My Child Magazine August 2018 Issue

ISSUE 83 - AUGUST 2018

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

Single Parenting:

Taking Care of your Finances

Top Tips on How to Manage Stress

Rewarding lessons of Single Parenting Five Tips for a

Healthier Pregnancy

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CONTENTS FEATURED ARTICLES

EVERY MONTH

YOUR CHILD

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EDITORS LETTER

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EDITOR PICKS

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BUILDING A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILDREN THE EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES OF PREGNANCY REWARDING LESSONS OF SINGLE PARENTING SINGLE PARENTING TAKING CARE OF YOUR FINANCES

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INSPIRING READS

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HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR PARTNER’S NESTING DURING PREGNANCY HAPPY TO BE STUCK WITH YOU? OR STUCK FOR THE SAKE OF THE KIDS? WHICH WAY IS UP?

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MOISTURIZING TIPS FOR YOUR BABY’S ECZEMA HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TODDLERS TEETH HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT SEPERATION AND DIVORCE

PREGNANCY

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5 TIPS FOR A HEALTHIER PREGNANCY

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HOW TO MAKE DECISIONS DURING LABOR

LIFESTYLE

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74 104 66

GET THE LOOK – INTERIORS RECIPES

BOOK REVIEWS

SHOPPING

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PRODUCTS WE LOVE

SHOP KIDS FASHION

TOY REVIEWS

FASHION

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EDITOR BIANCA MEDINA

ASSISTANT EDITOR JANA ANGELES

ART DIRECTOR DIANE BILLANO

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS AMY ADENEY SHEREE ECHLIN KARLI STEENKAMP GENIE PRICE LANCE GREEN

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES EDITORIAL@MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES ADVERTISING@MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU

CONTACT: MYCHILD MAGAZINE PHONE: 0411 572 877

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

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EDITOR’S

Letter Hi Lovelies How are you? Hope this past month has been treating you well?

My house has been full of germs this month. Coughs and running noses and the dreaded conjunctivitis that no parent wants their kids to be exposed too or catch.

Pre-schooler’s seeming to be so much more prone to getting virus’s then when they were babies and toddlers. What’s up with that?

As a parent, I can deal with coughs, runny noses, even diarrhoea and vomit, but conjunctivitis is nasty. I never really thought that much about it in the past (my darling Daughter has had it twice in 3 years) and luckily, I never caught it while she was infected. That is until now!! Goodness, it is so painful…... I woke up one morning with my eye completely shut from the gunk and just washing it off was a mission. Now I know I kind of looked bad, but there is nothing like a pre-schooler telling you, “Oh Mummy, you look like a monster” to confirm your fears.

I actually appreciate how uncomfortable it must be for kids now that I have experienced this as an adult. Sometimes life through something at to you that teaches you a valuable lesson. I’ve always had a bit of a no-nonsense attitude to illness. My husband and I are soldier’s and just get on with it whenever we are sick. However, since catching this virus conjunctivitis that is so common amongst kids, and having no sympathy from hubby or my extended family “for a little eye infection” they said, I have learned a valuable lesson in parenting. The lesson is, rather than brushing over Max’s feelings when she is ill, I will acknowledge my daughter’s pain and allow her to work her way through these feelings. I hope that this will teach her that all feelings are ok even when I don’t think it’s that big a deal!

Now let’s take a look at what’s in the August Issue. This month is the Single parenting month. Of course, we have some great articles on this topic, please check out: Single Parenting: Taking Care of your Finances, Building a Positive Relationship with Your Children, Top Tips on How to Manage Stress, Rewarding lessons of Single Parenting and How to talk to your Children about Separation & Divorce. We also have great articles to help you through the parenting journey, 66

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editor

PICKS

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make sure that you don’t miss these ones: Five Tips for a Healthier Pregnancy, How to Make Decisions during Labour, Moisturising Tips for your Baby’s Eczema Skin, How to Take Care of your Toddler’s Teeth, How to Talk to Your Children about Difficult Topics, How to Support your Partner’s Nesting during Pregnancy and Happy to be stuck with you…or stuck for the sake of the kids?

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All the usuals, interior, reviews blog and much more can also be found in this issue too.

Bianca xxx and the My Child Team

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Building a

Positive Relations with Your Children

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FEATURED ARTICLES

Building positive relationships with your children is important because it allows you to nurture their growth and development while they are in their early stages of life. When you’re a single parent, this becomes the foundation of how you build your family ties while also maintaining trust, love and support. Obviously, positive relationships with your children do not happen quickly and overtime, you will need to learn how to commit and understand their needs and wants.

Though you may be on your own and have separated from your partner, it doesn’t mean this should get in the way of how you establish positive relationships with your children.

Patience is key when it comes to this and it’s honestly about your attitude and the perspective you choose to take when raising your children. Here are some ways to help you think about how you can strengthen your existing relationships with your children: Written by Jana Angeles

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Build their trust Trusting one another is key in any relationship but it’s important to have that with your children. They look up to you in everything you do and value your thoughts and opinions on various things. If you haven’t felt proud lately of the things you’ve done, it’s time to reflect and look back on what you can change to help strengthen that trust. You may have some bad habits you need to give up or improve in areas such as being honest when it comes to a particular situation you face. Trust is the glue to your relationship with your children and it can build some really important groundwork in times where they need more of your guidance as they face some difficult times.

Communicate with them If you have committed to a new relationship or have taken up an activity which requires time away from your children, you need to be able to be open when it comes to these changes. Communication is key and it helps them gain insight on the type of person you are. You may struggle sharing aspects of your life to your children because you may feel that they are not ready to hear what you have to say, which is completely okay.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that they are a big part of your life. Communicating with them on the changes that happen in your life is important because it shows that you aren’t leaving them out of anything.

Don’t make promises you can’t keep This one is a big one but if you can’t commit to something then don’t make promises you can’t keep. Although children are young, they are vulnerable to their own emotions and if you don’t have the capacity to commit to something 100% then don’t do it at all. Your children are placing great trust in you in meeting their needs and wants, but you also have to be realistic and truthful to them when you need to be. As a single parent, it’s understandable that you may have a restrictive schedule when it comes to committing to certain activities or plans you may have wanted your children to be involved in. However, you need to be aware of your own limits and commit to the promises you make.

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FEATURED ARTICLES

Nurture their talents Your children are talented in their own way. They may be logical or artistic - that’s just who they are when it comes to their interests and also what they are good at. As a single parent, being able to manage your time and investing in these talents takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice. You may want to enrol them in art school or have plans in saving money for their higher education. It’s important that you consider their future and with a single income, you may need to take on extra work to help build the funds to invest in their future careers. Not only will this help them professionally, this will make them understand the sacrifice you went through to pursue something which excites them and is fulfilling.

As a single parent, establishing positive relationships with your children is important. Earning their trust, communicating better and encouraging them to pursue their talents are all ways which can help you strengthen the existing ties you already have now. Your children will recognise one day that the sacrifice you have made for them is what lead them into a path of greatness.

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How To Talk To Your

Children

About Difficult Topics

Written by Jana Angeles

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FEATURED ARTICLES

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Parenting is a tough job and it becomes even more challenging as your children get older. They become curious about the world around them and they start asking the big questions, sometimes ones we can’t answer. With the media reporting about the terrible things happening in our world, it’s sometimes difficult for us to talk about these things with our children because we want to protect them from anything negative.

Although talking about difficult topics with your children isn’t ideal, you can’t avoid them forever. All you can do is explain well and hope that they understand what you are saying in the long run. As parents, you may have a different approach when it comes to discussing difficult topics, however, these tips below may assist you when you find time to sit with your children and talk:

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FEATURED ARTICLES

Understand what they know

Time it right

They may have heard something on the radio or seen an alarming ad on television and the questions they ask may seem out of the blue. When it comes to sensitive topics like sex, health issues, murder stories and terrible current events, your child may want to know more information, trying to understand what they mean. If you acknowledge that, they may have pieces of information they are willing to share with you to learn more. Be there for them and talk about it if you feel comfortable and if it’s the right opportunity. Do your best to simplify complicated terms and encourage them to look at kid-friendly resources, which may help them understand a sensitive topic they want to discuss.

Your children may already start to feel curious, however, they haven’t had the initiative to reach out to you. They may feel awkward because they aren’t sure how to approach the situation. It’s fair to say that all parents are different in terms of their styles in raising their children as well as how they react to different things. Just remember your children may be treading carefully and are avoiding talking to you about certain things because they’re not sure how you will respond. Reassure them and make them feel comfortable. Sit them down when you feel like the timing is appropriate to have a further discussion.

Acknowledge their curiosity

Be in tune with their emotions

When your children are approaching the stage where they are almost finishing primary school, their curiosity tends to expand. With the digital age, it’s normal wanting to learn more information. You can’t blame them for wanting to do that but you also have to be careful and set

The way we consume information is different to what it was ten years ago.

Gone are the days where we used to buy newspapers and magazines. Now that everything is digital, it’s easy to search up anything. With social media and video content circulating around, your children may read something on the news about a murder or accidentally watch something graphic. It’s best to try and understand their emotions while also being level-headed when talking to them. They may be angry or extremely upset over something they have seen.

some boundaries when digging deeper into a topic. Try and keep things G-rated wherever possible. Also, be prepared to be open to questions if they are exploring a specific topic they want to learn more about. You need to be there to guide them and help them be less confused!

Say something positive When discussing heavy subject matters, it can often feel exhausting. It’s okay to feel like this sometimes. After your discussions, take the time to be positive and support your children in being curious when it comes to learning things they’re not familiar with and placing themselves outside of their comfort zones.

As much as we want to protect our children from the “bad guys”, the only way for them to be prepared for the future is to guide them through life. You may find yourself in situations where you’ll need to have a proper sit down with your kids and talk about heavy and/or sensitive topics. All you can do is be honest, show empathy and acknowledge that your children are just curious and want to learn more about something.

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Rewarding les

Single

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FEATURED ARTICLES

ssons of

Parenting Written by Jana Angeles

Single parents may not receive the credit they deserve but it’s time to acknowledge them for the sacrifice and commitment they have when it comes to raising their kids alone. It’s not easy paying the bills from one source of income, nor is it possible to turn up at every single school event their children participate in. People may overlook single parents and how much they do for their kids to receive the best care and support possible. Even if it may be tough financially, there are rewarding lessons that need to be acknowledged when it comes to solo parenting.

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Leaving a toxic relationship A single parent may have been involved in a previous relationship that has caused grief upon themselves and their children. It is very difficult to leave a toxic relationship for some people because they may have stuck around, hoping they would change for the better. Many aren’t brave enough to go at it alone but some have enough courage to undergo separation from an ex-partner. It’s not healthy being in a toxic relationship and it affects the growth and development of children.

Single parents who do decide to leave one know they are doing the right thing for the sake of themselves and their family. They won’t care if it will cause an uproar because they know that “staying together for the kids” isn’t that simple.

Teaching children responsibility at an early age Single parents may not get the help they received prior to leaving a marriage or a relationship, so their children are taught about responsibility at an early age. It’s important to acknowledge that they are the ones teaching them about managing the household duties as well as being smart when it comes to living within their means. Single parents also set ground rules to ensure their children do the right thing, which may prevent any sort of rebellion coming from them.

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FEATURED ARTICLES

Forming a close bond with the children Forming a close bond with their children is a special one for those doing solo parenting.

Single parents get to know their children and form deeper bonds with each other because they live closely and have gone through the challenges together. They are also extremely invested in their children’s lives and may take the effort and time in getting to know them better. In some cases, they may have shared custody with their ex-partner, only seeing their children on particular days so it’s important to recognise that they spend every moment with their kids whenever possible.

Having resilience Being a courageous model Believe it or not, single parents are seen as “victims” to some people.

This is not true since they have had to work hard to support themselves and their family. They also had to undergo the pressures of living while trying to manage their physical and mental health for the better. Single parents are not perfect people and they may have been judged a lot for going at it alone. However, people don’t see that they need to have strength for themselves and their kids. They don’t care if people judge them or have opinions on what would work best for them - they just beat to their own drum.

It’s important to have resilience to survive life.

Single parents go at it alone and they need to be able to progress and be the best version of themselves for their children. They aren’t made of steel and sure they will need support from loved ones and friends from time to time. Although, it’s their resilience that get them through the challenges of life. Single parenting isn’t about giving everything to the children, it’s about making sure the family feels supported and loved while also being thankful for what they already have. Resilience pushes people to do better and single parents are often quite resilient when it comes to the hiccups along the way.

There are many things to feel rewarded by when it comes to being a single parent. It’s easy to judge a person when it comes to their situation and people are encouraged to learn that everyone has their own story. There is no point labelling those who are solo parenting, nor do they deserve any scrutiny as such. If they are good to themselves and their children, providing the support and love they deserve, they are doing a better job than most parents out there who decide to stay together for the sake of their kids.

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Single Parenting: Taking Care of Your Finances Written by Jana Angeles

The breakdown of a marriage or a relationship can affect you in so many ways. Whether you had an amicable separation or you were not able to resolve the existing problems you already had, the changes that happen after a separation will impact you greatly when it comes to your finances.

With the changes of being a single parent, there are sacrifices you need to make to be able to provide for your children and this means you need to take care of your finances and get them in order.

In this article, we explore some tips which could help you prepare for the worst financial situation you may face as a single parent:

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Draw up a detailed budget on a spreadsheet It’s important to know where your finances are going and the best way to do this is to put all your fixed expenses on a spreadsheet. With things changing financially, you’ll need to see what things you can live without. You may have had the luxury of paying for Foxtel, Spotify and Netflix but now that you’re separated and have bills to pay for, you’ll need all the extra money you can get to support you and your family.

Identify your main expenses Your main expenses include housing, education, savings, utilities and food. You may have other things to pay for such as a fixed car repayment and health insurance. It’s important that you identify where most of your money is going towards because this will help you cut back on your expenses and have a stricter budget.

You can also shop around for utilities and see if you can save money elsewhere. Depending on the company’s policy and how long you have stayed on as a customer, they may offer you a discount in return for your loyalty. It can be overwhelming looking at your overall spending and it may not be ideal to have a lower budget but you just have to remind yourself that this isn’t forever. You’ll eventually be able to find ways to earn more money and support yourself and your children on a single income.

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Look for a side hustle Believe it or not, holding down just one full-time job may not be enough for other people.

You may want to utilise the skills you’ve never tried before or have had experience in a field before you got your foot in the door in the career of your dreams. Doing odd jobs here and there can be good for you while you find your feet when you have recently separated from your partner. You can pitch articles to paying publications, work a retail job during the weekends or find casual work which can be done remotely outside of business hours.

Having a side hustle can be a good way for you to earn extra money using the existing skills you may already have. It will give you some extra cushion for now when paying for your bills and provide an opportunity to top up your savings account in the meantime.

See what entitlements you’re eligible for Single parents are entitled to some payments provided by the Government. This could help assist in paying for childcare, housing, etc. Make sure you have a look through Centrelink and see what you are eligible for. This may provide relief for you financially if you do not have a high income and don’t have time for a side hustle. It helps take the pressure off for a while, especially if you have had to relocate since you and your partner have separated and you’ve needed to purchase a couple of new things!

Consider extra insurance coverage It doesn’t hurt to pay extra for peace of mind and that’s usually what insurance does.

Being a single parent is tough and when you have children, your finances may not be as manageable as they used to be. You may not be in the position of your dreams, you may be a full-time freelancer living paycheck to paycheck or you’re still studying at university while trying to hold a part-time job. With this in mind, it’s important to consider getting extra insurance coverage like income protection. This could help you if you’ve become injured or too ill to work. Not only will this benefit you but it will also help you out if you have bills to pay for or need to support your family when you really need it.

Getting your finances in order when you’re a single parent can be tough at first, but in time you will get used to it. You may not have the luxury in paying for the things you had before you and your partner’s separation but you have to remember that it takes time to rebuild your savings and properly evaluate your overall spending. Your main priority is to look after your family and ensure that your children are getting what they need and still feel supported and cared for by you.

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Top tips stress

on how to manage

By Karli Steenkamp

We are living in a fast paced world with pressures all around. These pressures can cause people to stress. Pressures from trying to be healthy, work, financial and every aspect of our lives. It is important to not let these stress you out. Parents have different kinds of pressures to deal with. Parenting can take its toll on couples, because it is hard to know if you are doing the right thing or not. Being a single parent, however rewarding, is one of the hardest things there is because you have to handle all these without a second set of hands available.

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WHAT’S IN OUR STORES THIS MONTH

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FEATURED ARTICLES What causes you to stress?

You have to identify what it is that causes you stress so that you can try and channel it. There are many factors that can cause you to feel stress, starting with the other parent, if there is one. Fighting with each other frequently or trying to be the better parent can be stressful and unnecessary. It could be that you struggle to balance all the factors in your daily life.

Financial stress is one of the most common factors that cause people to stress. Single parenting is hard as you have to do a lot of things alone and make big decisions that can sometimes be overwhelming.

How to manage your stress Firstly, it is important to not compare yourself to any other parent. You are unique and special in your own way and you need to find things that work for you. Try and be positive.

A positive attitude spreads like wildfire and that will lead to more positive ways to handle stress. Find a good way to communicate to the other parent that will allow ways to minimise conflict. An email or text could do the trick without actually having a conversation.

It could help to attend parent groups for single parents and they could also have great ideas of how to deal with difficult situations.

Set good routines for yourself as well as your children. Children thrive on routine, it gives them security. If you have financial stress, it could be worth it to see a financial advisor to help you with a financial plan. That will lead you into managing your finances better and make you feel empowered.

You have to look after yourself. You have to eat well and make sure that you get enough sleep so that you can be a great parent. Not looking after yourself will only make you more tired, emotional and feeling unable to cope with daily life. Make sure that you have a support system. If you have family or friends find someone

that you can speak to when you need advice or a shoulder to cry on. Make sure it is someone that thinks like you and does things more or less the same. Join social parenting groups to find people that share your interests and have children with the same ages. It will help to exchange tips on parenting.

Learn to be easy on yourself. You are human and you are going to make mistakes. Instead of beating yourself up about it, find ways of doing better next time.

Make time for your children. Do fun things now so that you can bond with your kids on a different level. Spend time with them so that you know what is going on. This will ensure that you do not feel guilty about not spending time with them.

If you are finding it difficult to deal with stress try relaxing techniques, like breathing exercises, counting, taking a warm bath, calling someone you trust, play music or even exercise. Reward yourself too. You need to find what works for you and try and minimise your stress.

Parenting has its challenges and even more so if you are doing it alone. Children can be just as happy in a single parent household. Don’t let your stress interfere with your parenting and look after yourself. There are going to be times which will be harder than others, but remember you are not alone. Many people are going through the exact same thing and building a network of people you can trust will help you get through it. If your stress gets worse on a daily basis, it might be necessary to see your GP or you can phone Parent Line on 132 289. Give yourself more credit, you are a hero in your child’s eyes.

References: Better Health Raising children Health directs Now to love

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PREGNANCY

Pregnancy

g

Five Tips for a Healthier

Pregnancy can be exhausting and taxing on your body so doing the right things during those nine months can help benefit both you and your growing baby. It’s a time to take a step back and look at how you nourish and nurture your body. You’re not only looking after yourself, but another human who will do everything in their power to take all the nutrients they can from you. Here are some tips that can help lead to a healthier pregnancy for you both.

Words: Ciara O’Hanlon Instagram: @postpartymum

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1) Exercise

2) Eat Healthy

3) Take a supplement

Although it may feel like the last thing you’ll want to do during the more exhausting days of pregnancy, exercising throughout can be great preparation for labour and birth. It can also help with postpartum recovery and building or maintaining the muscles you will need to help you carry your new baby around.

While that old adage ‘eating for two’ shouldn’t be taken too literally, it is still important that you nourish your body and your baby by making healthy food choices and not foregoing any meals. By the third trimester you should be looking to consume an extra 300 calories per day.

Making sure you get enough folic acid and folate is extremely important during pregnancy. Folate can help prevent birth defects of your baby’s brain and spinal cord such as spina bifida or anencephaly. You can choose to increase folate intake in your diet through foods that are rich in folate. These foods include broccoli, leafy greens like spinach, beans and peas.

Swimming and yoga are both great ways to incorporate light exercise into your routine and can be taken up even if you haven’t been exercising pre pregnancy.

If you have always been a gym goer then you should be okay to continue as you were - just scale your workout where appropriate and listen to your body. If the thoughts of taking up a new activity scare you and your bank balance, then aim for a 30-minute walk 3-4 times a week. Exercising outdoors has so many proven benefits and most importantly it doesn’t cost anything.

Always check with your health provider before starting a new exercise regime.

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Eating wholesome, nourishing food is important for both you and your growing baby. It can help you keep your weight gain within the healthy limits and give your baby the nutrients they need to grow and develop.

You should aim to eat from a variety of food groups and choose foods that are rich in folate and iron.

By the third trimester, regular snacking may replace three main meals a day due to the pressure of your baby sitting on your stomach. If that’s the case then try and stick to healthy, nutritious snacks that will sustain you for a few hours.

However, if you suffer from morning sickness during your first trimester it might be hard to think about eating anything other than dried crackers or toast. That’s why a good quality supplement is so important to help you get those nutrients you may be missing out on through food. Make sure you choose a special pregnancy supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. A good prenatal supplement will also contain iron, which can help ward off anemia, a common pregnancy symptom.

PREGNANCY

4) Drink lots of water Never has there been a more important time to try and get those recommended 2 litres of water in a day. Water helps keep you hydrated, which is crucial during pregnancy especially during the summer months. Taking a top quality supplement and eating healthy is only going to be enhanced by drinking lots of water. Water can help all the essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and hormones from your supplement and food absorb into your blood cells.

Water can also help prevent some of pregnancy’s most common symptoms and ailments such as constipation, which can lead to the dreaded hemorrhoids, headaches, fatigue, and swelling or ‘edema’ (think of those swollen cankles) towards the end of pregnancy. Dehydration in the third trimester can also lead to contractions, which may in turn trigger preterm labour.

Be careful not to supplement water with fruit juices, which can be high in sugar, or caffeine, which can dehydrate you even more.

5) Listen to your body Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t make it to the swimming pool or you’ve slipped on your healthy eating regime. Sometimes your body knows best. If you’re feeling tired then sleep. If your muscles are aching then give up the gym for a few days and let your body rest. Pregnancy is a time where you need to be in tune with your body and its needs so don’t feel guilty if you need to relax and put your feet up every now and again. You deserve it!

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BIRTH

How to Make

Decisions Labour

During

Every mother dreams of a smooth process when it comes to giving birth to their baby, however, this is not the case for some. While most mothers intend on giving birth naturally, they may end up undergoing a different procedure, something that they did not plan or prepare for. While it is easy to make decisions prior to your baby being born, it’s important that you and your partner sit down and think about how you will make decisions during the labour process.

Decision-making isn’t an easy task and sometimes you’ll need to work together and reach a compromise. While you are in labour, you may find it hard to make a logical decision because you are in pain or feeling the pressure of giving birth to the baby. Even if you do feel like this, it’s important to know that you and your partner are still able to make effective decisions. With the right steps, both of you will hopefully reach the stage where you’ll agree with each other, despite the time-sensitive nature labour can be. Here are some ways in which both you and your partner can decide what to do when the delivery of your baby isn’t what was planned: Written by Jana Angeles

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Understand the information that has been given to you When you discuss with medical staff your options, it can get complicated if they use terms you don’t understand.

It’s important that you are informed properly without the ambiguous terms.

If you are choosing the next steps on what to do to improve the chances of a safe delivery, make sure you ask the questions you need to get answered before moving forward with a medical procedure recommended by the medical staff taking care of you.

Know the benefits and risks of a procedure

Ask if there are alternatives

While there are benefits to a procedure, you should understand the risks involved.

The situation becomes a bit more complex when you have to consider both to make an informed decision. It’s okay to feel the pressure while doing this because medical staff may want to continue with a procedure quickly for the sake of your baby’s health as well as your own. Discuss with your partner if you want to continue with a procedure and weigh in on both the benefits and the risks involved.

You may feel worried about a procedure and it may be one you wanted to avoid. However, this is up to the medical team and they know what’s best for you and the baby during the delivery process. However, do keep in mind that you can ask if there are any alternatives which may be available rather than going ahead with a procedure you didn’t want in the first place. It’s okay to feel concerned about your health and the baby’s. You’ll never know about the alternatives unless you ask.

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Ask about the possible outcomes if you do nothing Maybe you don’t have to do a medical procedure after all, however, this just depends on your situation. Ask the medical staff taking care of you on what would be the possible outcomes if you don’t accept a procedure and just do nothing. Just keep in mind that the medical staff taking care of you want your best interest. However, they will need to step in if an emergency arises. You can’t make that call if both of your lives are in danger.

Making decisions during labour is no easy task for any parent. It can be stressful and the pressure can get a bit overwhelming. Just remember to take it easy and do your best to understand what’s going on and the information being shared to you when you’re in the delivery room. Justify the benefits and risks of a procedure but also consider what your gut instinct says. Nothing in life goes as planned so be patient and listen to the medical staff, remembering they have your best interests at heart when it comes to you and the baby’s health.

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Moisturising

Tips for Your Baby’s Eczema Skin Eczema is a skin condition which can cause a lot of grief and stress for parents. When their baby has it, it could either range from being mild to severe; there will be times where parents will keep trying new ointments and creams to see what works. Unfortunately, eczema is an unpredictable skin condition and can worsen depending on the season. With flared up, itchy skin, babies may scream in discomfort. It’s important that parents take the time to get to know the best ways to keep their baby’s skin moisturised in managing their eczema. While using ointments and various creams can help keep eczema at bay, it’s helpful to recognise what helps soothe its symptoms. Here are some tips parents should consider when managing their baby’s eczema skin:

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BABY

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Regular bathing is a must Babies with eczema need to have regular baths so that their skin is removed of the debris, which can cause their skin to flare up from the condition. It’s important that the water used for bathing is lukewarm as it can irritate and dry up eczema skin if it isn’t. The maximum time a baby with eczema should spend bathing is 10 minutes. Any longer could dehydrate the baby’s skin. When choosing products to use for bathing, it’s important to consider ones that promote moisturising benefits for the baby’s skin. After they are finished up with their bath, it’s important for parents to pat dry their skin (not rub) and add moisturiser immediately for the best results.

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BABY

Consider the types of moisturisers available

Keep fingernails short and/or use clothing barriers

There are different treatments when it comes to moisturising a baby with eczema.

It just depends on the parent’s preference and if it is suited for the skin of their little one.

It only makes sense to keep a baby’s fingernails short to prevent them from scratching their eczema skin. While they may feel uncomfortable from the itching and may attempt to scratch, having shorter nails could help limit further damage to their skin. During the night, parents can give their baby mittens to minimise it.

However, frequently relying on mittens has its downfalls as it could affect the motor development of the baby and may indicate that their eczema is out of control. Medical treatment is recommended in this case.

*Lotions: They are good because they are mild for individuals who have eczema.

Since they are water-based, they evaporate quite quickly and don’t keep a barrier on the skin for it to be moisturised. * Ointments: They often feel greasy since they leave a layer on the skin. However, they are very effective in trapping moisture, which can be beneficial for those with eczema. * Creams: They are good because they have light application and aren’t as thick as ointments.

Further tips to moisturise * Parents are encouraged to moisturise their baby with eczema as soon as they finish bathing.

This will help their skin lock in moisture since it is hydrated from the bath. * When applying moisturiser, parents need to be mindful on how they apply it. It’s recommended to stroke the moisturiser downward when applying. This could help absorb the product effectively. * Parents who have consulted a doctor in treating their baby’s eczema need to apply steroid creams and ointments prescribed to them before applying any moisturising products. * Moisturising the baby’s skin after bath time is not enough. It’s recommended to moisturise before dressing the baby in the morning and right before their afternoon nap. The frequency in moisturising matters!

Eczema is a complex skin condition which affects babies and older people as well. Parents are encouraged to do their best in helping keep their baby comfortable and to moisturise whenever they can to minimise the effects of their skin flaring up. It is also important to seek medical advice if the eczema condition is out of control. Doctors can prescribe topical creams which can alleviate the effects of the skin condition and help the baby feel more comfortable in their own skin. It is also important to remember that there are plenty of moisturising products to choose from including ointments, creams and lotions.

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How to

Take Care of Your

Toddler’s Teeth Written by Jana Angeles

Dental care is important when you’re taking care of a toddler.

While they can be wild and full of energy, as a parent you need to still be cautious about how often they are brushing their teeth, what food they are eating and making them aware of the big role teeth have in the human body. Children get their teeth at varying times, but they usually appear when they are 6 to 10 months old.

While brushing your teeth can feel like a chore in itself for us adults, helping your toddler get into the rhythm of brushing their teeth while keeping it fun can help you along in the process. The pay off in showing them how important it really is to take care of their teeth can contribute to their overall health in the near future as well.

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TODDLER

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Brush their teeth twice a day This is a known rule to everybody and it applies to your toddler too! Getting them into the habit of brushing their teeth twice a day is not only a good habit to have but it establishes a solid ground rule when it comes to basic hygiene. You are also teaching them the concept of being responsible while taking the first steps of independence. Brushing your teeth twice a day is a golden rule because skipping it once is never a good habit to adapt to. Explain to your child that there are consequences if they decide to skip brushing their teeth.Nununtium in vehenstus occhilius, fac temnihi ngulesua senteba tissil vilne ex

Have a balanced diet Lollies, sugary drinks and ice cream are called treats for a reason - they are not meant to be eaten that often, especially for the little ones out there. Make sure your toddler has a balanced diet, meeting their nutritional needs when it comes to their fruits and vegetables. Avoiding foods high in sugar can help them out in the long run because it helps prevent decay. Eating healthy has numerous benefits since it can strengthen their teeth and promote good health for their gums too!

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TODDLER

Supervise when they are brushing Your child may be approaching school age but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t supervise them when they are brushing their teeth. Make it a habit to brush your teeth with your child so you can monitor their brushing technique. If they aren’t doing it properly, show them so they know for next time. This can take a while for them to execute, but it helps to be there so you know what they are doing wrong and what steps they are missing when brushing their teeth.

Explain the purpose of teeth

Choose a toothbrush they like Picking the right toothbrush for your child is important. Not only does it need to be made specifically for children, they need to enjoy what it looks like. Kids are entertained by the smallest things, so having a toothbrush which they like can help make brushing their teeth a good time for them. There are plenty which are themed, bright and colourful. This could make all the difference since it potentially encourages them to take care of their teeth. You could also remind them that when 3 months are up, they can change their toothbrush to an even cooler design!

We all know how time-consuming brushing your teeth can be, but we all have to do it. Teaching your toddler good habits when it comes to oral hygiene will not only help them understand the impact they are making when it comes to their teeth, but it also helps them recognise the purpose of why they do it. Supervising brushing techniques, buying a toothbrush they like and keeping a balanced diet can help them appreciate the responsibility of taking care of their teeth!

Teeth allows us to enjoy the food we eat by breaking it down to allow digestion in our bodies. Taking good care of them also avoids nasty mouth diseases and promotes good dental care for ourselves. Explain to your child that this is why we have our teeth and their importance. This will hopefully encourage them to understand that without their teeth, they wouldn’t be able to enjoy their favourite foods as much!

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How to talk to you

separation

By Karli St

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KID

ur children about

and divorce

teenkamp

References Today’s parent Family Relationships Online Kidspot Relationships Australia

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It is never easy going through a separation or divorce and it gets even more complicated when children are involved. Struggling with your own grief from the ending of a relationship can be hard when you have to explain to your children what is going on. Children will act differently depending on their age and it is important that you acknowledge the different ages and how they might react.

Young children might act in a way that surrounds their needs since they are very dependent on their parents. They might not understand what is happening where older children might be blaming themselves for the separation or divorce. Despite the different ways they might react because of their age, the common thing they will experience is stress. How you deal with it as a parent will have a lot to do with how your children handle it.

How to tell your children about the separation and divorce

How to make separation and divorce work

Before you break the news to your children, it will help if you and the other parent have figured out some aspects of how to go forward. Once the children are aware of what is going on, more emotions will be involved and it could be hard to think logical. It would be good if both parents could tell the children together, however there should be no conflict. It should be at a time where no one is rushed or tired.

In the initial days after you have spoken to your children about the separation or divorce, you should not constantly ask them how they feel. They also need to process this in their own way. You should ask them how they are feeling about the changes but it should not be on a daily basis. It is important that both parents are civil to one another for the sake of the children. You should not use your children as messengers and find a way to communicate to each other about the kids in ways that work for both. It is also important to refrain from prompting the children about questions about the other parent.

When speaking to children about these changes in their lives, you need to tell them the truth. They can be very perceptive and will know when something is not right. Be clear about the facts that one parent will be moving out, where they will live and when the children will see the parent that moves.

Children should not know details about what went wrong in the relationship or why the separation is taking place, all they need to know are the basic clear facts. When you are giving these facts to your children, it is important to focus on the future and try and sound positive about it.

It is definitely okay to be sad about the ending of the relationship, but assure your children that everything will be alright. They need to know that both parents love them and that it is an adult decision and that it is not their fault. Dr. Lisa Herrick suggests telling children 2-3 weeks before the separation. Use words like “We are still a family, we are just changing.” This conversation will not be a once off conversation. It will be necessary to talk about this again and reassuring them.

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Never talk in a negative way about the other parent in front of the children.

Children are loyal to parents and this can cause them unnecessary anxiety. Do not compete with one another to be the best parent. Both should try and have the same rules and not spoil the children to gain their favor and never make them choose one parent over the other. If at all possible, try and make as little changes as possible for the children to cope. Respect each other’s time with the kids. It is necessary to tell you children’s school about the separation so that they can keep an eye on your child and provide support.

KID

What to expect from your children Children all react differently to the news of parent’s separation. There could be different emotions from sadness, anger and fear - they need to experience it as part of the grieving. They could have fantasies that their parents will get back together.

They could have emotional outburst or even regress in milestones. All these things are completely normal to go through and it should pass as they get use to the new ‘normal’.

The main thing to remember is that your children will love you no matter what.

They will get through it with the strength they see in you. There are Family Dispute Resolutions offered that can guide both parents into finding solutions that works for everyone involved. If your children are quite young, a book might help to explain the new situation better. There are story books like Living with mom and living with dad by Melanie Walsh or Two homes by Claire Masirel.

There is also a booklet available “What about the children” at Relationships Australia. There are many resources to help guide you through this process, but making sure your child knows they are loved is the best thing for them.

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How to Support your

Partner’s Nesting during Pregnancy Written by Lance Green

Nesting is the period where pregnant women feel like they need to do a deep clean of the house to prepare for the baby’s arrival! It can be a crazy time when your partner is running around the house and it may seem like they are out of control, when really they just want to feel ready and have space for the baby to settle once they are born. Nesting is quite common in pregnant women, however, not all of them experience it. From a father’s perspective, we may not be able to understand what is happening but we must do our best to keep them sane, for our sake and theirs!

So, how can we best support our partners during the nesting period?

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DAD READ

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Help them feel organised Helping your partner feel organised about what they want to do in the house is something you should support. While you may not agree with them rearranging the rooms or decluttering certain items around the house, just go along with it. It’s helpful to support your partner in making sure that you’re doing some of the household chores too while they are nesting. Make them feel like you’re part of the team and show them that you are willing to go above and beyond to provide for the baby. Taking initiative and showing them that you are there to help will lessen the stress they may feel.

Be there when they are shopping for baby items Nappies, prams, clothing and toys - the list never ends when it comes to purchasing items for a newborn. You may find your partner already setting up baby gear in the nursery room. For their own conscience, doing the physical preparations for the arrival of the baby is normal during the nesting period.

Let them clean the house Your partner may feel compelled to vacuum every other day of the week or pull out the weeds in the backyard. At this point, you may feel annoyed that they always have the urge to clean something. While you reserve your patience for your partner, just remind yourself that this is part of the process. It’s encouraged to keep an eye out to see if they decide to climb a ladder or try and change the light bulb by standing on unstable surfaces. It helps to keep a close eye on your partner as this could help prevent any incidents from occurring, which puts them and the baby in danger.

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You may need a credit card which doesn’t max out quite easily so you can fit the needs of what your partner wants in terms of the vision they had in mind. Although it may not be what you want financially, supporting them when shopping for baby gear is a good step to take when your partner is nesting.

DAD READ

Spend time bonding with each other It’s key to make the most of the time you have now before the baby is born because honestly, there will be less time for date nights when both of you are taking care of the baby. Even though the nesting period may drive you insane at times, your partner does need your support. Go out for dinner, watch a movie together or participate in a fun activity which both of you enjoy. Spending quality time together could help your partner feel at ease about the pregnancy and takes them away from the stress of cleaning and purchasing baby gear for a moment.

Help them feel secure During the nesting period, you may witness your partner stressing out over things that aren’t worth worrying about. They may undergo mood swings and have concerns when they are feeling underprepared right before the birth of the baby. Communicating to your partner that everything will be alright can help gather their thoughts and provide some perspective on what they should be feeling at any given moment. You can be their voice of logic when they are about to breakdown.

Show support and guide them along the way throughout the term of the pregnancy.

If you have a partner who is pregnant, be prepared to experience the nesting period. However, it’s not all bad. Just remember to show support when they are purchasing big ticket baby gear or feel compelled to do a deep clean around the house. Also, know when to step in and guide them if they are feeling stressed and concerned at any stage when they are nesting. Help them see that they are doing enough preparation for the baby’s arrival.

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Happy to be

Stuck

or

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Stuck

w

for the sake of the

RELATIONSHIP

with you…

e kids?

Is staying in a loveless marriage the selfless act of a responsible parent, or a miserable way to spend the only life you get?

Those faced with this heart wrenching dilemma may ask themselves if the stress of their marriage is affecting their parenting, and would the kids be better off if they split?

A plethora of contradictory statistics on the matter are available online, along with plenty of opinions and judgements on what is ‘best’ for kids long-term. Friends and family also tend to offer their advice, yet no one knows what your relationship is like from the inside.

So, what do those who have made the decision to break up the band, or tough it out ‘for the sake of the kids’ have to say about why they made their choice?

After consulting the stats, parental blogs and theoretical views, here’s seven reasons to stay, and seven reasons not to…

By Kylie Kaden

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THE CASE TO STAY If you feel ‘stuck’ in your relationship post-kids, you’re not alone. Eight out of ten mothers in long term relationships report feeling trapped in their marriage by children, or money (Everydayfamily.com).

A growing trend to take a pragmatic approach and delay separation until the kids finish school suggests many feel a few years of compromise is a sacrifice parents should be willing to make. Delaying divorce until children leave home, or simply forging separate lives (under the pretence of a happy marriage) are not uncommon scenarios (ABS,2010).

Their justification: * Kids from nuclear families are less likely to divorce or face domestic violence, have fewer emotional problems, are more likely to attend university, be financially secure, avoid drugs, teen pregnancy and delinquency (ABS, 2010). * Even if you’re no longer head-over-heels, if you are able to be respectful partners and still raise children (without exposing them to excessive squabbles and emotional tirades) research shows children are better off when the family unit remains intact (Psychology Today). * Divorced men are more likely to suicide, feel alienated from their children and face financial ruin than married men. Do we want to place our children’s fathers at an increased risk of harm? (mensdivorce.com) * Most people’s marriages are mediocre – what’s wrong with being average? And a little bit of arguing, demonstrating positive resolutions (without belittling or violence) allows kids to see parents aren’t perfect, that it’s healthy to express emotions, and make up. * Keeping up the pretense of a happy marriage isn’t a sign of weakness, it takes courage, self-sacrifice, and strength. * An unfortunate reality is that the parent who has forgone a career to raise children may struggle financially after separation, which leads to a reduced standard of living. It may seem superficial, but it is simply cheaper and easier to stay together. * More couples should consider the grieving process their children would inevitably suffer if they opt for divorce (Journal of Adolescent Health 2010).

Lead by example - ride out life’s ups and downs and ‘stick it out’ when things get tough.

But is staying together for the sake of the kids something they will thank you for?.

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RELATIONSHIP

THE CASE TO GO Other parents say they broke up their home for the sake of the kids (and themselves), and that ending your marriage doesn’t mean you love your children any less.

They don’t see divorce as failure - living in misery is the true failure.

Their justification: * Staying in a sham of a marriage creates a dishonest family dynamic, and couples are fooling themselves if they think kids aren’t sensitive to the emotions around them (abc.net.au April 2017). * Everyone has a right to be happy and content. No one takes divorce lightly, and separation (after all attempts have been made to mend the marriage) allows kids to see we all should demand happiness and not settle for second best. * Some people in unhappy unions are in a such a constant state of bitterness they ‘check out’ of parenting, causing the parent’s self-esteem to erode until they’re too helpless to change their lives for the better. * Divorce can build resilience, need not be harmful in the long-term if done well, and most children from broken homes go on to lead satisfying lives (Raising Children.net). * As adults, children often replicate relationships similar to what their parents modelled. We’d never want our kids to suffer in miserable relationships, so why would we live our lives doing the same? * Children who later discover their parents sacrificed their own happiness for them may take responsibility for their parent’s ‘wasted’ lives. * Some couples that claim they’re staying together for the kids may be using children as a scapegoat for their unhappiness when it is their own fear of the unknown that is to blame.

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WHAT DO KIDS NEED? Self-assured, happy adults make effective parents. To be better parents, we must first be better people. In a perfect world, we choose partners who makes us the best version of ourselves. But we don’t live in a perfect world.

Psychologist’s report that generally, children raised in low-conflict marriages fair better than those dragged through an ugly divorce, however separation is generally more favourable in the case of violent or abusive marriages (Psychology Today).

Making marriage the priority in our lives before it’s riddled with conflict is an important undertaking, yet equally, having the courage to live boldly is a vital ethos to model.

What is clear is that kids need parents that are present. They need to feel safe and loved in a predictable home, free from fear of abuse or neglect. It’s a parent’s absolute responsibility to provide that environment above all else – in whatever shape it takes.

But only you know what’s at stake for your family, and if unsure, seek guidance from professionals.

Free resources are available online at Raising Children Network, Relationships Australia (1300 364 277) or Lifeline (13 11 14).

Kylie Kaden is an author, mother and psychology honours graduate, but says her degree helps little with wrangling her three spirited boys and that the wheels fall off at her place on a daily basis.

www.kyliekaden.com.au

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Calming body washes, gentle shampoos and a versatile detangling spray all encourage a blissful bath time. Eczema friendly and pH balanced.

Maintain hydration and softness with GAIA’s gentle moisturiser for face and body. For calming infant massage, GAIA’s baby massage oil is light and easily absorbed to nourish general dryness and help combat cradle cap.

Cleanse, soothe and protect delicate skin with GAIA’s family of alcohol and chlorine-free bamboo baby wipes, talc-free baby powder and deeply soothing cream with beeswax and zinc to help calm minor skin irritations.

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For more information and stockists visit www.gaiaskinnaturals.com August 2018 | mychild 61

TOY

Reviews

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TOY REVIEWS REVIEWED BY SHEREE ECHLIN

JELLYCAT BASHFUL CREAM BUNNY CHIME Little ones can shake, rattle, roll and giggle with Bashful Cream Bunny Chime. This dreamy-soft bunny is full of woodland magic - just jiggle your bunny around to hear the softest fairy bells.

Jellycat’s musical chum is soft and scrummy in cosy fur with long lop ears, a tubby tummy and a heart full of song! This is one bunny that will make you smile.

Our Verdict I’m a bit of a sucker for soft and cuddly toys. So, this is another cute little bunny who has easily won me over. Small enough to join me at my desk and soft enough to make you go “awwww” - it’s very hard to resist. Add in the jingle belly chime and it’s close to cuteness overload. The only problem is I have to fight the kids for it!!

RRP - $34.95 AVAILABLE FROM: INDEPENDEE STUDIO WWW.ISGIFT.COM, THE ENCHANTED CHILD

GEMSTONE BALLS SET OF 3 Dazzling to look at, awesome to bounce! Set of three assorted green, clear and blue 45mm gemstone high bouncing rubber balls. Loads of fun for big and little kids alike. Play your own fun games or create other imaginative play, go whichever way your gem sparkles.

Our verdict Not just any bouncy ball, these gemstone balls add a different dimension and sparkle to your play. Barely out of the packaging and my girls are already having fun, pretty much throwing them at each other of course, but having a ball nonetheless. Bounce them high or low, the fun is endless, just watch they aren’t thrown too hard because they could easily be used as missiles or weapons by arguing siblings. Great for a game of handball or just to see who can bounce theirs the highest. Now, there’s a bit of fun for the whole family.

RRP - $9.99 AVAILABLE FROM: INDEPENDENCE STUDIOS WWW.ISGIFT.COM, MR TOYS TOYWORLD, CITY BEACH 64

August 2018 | mychild

LEAP FROG LEARNING FRIENDS 100 WORDS BOOK Join animal friends Turtle, Tiger and Monkey as they explore new vocabulary in this bilingual book featuring 12 different learning categories. Touch the words on each page to hear the animals say toddlerappropriate words along with exciting sound effects. Switch to Fun Facts mode and kids can learn exciting facts about each word.

Then, in Fun Sounds mode, play different sound effects by touching the pictures in the book. For more music fun, press the light-up star button to play two learning songs. Explore everything the book has to offer in English and then slide the language switch to explore everything again in French.

RRP - $34.95 AVAILABLE FROM: BIG W AND OTHER TOY RETAILERS

Our verdict I’m not sure who’s benefiting more from learning another language, myself or my children? Either way this book is a great way to teach your kids early vocabulary both in English and in a second language. This book teaches kids familiar words, adding in fun facts, sounds and everything else to grab their attention to learn in a different way. It’s a first words book from an angle that’s also interactive, which kids tend to love. It’s bright, easy to follow and lots of fun. Definitely a winner for the littlest members of the family!

VTECH INTERACTIVE LEARNING DESK It’s a 3-in-1 interactive learning activity desk that introduces numbers, letters, animals, people and more. An LED screen displays the letters, numbers and other activity elements to assist with learning step by step.

Listen to 20 different melodies using the music player, then flip up the desktop to use it as a chalkboard.

It can also be used as an easel so kids can create artwork or as a flat art surface as well. It includes nine activity pages with more than 30 activities to play and more than 160 phrases to learn. There’s even a time telling clock with movable hands. There is also a card storage area and a stool included.

Our verdict Your kids will love having their own little desk to do all their important (fun) work at. I’m forever sharing my desk because my girls have “important work to do mummy”. Well not anymore! They can “share” this space together (yeah right, like that’s going to happen!). It’s a great interactive space for kids and an awesome teaching and learning tool but as always in a fun way. Sometimes I think kids learn best when they’re having fun and don’t realise they’re actually learning. It’s a great way to do it!

RRP - $89.95 AVAILABLE FROM: TOYS R US, TOY UNIVERSE, MR TOYS TOYWORLD, DICK SMITH August 2018 | mychild

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Book Reviews Maya & Cat Written & Illustrated by Caroline Magerl Maya lures a lost cat off a nearby roof, and sets about trying to find its home.

After door-knocking unsuccessfully around her neighbourhood, Maya and Cat cycle through town until they finally find Cat’s quirky owners. As Maya prepares to say a sad farewell to her new furry friend, Cat gives her a gift to ensure she never forgets their adventure. This is a beautifully illustrated tale of friendship and determination, for cat-lovers aged 3-7.

Want to Play Trucks?

Written by Ann Stott Illustrated by Bob Graham In this era of books, toys and games being clearly designated ‘for boys’ and ‘for girls’, it’s great to see a book that challenges these gender stereotypes. Alex likes playing with dolls that dance and wear tutus, and his friend Jack prefers running trucks through the sandpit where they meet each day to play. Together they find a creative solution that combines both their favourite toys, proving that the friendship they share is stronger than their differences. Brought to life by Bob Graham’s simple yet evocative style of illustration, this is a wonderful story to read with children aged 2-6.

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Welcome: A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivals Written & Illustrated by Mo Willems Hot on the heels of Oliver Jeffers’ incredible Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth comes another brilliant book to introduce newborn babies to the world.

Mo Willem’s sense of humour is familiar to many of us who have read his hilarious Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! books and the Elephant and Piggie series.

In Welcome he presents a step-by-step guide for babies entering the big wide world, explaining everything they will encounter here – from music and bagels to ice cream disasters. The simple illustrations are perfect for newborns, and the funny, insightful text will appeal to grown-up readers. Willems’ overarching message of love makes this a perfect gift for new babies and their parents.

Are You My Bottom?

Written by Kate & Jol Temple Illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh From husband and wife writing team Kate and Jol Temple comes this funny rhyming book for readers aged 2-6. When little Panda loses his bottom, he sets out on a journey to track it down. But each rear end he spots actually belongs to one of his other animal friends, from a moose’s caboose to a baboon’s bum. With their help a lot of persistence, Panda finally finds his behind right where he left it. The bright, colourful illustrations perfectly complement the whimsical text, and the subject matter (bottoms!) will make this book instantly appealing to young children.

REVIEWED

by

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Which way is

up?

“I’m clever, aren’t I Mummy?” Both of my girls ask me this on a regular basis.

Yep, you’re both smart little cookies who manage to outplay mummy on many occasions. But instead of letting them in on that little secret just yet, I tell them not only are they clever, they are beautiful, smart, talented and funny and they shouldn’t let anyone tell them otherwise. Sometimes I worry I’m making them think the wrong thing but I want them to believe in themselves. I know that one day they’ll come across a bully and I hope they’ll be strong enough to stand up for themselves as well.

Although one of my biggest fears is they may be the bully. I worry if they’re too friendly, not friendly enough. Too pretty or not pretty enough. Too smart or just not good enough at all. That they may have trouble making friends. How do you stop it from happening? There’s no real way of knowing what your kids may or may not do. But we can only hope that we provide the best example and showcase values they may follow.

The tricky part is knowing what you can and can’t control, especially when it comes to your kids.

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Sometimes I lie awake at night and wonder.

I worry about the silly things I think of when so many other mums out there are facing tougher battles of their own. Like, is it really that bad they want to sleep in my bed every single night? Or that they make a massive mess with their toys and then act like they didn’t do it when it’s time to clean it all up? I know it’s a matter of perspective sometimes and we all have our moments. We live in a judgmental society and I fear it’s only going to get worse.

But I think what is important to remember is that we (mums, parents, women, etc) should all be supporting each other, not tearing each other down or even apart. It’s no one’s fault the situations we may find ourselves in. It’s also not up to anyone else to decide what you need to do or should do, especially when it comes to the little munchkins in your life. Although sometimes when the going gets tough, it would probably be a lot easier to hand over the responsibility!

I know I don’t want my girls to go without. I actually do my best to make sure they have everything they need. Sometimes more and usually something they want, not need, but that’s beside the point. I also want them to know they can achieve so much more than they realise. They have potential to do anything they want and become whatever they want to be in the world. I will do my best to set the best example I can. It doesn’t work every day but I’m hopeful something good rubs off on them.

There are times I enjoy how little they are.

I love listening to their peaceful breathing while they sleep. It means I have peace and quiet (woohoo!) but also because I know they’re preparing for bigger and better things. Namely running rings around me because they have bucket loads of energy, but also wherever their imagination will take them next. Listening to their games and play time is awesome.

It takes me back to when I was little but it’s amazing to watch and see such little creative minds throwing out ideas and just running with it.

It makes me proud and lets me think for a second I’ve done something right anyway.

I’ve said this a thousand times and I’ll say it again, I love being a mum. I could go without the permanent shopping bags and dark circles under my eyes but I will take the unconditional love every second it’s on offer. I know I will miss them being little one day and it brings a tear to my eye already just thinking about it. But I have so many beautiful memories already stored away and I never want to lose that. I want to be able to remember some of their cuteness for years to come. I’m being sentimental now but tomorrow could be another story, haha. I guess the more they grow and I find myself again, the more I appreciate the little things with my babies. Yep, they’ll always be my babies even though at four and two they hate me calling them that.

At least I still hold some of the power. Oh, who am I kidding?! They always have and probably always will! Head on over to my blog at www.shereeechlin.com for some more “light-hearted” reading. Until next time….

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interiors

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Replica Charles Eames Kids Rocking Chair $45.00 replicafurniture.com.au

Bouclair Refined Red Eiffle Tower $12.00 spotlightstores.com

Bedside Table Antique Collection $ 350.00 classicdirect.com.au

Antique Collection Bed $700.00 classicdirect.com.au

Chest 4 Drawer Chateau Antique White $690.00 classicdirect.com.au

Vintage Grey Tassel Canopy $79.99 adairs.com.au 76

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New Vintage Rug $649.00 aurugs.com Blush Pink Ottoman $146.00 etsy.com/au

Luxe Velvet Comforter $138.00 potterybarnkids.com.au 78

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Star Shaped Pillow $24.00 - $35.00 etsy.com/au

Geometric Shelves $56.00 etsy.com/au

Bashful Bunny $355.00 ellycat.com

Star Wall Decals - Removable vinyl wall decals $18.00 etsy.com/au

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Marilyn Monroe™ Glam Trellis Rug $959.00 aurugs.com

Round Felt Storage $6.00 kmart.com.au

Mid-Century 6-Drawer Dresser Acorn $1499.00 westelm.com.au

Babyletto Hudson 3 in 1 Cot Washed Natural $699.00 thebabycloset.com.au

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Fern in Gold Look Pot $9.00 kmart.com.au

Close-up of a Young Mountain Zebra $299.00 allposters.com.au

Wooden Camera $3.00 kmart.com.au

Drum Table Lamp $239.00 templeandwebster.com.au

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Tropical Leaf Cushion $49.95 pillowtalk.com.au

Weegoamigo Muslin Wrap Snowy Mountains $9.99 babybunting.com.au

Choose Joy - Wall Banner $25.00 etsy.com/au

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Stella McCartney Kids - Ladybird Cape $235 rrp Stella McCartney Kids - Printed organic cotton tracksuit pants $120.00 rrp Little Marc Jacobs - Sequined Trainers $144 rrp MELIJOE.COM/AU August 2018 | mychild

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Textured Unisex Harem Romper Black $35.00

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Textured Unisex Harem Romper Black $35.00

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Organic Unisex Harem Romper - Mustard $45.95

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Woven Kids Sandal - Natural $42.95 94

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August 2018

Recipes

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Banana and cinnamon porridge

BREAKFAST

* 0:05 Prep * 0:10 Cook * 4 Servings INGREDIENTS -

3 cups reduced-fat milk 1 1/2 cups traditional rolled oats Pinch of salt 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 medium bananas, sliced diagonally 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

METHOD * Step 1: Bring milk to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

Stir in oats and salt. Bring to the boil.

Reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 5 minutes or until porridge thickens (porridge will coat the spoon when ready). * Step 2: Remove from heat. Cover and stand for 5 minutes (porridge will cool and thicken slightly on standing). Stir in sugar. * Step 3: Spoon into bowls. Top with banana and cinnamon. Serve.

Photo Credit: Cath Muscat

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Photo Credit: taste.com.au

INGREDIENTS

* 0:10 Prep * 0:25 Cook * 6 Servings

-

3/4 cup (110g) plain flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 140ml milk 3 Coles Australian Free Range Eggs, separated - 150g thickened cream - 200g Kraft Crunchy Hazelnut Spread - 6 small bananas, peeled, coarsely chopped

METHOD * Step 1: Combine the flour, baking powder, milk and egg yolks in a large bowl and stir until smooth and combined. * Step 2: Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture until just combined. * Step 3: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spray with oil spray.

Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and cook for 2-3 mins until underside is golden. Turn and cook for a further 1 min.

Transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining batter. * Step 4: Meanwhile, place the cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Bring to the boil. Remove from heat.

Place cream and Hazelnut Spread in a heatproof bowl. Whisk until combined. * Step 5: Divide pancakes among serving plates. Top with banana and drizzle with Kraft hazelnut sauce to serve.

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Butter chicken with spinach

INGREDIENTS

LUNCH

* 0:08 Prep * 0:35 Cook * 4 Servings

- 1 tablespoon oil - 700g chicken thigh fillets, cut into large pieces - 1/2 cup store-bought butter chicken sauce - 1 1/2 cups (375ml) water - 1/2 cup (125ml) cream - 125g baby spinach leaves - steamed rice, to serve

METHOD * Step 1: Heat oil in a large deep nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat.

Add chicken, in batches, and cook until browned, adding more oil between batches, if needed. * Step 2: Return all the chicken to the pan and stir in butter chicken sauce and water. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. * Step 3: Stir in the cream and cook for 10 minutes. Add spinach leaves and cook for a further 5 minutes until wilted. * Step 4: Serve curry with rice and pappadums.

Photo Credit: Oliver Ford

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Photo Credit: Rob Palmer

* 0:15 Prep * 0:30 Cook * 4 Servings INGREDIENTS - 1kg butternut pumpkin, peeled, cut into 1.5cm pieces - Olive oil cooking spray - 3 cups (375g) wholemeal penne pasta - 300ml light thickened cream - 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard - 2 cups shredded barbecued chicken - 150g smooth reduced-fat ricotta - Baby spinach, to serve

METHOD * Step 1: Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan-forced. Line 1 large baking tray with baking paper. Place pumpkin, in a single layer, on prepared tray. Spray with oil.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and tender. * Step 2: Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling, salted water, following packet directions, until tender. Drain. Return to pan. Add pumpkin, cream, mustard and chicken. Season with salt and pepper. * Step 3: Preheat grill on high. Spoon pasta mixture into a greased 6cm-deep, 8 cup capacity baking dish. Dollop with ricotta. Grill for 5 to 6 minutes or until golden. Serve with spinach.

Chicken and pumpkin pasta bake

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Spanish chicken bake

DINNER

* 0:15 Prep * 0:50 Cook * 4 Servings INGREDIENTS - 4 Coles Australian RSPCA Approved Chicken Thigh Cutlets - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 500g baby potatoes, halved - 1 red onion, cut into wedges - 1 red capsicum, seeded, coarsely chopped - 1 zucchini, halved lengthways, thickly sliced diagonally - 1/2 cup (80g) kalamata olives - 1/2 cup (125ml) salt-reduced chicken stock

METHOD * Step 1: Preheat oven to 200C. Combine the chicken, paprika and oregano in a large bowl.

Season. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat.

Cook chicken for 2 mins each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish. Add the potato to the pan and cook, tossing, for 5 mins or until light golden. Arrange the potato, onion, capsicum, zucchini and olives around the chicken in the dish. Pour the stock around chicken. Season. * Step 2: Bake for 35-40 mins or until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Serve immediately.

Photo Credit: taste.com.au August 2018 | mychild August 2018 | mychild

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INGREDIENTS

* 0:10 Prep * 0:15 Cook * 4 Servings

-

1 tablespoon peanut oil 1 red onion, halved, cut into thin wedges 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 long fresh red chilli, halved, seeded, finely chopped - 1 bunch pak choy, stems and leaves sepa rated - 200g punnet grape tomatoes, halved - 300g (2 cups) cooked white long-grain rice, cooled - 3 eggs, lightly whisked - 60ml (1/4 cup) fish sauce

METHOD * Step 1: eat half the oil in a wok over medium heat. Stir-fry the onion for 1 minute or until soft. Add the garlic and chilli and stirfry for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the pak choy stems and tomato. Stir-fry for 3 minutes or until soft. Transfer to a bowl. * Step 2: Heat the remaining oil in the wok.

Add rice. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Make a well in the centre.

Add the egg. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes or until the egg is almost set. Add the pak choy leaves and fish sauce. Toss to combine. * Step 3: Add the onion mixture to the rice mixture. Stir-fry until heated through and combined.

Photo Credit: Rob Palmer

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Spiced apple dessert scones

DESSERT Photo Credit: John Paul Urizar

INGREDIENTS

* 0:25 Prep * 0:10 Cook * 4 Servings

-

1 cup self-raising flour 1/2 tablespoon caster sugar Pinch of salt 30g butter, chilled, chopped 1/3 cup buttermilk Buttermilk, extra, for brushing 1 small granny smith apple, peeled, cored, thinly sliced - 1/3 cup brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice

METHOD * Step 1: Preheat oven to 220C/200C fan-forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Position oven rack in the top half of oven. * Step 2: Sift flour, sugar and salt into a bowl. Add butter. Using fingertips, rub butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. * Step 3: Make a well in centre of mixture. Add buttermilk. Using a flat-bladed knife, stir until a sticky dough forms.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.

Knead gently until just smooth. * Step 4: Using a lightly floured rolling pin, gently roll dough out until 2cm thick. Using a 7cm round cutter, cut out scones. Press leftover dough together.

Repeat to make 4 scones.

Step 5: Arrange apple in base of four 1/2 cup-capacity ramekins. Sprinkle with sugar and spice. Place scones in ramekins on top of sugar mixture. Brush tops with extra buttermilk. Place ramekins on tray. Bake for 10 minutes or until light golden and sugar is bubbling around edge. Set aside for 4 minutes before turning out onto plates. Serve.

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Banana fritters INGREDIENTS

* 0:40 Prep * 0:10 Cook * 6 Servings

- 3/4 cup plain flour - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup caster sugar - 1 egg, lightly beaten - 1/3 cup chilled soda water - Vegetable oil, for shallow frying - 4 large bananas, peeled, cut diagonally into 6 slices

June 2018 Recipes

METHOD

* Step 1: Sift flour and cinnamon together into a large bowl. Stir in sugar. Make a well in the centre. Add egg and soda water. Whisk until a smooth batter forms. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

BREAKFAST

* Step 2: Preheat oven to 180°C. Place a wire rack over a baking tray. Pour oil into a large, non-stick frying pan until 5mm deep. Heat over medium heat until hot. Dip 1 piece of banana at a time into batter and allow excess batter to drain. Cook, in batches, for 1 to 2 minutes each side or until golden and cooked through. Remove to a wire rack. Keep warm in oven while cooking remaining fritters. * Step 3: Pour caramel topping into a heatproof microwave-safe jug. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH (100%) for 1 minute or until warm. * Step 4: Divide fritters between plates. Drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve with ice-cream.

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Photo Credit: Alan Benson August August 2018 2018| |mychild mychild

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