?

The argument for paying pocket money for chores • Paying kids for effort teaches an important life lesson. In the real world, money needs to be earned. • Managing their own money allows kids to make a connection between earning, saving and spending. • If children do without smaller impulse buys to save for something important, it can help instil a sense of pride, and appreciation for the toys they finally earn. • Money motivates, so paying them helps get the chores done with less nagging.

The argument against paying pocket money for chores • Adults don’t get paid to clean up their own mess, so why should kids? It just sets unrealistic expectations for later in life. Family members should work together as a team without monetary incentives. • Paying children for chores makes it harder to get children to work without being paid. A simple request to help bring the groceries in might end with ‘how much will I get?’ or decline all together if they’re still cashed up with birthday money. So, a system that always pays for jobs may actually reduce the work kids do. • If they don’t do their chores (and are happy to be broke, given you provide for them anyway), this deprives the child of the experience of managing their own money (and you may end up paying for their ‘extras’ and putting out the bins).

If you’re keen to start a pocket money system, when is a good time to start? By some cruel twist of fate, toddlers are often busting to ‘help’ but as soon as a they’re old enough to actually be useful, they’re no longer interested. That’s when money can help. April 2019 | mychild

Star charts (say, for toilet training or tidying when they are toddlers) can be monetarised as soon as your child gets the concept of money being needed to buy things - often between the ages of 4-7. When taking your kids to the store to finally part with their cash - Barefoot Investor Scott Pape advises to insist kids use physical cash where possible. Piggy banks are preferred to bank accounts to allow a more tactile learning experience. Our tendency to ‘tap and go’ can make it hard for kids to learn the concept of ‘change’, and see the real value of the money changing hands.

How much is too much? What your family budget will allow and the chores expected of the child all need to be factored in. Roughly a dollar per age might be a suitable place to start. Also discuss what pocket money should cover. Most basics for living are covered by parents, but does the cost of tuck-shop, bus fares or a weekend movie come from their pocket or yours? Stipulating boundaries on what the child may spend their hard-earned money on is also wise to avoid arguments along the lines of ‘I bought it so I’ll eat it when I want!’ as they bite into a block of Cadbury chocolate right before dinner, or ‘it’s my phone so you can’t take it off me!’ when imposing screen-time limits. One tip for young players - beware of the trap of paying too much. Inflated prices set expensive precedents for future negotiations and you want to avoid raising divas that won’t get out of bed for under $20. Regardless of wealth, a general rule is to give your kids enough money to do something with their lives but not enough to allow them to do nothing.

What should I expect kids to do at what age? AWhile it can feel unproductive to spend more time explaining how to do a job than it would take to just do it yourself, parenting isn’t about efficiency. Teaching skills for living as independent adults is part of the job. The following list is a guide only and safety should always be the number one priority. Even if you feel your child has only a 20% chance of doing a task successfully, you should give them the chance to prove you wrong. They may surprise you.

46 April 2019 | mychild

Encourage teenagers to suggest new ways of making a quick buck to get the entrepreneurial spirit flowing. Do elderly neighbours need their cars washed or lawns mowed? Can they sell old toys by running a garage sale or even via eBay? Once significant cash is being earned, encourage responsible spending habits. David Koch suggests saving 50%, spending 40% and donating 10% to your child’s favourite charity.

What system works? Often a few (written down) rules are needed to ensure the system is fair for all children in the family. Consequences of failing to do certain tasks should be made clear. A few models exist: • Pay per job (your chores unlock your allowance) and reduce their allowance if certain jobs aren’t done. This can encourage a good work ethic and help kids learn no effort equals no payment. • Pay pocket money regardless of chores. This allow kids to become responsible money managers, see their savings grow, and contribute to the family chores when asked but does not directly link chores to cash. • Others have a bet each way, stipulating core ‘family’ jobs as part of your responsibility as a member of the household (i.e. set the table, make your bed), but provide opportunity to earn extra cash by doing extra chores (folding washing, mowing lawns). • Job auctions – if you have a few kids of similar ages, set out that week’s chores and a payment amount and allow them to pick which chores they want to sign up for.\ By modelling responsible saving, starting early and finding the best system that works for your family, we can start to instil positive spending habits for our children - for life. By Kylie Kaden www.kyliekaden.com.au

April 2019 | mychild

Picking a

gift for

Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

By: Lance Green

48 April 2019 | mychild

DAD READ

April 2019 | mychild

It’s Mother’s Day again? Wasn’t that just a month ago? Mother’s Day seems to roll around and catch you by surprise every year. Having to remember birthdays and anniversaries and now Mother’s Day too? Why are all the adverts for flowers? Is it an unwritten law that Mothers have to like flowers and that is all she should get on Mother’s Day? As Dads, maybe we need to get a little more creative and do something to show how much we really appreciate her. It does not have to cost an arm and a leg, all it really takes is some time and planning.

Breakfast in bed This should be a staple. Give Mom the morning off. If the kids are old enough, get them involved. Let them make toast, pour the juice or mix the batter for pancakes. Traditional bacon, eggs and toast is a smart way to go, or make it a little more fancy with blueberry pancakes and a fruit salad. Whatever you choose to make, place it on a tray so it is well balanced, get all the kids to come along, wish her a great Mother’s Day and then give her some peace to enjoy her breakfast.

How about lunch? Okay, so maybe everyone got up a little late for breakfast or you’re partner is not a morning person, so you prefer to let her sleep in? That doesn’t mean you can’t do lunch. Pack a picnic basket and some blankets and head down to a park or natural area that allows for picnics. Make sure it is somewhere the kids can do their thing without it being a lot of stress on Mom to make sure they are okay. Settle her down in a shaded spot and get the kids to help serve lunch. Let Mom relax and have some time to enjoy the fresh air without having to yell at a kid every two minutes.

Make her a card With so little being handwritten these days, something as small as a letter or card can make a big difference. Get the children involved in making a card or even prepare an “ancient” parchment, all rolled up, with a poem of how much she is appreciated. Even the smallest family member can add a fingerprint to round off the sentiments.

Missed breakfast and lunch? There is a third meal of the day if you missed the other two. Give her the evening off and make something great for dinner (or if you are really bad at cooking, get some take-out). You can get the kids involved in setting the table, peeling potatoes or any number of things depending on their ages. Let Mom take a nice relaxing bath and just de-stress while you and the kids make the evening meal. Pour her a glass of wine, let her sit down and enjoy a relaxed meal. Make sure to clean up the kitchen when everything is done.

50 April 2019 | mychild

End the day with a massage This doesn’t have to be a very complicated process. You can give a back and shoulder massage if you feel competent (use some nice oil or lotion) or simply a foot massage if you can’t manage anything else. All it takes is some lotion and gentle rubbing while you massage the lotion in. You don’t have to be a masseuse.

Give her time off Remember, she is a mom all year round, not just on Mothers Day. Celebrate the day by giving her some time off. Send her on a Spa day or to the salon to have her hair and nails done. Give her a gift card to her favourite store and let her go browse in peace. You take the kids out and keep them occupied so she can have a break. Figure out something that she would really like to do and give her the opportunity to do it. Make it a lasting memory for her and let her know how much you care.

Spoil your own Mom Besides the mother of your children, don’t forget your own Mom. If you can’t wish her in person, you can always give her a call to let her know you love her and appreciate everything she does or has done for you. Recognize the other mother’s in your life as well, the grandmothers, aunts, mothers-in-law and other caregivers that give so much of themselves to partners and children throughout the year. If you have to do the flower thing, maybe look at getting her a potted plant this year? It will last longer and be a reminder of how much you care for a longer time. Sometimes asking the kids can also yield some brilliant ideas of how to make the day really special for Mom. Whatever you decide to do, spend the day showing her that she is appreciated and loved, not just on Mother’s Day, but every day!

April 2019 | mychild

How self-care will make you a better parent

BY: ANNIE WYLIE

52 April 2019 | mychild

RELATIONSHIP

Step-

parenting tips

By: Caroline Meyer

April 2019 | mychild

There is no such thing as the perfect family. Those Facebook and Instagram families that look like they have it all together, they have their own issues when they step away from the camera. Blended families can have even more issues than most. Whether you are a first time parent to children from different biological parents or you bring some of your own in to the mix, it takes patience and understanding to make a blended family work. Here are a few things you can try as a step-parent to try and make the transition period a little easier.

Don’t rush it Don’t jump in with both feet and demand to be called mom or dad by your new step-children right from the start or try forcing a bond on them that they may not accept right at the beginning. Children coming from a background of a death or a nasty divorce can be quite fragile and may find it difficult to trust or accept another parental figure in their lives. Relationships take time. You may never have a traditional parent/child relationship with a step-child, but if you take time and allow for their feelings as well, a bond will eventually form. Don’t force it and don’t fake it. Be sincere and be there and give everyone time to adjust.

What can affect your relationship with step-children? Younger children usually adapt easier than older children. There may be plenty of anger and resentment to deal with, hurt and grief as well as confusion. While little ones may seem to settle in easier at the start, there may be deep emotions that come through later in life, often manifesting in bad behaviour. Foster an open relationship where the children can talk freely and express their feelings. This will help in the short and the long term. If you managed to get to know the children before you got married, it can often make things easier when you become a step-parent. If you date for some time before tying the knot, the children may also feel more secure that this may be a more lasting situation and be more accommodating. Ex-spouses can also cause a lot of damage in a step-parent and step-child relationship. Try and have a situation of open communication and minimal conflict with the ex-spouses on both sides. This will make things easier for everyone in the long run. Ensure the time spent together is quality time. The quantity is not as important, but making sure your time with your step-child is well spent is a lot more important. Sometimes taking a step back so they can spend more time with their birth parent will mean more to them and this will also help them feel more amenable towards you.

Basic guides to being a step-parent Base decisions on what is important. There are certain things a child needs over and above the basics of food, clothing and a roof over their heads. They need love and affection, they need boundaries and a consistent set of rules for behaviour. Don’t spend money trying to buy the affection of a step-child. Treat all children in the family equally. Give them what they need, not necessarily everything they want. Decide with your spouse what the rules are in the household for all children. Where possible, try and involve the other parents, grandparents or other homes where they will spend time, to try and keep the rules consistent. The rules may be different based on ages, but no matter whether the child is a step-child or biological child, the rules must apply equally.

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Both partners must agree to enforce the rules fairly for all children. Ensure rewards are equable as well. Try and keep the punishments and rewards consistent across households as far as possible too. This makes for a more stable home and children feel more secure. It also prevents the build up of resentment if kids get better rewards and lesser punishment in their “other” households. Respect all parents! Do not talk badly about ex-partners on either side in front of the children. This sets a bad example and can also cause conflict with the other parents. Should your partner’s or your previous partner be deceased, you can find ways to honour the parent that has passed on, to allow the child to know the person mattered and it is okay for them still to love them and miss them. Don’t use the children to carry messages to the parents in their “other” homes. The kids will be put in awkward situations and will resent you for it. The other parents may also not appreciate it. Speak to the other parents directly, especially regarding scheduling, health issues or problems the children may be experiencing at home or at school. If you cannot meet face to face, you can always use text, email or other forms of communication. Start new traditions. You may have had specific traditions in your previous household and your spouse may have had different ones. Instead of trying to force either sides traditions on to the step-family, blend them or start completely new traditions. Chat to the children as a whole and let them all come up with ideas to have fun together. You can also do things spontaneously, which if it gels well with all or most of the children, may become a firm family tradition over time as well.

Communication is key Talking to your spouse is absolutely vital when it comes to making step-parenting work. You need to make decisions together and you have to be on the same page when it comes to boundaries and discipline in your home. Talk to each other about the children as well to get insight in to the other partners experiences with his or her children. Spend time discussing the family with your partner so that you present a united front to the children. Involve everyone in family decisions. Build a family unit by making decisions as a family with everyone having an equal say. They key to becoming a good step-parent is simply taking things slowly. Get to know the child or children and what makes them tick. Be positive and accepting and treat your stepchildren the same way you would your biological children. They do not have to love you or even like you at the beginning, although it is important that they respect you. It may take a step-child some time to be comfortable with you and maybe even longer to truly trust you and care about you. You don’t have to force the issue. Be consistent and it will come in time.

April 2019 | mychild

BLOGGER

Questions upon Questions By Sheree Hoddinett

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Do you ever think, what the hell have I done? Can I change my name from mum already?! Some days it’s an endless assault on my ears! Lucky I love the little terrors, er munchkins I mean! But I know these beautiful days of cuddles, cute smiles and everything adorable will eventually come to an end. And I will miss it, terribly. We spend so much time (yes, me too) complaining about all the things they do that drive us up the wall, only to realise it’s over so quickly. You don’t realise it at the time, but it hits you like a tonne of bricks down the track. Looking back now, I know I was forever whinging about how much I had to feed my girls, or how much they needed me as newborns and now I think back with a tear in my eye about how it’s all over. Mind you I don’t really miss being covered in milk vomit or having poo in places I never imagined it could go. But it’s the little things that come back to haunt you and remind you they are only little for such a short time and it’s over in the blink of an eye. think what hits me even harder is that I get even less time with my girls than I thought I would due to being a split family. I know it could be far worse but that doesn’t make it any less difficult at times, especially when I know they get to do things that don’t always include mummy. But on the other hand, I feel I’m building an even stronger bond with my girls as well. One-on-one time, although at times difficult because there’s two of them (poor joke I know) can also be rewarding and even more memorable. There are days I don’t want to miss a thing and other days where the fast forward button would be the best thing ever!! One thing I have noticed with raising two naturally inquisitive children is their thirst for knowledge and their natural curiosity about the way things are and how they work. There are times when lingering stares and unfortunately timed words could potentially land us in trouble but so far, I’ve successfully managed to steer clear of majorly offending some poor unsuspecting soul. Out of the mouths of babes is one line I’ve grown very accustomed to in recent years, especially with two very cheeky and chatty little girls. I think that sometimes kids are just meant to make you look bad when you least expect it, it’s just one of the many joyous things about parenting. That and copping unnecessary attitude, defiance and lots of ignorance. Who would be a parent for quids hey? Yet we all do it, so there is some kind of rewarding factor in it somewhere, right?! Yes, being a mum is probably the best thing I have ever done with my life but it’s not the only thing. I just hope, in the end, I’ve been doing it right. Not that I’ll ever truly know considering “you’re terrible” and “you’re a bum bum face” are pretty popular sayings in my house these days. I just join them and call them silly names back. Not the greatest parenting but I figure I need to have some fun and there’s a lot of creativity in calling someone a “bum bum poohead fartface” (haha!). Yep, I’m the epitome of being the “perfect” mother right here. If you can’t stop them, why not join in on the fun?! Laughter always ensues and giggles are definitely always the best part of these fun little encounters with my cheeky little monkeys. And yes while not always deemed a tasteful subject, we still find certain body noises funny in our very girl dominated household! And rest assured that will not change anytime soon! It’s always nice taking a trip down memory lane. Check out the rest of my blogs over at www.shereekim.com. If anything it might give you the laugh you need after a crappy day or the reassurance you’re not alone! Until next month, in case no one else tells you, you are awesome, doing an amazing job and rocking this parenting gig!

April 2019 | mychild

58 April 2019 | mychild

REAL READ

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT MADE YOU START TIBA+MARL?

April 2019 | mychild

It came about mainly as a result of our lives and personal style adapting after having babies.. Lydia and I have known each other for years – and have worked together before as Buyer and Designer – but it’s only when we had kids and were lamenting how there were no bags out on the market that we felt met our needs stylistically as well as practically that we suddenly realized that we should just create it ourselves! We were both ready to move away from full time work and non-stop travel (little did we know what we were swapping it for!!) and we both took advantage of our maternity leaves to create our brand and make it happen.

What make your designs stand out from others on the market? Our backgrounds are in Bag Design and Buying - from High Street to Designer level, so we’ve both come from fashion-focused careers where we had to always be first to market with new trends, we were constantly sent around the world to source new products and discover new ideas. We feel this has had a huge impact on our brand, as although functionality is key, we always strive to make sure our collections reflect our obsession with popular culture, modernity and beautiful design.

What makes your products unique? We think the fact that they don’t look anything like traditional baby bags, and that we’ve extensively researched to ensure the functional features of the bag are perfectly practical whilst ensuring we stay true to our Brand aesthetic to create collections that look contemporary and trend/design-led, whilst using really high quality technical materials. All our prints and hardwares are bespoke and unique to our brand - we wanted every feature to be considered and individual to TIBA + MARL.

How important was it for you to combine both practicality and style? As parents we knew that the range needed to be built around practicality and functionality. We wanted the majority of our styles to be unisex so that both parents could comfortably use the bags. Our personal style is quite androgynous and sportswear-inspired, which we feel comes across in the designs. We designed the original collection when we were both pregnant/ had young babies so we knew exactly what was needed from a practical point of view, and we applied that first hand experience into the designs - the challenge was to ensure the bags and accessories were super functional but also aesthetically in-line with our brand vision.

Where did the two of you (Anna Tizard and Lydia Barron) meet? At our first jobs after university. I (Anna) was an Assistant Buyer and Lydia was a Junior Designer. We stayed in contact over the years and when we had babies we just had that lightbulb T+M moment when we thought ‘OK screw it lets do it!’… Neither of us wanted to use the baby bags that existed on the market, and we knew from our friends and contacts in the fashion/ art industry that a lot of contemporary Millennial parents felt the same way, and we just had this confidence that the concept and the timing was right to create our brand.

What was it that was lacking in the baby wear you’d seen? There are some amazing brands out there, and amazing designer bags - but nothing that we felt specifically merged fashion and function in the baby changing bag category. There has been a boom in the whole baby wear market these last few years, and you can buy such cool kids wear/ baby products now - it’s good that the market got shaken up and challenged - it’s no longer the case that once you are a parent your style has to change. Lydia and I and our partners all still have the same sense of style - Supreme, Nike, Acne, Cos, high-street, designer etc - and we knew there was a huge new collective of modern parents who were the same. 60 April 2019 | mychild

Why are you expanding into Australia? Why do you feel it would be a great fit for your brand? We love the Australian lifestyle and way of life. Your beautiful beaches and health and fitness are the perfect new home for our bags which are not only fashionably fit for mothers, but designed to be taken from the gym to work (or a post-gym drink!).  The designs are luxe. Cool. Strong. We have loved checking out the Instagram influencer scene in Australia, you guys definitely have a different vibe to the UK parental scene!

How would you describe your design aesthetic and what are your company ethos. With both of us coming from a retail background – having collectively worked for brands such as Urban Outfitters, Sigersson Morrison and the likes of high-street giants Topshop and Kurt Geiger – we are both obsessed with fashion, and scouring shows, blogs and street style is in our blood now. We both love sports-wear inspired, androgynous style – which I think comes through in our collections. We love super technical, yet lux, fabrications – and clever design details. We include so many extra features on the bag – double zips, bespoke hardware, even an extra clutch with each style – because we want each style to be EXTRA!!

Where you get your source of inspiration? Working long hours and balancing family life, we have to make sure we can find inspiration as liberally as possible, in sometimes unexpected locations – for example we saw an amazing vintage Chanel backpack in Hamburg airport that inspired our Miller backpack, or we will take retro hiking details and incorporate them into modern features… We keep our eyes peeled wherever we go –  even if its locally in Harsleden or Acton – checking out what people are wearing, reading, listening to. Like anyone interested in trends and popular culture we subscribe to the usual magazines, blogs and of course are all over the catwalk shows for new inspirations and influences.

Within inly one year since launching your collection - you have accomplished an impressive following and are currently selling your collection in Selfridges, which is one of the most desired places to be for any brand. Where do you see TIBA+MARL in 2 years time? AWe’re pretty happy that during our first year in business we were stocked in Harrods, Selfridges, and Farfetch, and 40 other amazing international wholesale accounts! Wholesale is a great way to spread the T+M word, and of course it keeps us on our toes, making sure that each new addition to our range is at a level that these amazing Buyers aspire to invest in. That keeps us motivated. Selfridges has been incredible and they re-ordered 24 times in theor first year, which has clearly given us an amazing insight as to what their customers like – and led us to creating a bespoke collaborative range with them, that we are still collaborating on 3 years later! As a brand, we’ve grown really organically - and mainly through Instagram and word-of-mouth. We are excited to be on the precipice of a new growth journey in Australia – we can’t wait to identify the nuances between UK and Asutralian parents and trends and take on the challenge of crating amazing products and projects for both territories!

April 2019 | mychild

How do you define success? Happiness defines success we think. Balancing family and work, and feeling like we’ve got it semi right… Kind of! Clearly being profitable and growing the business is a definition of financial success, but for us that’s only one element of T+M. Its important for us that we feel successful at home as well as at work, and that the whole family are benefitting from T+M.

You obviously have a very busy schedule. What do you do when you’re not working? We’ve worked so hard in the first few years – so many late nights, and we had to sacrifice a lot of events, nights out and just keep churning through the work. In the last year we feel we are starting to get the balance a bit more even, so now if we can we’ll relax in the evenings rather than ferociously tapping away on a lap top once the kids are in bed. Lydia and I try to start each week by going for a swim on a Monday morning before heading into the office, it’s such calming way to start the week, and we feel really fortunate to be able to do this. Between the two of us in our spare time, we tend to spand a lot of time with our families, trying to make the most of living in London and utilise family-friendly cultural spaces (we are lucky in London that most of the museams are subsidised and are free entrance). I guess we have similar habits to our Australian contemporaries – exercise, brunch, shopping, culture etc – but we just do it in much worse weather!!!

Both being mothers and running your own successful business - what is your secret to work/life balance? We had no balance quite a time – but in year two we got our first studio – which allowed us mentally and physically to move T+M out of our homes and into a neutral space, which really helped the balance. Four years later and now we have a buzzing office space with our dream team of 7 staff – who massively support us and enable us some work/life balance. Also our kids were just babies/ toddlers when we started and we had zero money in the early days for childcare – but now they are mostly at school so that has helped us. We definitely feel a lot more balanced these days.

What would be your dream shoot or design collaboration? We’d love to shoot a look-book on location, somewhere like Berlin or Antwerp. We have an amazing photographer who’s worked for incredible brands – so every shoot is a dream with him. We are lucky we’ve already worked and collaborated with some great models and bloggers. We also have also recently launched our new ‘We Are Family’ campaign, where we did a online casting for ‘real families’ searching for modern families of any configuration. We had over 100 families apply – and after months of planning we created a really diverse and interesting campaign, featuring 10 beautifully diverse families from different walks of life. The campaign has been so well received, particularly in the LGBT community here in the UK, where there has been nowhere near enough representation in the family arena.

hat are your key wardrobe staples and where are they from? We both like borrowing from the boys! We love wearing two-piece suits (but worn back to trainers and roll necks or band tees!). We live in converse or hiking boots. If we are just at the studio we’ll prob just rock up in Adidas track pants or Mom jeans. We (of course!!) love an accessory and at the moment are obsessed with Hair clips and alice bands, as well as a ton of jewellery. Our fav brands are Acne, Aries, Balanciaga, &otherstories, asos, or anything on matches.com

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What message are you trying to portray? Primarily that you can have a baby and you don’t have to compromise or change your style. That our brand offers a product that will essentially be useful and make life easier, but looks sleek and you can share with your partner without looking like a douche bag! I’m not sure thats our official brand statement but that pretty much sums it up!!! Once you have a baby you do need to make some practical considerations - we believe we merge style and substance…

Do you have a favourite product? We can’t choose!! Our bags are our other children ;) and we obviously have our pick of which bags we use, which can be handy if we’re going on a few nights away and can take a Raf weekender, or for a day out with kids where we’ll always grab a backpack so we can be hands free. Our youngest are now just both out of nappies, but we’ll always use a T+M bag they are just so practical - and I don’t think I’d ever cram all my belongings into a tiny bag! We use our T+M bumbags ALL THE TIME and loving how cool they look, plus they are really handy - just wear them cross body and it’s really easy to assess phone/ wallet/ keys etc. – or great for running to the gym! Bumbags are huge emerging trend over here in the UK, and of course we wanted to be first to market with a really sleek, wearable version.

What do you have planned for the future of Tiba + Marl Australia here we come! We want every Australian woman to know about T&M and enjoy our collection. We will be continuing our expansion into international markets with venture into new and exciting new collaborations with upcoming and established artists to create exciting prints and designs that push creative boundaries and are fashionable and function for the Australian woman.

April 2019 | mychild

CLOTH N

the latest must

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NAPPIES

have baby item

April 2019 | mychild

Shopping for baby items is an exciting moment during pregnancy. It’s a special time searching for and bringing home new belongings and imagining your perfect, gorgeous newborn baby using them. Nappies are quite often an afterthought in this process. However, there has been a growing trend in the last few years amongst families to add a supply of cloth nappies to their list of must have baby gear. With many specialist nappy shops opening across Australia, as well a strong online presence, finding the perfect cloth nappy solution is now easier and more fashionable than ever! They aren’t all folds and pins With modern fabrics that absorb faster and wash easily, there’s no need for you to do any complicated folding, use dangerous pins or have your baby with a bulky bottom! Terry towelling squares are still available, but are certainly not the first choice parents are turning to when deciding to use cloth nappies. Today’s Modern Cloth Nappies come in a range of styles that complement your unique, busy life. They are also highly functional: minimising leaks and even nappy rashes! So what exactly is a modern cloth nappy? All in One – similar to a disposable. These are perfect for newborn days, or for friends and family that have never used cloth nappies before. All in Two – comes in two pieces. The absorbent fabric is separate, so has the best drying time. BONUS! The inserts can even go in the dryer! Fitted nappies – whole nappy is absorbent with elastics around the legs and waist, needs a waterproof cover. These are the bomb at explosive poop containment! Washing them is simple and quick Smelly, dangerous buckets of water to soak nappies are out and minimal work is in! Our modern washing machines today make light work – it’s a promise that you won’t be a slave to the laundry! A fashionable and functional statement A stroll around the park, or a coffee date will never be the same with your trend setting darling’s bum wrapped in stunning, limited edition prints and colours. Cloth nappies are now not only functional, but also serve as fashionable outerwear that spreads an eco-friendly message in true fasionista style!

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The hashtags of #clothnappies and #modernclothnappies have hundreds of thousands of posts on Instagram and the social media platform has become a colourful online resource for cloth nappies. OTB (on the bum) shots are a must for any cloth mumma. Using cheeky hash tags like #getintocloth #sunsoutclothbumsout and #clothnappyaddict all help show off your fashionista baby bum while also spreading waste awareness and giving and receiving cloth nappy support. Economical and environmentally friendly Just one cloth nappy per day will save approximately around 900 single use nappies going into landfill, multiply this by using cloth either part-time or full-time and you are looking at some serious environmental and financial savings! In addition to reusing the nappies on your future kids you can also on-sell them in a booming cloth nappy market hungry for retired limited edition prints, cloth nappies definitely give the family budget some significant savings! Bubblebubs Modern Cloth Nappies At Bubblebubs we make beautiful, modern cloth nappies that really work. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our promise to you. Bubblebubs prides itself on making the best quality nappies for your baby! We specialise in one sized fits most and newborn nappies. Our Bambam newborn sized nappy has won multiple awards, as has our one sized fits most all-in-two Candie modern cloth nappy. We have a huge range of eco-friendly products including cloth nappies and covers, night time nappies, newborn nappies, bamboo and cotton prefolds, nappy packs as well as nappy accessories including wet bags, inserts, Snappis, liners and change mats. Not forgetting mum we have reusable breastpads made from beautifully soft bamboo velour. Bubblebubs has been making and selling modern cloth nappies since 2004. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re after advice on using, washing and caring for your modern cloth nappies or simply just need some help with all of the different styles - weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help. Contact us or buy online through our website: www.bubblebubs.com.au. April 2019 | mychild

Favo Cordles Honeycomb Blinds

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Looking for a window covering solution for your nursery, kid’s bedroom or playroom? Veneta Blinds is committed to helping families create the perfect sleep environment for their baby’s nursery or update their homes as their children grow, with not only beautiful but also affordable window coverings. Born and bred online, we don’t ask you to pay for the stuff you don’t get! Just great quality window coverings. At Veneta, we have combined the resources of the world’s leading window covering manufacturer, with an easy to use website, providing you with stylish, functional and affordable window fashion solutions, delivered promptly to your door. Child Safety he most important factor to consider when purchasing new window coverings for your home is the safety of your child. Whilst a newborn may not necessarily be able to reach curtains or blinds at such a young age, as they grow and develop, this will quickly change. Those tiny hands will soon be interested in grabbing anything at arm’s reach, so it’s important to choose a safe window covering right from the start.

April 2019 | mychild

The best option for ensuring the safety of your child, is to go with a cordless window covering. Eliminating all dangling cords ensures that no child can grab or tug on the cords and prevents strangulation. Window covering cords and chains are by nature very strong and loose cords or chains within reach of children can be fatal. If you do purchase corded or chain window coverings, ensure child safety devices are installed and that all cords are mounted out of reach (a minimum of 1.6m from the floor) and safety guidelines are left attached to the cord. Veneta understands the importance of selling child safe blind products and this is why we have a range of Cordless and Motorised Honeycomb Blinds that require hand or remotecontrol operation. By eliminating cords or chains to operate a blind, you can reduce the risk and potential danger to younger family members and pets. TIP: Keep all furniture (cribs, changing tables, armchairs) and anything climbable away from window coverings to prevent easy access. Honeycomb Energy Efficient Benefits As much as 50% of your homes heating and cooling energy may be lost through your windows. Uncovered glass windows and doors act as large holes in the home, which can cause heat transfer and contribute to a high level of energy loss. This results in a reduced effectiveness of your homes heating and cooling energy. By covering your glass windows and doors, you can protect your home against heat loss in winter and unwanted solar heat gain in the hot summer months, creating a comfortable indoor living environment, all year round. This is particularly important for a nursery or a small childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedroom, where controlling the temperature of the room throughout the day can be a tricky task. Veneta Honeycomb Blinds are made with a unique cellular structured fabric, that traps air within their cells to create layers of insulation (a similar principle to double glazed windows). Whilst the Honeycomb Blind cell structure is working to trap air within its cells, it is also adding a layer of protection to your windows and doors. Honeycomb Blinds in a blockout fabric are the most energy efficient, with the insulating foil lining inside the cells helping to regulate room temperatures, making them a superior solution for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bedrooms.

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Light Control Light control in a nursery or small child’s bedroom is required all throughout the day. Children, especially newborns, need a lot of sleep and ensuring natural sunlight does not affect this is essential. Invest in a window covering that will completely blockout any sunlight during the day and at night, any street lights or headlights from cars. Honeycomb Blinds are available in Light Filter and Blockout fabric: Light Filter – Energy Efficient Light Filter fabric offers full privacy as well a great amount of light into the room. An excellent choice for children’s playrooms. Blockout – Super Energy Saver Blockout fabric is a cost-effective insulator with a slimline profile and is great for darkening a space. This is a superior choice for a nursery or a child’s bedroom. Noise Reduction Reducing noise in your child’s bedroom will help towards a better sleep. The most important noise to reduce is the outside noise such as trucks and cars passing by or noisy neighbours. Similar to how the insulating properties of the Honeycomb Blind work, the blind will add a layer of protection to your glass windows and help to minimise noise. The Honeycomb Blinds cells will trap that sound and create a barrier between inside and out. Whilst not completely eliminating outside noise, they will help to reduce a significant amount and help to improve your child’s sleeping environment. Favo Cordless Honeycomb Blinds offer the superior insulating benefits of the original Honeycomb Blind, now in a low-cost ready-made solution. With the launch of the Favo Honeycomb Blind into the Australian market, there is now a superior alternative to the popular, Roller Blind. Families can now cover their windows and doors with a budget friendly, super insulating, noise reducing, child safe blind that offers minimal light leakage. Favo Features • Unique honeycomb structure creates a stylish way to keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. • Light Filter or Blockout fabric both available in White in a Single Cell 38mm, to suit all rooms and shading requirements. • Excellent sound absorption properties to reduce street noise and dampen sounds in rooms with hard flooring or energetic children. • Ready-Made in a variety of standard sizes and can be DIY custom-fit to your exact window dimensions. • Features an easy light weight operation and slim stack height when fully raised. • Favo Honeycomb Blinds are cordless to keep your young family members, relatives and friends safe and sound. At Veneta, we understand that raising a family is an expensive task and finding a window covering solution for your home that is child safe and budget friendly, shouldn’t have to be a tricky task. Go online from the comfort of your home, explore our Favo Cordless Honeycomb Blind range and have your new window coverings delivered direct to your door. If you are looking for a custom-made window covering solution, try upgrading to our custommade Honeycomb Blinds with more colour options, more model options, different cell sizes, and the ability to customise your Honeycomb Blinds to your family’s needs. MyChild readers Save 20% on Veneta Favo Cordless Honeycomb Blinds! Use code MYCHILD at checkout to redeem this offer. Offer ends 30 April 2019. April 2019 | mychild

72 April 2019 | mychild

TOY REVIEWS

BY: SHEREE HODDINETT

April 2019 | mychild

TOY REVIEWS JELLYCAT DANCING DARCEY PANDA

$ 40.00 RRP

Introducing the new star of the Jellycat ballet, Dancing Darcey Panda. Charismatic and cuddly, Darcey wears a splendid mesh tutu, which goes so well with her champagne satin slippers. With warm grey and creamy fur, this bear is a cutie and her long soft arms help her reach up and leap! OUR VERDICT 5/5 What’s not to love about a beautiful dancing panda?! I’d barely opened the box before little hands pounced on Darcey, she didn’t stand a chance. Cries of “ooooooh a pretty panda” and “look Mummy she’s got a tutu on” and I knew my girls were sold. But let’s face it, it doesn’t take much to impress my girls who love pretty things, ballerinas and soft toys! I think Darcey will enjoy her new company of all things pretty – unicorns and rainbows and she’ll be leaping and pirouetting everywhere! Available from: mightyape.com.au

SMARTPHONE KALEIDOSCOPE

$ 15.95 RRP

Create amazing images with these three interchangeable kaleidoscopic lenses. Compatible with all smart devices. Make every day fun by adding a bit of kaleidoscopic colour and magic to your photos. OUR VERDICT

4/5

I’ve always loved looking through kaleidoscopes since I was a little kid. There’s just something magical about the swirling and changing colours. Now throw technology into the mix and you could almost say I’m on cloud nine. My girls are also in awe at the beauty of colour and all the patterns, especially if they’re in the picture! The hardest part is because it’s on my phone, there’s fights over who gets the next turn. But this is easy to use, the lenses are easily interchangeable and it creates a world of fun to keep the kids (big ones too) entertained. What will they come up with next?! yellowoctopus.com.auAvailable from: Independence Studios – www.isgift.com, Kidstuff,

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VTECH SPLASH & PLAY ELEPHANT

$ 24.95 RRP

This cute and happy elephant just loves to play and spray water from his trunk making bath time fun for your little one! It features two manipulative beads, spring back seahorse, spinning starfish, wobbling water container, twisting foot, sliding leg and scoop accessory for hours of fun bath play. Press the light up snorkel button for fun phrases and sounds that encourage water play. The Splash & Play Elephant promotes language skills with four sing-along songs and 15 melodies. It also teaches basic numbers and cleanliness concepts which make bath time both fun and educational. OUR VERDICT

4/5

Fun in the bath all starts from a young age and it doesn’t seem to get old, well at least in my house anyway. I think it’s just an excuse to make all the mess and get away with it while they still can! Learning fun is the best kind and toys like this one with singing and teaching of numbers and other basic concepts are just amazing for little kids, who are pretty much sponges when it comes to everything! Loud, colourful and fun, this one ticks all the boxes. Available from: Target

OUR VERDICT

5/5

LEAPFROG LEAPPAD GET READY FOR SCHOOL TABLET

$199.95 RRP

The Perfect School Readiness Tablet for Kids - this first tablet for kids is packed with $150 worth of school readiness apps, plus creative and music apps for a total content value of over $220. Key features include: - Powerful processor - Built with our fast, powerful quadcore processor for lightning-fast fun. - Kid-smart fun - Access to 1000+ learning games, videos, eBooks and more designed or approved by Leapfrog educators (sold separately). - Personalised learning - Features Just for Me learning technology and personalises select games, remembers curricular progress and automatically adjusts learning levels. - LeapSearch - Kid-safe web provides access only to kid-appropriate content approved by LeapFrog learning experts. It teaches skills, numbers, the alphabet, shapes, phonics, counting, music and rhythm, daily routines, and handwriting.

I just couldn’t fault this LeapPad! With a little one now at school, it’s a great source of learning especially when she’s beginning to recognise and spell more words. It’s also a great source of entertainment with lots of games and catchy songs which I’ve caught both my girls singing along to. But another thing I really like about the LeapPad is being able to create profiles for each child so they can move along at their own pace within their specific age group. Plus it’s pretty much bullet proof. If they drop it, it’s not necessarily going to be a good thing but it won’t break it easily! I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to save their sanity when their kids are bored or even on long trips in the car! Available from: Big W, Target and other leading toy retailersAvailable from: Independence April 2019 | mychild Studios – www.isgift.com, Kidstuff, Embellish Gifts, Buy My Things

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BOOK REVIEWS

BOOK REVIEWS By: Amy Adeney

april 2019

April 2019 | mychild

RAISING READERS: HOW TO NURTURE A CHILD’S LOVE OF BOOKS By Megan Daley Some kids refuse to read, others won’t stop. Either way, many parents question the best way to support their child’s literacy journey. When can you start reading to your child? How do you find that special book to inspire a reluctant reader? What can you do to keep your tween reading into their adolescent years? This book answers all these questions and many more, and includes practical tips and detailed lists of suggested books for kids of all ages and interests. Raising Readers would make a fantastic gift for new parents, and is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about raising book-loving children who will grow into lifelong readers.

ME AND MY SISTER BY ROSE ROBBINS

This beautiful picture book celebrates the highs and lows of having a sibling with autism, or indeed any differently abled sibling. It is a wonderful book to share with children aged 3-6, whether or not they are directly affected by autism within their own family, to help them understand that some children are different, but this does not mean that they are less. First time author/illustrator Rose Robbins’ much loved sister is autistic, and she works with autistic children. She brings to this book a beautiful sensitivity, but delivers it with a vibrancy and energy which make the book highly engaging for young readers.

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DOODLE CAT WEARS A CAPE By Kat Patrick & Lauren Farrell Following on from the success of I Am Doodle Cat and Doodle Cat is Bored comes the third instalment in this delightful series. When Doodle Cat dons his teatowel cape, his superpowers come to life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from catching humans when they fall from trees to firing furballs at high speed. But when his friend Pangolin is feeling sad, Doodle Cat will have to try an entirely different superpower in order to save the day. This is a charming story accompanied by bright, appealing illustrations, which will remind readers aged 2-6 that we all have our own superpowers.

OUR LITTLE INVENTOR BY SHER RILL NG This visually stunning book is a reminder of the power of children to effect change. The story is shown largely through the rich illustrations, which tell of young Nell, who has invented a machine to solve the pollution problems in the Big City. The men in charge do not want to listen to the fanciful imaginings of a little girl, but with the help of her family, Nell proves that even the smallest child can make a big difference. This is a beautiful and important book which is perfect to share with 4-8 year olds.

April 2019 | mychild

GET THE LOOK

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K: INTERIORS

April 2019 | mychild

KIDS ROOM Image credit: Nanette Wong 82 April 2019 | mychild

COLOUR BOX BED KING SINGLE

$1,595.00 lillyandlolly.com.au

colour box bedside table

$500.00 lillyandlolly.com.au

COLOUR BOX DESK

$1,150.00 lillyandlolly.com.au

ROUND PIN BOARD - CHARCOAL

$99.95 lillyandlolly.com.au

April 2019 | mychild

LIL ARROWS CUSHION

$99.00

PILOT LAMP - WHITE/GREY

$110.00

lillyandlolly.com.au

X CUSHION - COOL GREY

$99.00 lillyandlolly.com.au

KNOW THE SHAPES WALL CHART

$29.95 lillyandlolly.com.au 84 April 2019 | mychild

HIPPO PRINT ART

$129.95 zanui.com.au

X CUSHION - COOL GREY

ATRIUM POLO - SILVER

$99.00

$160.00

lillyandlolly.com.au

QUILTY PLEASURES - DOVE GREY QUILT

JAYAPURA PAULOWNIA WOOD STOOL BLEACH

$260.00

$79.95

lillyandlolly.com.au

aprilandoak.com.au

April 2019 | mychild

NURSERY ROOM Nursery Image: Covet House 86 April 2019 | mychild

ARTISS KIDS ELEPHANT ANIMAL STOOL

NURSERY IMAGE: COVET HOUSE

$69.00

$99.00

desirablehomeliving.com.au

lovencare.com.au

KNOPPÃ&#x201E;NG

$6.99 ikea.com/au

DACCA TRANSITIONAL GREY BEIGE DESIGNER ROUND RUG

OEUF SPARROW COT

$398.00

$1,299

rugsofbeauty.com.au

market.myer.com.au

April 2019 | mychild

REPLICA DELIGHTFULL ATOMIC SUSPENSION LAMP

MULTI-SIZED STARS DECALS

$1650.00

$35.00 vividwalldecals.com.au

lucretiashop.com.au

KONGES SLÃ&#x2DC;JD DOLL MINI UNICORN

$35.00 leoandbella.com.au

LAMOUR FOU PRINT SHOP SET OF 4 SAFARI NURSERY - LION, GIRAFFE, ELEPHANT AND ZEBRA PRINTS, DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

LAMOUR FOU PRINT SHOP SET OF 4 FARM NURSERY, BUNNY, PIGLET, CALF, DUCKLING PRINTS DIGITAL DOWNLOAD

$21.75

etsy.com/au

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LIL ARROWS CUSHION

KONGES SLØJD DOLL MINI RABBIT

$59.95

$35.00

bubbablueonline.com.au

leoandbella.com.au

KONGES SLØJD DOLL MINI UNICORN

$35.00 leoandbella.com.au

FERM LIVING MINIATURE FUNKIS HOUSE SMALL

$200.00 leoandbella.com.au

AREAWARE WOODEN ANIMAL BOX LLAMA

$99.95 leoandbella.com.au April 2019 | mychild

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SHOP:

KIDS

FASHION

April 2019 | mychild

SHOP KIDS Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in our store this month

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BABY

UNDER

GIRL BABY CABLE KNIT PULLOVER

GIRLS FUR VEST

$ 15.00

BABY GIRL SOFT SOLE HIGH TOP

BABY THERMAL TIGHTS

$ 10.00

GIRLS FASHION TIGHTS

$ 6.00

GIRL RUFFLE LONG SLEEVE DRESS

$ 10.00

bestandless.com.au

UNDER

SARA RUFFLE LONG SLEEVE TOP

$ 19.99

ASHLEY JACKET

ANNA LS TEE

$ 39.99

LOGAN OVERALL

$ 29.99

$ 19.99

ALFIE JOGGER PANT

$ 24.99

BILLIE PUFFER VEST

$ 39.99 cottonon.com/AU

splurge

bambinifashion.com

RALPH LAUREN Girls Polo Onesie with in Pink

MOSCHINO Girls Handbag Print Dress

$ 167.99

$ 234.75 April 2019 | mychild

BABY

UNDER

BABY BOY SOFT SOLE STAR HIGH TOP

$ 10.00

BOY

BABY FLEECE PRINT SWEATER

$ 18.00

BABY FLEECE PRINT TRACK PANTS

$ 25.00

BOYS SKIVVY

$ 5.00

BOYS SHERPA LINED HOODED VEST

$ 12.00

$ 8.00

bestandless.com.au

UNDER

ROY RAGLAN LONG SLEEVE TEE

$ 19.99

BOYS PRINT FLEECE TRACKPANT

COTTON KNIT BLANKET

$ 39.95

JOHNNY ALL IN ONE

$ 34.99

BILLIE PUFFER VEST

$ 39.95

TOM LOOSE FIT TEE

$ 16.99

ALFI JOGGER PANT

$ 19.99

cottonon.com/AU

splurge

BOSS BABY LOGO ONESIE IN WHITE bambinifashion.com 94 April 2019 | mychild

$ 138.88

EMPORIO ARMANI BABY TRACKSUIT SET IN GREY & BLACK

$ 332.49

SHOP KIDS Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in our store this month

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April 2019 | mychild

Isla Embroidered Maternity Day Dress

for $179.00

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Lila Wrap Hem Maternity Dress

for $139.00 April 2019 | mychild

Bébé À Bord Graphic Maternity Tee

for $69.00 100 April 2019 | mychild

Marlow Cuffed Maternity

for $129.00 April 2019 | mychild

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InĂ¨s Double-Layer Ruched Nursing Tank for $69.00

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Margo Nursing Tank Dress for $119.00

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AnaĂŻs Ruffled Maternity Day Dress for $169.00

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Millicent Ribbed Modal Maternity Maxi Dress for $139.00

April 2019 | mychild

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Elliot Pinstripe Maternity Shirt Dress for $149.00 106 April 2019 | mychild

April 2019 | mychild

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Recipes APRIL 2019

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Banana Pancakes Preparation 1.Mash one banana to substitute for egg. 2.For chia or ground flax seeds, mix with water and let rest for 5-10 minutes. 3.Add to the other wet ingredients. Mix well. 4.Add flour, baking powder, and salt to wet ingredients until well combined. 5.Measure out ½ cup of batter and add to a skillet over low heat. 6.When bubbles start to form and edges start to come off the pan, flip the pancake. 7.Cook an additional 2-3 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter.

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• Under 30 mins • Serving: 6 Ingredients • 1 banana, mashed, extra to garnish • 1/2 cup applesauce • 2 cups almond milk • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 cup whole wheat flour • 3 teaspoons baking powder • 1 pinch salt

break

Fluffy Omelette • Under 30 mins • Servings: 2 Ingredients • 5 large egg whites • 3 large egg yolks • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, halved • salt, to taste • pepper, to taste • fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

kfast

Preparation 1.Separate the egg whites and the egg yolks in two separate bowls. You’ll only need 3 yolks, so discard the other 2 or reserve for another use. 2.Whisk the egg yolks until they become homogenous and pale in colour. Set aside. 3.Transfer the egg whites to a large bowl and whisk until they triple in size and become white with medium peaks. 4.Carefully fold the egg yolks into the egg whites until fully incorporated. 5.Pour the egg mixture into a medium non-stick frying pan with a lid. Cook over medium-low heat until bottom of omelette has set, about 5 minutes. 6.Lift up each side of the omelette and drop a tablespoon of butter underneath. 7.Cover the pan and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the top of the omelette has set. 8.Remove the lid and season the omelette with salt and pepper. Remove the pan from the heat. 9.Fold the omelette onto a plate and sprinkle with chives. 10.Enjoy! April 2019 | mychild 111

Finger Sandwiches • Prep Time: 20 mins • Serving: 12 finger sandwiches • • Ingredients: • • CUCUMBER • CHEESE AND CHUTNEY • 2 slices granary bread • 2 slices brown bread • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 tablespoon chutney • cucumber, peeled, cut • 2 slices cheddar cheese into slices • • salt • HAM AND MUSTARD • pepper • 2 slices white bread • 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard • 2 slices ham • • SALMON AND CREAM CHEESE • 2 slices white bread • 1 tablespoon cream cheese • 2 slices smoked salmon • fresh dill

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Preparation 1.Assemble each sandwich and cut off the crusts. 2.Lay out on a plate and leave to chill in the fridge. 3.Enjoy!

lun

Chicken Noodle Soup Prep Time: 25 min Cook Time: 50 min Servings: 8 Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup celery, diced 1 cup carrot, diced 250g cooked chicken, shredded 7 cups chicken broth 2 cups egg noodle 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 2 leaves dried bay leaf

PREPARATION 1.In a large pot, melt butter and add onions and garlic. Cook until onions have begun to soften. 2.Add celery, carrots, and cooked shredded chicken. 3.Add the chicken broth, egg noodles, salt, pepper and bay leaves. 4.Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. 5.Remove bay leaves from the soup. 6.Enjoy!

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Chicken Teriyaki Fried Rice Directions • Preheat oven to 200 degrees C • Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl; place flour into a second bowl. Whisk egg and lemon juice together in a third bowl. • Dip each chicken breast in egg mixture and dredge in flour; dip again in egg mixture and dredge chicken in crumb mixture until coated. Place coated chicken breasts into a baking dish. • Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is heated through and crumbs are golden, about 20 minutes. • Spoon 2 tablespoons pizza sauce onto each chicken breast, sprinkle each with half the mozzarella cheese, and top each with half the pepperoni slices. • Bake until chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, about 10 more minutes. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast should read at least 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). 114 April 2019 | mychild

Preparation 1.Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce in the refrigerator for at least an hour. 2.In a wok or deep skillet, add the chicken in the teriyaki marinade and cook thoroughly over high heat. Set aside. 3.In the same pan, add the oil and cook onions, garlic, and carrots until onions are translucent. 4.Add broccoli and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Push all of the cooked vegetables to the side of the pan. 5.Beat the eggs and pour into the cleared half of the pan. Scramble the eggs and mix with the rest of the vegetables. 6.Add rice, cooked chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper. Mix well and let the rice cook until slightly crispy. 7.Enjoy!

din

Hidden Veggie Meatballs Preparation 1.Place shredded carrot and zucchini on a clean towel and wring out as much liquid as possible. 2.Place strained carrot and zucchini in a bowl and add ground beef, ground pork, parmesan, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic, breadcrumbs, and eggs. Mix until just combined. 3.Grab about a ¼ cup of the mixture and roll into a ball. 4.Either pan-fry the meatballs over mediumhigh heat until all sides are golden brown, about 10 minutes, and pour marinara sauce into the pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Or you can bake them on a piece of parchment paper at 180˚C for 30-35 minutes, flipping after the first 15 minutes. Warm up marinara sauce on the side. 5.Serve with cooked spaghetti and parmesan cheese. 6.Enjoy!

nner

Prep Time: 30 min Cook Time:30 min Servings: 6 Ingredients • 1 large carrot, shredded • 1 zucchini, shredded • 500g ground beef (455 g) • 500g ground pork (455 g) • cup grated parmesan cheese • cup onion, minced • cup fresh parsley, minced • 2 teaspoons salt • 1 teaspoon pepper • 1 teaspoon fresh garlic • 2 eggs • 1 cup bread crumbs • Pasta sauce, as needed • 450g spaghetti, cooked • parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Chocolate Coconut Popsicles Preparation 1.Place the coconut milk, cocoa powder, and honey in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth. 2.Pour the coconut mixture into popsicle molds filled almost to the brim. 3.Freeze the popsicles for at least 4 hours. 4.Unmold the popsicles. 5.Enjoy!

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Prep Time: 10 min Freeze Time: 4 hr Servings: 6 Ingredients • 1 can coconut milk • 1 tablespoon natural unsweetened cocoa powder • 3 tablespoons honey

dess

Peach Sorbet Preparation 1.Blend all ingredients in a food processor or highspeed blender until thoroughly combined. 2.Pour into a rectangular loaf pan and smooth into an even layer. 3.Freeze for 2 hours, or until frozen but still a little soft for scooping. (If freezing overnight, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, but let it sit out at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before scooping.) 4.Scoop into a bowl. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 min Freeze Time: 2 hr Servings: 4 Ingredients â&#x20AC;˘ 900grms frozen peach â&#x20AC;˘ 4 tablespoons honey, or preferred sweetener

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MOTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY

Gift Guide

118 April 2019 | mychild

CLAIRE HILL - S8-28 ASSIST ANTI-AGEING SERUM

CLAIRE HILL - S8-28 ANTI-AGEING MOISTURISER

$88.00

$128.00

clairehill.com.au

CITRUS HAND CREAM

HERBAL RECOVERY ESSENTIALS

$29.00

$195.00

jurlique.com/au

April 2019 | mychild

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APPLE WATCH SERIES 4

$265.00

$599.00

tibaandmarl.com

apple.com/au

GEN 4 SMARTWATCH - VENTURE HR ROSE GOLD-TONE STAINLESS STEEL

CHUCHKA SYD NEOPRENE TOTE

$469.00

$109.00

fossil.com/au

theiconic.com.au

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CHRISTIAN DIOR JOY EAU DE PARFUM 90ML SPRAY

TWO SIDEWAYS INITIAL NECKLACES IN 18CT GOLD PLATING

$240.00

$99.00

chemistwarehouse.com.au

mynamenecklace.com.au

Return to Tiffanyâ&#x201E;¢ Mini Heart Tag Earrings

GUCCI WOMENS 4 PIECE MINI SET 5ML

$270.00

$49.99

tiffany.com.au

chemistwarehouse.com.au

April 2019 | mychild

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LONG PINK CHIC SATIN PJ SET

MICHAEL KORS - IRVING LEATHER

$119.00

$209.00

peteralexander.com.au

michaelkors.global/en_AU

COMFY LIVINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; TERRY ROBE

SHAINE BLACK LEATHER

$79.95

$198.00

bonds.com.au

midasshoes.com.au

WARATAH (SANDALWOOD AND AMBER SCENT)

HOMEDICS: TRU-HEAT FOOTSPA: WHITESNEAKER

$18.95

$99.00

kohliving.com.au

myer.com.au

Kogan Heated Shiatsu Neck & Shoulder Massager

KOH OIL BURNER - PEACE COLOUR

$49.00

$21.95

kogan.com/au

kohliving.com.au

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5 Reasons why you should GO OUT for Mother’s Day! Do you really need a reason to head out for a fun day? Probably not! But here’s five awesome reasons it’s a great idea to leave your house and find a fantabulous event to celebrate your mum-hood!

1. No cooking or cleaning! Seriously, the NUMBER ONE reason why going out for any occasion is the BEST! You don’t have to cook the food, you don’t have to clean up the aftermath of the ‘eating of the food’ and your kitchen will stay clean from when you left the house to when you get back! No cooking or cleaning is definitely part of my ideal Mother’s Day!

2. A fancy day out is just as good as a holiday It’s a change of scenery. If you have ended up a little bit of a home-body like I did after having babies, just the act of leaving the house will give you a boost of happy hormones! When was the last time you had a chance to do your hair nice and fancy, put some makeup on and feel like you?! Going out for Mother’s Day is the best excuse to get a little bit of yourself back. They say change is as good as a holiday and it’s true – going somewhere new or different, or just anywhere that is away from the house is a great option – especially when all you have to do is turn up and enjoy it!

3. Being present with your children – no distractions Taking the opportunity to go out with the kids gives you the chance to be present with them, to get away from the distractions of the household and just be with them. Play with them, watch their faces light up when they see you spending time with them and enjoying their adorable-ness! Being away from the house helps. You won’t be cleaning this or tidying that in between checking on your little one’s every few minutes – you can spend real actual quality time and I’ll bet you will love the relaxed feeling you get by putting aside the 12 million other things that take you away from the kids every day and just ‘be’ with them.

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4. Going with a friend means you get to have mum-time and social time You get to spend time with your friends! Invite them out with you for a social Mother’s Day this year. You know, two birds – one stone, it’s so much more fun to enjoy motherhood when you get to share it with your mum friends! It makes it a fun playdate for your kids when they get to play with their own little friends and you get to actually SEE your own friends! Win win, I say!

5. Going home with even more gifts is always a bonus Chances are, you’re heading to a Mother’s Day event that has lucky door prizes, raffles, hampers, giveaway’s and an awesome gift bag full of goodies. We love our kids hand made presents of love, and even crafting up a storm with them for sweet home-made cards, but a gift bag with surprise pressies and products is always a whole lot of fun to turn upside down and find out what’s inside for you! Who doesn’t love a fabulous swag bag?? So, where do you go for Mother’s Day? High Tea events are a popular option! If you are pregnant or have a little bub up to 12/24 months old, the Bump to Bub High Tea on thr Gold Coast is perfect for you! It’s designed especially for expecting and new mums! Tickets are available right now and you can save a few dollars AND get extra entries into the mega giveaway by booking with a friend! Check it out here: www.bumptobubevents.com Author: Jade Read Bio: Jade Read is a photographer, international multi-award winner and event producer within the pregnancy + baby industry. Her enthusiasm for her clients and love of the ‘bump to bub’ industry is clear – and let’s face it, she does it for the baby cuddles! Web: www.bumptobubevents.com Insta: www.instagram.com/ bumptobubevents FB event:https://www.facebook.com/ events/2229270914022173/

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