My Child Magazine May 2019 Issue by My Child Magazine

ISSUE 92 - MAY 2019

Teaching Toddlers hygiene GOOD AND BAD FATS -

10 Tips

for raising healthy kids

basic information

STAGES

of labor

OVERWEIGHT AND PREGNANT - TIPS FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY

CONTENTS FEATURED ARTICLES

EVERY MONTH

YOUR CHILD

EDITORS LETTER

MAKING YOUR HOME SAFE FOR A TODDLER

FEATURED ARTICLES

HEALTH IS A

FAMILY AFFAIR

Written by Caroline Meyer

May 2019 | mychild

Keeping your family healthy appears to be very simple. An hour a day of moderate exercise and healthy food to eat should be enough to take care of your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. While it is true that these habits can help protect against a host of chronic illnesses as well as reduce the risk of diabetes and obesity, how do you ensure these habits are maintained? The environment that we live in serves to offer temptations such as technology that encourages kids to stay idle and unhealthy foods being promoted at every turn. To ensure you provide the best possible healthful environment, you have to get the whole family involved.

Play games The whole family can get involved in active games, scaled to the age group. Play catch, kick a ball around, play some baseball or basketball, go on a hike or walk through the neighbourhood. Other games you can try include hopscotch, piggy in the middle, hide and go seek and many others. The main aim is to get out of the house and into the fresh air and take part in physical activity that everyone can enjoy. Even little ones can chase bubbles or try and kick a ball. When the exercise is fun instead of a chore, everyone looks forward to it and its also a good bonding time with the children.

Support your child Encourage your child to take part in sport at school. Support them during practice and at games. Make sure they have the right sports gear and know how to keep hydrated. Some children may like to swim, while others may prefer running. Some like solo sports while others prefer team sports. Each child is individual and you can offer guidance and support in a variety of ways.

Reduce time spent with technology Limit internet and TV time. Restrict the time spent on phones and playing video games. Do not have a TV or computer in your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room. You need to be able to judge the amount of time spent in front of a screen as well as monitor sites and programs your children are viewing. Besides the fact that it takes away from other activities, kids are bombarded with advertisements for unhealthy foods and other temptations that can impact their health. Two hours per day should be the limit for children over 2 years old and even less for babies. Have a schedule in place, including activities that encourage exercise and reduce the reliance on technology as a babysitter.

Plan your meals You can make freezable meals on the weekend if you are unable to spend time in front of the stove during the week. Plan your meals ahead of time so that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t waste time having to go to the store for ingredients daily. Buy foods that can be added to a meal to improve the nutritional content such as frozen vegetables and fruit. Many tinned foods can readily be used to boost a meal (just check the ingredients to avoid additives and chemicals). Purchase your fresh fruit and veg once a week to allow for salads and snacks during the week as well. Avoid fast foods and snacks that add temptation but provide limited nutritional benefit 10 May 2019 | mychild

Get everyone involved in nutrition A fun way to improve nutrition in your home is to grow your own vegetables and herbs. The kids can get involved and help with the planting and harvesting of the food. You can also take the family apple or berry picking as this is a fun way to improve nutrition, encourage outdoor time and let the family enjoy the fruits of their labour. Let the kids choose one meal per week (or more if you are so inclined). Get everyone involved in food preparation to make it fun as well as a learning experience

Change habits slowly If your family has developed bad habits when it comes to food and exercise, don’t expect to change everything overnight. Start with swapping out processed foods for whole-grains. Change white rice to brown. Cook with natural oils such as olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter or margarine. Reduce soda in your home and offer fruit flavoured water (add fruit to filtered water, squeeze gently for more flavour) or water down store-bought juices to reduce the amount of sugar consumed. Cut down on highly processed foods in favour of natural produce. Buy cereals with no added sugar to cut down on the high levels of sugar consumed. Make the changes slowly over time and it will develop habits better than trying for instant change. Don’t buy candy, cakes, savoury snacks and other temptations. Offer these as an occasional treat only, not an everyday item. Have fruit readily available as snacks instead of cookies. Offer yoghurt instead of ice cream. Check portions by serving less and allowing kids to go to the kitchen for a second helping should they still be hungry. Eat together at the table. This helps you keep an eye on things, allows for family discussions and improves bonding as well.

Change your own habits Children often mimic what they see. If you do not take part in healthy activities and eat a lot of snacks and unhealthy foods, your children will learn from this example. Make a commitment to taking part in exercise daily and eating healthy, nutritional food. Make your family’s health a priority and build a healthy lifestyle together. It may be difficult to change at the start and there may be some backsliding, but you need to persevere. Put an effort into taking care of your own health as well as that of your whole family. You will reap the benefits over time and improve your family’s overall health as well as creating a foundation of healthy habits for your children.

May 2019 | mychild

Tips for raising

Written by Caro 12 May 2019 | mychild

FEATURED ARTICLES

ng healthy kids Caroline Meyer May 2019 | mychild

There are so many concerns in this modern world including the food we eat and our over reliance on technology. One of the ma jor concerns as a parent is raising our children to be as happy and healthy as possible. Let’s look at a few ideas that could perhaps make it a little easier to get the results we want.

Let them get dirty Yes, it does seem like the opposite of what we would do usually, but letting your child play in the sand and get a little dirty is actually good for them. Playing in mud or sand actually releases serotonin in the body which makes people happier. Exposure to a little dirt also helps the immune system strengthen against minor germs. You can help them wash well afterwards, but let them play in the garden, it is good for them.

Let them learn from you If you are active and eat healthy foods, there is a good chance your children will as well. If you serve healthy meals including plenty fresh fruit and vegetables and as much whole foods as possible, your children will grow up enjoying healthy foods. Involve them in your activities such as yoga or swimming from an early age and reap the benefits of a healthy, well-balanced child. Healthy, plant-based foods result in a stronger immune system and a healthier body. Junk foods can lead to diseases such as diabetes and heart disease late in life. Your whole family can benefit from a whole food diet which contains an abundance of vegetables and fruit.

Do not use food as a reward Food should not have good or bad connotations and should be seen as a way of fuelling the body. This doesn’t mean it shouldn’t taste good or be fun to eat but do not make certain foods a reward. Offering dessert as a reward for eating dinner is not the best way to develop good eating habits. Offer dessert occasionally as a treat, as part of the meal. Do not offer snacks or sweets as payment for chores or specific behaviours as this also leads to the wrong association of junk food as something you get for being “good”.

Don’t force foods Instead of trying to force children to eat everything on their plate, encourage them to eat until they are full. Offer a variety of fruits and vegetables to allow them to choose and never force them to eat certain foods. This will actually end up having the opposite effect and they may never enjoy those foods. If you struggle to get them to eat enough fruit and veg, try making stews, smoothies and other foods that hide a lot of the ingredients and allow for well rounded nutrition. The only concern would be if your child is not growing and thriving due to not eating properly. At that point you may want to consult a professional.

14 May 2019 | mychild October 2018 | mychild

Check vitamin D levels Many children today spend very little time in the outdoors and the high level sunscreens also block the absorption of vitamin D. This can lead to muscle weakness, autoimmune disorders, asthma and a higher risk of infections. There are supplements available to increase vitamin D easily as well as various juices that are fortified with the vitamin for easy uptake.

Don’t over-medicate Often when a child has a fever, the first instinct is to medicate them to get rid of it. Low grade fevers actually help the body fight off viruses and bacteria. Where possible, let the fever run it’s course as it is a natural way to kill germs in the body. If the temperature rises above 104 degrees F, make sure you consult with your doctor immediately. There are certain medical conditions that require fever to be reduced much sooner, so discuss with your medical professional when would be the best point to offer your child medication for fever.

Give them chores Even little ones can help pick up their toys and put them away. As they get older, you can assign chores that are ability and age appropriate. This helps them learn that as part of a family and a community in general, they will have responsibilities and will learn to contribute. This also helps them learn many skills they wouldn’t otherwise.

A good sleep routine is important Sleep is when the body heals and the immune system is strengthened. Adequate sleep also aids keeping your weight under control. Children under 3 should be sleeping a minimum of 12 hours a day. Children 3 to 5 should be sleeping 11 to 13 hours daily and children aged 5 to 12 should be sleeping for at least 10 hours every day.

Supervise technology use Do not allow TVs and computers in the bedroom. This should be in a central area so that you are able to monitor what they watch and the sites they visit. You are also able to limit the amount of time spent in front of the devices.

Get active You don’t have to join a gym or a sports club to get active with the kids. Go on hikes, take walks together, go run around on a playground or go swimming in the closest local pool. There are many activities you can do as a family that won’t cost anything. Encourage outdoor play and support your children’s endeavours when it comes to sports.

Take control It’s up to you to ensure there is healthy snacks available in your home and not an abundance of junk foods. If there are doughnuts and apples, how many kids will choose the apples? It is fine to have a less than ideal snack once in a while, but these kinds of foods should not be readily available in your home. Make sure you set aside the time daily to do activities as well as outdoor play. Allow for some free time. Kids should also be allowed to just be themselves sometimes without everything being regimented. Let them choose what they want to do in their free time. This will boost their self esteem and stimulate their imagination. After all is said and done, once you have done all you can on the food and exercise part of things, all you need to do if give them your love and support. Happy children come from families that love and nurture them every step of the way. The benefits of a healthy and happy childhood carry over in to adulthood and create well adjusted, happier adults as well. May 2019 | mychild

Healthy lu

for healthie

Written by Caro

16 May 2019 | mychild

hy lunches

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or ier kids Caroline Meyer

May 2019 | mychild

It might sound complicated and time consuming to ensure your kids have healthy lunches, whether they are packed for school or for eating at home. It is not all that difficult to swap out some of the more unhealthy items and add in foods and drinks that your children can still enjoy, while getting more nutrients and vitamins that they need to be healthy and strong.

Your partner is important Change store bought juices for home-made juices or fruity water. Many commercial juices are packed full of sugar, preservatives and other chemicals which are not all that good for your child. Make your own juice at home or add in a few slices of lime, lemon, orange or other fruits in to some ice cold water for a fruity water. You can squeeze a little juice in to the water too if your child prefers a little more of the fruit flavour in their water. You can make these the night before and they are ready to drink at any time. Instead of canned fruit or fruit cups, use fresh fruit. Most of your packaged and tinned fruits contain added sugar and other chemicals. Pack in some fresh fruits instead. Frozen berries are okay too as they generally do not have anything added. This also helps them get some extra fibre and they can snack on the fruits at any time and don’t need to eat a full cup in one sitting. Restrict the snacks. You don’t have to cut out all snacks, but you can restrict the amount. Add one large cookie to their lunch boxes (preferably home-made) instead of a pre-packed minibag of cookies. They still get to enjoy a treat without ingesting a lot of empty calories. Home-made snacks beat store-bought hands down. Make granola bars, air-popped popcorn, fruit roll-ups and more. This allows you to control the ingredients and the amount of saturated fat and sugar that is going in to the snack. There are many recipes for healthy snacks that you can whip up on the weekend and include in the lunch boxes for the week. Leftovers make a great lunch. Although not every type of leftover can be used in a lunch box, foods such as home-made pizza, pasta, grilled meat and more can be added in for a healthier lunch. You can even look at purchasing a flask for soups and stews in colder weather. Warm it up at home and it is ready to eat at lunch time. Use whole-wheat bread for sandwiches instead of white bread. Look on the list of ingredients for breads made using grains such as oats as a main ingredient and avoid the over-processed breads made with white flour where possible. Make puddings and “ice-cream” using yoghurt. If possible, use Greek yoghurt which tends to be thicker than normal yoghurt. Add in cocoa for a chocolatey flavour or any type of fruit for a natural fruity flavour. You can also stir in a small amount of honey as a natural sweetener if needed. This is a great high protein, low carbohydrate dessert for the whole family. Freeze cups of yoghurt for an “ice-cream” treat or unfrozen as a yummy dessert for lunch. You don’t need to rush the change over from unhealthy to healthier foods. Start slow by changing one food item at a time and your family will soon be enjoying healthier meals without even noticing that anything much has changed.

18 May 2019 | mychild

It is recommended that you pack your lunch boxes the night before to avoid the morning rush as this is often when snack packs and other items get thrown in to the lunch box to make up a meal. Make sure you have a good quality lunch box for each child, their own water bottle, a small cooler bag and an ice-brick for keeping foodstuffs cool and fresh and a flask for hot foods and drinks in winter. Try and pack the lunch boxes with an item from each major food group as well as an added treat now and then.

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates that can be included in the lunch boxes as an example include whole-wheat bread or rolls, corn-cakes, rice-cakes, corn, muffins, tortilla wraps and even pasta.

Protein Ideas of lean proteins that can be included in to healthy lunch boxes include chicken, tuna, lean beef, curry or stew or lean minced meat. You can also add chickpeas and lentils as an alternative. A handful of nuts makes a great protein based snack as well.

Dairy Low fat cheese, unsweetened yoghurt and low fat milk make a good choice as a dairy based snack, For children with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, you can add in a soya or almond milk based product or similar,

Vegetables and fruit Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, banana, apple, pineapple, grapes or any other fruit which happens to be in season can be added in to a lunch box. If you prefer to cut your fruits and vegetables, you can squeeze a little orange or lemon juice over the fruit to prevent it from going brown.

Oils and fats Healthy oils and fats can be added via seeds, nuts, avocados and whole eggs. Add a boiled egg or a handful of trail mix to the lunch box to cover the fats needed for a healthy digestion. You can also add slices of avocado. This can be drizzled with apple cider vinegar, grape vinegar or lemon juice to prevent the fruit turning brown.

Treats and snacks Dried fruit and popcorn make a nice snack to add in to a lunch box. You can even add in some vegetable chips if you child enjoys them. On the odd occasional you can add in a bite-size chocolate or small candy, but this should not be a daily food item.

Water Especially in summer, water is a very important addition to your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lunch. Fruit water and fresh juice is the best choice if your child does not like plain water. Avoid fizzy drinks and commercial fruit juices especially energy drinks and those with high quantities of caffeine and sugar. Plan in advance so that you always have foods on hand for lunches. Pack the night before do everyone gets to take a healthy lunch with them the next day. Even if you are a stay at home parent, you can pack a lunch for your little one so that they can pack it out and enjoy their lunches while you ensure they get something from all the food groups in their diet. It takes a little time and organisation, but your healthier family will make all of it worthwhile. May 2019 | mychild

Good and Bad Fats â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Basic Information

By: Caroline Meyer

20 May 2019 | mychild

FEATURED ARTICLES

May 2019 | mychild

Not all fat makes you fat and not all fats are bad. For many years people believed that all fats were the same. Many health problems were attributed to fats without anyone realising that some fats are actually necessary for a healthy body and even emotional well-being. So instead of treating all fats the same, you need to know which are the good fats and which are the bad ones so that you can ensure your family is getting enough of the good stuff.

What is meant by the term dietary fats? Just like carbohydrates and proteins, fats are a type of nutrient. Our bodies need a certain amount of fat for vitamin absorption, energy and also protection for the brain and heart. Bad fats such as saturated fats and trans-fats are responsible for weight gain, cholesterol and other physical issues. Good fats such as Omega-3s and unsaturated fats actually help your body fight fatigue and even keep your moods in balance.

How does dietary fat affect cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy substance that helps your body function properly. It is actually necessary for normal functioning but too much of it can cause many negative issues in the body.Â The good cholesterol is known as HDL cholesterol and the bad cholesterol is known as LDL cholesterol. For your body to function efficiently, you need to have low LDL and higher HDL in your body to ward off strokes and heart disease. High LDL can lead to arteries becoming blocked which can result in cardiovascular problems. You need to ensure that you consume far less bad fats than good fats to stay healthy.

What are good and bad fats? Healthy fats are those that are good for overall health, lower cholesterol and help protect the heart. These are you polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats. These fats also help you feel full for longer and so help with appetite control and weight loss. Look to add the some of the following good fats to your diet : Avocados, Nuts and nut butters, Sesame, olive and canola oils, flaxseed, soy-milk, soybean and safflower oils, sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds, fatty fish such as tuna and salmon as well as fish oils and tofu. Unhealthy fats are those generally found in artificially made products. While there is some trans fats in dairy and meat products, but these are minimal. Artificial fats raise LDL while lowering the good HDL. These fats can also lead to inflammation in the body, stroke, heart disease, insulin resistances and even increase your chances of diabetes. The primary sources of trans fats include commercially baked cookies, pastries, cakes, doughnuts, pizza and muffins. Other sources include margarine, vegetable shortening, friend foods, chips, crackers, popcorn and foods containing hydrogenated vegetable oils. Limit your intake of saturated fats as well as while they are not as bad as trans-fats, they can add to health risks by impacting LDL levels. Reduce your intake of red meat, whole dairy products, ice cream, lard, butter, chicken skin, palm oil and even coconut oil. You need to also be aware that while you may be lowering your intake of saturated fats, you need to replace these fats with the right fats to keep your body functioning optimally. Replace animal based fats with plant based fats over time such as replacing butter with olive oil. It wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help to replace the fats with a different nutrient such a carbohydrate instead. You need to swap like for like to improve your health over the long term.

22 May 2019 | mychild

How do Omega-3s benefit the body? Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the polyunsaturated fats that your body needs to function at optimal levels. These fats are usually found in fish and certain plant based foods. Omega-3s have been shown to help against memory loss and dementia, reduce the risk of heat disease, strokes and cancer and ease inflammation in the body. They also help with various mental issues such as depression and bipolar disorder. Omega-3s are essential for a healthy pregnancy and also help reduce mood swings. Omega-3s also play a part in keeping you alert and able to concentrate. Some of the best fish-based sources of Omega-3s include tuna, trout, herring, anchovies, salmon, sardines, mackerel, oysters, mussels and halibut. Vegetarian sources include seaweed and other algae, eggs, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, edamame, canola oil, soybean oil, kale, brussel sprouts, beans and spinach. To get the right amount of Omega-3s in your diet, you should be eating at least 2 x 100g servings of fish per week, whereas for people with heart disease, this amount should be even higher. Include vegetables in your diet that contain Omega-3s and if you still can’t meet the dietary requirement, you might want to look at a supplement. One of the concerns of eating larger amounts of fish is the possibility of ingesting pollutants such as mercury. The larger the fish, the higher the concentration is likely to be. For adults, 2 servings of fish per week is safe to prevent build up in the body. For pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children, go for fish such as catfish, salmon, shrimp and canned tuna that are likely to contain less contaminants. Vary the fish you eat to further reduce your chances of ingesting toxins. It might not be easy to make a quick change over from unhealthy to healthy fats but you can start with looking at healthy oils such as olive oil, safflower and canola oil when cooking especially oils which are less processed such as “extra virgin” olive oil instead of butter and margarine. Aim for a variety of healthy foods including vegetables, nuts, fruits, beans and fish. Reduce intake of high fat dairy products, eat smaller amounts of red meat and avoid processed food as far as possible. Aim for less fried dishes and more raw, natural food. Check labels of foods for trans-fats and cut down on commercial baked products and snacks. Eat more avocados and nuts. Make your own snack packs including dried fruits, nuts and seeds instead of sweets and chips. Make your own salad dressings instead of using processed products. You can start making smaller changes to your families diets and introduce your children to a larger variety of foods over time. It won’t be long and you will find everyone enjoying a this healthier way of eating which will mean improved health and well-being overall for the whole family.

May 2019 | mychild

Dealing

Aller

Written by: Caro

24 May 2019 | mychild

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ling with

ergies Caroline Mayer

May 2019 | mychild

It may be difficult to identify if your child has an allergy but repeated hives or rashes, cramps, stomach ache or nausea after eating a particular food may be a symptom of a possible allergy. While you cannot control everything your child eats all the time, you should be on the look out for allergy symptoms so you can try an prevent them ingesting foods that they are allergic to.

What is an allergy? An allergy is when your body decides a certain substance, which is generally harmless, is capable of harming the body. This causes an abnormal immune response. This can be caused by dust, food, pollen, medications, shellfish and various other substances. These are referred to as allergens. Many millions of people suffer from allergies. Identifying an allergy early in life will help reduce reactions and illness. This also results in less missed school days for your child and less days off work for you if you are not a home-based parent.

What is the process in the body? Your immune system treats a particular substance as an invader and stimulates an immune response. Your body tries to â&#x20AC;&#x153;fightâ&#x20AC;? the foreign body which it has identified as harmful. This can cause reactions which can range from an annoyance to something that can actually be life-threatening if not treated immediately. These reactions occur due to histamines being released in to the body as part of the immune response. These chemicals can effect the throat, eyes, nose, skin, lungs and digestive system. Once it happens the first time, it is likely to trigger again when exposed to the allergen in future. Some allergies can occur at any time whereas others such as pollen allergies tend to be more seasonal.

Who is at risk for allergies? Everyone has a risk of an allergy. It can be hereditary, so some kids may develop the same allergies as their parents, but it is not a given. It is only a risk of developing an allergy, not a particular allergy that is passed on through the genes. It is also possible for children to develop allergies even if neither parent suffers from allergies. There is also a higher risk for people who are allergic to one allergen to be allergic to a number of others as well.

What are the main symptoms to watch out for? Symptoms such as eczema (skin rashes) and atopic dermatitis (hives) are a possible indication of an allergy. Asthma and difficulty breathing properly, constant ear infections, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing (hay-fever) or an upset stomach after eating certain foods is a good indication that your child may have an allergy.

What are the most common allergens? Exposure to pollens, insect bites or stings, dust mites, moulds, pet dander, animal saliva, pet urine, cockroaches, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, perfume are some of the more common allergens and irritants that are non-food based. Allergies to insect venom can cause extremely serious reactions if an affected person is bitten or stung. 26 May 2019 | mychild

nCertain antibiotics, especially penicillin can cause allergic reactions in some people. There are also a number of other medications that can cause allergic reactions so be aware whenever a new medication is used. Chemicals such as laundry detergents and some cosmetics can cause skin sensitivity and allergic reactions. Other chemicals known to be allergens include some types of household cleaners, dyes and pesticides. Food-based allergens include, peanuts, eggs, shellfish, dairy products, soy, tree-nuts and wheat. Up to 3% of children under 3 have an allergy to dairy and can also not use formulas that are cow-milk based. Eggs are often a hidden food as they are used to prepare many different foods and can be a challenge to keep out of a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diet. Fortunately most children do outgrow an egg allergy. Many people are allergic to shellfish and some are even allergic to fish. Peanut allergies are a growing concern, with higher reactions to nuts in general. These are lifelong allergies and foodstuffs have to be scrutinised for possible nut contamination. Soy and wheat are also found in many foods and careful reading of ingredients is important if your child suffers from allergies to these products. An allergy to wheat is not the same as a sensitivity to gluten (Celiac disease). Gluten sensitivity can make you feel ill after eating foods containing the substance (rye, wheat, barely), but a wheat allergy can cause a lifethreatening allergic reaction. Some children may suffer from cross-reactions. This happens when they eat or come in to contact with a protein that is similar to one that they have an allergy for. They may have a reaction to something even though they do not have a specific allergy to the item. People with a latex allergy also demonstrate a higher risk for allergies to avocado, banana, chestnuts and kiwi. The severity of allergies differ from person to person and allergy to allergy. The reaction to a particular substance may not be the same every time. It can be mild one day and severe the next. It is always best to avoid allergens as far as possible if there is a known reaction to it. It is recommended that people who have a possibly life-threatening allergy carry an epinephrine auto-injector which can be used in case of a severe reaction. It will lower blood pressure and reduce swelling and should always be on hand as allergen exposure can not always be controlled.

May 2019 | mychild

Overweig

pregn

Written by: Car

28 May 2019 | mychild

PREGNANCY

eight and

gnant

: Caroline Mayer

May 2019 | mychild

For most women who are overweight, there may be no effect on their pregnancy at all. They may experience a normal, healthy pregnancy and a normal delivery. Women who have a BMI (body mass index) over higher than 30 are however, more likely to suffer from diabetes, pre-eclampsia and other conditions during pregnancy. Women who are heavier are also more likely to have a miscarriage. Other conditions such as your general health and lifestyle, age, family history and ethnic background can also have an effect on your pregnancy and increase the risk of complications.

What complication risks are increased due to weight? Women who are overweight have a lower chance of falling pregnant than women of lower weight. IVF is also a lot less likely to be effective in heavy-set women. High blood pressure, clotting problems and pre-eclampsia are more likely for women who are overweight. These are life-threatening conditions for both the baby and the mother. Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that women can get during pregnancy. This results in high levels of sugar in the body. Excess weight can also cause you to carry your baby for longer and experience complications during the birth. You may also have issues with pain medication and anaesthesia. There may be difficult in administering an epidural if you are having one. Your hospital stay may also be prolonger especially is you have experienced any issues. There is a greater chance of having to undergo a Caesarian section, which can also lead to other complications such as blood loss and infection. There is also a higher risk of having to have an assisted birth (forceps delivery).There is also a greater chance of a stillbirth in obese women. Other issues you may experience during pregnancy if you are overweight include venous thromboembolism which is caused when a blood clot travels to a major organ due to clotting problems and can cause a stroke or heart attack. Sleep apnoea is also more likely. This is when you actually stop breathing for periods of time while sleeping. There is a higher risk of UTIs (urinary tract infections) as well as other infections during pregnancy. You may have to have your labour induced especially if you go over term. You may also experience problems with breastfeeding once your baby is born.

Are there any risks to the baby? Some of the risks are increased such as neural tube defects which effect the spine and brain. There is also a higher risk of premature birth (before 37 weeks) which can have long lasting effects on your baby. You may end up with a baby that is much larger than normal which can also cause problems during labour and birth and increases the chances of a c-section being required. Your baby is also more at risk of being obese and having diabetes or heart disease later in life.

How can you improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy? If possible, go for a full health screen prior to falling pregnant. Your doctor will check you for any current health issues as well as help you find ways to improve your health through diet and exercise. It is preferable to lose weight before you fall pregnant if you are overweight. During your pregnancy make sure you get regular check ups, even if you are feeling okay. 30 May 2019 | mychild

Ensure checks such as glucose screening and ultrasounds are done to check your health and that of your baby. If you are overweight, you should not put on more than 10kg during pregnancy. This does not mean you should diet or starve yourself during pregnancy. You should attempt to eat healthy foods and avoid snacking and foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Drink plenty of water and avoid fizzy drinks and other fluids full of sugar. Stay active. Even if it just means a short walk every day, ensure that you do some activity every day. Speak to your doctor about safe options for you. Remember, while it is very important to eat a healthy nutritious meal three times a day while you are pregnant, you do not need to eat for two. For the first 6 months you need to eat the same amount of food you usually would to sustain yourself. It is only in the last 3 months that you need to increase your intake by around 200 calories (this is equal to a small bowl of cereal with milk). If you suffer from morning sickness at the start, make sure you drink plenty of water and try and eat smaller meals during the day, made up of nutritious foods. Avoid snacks, sweets and commercially prepared foods. Foods to eat while pregnant will include your basic carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, potatoes and whole-grain bread. Lean meat and fish (at least one portion of oily fish per week), eggs, legumes and pulses to make up the proteins. Dairy such as yoghurt, cheese and milk in their low-fat versions or vegetable based milks if you are lactose intolerant. A variety of vegetables and fruit in as natural state as you can (raw over steamed and steamed over boiled / fried). You can enjoy a sugary treat once in a while such as a small chocolate or cake, but limit the amount of calories consumed from these sorts of foods. As well as ensuring a diet that is as healthy as possible you will need to make sure you are taking folic acid to help your babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nervous system develop properly. You may also need to take a multi-vitamin or a vitamin D supplement if it is recommended by your doctor. There is an added risk to having a baby when you are overweight. Discuss your decision with your doctor before falling pregnant if possible so you can reduce the risks. Make sure you get adequate medical attention all the way through your pregnancy to try and pick up any issues as they occur. Other than that, eat healthy and stay as active as you can to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy, safer childbirth and a healthy baby.

May 2019 | mychild

BIRTH ARTICLE

THE STAGES OF

LABOUR Written by Caroline Mayer 32 May 2019 | mychild

There are three distinct stages of labour. The first main stage is when the cervix is opening and the baby starts to move down the birth canal. The second stage is when the baby is actually born. The third stage is delivery of the placenta. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s look at the stages in more detail.

Stage 1 This stage starts with the softening of the cervix, which then starts to open. This stage ends when the cervix is dilated to around 10cm. The first stage of labour can go on for days as it starts with the cervix softening and thinning which can happen many hours before the actual birth. There may be no symptoms that you can feel at all in the early stages. You might notice a mucus discharge which contains some blood at the beginning (this is known as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;showâ&#x20AC;?). You may start experiencing lower back pain or a feeling similar to menstrual cramps. You may experience loose bowel movements as well. You will also be likely to feel your waters break (membranes rupture) and feel fluid leaking from the vagina. The fluid should be tinged with pink or be clear. Fluid that is bloody or greenish in colour indicates a problem and you should contact your doctor immediately. You may also feel nauseous during this stage. There will be some pain and discomfort but contractions are likely to be irregular and not in a definite pattern at the start. During this time you should eat to build up your fuel reserves, take a warm bath or shower and relax as much as possible. Try and empty the bowels if you can as well. You do not need to go to the hospital at this point unless there seems to be something wrong. You will start feeling more restless and the pain will start to become more intense during the latter part of this stage. The pain will start coming in waves which become stronger and then subside after reaching a peak. These waves of pain / contractions will start to get closer together over time. When contractions are at around 5 minutes between each wave, this is when you need to head to the hospital. If you stay further away, you might want to head in sooner though. If you are concerned at any point you should phone your doctor or midwife and relay your concerns. Stay home as far as possible as women labour better at home in the early stages according to research.

Stage 2 This stage starts when the cervix is fully dilated. This is when baby is being born. The contractions at this point in time will be stronger and last for longer. The break between the waves will also be a lot shorter (one to two minutes). You will feel an increased pressure in your lower regions as well as an urge to push. You may feel shaky, experience cramping, nausea and vomiting during this time. You are also likely to experience a burning and stretching feeling in the vagina during normal birth. Try and relax as much as you can between the contractions. Your body will behave in instinctive ways and it is good to let the process happen. Change your position if you feel the need, including walking and standing. Drink fluids and rest as much as possible. You can suck on chips of ice or wipe your face with a cool cloth if you feel hot during this time. The latter part of this stage is the actual birth of the baby. You can look at waterbird as an alternative to birthing in a bed as many hospitals now offer this service as well. You will feel an overwhelming urge to push during this stage as well as added pressure and a feeling as if you need to have a bowel movement. You are likely to feel stretching in the vagina and even a burning sensation. You can also feel the baby moving down the canal. During this phase, try and breathe deeply and relax whenever possible and push when your body urges you to do so.

Stage 3 In this stage, the baby has been born and you may not even take much notice of this 3rd stage. This is when the membranes and placenta are delivered. There will be a feeling of fullness in the vagina and there will be some extra contractions to expel the placenta, although these are not as likely to be as painful as those during the birth. Starting to breastfeed immediately after birth will also help expel the placenta faster. After all three stages are complete, you will be taken through to recovery and then to a ward to start enjoying life as a new mom. If you feel concerned at any point during pregnancy, childbirth and recovery, make sure you speak to a registered professional who should be able to allay fears or check out any problems you may be experiencing. May 2019 | mychild

34 May 2019 | mychild

May 2019 | mychild

Can y

spoil a b 36 May 2019 | mychild

BABY ARTICLES

n you

a baby? By: Jana Angeles May 2019 | mychild

Everyone who has had a baby has heard it from someone at some time. Don’t do that, you will spoil your baby. This is often in response to picking up a crying baby or feeding a baby on demand. The truth of the matter is, it is impossible to spoil a child with too much attention. Research shows that babies need constant attention. This helps them grow intellectually, physically and emotionally. Meeting your child’s needs by responding to their cries is not spoiling.

Babies have basic needs Infants have limited ways to let you know their requirements. They will cry when they need to be fed, when they need to be changed, when they need to be comforted or when they experience discomfort. Your instinct is to see to your baby’s needs and this is exactly what you need to do. You have to figure out why your baby is crying and respond as best as you can. Meeting your little one’s needs will actually help them become more confident and secure which will help them in the long run. Babies that establish that they can trust and rely on their parents are actually able to self-soothe sooner than those that are neglected.

Babies cannot manipulate you Infants are not that complicated at this point in their lives. They have basic wants and needs and don’t know how to use tears to manipulate you into giving more attention. When you respond to your little ones cries, you reinforce in their minds that they are safe and that they can rely on you. Taking care of your baby’s needs will only build a stronger bond with mom and dad. Sometimes you might not be able to respond right away and that’s okay too as long as it isn’t habitual. Respond as quickly as you can so your baby knows you love him or her. A baby with a strong parental bond tends to be less clingy and more independent as they get older as they know their parents are there for them.

Older babies start developing wants Before the age of 6 months, most of baby’s demands will be for the basics and their cries are to alert you to these needs. When they get past 6 months, they start developing wants. This is when you can start setting limits and begin the basics of discipline. You don’t have to let baby pull your hair and chew on the remote to stop them crying. You can still make them feel loved without giving in to their demands for things they shouldn’t do or have.

Nurturing myths Myth no 1 - Leave your baby to cry: Babies will cry for about 3 hours a day for the first 3 months. This can increase dramatically in a colicky baby. This is usually because baby is hungry, lonely, uncomfortable or tired. They have no other way of letting you know. Attending to baby as soon as possible will actually reduce the amount of crying and makes for a happier baby. If you are unsure what is causing the tears, start with checking if baby needs to be changed or is hungry or maybe running a temperature or showing other signs of illness. After this, you can try strategies such as rocking or swaying baby while stroking the head or patting the back. You can try swaddling in a blanket, singing, playing soft music or talking is a gentle, soothing voice. Try walking with baby in your arms or in a stroller. Place baby next to a vibrating appliance such as a washing machine or tumble drier. The sound of a fan can also be soothing. Rub baby’s back with the chest pressed against your shoulder to relieve trapped air (burping baby). 38 May 2019 | mychild

Some babies also soothe well in a warm bath or on a car ride if all else fails. If nothing you do works, you can also consult a professional to assist with soothing techniques or have a doctor check baby for medical conditions. |Myth 2 - Don’t pick baby up too much: Research has shown that the opposite is true. Baby responds to your body heat nearness with regulated heart rate and breathing, reduced crying, better growth and overall weight gain, especially in premature babies. So if you want to carry your baby around in a sling while you work, go ahead, it can only be good for the little one. Breastfeeding is also easier when baby is in a sling as you can feed baby and still continue with what you are doing. Mom and Dad can both carry baby around to allow both parents to bond with baby. Babies that are carried around are also more curious and learn faster than a baby that is stuck in a seat or playpen for hours. Talking to baby while you carry him or her around will also lay a foundation for developing language, both receptive and expressive. You do need to give baby some floor time as well though to improve general motor skills. If they are secure in knowing their parents are there when they need them, they usually feel a lot more comfortable during floor time as well. Myth 3 – Start a schedule early on: For the first 3 months, don’t bother to try and establish a fixed routine. Babies are not all the same and some will be a lot more demanding of your time than others. You need to react to the babies temperament and needs at this point in time. Baby will thrive on being attended to as needed and not being forced into a regimented schedule. Feed on demand, especially for premature babies. Breastfed babies will eat more often than formula-fed infants. After the age of 3 months, you can start looking at a schedule for nap and sleep times based on the patterns you would have started to recognize at this point. Your baby can only benefit from being allowed to eat and sleep as needed when they are tiny. A happy baby develops empathy and a bond with other people which leads to more balanced children later on in life. So the bottom line is, no, you can’t spoil baby by giving him or her what they need when they need it. Listen to your instincts and respond to your little one as best as you can. They will reap the benefits and you will will end up with a happier, more balanced child in the long run.

May 2019 | mychild

Teaching T

Hygi

By Caroline M

40 May 2019 | mychild

TODDLER 2-4 YEARS

ng Toddlers

ygiene

roline Meyer

May 2019 | mychild

Hygiene is very important and the sooner we can teach little ones about basic hygiene the better.

Hand Hygiene Make hand washing a routine and an integral part of your toddlers day. Hand hygiene can go a long way to helping keep germs at bay and preventing illnesses. Not washing hands regularly is a common cause of diarrhoea in adults and children. Germs can also be carried from the hands to the face causing colds, flues and other contagious illnesses to spread. Teach toddlers to wash hands before meals, after using the bathroom, before and after food preparation and playing with pets. Teach them to judge when their hands need washing after play time as well. Without being obsessive, you can instil regular hand washing throughout the day. Hands should be washed thoroughly, including the wrists and then dried well. Explain why hands need to be washed with soap and water. Help them understand other times that hand washing may be necessary, even when it is not part of the usual routine, such as after blowing their noses. Buy fun hand-washes or scented soaps to make it more interesting. Have them sing a little song or rhyme while washing hands to ensure hands are washed for at least 20 seconds. Congratulate them on a job well done.

Toilet Hygiene Once potty training is underway, you need to help your little one learn to keep all the lower regions clean. Teach them to wipe front to back after using the bathroom and to wipe until the paper comes away clean. They can also learn to flush the toilet themselves as soon as possible. Teach them to always wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. It can take a while to develop these habits but you need to be consistent and repetitive in teaching until it becomes routine. This will help reduce the risk of infection over the long term.

Bathing Toddlers should not ever be left alone in the bathtub, but they can be taught the basics of washing themselves. Teach them about adding soap to their sponge or cloth and then washing themselves with it. Let them play with a doll in the bath to teach about washing hair and cleaning all over. You can slowly start teaching hair washing and rinsing as well once you think they might be able to handle it. Stick to baby shampoo to avoid soap burning the eyes while they are learning the process.Â Make sure you have everything handy before starting the bathing process. Run the water to about belly-button height and check the temperature is around body temperature. Double check before lowering the child into the bath. Explain the process to your toddler so they understand. Talk through all the steps, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to make bath-time fun. Let them play with toys in the bath for a little while before you do the full body wash. Allow your toddler to pull the plug at the end of the bath. Some toddlers may prefer to shower if introduced early. You might want to join them in the shower though until they are old enough to wash themselves properly.

Etiquette for sneezing and coughing Explain to your toddler why it is important to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing. Explain how germs can get spread by coughing or sneezing. Teach them to cough into their elbow or sleeve and how to wipe and blow their noses when they need to. They can learn these skills from a fairly young age, but it takes repetition and reminders to set them as a habit. Play pretend and have your toddler show you what to do under different circumstances

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Brushing teeth This is another aspect of hygiene that can be taught from a young age. As soon as teeth start appearing, you may want to start with the basics of tooth care and by the time they are toddlers, you can teach full tooth-brushing techniques. Explain why you brush your teeth and tell them about bad breath and teeth that go bad if they are not cared for. Once they understand why it is sometimes easier to get them to brush regularly. Teach the basics of squeezing the toothpaste on to the brush, scrubbing front, top and back of the teeth as well as cleaning the tongue. Show them how to turn on the tap or have a cup of water handy for rinsing and spitting. Teach them to avoid swallowing quantities of toothpaste if possible. When you go shopping, let your toddler pick out a brush and toothpaste. This is a fun way to get them excited to try it out. Hygiene is also a life skill that is best learned as early as possible. Routines such as these can stick with the child for life and help improve their health right through life. Start as soon as you think your little one may be capable of grasping the concepts behind cleanliness and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fret about small messes at the beginning. They will eventually get it.

May 2019 | mychild

KIDS 5-8 YEARS

44 May 2019 | mychild

Cooking

with kids Written by Caroline Meyer

May 2019 | mychild

Yes, we know cooking with kids can be a messy business. You might end up with partially eaten raw food or an inedible meal, but it is worth it. Cooking teaches many life skills such as hygiene, using sharp implements, problem solving and even science, maths and reading skills. Cooking together is also a great bonding experience as well as allowing for some independence. Here are a few ideas to make cooking with kids fun.

Choose the right time It’s always a good idea to plan your cooking with kids time on a weekend, preferably afternoon or evening. This gives you time to plan, cook and clean up without being rushed or stressing out about feeding the family and getting kids to bed. Let the kids plan the meal with you ahead of time, from looking up the recipe to shopping for the ingredients to actually plating the meal once it is done.

Teach them hygiene As well as washing their hands before and while cooking, kids can also learn to wash fruits and vegetables. A dirty potato is a teaching moment about where the food comes from. Even better would be to grow some of your own produce so they learn the life cycle of the plant and can enjoy food they have grown and picked themselves. If you can’t, maybe take them to a market where they can talk to a farmer or grocer about the produce. Let them wash the fruit and vegetables until they are clean and then let the food stand on a dish or cloth to try. Let them add the washed foods to the meal to complete the lesson.

Give them some space Keep an eye on them, but let them try things themselves. Let them measure out ingredients for you. Allow them to mix items together, to mash vegetables and even cut with a butter knife if they are a bit older. Don’t take over or clean up around them until afterwards. This instils confidence and a sense of pride in what they are doing. Allow them to make some of the choices such as what to add to stew or pizza or choose the type of pasta for the meal.

Make it fun Allow them to knead the dough and even roll it out. Let them use the cookie cutters and cut out the shapes. Let them stir the pot or toss a salad. Let them add the sauce to the meal. The more involved they are, the more they will enjoy it. Let them taste the food and decide if it needs anything added. Give them fresh herbs and spices to try out to build up knowledge of many flavours and tastes.

Involve all the senses While cooking engages the sense of taste and smell, you can stimulate other senses while cooking as well. Let them choose different colours to go in to a meal and allow them to lay the food out on the table to give a sense of what looks good and what doesn’t appeal. Allow them to listen to the sounds of food frying, the noise of a blender, the grating of a can opener or the popping of a cork. Let them touch the food by playing with dough, stuffing pasta or making pies.

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Keep them engaged While they are busy they will be engaged in the process and having fun. Keep them involved every step of the way. Let them unpack, wash, sort and measure ingredients. Let them bash the steak with a mallet. Allow them to roll the chicken in bread crumbs. Let them rip up the lettuce and even crack the eggs. There are so many activities in the kitchen you can involve a child in as long as they are supervised. If they are a little older, let them chop mushrooms with a butter knife to start with. They can learn the basics this way, which will allow more confidence in using sharp implements later on as well as an awareness for safety.

Be honest about the food Unless your whole family is vegetarian, you will at some point have meat in the kitchen when you prepare meals with the kids. Tell them where the vegetables come from, but also where the meat comes from. You can also teach about organic foods as well as free range meat and eggs as opposed to factory raised animals. Answer their questions and listen to their responses. It might also impact on your cooking over the long term.

Safety first Cooking can be lots of fun, but you are working around sharp implements, hot stoves and other items that can be dangerous to little ones. Start off with basic hygiene such as washing their hands before and after meal preparation. Ensure that hot liquids cannot be reached by little ones and always turn pot handles inwards. Put the knife block high or otherwise out of reach of little hands. Always supervise and warn of potential dangers so that they learn to prepare and cook food safely. The main thing is to have fun together. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t underestimate your kids, they can probably do a lot more than you think. Allow them to try, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get impatient or worry about a little mess. Instil an appreciation in them for the process of meal preparation and help them develop skills that will last a lifetime.

May 2019 | mychild

48 May 2019 | mychild

Look for a CosiFit:

How to overcome leaky nappies and red marks

May 2019 | mychild

Stepping into parenthood with your little newborn means you’re going to be changing a lot of nappies – thousands of them. No two babies are the same, so you need to take into consideration your baby’s unique shape and size. An uncomfortable nappy can affect your baby’s sleep and cause physical distress on their little bodies. This, in turn, is a challenging and emotionally draining experience for new parents who are learning the ropes. With so many nappy brands to choose from, it’s up to you to invest in a brand which offers the nappy comfort and leakage protection that you need. The key criterion of nappies is to provide your baby with the most comfortable protection for their delicate skin.

You’ve got this. At BabyLove, we support mums and dads through the joys, hilarity, mess, triumphs, and demands of real parenting. We’re real, honest, and when it comes to parenting, “perfect” is what you make it. Being present and engaged with your newborn is essential for your baby’s development. As it is, parenting is a testing time, and distractions like underperforming nappies, are not worth the unnecessary stress for you and your bub. To make your life easier, we’ve developed baby products that are built on a foundation of comfort through innovation. Our BabyLove CosiFit™ range is practical, and comfortable. From Newborn to Junior, our super soft BabyLove CosiFit™ nappies are designed to give bubbas the freedom to express and be themselves.

A dry baby is a happy baby. Leaky nappies can be a parent’s biggest nightmare. And if the ‘oopsie’ isn’t all over your baby’s body or clothes, it’s all over your freshly laundered shirt. From daily linen and laundry washes to stained clothing, last-minute nappy runs and more, you cannot control when your baby is going to have an accident. But you can prevent leakage with the right nappy size and fit. To prevent nappy leakage, start by choosing the right nappy size for your bubba – nappies that are too big often leave open gaps which make it easier for leakage to slip out. Instead of tightening the nappy to prevent leakage, consider different brands’ sizing. The nappy you choose needs to sit comfortably on your baby’s leg and waist without leaving gaps or stretching the material too tight. Another tip to prevent leakage is to have a look at the construction of your baby’s nappy. Think about it: your little one’s toosh is curved, so a nappy that sits on it should have the same shape, right? That’s where BabyLove CosiFit™ Nappies come in. Featuring patented CosiContour technology, our nappies are designed to curve with your baby’s body and provide a snug fit, reducing leakage and red marks.

Don’t settle for harsh red marks. It sounds strange, but at change time, the only thing any parent wants to see is pee or poop. Anything else can set off alarm bells. It can be unsettling when you notice red marks on your baby’s skin. You’ve only just seen them, but who knows how long they’ve been wrapped up uncomfortably like this? This thought alone can be heartbreaking, especially since your baby practically lives in nappies. 50 May 2019 | mychild

Red marks are commonly caused by overly tight nappies. This can lead to welts on your baby’s skin, as their skin becomes vulnerable to the tight material. With BabyLove CosiFit™ nappies, the uniquely curving shape means you don’t have to put the nappy on tight to get a secure fit. BabyLove CosiFit™ leaves your baby’s legs and belly free of nasty red marks, ensuring your bub is comfy and happy.

Experience instant absorption with BabyLove Our DriWave™ technology draws in moisture rapidly, leaving the top layer of the nappy dry to touch within seconds. Our ultra-soft top sheet also prevents moisture from transferring back out. Once the liquid is drawn into the nappy core, it is dispersed throughout the nappy pad to avoid sagging, meaning the nappy holds its comfy fit for longer. To instantly alert you when your bubba is ready to be changed, BabyLove CosiFit™ Nappies also include a wetness indicator in our Newborn and Infant sizes. The yellow strip changes colour to blue when the nappy is exposed to any form of liquid. No more sniffing or patting to guess if the nappy needs to be changed; now just a quick look will tell you.

Find the right fit today! Parenthood is exciting – there is no ‘right way’, only your way. We understand the modern and societal demands of being a parent, so we want to help you feel confident in your abilities. Our nappies will provide you with the most practical solutions to keep your little one happy and comfortable. With BabyLove CosiFit™ Nappies you can say bye-bye to leaky nappies and red marks. Available in-store or online. Visit our website to get your FREE BabyLove CosiFit™ nappy sample and make the switch today!

May 2019 | mychild

DAD READ

Daddy and

daughter bonds By: Lance Green

52 May 2019 | mychild

Dads and moms generally play significantly different roles in a daughter’s life. Most Dads will find themselves saying ”Go ask your mom” many times during their daughter’s child and teenager years. Mom’s do have a major impact on their daughters, but so do Dads. Many years ago Dads were not even allowed in to the room when mom was giving birth, nowadays, they are there right from the start. Believe it or not, I have had to learn about menstrual cycles, tampon sizes and how to comfort my daughter after a break-up. I do not intend to be a TV dad that is ignorant of girls and everything that comes with it. I decided from the first moment that she wrapped her tiny hand around my little finger that I would always be there for her. I was involved in bathing her, feeding her and playing with her right throughout her life so far. I wanted her to have a good role model so that she can choose a partner that is good for her one day when she is older. There is nothing more satisfying than hearing “I love you daddy” after I tuck her in to bed and finish reading her a bed time story. Besides the warm feeling I get, the research actually backs up the importance of a girl’s relationship with her dad. Girls that have a good relationship with their dads are less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. They are usually able to express their feelings better and have a better sense of their own self-worth. Girls with involved dads are likely to be more healthy and less likely to live in poverty or be neglected. They say the teen years can be really tough on this relationship between dads and daughters but being able to get a male perspective on dating and relationships can be extremely important during these years. It’s hard for dad in some instances to see his little girl start taking these grown-up steps, but this is a time when the bond starts changing from Daddy and his little girl to a more mature and stronger bond. There have been many studies done on this relationship and teenage girls with caring, loving Dads that are involved in their lives tend to have a much higher self-esteem as well as be happier than most of their peers that don’t have the same sort of bonds. This sense of emotional well-being actually carries forward right in to early adulthood. Girls with strong paternal bonds are also less likely to have eating disorders during their teens. After high school, girls may start to become more independent and Dad will become more of an advisor. Dad’s might struggle a bit during this time, especially if the Daddy-daughter bond is very strong, but this is a necessary change to allow little girls to become women and establish their own path in life. If the bond was strong growing up, girls will feel comfortable approaching Dad for advice on careers, love and life. As a Dad, you are a role-model, a caregiver and later on a sounding board and advisor. Many men avoid talking to their daughters about the important things in life and have a superficial relationship with their daughters. It is important that men today realize that there is not such thing as “women’s stuff” and “men’s stuff”. They need to be able to discuss any topics with their kids of any gender. I have struggled in some ways to get past the stereotypes of the manly man that doesn’t get involved in “girly business”, but I decided I wanted to be there for my daughter every step of the way. For now, she is a cute little girl with pig-tails and dresses, but I know that this stage is not forever. I am not just her provider and protector. I want to be there for her every step of the way. She should know that I am there for her no matter what she needs to discuss and that I will help her as much as I can through times of trouble and heartache. I love this dinky little person that stole my heart on day one and I intend to give her everything I can, including my time as she grows in to a well-rounded woman. What works for me, might not work the same for you and your daughter, but work within your own personal relationship. No matter how old she gets, she will always be your little girl.

May 2019 | mychild

How self-care will make you a better parent

BY: ANNIE WYLIE

54 May 2019 | mychild

RELATIONSHIP

How do your parents relationship affect yours?

By: Caroline Meyer

May 2019 | mychild

While your personality and future relationships may not be as dependant on your genes as your eye colour and shape of your nose, your behaviour may stem back to your parents in some ways too. Good and bad relationship behaviour between your parents can go a long way towards shaping your own behaviour in a relationship. What you observe growing up can result in fall back behaviour when you are an adult. What you learned from your parents could also clash with what your partner experienced growing up which can cause strife in your relationship. Working together to make a relationship work when you come from two totally different relationship backgrounds can be quite complicated and take a lot of commitment.

Your framework Watching how your parents deal with things such as housework, finances, grief and so forth sets a foundation for much of your behaviours. One of the key points in the framework comes from seeing how they deal with anger. You learn cues such as how to tell when someone is angry and some of the ways people behave when they are emotional. This can cause you to emulate good behaviours or copy the bad behaviours in your own relationships. The after effects of an argument is even more important. Seeing how your parents reconcile such as talking about the situation and resolving the problem, or withdrawing from each other can make a difference in your personal behaviours after a bit of strife with your partner. When you were not given the opportunity to see parents disagree and reconcile, you often have no roadmap on how to behave during and after a disagreement. In this instance, one bout of conflict may appear to be the end of the relationship. They do not realise that disagreements are an integral part of a relationship, nor know how to deal with them. They may be able to take cues from their partners if they have come from families where arguments were resolved openly, but if their partner also comes from a family where strife between the adults was kept away from the children, it may actually be the end of the relationship. Hostility between parents that was not constructively resolved can result in children and later adults that deal aggressively with conflict. Children that are exposed to constructive resolutions are able to figure out how to resolve conflict in a less aggressive way. So while you may want to hide all your arguments from your children, it actually helps them to see you make up.

Divorce Younger children usually adapt easier than older children. There may be plenty of anger and Adults that come from backgrounds of divorce are a lot more likely to get divorced than those from homes where parents stick together through thick and thin. It doesn’t mean that it is set in stone that you will get divorced if your parents did, it just means you need to be more aware of the influences your parents’ divorce has on you and your own relationships. Talk to your partner about your personal history, the trauma and the habits learned from your parents. This may help strengthen your relationship and make you more aware of negative behaviours that stem from this situation. Some of your behaviours may actually be involuntary. You may not notice the behaviour until you examine it in parallel to your parents relationship. Do you believe your partner may leave you when the going gets rough, even though they have never indicated this in any way? Do you look for an out whenever there is a disagreement? This may come from experiencing your parent’s relationship and have nothing to do with your own marriage.

56 May 2019 | mychild

How can you change things? Look back on your parents’ relationship with the eyes of an adult. Analyse the things they did and use your personal life experiences to make more sense of it. Acknowledge the influences both good and bad and see how they pertain to your current relationships. If possible, talk to your parents about their relationship and as an adult they may be more forthcoming about their behaviours than they would have been when you were a child. Many things may be different to what you believed as a kid. You may think your father left your mother due to him finding someone else, but the truth may be a lot more complicated than that. This can help you change your perspectives and realise that your perceptions as a child may have been clouded or oversimplified. This could also help you deal better with potential conflict situations in your current relationship. Go through various stages in their relationship and see where there were warning signs that the relationship wasn’t going to last or perhaps you only saw the good side of their relationship. Knowing there was tension and strife in their relationship and how they worked through it, can help you deal with issues in your own personal relationships. While is is great to have role models that set a good example of what a relationship should look like, not all relationships are ideal and strife-free. Whether your parents relationship was good or bad can have a major impact on your own without you even realizing it. You cannot expect a fairytale marriage, but you can look back and choose those qualities you want to emulate from your parents while discarding some of the learned behaviour that can cause conflict in your own relationship. You will also need to know more about your partner’s upbringing so that you can discuss what you have experienced and where this can cause strife between you. You will also be more aware on where some behaviours are coming from and be able to be more tolerant of each other. While your parents may create a foundation for your relationships, it is entirely up to you as an adult to shape your behaviour in a relationship. You can choose to change bad behaviours and improve on the good behaviours to make your own relationship work.

May 2019 | mychild

BLOGGER

In their best interests By Sheree Hoddinett

58 May 2019 | mychild

Do you ever say yes to something and later come to regret it? I’d say as a mum this would be a common occurrence, everywhere. More often than not we say yes to our darling offspring to acquire the silence we desperately crave at that point in time. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will work well in our favour. Kids never forget, especially when it’s something they want! And they choose to remind you at the most inappropriate of times too. I swear my eldest daughter remembers more things allegedly “promised” from six months ago than what I told her five minutes ago! It goes to show when she actually is listening to me! I like to think I’m a pretty fair mum. Maybe sometimes I give in a little too easy. But I think my girls have it pretty good. Although I still get called numerous things when they don’t get what they want. The latest one is that I’m rude, not really sure how that works when I’m saying no for the umpteenth time. Kids, eh?! But it’s funny to watch other kids when you’re out at the shops. At times mine look little angels compared to the temper tantrums I’ve seen some kids thrown over not getting a toy/lolly/even a tea towel they so desperately must have. I think when kids clock something they must have, no amount of logic or reason will get through to them. But at the time, as parents, we react in the only way we know how, we either get angry/give in or try to ignore the situation completely. Sometimes none of the above really work and you’re left with the stares of absolutely strangers waiting for your next move. There is nothing worse than the silent criticism of people you don’t know! They say that kids don’t always necessarily understand how to control their emotions. I don’t know about that sometimes, they definitely know how to manipulate a situation to work best in their favour, so it does make you wonder! Let’s face it, life is tough when you’re little. Your parents often say no, yell at you for what you think is no good reason, they tell you they aren’t eating chocolate or something good (when they really are!) and you never get what you want, ever! I like to keep reminding my girls that one day they’ll have to do everything for themselves anyway but I’m not really sure they believe me. They kind of look at me like I’m an alien. I guess it’s sweet they think Mummy will always be there to do everything for them. In a way, I will always be there, but not in the way they think. Is this where I insert an evil laugh? I try to be as honest as I can with my girls. They have asked a few questions about body parts and babies and I answered as best I could without going into too much detail – they know where babies come out but they are yet to ask how they get in there and for now I’m glad they have left it at that! Parenting can be a battle, what kind of battle depends on the day and those involved – one child, two or any extras joining in the “fun”. I swear I still lose more battles than I should. I know it’s not about winning or losing but these girls sure give me a good run for my money, in more ways than one! I’m no expert when it comes to parenting. I’ve tried, failed, triumphed, pretty much everything you can think of. I’ve even thought about giving up, but gee those kids can run and they’re pretty quick too. I’m kidding, of course. My beautiful girls, although at times are very very trying and painful, they are my little offsiders and can make very good helpers I’ve found, so I think I’ll keep them around, haha! Plus you know, I love them more than anything else in this world, that kind of helps too. For me, the only way I can describe my time as a mum so far, is like a rollercoaster. It’s been a journey of ups, down, twists and turns and at times I have no idea what’s going to come at me next. And I can’t believe I’m about to say this but, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Everything that’s happened has shaped me into the mother I am, whether that’s a good or a bad thing remains to be seen! Follow more of my “not so full of wisdom” ways at www.shereekim.com

May 2019 | mychild

60 May 2019 | mychild

Five ways to help your child prepare for NAPLAN And no, cramming isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t one of them!

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority

May 2019 | mychild

NAPLAN involves students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 taking 40–45-minute tests of writing, reading, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy skills. For some students, NAPLAN is exciting, as it offers a way to show their teachers and parents just how well they can do. For other students, it’s just another day. The best advice parents can give their children is to keep NAPLAN in perspective. Whether your child is preparing for a swimming carnival, cross-country or NAPLAN, it is important to encourage them to just do their best on the day.

Model positive behaviour NAPLAN and other school assessments can be a good learning opportunity to help children practise building resilience. Think about how you deal with a potentially stressful situation – whether it is preparing a work presentation, making a new friend or participating in a fun run. Most likely, you have a variety of coping mechanisms to help you calm any anxiety that may crop up, such as: • taking deep breaths to clear your mind • being your own cheerleader – “I’ve got this!” • being realistic – “It’s just a ___. What’s the worst that could happen?” If your child tells you they’re feeling anxious about NAPLAN, support them to try some of the coping mechanisms you find useful and just do their best.

Be realistic NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills kids are already learning in the classroom. NAPLAN doesn’t measure what makes your child exceptional and unique. It doesn’t measure how creative or innovative your child is. It doesn’t measure how well they can dance, sing, act, play soccer or football, how kind they are or how thoughtful they are. And NAPLAN doesn’t measure how your child’s school fosters overall student wellbeing and development. NAPLAN isn’t meant to measure any of those things! It’s a point-in-time assessment of a child’s literacy and numeracy skills – that is, a test that shows how a child performed on the day in these essential, foundational skills. Every two years, when your child takes NAPLAN, you can see how their literacy and numeracy skills they developed and grown over time. Of course, your child’s teacher knows their learning best – but NAPLAN is a useful, objective check to see how your child is performing against national standards of literacy and numeracy.

Help them be comfortable NAPLAN is moving from a paper test to an online test over a three-year transition period. This is the second year of NAPLAN being undertaken online, and approximately 50 per cent of schools will be participating in the online test this May. Regardless of whether your child’s school takes the tests online or on paper, your child’s teacher will help them be comfortable with the format of the test. If your child is doing NAPLAN on paper, this might involve looking at example NAPLAN papers. It’s about your child being comfortable with the mechanics of the test and the types of questions (multiple choice, short answer, long answer, etc.) that may be asked. For Year 3 students, it might involve showing them how to correctly colour in a circle for a multiple-choice question. 62 May 2019 | mychild

NAPLAN Online isn’t a test of typing skills – and your child doesn’t need to touch-type to perform well in NAPLAN and Year 3 students will continue to complete the writing test on paper. If your child is doing NAPLAN Online, their teacher will ensure they are comfortable with the device they are using to complete the test; that is, knowing how to click and drag, how to type and edit text. A unique feature of the online test is that it will adjust to your child’s achievement ability, giving more precise information about what your child can do, not just what they can’t. You can see a demonstration of the NAPLAN Online test on the NAP website.

Set expectations Apart from the above, no other special preparation for NAPLAN is necessary or desirable. Practices such as ‘cramming’ and ‘teaching to the test’ at the expense of other areas of curriculum are inappropriate and not encouraged, as they don’t lead to sustainable learning. Also, there are myriads of NAPLAN prep books out there. None of those are encouraged, endorsed or developed by ACARA – so do your child a favour, leave those books in the bookshop. Remember, NAPLAN is not a ‘pass or fail’ type test and doesn’t need to be studied for. The questions are aligned to the Australian Curriculum for English and Mathematics, meaning what students learn in the classroom is what they’re tested on in NAPLAN.

About ACARA The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is responsible for developing the Australian Curriculum, administering the National Assessment Program (including NAPLAN) and publishing information about Australia’s schools on the My School website. Visit the NAP website for more information about NAPLAN or sign up to our monthly e-newsletter Parent Update.

NAPLAN (NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM IN LITERACY AND NUMERACY) STARTS ON 14 MAY.

May 2019 | mychild

May Candi

by: Katherine

64 May 2019 | mychild

die Review

rine Edwards

May 2019 | mychild

Do you remember when cloth nappies were just a plain white towel square? You might be too young to recall, but it’s likely that your mum, or her mum, had no option but to wrestle them on to a wriggly baby on the daily. Working up a sweat, trying desperately to force giant safety pins through thick layers of origami terry towelling and avoid a deeply pierced finger or two, or worse a perforated infant! These fine fluffy creations were then covered what my mum nostalgically calls, crackle pants (mum-code for what are basically just plastic undies that look like shower caps with leg holes). Let’s face it, it doesn’t make cloth nappies sound in the least bit appealing. Even if you wanted to do more for the environment and give cloth a go, you would be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed with how difficult, and messy, it all seems. Well, fear not, intrepid nurturer! Cloth nappies have come a seriously long way since then, and it has never been easier to give your babe the best start, or for you to do your bit for the planet. As a first time mum, I was truly concerned with how overloaded I would be taking on cloth nappies as well as bringing home a helpless, wrinkly, pink, human being! But I was also concerned about the world that I was bringing her in to. I saw the piles and piles of disposable nappies that were plaguing not only our local tips here in Australia, but the rubbish dumps, and even the oceans, across the globe. Full of determination and resolve to play my part in reducing this unnecessary waste, I looked into modern cloth nappies (mcn) and was surprised to find how far things had come since I was in nappies myself *cough* 35 years ago *cough*. I finally took the plunge and ordered a few trial packs that week, one of which was the Candie All in Two trial pack from Bubblebubs. When it arrived on the doorstep I opened the package, pulled them out, and was immediately impressed with how thick and snuggly the inserts were; I couldn’t wait to try them. A soak to prep, through the wash, out to dry, and our first Candie was immediately on the bum. I was in love! There really is no denying that the awardwinning Candies are absolutely gorgeous. They offer a range of solid colours and adorable prints to suit any baby, and come in luxuriously soft minky as well as PUL. But what is it exactly that sets Candies apart from other modern cloth nappies? Well, first of all, they’re side-snapping, which means instead of adjustable snaps on the front of the nappy, Candies have side tabs with two rows of snaps on each which are used to fasten the nappy around your bub’s hips and waist. No rise snaps to deal with means a simple, streamlined fit without fussing around on the change table. The cool thing about the double side snaps is that they can be fastened independently of one another, meaning if you have a bub with a skinny tum, but chunky thighs, or vice versa, you can cater to their individual shape. It also means that the print pattern doesn’t lose its continuity when the nappy is fastened up.This style of nappy differs from an all-in-one in that the inserts snap in and out of the cover. Some mums find the all-in-one easier to manage as it is a complete nappy. However, all-in-ones can take much longer to dry as the absorbent inserts can’t be removed from the quicker drying shell. The great thing about Candies is that the snap in insert is so easy to pull apart and put together which means you can have more shells ready to go sooner; definitely helpful if you are in rainy or humid climates, or throughout winter. Better still, the inserts can be thrown in the dryer, something you shouldn’t do with your all-in-one nappies. An added bonus is that if the inner suede cloth of the nappy shell hasn’t been soiled, it can be aired out and used again before needing to wash. It also means no pocket to stuff, and no need to put your hand into a dirty nappy to fish the insert out! The 2-layer snap in trifold and 3-layer booster are 500gsm bamboo and should last on your bub for 2-3 hours (though some mums use them 10+ hours overnight for young, light-wetters with no problems). The booster can be folded to where baby needs it most, providing up to 12 layers of absorbent bamboo in the wet-zone! The trifold has a soft stay-dry layer, keeping bub’s skin from feeling wet between changes and, because it folds out, it dries far faster than many other brands of inserts. 66 May 2019 | mychild

The good news is that Candies are a one size fit most (OSFM) nappy and are designed to fit your child from 4.5-15kgs; you won’t need to size up and buy more nappies every time your baby grows - and we all know how quickly they do! Candies are intended to last all the way through to toilet training, which is perfect for families on a budget. There are so many reasons why Candies work for so many families, but the thing that attracted me most to Bubblebubs nappies is the brand’s commitment to ethical production without compromising on quality. Candies, and all Bubblebubs products, are manufactured offshore in a small family-owned factory employing, among others, many husband and wife teams who are able to make a decent living wage and have excellent working conditions. The owner, Vicki, travels overseas to visit the factory as often as she can to oversee production and ensure the factory’s practises align with her ethical values. The company started out in her kitchen, so moving production overseas was a big deal and part of the reason she believes the people manufacturing her product should be treated well, even though it’s not on such a small scale anymore. Here’s what other Bubblemums have to say about Bubblebubs Candies: “All-in-two is what I’m always after. I made the transition to side snaps because I was having trouble getting a good fit with most of my front snapping nappies.” - Natalie, mum to a little boy. “Probably my favourite thing is the square shape of the inserts; they dry well compared to other comparable brands due to this and are so easy to fold and snap in place, as well as being absorbent.” - Jessica, mum to a little girl So, while Candies are super cute, they are also super functional, and made with exceptional quality in mind. If you’re worried that starting out with cloth might be tricky, or even if you’re finding that the mcns you currently own aren’t quite working for your family, Candies have so many positives that make them well worth a try. The Candies trial pack is a great place to dip your toe and see if you like them. The trial pack represents excellent value at just $69.95 for two complete Candies including free shipping and a $60 gift voucher which can be used to purchase further Candie packs.

May 2019 | mychild

How does one go about creating a skincare brand from scratch? BY: CLAIRE HILL

68 May 2019 | mychild

There are so many new brands launching in Australia every year with some absolutely flourishing whilst others flounder. I knew I wanted my brand to stand the test of time and to do that I needed more than a fancy logo and attractive packaging. My values were my essential starting point with four basic principles of foundationsimplicity, confidence, honesty and transparency. I wanted to produce a product that I could be proud of, a product that was a reflection of my enduring beliefs. After years of research I was able to formulate a serum and moisturiser with ingredients that actually addressed ageing issues at the root cause to produce targeted and visible results that women are after.

In a nutshell, what is the process of creating a product? 1. Know your values and stay true to them. 2. Do your research. (formulations, target audience, competitors….) 3. Develop brand guidelines (logo, colour palette, typography and fonts, photography, packaging, web elements….) 4. Connect with your consumers and develop real relationships 5. Promote brand awareness, brand building (social media, print media, word of mouth…)

Was it important to you to be Australian made? It was absolutely imperative that my products be made here in Australia. My research took me abroad on numerous occasions and it became quickly evident that Australia has some of the highest safety and quality standards which are set in law (meaning they have to be followed). Furthermore, supporting Australian jobs is good for our economy with company and employee taxes being spent on hospitals, sporting facilities and schools, so it’s a win-win.

May 2019 | mychild

How are your products so beneficial to Australian women’s skin? Our skincare products are formulated with our lifestyle in mind. We live in one of the harshest and sunniest environments in the world. Australia’s close proximity to the equator brings many clear, blue sky days. However, less cloud cover and a compromised ozone layer means that Australians also experience some of the highest levels of UV radiation. UV overexposure leads to premature facial ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines. A good skin care regime is therefore vital, not only to combat much of this damage but to prevent further damage from occurring. We are often asked why we don’t include SPF into our products. It might be convenient, but there’s a good reason you should use sunscreen separately to a moisturiser: neither can work as effectively when combined. Adding sunscreen to a moisturiser not only potentially dilutes the SPF, it also interferes with a moisturiser’s function. A moisturiser is designed to be absorbed into the skin to effectively hydrate the deeper layers, while sunscreen should sit on the skin and act as a defence between your face and the sun. Our research has found Australian women, particularly mature women with dehydrated or sensitive skin benefit most from using a separate sunscreen.

The results are pretty amazing! How do you feel when you receive such glowing reports from women who use Claire Hill? We love receiving feedback on our products and our customer testimonials come from all over the globe. It’s a really lovely feeling to know that your hard work is appreciated by others and has made a real difference to the way woman feel about themselves.

70 May 2019 | mychild

What do you love about Australian women? Australia is deeply multicultural and Australian women actually comprise of various nationalities. What I love most is our tough fighting spirit. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always ready to lend a helping hand. In general, we are go-getters who value courage, kindness and honesty.

Are there any products in the pipeline. Yes, we busy working on other formulations. Product development is an elaborate process and we prefer to take our time and do our research to produce a quality product that we can be proud of.

May 2019 | mychild

72 May 2019 | mychild

TOY REVIEWS

BY: SHEREE HODDINETT

May 2019 | mychild

TOY REVIEWS JELLYCAT MEDIUM BASHFUL DINO

$ 39.95 RRP

Bashful Dino is making history! Soft, not scaly, this mossy matey has chunky stomper-feet, a snuggly snout and fine squishy spines from head to tail. This dynamic dino is always rambling round, giving hugs to every T-Rex and Triceratops! But how did he get so gorgeously green? Perhaps it’s all that grass he has been eating. OUR VERDICT 5/5 He is roaringly awesome and yes the pun is most definitely intended! Dinosaurs may have been very scary back in prehistoric times but this little monster definitely isn’t. He’s adorable and gives a good cuddle right when you need it. Don’t let his green appearance get you down, one touch of his soft mossy mane and you’ll be in love in no time! Available from: Mighty Ape, Lime Tree Kids, Baby Vegas

CHATTERMATE PANDA

$32.95 RRP

The super cute ChatterMate Panda will copy any word (or noise) that comes out of your mouth. ChatterMates are so clever - they copy everything you say! Switch them on and say something – they’ll chat straight back in their cute voices while their heads bop up and down. OUR VERDICT

4/5

Cute and clever, my girls love playing with toys that repeat everything they say. It even cracks them up when they laugh and they hear their laugh come right back at them seconds later. They seem to find it hilarious sneaking up on people too, it’s become somewhat of a game to them, but it creates fun and entertainment and you really can’t argue with that. I must admit it can be pretty funny when you say something silly and it’s repeated back to you in what is almost reminiscent of the Alvin and the Chipmunks days (now I’m showing my age, haha!). Available from: Mikki & Me KidsAvailable from: Independence Studios – www.isgift.com, Kidstuff,

74 May 2019 | mychild

LEAPFROG SCOUT’S LEARNING $ 16.95 RRP LIGHTS REMOTE Keep little ones entertained in a big way with a pretendplay remote that introduces numbers, shapes, first words and more. With more than 65 songs, tunes and learning responses from an irresistible light-up screen, the remote helps children ages 6 to 36 months tune into early learning concepts as they imitate Mum and Dad. Lovable Scout is always at their fingertips to entertain, encourage and help children explore. Little ones can press up, down, left or right to hear counting and numbers songs, play a shapes game with the delightful puppy pal Scout, or count along with him. They can press the channel buttons to hear how Scout has fun in all kinds of weather or to help him count shapes in his garden. The number buttons prompt a counting activity, which encourages little ones to count bright-coloured shapes that light up on the screen. OUR VERDICT

4/5

If you have a little one that likes to play with (or hide) the real TV remote, here is your perfect distraction! Bright colours, plenty of buttons to press and lots of noise, what else could a parent ask for in a toy really? As always, the added bonus is while they’re having fun playing, kids are learning at the same time. While it is a great distraction tool, it could also backfire in giving your darling child even more incentive to find the real thing, so in that case, good luck, haha! Available from: Big W

OUR VERDICT

5/5

VTECH KIDIZOOM ACTION CAM 180

$89.95 RRP

The Kidizoom Action Cam 180 is a light and multifunctional action camera for kids. Take great photos and shoot exciting videos on the move, choosing from lots of cool visual effects. Play through three fantastic games, or create fun stop motion, slow motion or fast motion videos with a great selection of background music to choose from. Use the time-lapse photo recording function to capture great and creative actions shots. Includes a waterproof case which allows you to take underwater photos or great shots in the rain and mounts that allow you to attach the camera to a bicycle and more. The built-in rechargeable battery means you can take photos, videos and play games on the go. So much action in one small camera!

Anything that saves my phone being used as a camera and potentially dropped, I’m all for it. My five-year-old is loving taking photos, especially selfies` and a kid-friendly camera like this is perfect for her. Although she does take photos of absolutely everything (thank goodness for delete buttons), I love the fact that she can change effects and backgrounds and have a bit of fun! I’m still not convinced she needs that many photos of me pulling the exact same face over a 10 second period, but hey we’ll get there. I’m yet to tell her we can take it in the pool but I can imagine I’ll be putting the waterproof case on in no time! Available from: Kogan, Dick Smith, Toy Universe, Mighty ApeAvailable from: Independence Studios – www.isgift.com, Kidstuff, Embellish Gifts, Buy My Things May 2019 | mychild

76 May 2019 | mychild

BOOK REVIEWS

BOOK REVIEWS By: Amy Adeney

may 2019

May 2019 | mychild

A QUIET GIRL by Peter Carnavas Mary was a quiet girl. She had quiet thoughts, stepped quiet steps, and whispered quiet words. This made Mary almost invisible to her noisy family, until one day it was as though Mary disappeared altogether. But finally, as they searched for her, Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family learned that only by being quiet can you hear all the small wonderful things that lay hidden in the world. This is a beautifully written and illustrated book by the Australian creator of such classics as The Children Who Loved Books and The Boy on the Page. It is a lovely tale to share with readers aged 3-7.

THE GO-AWAY BIRD By Julia Donaldson and Catherine Rayner

Fans of Julia Donaldson, the prolific childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book writer and master of rhyme, will not be disappointed by her latest offering. It tells the tale of the Go-Away bird, who refuses to eat, fly or play with the other friendly birds, and rudely sends them all away, until the threat of being eaten by a large predator makes him realise that sometimes having friends around can be a great thing. The rhyme and rhythm, together with the vibrant illustrations, make this a fabulous read-aloud for children aged 3-7.

78 May 2019 | mychild

THE BOOK CHOOK By Amelia McInerney & Connah Brecon This is the hilarious tale of a chicken named Ray, who is devastated to learn that he is not a real chicken at all, but rather merely a character in a book. This throws Ray into an existential crisis, but together with the help of his friend Janine, Ray realises that there are some real benefits to existing on the page, rather than in the real world. The quirky humour and interactive nature of this debut picture book by Australian author Amelia McInerney, are sure to make it a hit with readers aged 4-7.

BAZ & BENZ By Heidi McKinnon This is a story about the limits of friendship, as Benz asks Baz if their friendship would withstand a series of tests - turning purple and polka-dotted, transforming into a scary bat, saying MEEP all the time...But as Benz learns, true friendship has no conditions, and lasts forever and ever. McKinnonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first picture book, the hilarious I Just Ate My Friend, became an instant hit with young readers, and this book is sure to do the same. It is a whimsical tale with a beautiful message, which would be perfect to share with readers aged 1-5.

May 2019 | mychild

GET THE LOOK

80 May 2019 | mychild

OK: INTERIORS

May 2019 | mychild

KIDS ROOM Interior by: Blinds Online 82 May 2019 | mychild

WOODEN HOUSE SINGLE BED BY CONTINENTAL DESIGNS

$399.00 templeandwebster.com.au

HUDSON KIDS TABLE AND CHAIRS SET

$99.00 mocka.com.au

ANIMAL MAGIC CHALK BLOCKOUT ROLLER BLIND

$62.00 blindsonline.com.au

May 2019 | mychild

FESTOON PARTY LIGHTS 10M â&#x20AC;&#x201C; COOL WHITE

$99.00 thefairylightshop.com.au

RAINBOW DESIGNS CLASSIC MIFFY

PINK SYLVIE CUSHION

$38.83

$48.95

hellobabydirect.com/au

zanui.com.au

84 May 2019 | mychild

HAYMAN SMALL BOOKCASE

$99.00

MOCKA ASPIRING COT

$45.00 simplycushions.com.au

Fantasticfurniture.com.au

WOODEN STACKING RINGS

$8.00 Kmart.com.au

ON THE FARM WOODEN RAIN SET

$25.00 Kmart.com.au

May 2019 | mychild

NURSERY ROOM Interior by: OZ Design Furniture 86 May 2019 | mychild

PORTO MEDIUM DRAWER BUFFET

RETRO CHAIR

$499

$2,099

ozdesignfurniture.com.au

MACRAME WALL ART II

$249.00 ozdesignfurniture.com.au

May 2019 | mychild

KOALA PRINT ON CANVAS

WILLIAM WOMBAT BOX FRAMED CANVAS

$296.10

$349.00

lifeinteriors.com.au

ozdesignfurniture.com.au

SHAGGY WOVEN PENDANT WHITE

$363.00 bisquetraders.com.au

88 May 2019 | mychild

TABLE LAMP ROUND CONCRETE GREY BASE

$133.66

MOCKA ASPIRING COT

$189.95 mocka.com.au

golights.com.au

183CM SOLID SHAG ROUND RUG

LARGE AQUARIUS COTTON CUSHION

$169.00

$125.00

aurugs.com

templeandwebster.com.au

May 2019 | mychild

90 May 2019 | mychild

SHOP:

KIDS

FASHION

May 2019 | mychild

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

92 May 2019 | mychild

BABY

UNDER

20 Baby Conny Prewalker Shoes

$ 6.00

GIRL

Rainbow Stripe Crew Neck Jumper

$ 16.00

Baby Organic Cotton Knit Pants - Pink Hearts

$ 10.00

Owl Long Sleeve Sweat Dress

2 Pack Cable Knit Tights

$ 20.00

$ 10.00 Haine Gusset Ankle Boots

$ 12.00 target.com.au

UNDER

Milkshake Knit Long Sleeve Sweater Dress

$ 34.95

Milkshake Leopard TightsLeopard Tights

$ 12.95 Marquise 3pc Set - Top, Pant & Headband myer.com.au

$ 52.95

splurge

melijoe.com/au

Billie Blush Dress with tulle flounces

Tommy Hilfiger Sweatshirt dress with a print

$ 160.00

$ 113.00 May 2019 | mychild

BABY

UNDER

BOY

$ 12.00

$ 10.00

$ 16.00

Baby Con Prewalker Knit Shoes

Hooded Long Sleeved Striped Top

Bear Jacquard Knit Crew Neck Jumper

Baby Stripe Trackpants

$ 10.00

Steve Junior Laceless Canvas Shoes - Navy Blue

$ 12.00

target.com.au

UNDER

Dinosaur in Space Trackpants

$ 12.00

Indie Kids by Industrie Dimeback Sweat

$ 44.95

Bauhaus Spliced Jogger

$ 39.95 Marquise 3pc Set - Top, Pant & Bib myer.com.au

$ 52.95

Lacoste Graphic sweatshirt - Lacoste x Keith Haring

splurge

$129.00

Timberland Chino pants

$120.00 Armani Junior Hoodie and tracksuit pants melijoe.com/au 94 May 2019 | mychild

$ 260.00

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

May 2019 | mychild 95 October 2018 | mychild 95

96 May 2019 | mychild

Recipes MAY 2019

Recipes by: RaisingChildren.net.au

May 2019 | mychild

Wholemeal banana and yoghurt Preparation 1.Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line an 11 cm x 21 cm loaf tin with baking paper. 2.Using an electric beater, blend the oil and honey until well mixed. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 3.In a separate bowl, mash the bananas and stir in the yoghurt. Fold through egg mixture. Fold flour and mixed spice into mixture.

Makes one loaf Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 50-60 mins cup vegetable oil cup honey 2 eggs 3 medium ripe bananas 200 gm natural yoghurt 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 250 gm wholemeal self-raising flour 1 teaspoon mixed spice

4.Spoon into prepared tin and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. 5.Remove from oven. Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Tip: add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds to the mixture for some healthy fats. 98 May 2019 | mychild

breakf

Carrot and oat mini muffins Makes 24 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes 150 gm wholemeal flour 150 gm plain rolled oats 180 gm carrots, grated (about 2 medium carrots) 70 gm honey or brown sugar 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 2 eggs 100 ml olive oil

akfast

Preparation 1.Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly oil a 24-hole mini muffin tin with olive oil spray. 2.In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, grated carrot, honey or brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix to combine. Lightly whisk eggs and add to oil. Pour into carrot mixture and mix until just combined (don’t overmix). 3.Spoon evenly into the muffin tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. 4.Allow to rest in the tin for 5 minutes before turning out and cooling on a wire rack. Tip: substitute grated pumpkin, sweet potato or zucchini for some or all of the carrot.

May 2019 | mychild

Crunchy chicken fingers Preparation 1.Preheat oven to 220Â°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper. Toss the chicken strips in flour and dust off excess. In a medium bowl, mix the egg with the chicken until coated. Pour in crushed cornflakes and toss until chicken is coated. Place onto one of the prepared baking trays, cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes. 2.Place potato wedges into a medium bowl and season. Toss with egg white until coated. Place onto the remaining baking tray. Cook for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 190Â°C. Put chicken fingers into oven and cook with potatoes for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. 3.Boil, steam or microwave broccoli, peas and corn on the cob. Serve with crunchy chicken fingers and wedges. Tip: to make crunchy fish fingers, substitute chicken for 250 gm of firm white fish cut into strips. Fish fingers can be oven baked (low-fat

100 May 2019 | mychild

Serves 2 Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 20 mins 2 chicken breasts, cut into strips 1/4 cup plain flour 1 egg, lightly whisked 1 1/2 cups cornflakes, lightly crushed 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges 1 egg white, lightly whisked 2 corn cobs, halved 1 cup peas 1 cup broccoli Tomato sauce to serve

lunc

Barbecue beef wraps Serves 4 (2 adults and 2 children) Preparation time: 10 mins Cooking time: 10 mins 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil 350 gm rump steak, thinly sliced across the grain (to keep the meat tender) 1 Spanish (red) onion, halved and thinly sliced 1 red capsicum, halved, deseeded and sliced 100 gm snow peas, sliced 2 tablespoons barbeque sauce 1 avocado, halved, deseeded and sliced 335 gm packet wholemeal or multigrain wraps

unch

PREPARATION 1.Heat a large frying pan over high heat. Add half the oil, and sear beef quickly until browned. Remove from pan. Add the remaining oil and onion to the pan, and stir for 2 minutes. Add capsicum and snow peas, and stir for a further 2 minutes. Add barbecue sauce, and stir to combine. Return beef to pan, toss together and season if necessary. 2.Heat wraps according to packet directions. 3.To assemble wraps, place spoonfuls of beef mixture vertically down the centre of the wrap and top with avocado slices. Fold the bottom up, then fold both sides in so they overlap in the centre to form a parcel. Tip: for a vegetarian alternative, use tofu or a 420 gm can of mixed Mexican beans instead of beef. If you and your children like hot and spicy flavours, serve jalapeno peppers (green chillies) on the side.

May 2019 | mychild

101

Chicken burgers with sweet potato Serves 4Â (1 burger each)Â Preparation time: 15 mins Cooking time: 15 mins 500 gm lean chicken mince 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed and chopped 2 zucchinis, grated 2 eggs 4 spring onions, chopped 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil 4 small wholemeal bread rolls, split 4 slices cheese 4 butter lettuce leaves, washed and dried 4 slices beetroot 2 tomatoes, sliced

102 May 2019 | mychild

Preparation 1.Preheat oven to 200Â°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. 2.In a medium bowl, mix together chicken mince, chickpeas, zucchini, egg and spring onions, and season with black pepper. Divide mixture into 4 patties. Put onto a plate, cover and refrigerate for 10 minutes. 3.Meanwhile, put the sweet potato into a bowl and toss with oil and paprika. Tip onto prepared baking tray, spread out and bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden. 4.Heat a barbecue grill or frying pan over mediumhigh heat, and cook patties for 4 minutes each side. 5.To assemble burgers, place cheese, lettuce, beetroot and tomato onto one half of a roll. Top with a chicken patty and other half of the roll. Serve with sweet potato wedges. Tip: double the recipe to make extra patties, and freeze them for dinner another night!

dinne

Easy pizza Preparation 1.Preheat oven to 200°C. 2.Place bread onto oven trays and spread with tomato paste. Arrange all other ingredients over the bread. Top with cheese. 3.Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes or until golden. 4.Remove from oven, and allow to cool slightly. Top with fresh basil. Cut into wedges and serve.

inner

Serves 2 adults (1 pizza each) and 2 children (pizza each) Preparation time: 5 mins Cooking time: 10 mins 3 wholemeal 20 cm Lebanese pita breads 1/4 cup tomato paste 1/2 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1/2 red capsicum, thinly sliced 6 button mushrooms, thinly sliced 1/2 cup diced fresh or tinned pineapple 1 tomato, thinly sliced 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated 1 handful fresh basil to garnish

May 2019 | mychild

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Strawberry ice blocks Preparation 1.Using a blender or food processor, blend the strawberries with the water and lemon juice. 2.Pour the strawberry puree into the yoghurt and mix until combined. 3.Pour the mixture into 6-8 ice block moulds, and gently place ice block sticks into the middle of the moulds.

Makes 6-8 ice blocks Preparation time: 10 mins, plus freezing time 1 punnet strawberries, washed with stems removed 1 cup (250 ml) water 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 cups (500 ml) natural yoghurt

4.Freeze overnight or for at least 3 hours before eating. Tip: to remove ice blocks from moulds, quickly run the mould under warm water. The ice blocks will slide out.

104 May 2019 | mychild

desser

Fresh Fruits Preparation 1.Wash and cut fruit into small pieces 2.Serve Tip: to remove ice blocks from moulds, quickly run the mould under warm water. The ice blocks will slide out.

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 5-10 mins 1 Punnet strawberries, washed with stems removed 2 Bananas 1/2 Rockmelon 2 cups of Grapes 2 Kiwi fruits 2 cups watermelon

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112 May 2019 | mychild