My Child Magazine February 2019 Issue

ISSUE 88 - FEBRUARY 2019

Let them be free: Tips to be less protective over your kids

TOP TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE YOUR TODDLER’S ANGER Is it the terrible twos or just terrible behaviour?

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD IF THEY’RE STRUGGLING TO MAKE FRIENDS

8

12

44

CONTENTS FEATURED ARTICLES

EVERY MONTH

YOUR CHILD

8

6

EDITORS LETTER

16

7

EDITOR PICKS

WHAT TO DO WHEN TODDLERS BITE

12

TOP TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE YOUR TODDLER’S ANGER

16

SMART WAYS TO DEAL WITH A TODDLER MELTDOWN

20

IS IT THE TERRIBLE TWOS OR JUST TERRIBLE BEHAVIOUR?

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INSPIRING READS

50 66

HOW SELF-CARE WILL MAKE YOU A BETTER PARENT THE SENTIMENTAL VALUE OF A BABY PHOTO ALBUM

24

SMART WAYS TO DEAL WITH A TODDLER MELTDOWN HOW TO REDUCE HOMEWORK STRESS

PREGNANCY

28

WHY KEEPING YOUR PREGNANCY ON THE DOWNLOW MAY BE A GOOD THING

32

LIFE LESSONS LEARNED AFTER CHILDBIRTH

LIFESTYLE

68 54

68 94 64

GET THE LOOK – INTERIORS RECIPES

BOOK REVIEWS

SHOPPING

7 79 60 84

PRODUCTS WE LOVE

SHOP KIDS FASHION

TOY REVIEWS

FASHION

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EDITOR BIANCA MEDINA

ASSISTANT EDITOR JANA ANGELES

ART DIRECTOR NICOLE CAYABYAB

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS AMY ADENEY SHEREE HODDINETT KARLI STEENKAMP LANCE GREEN ANNIE WYLIE KYLIE KADEN

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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February 2019 | mychild

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EDITOR’S LETTER Hi Everyone, Hope you are all well and loving the new design of My Child Magazine for 2019? I love the beginning of the year, everything feels fresh and exciting. Time seems to stand still for just a fraction longer earlier in the year and you can really soak up all that lays ahead!!

So, for the past year or so you may recall that I have really questioned what there is to like about parenting a 3-year-old. This has been a challenging year and has really taught me a lot about patience and the true meaning of repeating yourself 20 times in 2 minute time frame. Well I think we are turning a corner peps, and I am happy to report that my darling angel Max is coming back to me...woohoo Over the past month Max has really started to listen and get the whole boundaries that she cannot cross. I cannot get over the level of communication we have going on...I don’t want to jinx this as kids are prone to taking one step forward and two back, but WOW, I am starting to see her actual personality without all the temper tantrums and I love it even more that I did before. Max is a sweet child with a caring and compassion side, she doesn’t like confrontation and I am so proud of how she stands up for herself by talking through how situations make her feel. I can’t wait to reread this at the end of the year and see where we are at.

Now let’s take a look at what’s in the February Issue. This month is Terrible Toddlers month.

We have some great articles on What to do when toddlers bite, Top tips on how to manage your toddler’s anger, Smart ways to deal with a toddler meltdown, Is it the terrible twos or just terrible behaviour, How to adopt better sleeping habits to avoid terrible two behaviour We also have you covered from pregnancy to relationships and everything in between so check out these great articles Signs to know you’re pregnant (without a pregnancy test), How to regain body confidence after giving birth, The sentimental value of a baby photo album, How to transition your toddler from crib to bed, How to help your child if they’re struggling to make friends, Let them be free: Tips to be less protective over your kids, How self-care will make you a better parent.

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

Until next month.

Bianca xxx

and the My Child Team

6 February 2019 | mychild

EDITOR’S PICKS 1

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February 2019 | mychild

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8 February 2019 | mychild

FEATURED ARTICLES

WHAT TO DO

WHEN A TODDLER BITES

Written by Jana Angeles

February 2019 | mychild

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It can be a bit of shock when your toddler decides to bite you with no apparent reason.

As they grow older, they become curious and all their senses become heightened.

They begin to feel mixed emotions and not sure how to release them in a productive way. This is why they sometimes feel the need to bite because it is their form of coping when they feel a certain emotion. While it does hurt to see your toddler do this, there are ways where you can enable them to not bite when they feel stressed, happy or simply frustrated. Here are some handy tips to help your toddler avoid the dreaded biting habit they seem to have adapted.

Find better ways where they can release their emotions Having your toddler bite you may mean that they are unable to understand or regulate their emotions just yet. Finding ways to help them release their emotions in a productive way can enable them to be more open to you and recognise that their behaviour is not ideal. Make close eye contact and talk to them kindly. Be open with the idea that they may need more attention and look for the signs that they may simply need a bit of tender love and care to help them feel safe and calm.

Play with them one-on-one As mentioned in the last point above, your toddler may want your undivided attention. You may simply be too caught up in life and have had to look after a second child or focused on getting the household chores completed rather than spending time with your toddler.

Designating a couple of minutes to playtime can be an effective way to remind them that you haven’t forgotten about them. This also gives them the security of knowing that they are still loved and cared for despite the circumstances. By playing their favourite games or with their beloved toys, all of these can help shape how they regulate their emotions and will also give them an opportunity to cry, laugh, be angry or stressed.

Whatever you do, don’t shame your child for biting If your toddler has bitten you for the first time, the initial shock will question your method of parenting. As always, you shouldn’t underestimate your parenting abilities if you have shown love and care for your toddler at this point in time. Just remember that although your toddler bit you, it does not automatically make you a bad parent. It simply means that they are feeling an emotion where they simply don’t know how to react. Don’t shame them for biting but also be firm enough for them to stop actually doing it.

10 February 2019 | mychild

Let them throw a tantrum or cry it out until their done Maybe you’ve gone soft on your child and have automatically felt the need to cuddle them when they get upset or given them everything they need to feel comforted, but there’s also something about letting them release a tantrum or tears for that matter. Sometimes letting your toddler throw a tantrum (given it’s in the household, not out in public) or crying it all out can do wonders for themselves. Children do bottle up their emotions without realising that they are, so having a tantrum or crying it out can be exactly what they need and can even help reduce how often they bite.

Sometimes you just have to assume that there is no reason for their biting If this behaviour is out of the blue, sometimes the best thing you can do is not question your child’s biting. Children are weird creatures and you have to understand that they are exploring a world of their own. Their own problems, feelings and thoughts are unique to them and we shouldn’t make a comparison to what they should be like as a toddler. It’s best to not look into it so much to the point where you think there are actual behavioural problems with them. Just let go and do as much as you can to help them feel stable, safe and loved as much as possible.

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Top tips on how to man

Written by J 12 February 2019 | mychild

FEATURED ARTICLES

nage your toddler’s anger

Jana Angeles February 2019 | mychild

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Parenting is a tough gig and it almost seems impossible to gain that work-life balance when your juggling young kids with an already hectic schedule. Getting to the toddler stage can be difficult and it so happens that sometimes, kids just lose it and aren’t able to regulate their anger. While it may not be ideal to have them throw a tantrum in public, it happens, so it’s best to be prepared. While it’s not easy to manage your child’s emotions altogether, there are ways that can help improve your situation and enable your toddler to be less angry when things don’t go their way. Consider these steps to help you manage those threenager mood swings.

Have a conversation with them If you already know your toddler is mad about something in particular, it’s best to talk to them about it. This will help them work through their anger and feel calm that you are helping them get through this experience together. Giving them the time of day can really help instead of lecturing them about what they did wrong. If you are calm and collected, so will they. There is no point getting frustrated or mad at them for feeling this way. They are human after all and sometimes we get mad and that’s okay as long as we’re not hurting anyone in the process.

Don’t shame your child for feeling the way they do. Having a reasonable conversation can go a long way.

Help them channel their anger through movement Whether it’s taking them to the park and letting them run, or simply allowing them to dance to some happy music, having them move in an energetic yet fun way can help them regulate their angry moods. By simply getting them to move their bodies can help release the tension they feel from being angry. This can be a productive way in channeling their emotions since exercise generally helps as feel happier afterwards. This can be said the same for kids too, especially if it’s a fun way of exercising.

Show comfort and affection towards them Sometimes what your toddler needs is a good cuddle after a tantrum. By showing them love and affection can help put their mind at ease and forget about being angry. It’s sometimes best to be forgiving of their actions and understand that just because they’re angry doesn’t mean it’s to you personally. It can be from playing a game that has left them frustrated, another child not playing with them or having the inability to express how they feel. No matter what, you should welcome your child with open arms and let them know that everything is going to be alright and that you forgive them, despite their angry tantrums that happen on occasion.

Set a good example for them to look up to If you’re shocked that your child has had these sudden angry outbursts, have a look at the environment that they are in. If you and your partner have had heated debates more than usual, which usually ends in an argument - or you are watching television with angry characters, your child may have picked up this angry behaviour from somewhere. Do your best to set an example for your child and not expose them in unpleasant situations where fighting does happen. Although this can’t be prevented at times, know that you can control where you are, so move to another room if you and your partner find yourselves arguing. Your child is mimicking every action or behaviour you expose them with, so be careful and try and be a positive role model for them.

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14 February 2019 | mychild October 2018 | mychild

Give them praise when they have shown good behaviour If your toddler has been struggling with some anger issues, you may notice progress when you see them throw tantrums less. If you’ve noticed that they are calm and collected, showing signs of patience or are doing their best to not release their angry emotions in an unhealthy way (for e.g they have stopped throwing toys against the wall during a tantrum), reward them for their efforts. You have to appreciate that they have shown progress, despite the struggle and it’s worth noticing how far they’ve come.

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Smart

to deal

Toddler’s m

Written by J 16 February 2019 | mychild

t ways

FEATURED ARTICLES

with a

meltdown

Jana Angeles

February 2019 | mychild

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Dealing with a toddler meltdown is unpleasant and if not managed properly, it can also be quite stressful and frustrating. While it’s natural for toddlers to get upset, there may be a period where your toddler is highly sensitive and the mood swings and tantrums will be more frequent than usual. It’s hard for toddler’s to communicate how they feel, so having a meltdown is normal for them to release their emotions.

It can be embarrassing if this happens in public, especially if you refused to buy that chocolate bar or cool, expensive gadget in the supermarket. We all react differently when it comes to dealing with a toddler meltdown, however, there are smart and logical steps to take when trying to manage a meltdown so that their behaviour doesn’t escalate into something ugly.

Avoid tiring them out too much It’s understandable that you may want to pack in your weekends to spend as much time with your toddler, but like most of us, we all need to catch a break sometimes. When your toddler has been running around with you all day and becomes irritated at the slightest things, this may indicate that they are exhausted. Although they are such small creatures, toddlers do need to rest and be well fed. This is why it is important for them to not skip their afternoon naps, so they can maintain their energy levels for the next activity.

Have a good read of your child’s feelings As a parent, you understand the complexity of feelings children feel on an ongoing basis. It’s important that you recognise the changes of mood they tend to go through and understand that it may be a frustrating process to be good at reading their feelings. While your child is having a meltdown, do your best to read their feelings and understand what triggered this behaviour in the first place. The more you understand, the better you’ll get at reading their emotions.

Be calm and collected during a meltdown This may seem counterintuitive but this is actually a good approach to have during a toddler meltdown. If you react in a negative way, it will just end up making the situation worse and leave you stressed out. We understand that it can be frustrating to do nothing, but sometimes it is in your benefit to just relax until the meltdown is over. You can calmly talk to them after they have had their moment and help them understand the issues that they are experiencing internally. In this way, you can have a better grip on what makes your child react a certain way.

It’s okay to show authority at times Sometimes your toddler may be going through a meltdown simply because things haven’t gone their way. It’s important to stick to your guns and not give in to avoid spoiling them or having that level of expectation from you. The more you let them get away with stuff, the more problems you’ll encounter when they get older because they have adapted some selfish habits. It is completely fine to be firm with them when you know that they are throwing meltdowns to simply get what they want. Use your own judgements here appropriately and proceed with caution.

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Know what makes them feel calm If there is a particular movie that makes them happy, or a toy that helps them feel safe and calm, use these to your disposal. If you already know what helps them feel better after a meltdown, stick to those methods and slowly engage in new things that may help reduce the stress and tension they may have experienced. Of course, try and minimise technology if you know there are other activities that don’t involve facing a screen. Try and be as creative as possible and always keep tabs on your child’s interests, so you know what to do next when they have another meltdown.

There will be days where it will feel impossible to calm your child down, but just remember that we all have our ‘off’ days as parents. The tactics above are not solutions but tips to help you the next time your toddler decides to have the usual meltdown. Do your best to not lose your mind and pat yourself on the back when they turn into their calm and happy self again.

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FEATURED ARTICLES

Is it terrible

twos or just

terrible behaviour?

By: Jana Angeles

February 2019 | mychild

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It can be a steep learning curve for parents when they are raising toddlers in the process. With tantrums and all sorts of trouble, the grey area of terrible twos and terrible behaviour can be tricky to know the difference. It can be easy to assume that bad behaviour is associated with the age of your child. However, it may be a serious problem if your child has bad behaviour in general that’s worth investigating further.

Signs it may not be the terrible twos They have anti-social behaviour Depending on the environment your child has been exposed in, it all comes down to the way you have behaved around them and the sense of stability in your household. If there have been cues of any anti-social behaviour and you’ve noticed that they generally keep to themselves when at child care or with a family friend, there may be a behavioural problem.

While your child may be introverted or shy even, if you notice that they are cold to other people, this behaviour may impact them in a negative way when they get older.

No sign of empathy or sense of emotions While you may not realise it, children are generally quite empathetic and grow their emotional intelligence as they get older. If you have struggled to get any affection from your child and they seem to be withdrawn from general human interaction, they may need professional help. Also, if you find yourself repeatedly telling them to stop misbehaving and they still won’t listen, you may need to seek further professional advice to help you understand what is happening to your child’s behaviour.

They are bullying their peers With the signs mentioned above, if you add bullying to the list of problems your child may be experiencing, this is far from normal. For them to pick up cues that stem from violent behaviour is unhealthy, so seeking professional help is advised. Toddlers should generally be pleasant to be around with - no matter the label of “terrible twos”.

What next steps should I take if I notice something is wrong?

Be honest with yourself and talk with your partner If you have been in denial for a while but have had a strong gut feeling that something feels ‘off’ about your child’s behaviour, speak with your partner and see if they feel the same.

Having this discussion as parents can help you make sense of the situation and together can make a decision on whether your child needs professional help.

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Try not to stress yourself out and accept it for what it is If you already know that there is something wrong with your child behaviour-wise, do your best to accept it for what it is. You should not feel discouraged about your parenting ways because if you know that you have been loving and caring from the start, don’t automatically assume that your child’s behaviour is your own fault. We tend to second guess ourselves as parents but it’s important to realise that human behaviour is complicated and we need to come to terms with the fact that it just happens. It can be frustrating when things don’t go our way but we must make the best of the present and not be stuck in the past. Some things in life are just out of our own control and that is completely okay.

While most parents think that “terrible twos” stage is just a phase, for others, it may be major behavioural problems that need immediate attention to. Don’t panic if you know that your child has bad behaviour and assume they already have ongoing behavioural issues. Speak with a doctor first before you make the decision that something’s up and do your best to move forward and tackle this challenge headstrong like any parent would.

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How to adopt better s

terrible tw

Written by: J

24 December 2018 | mychild 24 February 2019 | mychild

FEATURED ARTICLES

sleeping habits to avoid

wo behaviour

Jana Angeles

December 2018 | mychild 25 February 2019 | mychild

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Sleep is important for everyone, especially for your little one! If you’ve ever felt grumpy and rude because of not getting enough sleep, chances are, your toddler is feeling the same too. When your child misses a nap or stays awake past their bedtime, it can affect their day-to-day activities planned for the next day.

If they are constantly crying and not listening to a word you have to say, the terrible two behaviour just gets worse and you need to find a plan that will help them sleep better during the day and night. Adopting better sleeping habits can make all the difference, which could then reduce the occurence of tantrums and crying. Here are some top tips you should consider to help your child fall into a sweet slumber.

Give them a bath before bedtime Having a night time bath can be what your child needs to help them feel relaxed and comforted. This is a great way for them to unwind and soothe them to sleep. Using bubble baths with the smell of lavender can encourage sleep since the smell is quite pleasant and gives off those relaxing vibes. There is nothing like a warm bath and this can help them be less tense before they go to bed.

Read books together Reading a book to your child can be quality time well-spent. It also helps with your child’s development, strengthening their listening and reading skills when they get older. With all the chaos that comes in life, reading a book during bedtime is a break away from screens of the TV and your phone, which needless to say can be a blessing sometimes. When picking a book to read during bed time, try and stick to simple books that don’t go on for too long.

Choosing some of the classic books that have been loved by children over the years is a good rule of thumb to stick to.

Avoid any sugary treats close to bedtime and give them a warm beverage Heating up a glass of milk is another effective way to help your child go to sleep with ease. If you find that your child gets hungry in the middle of the night, this may do the trick and curb their hunger pangs and enable them to sleep uninterrupted.

Minimise any distractions as much as possible You may be used to the sound of the roaring television but when you’re trying to get your child to sleep, this noise disruption won’t help at all! Shut off anything that creates noise before settling your child to bed. Try and remove anything distracting in their room and create a setting where they can easily sleep in. Minimising noise can do wonders to your child’s sleeping pattern and it will help them fall asleep earlier if you’re strategic enough.

If you are sneakily binge-watching a TV show while your kid is asleep, consider using your laptop instead so in that way, you get to use earphones, reducing the chances of your child hearing any noise.

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Do a clear out of toys in your child’s room Before you start settling your child for bedtime, do a bit of a clean up in their room and pack away all the toys that are a distraction. If you already know that your child has the habit of staying up late because they want to play with their toys instead, it’s best to not take the risk and pack them away so they don’t feed into their own temptation. If your child is prone to nightmares and has that one toy for comforting purposes, leave that one out as the exception.

The points mentioned above are all great tips to consider if your child is having trouble sleeping.

Exhaustion may be the reason why they are constantly misbehaving, so it’s important to adopt a sleeping schedule that puts them into a routine. Do your best to minimise distraction at all times and consider tucking in your child earlier, so they can sleep longer and avoid the dreaded terrible two behaviour.

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PREGNANCY

Signs To

Know You’re Pregnant

(without a pregnancy test)

By Karli Steenkamp

February 2019 | mychild

29

There are ways to find out if you might be pregnant without a pregnancy test. The most accurate way of finding out will be to do a pregnancy test, see a doctor and do a blood test. You might be unsure or it could be a little early to do a test. You know your body and what is normal and what isn’t. If you think you might be pregnant, it means that you had intercourse since your last period. Using contraceptives doesn’t mean you can’t fall pregnant.

Our bodies work in weird and wonderful ways and anything is possible. There are signs to look out for that indicate that you could be pregnant, however, many of these signs are also signs of your pre-menstrual cycle. You may have some of these symptoms, maybe all of them or none at all. Always seek medical advice as a backup if you feel you might be pregnant.

1. A missed period, spotting, cramping and a discharge A missed period is usually one of the first signs to make a woman wonder if they are pregnant.

You usually have an idea when your next period is, whether you are regular or irregular. If you haven’t had your period recently, it certainly could be the first sign of pregnancy. If you haven’t missed your period, it is usually difficult to tell if you are pregnant, but there are great pregnancy tests that could show if you are a few days before your period should start.

Spotting and cramping usually happen about a week before your period should start. This is due to the fertilized egg that is attaching itself to the uterus. The spotting is not like a period, it is lighter in colour and should not be as heavy. It will last a day or two. There might be some cramping, but this will feel like period pains.

Some women experience a white vaginal discharge during their pregnancy.

2. Tender and swollen breast The increased hormone levels in your body cause your breasts to swell, which could be painful or tender. The area around the nipples could get darker in colour. This usually happens as early as 4-6 weeks, but it could happen sooner.

3. Tired and Lethargic Your body is producing more hormones than usual. Your body is not used to working so hard and making space for another human. The hormone Progesterone helps your muscles, ligaments, and joints to relax, while the hormone Estrogen is working its magic in keeping mum and baby healthy. Let yourself rest, eat healthily and make sure you eat foods that can give you energy.

4. Nausea and vomiting Nauseousness also known as ‘morning sickness’ usually starts between the 2nd – 8th week and should ease by the second trimester. Some women are nauseous and others vomit. It could happen at any time during the day, but most women experience it in the mornings.

During these times, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy to get all the important nutrients for you and your baby.

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5. Urination and Constipation About six weeks or even sooner, you might want to urinate quite often. This is due to the increased hormone levels in the body and blood volume level that makes the kidneys work harder. The expanding uterus could also press on the bladder, which could make you want to visit the ladies room more often.

The progesterone, which causes the muscles in your body to relax could also cause constipation because the muscles that digest your food will also be more relaxed. Feeling bloated is also very normal at this time. Make sure you eat food rich in fiber.

6. Other symptoms There are many other symptoms that could be signs of pregnancy, however, they are not as prevalent as the others above, but worth taking notice of.

• Cravings / Food avoidance – Many women have weird cravings or can’t stand the smell or taste of certain foods. These could be foods that were their favourite a few weeks ago.

• Mood swings – Being on an emotional rollercoaster is part of the process. The increased level of hormones can leave you in a blubbering mess, feeling irritable, emotional, angry and happy all in the space of a short while.

• Headaches and back pain – The hormone levels and growing uterus could cause headaches and back pain. These are normal symptoms.

• Dizziness and fainting – your body is working hard to make sure you and your baby are getting enough nutrients. Make sure that you take plenty of fluids, eat healthily and take vitamins to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

All these symptoms might be something you experience; you might have some of them or none. It is best to do a pregnancy test and speak to your doctor, but if you have most of these symptoms, it’s highly likely you could be pregnant. All women are different and so is every pregnancy. You know how your body works, either like a clock or irregular. Get your symptoms checked and know that most of these symptoms could also be pre-menstrual.

These symptoms are most common during pregnancies and are a good indication, but check with your doctor to avoid disappointment.

References: Babycenter Webmd Mayoclinic Clearblue February 2019 | mychild

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BIRTH ARTICLE

HOW TO REGAIN

body confidence

AFTER GIVING BIRTH

Written by Jana Angeles

32 February 2019 | mychild

Wear clothes that make you feel good Even if you have gained a bit of weight, you can buy clothes that make you feel good on the outside. Be strategic in terms of what colours suit you best and the style of clothing you’re willing to spend on. Also, have a look at your current wardrobe and do a bit of decluttering to help you make space for new outfits. If losing weight is your main motivation and you want to drop down a size, purchase clothing a few sizes down so you can work hard at eating right and getting the daily exercise you need to be able to fit into the clothes you bought.

Don’t be so hard on yourself Even if there are weeks where your weight has plateaued or had cheat meals two days in a row, don’t feel guilty about not sticking to the plan of healthy eating and exercise. It’s important you have a balance of eating the foods that are good for you and maintain a regular workout schedule, but it doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to all the “bad” food that you love.

Having a cheat meal once a week can keep you more motivated towards your goals. Also, it’s tough love for your body to keep eating healthy foods so don’t feel guilty about not eating right for a day or two. Tomorrow is a brand new day and you can start focusing on your weight goals again with a new positive mindset and attitude. After giving birth, you may have gained some extra pounds during the term of your pregnancy and this may have lowered your confidence with your body. While this is a natural process, we can’t help but notice the difference in weight when we look at old photos of ourselves. This can make us feel nostalgic and end up regretting eating too much during pregnancy. In the efforts of health and fitness, it’s important that we participate in regular exercise and healthy eating to help boost our moods in general. While it’s tough to get back into the routine of good habits, taking some baby steps to help regain body confidence can be what you need to feel good again. Here are some efficient ways that can help you get into a good momentum and be comfortable in your own skin.

Take things slowly If you’ve just given birth, the best thing you can do right now is take things slow. Your body may be fragile and weaker than it was before because it hasn’t had enough time to properly heal. However, this isn’t an excuse for you to not start adopting healthy habits now. Take a walk around the block and start implementing a nutritious diet. By slowly easing your way to a healthy lifestyle, it will become much easier to stick to and you will feel better about yourself if you start to notice the difference when it comes to your physical shape.

Avoid eating food that you know isn’t good for you While snacking on junk food feels good at the time, it certainly isn’t good for your body. It gives you a fleeting moment of bliss until you realise you’ve eaten a whole packet of chips. Try and avoid junk food as much as you can and stick to healthy alternatives. It is much easier to stick to healthy eating if you can find creative ways to replace all the “bad food” you love to eat with similar healthier dishes. Try and stick to protein that won’t leave you bloated (chicken, fish, tofu) and minimise how often you eat red meats. Stick to healthy carbohydrates and stock up on your vegetables.

Drink plenty of water and get a good night’s rest Water is a great fluid - it has no calories and prevents you from being dehydrated. If you want to increase your intake, add some pieces of lemon to encourage you to stick to water and avoid any sugary soft drink like coke and lemonade. It also detoxifies your body and helps you feel less bloated. Sticking to water can also curb your appetite and help avoid those cravings of bad fatty or sugary food. Having lots of water can also improve the appearance of your skin too. In addition, getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep can make you feel mentally recharged and is more likely to leave you in a positive mood instead of feeling grouchy when you’ve only had four hours of sleep.

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BABY ARTICLES

Written by Jana Angeles

THE SENTIMENTAL

value of a

BABY PHOTO ALBUM 34 February 2019 | mychild

It’s crazy to think that after all these years, most photos come from our smartphone. However, there is something so special about owning a physical copy of a baby photo album. There are many memories you can reminisce with your child once they get older. Having physical copies of your photos holds sentimental value, and it’s an opportunity for your child to see how much they have transformed over the years. Here are some of the best reasons why a baby photo album has such high sentimental value.

It’s a keepsake for when your child gets older It’s awesome to be able to have your photos developed because you can actually feel the physical copy of the photo. There is just something so cool and vintage about developing them. Once your child gets older, they can appreciate the photos you took of them when they were young. It will be a treasured keepsake they can look back for many years to come.

You can get creative with a baby photo album If you enjoy scrapbooking and love to decorate in general, making a baby photo album is the perfect opportunity. You can buy colourful stickers and other crafty pieces to put together for your scrapbook. You can even write little memos on what the photos mean and any associated memories attached to them as well. While your child may not remember what they were doing at the time, having those memos attached can be helpful and can even jog your memory and reflect on a happy memory in the past.

It’s good for times when you’re feeling nostalgic YHaving a busy schedule is the norm for a parent. Sometimes you’re too caught up with everything that you forget to slow down and really cherish the moments when your child is young. With work and life in general, you feel surprised that your children have grown up so fast and begin to feel sad that one day they won’t be living at home anymore. Having a baby photo album can make you go back from humble beginnings and it can even remind you at how much they have accomplished over time since they were born.

It’s a token of comfort for those tough moments Maybe you had a relative or friend who was close to your child and had passed away recently, and it so happens that there are photos of them in your child’s baby photo album.

This will help them feel comfort for those tough moments. In the end, they will feel so thankful that you managed to capture photos while that person was still alive. People live in our hearts forever and photos help us never forget them.

It makes a special gift that your child will appreciate in the future It’s amazing how much things change, especially when you look back from when your child was born in this world. Maybe you’ve been quietly building a photo album for them for their 18th birthday. Either way, it will surely make a special gift for them and gives you a chance to bond together over the memories shared in the last decade or so. The photo album also helps them to never forget their roots of where they come from.

The value of a baby photo album means more than you know. With the digital age of Instagram and other photo-sharing sites, there is no substitute when it comes to a baby photo album. If you have a baby and would like to start developing photos of your child, start building one now. Cherish the moments you have with them while they are still young because they won’t be like this forever, but at least the photo album will remind you of those wonderful memories you’ve shared with each other.

By: Jana Angeles

February 2019 | mychild

35

How To T

Your Todd

Crib T

By Karli St 36 February 2019 | mychild

TODDLER 2-4 YEARS

Transition

dler From

To Bed

teenkamp February 2019 | mychild

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Every new milestone in your child’s life can be exciting and nerve-wracking and comes with their own obstacles. Each child develops at their own pace and cannot be compared. Making big transitions can have emotional impacts on a child. It is hard to know if they are ready for changes. Parents know their kids best and it is up to you to experiment and find the best way to introduce new things. Adjustments can be quick for some kids and others might need a bit more encouragement and nudging. Have a plan of action before introducing a huge transition so that you can be consistent when it happens.

Is the time right?

Moving your child from the crib to his or her own bed, whatever the reasons may be, should not be done to early. The ideal age according to Raising Children is between 2-3 ½ years. It all depends on the emotional state of your child. You will know when your child is ready when they start escaping out of the crib or need to do toilet runs during the night.

Preparation for the big move It helps to prepare kids beforehand about any big changes and moving out of the crib might be a huge adjustment and a little distressing for some kids. Talking about it in advance and explaining what is going to happen will help to mentally prepare your child and get their head around it. Show them pictures of other kids in their own beds.

If it is financially possible, redo their bedroom to a ‘big kid’ bedroom. If not, include them in buying and choosing the bed or linen. This will help them feel in control and make them excited.

Let them choose a special toy or blanket to sleep with in the new bed to comfort them. If they do not already have a night light, let them choose one to keep in the room.

Safety There is no crib anymore to keep your child in one place, they can get out of bed at any time.

Make sure that everything in the room is safe for your child. Put toys away so that they don’t feel like playing with it in the middle of the night or put anything in their mouths, which could be dangerous. Furniture should be secured to prevent them from falling. Blinds or curtains should not have strings hanging down that can cause a hazard. Plugs should have safety plugs and switched off.

When you are buying the bed, make sure that there are railings on both sides to prevent your child from falling off the bed. Your child should not be able to open windows and do keep crayons away so that little hand won’t feel the need to decorate the beautiful walls in the room.

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Implementing the big move MIt is going to take lots of patience and positive reinforcement to make the transition from crib to bed. Continue or start a good bedtime routine that suits you. It should include calm activities to wind down after a busy day such as reading a book or taking a bath just before bedtime. It really depends on what works for you as a family. Some kids prefer to fall asleep with a parent in the room, but this can be a timely process.

Saying goodnight and leaving the room helps them fall asleep independently. Toddlers might get out of bed or ask for something to drink or eat (a couple of times), set your boundaries and stick to them. Explain to them the whole process and what will happen in the morning, and then they know what to expect. Be patient and praise your child for sleeping in their own room and about how big they are. This is a process which might take a while, but soon your child should settle, but stay calm and consistent.

Making the move from the crib to the bed is a huge change. It should not be a rushed process.

Make your child feel as if he or she is in control with a special toy to sleep with. Involve them in every step of the new bed, even the setting up part. Praise is of the utmost importance so that they know that they are being very brave and that you are proud of them. That might empower them to sleep through the night and everyone can have a good night rest.

References: Better Health Raising Children

February 2019 | mychild

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KIDS 5-8 YEARS

How to help your child if they’re struggling to make friends

Written by Jana Angeles

February 2019 | mychild

41

When your child is starting school, it can be a daunting experience for them when they are quite shy and introverted. Being in a different environment can make them feel mixed emotions and it can be quite difficult to pinpoint how they exactly feel. If you notice that your child is mainly hanging out their own during recess and lunch, chances are, they have been struggling to make friends at school. While you don’t want to be overbearing to your child, you can still help them out in establishing great friendships in your school. Here are some ways where you can help them make friends.

Explain the situation to the teacher If you know that your child hasn’t made friends yet at school, have a good talk with their teacher and explain to them the situation. Clarifying what’s happening can enable them to make brief introductions for your child to the other kids to ensure that they don’t feel left out.

This is helpful if you already know that they struggle to talk with people in general.

Organise playdates on the weekends If you managed to befriend some other parents within your child’s school, try and set up some playdates with their children so your child has the opportunity to make friends. Although it is difficult to coordinate playdates with kids, you can still make it work. You will only need a couple of hours and if you know that your child takes time to warm up to people, just be patient and let it happen naturally.

Read children stories about friendship Does your child love reading books? Well, if you know that they enjoy bedtime stories so much, search for books in the library that have themes that surround friendship and its positive impact on people. There are many books that have this as a recurring theme and even after you finish reading them, reiterate what happened in the story and tell them what lessons were learnt from the characters, then apply them to how it works in real life.

Ask them why they don’t have any friends Children have their reasons. Maybe your child prefers to play on their own because they have an imaginary friend they enjoy hanging out with, or they simply prefer their own company.

Having a good conversation with your child can help you understand where they’re coming from too. Also, it’s good to be weary of what they might be hiding. If you see any suspicious behaviour coming from them or any signs that they may be getting bullied, raise these concerns with your child’s teacher.

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Use the power of positive reinforcement Having a positive attitude can help your child feel confident in their own skin. If for some reason they feel less confident about being with other people, be their cheerleader. Having daily talks with them can help them rationalise the current situation and be less shy and awkward around other kids. By simply cheering them on could boost their confidence levels and encourage them to come out of their shell.

Just because your child is struggling to make friends doesn’t mean there is something wrong with them. Before you jump to the conclusion that your child may have social anxiety or other mental health issues, communicate with them first and listen as best as you can. Having a shy or introverted kid doesn’t mean they are automatically blocked from the friendship circles at school. You just have to give them time and let them know that it is okay to start friendships when they feel comfortable doing so.

February 2019 | mychild

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Let them be free:

Tips to be less protective over your kids

By: Lance Green

44 February 2019 | mychild

DAD READ

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As dads, we tend to get protective over our kids. In general, it’s probably the parental instincts kicking in that make us feel like this by default. When we hear the news and see something happen to a child similar to the age of our son or daughter, we get scared and we feel like it’s our duty of care to stop it from happening, so we start saying no to things. It may be because we still see them as babies and want to do our best to prevent anything bad from happening.

The truth is, once they grow up, you have to let your child be their own person and leave them to their devices when it comes to their decision-making. While it may seem like a good idea that you’re protecting them now, it may not be best for the future. Here’s how you can be less protective over your kids but also being the father who sets the ground rules too.

Do your best not to associate your children when you hear the news It can be awful hearing about a tragic event that involves children and it’s totally acceptable to feel like you need to be the protector of your kids for a bit when you hear it happens, but you can’t protect them forever. Do your best to warn your children early about predators (online & offline) and mention any red flags that determine a person should not be trusted.

Always teach them that their safety comes first, encouraging them to be smart in their own choices made.

Explain why you said ‘no’ to a particular party or sleepover This can be a tricky one and although you have briefly met their friend’s dad or mum and had a brief chat at parent-teacher interviews, you may have declined their offer of a party invite or sleepover. While your child may be mad at you for saying ‘no’, give them a reasonable explanation on why you did so and don’t leave them hanging. By simply admitting that you don’t really know the family, or feel comfortable that they’re getting looked after by their friend’s parents is a reasonable explanation and you can then talk about the importance of trust and duty of care of adults.

But don’t be too restrictive!

We understand that you may not know any of your child’s friends parents but don’t decline on every activity your child gets invited to. There is no point keeping your children at home if you know they could be going to a nice beach or shopping centre with their friends. The best thing you can do is trust that they will get home safely and let them have fun. If you want to check in on how their day is going, ask if you can get the number of their friend’s parents so you can keep in touch at all times and know where they are during the day.

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Give them the freedom but also set some ground rules Take the time to discuss with your partner how you define “freedom” for your kids and what ground rules you want to implement. There comes a time where your child will be approaching their last year of primary school and they happen to go out after school to the shopping centre or play with their friends at the nearby park. If you are comfortable giving their independence, give them a curfew time that they need to be home by so this can stop you from worrying that they will be out so late. Explain that there are consequences when they break the rules.

No matter what stage of parenting you’re at, it can feel daunting being a father of your children. There is so much pressure for us to be the protectors of the family but things have changed. It’s important you find that balance of being lenient and strict and trust that you are teaching your children the importance of their own safety and wellbeing. They are kids after all so allow them to get a taste of freedom when you know that they are ready for it and trust that they will do the right thing.

February 2019 | mychild

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How self-care will make you a better parent By: Annie Wylie

HOW SELF-CARE

will make you a

BETTER PARENT 48 February 2019 | mychild

RELATIONSHIP

When you get on a plane you’re told that, in an emergency, you should put your own oxygen mask on before helping those around you, including your kids. This instruction goes against most parents’ instincts – but if you lose consciousness you can’t help anyone.

The same thing can be said about self-care.

What is self-care?

Self-care is anything you enjoy doing that helps make you happy and helps maintain your physical, mental or emotional health. It’s something that refuels you, and does not feel like a chore to do.

It’s a simple concept in theory but is often overlooked, especially when kids are in the picture.

How will taking care of myself help my kids?

You might often find yourself running low on energy with all the things going on in your life and family.

Self-care can help boost your energy, helping you be a more effective parent. You’re likely to have more patience with your kids, giving them more attention and being more engaged.

Far from being selfish, self-care is one of the best ways to help your family.

When parents practise self-care, it’s been shown that kids are encouraged to do the same, and take this positive habit into later life. Since kids look to their parents as role models, your self-care also helps teach your kids to look after themselves better!

Why self-care is often at the bottom of the priority list You’ve got a million things on your plate - grocery shopping, important presentations to your boss, school pick-ups, Saturday sport, relationship drama...it’s no wonder self-care is way down on your list. “I don’t have enough time.”

When your family needs help you might feel guilty spending time on yourself. That’s why it’s important to remember that your self-care is good for your whole family.\ “I don’t have the energy.”

Your family juggling act tends to take everything you’ve got. A simple self-care routine can help keep your energy up and stop you from collapsing in a heap.

“It’s too expensive.”

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How to make self-care a family priority For busy, hectic parents and families, making self-care a priority can help you feel happier and more physically, mentally and emotionally able to deal with life’s pressures and stresses.

1. Work together to figure out what self care is the best for you. Individually ask yourselves, what makes you feel good? What would you like to do more of? Self-care is different for everyone.

2. Allocate individual time for self-care. Even 5 or 10 minutes adds up so don’t get overwhelmed with needing half a day to relax. Be realistic with how much time you need to feel benefits from your self-care.

3. Commit to a routine. Put your individual self-care plans into the family planner. Look at this as an ongoing plan, rather than an emergency response for when things get too much. Selfcare activities should be the last to be dropped from the schedule, not the first.

4. Get support. Back each other up! Tell each other what you’re doing and when, and encourage the family to help and support each other. Swap chores so someone can go do their scheduled self-care and ask for help if needed.

5. Reflect and adapt. Schedule a time to check in and see how everyone’s doing. Adapt what isn’t working – would a different time of day work better or would a different day work better? Encourage your family to keep at it. Be clear that you value self-care and will always support them in being able to do it.

Get started with self-care It is important for you to find self-care activities that work for you. It shouldn’t be something you’re forcing yourself to do.

Stick to the basics to begin with and over time you’ll find your own routine and rhythm. Here are some examples of common things people do to practise self-care.

• Physical self-care * Exercise: walking, running, cycling, swimming, or doing classes and fun runs and rides.

These can be a good way to get some much needed alone time, or organise or join a group if you prefer the company! * Sport: throwing or kicking a ball around at the park with friends or joining a local club or gym. That small martial arts gym you pass on the way home, or the roller derby your friend’s been raving about may be your new favourite thing!

• Emotional self-care * Entertainment: listening to music, watching a film or going to a gig, show or game. * Nature: going for a hike, going to the park, gardening or planting a window box.

• Creative and spiritual self-care * Imagination: start writing, drawing, photographing or even joining creative classes. Pro tip: check out local community centres or even pubs - life drawing is quite common to find these days! * Education: reading books, listening to podcasts, or learning a language, an instrument or a craft. * Spirituality: attending a service, reading scripture or meditating regularly.

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If you’re still having some trouble getting started, try this quiz to help you find out what type of self-care is right for you.

Things to remember Self-care isn’t going to be an immediate cure-all. It’s very individual and what works for some won’t work for others. You might need some time to find what works best for you. Stick at it though, and gradually making it part of your routine will give you long-term benefits, rather than as an emergency fix.

Remember that self-care isn’t selfish and will benefit both you and your kids. Not only will self-care relax and refuel you, but it will increase your emotional, physical and mental health.

You’ll have much more energy and patience to spend quality time with your kids.

Above all, be kind to yourself!

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52 February 2019 | mychild

CELEBRITY

ALARMING NEW RESEARCH URGES AUSTRALIAN PARENTS TO LAY DOWN YOUR PHONES.

By Kylie Kaden

February 2019 | mychild

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Let’s be honest. Are you the type who, blurry eyed, reaches for your phone first thing in the morning? Has your mobile become a bit of a gap-fill in your day - a crutch you turn to in the mundane in-between moments? We’ve heard the evils of overusing technology before, but alarming new research has clinically proven exactly ‘when’ using technology is most detrimental to our brains, and exactly ‘how’ it negatively impacts our relationships with our kids.

Smartphones: most of us are lost without one, relying heavily on our beloved mobiles to keep connected, capture memories, and organise our hectic lives – in fact, you’re probably reading this article on one right now to fill a stolen moment at a bus stop or before a meeting begins.

Many of us spend thousands of hours scrolling ‘social’ media per year (yes, we could read hundreds of books in that time – imagine!). With all that ‘socialising’, and if happiness is invariably linked to our sense of connection with others, we should be happy, right? Yet as a community, we are lonelier than ever.

In fact, research shows a direct correlation between increased levels of depression, anxiety and suicide and social media usage.

Chelsea Pottenger, director of EQ Consulting and mental health ambassador for R u Ok? recently published alarming results after a three-year study, indicating a staggering 90% of adults check their phone as their first priority each morning.

Scanning the news or Facebook before beginning your busy day seems harmless, but the science behind it says otherwise. This damaging trend is kicking our minds into a wave of high stress from the moment we wake, causing feelings of paranoia, worry, fear, anger and irritability - all of which are connected to a weakened immune system. In short, the practice is making us sick.

Pottenger explains that the brain’s malleability after sleep heightens the importance of how we chose to spend those first precious moments of our day. It is these first transitional theta brain waves that are vital to becoming more emotionally intelligent, creative and adept at problem-solving. Like skipping breakfast, by choosing a digitalised dose of reality first thing, we are skipping this important phase.

No one is suggesting we abandon technology, but smarter use of our smart-phones may lessen the risk of harm to our wellbeing, and relationships.

How to change your life in 8 Minutes It sounds like a cheap infomercial, yet Pottenger’s research indicates the choice we make during this short window is clinically proven to have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. By delaying our morning technology hit and owning the first eight minutes of our day we can rewire our brain.

Healthy habits for 2019 can start by simply removing phones from the bedroom, and instead, rise and shine by: * stretching to remove the body of inflammation, * meditation, or if that’s not your thing, simply relaxing and planning your day with a cup of tea or a book in a favourite sunlit spot. This small step can lead to a more positive mindset all day.

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* place a cork-board near your bedside displaying photos, memories, and reminders of your personal priorities or planned holidays so you’re hit with a dose of inspiration when you wake. Tip: If you’re stuck for ideas, Pottenger has created the new EQ Minds Vision Board Program, which is an online seven-day program (for those over 12 years) featuring a series of podcasts and guides to help you become more mindful and help you make positive changes and reach your goals. * practice a few minutes of gratitude each morning can also strengthen the area of the brain that makes you more resilient. Think of what you can do for others during the day.

It’s not just these first twilight hours after sleep that have been plagued by digital devices. A similar study at Nottingham Trent University, found that the average amount of time people aged 18-33 check their phone is an astounding 85 times per day. Constant phone checking can suppress our ability to tune in with others and impact on relationships long term. Pottenger states we need to use social technology to support social interaction – not undermine it. This is particularly important for parents. We’ve all experienced the challenge of making a phone-call, only to have our (previously content) child demand our sudden, urgent attention. Young children need constant validation from their caregivers to form strong attachments, and when they are forced to compete with our phones, they try to engage with us again (often through escalating behaviour). Children whose parents use phones frequently while they’re with them show increased levels of distress, lower positive emotion, lower exploration and engagement with their toys and have less developed emotional recovery. Strategies to instil boundaries around phone usage and encourage the best chance of engaging with our children effectively include: Keep your phone out of sight when having meaningful conversations with your family. Even holding your phone makes those you are talking to feel less important to you, which reduces empathy and trust in the parent/child relationship. Dock your devices at night at a charging station away from bedrooms – this goes for both you and your children. While their devices recharge at night, so do our brains. Sell the strategy to your children: the phones wake up with 100% battery, we wake up with 100% brain on. Set boundaries around your phone usage by introducing tech free Sundays and, as scary as it sounds, seek out holidays without wi-fi and go ‘off-grid’ entirely. Silence phones when socialising and engage with who you are spending time with – if you do have to return a call, you’ll look far more important than if you’d answered immediately. Make choices that allow you to savour the moment – not record it. Instead of filming your child’s entire concert (worrying about the best angle) be present and enjoy the moment. Designate the car as a phone-free zone - research shows car trips are a great opportunity to talk to older kids as you are not face-toface, so it is less confrontational. Value conversation between family and friends by modelling device-free conversations. Pottenger suggest the ‘phone-stacking’ game: while at restaurants, place your phones in a pile during dinner – the first person to remove their phone has to pay!

Technology offers a fantastic way to enhance our lives and stay connected with others, but, just like salt and sugar in a balanced diet, our intake needs to be managed. We love our phones, and changing habits is hard. Before we reach for another phone-check, consider this - do we really need to be across every moment-to-moment update from the curated lives of our followers (most of whom we’d hide from if seen in real life) while our children compete for our attention? Do we need to pull out our phone from the we wake, or the second nothing better is happening? Or can we try a little harder to simply be mindful of what’s in front of us in the moment, during this beautiful thing we call life. After all, it’s during those in-between moments - when people look eye to eye, not profile to profile, that relationships are forged and fostered. Perhaps this alarming research will finally make us resist the urge to be digitally entertained every waking moment and especially the first precious twilight ones. Our brains, and our children will thank us for it.

By Kylie Kaden BSSc Psych- Hons. www.kyliekaden.com.au Read more about Chelsea Pottenger at ​eqminds.com.

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RELATIONSHIP

Not enough Mummy to go around By: Sheree Hoddinett

56 February 2019 | mychild

If only there were two of me. No, really. If mummy had the power to split herself in two, my girls would be set. Of course, it all has to be on their terms and to their specifications. Okay, a bit extreme but those with two (or even more – good luck to you!) girls will be nodding along with me right now. Hell, anyone who has kids really! There are days when they can’t push me away fast enough and others where it’s a competition to see who can hog all my attention. Now don’t me wrong, it’s awesome to be loved and doubly loved by my munchkins, but feeling multiple elbows burrowing into places where they don’t belong isn’t ideal! And don’t even get me started on the hair pulling and hitting, thankfully theirs and not mine, well most of the time anyway. Yep at 3 and 5, they’re already trying to beat each other up. And kids don’t hold back either. I’m still thinking I may need to run away once they’re teenagers, either that or I need a really good hiding place with lots of chocolate, wine and good TV shows to watch.

Oh the fights over mummy though. Quite often I’ll be treated to “she’s my mummy” and “but she’s my mummy too”. I feel special and then I don’t, all in the same moment. It gets even better when I have a child sitting on my lap and they move away, only to be replaced like lightning by their sibling. An argument erupts quicker than you can blink your eyes and sometimes it’s not pretty. I know one day they’ll want to be as far away from me as they can get. So it’s kind of nice they care. But it always seems to happen when something else is going on – cleaning, washing, work, adult conversation – there’s a bit of a pattern forming here, they’re secretly telling me I shouldn’t be cleaning or working, I wish, haha!

If there’s anything my girls have perfectly worked out, is they know how to say the right things at the right time. “I love you so much Mummy.” It’s even better with a tiny hug or sloppy kiss.

Awwwwww, it melts my heart. For five seconds until the you know what hits the proverbial fan. “You’re the best mummy in the whole wide world”. I sure hope so kiddo, because I’m the only one you have got! They are my whole heart and without them it does feel like something is missing. But oh when they are gone, the silence and the peace and quiet can be amazing, especially when I have to get work done!

I swear their ears are still painted on though. The amount of times I can say “no”, “stop it” or “don’t do that” and the result is still the same, the exact opposite of what I have asked: they do what they want anyway. As long as I know this will continue pretty much forever anyway, then I should be okay, right?! If you find me curled up in the foetal position, don’t despair, it’s likely caused by my dearest darling offspring!

But the drama! Everything is the end of the world, even though it’s really not! I know, I know.

The “best” is yet to come. Don’t worry I’ve been told that by so many already years ahead of me on this fun rollercoaster that is parenting. But as everyone knows, when you’re going through it, nothing else compares. There are times I think why did I do this to myself? As in have children, that is. But I know I couldn’t imagine life without my quiet, yet unassuming, caring and ambitious Miss Izzie and her cheeky, push all the limits, reach for the stars and all round mischievous younger sister Miss Phoebe. Extremely individual in so many ways and then very similar in others. I may feel like I have done it all wrong when I’m at my wits end, but on a good day, nothing else matters.

Anytime you feel like a laugh, or to nod along with how similar your life is to mine, head on over to my blog at www.shereekim.com. It’s about as real and honest as I get! Until next time, keep smiling, even if it’s through gritted teeth!

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TOY REV

58 February 2019 | mychild

BY: SHEREE ECHLIN

VIEWS

TOY REVIEWS

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TOY REVIEWS JELLYCAT BASHFUL GORILLA MEDIUM

$ 34.95 RRP

Bashful Gorilla is a brilliant singer, but he’s far too shy to perform in public! This strong gorilla needs lots of love and someone to pat his soft deep grey fur.

With sticking out cute-as-a-button ears and a cheeky winning grin, how can you resist him?

OUR VERDICT

5/5

I’m such a sucker for the soft toys and this one is so cute! Yeah I know, I say that about all of them! His fur is soft to touch and he gives some awesome cuddles.

He has won me over very quickly and I think it’s safe to say he’ll be keeping me company, rather than my girls, haha! This is one of those toys that’s perfect for all ages, the new baby, the cute toddler, a present for a girlfriend or even just to cheer someone up when they’re having a down day. Grab Bashful Gorilla and help share his love around!

Available from Send A Toy, Wombats Toy Shop NPW POCKET BINOCULARS

$ 20.00 RRP

Would you like to see nature close up? Explore the amazing world around you with these pocket binoculars and discover detail normally invisible to the naked eye. Powerful optics reveal clear sharp focus at 30x magnification, making distant objects appear much closer. Neck strap is also included.

OUR VERDICT

3/5

It doesn’t take much to attract the attention of the kids when there’s something cool involved. Yep, I said it, something “cool”. Magnifying anything seems to fascinate my girls, they love the appearance of everything suddenly being bigger and closer. It cracks me up when they try to look through the wrong end of the binoculars and don’t quite get the desired effect they’re after. But when we’ve got it all right, there’s very excited cries of “look at this mummy” or “quick mummy, you have to see this, everything is different”. Their excitement on discovering new and exciting things in the world is always fun!

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Available from: www.asos.com Available from: Independence Studios – www.isgift.com,

LEAPFROG SORT & SPIN TURTLE

$ 29.99 RRP

Match the brightly coloured shape blocks to the correct holes in the adorable LeapFrog Sort & Spin Turtle’s shell and it will say the name of the shape, its colour or the number on the block. When all of the shapes are inside, press the butterfly button on the turtle’s back and watch the pieces fly out while hearing music and learning rhymes. Press the light-up flower button on top of the turtle’s head to hear three learning songs.

Enjoy this new spin on learning!

OUR VERDICT

4/5

Bright colours, lights, shapes and buttons to press, your little one will absolutely love playing with this cute little turtle. Anything that combines fun with learning at the same time is always a bonus for fast growing minds and this toy is definitely a winner. Great for little hands to get used to different shapes, learn about numbers and colours as well as enjoying the fun of music and rhymes too.

Available at www.asos.com

$ 41.99 RRP VTECH DIGIART SQUIGGLES & SOUNDS This spiral art board is an excellent way to inspire your little artist’s inner creativity. Watch as they make their own magical spiral art using the 5 gears and 4 animal stencils. The interactive frame recognises the animal stencils, triggering fun responses, music and poems while your little artist gets to work. Easily store the gears and animal stencils on and inside the board. Enjoy 2 modes of play; music mode and free play mode. Includes 4 animal stencils, 5 gears and 1 pen.

OUR VERDICT

4/5

My eldest daughter is very much into writing and drawing these days, so she was very excited to see this one arrive! It puts a different spin on just drawing and adds a little bit of magic at the same time. Adding a bit of interaction with the animal sounds, music and poems while kids work on their creative masterpiece, is also a really great touch. There’s so much out there for kids to utilise these days and I’m loving everything new coming out. It looks like I could potentially have a budding artist on my hands!

Available from: The Nile, Big W Available from: Independence Studios – www.isgift.com, Kidstuff, Embellish Gifts, Buy My Things February 2019 | mychild

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BOOK REVIEWS

BOOK REVIEWS February 2019

By: Amy Adeney

February 2019 | mychild

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GIRAFFE PROBLEMS

By Jory John & Lane Smith From the creators of the wonderful Penguin Problems picture book of 2016, comes this hilarious yet poignant tale of Edward the giraffe, whose neck caused him no end of grief. Despite trying to hide it behind bow-ties, scarves and trees, Edward couldn’t help feeling that his neck was far too ‘necky’. But meeting Cyrus the tortoise helps Edward to recognise that having an extra-necky neck definitely has some advantages, and in fact is something to be envied. Like its penguin-themed partner, this book helps readers aged 3-7 understand that each of us has problems which, while they may seem insurmountable, are sometimes the things for which we should be most grateful

INVISIBLE JERRY

BY ADAM WALLACE & GIUSEPPE POLI Jerry was one of those kids who seemed to fade into the background. He spent his days feeling isolated and alone – that is, until Molly came along. And once Jerry experienced the joy of being seen for who he really was, he decided to share that feeling of companionship with other ‘invisible’ kids. This is a beautiful story of empathy and friendship, and the soft watercolour images perfectly capture Jerry’s loneliness, as well as his delight in finding a true friend. This is a wonderful springboard for discussion about the way we treat those around us, for children aged 4-7.

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ONCE UPON A SNOWSTORM

By Richard Johnson The striking imagery in Once Upon a Snowstorm transports readers to the depths of an isolated forest, where a young boy is separated from his father during a blizzard. With the help of the forest creatures, and in particular a friendly bear, the boy is reunited with his father and finds a whole host of new animal friends.

As a wordless picture book, it is a beautiful experience to share with children of all ages, as you can create the story together through the rich and detailed illustrations. This book can be enjoyed over and over again by readers aged 1+.

BAT VS POSS

BY ALEXA MOSES & ANIL TORTOP This is a lovely new Australian story featuring some of our most beloved and recognisable native animals, from sulphur-crested cockatoos and kookaburras to bluetongued lizards and brushtail possums. The animals live together in a suburban paperbark tree until Squabbles the fruit bat moves in, intent to take over the choicest branches with his loud noises and selfish behaviour. The animals work together to hatch a plan, and once they have confronted Squabbles, they find a way that they can share the tree harmoniously. The lyrical rhyme, friendly characters and humorous illustrations in this book will appeal to readers aged 3-6.

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GET THE LOOK

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K: INTERIORS

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KID’S ROOM Interior Design by: inthedeets.com 68 February 2019 | mychild

TODD ARMLESS SOFA

$469.00 castlery.com.au

HOUSE BED WITH RAILING

$572.00 etsy.com/au

Brittany 5 Drawer Chest White

$899.00 www.leoandbella.com.au

LEAN OVER FLOOR LAMP

$299.00 www.Templeandwebster.com.

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MOON PILLOW

SLEEPY CLOUD CUSHION

$41.00

$43.00

www.Etsy.com/au

www.Etsy.com/au

DUSTY PINK RUFFLED LINEN PILLOW CASES

POD COMPLETE TABLE LAMP

$79.00

$43.00

www.templeandwebster.com.au

www.Etsy.com/au - solinen

GOLD CURTIN ROD

$79.00 www.Freedom.com.au 70 February 2019 | mychild

MERCER + REID KNIGHTSBRIDGE VELVET OTTOMAN ROSE PINK SMALL

$299.00 www.Adairs.com.au

KOO SHERMAN CONCEALED TAB TOP CURTAIN NAVY

$20.00

GOLD CURTIN ROD

$79.00 www.Freedom.com.au

JAIMEE JERSEY QUILTED QUILT COVER SET GREY MARLE

$139.99 www.Adairs.com.au

www.Spotlightstores.com

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NURSERY ROOM Interior Design by: vanessaantonelli.com 72 February 2019 | mychild

VETRO CRIB

$4,900 www.Wayfair.com

Marilyn Monroeâ„¢ Glam Trellis Rug

$95.00 www.aurugs.com

MERCER + REID KNIGHTSBRIDGE VELVET OTTOMAN NAVY

$299.00 www.Adairs.com.au

WHITE METAL SPEEDSTER RIDE-ON CAR

$149.00 www.Templeandwebster.com.

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CHRISTENING GIFTS. SILVERPLATED PIGGY PIG MONEY BOX

PIA ARMCHAIR

$479.00

$479.00

www.Brosa.com.au

www.Brosa.com.au

ADAIRS KIDS ELVIS QUILTED COT GREY QUILT COVER SET

$109.99 www.adairs.com.au

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PIPER 6 DRAWER CHEST

$299.00 www.Templeandwebster.

MONSTER PILLOW

$20.00 www.Etsy.com/au

LOVELY EXPRESSION OWL PILLOW

$74.99 www.Chillandslay.com

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SHOP:

KIDS

FASHION

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SHOP KIDS What’s in our store this month

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BABY

UNDER

$

20

GIRL 3 Piece Set - White Unicorns

Frill Sleeve Dress

$ 15.00

$ 10.00

Baby Caris 2 Prewalker Ballet

Tina Junior Unicorn Sandals

$ 12.00

$ 15.00

www.target.com.au

COUNTRY ROAD Bird Flutter Bodysuit

COUNTRY ROAD Chambray Lace Dress

$ 39.95

$ 69.95

UNDER

$

70

BOBUX - Blossom Daisy Girl

$ 45.00

COUNTRY ROAD Cross Over Sandal

$ 54.95

www.davidjonescom.au

SONIA RYKIEL PARIS - Dress with a Peter Pan collar and matching knickers

$ 179.00

splurge

KENZO KIDS - Graphic dress - Fantastic Kenzo

$ 249.00 www.melijoe.com

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BABY Organic Cotton 3 Piece Bodysuit & Shorts Set

UNDER

$

BOY

15

$ 12.00

Baby Carey Prewalker Chambray Shoes

Ditzy Print Shirt

$ 14.00

$ 12.00

Chambray Chino Shorts

$ 12.00

Jack Senior Lace Up Canvas Shoes

$ 12.00

www.target.com.au

UNDER

40

$

CONVERSE - Min Cons Crib First Stars

$ 34.95

COUNTRY ROAD Short Sleeve Dog T-Shirt

$ 24.95

COUNTRY ROAD Surf Van Boardshort

$ 39.95

COUNTRY ROAD Pineapple T-Shirt

$ 34.95

COUNTRY ROAD Double Stripe Board

$ 39.95

www.davidjones.com.au

FENDI - Graphic T-shirt

splurge

MOSCHINO - Graphic T-shirt and sportswear shorts

$ 250.00

$ 159.00 ARMANI JUNIOR - Jean bermudas

$ 225.00 www.melijoe.com 80 February 2019 | mychild

SHOP KIDS What’s in our store this month

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Girls Flounce Sleeve Pompom Embellished Smock Dress

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for $15.95

Girls Zip Back Plaid Print Belted Dress

for $12.95 February 2019 | mychild

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Girls Bow Back Dip Hem

for $12.95 86 February 2019 | mychild

Girls Double Breasted Front Coat

for $27.95 February 2019 | mychild

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Toddler Boys Letter Print Top & Pants for $27.95

88 February 2019 | mychild

Boys Astronaut & Star Print Hoodie for $20.95 February 2019 | mychild

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Boys Dinosaur Print Sweatshirt for $16.95

90 February 2019 | mychild

Boys Letter Print Jacket for $18.95 February 2019 | mychild

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Recipes JANUARY 2019

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Mini Sausage Frittatas Method Heat the oven to 180 C. Spray 8 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it up into small chunks as it cooks. With a slotted spoon remove the sausage to paper towels to drain thoroughly.

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until well blended. Add the salt, pepper, parsley, and Tabasco. Mix well. Add about three-quarters of the sausage and about 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and mix to blend. Fill the prepared muffin cups about two-thirds full. Sprinkle the remaining sausage and cheese over the filled muffin cups.

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the frittatas have puffed and set. Remove the pan to a rack and use a knife or spatula to loosen the sides. Lift them out onto a plate. Serve these mini frittatas with a little ketchup, salsa, or marinara sauce, or serve with sliced tomatoes on the side.

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Total: 43 mins Prep: 15 mins Cook: 28 mins 4 Servings Ingredients • 250 grms of breakfast sausage (or about 1 cup of cooked crumbles), divided • 4 large eggs • 1/4 cup milk • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves • 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese • Heat the oven to 180 C.

break

Silly Monkey Toast Total: 5 mins Prep: 3 mins Cook: 1-2 mins 1 Servings Ingredients • Bread slice of your choice • (whole wheat, white, or cinnamon raisin) • Nutella • Banana Slices • Blueberries • Instructions

kfast

Method Toast the bread to your preference.

Slather the Nutella over the toast in a smooth layer.

Add the banana slices as the eyes. Cut two banana slices in half to make the mouth and ears. Add the blueberries to finish the eyes.

Dig in and enjoy!

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Greek Feta Cheese Sandwich Total: 20 mins Prep: 20 mins Cook: 0 mins 4 servings INGREDIENTS • whole wheat tortillas • 3/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled) • 16 cherry tomatoes (more or less, sliced in half) • 10 black olives (sliced) • 1/2 red onion (sliced thin) • 1 small yellow squash (sliced) • 1 cucumber (diced) • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) • 1 clove garlic (minced) • 2 tsp olive oil • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper

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METHOD • Gather your ingredients.

• In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the tortillas.

• Let stand for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Drain off liquid and divide salad mixture among the tortillas.

• Fold bottom of tortilla partially over filling and then roll up.

lun

Pita Bread Pizzas Total: 20 mins Prep: 10 mins Cook: 10 mins Servings 4 to 6 INGREDIENTS 4 to 6 pita rounds (white or whole wheat) 1 cup of pizza sauce 2 cups mozzarella cheese Garnish: toppings of your choice (veggies, cooked meats, cheeses, etc.)

METHOD • Preheat oven to 180 C. • Spoon pizza sauce over pita rounds. Top with mozzarella and desired toppings.

• Place on baking sheet and cook for 7 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

• Serve immediately.

• Pita bread pizza is the perfect snack food!

Try it with whole wheat pita bread for an even healthier version.

nch February 2019 | mychild

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Teriyaki Turkey Burger DIRECTIONS • Finely dice the water chestnuts. Toss into a mixing bowl with egg, teriyaki sauce, breadcrumbs, onion powder, salt and ground turkey. Mix together and then shape into 4 burger patties.

• Preheat and indoor grill or if the weather permits, use the outdoor grill. Cook each burger for 6-8 minutes per side, or until no longer pink in the center.

• While burgers cook pull off 4 large leaves for the burgers and set aside. Chop the remaining lettuce and put into a bowl with the dressing and croutons. Toss together to fully coat.

• Serve burgers on buns topped with sliced tomatoes, lettuce leaves and condiments of choice.

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Serves: 4 Serving Size = 1 burger Prep Time: 10 m Cook Time: 15 m INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup – water chestnuts • 1 large – egg • 1 tablespoon – teriyaki sauce, reduced sodium • 1/2 cup – bread crumbs, plain • 1/2 teaspoon – onion powder • 1/4 teaspoon – salt • 500 grms turkey mince SERVE WITH: • 1 medium – tomato, red • 4 leaf outer – lettuce, green leaf • Burger buns

din

Shepherds Pie Recipe METHOD • Preheat oven to 180 C. • Spray a 25cm pie plate with cooking spray.

• Place cubed potatoes into a large saucepan.

Cover with water and bring to a boil.

• Cook for 10-15 minutes, until fork tender. Drain, and mash with the milk and butter. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside.

• Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add carrots, onion and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

• Add ground beef to the vegetable mixture.

Crumble and brown completely. Stir in gravy and ketchup.

• Spoon vegetable-beef mixture into prepared pan. Spread mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture.

• Bake 25-30 minutes until potatoes are golden brown. Let the pie rest 10 minutes before cutting

nner

Total: 55 mins Prep: 10 mins Cook: 45 mins 4 servings INGREDIENTS • 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed • 1/3 cup milk • 1 tablespoon. butter • salt and black pepper, to taste • 2 tablespoons canola oil • 2 large carrots, peeled and diced • 1 medium onion, diced • 2 stalks celery, diced • 500 grms 90% lean ground beef • 1-1/2 cups beef gravy (either leftover gravy or gravy from a jar) • 2 tablespoons ketchup

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Rice Crispy Treats STEPS TO MAKE IT • Gather the ingredients.

• Spray a heat-proof spatula and a 33 x 23 pan with cooking spray.

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat, stirring frequently until the marshmallows are completely melted.

• Pour over the crispy rice cereal.

• Toss with the spatula to coat the cereal well.

• Immediately transfer the rice crispy treats mixture to the prepared pan, and spread into an even layer with the spatula.

• Let rice crispy treats cool completely before cutting into squares.

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Total: 15 mins Prep: 10 mins Cook: 5 mins Cooling: 45 mins 24 Servings INGREDIENTS • 6 cups crispy rice cereal • 3 tablespoons butter • 4 cups mini marshmallows or 280 grms of large marshmallows

dess

Chocolate Pudding Pie METHOD • Gather ingredients.

• To make the crust, place the butter in a microwave-safe dish and heat until melted, about 1 minute.

• Mix melted butter and sweet cracker crumbs until moistened.

• Mixing sweet cracker crumbs and butter.

• Press into a 9-inch pie plate. Freeze 10 minutes.

• For the filling, whisk together chocolate pudding mixes and milk for approx. 2 minutes.

• Pour into prepared crust. Refrigerate until set, 1 to 2 hours.

• With an electric mixer, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar on low speed until sugar is incorporated, then switch to high, and beat until whipped.

• Spoon whipped cream over the pudding pie.

• Garnish chocolate pudding pie with fresh raspberries and shaved chocolate, if desire

Total: 30 mins • Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 20 mins • Fridge Time: 2 hrs • 8 servings INGREDIENTS • For the Crust • 5 tablespoon butter • 1 1/4 cups sweet crackers (crushed) • For the Filling • 2 packages instant chocolate pudding • 2 cups milk • 1 cup heavy cream • 1/4 cup powdered sugar • Garnish: 1 cup fresh raspberries (and/ or shaved chocolate)

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106 February 2019 | mychild