My Child Magazine January 2017 Issue by My Child Magazine

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

How to keep Your Toddler Entertained LABOUR BREATHING TECHNIQUES

School Mum Frenemies INTERVIEW: Jay Lagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;aia and John Forman

o t k Bac l o o h Sc Issue january 2017 | 2017 mychild ISSUE 64 - JANUARY

16 46

12 CONTENTS COVER STORIES

12 8 30

HOW TO KEEP YOUR TODDLER ENTERTAINED SCHOOL MUM FRENEMIES BASIC BREATHING TECHNIQUES TO USE IN LABOUR

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CELEBRITY READS

JAY LAGAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;AIA AND JOHN FORMAN

EVERY MONTH

6 7 34

EDITORS LETTER EDITOR PICKS BOOK REVIEWS

40 102

THE MUMMY BLOG LEARNING THE HARD WAY RECIPES

YOUR CHILD

20 16

CAN MY BABY EAT THE FOODS I EAT?

WHAT TO DO ABOUT MASTURBATION (HANDS DOWN PANTS)

HOW TO HANDLE PREGNANCY WITH A TODDLER

REAL READS

NO HEARTBEAT - THE CASSIE THISTLETON STORY

JACANA - A MOTHERS HOPE HELPING KIDS WITH DISABILITES

DAD READ

TIPS ON HOW TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR KIDS

BACK TO SCHOOL

HOW TO TO HANDLE THE SCHOOL MORNING RUSH

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE GUILT

RELATIONSHIP

PARENTS SHOULD HAVE EQUAL AUTHORITY OVER THE KIDS

SHOPPING

HI YA HOLIDAY - FASHION BY OISHI-M

SHOP KIDS FASHION

GET THE LOOK INTERIORS

TOY REVIEWS

january 2017 | mychild

EDITOR BIANCA MEDINA

ASSISTANT EDITOR JANA ANGELES

ART DIRECTOR CRAIG BURKILL

SALES DIRECTOR KATALIN CSARDAS

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS APRIL DAVIES LIZZY FOWLER LEAH SHANNON OLIVIA ARROW SHIREE ECHLIN CATH HAKANSON LISA MARIE D’ALONSO GENIE PRICE

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CONTACT: MYCHILD MEDIA & PUBLICATIONS PHONE: 0411 572 877 4/32-36 BELMORE ST, NORTH PARRAMATTA, NSW 2151

My Child magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by Cre8 Publications (ABN 70 141 165 675). No other parties or individuals have any financial interest in the company or in My Child or mychildmagazine.com.au. My Child contains general information only and does not purport to be a substitute for health and parenting advice. Readers are advised to seek a doctor for all medical and health matters. The publisher and authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. Reproduction of any material without written permission by the publisher is strictly forbidden. We cannot accept responsibility for material lost or damaged in the post or for any unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.

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Baby Carrier One The ultimate ergonomic edition www.babybjorn.com.au The Parallel Line Design is a sign of a genuine BABYBJĂ&#x2013;RN product. january 2017 | mychild

EDITOR’S LETTER Hi Lovelies, HAPPY NEW YEAR - I can not believe that we are in 2017! Yippee I’m so grateful for all that came to me in 2016. My darling little daughter Max turned 1 and is the happiest kid I know (yes - I suffer from mummy denial too). My mother survived a double bypass heart surgery and is still around to watch her grandchildren grow and I’ve started a new career in media even though I was scared shi%^less of leaving the career I’ve had for the past 10 years. When setting my resolutions each year I only choose 3 things to work on as there is no excuse for not achieved them. Since becoming a mummy, I incorporate one thing I’m going to do around my parenting style, one resolution around career and one for me personally. For my 2017 resolutions, first I’m going to get fit and healthy (yep – I’ve got to get rid of that extra baby weight I never lost and more importantly be able to chase my toddler without needing a week to recover). Second I’m going to introduce new topics in the magazine that will get people thinking and talking and keep us all up to date with relevant parenting topics and trend and last but not least, this year I’m going to spend more time with my daughter outdoors. Maxie loves the garden and water activities and I’m going to make sure that I spend more time with her doing the things she loves. Will you be setting yourself some goals for 2017? If so, feel free to share them with us at: editorial@mychildmagazine.com.au :) Now let’s take a look at what’s in the January Issue. This month is the Back to School month. We’ve covered some great topics School Mum Frenemies, How to Handle to the School Morning Rush and Before and After School Care Guilt. We also have some great articles on How to handle pregnancy when you have a toddler, Basic Breathing Techniques to use in Labour, Can my Baby Eat the Foods I Eat?, How to Keep your Toddler Entertained, What to Do About Child Masturbation (hands down the pants), Dad read on how to spend quality time with your kids and Parents should have equal authority over the kids All the usuals, interior, reviews blog and much more can also be found in this issue too. Until next month

ianca

Bianca and the mychild Team xxx 6

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xxx

editor

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SCHOOL MUM

FRENEMIES

january 2017 | mychild

BACK TO SCHOOL

Why school mums make you feel like you’re in High School all over again!

By Jana Angeles Motherhood is a journey most of us go through in life. But when it comes to re-living the “Mean Girls” experience back to when we were in high school, it’s safe to say that mothers tend to get competitive and judgemental when it comes raising children. It’s shameful to think that some mothers have this hold that they’re more “experienced” in the field of parenting but in all honesty, we’re just going through life, winging it as we go.

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Nobody knows what they’re doing and even if we do have the slightest idea of what’s right and wrong in parenting, we need to remember that everything we do is what we feel is the most suitable choice. As long as we’re showering our kids with love and support, nothing else should matter. So why do School Mum Frenemies exist? MEDIA TENDS TO SWAY OUR OPINIONS BASED ON SPECIFIC RESEARCH AND FINDINGS

up in blended families or have made the choice of remarrying. We’re all going to be judged one way or another and this is an unfortunate fact. Why do we like getting caught up in the drama in the first place? Maybe because we want to talk about something to makes us feel better about ourselves. Gossiping before learning someone’s story is a no-no. You should make the effort of getting to know someone first before you get caught in the drama. WE KNOW WHAT’S BEST

No matter what we do, some mothers will always have an opinion on how you raise your kids. If you’re using formula feed or breastfeeding, someone will go crazy over how you’ve made this decision for yourself. It’s easy to get caught up with the amount of information we have when it comes to finding certain things from the media. With the Internet being our daily source of information, we shouldn’t feel pressured into following something defined by the ma jority.

Doing copious amounts of research and taking advice from our family, friends and health professionals can really set us up for good. However, when it comes to the advice of other people, we tend to go into this automatic mindset that we know best. While we have learnt the “wrongs” and “rights” of motherhood, just because we have raised our kids well doesn’t necessarily make us the best parent.

Sometimes for specific health reasons, mothers aren’t able to breastfeed their children. Before you attack someone with your opinions, put yourselves in their shoes. Allow yourself to have an open mind and see why they have chosen a path that you may not have considered. In other words, if you have nothing nice to say then don’t say it at all.

We’re human, we make mistakes and sometimes along the way, we aren’t always prepared for the unexpected things that happen as we follow our journey of parenthood. They say knowledge is power but is it really when we’re all doing different things on our own terms? Sometimes mothers need to step back and accept the fact that what they think is best for them doesn’t necessarily work for other people.

WE ALL LIKE GETTING CAUGHT UP IN THE DRAMA Hearing juicy gossip is the start of it all. The constant whispering and the glaring, it’s almost as if you’ve been made an outcast before you even set foot on the school grounds. The reality is, people will talk about you if your family are not exactly “conventional”. The truth is many of us do go through divorce, have grown

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School Mum Frenemies are going to exist no matter what but maybe we should stop the judging and actually try to help each other out. Motherhood is already a scary enough ride so why waste time throwing negative opinions on others who are doing “wrong” for their kids? The high school days are over so let’s take a step back and give each other the benefit of the doubt when it comes to raising our children.

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TODDLER

january 2017 | mychild

HOW TO KEEP YOUR

Toddler ENTERTAINED

By Jana Angeles Toddlers are fascinating creatures and one thing that makes them so special is their ability to be entertained by the simplest things. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had trouble keeping your little ones attentive or struggling to cheer them up when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re crying in hysterics, there are plenty of ways your toddler can enjoy play time without the expensive price tag attached. Providing a safe environment where they can run with their imagination and interact with their surroundings is the best thing you can provide for your toddler in the long run. So what certain activities can your toddler do to occupy their time?

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CARDBOARD BOX One of the easiest and cheapest ways to entertain your toddler is to give them a cardbox box to play with. Considering the fact that they’re able to be creative with it can provide hours of entertainment. They can build a house, shop or car using a cardboard box. Also, they’ll have the opportunity to play with their siblings. Give them a bunch of crayons or pencils to work with and the kids can draw little artworks on the cardboard box too. They’ll have a blast! SIMPLE WOODEN BLOCKS Easy to clean up after your toddler is done with them for the day, having simple wooden blocks can really channel the inner builder of your little one. They can make towers, farms, houses and whatever else they put their imagination towards. Using “Jenga” blocks can help them construct pieces together, helping them use their motor skills effectively. A TEDDY A teddy bear is a traditional toy that has been treasured by generations of kids. Providing warmth and comfort to your little ones, a teddy bear can be a cast member for your next puppet show. It can also be a loyal companion for your little one especiall y through their toughest nights if they’re having trouble sleeping. As opposed to having many toys available to their disposable, a teddy bear is a toy they can treasure for many years to come. BABY DOLL Isn’t it beautiful to see your toddler nurture their own “baby”? A soft baby doll with minimalistic features is a perfect way to entertain your little one. With many accessories such as a stroller, bottle and baby utilities, your child will have lots of fun taking care of their pretend child. The good thing about owning a pretend doll

january 2017 | mychild

is that they cannot be easily damaged no matter how many times your child drops it, they will also have plenty of opportunity to do some outfit changes too. LET THEM WANDER AROUND THE KITCHEN We know that most of you will have child locks in your kitchen but allowing your children to explore the cupboards can help them take a keen interest on utilising the pots and pans. Though they may be loads of noise in the kitchen, your toddler will be filled with excitement as they wander through opening and closing the cupboard doors. Just be sure to lock any cabinets that have unsafe objects in them. As long as your toddler isn’t close to any breakable items, the kitchen will provide them with easy to clean up fun! BUILD A BED FORT Using your bed sheets and building a fort can really entertain your child. The idea of hiding away in a safe place will give your little one the idea that they have somewhere to spend some quiet time napping or reading bedtime stories. It’s also a fun way to spend time with your child by joining the fort with them. This way you can read together, talk together and play with their favourite toys too. A bed fort is a perfect way to relax with your toddler. Some of the best memories are created from there too. PLAY AT THE PARK With swings, slides and lots of grass to fall back on, playing at the park is another wonderful option for your toddler. We all know how much our little ones love to move about so getting some physical activity while soaking up some Vitamin D will help them love the outdoors just a bit more. Sometimes we need to get out of the house so letting your toddler have some playtime at the local park and interacting with other children can help them appreciate life outside of home.

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january 2017 | mychild

KIDS

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WHAT TO DO ABOUT CHILD

n o i t a b r tu

s a m

(HANDS DOWN PANTS)

Written by: Cath Hakanson Sometimes our kids do things that really push our buttons. And walking in on your child, with their hands down their pants busily having a fiddle, can be one of those moments. So what should we be doing when we find our child masturbating?

january 2017 | mychild

IS IT MASTURBATION? Technically, it isn’t really masturbation. In young children, it is just about touching. They are exploring their body and discover a part that feels nicer when they touch. It is usually just a vague fiddling that may become more purposeful later on when they discover that it can feel quite nice (a different ‘nice’ to what an adult feels as kids don’t climax or reach orgasm until puberty). WHY DO THEY DO IT? Some kids do, and some kids don’t. Either way it is just another normal, age-appropriate behaviour. It can be random or become a routine for some children at bedtime, when they are watching tv, of if they are bored, stressed and tired.’ They do it because it can soothe and relax them, just like thumb sucking and hair twirling does. So it is just another way that kids manage their feelings.

1. Take a deep breath – don’t panic and get angry. Shaming your child can negatively impact on their self esteem, body image and adult comfort with sex. 2. Set limits - remind them that this is a private activity that should happen in a private place (like their bedroom). It can take many reminders for them to understand the concept of private. ‘I know that this is something that you like to do, but we don’t touch our vulva/ penis/private parts when we are in front of other people. That is a private activity. Where is a private place for you?’ 3. Distract them – if you are in public or it is too hard to send them to a private place, see if you can discretely distract them from what they are doing. You could try something like ‘Look how nice it is outside, let’s go and jump on the trampoline’. Try to ignore it if it is at sleep time.

SHOULD I BE WORRIED? The only time that you should be worried, is when: • it becomes compulsive • begins to interfere with normal life • or stops your child from doing other things.

4. Send them to their room – if appropriate, send them to their room if they can’t be distracted. Gently remind them - ‘Hey, I know that that can feel nice but where do we do private activities? Do you want to go to a private place now? If not, what else can you do?‘

If you’re unsure, the Traffic Lights App by True Relationships & Reproductive Health is a fantastic tool that you can use to work out whether you should worry or not.

5. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Kids enjoy any attention, good or bad, so you could end up encouraging the behaviour. Approach it as you would approach any other annoying habit that they have.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY ARE ‘FIDDLING’? It might be ‘normal’ for kids to have a ‘fiddle’, but that doesn’t mean that we need to ignore them and just let them go for it! We need to start teaching them that there is a time and a place for it (and that isn’t whilst watching a movie on the lounge with Grandma). Just remember thought, that it can take many reminders for kids to understand that touching their genitals is a private activity and even longer for them to understand the concept of private. Private for them may be ‘fiddling’ in the corner at daycare.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU BE DOING?

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WHAT NEXT? You need to start talking to your child about what private means ie private activities and private places. This is a tricky concept for kids to understand so be prepared for an ongoing conversation. The easiest way to start is with a book and there are some fantastic books that will help you to introduce this concept. You can find a list of suitable book in this parent resource – Sex Education Books for Children: The Parent Guide, over at Sex Ed Rescue.

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BABY

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CAN

My Baby

EAT THE FOODS I EAT ? BY OLIVIA ARROW

Introducing solids is a ma jor milestone in a baby’s life. When we introduce solids we are helping our babies learn to eat, developing their teeth and jaws and also building other skills that will later help with language development. Introducing solids is an exciting time for new parents. Once you get over the excitement - yes you’ll find that you get excited about your baby finally eating solids, then comes a whole lot of questions about what to feed your baby? Giving your baby the experience of new tastes and textures from a range of foods is key in making sure that they get the nutrients that they need for a balanced and healthy diet. There is so much information out there and it can be overwhelming to know what is best for bub. The ideal scenario is to feed your baby what you are eating, but can that be done? You can introduce solids in any order as long as they include iron rich foods. This means that there is no need for you to have to cook special meals for bub, however you will need to make sure that the food is the right texture.

Most of us newbie parents start bub on ironfortified infant rice cereals, I did and even mixed it with formula as instructed, when I tasted it though, I thought it was awful – yuk, how could I feed my baby something I wouldn’t eat? I had stewed apple halves in the fridge (I have these with muesli in the mornings and they were stewed with a bit of honey and and cinnamon), I grabbed them and whizzed them in the food processor until smooth and running and used this instead of formula to mix with my baby’s cereal. It tasted great and was a big hit with bub. I did mix up my stewed apples and add in blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, mango, pear, peach and kiwi fruit just to name a few and this gave bub and me a bit of variety. After my first food sharing experience, I decided that if I cooked food and was considerate that my baby was eating too, that I should be able to cook for us all without the need to cook separately for bub. Chili was severed on the side and we did eat a lot more vegies but other than that we seemed to be doing fine with all eating the same foods it just had to be the right texture.

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Some of bubs favorite dishes at 4- 6 months were:

• Fruit like peach, banana, apple, melon, pear, avocado etc.

• Curried lentil and veggies with rice. This had no chili and was mild in spices

• Oats, bread, rice and pasta

• Beef Goulash with mashed potatoes – mostly potatoes with bit of beef and sauce • Chicken and Mushroom stew with sweet potato mash • Chicken soup

• Dairy Foods like yoghurt and full-fat cheeses • Meats like fish, beef, chicken and lamb • Legumes and Cooked egg - not raw or runny egg. • Herbs and Spice – no chili or hot/burning spice flavors

• Pumpkin soup • Broccoli soup • Bean and veggie soup Blending food was all it took and adding a bit of boiled water to thin out the food or rice cereal to thicken up runnier dishes was all that was needed to get the right texture. I was careful and always had a blander food base like sweet potato, potato or rice and added the flavor slowly as to not overwhelm the developing taste buds. We also ate a lot steamed/boiled vegies like green beans, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, beetroot and asparagus and corn which could all be blended for bub without a ma jor fuss. At around 7 months we moved onto mashing the food and introduce egg, cooked boneless fish, minced meat, tofu and more tropical fruits and nut pastes as well as the occasional lamb cutlet bone or chicken leg bone which was a well loved treat with those teeth coming through. Creating a menu to suit all the family is a great way of establishing good eating habit. If you have a family history of food allergies, introducing one new food at a time can help identify any allergic reactions your child may have, otherwise there’s no need to introduce just one food at a time. Below is a list of the foods l like to use in family meals: • Vegetables like cooked sweet potato, carrot, beans, beetroot, corn, asparagus etc.

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If everyone is eating the same thing, this will also help you. As your child grows older they will learn that everyone eats the same thing at meal times and should reduce the need to cook special meals for the kids. Everyone is different and has a different approach to introducing solids to a baby’s diet. I found that by feeding my baby the foods I ate (with a little consideration) has made it really easy for me to cook for the family. It’s great as bub has a wide great variety of food in her diet and when we go to dinner at family or friends places, I just carry the bowl and masher (I got one from kmart for $4) and can mash up whatever is being served. Bub is always happy to eat what’s being served and on the odd occasion the food snob comes out, I’ll grab the emergency meal I packed for those just in case moments. Please note that it is recommended that you must keep breastfeeding or using infant formula until at least 12 months, as well as introducing solids. After 12 months, your baby can have full-fat cow’s milk from a cup or bottle. Always supervise babies and young children when they’re eating solid food. Always take care with hard foods like nuts and meat with small bones, because these are a choking hazard/risk. Sitting with your baby while they eat not only helps to prevent choking, it also encourages social interaction and helps your baby learn about eating.

january 2017 | mychild

PREGNANCY

HOW TO HANDLE PREGNANCY WITH A TODDLER By Jana Angeles Being in your third trimester while having a toddler running around sounds like a nightmare. But you don’t have to do everything on your own! Now that you’re going through pregnancy a second time round, it’s a lot different to what you handled before when you were carrying your first-born. There’s enough things to worry about as a mother but that doesn’t mean your second journey with pregnancy should be overwhelming. So is it possible to juggle pregnancy with a toddler? What tips should you take on board with your second child arriving?

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DON’T BE HARD ON YOURSELF You haven’t vacuumed in the last week. The laundry has been neglected and you can’t seem to find some clean clothes anywhere. We understand how challenging it is to do chores as well as cooking for the family too. Remember to not stress yourself over the little things and understand that you’re not a superwoman. These tasks will be done eventually when all the chaos with pregnancy is over, so for now relax and don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re doing your best! ASK FOR HELP Getting grandma in a couple of days is a smart move especially if you’re struggling to do things on your own when you’re in your second or third trimester. Having extra help around the house can be beneficial for you especially if you want everything to remain clean. You’ll also find that grandma can take out your toddler for a couple of hours if you want some downtime for yourself. If no one from the family is available, consider hiring a teenage babysitter that can look after your child a couple of hours a week. It can do all the difference if you have at least one person that can help you out. TAKE NAPS WHENEVER YOU CAN! Are you struggling to get some rest during the day? Naps are the perfect solution if you want to rejuvenate yourself especially when you feel like you’ve been running around all day. When your child is napping, you can snooze for about twenty minutes. If you’re child is off to daycare, try and nap while they’re away too. You shouldn’t feel guilty resting because in the end, naps can help you give that boost of alertness you need to get through the day. ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE FROM YOUR TODDLER Getting your toddler to help you out on small tasks can encourage your them to become independent and less reliant on you. Sometimes our little ones can get clingy so it may be hard at first but starting small and building on to larger tasks can also help you manage your time efficiently when doing

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household chores. Having your toddler help you can provide many benefits and it will also give them a sense of responsibility too. They’ll also feel proud if they complete these tasks successfully. Being positive and encouraging is the way to go if you want your toddler to gain a little independence from you. TRY TO DO YOUR ERRANDS ONLINE You might’ve been used to paying your bills in person or taking a lovely stroll down your favourite aisle in the supermarket. Now that you have a toddler while pregnant, doing these errands away from home is simply not possible anymore. Instead of having you run around all over the shopping mall, try and get everything done online. You can order and deliver your groceries to your home and you can pay for your bills with internet banking too. Now you can save the drive to the shops and use your time efficiently by doing your errands at home! DO SOME TASKS IN THE EVENING If you want the next day to run as smooth as possible, get some tasks out of the way the night before. Whether it’s packing for school lunches, doing prep for next morning’s breakfast or paying your bills online, it’ll save you time completing these things instead of having to get up early in the morning. It’ll also allow you to sleep in for longer or have more time spent on challenging tasks set out for you the next day. PLAY GAMES YOU CAN MANAGE WITH YOUR TODDLER Playing tips is just not an option anymore when you’re carrying a little one in your womb. Don’t stress yourself out and feel pressured to do anything physical with your toddler. Avoid any heavy lifting and be cautious of your limits. When playing games, opt out for board games, kid-friendly video games, colouring or hosting a tea party. If you keep all the games simple, you and your toddler can bond and have a great time without the stress of having to move around with your baby bump!

Handling pregnancy with a toddler has its challenges but that doesn’t mean you can’t juggle the two together. Always remember that there are people out there that can help you out especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Toddlers have so much energy, it’s hard to keep up but if you show support and love towards them during this tricky time, they’ll understand and appreciate your efforts.

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A new survey reveals the feelings and woes about infant development A baby’s first steps are a moment of joy for parents and were listed as the most important infant milestone in a new survey asking Australian mums about their feelings, fears and focal areas when it comes to their child’s development. Commissioned by nappy brand, BabyLove, the survey of more than 1,000 Australian mothers found that most mums (90 per cent of respondents) feel overwhelmingly proud when their baby reaches a milestone, and a further six per cent are ‘relieved’. The survey, undertaken in July 2016, found that almost half of mums admit to feeling worried and even ‘freaked out’ when other babies reach a milestone before their own child (46 per cent of respondents). The most important milestones included crawling and walking, which was nominated as the most important by just over a third of mums (36 per cent), followed by sleeping through the night (elected by 28 per cent of respondents), toilet training (20 per cent of respondents) and selfsoothing (16 per cent of those surveyed). 28

january 2017 | mychild

To support these important milestones, BabyLove has developed Australia’s first nappy pant to accommodate the developmental changes of a baby aged from six months, which include increasing mobility and independence. With no tabs to struggle with, the 360 degree stretchy waist is easy to pull up and down, enabling parents to more easily change a wriggly baby. Aptly named Wriggler, the new nappy pant is designed with the infant in mind to explore their surrounds without a bulky nappy. “Developmental milestones are very important for parents, as they monitor the growth and development of their baby. Being a parent is one of the most important roles we will ever have. With that pressure comes apprehension and anxiety, as well as anticipation and excitement. It’s more than normal to experience these emotions during this time because you want the best for your child,” said Leanne Hall, Clinical Psychologist and BabyLove spokesperson. Today’s mums are generally confident and relaxed in their role, and like seasoned parents before them, the majority are most worried that their baby is ‘happy and content’. With BabyLove’s Wriggler Nappy Pants, you can change your ‘little wriggler’ with ease! The only Nappy Pant in Australia specially designed for babies weighing 7-11kgs, they take the struggle (and distraction tactics) out of change time. With an RRP of $16.99 for a pack of 34 nappies, the range is widely available at Woolworths, Coles, IGA, Big W, Babies’R’US, Chemist Warehouse, and other leading retailers and online stores.

For a free BabyLove Wriggler Nappy Pants sample, head to babylovenappies.com.au. About BabyLove Watching a child grow is an important and joyful time for any parent. BabyLove strives to continuously develop outstanding baby products that help parents and their baby on this exciting journey. BabyLove nappies are designed to help children stay comfy and happy. BabyLove Cosifit™ features Australian first patented technology to help protect baby’s delicate skin from red marks.

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Research was conducted by Colmar Brunton in July 2016 and is based on a sample of 1,052 Australian mums. january 2017 | mychild

BIRTH

january 2017 | mychild

BASIC BREATHING TECHNIQUES FOR LABOUR

Written by Jana Angeles The big day is here! You’re starting to feel contractions everywhere and siren alarms are going off in your brain; you’re little one finally wants to enter the world you live in. As mothers, we don’t necessarily have much preparation when it comes to pregnancy other than the reliance of others that have gone through the journey before, pregnancy articles (like ours!) and interesting documentaries we’ve come across from time-to-time. Motherhood requires less preparation and more time to learn new things as we go and we sometimes forget that following what’s written in books may not be the best approach. You’re counting down the

days until your little boy or girl arrives but not sure what the breathing techniques are for labour. But let’s be real here, who really does? If you’re one of the lucky ones about to give birth, this article will help you nail the basic breathing techniques you need to know for labour. SIMPLE BREATHING TECHNIQUES When it comes to simple breathing techniques, it’s important to keep calm and relaxed while breathing. Depending on the intensity of contractions, you want to be able to adjust accordingly by taking on board techniques that will help you breathe at a normal pace. During labour, you may feel stressed at the lack of support you’re receiving. As long as you find ways to help you feel calm and collected, breathing

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in-and-out in a relaxed manner will come out naturally. Here are some ways to adjust your breathing levels normally while in labour: • When you’re breathing, try and breathe in through your nose and out of your mouth. It may be helpful to make sounds while breathing. For example, your “oooooooh”s or “aaaaaah”s. In-between contractions, make sure you have a cup of water nearby to prevent you from having a dry mouth. • Following ‘counted breathing’ is another simple technique to use during contractions. When you’re breathing in, hold your breath and count to three, as you breathe out, count to three again. With this technique, you’ll find it can help you structure the pace of your breathing especially if stress levels are on a high • Think of the word ‘relax’. When breathing in, think of the syllable ‘re’ to yourself. When you’re breathing out, let go and think ‘laaaaax’. In this way, you’ll be able to draw out any stress and nervousness related to the contractions you’re having. In the course of labour, you will start to experience pain so implementing simple breathing techniques aren’t enough to sustain you from the stress of giving birth. When it comes to that point, you should keep in mind these tips: • Having your birth partner there to help you breathe is one way to keep your mind off the pain. With their support, you’ll be able to do breathing exercises together. It’s a huge advantage if you took birthing classes together to help prepare for the big day.

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• When you’re feeling tired due to the irregular breathing from labour, make sure your birth partner is there to hold your hand and encourage you even when the going get’s tough. Not only will you feel more grounded and calm, you’ll feel lucky to know that you’re not doing this alone. • Do a lot of practise when it comes to co-breathing with your partner. It helps doing some preparation before the event of the birth. • When you reach the second stage of labour, get ready to push out your baby in no time. By this stage, your contractions will become much more intense so when you feel urges to push a couple of times, follow the way your body reacts. • Avoid holding your breath and having your chin against your chest when pushing your baby out. This can potentially damage your pelvic floor and it might leave you with long-term bladder problems. WHAT IF I’VE TAKEN AN EPIDURAL? If you’ve taken an epidural, make sure you wait at least an hour from the time you are fully dilated before you start pushing your baby out. Remain calm during this process and listen to your midwife when they start telling you to push. They will let you know if the contractions are happening. Remember to take a number of breaths and push each time. Overall, giving birth is one of the most precious moments you’ll share with your family. Even though the process of giving birth isn’t a painless method, remember that those hours of pain will lead to decades worth of happiness and fulfillment in your life. One of the best feelings in the world is to finally holding your baby in your arms after nine long months. Hold on to that fact.

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BOOK

reviews

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Our Last Trip To The Market Words by Lorin Clarke, illustrated by Mitch Vane It’s a fabulous day to visit the market, and there’s so much to see! A busker dressed as a clown, fruit stalls, a baker, people on bikes… and Annabelle can’t help but pick everything up! Maybe this really will be their last trip to the market! If you’ve ever attempted a family trip to the market then you will revel in this delicious tale of calamity and fun – the predictable outcome of taking unruly kids to a crowded place like the market! Written by author and podcaster Lorin Clarke, Our Last Trip To The Market is complemented by Micth Vane’s expressive illustrations, best known for her Little Lunch series with husband, Danny Katz. Perfect for children aged two to five, this is a warm and fun read.

Mopoke By Philip Bunting This is the first picture book from author illustrator Philip Bunting and it tells the tale of an owl (Mopoke is the Aus tra lian nickname name given to the Southern Boobook species of owl) struggling to find peace. With an emphasis on illustrations and sparse text (a picture tells a thousand words, after all), this book puts the onus on the parent to help bring the beautiful story to life through intonation, volume and dramatic pauses. “Through this method I hope to encourage more playful interaction between the parent and child, and allow the book to become a platform for deep and focussed engagement,” says author, Bunting. This book is perfect for any toddler, and parents may enjoy the underlying message that teaches our children it’s not always possible to get what we want.

Eddie Frogbert By Sue deGennaro Eddie isn’t like other frogs. He’s not all that big, and he’s not all that brave. He is, however, the pride and joy of his family, and has his feet very firmly on the ground. Written by award-winning Australian authorillustrator Sue deGennaro, Eddie Frogbert is a laugh-out-loud tale about a small green frog who needs to take a BIG leap. With deGennaro’s trademark, quirky illustrations, both you and your child will enjoy this heart warming tale. Suitable for children aged three to six.

Neon Leon Words by Jane Clarke, illustrations by Britta Teckentrup Chameleons have it so easy. Everywhere they go, they effortlessly fit in. But not Leon. In fact, Leon is so brightly coloured, he’s been keeping everybody else up at night, so he goes off in search of the perfect place to blend in. Complete with vibrant illustrations, this imaginative and interactive book allows your little learner to follow Leon on his adventure, counting the number of steps he has to take, settling him to sleep and even offering him reassurance when he’s feeling blue. Written in rhyme by Gilbert The Great’s Jane Clarke, this is a clever book with a strong and important message about friendship and finding your place in the world. It’s perfect for reading with your two-to five-year old.

REVIEWED

Lizzy Flower january 2017 | mychild

THE

MUMMY

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blog january 2017 | mychild

Learning the HARD WAY WRITTEN BY: SHEREE ECHLIN

Do you ever sit and think (yeah I know that’s rare enough as a mum!) what the hell am I doing?! How am I doing this mum thing? Three years in and I’m still winging it...on a daily basis. There is no instruction manual, no rule book and every child is so different that even if you think you have some idea of how to handle a situation based on your other children, you are usually so far off the mark you don’t stand a chance! In other words, as parents we are forever going to be up the proverbial creek without a paddle! I may look calm, composed and in control to my fellow mum friends but I think that is just my “mum” face. That look you get when your child/children have irritated you so badly and to avoid going off your na-na all the time you just clamp your teeth shut and smile/speak through them like you have had Botox injections and can’t move your face. Except I think in my case it just stays a lot of the time in preparation for the next round. And let me tell you, there are plenty of those at the moment. It’s a tough gig, this thing we call motherhood. Endless hours, little to no thanks a lot of the time and you often find yourself covered in who knows what. But it’s funny how you wouldn’t change anything. Well maybe a few little things but that may just be a story for another day. Your dearest darling children (said through “mum” face clenched teeth)

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can be cranky tired gremlins and some small part of you still loves them. Some days I wonder why with my cheeky pair. Just kidding (I think)! I have days where I think ten rounds in a boxing ring could be easier than dealing with grumbling whining children. Honestly a sandwich is still a sandwich whether it’s triangles or squares, but no not when you are three, it’s one way (also known as her way) or no way at all (translated to tantrum time). The folding of the arms, foot stomping and huffing and puffing are all an added bonus. Oh and the extra extra bonus of “I don’t like you anymore Mummy” is just the icing on the cake these days. It probably seems like I give my beautiful girls a bad rap. They are pretty good.... most of the time. But as most parents know, if you’re the lucky one who spends a big chunk of the day/night or whenever with your kids, you get to see all varying shades of their character, usually in a small space of time too. The good, the bad, the ugly and the unpredictable. It’s almost the definition of parenting. I’m still holding onto hope that one day far in the future we can be friends. Slim hope that is with an attitude riddled threeanger pretty much ruling the roost. Strong willed is probably the best way to describe my girls, well at least Miss Izzie is...

for now. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, sorry my beautiful girls! I’m not afraid of them being strong willed out in the big bad world but sometimes I wish I didn’t have to deal with it multiple times, every single day. If you had asked me five years ago if I pictured myself arguing with a three-year-old about simple things like picking a book up off the floor or having a drink of water on a hot day, I would likely have laughed in your face! I’m left wondering who is laughing now… It’s funny (or not so much) how your views and perspectives as a hypothetical parent change dramatically (or drastically) once you’re living and breathing the real deal. There are so many things you say you will never, ever do as you watch other

parents handle their painful....I mean delightful... offspring. Oh but how differently things play out when you are faced with a temperamental child of your very own. Sometimes I think there is no right or wrong way to react, you’re doomed anyway (haha!). Kids will be kids and as long as you’re doing things the best you can, just keep on going. If all else fails, keep your fridge stocked with chocolate and wine, you never know when you will need them. My home is full of tears, tantrums, fun, laughter and chaos, (oh possibly chocolate and wine too), never boring or dull that’s for sure. Relive more of my stories at shereeechlin.com

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RELATIONSHIP

Parents Should Have Equal Authority Over The Kids

By Jana Angeles Parenting is a tough job. Though it may seem like our kids are going to listen to us all the time, there’s going to be moments where we will be angry or disappointed towards them when they do something wrong. How we work together as a team can really channel the authority we have over our kids. The aim is to not be a pushover and to set some ground rules to avoid any mishaps from happening. As parents, we should be helping our children grow into the best version of themselves. Having equal authority can both channel new perspectives to our children. How you work together, communicate and set ground rules is something parents should do and it’s important that you share equal authority and not hold the title of “favourite parent”. So what ways can we show our kids we have equal authority over them? january 2017 | mychild

SET A FEW GROUND RULES THAT CHILDREN CAN EASILY FOLLOW The last thing you want to do is set some rules that your children will easily forget. Setting a few rules (three or four) can sound pretty basic but if you want them to remember all of them, only telling them the important ones can help them make better choices. Discuss with your partner what rules you would like to implement and see if both of you agree on the same things. If not, reach a compromise and set up a new list of rules you’re both happy with. KNOW THE BALANCE BETWEEN BEING LENIENT AND STRICT When it comes to raising children, especially teenagers, it’s important to find the balance between being lenient and strict. Being too strict can hinder the independence of your teenagers and being too lenient can encourage them to break the rules more often than they should. Having a balance between leniency and strictness can help your kids become trustworthy of you. Furthermore, if you lay down the consequences of actions that either anger or disappoint you, let them know what punishments they have to endure (ie. grounding them for a week, no mobile or internet etc). COMMUNICATE YOUR PARENTING STYLES AND REACH A COMPROMISE It’s inevitable for both of you to have different parenting styles to one another. The important thing to do is communicate and be honest with yourselves. Do you think paying for chores is really needed? How flexible are you with curfew time? Do you support sleepovers or not? Meeting each other halfway can help you figure out the grey areas of these questions. As parents, our styles of parenting can clash with one another but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it work when it comes to

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raising our children. Remember the rules you implemented have to reflect your parenting values equally. Don’t settle with them unless you both agree with one another completely. SPEND QUALITY FAMILY TIME TOGETHER Family time together is an important way to rekindle those bonds you have with your children. As they grow into teenagers, it’s harder for us to catch up with them when they’ve reached that age of earning their license, hanging out with friends or working part-time at the local grocery store. If you spend at least a couple of hours doing something you love as a family, your children will realise how important they are to you and your genuine concern over their wellbeing and happiness. There’s a difference between being overbearing and caring; your child will not open up to you unless you give them the appropriate time and space when it comes to their problems. Aim to have an open mind when it comes to these family discussions and cherish your time together as a family. Every family’s dynamic is unique. Depending on culture, age and values, people will always have a different opinion on authority when it comes to our kids. Remember that no parent is perfect and eventually, our kids will be making some mistakes overtime. They will disappoint us in some way or another and that’s okay. As long as they learn from what they’ve done, we should be encouraging support and compassion towards them, especially throughout their teenage years. We have the capability of showing them what it means to be responsible role models. By showing your children love and strength in your own relationship, you inspire them in many ways to do their best in everything.

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HOW TO HANDLE THE SCHOOL MORNING RUSH By Jana Angeles The New Year is an exciting time for parents and as we approach it with new goals and aspirations, we also want our children to do well in school. Once the Summer holidays are nearing the end, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult for us to go back into the morning routine we were once used to. It can also become an intense time for parents especially when it comes to dealing with the tantrums, the crying and constant nagging.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

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It’s easy to get lost in the moment and to expect so much from our children but once you nail down an efficient morning routine, looking back won’t be an option. So how can we go back to the morning routine and prepare ourselves for the unexpected? We come up with effective ways that could help you and your partner deal with the dreaded school morning rush. BE THE FIRST PERSON TO GET UP Nobody likes getting up in the morning and we understand that sometimes we get carried away the night before and sleep a little later than usual. Now that school is back, we must make the effort of being up before the kids are. Getting out of bed thirty minutes beforehand can give us the opportunity to unwind and recoup our thoughts for the day. You can sneak in a light jog, meditate or cook up a big breakfast for yourself. This way, you’ll gain the confidence to tackle on the challenges of the day by spending adequate time alone. Make the effort of getting enough sleep Being a night owl is just not an option anymore when it comes to being a parent. Having less than eight hours of sleep can really make us feel sluggish and unmotivated in the morning. Even though it may be tempting to binge-watch your favourite TV show, choosing sleep is a smarter option. If you get enough sleep, you’ll feel happier and less grouchy. You’ll also have some extra energy to get your kids ready for school and have an increased tolerance if they start showing attitude towards you. PLAN EVERYTHING THE NIGHT BEFORE You can save a lot of time if you take advantage of doing some preparation

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the night before. Packing school lunches, laying out their uniform, signing all school forms and checking if bags are properly packed can do wonders and will save you the effort of doing these things last minute. Being organised can help make your mornings stressfree while also motivating you to plan ahead. Get your kids into the habit of getting their school forms signed on the day they receive them so they don’t miss any deadlines. GET THE KIDS TO HELP YOU OUT When your children get older, let them undertake the simple tasks of getting ready for school. Encourage them to help out when it comes to making school lunches and also packing the things they need for school. Letting

your kids help out with these simple tasks can teach them how to get ready themselves. It will also encourage them to develop their sense of responsibility and independence. TAKE A BREAK FROM TECHNOLOGY While it sounds like a good idea to unwind with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, going through a social media detox during the school morning rush is a smart tactic. Distracting yourself with technology can make you unfocused and it won’t do you any favours if you’re trying to get your children to brush their teeth and shower too. Designate your time for social media and replying to emails when the kids are already in school. Always try and prioritise what needs to get done during the school morning rush.

SET TIME LIMITS Is your child taking slower than usual when it comes to getting ready? Setting time limits is an efficient way for your kids to get ready for school. Scheduling a time limit to eat breakfast, spending time in the bathroom and changing into uniform can help kids learn the concept of time management. This will also get them into the habit of planning how long each task should take and encourage them to follow the routine. PLAN BREAKFAST MEALS There’s no time for kids to be picky with breakfast so let them choose what to eat the day or night before. Making this decision will help them become organised and they’ll know what meal they can look forward to the next morning. Sitting with your children and discussing their breakfast meals will save time and drama; it will also eliminate the whining and the crying. This will help parents immensely if they know their kids are indecisive too when it comes to food. Being stuck in a School morning routine doesn’t have to be mundane. Even though it feels like it, remind yourself that it’s for the best to keep your children organised when getting ready for school. As long as you find the time to unwind before the chaos begins, you’ll be doing yourself a favour. We understand that going back into a morning routine after the holidays can be difficult but remember it’ll take a couple of weeks for your kids to adjust again. Mornings are a struggle but once your kids grow into adults, the School Morning Rush is one of those childhood things you’ll definitely miss!

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REAL LIFE

No Heartbeat - Cassie Thistleton Story The 12th of October 2012 marks the birth of my second baby, our beautiful baby boy Dex. Dex was born at 37+3 weeks gestation at a healthy 7lb 2oz and perfect to the eye. His shoulders were broad, a chiselled chest with defined biceps, short black curls, perfectly puckered lips and chubby cheeks. Mummy and Daddy couldn't be more proud, he was the image of a strong man in the making. This year would mark Dex's fourth birthday. Leading up to Dexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth the pregnancy was progressing just like any other. I had been told at our morphology scan at 20 weeks gestation that Dex had a Single Umbilical Artery (SUA), we were told it was common and the only real concern was restricted growth. I had attended an antenatal appointment at the hospital three days prior, 9th October, for a check-up. The doctor performed the usual standard checks, heartbeat, measurements and my blood pressure and then I was on my way

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The next day, 10th October, I had travelled to Brisbane from the Gold Coast with my husband and whilst he had a few jobs to do I rushed off to the shops to get some last minute items in readiness for the new arrival. Wondering around the shops I was stopped in my tracks on three different occasions with sharp pains shooting down into my vagina and radiating down my leg. I cut the shopping short and headed back to my husband for fear my waters would break in the middle of the shops! I wasn’t too concerned at this point as I had a preterm labour with my first baby and just assumed that this was a high possibility again. Heading home from Brisbane that afternoon I sat in the passenger seat with my husband and not long into the trip I started to experience some really erratic movements from my baby. Dex was usually a pretty active baby but on this occasion his movements were different. My husband giggled and commended Dex on his strength but I wasn’t smiling. I looked to my husband and said, no no it’s not funny this really hurts. The erratic behaviour ceased moments later and the worry left me soon after. We arrived home, collected my eldest child from school and went about our evening as usual. That night I remember having a restless sleep. I remember waking several times tossing and turning because I felt queasy and not quite right. It wasn’t enough to completely rouse me. The next morning, I woke earlier than usual with cramps like the onset of labour. I had been to the toilet two or three times with loose bowels and having been through labour before I was positive this was it. I told my husband to head out for his last surf but to check in with me every 30 minutes, meanwhile I went about getting my daughter ready for school and headed off on the school run. Until this point Dex was displaying normal behaviours. I dropped my daughter at 52

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school and gave her the rundown of what to expect after school as I was sure I’d be in the hospital delivering our baby. Heading back on my 15 minute trip home I felt Dex throw quite a strong kick, I was still having contractions every five minutes but still very mild. Within an hour of arriving home I didn’t feel right. The contractions had dwindled away and I felt that Dex was being still…too still. My husband called to check in with me and I expressed my concerns with him, he reassured me that Dex was just going quiet because of the pending labour. I wasn’t convinced but I didn’t want to overreact. I was eager to get Dex to move so I started with the at home tips to get baby moving. I had icey cold water, laid on my left side and ate something sweet but nothing. I poked and prodded my belly and still nothing. By now my husband was home, he was still convinced that labour was coming and that we would be having him today. That afternoon we had our antenatal class at the hospital. We sat in the classroom with 14 other couples. At this point I still hadn’t felt my baby move so I leant over and said to my husband that I wanted to have the baby checked at the end of the class if I still hadn’t felt him. He agreed. The class came to an end and still nothing so we headed up to the maternity ward to get checked over. Heading into the room the nurse was optimistic. She had me lay up on the bed and fumbled around to find the Fetal Heart Doppler. The Doppler went on and a heartbeat was picked up, my husband looked at me like see I told you so, but straight away I knew it was mine. I stared blankly back at him and shook my head. The nurse tried to reassure me and said that their machines are not always accurate. She hurried off to get the mobile ultrasound machine. As soon as my baby came up on the screen it confirmed my worst fears and instantly my world was turned upside down, he was gone. “I’m sorry. There’s no heartbeat” are the words that will haunt me forever.

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The next day, 12th October, I birthed my baby boy Dex Gregory Thistleton, 6.02pm, 7lb 2oz, 50cm in length and absolutely perfect in every single way.

shattered that day. I will never see my little boy again and that is the hardest, most agonising feeling I will ever endure in my whole life.

Looking back I knew that morning that our little boy had gone, call it mothers instinct, I just knew. We ordered an autopsy on Dex but unfortunately his cause of death was never found, they also did not relate the SUA to his passing.

I love you more than anything in this world Dex. I would give it all up to be with you again, but I have a duty to your three beautiful sisters. I will see you again. I miss you every single moment of every day. The emotion stuck within me could make me fall apart.

It’s important to note that there IS a cause of death, but as it stands stillbirth is lacking research to be able to explain the 40 per cent of deaths that go unexplained. If I knew then what I know now the things I wish I could have changed... I would have quizzed my doctor at the appointment two days prior with more questions. Why was I measuring ahead? The doctor was very wishy-washy and the appointment was so rushed. One day prior, when I experienced firstly the shooting pains then the erratic painful movements I wish I had been educated by the medical professionals that these were signs of distress. I wish I had gone to be checked. The day he passed away, I wish that I went to the hospital as soon as I had a feeling that something wasn’t right. I wish I had trusted my intuition and been checked. I could have saved his life. Life for me since has been a never ending circle of acceptance, regret, anger and questioning what went wrong and what could I have done to save him. My life has changed forever, I am not the same person I once was, I fight my own inner battle to choose life or death, I struggle with the bad day just being a bad day and that the universe is not out to get me. The desire within me to have my baby back in my arms is so intense that I could let out a blood curdling scream. All my dreams I had for our life together and for him were 54

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Until we meet again. Please watch over your sisters. I love you baby. Love Mumma xox.

WHAT IS STILLBIRTH? A baby is stillborn if it passes away after 20 weeks’ gestation, or weighs more than 400 grams. STATISTICS Every day six babies die of stillbirth in Australia, one every four hours. For every baby that dies of SIDS, 35 are stillborn. In Australia stillbirth is the most common cause of death in children under 12 months old. STILLBIRTH FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA “One child is dying from stillbirth every four hours in Australia and more needs to be done to invest in research and education campaigns,” said General Manager of Stillbirth Foundation Australia, Victoria Bowring. “It is vital that parents know about the risk factors, warning signs and possible prevention measures that can save their baby’s life.” WHAT CAN BE DONE? For more information on stillbirth awareness and prevention or to donate to the Stillbirth Foundation Australia, please visit: www.stillbirthfoundation.org.au/donate

Fridge-to-go! As parents we all want what’s best for our kids and when it comes to school lunches, there is nothing like a nice cool lunch on a hot summer day for your little ones to enjoy. If you’re looking for a cooler bag that can do the job, look no further than Fridge-togo cooler bags. They have been voted the BEST performing lunch box according to parents and here are some of the reasons why: • Stays cold up to 8 hours for a full day away from home!

• Super Easy to Use – insert the panel into the zipped pocket, fill your bag with fresh food and drinks and go! It’s much more than just a cooler bag that you can take everywhere! Replace all those old coolers bags you have gathering dust with one that really works and functions like your home refrigerator! Give yourself piece of mind and make life easy. Grab your Fridge-to-go cooler bag now before the kids start back at school. www.fridge-to-go.net.au

• Durable, collapsible, easily stored, reusable and environmentally friendly - BPA, PVC-free and lead-safe.

january 2017 | mychild

BACK TO SCHOOL

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BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE GUILT Why working parents shouldn’t feel guilty about using before and after school care services By Genie Price Contemplating before or after school care? Let’s talk about why working parents shouldn’t feel guilty about leaving children in care. The decision to put your child into care is one which can be both unsettling as well as emotionally challenging. Whether it be a day care or before and after school care programme, guilt consumes us, trying to convince us that we are doing wrong by our children and that we should stay home.

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A survey conducted by Care for Kids Australia found that parental guilt, Mother’s in particular, is the hardest part about returning to the workplace, so let’s ease this factor and talk about why you shouldn’t feel remorseful about leaving your children in before and after school care.

Strong attachments and relationships early in life help your child to learn about the world around them and what to expect, research informs us that through positive interactions with other adults, your child is more likely to have better physical and mental health and fewer behaviour problems.

• YOUR CHILD BECOMES MORE SOCIABLE Before and after school care programmes often run while hosting 30 plus children of varied age groups [between ages 4-14]. Being in large groups similar to school is important because these environments expose children to many social situations where they will be able to adapt old and learn new ways to deal with friendships and conflict as it arises.

• HELPS BOOST INDEPENDENCE When we spend many days and weeks with our babies and young children [even though we won’t always admit it] – we do everything for them [at times]. Therefore, having your child in either before or after school care can support their independence from you.

How children deal with these situations emotionally can be tested and developed more. • MIXED AGED SETTINGS ENCOURAGE ACCEPTANCE When your child is exposed to mixed aged settings they begin to develop an understanding of the needs of others and an appreciation towards those children not at the same level or age as them. Often in these settings, you will see older children foster and nurture relationships with younger siblings as well as younger peers. A positive benefit all round, as it strengthens not only a bond between siblings but also encourages acceptance of others also. • HELPS WITH ROUTINE Another benefit to having your child in a before and after school care programme is that it can help to establish a routine. Often, these routines are ones which you as a parent may find difficult to implement due to the emotional attachment you have with your children, such as homework time and quiet and rest times. Your child will also establish consistency and build relationships with other trusted adults.

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When your child is among others and being instructed by another adult, it confirms the external relationships as well helps them to adapt their behaviours in social settings by promoting self-confidence in their own choices while you are not around. • PROMOTES FURTHER LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT School is for learning as are before and after school care programmes, which are great for supporting the individual interests of each child. Whether it be that your child wants to learn about bugs or that they want to explore science, after school care programmes can often cater for these interest and support your child to be actively involved in the process. There is no stress on you to find the appropriate resources, however we do suggest collaborating about your child’s interests with the carers to be a good idea. • MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD AND EQUAL We left the best till last. We know you feel guilty, we all have at one point or another. And, even though you may be having second thoughts about returning to work and leaving your children in care with others, you will slowly see the benefits of choosing to do so. Doctor Gayle Peterson, a prenatal and family development therapist confirms that when

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january 2017 | mychild

a mother’s employment is satisfactory, both she and her children benefit. Such benefits are: • You will become more attuned to your own needs and will strengthen your own sense of self and see the positive influences you are making within the family. • Your self-confidence will be heightened which then helps boost your child’s selfesteem as well: after all, children inherit and learn self-esteem by identifying with those they love. • You will also feel as though you are contributing more to the finances and the family as a whole. • Children will see a positive role model. Is it really any wonder that when mothers take care of themselves, they also have more positive energy for their children? Parenting is never easy and unless your baby or child came with instructions – a lot of what we learn is through experience and talking with others. It is not about whether we are home or not, it is, however, the quality of the parent-child relationship that matters. Mothers and fathers also who are fulfilled in themselves are not only good role models for their children but are happier people, too. As long as you ensure enough time to harvest the seeds of growth and healthy development in your children, then clearly, you are doing a fine job of staying connected with them and balancing your job, too. Do not allow cultural myths to undermine your family happiness or shadow you with remorse. Work toward acknowledging your success, while eliminating the guilt. All too often, Mothers [and fathers] accept blame for the things that go askew but give little credit to themselves for all that goes well.

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About the Author: When not chasing my own two boisterous sons around the house, I can be found enjoying the sound of birds while tapping away at the keyboard - writing for My Child and researching new topics of interest. I enjoy nature and being able to explore the wild surrounds of the desert. I love being able to listen to the sound of laughter as my own children make discoveries and grow along with the many others at the preschool where I teach. You can find me here: h t t p : / / g e n i e s 1 . wi x s i t e . c o m / thekiwihummingbird References: h t t p s : // w w w . c a r e f o r k i d s . c o m . a u / surveys/2013/results.asp http://www.motherandbaby.co.uk

Gently cleanse, hydrate and moisturise summer skin Keep your little one’s skin soft, smooth and moisturised with GAIA Natural Baby Easy-peasey bath wash...

A mild and gentle wash to keep your newborn, infant or child’s skin fresh and clean. Organic oils helps to moisturise and soften, protecting against dryness. No soap or sulphates so it’s great for sensitive and eczema prone skin.

Maintain moisture...

With GAIA’s all over, everyday moisturiser. Use on your baby’s face and body to keep skin extra soft and smooth. Apply directly to damp skin after bathing or when required to maintain softness.

Gentle massage oil…

Pure sweet almond oil and a hint of organic lavender and organic chamomile provides a beautiful, naturally scented oil for use at massage time. Light and easily absorbed, it can be used on your baby’s skin to nourish general dryness, as a bath oil, or to combat cradle cap. Are you travelling during the summer period? We have your little one’s summer skincare routine covered with our Baby Starter Kit in convenient refillable 50ml sized bottles. Grab one from your pharmacy or baby store today!

january 2017 | mychild

JAY LAGA’AIA & JOHN FOREMAN ON MUSIC: COUNT US IN AND ITS IMPACT ON MUSIC EDUCATION By Jana Angeles Since its launch in 2006, Music: Count Us In has been a popular program for primary and high school students around Australia. Hosted by Music Australia, Count Us In values music education, aiming to instil meaningful learning experiences for students while also supporting music teachers by providing valuable resources for lesson planning. Each year, they ask students to collaborate with each other and take part in writing the program song. Afterwards, schools participating in the program all band together and sing the song at the same time. Running for ten years, Count Us In has increased awareness on the importance of music education, inspiring children to appreciate the value of music and how it affects their lives. We had the opportunity to speak with this year’s program ambassador John Foreman and Program Mentor Jay Laga’aia in their participation for Count Us In 2016.

january 2017 | mychild

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW

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For Laga’aia, his experience in Early Childhood and Children’s television (Play School, Jay’s Jungle) have both become a staple in his career so being part of Count Us In helped him recognise his value as a music mentor. “I was actually asked to be a mentor ‘cause I knew that Marcia Hines was a mentor last year [2015],” he says. “I took my children who were singing in the choir to the actual event itself so it was a bit strange to be on the other side. I was very pleased because I was asked not as a children’s presenter but as a music mentor, which to me was a great next step up. Also as a father, it was a great opportunity to listen to these young people create a song and helping them”

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Even then, Count Us In has shown impressive results, boosting the confidence for students to appreciate music and its ability to build a community and confidence in all individuals. “The great thing about this is the community and singing and music and schools - especiall y primary schools and pre-schools,” Laga’aia states. “You don’t have to be a fantastic singer, you just need to participate and you gain experience singing in an audience, singing in a crowd, learning to blend and learning to make eye contact. Your reading improves, your ear improves and most importantl y, your confidence improves.”

As for John Foreman, using his extensive knowledge and skills from his experience in music helped him flourish as 2016’s Count Us In ambassador. Growing up and participating in programs like Count Us In, he wanted to close the gap between students and music education.

there’s a school, particularly in infants or primary school where primary school teachers may not have the confidence or experience to teach music or to sing in front of a class, that can result in gaps in music education for young people as well.

“Back in 2006, the music council pointed out to me that while there are fantastic things happening in many schools in Australia, there are also some big gaps,” he explains. “Schools quite rightfully pay attention to reading, writing and arithmetic but unfortunately not enough on music. Sometimes it only takes one or two music teachers at a school to make a big difference but also when

“I thought it was important to help raise the status of music in schools so that teachers, parents and school principals could see this great thing happening in their schools and realise that musicmaking is something that’s really important, bringing a lot of benefits to the students and to the whole school community.” As Foreman spoke, his passion for working in music was a strong motivator in instilling the same passion to the students of today. While the government lacks in funds for the creative arts and education, Count Us In breaks the barriers of this by bringing together a community of students showing appreciation for music. Joining forces with each other, both Foreman and Laga’aia prove to successfully live the values of the program, inspiring thousands of students in the year of 2016. “There’s a lot of great stuff happening in music as well,” Foreman states. “I guess it’s just the disparity between those students who have great access to music education and those who don’t and you only need to look at events like the School Spectacular and the sort of school performances that happen in places like the Opera House [and] all sorts of venues around Australia. There are some fantastic things happening in the world of music at school but I think it’s important that everybody has access to good quality music education.”

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TIPS TO ON HOW TIME WITH Are you struggling to strike a work- life balance that fits? 66

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DAD READ

TO SPEND QUALITY YOUR KIDS Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how you can be more involved in your childrens lives.

january 2017 | mychild

Author: Genie Price Let’s be honest, every family experiences times where both parents work ridiculous hours or has periods where one of, or both miss out on “special” times or events with their children due to other commitments. Whether it be an important assembly or that running race – getting the right family-work balance – is tricky. And unfortunatel y for fathers, research confirms that although the father/son/ daughter relationship is one of the first and most important to the earl y years of your child, it is also one of the toughest to uphold. Because, for the average working man, it is harder to be involved in their children’s lives due to working commitments than what it is for their female counterpart. So, how can you squeeze in time with your mini-me’s? Here are some important points for Dads to remember as they delve into becoming parenting pros. BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR WORK COMMITMENTS: The Gender Equality Workplace Agency states as at August 2016, 70.4% of working participants were men. Making it clear that fathers are heavily relied upon for being the bread winner in families and often, the only one. And while having a job as an adult is a must, what else must be done, is, to be honest with yourself about the time you can give to the family while doing so. It is no use telling your partner or children that you will be able to attend an event when you know you won’t be able to. Not only

january 2017 | mychild

is this unfair to either party but it builds false hope and uncertainty. Your child will quickly identify at what times you can be “trusted” to fulfil a commitment made. Dads, do not feel guilty about wanting to be actively involved. If your work schedules are too busy and they do not meet your family’s needs, then consider cutting your hours down or changing positions within a company to help meet them. No matter your position, employees are replaceable – so by all means, spend that day random day with your bubba, or take the day off to be at the running race.

COMMUNICATE AND PLAN AHEAD: Because parenting as a pro is a two-way street, ensure that you communicate with your significant other and plan ahead, it’s that simple. Hold discussions with your partner about the children’s upcoming school or events schedules. Talk about dates which you both feel are important [other than for unplanned sick days], and if you know in advance – don’t be shy – be proud and ask for the time off by giving plenty of notice to your employers. Understandabl y so,

you may not secure leave for every occasion you request, but it makes a good start. MAKE IT COUNT: Work schedules get busy and we can’t be at every assembly. Sadly, we miss moments that even though we may not say it, we regret. So, Dads, when you have the opportunity to chase your minion around the lounge while wearing a batman cape – do it. If your daughter wants to blow bubbles while singing to you from the bath tub, embrace it. Marking dates down on a calendar will also indicate to older children that you are making this time a priority. Because it’s about quality, not quantity. It’s impossible to spend every waking moment with your “babies” as they grow, so when you can, make it count. WHAT’S MORE? The Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that on average the Australian father spends four hours per day with their child. This time is split between caring for them and playing with them. Here are some ways you can “make it count” and help to strengthen that father/ son/daughter bond. READ TO YOUR CHILDREN: If you are going to be home later in the evening, schedule that time for reading the bed time story with your child. Though usually reading only lasts 5-10 minutes, it’s an important interaction as it helps to build secure attachments, emotional security and induce a peaceful sleep. Which father wouldn’t want to feel the rewards of that?

january 2017 | mychild

Reading aloud is also a great way to encourage language development and promote a healthy love for literacy and books.

The affection shown from fathers contributes to higher self-esteem and fewer problems in social and emotional development in children.

PLAY AND USE HUMOUR: Play with your child, like actually. That’s right. Ever heard of that saying “no matter how old you are, if a two-year-old passes you a toy phone – you answer it?”

Fathers who are happier in their relationships with their partners spend more time playing with their children and involving children in everyday activities.

This saying is true. Many men are apprehensive about being involved in play with their child. The truth is, your child wants you to join in, they don’t care that you aren’t sure how. Let them take the lead and show you. Get down to their level, [often the floor] and be involved in the game and while doing so, use your sense of humor. Play Mums and Dads or pirates if that is what your child wants and don’t be afraid to use humor and role play. By being involved your child will learn “real life” situations. These types of interactions will also support the development of social skills. It is fun and your wee man is far more likely to remember all the “fake” cups of tea he poured for you and the many “pretend” chocolate [sand] cakes he asked you to eat, more so than he will remember the times you watched him play on his own. GO ON DATES: If you have asked for time off in advance, plan a date. An excerpt taken from Raising Children’s Network Australia suggests children who are taken on “parent-child play dates” with their fathers are more likely to feel “secure, confident and happy”.

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Dads, simply put, a good work-family balance ensures you prioritise. It puts life in perspective and helps develop better relationships with your child/ren and your partner. You have but one life to live and share with others, so spend it wisely and ensure that while doing so, you are creating lasting memories within your young that they will carry with them even after you have gone. About the Author: When not chasing my own two boisterous sons around the house, I can be found enjoying the sound of birds while tapping away at the keyboard - writing for My Child and researching new topics of interest. I enjoy nature and being able to explore the wild surrounds of the desert and being able to listen to the laughter of my own children explore and grow along with the many others at the preschool where I teach, is a blessing. You can find me here: http://genies1.wixsite.com/thekiwihummingbird References: https://www.wgea.gov.au/sites/defaul t/ files/Stats_at_a_Glance.pdf http://raisingchildren.n et.au/ar ticl es/ dads_work_and_family_balance.html

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By Julia Ferracane Jacqui Di Benedetto never thought she would be running a kids’ fashion label to raise funds and awareness for organisations supporting children with disabilities. But as all mothers find out – having a child changes us irrevocably, and even more so when that child has serious health issues. Such an event can change family dynamics and the burden of responsibility and the urge to protect your child from further harm can feel overwhelming to most families. Often times, it is the help and support from care workers that keep a family from breaking under the stress and pressure to see their child’s health improve, and this was the single motivation for Jacqui’s recent venture, the Jacana Kids fashion label.

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REAL READ

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Today, Jacqui credits organisations such as Yooralla and Vision Australia for the incredible progress her son has made since first seeing them when he was just months old. “The support and advice we received to help Domenic get to where he is today has been outstanding. I wanted a way to extend my gratitude and help kids like him get a better start in life.” When Jacqui and her husband found out they were pregnant with twins, the couple were elated and soon began renovating their home to make room for the two new arrivals. But a 17 week scan of the twins’ in-utero came with terrible news - doctors had found a cyst on one of the twins’ developing brain. “It was a huge shock…” Jacqui says. “Not knowing the severity of the cyst made it worse because they couldn’t tell us exactly how it would affect our baby. “I wondered; ‘Would he be able to walk? Talk? What would our family life look like?’” Jacqui recalls. As the pregnancy progressed, however, subsequent scans revealed positive progress, however when Domenic and his twin, Chiara were born, she knew something wasn’t right with Domenic; “He was darting his eyes back and forth all the time and he was quite floppy, I instinctively knew something was wrong.” A neurologist confirmed Jacqui’s fears; Domenic was in fact, born blind. Although this was a shock, there was also positive news; the blindness was due to the cyst or delayed maturation which meant that his sight would improve with time.

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It was during this time that the family turned to Vision Australia, an organization dedicated to offering solutions to support families raising children who are blind or have low vision. “Vision Australia has been there with us for all of Domenic’s life stages so far, from birth, to first steps, to starting school and I can see how much it has helped him.” says Jacqui. Jacqui’s determination, together with Vision Australia’s commitment to providing Domenic with all the resources he needed to develop, allowed his sight to progressively improve, although the relief was shortlived when he was later diagnosed with two new conditions - Cerebellar Vermain Hypoplasia, a rare brain disorder resulting in part of the brain (cerebellum) failing to develop fully and impeding balance and

movement, often accompanied by speech difficulties, coordination issues and developmental delays and Ocular Motor Apraxia (OMA), a neurological condition affecting controlled eye movement. Feeling desperate, frustrated and helpless Jacqui and her family were put in touch with Yooralla - an organisation committed to supporting people with disability to live independent and fulfilling lives. “It was an extremely challenging time. You try to stay positive, follow all the recommendations being given to you, not knowing whether it is going to pay off or not.” But pay off, it did. The progress Domenic has made has been awe inspiring. He is now a cheeky, boisterous, all-seeing, scooting, running, little boy. He now has normal vision for a three year old and his speech and balance has improved immensely, which has his doctors lost for words. Jacqui says; “When you are told that you child is blind and has brain development issues, your mind immediately thinks about all the things they are not going to experience in life, but to witness him reaching those milestones is beyond words.”

This year Jacqui and Ana are donating a huge 50 percent of Jacana’s profits to Yooralla. “It means so much to both of us that we can give back in this way and make funky clothing with heart that kids look good in along the way,” says Ana. Jacana Kids clothing is printed locally in Melbourne and made from sustainable materials with manufacturers practicing ethical production values. From love hearts to monsters, the Jacana Kids range features pieces carefully doodled BY the hands of little people FOR little people, making Jacana Kids not just another fashion statement, but also a charitable one. You can purchase Jacana Kids Clothing by visiting their website (www.jacanakids. com.au), knowing that you are really spreading the goodwill by helping children with disabilities get the best start in life.

It is this gratitude that inspired her decision to develop Jacana Kids – a play on Jacqui and close friend Ana (Garcia)’s names. “I don’t think we would be where we are today with Domenic without the education and support we received from Yooralla and Vision Australia, so this felt like a natural next step on this journey for me.” The duo have designed their range of clothing with comfort and style in mind, using artwork created by kids themselves.

january 2017 | mychild

Hi Ya Holiday!

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FASHION

january 2017 | mychild

Zest s/s t-shirt $39.95-$44.95 rrp SHAKE IT UP sKirt $64.95-$69.95 rrp

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Dunk S/S Pocket T Shirt $39.95-$44.95 rrp

Porcelain Punch S/S T-Shirt $39.95-44.95 rrp Sonny S/S Tri T-Shirt $39.95-$44.95 rrp North Shore Harem Jean $64.95-$79.95 rrp

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Deuce Shrug $44.95 rrp Summit Short Sleeve T-Shirt $39.95-44.95 rrp Chitah Harem $64.95 rrp

The Dragon Queen Dress $69.95$79.95 rrp Medina S/S T-Shirt $39.95-$44.95 rrp Nebula Short $49.95-$59.95

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Daisy Spunk T Dress $59.95-$64.95 rrp

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GIRLS Baby Dress $25.00 rrp Baby Girl Ballet Soft Sole Metallic $12.00 rrp

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Little Girls Vacay Linear Dress $59.99 rrp Sarah Strappy Sandal $54.99 rrp BARDOT.COM

Catimini Printed Dress with Flounces $117.00 rrp Chloe Leather Sandals $196.95 rrp MELLIJOE.COM

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shop

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IN OUR STORES THIS MONTH BABY

BOYS

Baby Set $25.00 rrp Baby Boy Pre-Walker Slip On Shoe $12.00 rrp

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Boys Print Tee $10.00 rrp Boys Print Short $15.00 rrp Boys Palm Print Shoe $15.00 rrp

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Little Boys Archie Polo Top $44.99 rrp Little Boys Belted Chino Short $54.99 rrp Luca Loafer $59.99 rrp

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Junior Gaultier T-Shirt with a print $79.00 rrp Karl Lagerfeld - Karl K Sportswear Bermudas $91.00 rrp Converse All Star canvas low top trainers $70.00 rrp

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awards

EXCELLENCE

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EXCELLENCE AWARDS

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2017 Nominations Open Now GO TO MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU

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GET THE LOOK:

interiors

Leah Shannon is a designer and owner of Parade and Company, a lifestyle brand specialising in decor for childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rooms. She has 15+ years experience in design and a passion for creating childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spaces that inspire, educate and spark the imagination. 92

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INTERIORS

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Botanical Art Print $11.00 rrp etsy.com/marinacolors

Love You to the Moon Sign Moon Snail Creations1 $28.00 rrp etsy.com/au/shop/ MoonSnailCreations1

Wool Throw Bits of Australia $250.00 rrp bitsofaustralia.com.au

Pillow $8.00 rrp target.com.au

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White Vase $8.00 rrp target.com.au

Rhino Bust Hodi Home Decor $135.00 rrp etsy.com/ hodihomedecor.com

Copper Stool West Elm $.199.00 rrp westelm.com.au

Credit: Megan Burges Gilliam

Basket - Leo and Bella $49.00 rrp leoandbella.com.au

Rug - Beniourain Rugs $2490.00 rrp beniourainrugs.com.au

Nursing Chair Pottery Barn Kids $2500.00 rrp potterybarnkids.com.au

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Map Wall Art $11.00 rrp childreninspiredesign.com

Compass mural $80.00 rrp thewallstickercompany. com.au

Wool Throw Bits of Australia $250.00 rrp bitsofaustralia.com.au

Whale Pillow $69.95 rrp countryroad.com.au Bear Cushion $40.00 rrp leoandbella.com.au

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Gummy Bear Night Light $28.00 rrp gummygoods.com

Rug - Armadillo & Co from $600.00 rrp armdillo-co.com

Credit: Jacinda Malloy, Hide and Sleep

Side Table Lilly and Lolly $700.00 rrp lillyandlolly.com.au

Bed - Lilly and Lolly $1495.00 rrp lillyandlolly.com.au

Lego Head Storage Case $24.99 rrp toysrus.com.au

january 2017 | mychild

TOY

Reviews

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TOYS

january 2017 | mychild

TOY

Reviews

REVIEWED BY APRIL DAVIS

5/5

JELLYCAT BASHFUL ROOSTER

Now that we’re in the Year of the Rooster, your newest companion is ready to celebrate! Decked out in his finest sunrise attire, the Jellycat Bashful Rooster has a fine red hair comb and squishy scarlet tail feathers, as well as a snuggly toffee plumage and mustard yellow beak and feet. Our verdict A snuggly morning - and nighttime - companion, the Jellycat Bashful Rooster is suitable for all age groups, but its soft cuddly demeanor make it especially loved by babies. Made from soft polyester, you can’t really go wrong with a cute plush toy that’s child-safe, lightweight, and oh-so-cute.

RRP $34.95 – AVAILABLE FROM SEND A TOY WWW.SENDATOY.COM.AU

JELLYCAT SNAGGLE BAGGLE URSULA UNICORN This gorgeous galloper loves to play, charging in with her soft, suedey horn. Her sugar candy mane and plumey tail go flying out behind her when she runs. Cuddle up close to her cream cordy fur for magical unicorn dreams. Our Verdict Much like the Jellycat Rooster, this snuggly unicorn will be your child’s plush toy of choice. With a bag of beads incorporated into its design to help make it sit, and soft, lightweight arms that fit perfectly inside tiny fingers, your child will be able to take their unicorn with them wherever they go.

5/5 RRP $ 49.95 - AVAILABLE FROM MAMA’S HOME TOYS / WWW.MAMASHOME.COM.AU 100

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childs FROM A VIEW

3/5

ISGIFT PUSH IT WATCH Just push it! Simply press the face of your soft-touch silicone watch to illuminate the time, date and seconds. The tri-mode display gives you access to all of the watches counters at the touch of your fingertips, lighting up to display the time and switching off until you need it again. Push once for time, twice for date, and three times for seconds. Display will automatically turn off after five seconds. Our Verdict Although the watch is trendy, conveniently sized and lightweight, it’s operation is testy at best. Often when the face of the watch is pressed, nothing happens, and you need to continue pressing it multiple times before anything happens. This can be a concern for young children as it tests their patience, and not in a good way. The watch, however, s not without merit, as the display does switch between time, date and seconds, and is definitely a power saver, since it’s not switched on permanently.

RRP $10.36 AVAILABLE FROM FUNK GIFTS WWW.FUNKGIFTS.COM.AU

ISGIFT THE AUSTRALIAN COLLECTION JIGSAW PUZZLE A fun way to learn about the wonders of Australia’s east coast, this round map contains 100 pieces with a diameter of 23cm. A great time filler for rainy days, this is the perfect activity for the lead up to Australia day.

Ben

My mum had to help me put this together, which was hard since my brother kept trying to eat the pieces, but I was really excited when we finally finished it! My teacher said this puzzle is really good because it has lots of pictures and will help me learn my geography. Our Verdict This puzzle is the perfect, educational activity for school aged children. The puzzle is engaging and complex enough that it requires concentration, without being too difficult that it makes kids cranky.

RRP $9.95 AVAILABLE FROM OPUS WWW.OPUSDESIGN.COM.AU

4/5 january 2017 | mychild

101

Fast

FOOD

GET THE LITTLE ONES INVOLVED TO HELP CREATE MASTER MEALS USING OUR RECIPES THAT ARE KID FRIENDLY & CAN BE MADE WITH LITTLE EFFORT.

102

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apple

PIKLETS 0.10 Prep 0.25 Cook

Makes 24

INGREDIENTS •

1 1/2 cups self-raising flour, sifted

•

2 tablespoons caster sugar

•

1 egg, lightly beaten

•

300ml buttermilk

•

1/2 cup (140g) apple puree

•

20g butter, melted

METHOD 1. Combine flour and sugar in a bowl. Make a well in the centre. Whisk egg and buttermilk together in a jug. Add egg mixture to flour mixture. Whisk until smooth. Stir in puree. 2. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Brush base with butter. Using tablespoons of batter at a time, cook in batches for 2 to 3 minutes or until small bubbles start to form on the surface of pikelets. Carefully turn over. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

m u y Photo: John Paul Urizar

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103

soft boiled eggs WITH DIPPERS 0.05 Prep 0.07 Cook

Serves 3

INGREDIENTS • 6 eggs, brought to room temperature • Toast soldiers, to dip • Roasted cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, fried pancetta and roast vegetable chips, to dip

METHOD 1. Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3 minutes for soft-boiled. Transfer eggs to egg cups, remove the tops, then serve with dippers.

104

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y t s at

Photo: Brett Stevens

rainbow WRAPS 0.15 Prep

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • 225g can sliced beetroot, drained • 4 spinach and herb wraps • 50g baby spinach • 90g (1/3 cup) chargrilled capsicum, halved • 1 large carrot, grated • 60g feta, sliced

METHOD 1. Pat beetroot dry with paper towel to remove excess moisture. 2. Place 1 wrap on a flat surface. Arrange ¼ of the spinach, capsicum, carrot, beetroot and fetta along 1 side of the wrap. Season with salt and pepper. Roll up wrap, folding in ends, to enclose filling. Cut in half. Wrap in plastic wrap. 3. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until transporting

Photo: Craig Wall

january 2017 | mychild

105

hokkien noodle SALAD 0.15 Prep 0.15 Cook

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • •

450g fresh hokkien noodles 1 carrot 1 Lebanese cucumber 1 red capsicum, thinly sliced 1 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander 2 tablespoons salt-reduced soy sauce 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce

METHOD 1. Cook fresh hokkien noodles following packet directions. Rinse under cold water. Drain. 2. Cut carrot and Lebanese cucumber into matchsticks. Toss noodles, carrot and cucumber, thinly sliced red capsicum, shredded cooked chicken, chopped fresh coriander, salt-reduced soy sauce and sweet chilli sauce together. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

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january 2017 | mychild

Photo: Andrew Young

chicken

PASTA BAKES 0.15 Prep 0.40 Cook

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • 2 large (about 500g) chicken breast fillets • 1 1/2 cups (175g) small dried penne pasta • 260g butternut pumpkin, seeded, peeled, cut into 2cm cubes • 1 cup (150g) frozen peas • 1 cup (70g) broccoli florets • 1 1/4 cups (310ml) tomato pasta sauce • 1/2 cup (40g) coarsely grated light cheddar

METHOD •

Preheat grill on high. Cook the chicken under grill for 6-7 minutes each side or until cooked through. Set aside for 10 minutes to cool slightly. Coarsely chop and place in a large bowl.

•

Meanwhile, cook the pasta following packet directions until al dente.

•

Cook the pumpkin in a large saucepan of boiling water for 10 minutes. Add the peas and broccoli and cook for a further 1 minute or until tender.

•

Preheat oven to 180ºC. Combine the chicken, pasta, pumpkin mixture and pasta sauce in a large bowl. Divide among four 2-cup (500ml) capacity ovenproof dishes. Sprinkle the cheddar over each dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through.

Photo: Cath Muscat

january 2017 | mychild

107

bean

ENCHILADAS 0.10 Prep 0.15 Cook

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • Olive oil, to grease • 150g vegetarian cheese (Mainland brand), coarsely grated • 1 tablespoon plain flour • 125ml (1/2 cup) no-fat milk (Dairy Farmers Shape brand) • 8 enchilada tortillas (Old El Paso brand) • 1 x 420g can mexican chilli beans (MasterFoods brand) • 1 cos lettuce, leaves separated, washed, dried • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, to garnish

METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Brush a round 22cm (base measurement) baking dish with oil to lightly grease. Reserve 25g (1/4 cup) cheese. Combine remaining cheese and flour in a saucepan. Gradually stir in the milk. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly. 2. Kids’ task: Place tortillas on a clean work surface. Spoon beans along edge of tortillas and roll up to enclose filling. Arrange tortillas in the base of prepared dish. Spoon over sauce and sprinkle with reserved cheese. Cover with foil and cook on the top shelf of oven for 5 minutes. Uncover and cook for a further 5 minutes or until golden and heated through. 3. Place lettuce leaves on serving plates. Top with enchiladas and sprinkle with coriander to garnish.

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january 2017 | mychild

Photo: Amanda McLauchlan

banana-berry SPLITS 0.05 Prep 0.05 Cook

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS • 4 small bananas • Strawberry frozen yoghurt • 150g fresh blueberries • 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds (see note)

METHOD 1. Divide 4 small bananas, peeled, halved lengthways, among four serving dishes. 2. Top each banana with 2 small scoops strawberry frozen yoghurt. 3. Sprinkle 150g fresh blueberries and 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds among the dishes. Serve immediately.

Note: To toast the almonds, preheat oven to 180 C. Place on a baking tray and bake for 5 minutes.

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Photo: Ian Wallace

january 2017 | mychild

109

apple doughnuts

WITH ICE CREAM 0.15 Prep 0.10 Cook

Makes 4

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • •

3/4 cup (95g) self-raising flour 1/4 cup (55g) caster sugar Pinch of salt 1/2 cup (125ml) milk 1 egg, lightly whisked 2 Fuji apples 2 tablespoons icing sugar Ground cinnamon, to sprinkle Vanilla ice cream, to serve

METHOD 1. Sift flour, sugar and salt into a medium bowl. Add combined milk and egg and whisk to form a thick, smooth batter. 2. Peel and core apples. Trim ends, and then slice each into 8 thin rounds. 3. Dip apple rounds into batter, shaking away excess. Deep fry in batches, for about 1 minute on each side, or until puffed and golden. Transfer doughnuts to a wire rack and sift icing sugar over the top, then dust with cinnamon. Serve doughnuts warm with ice cream.

All recipes sourced from taste.com.au 110

january 2017 | mychild

Photo: Ian Wallace

january 2017 | mychild

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january 2017 | mychild