My Child Magazine May 2016 Issue

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

KIDS

BITING WHY THEY DO IT

&

DISCIPLINE FOR CHILDREN

FROZEN

fever

FORCED ADOPTIONS The hidden truth behind it

ISSUE 56 - MAY 2016

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70 CONTENTS

COVER STORIES

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CHILDREN BITING

DISCIPLINE FOR CHILDREN

EVERY MONTH

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EDITORS LETTER

EDITOR PICKS

REAL READS

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FORCED ADOPTIONS

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FROZEN FEVER Interview with the Frozen Characters

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THE MUMMY BLOG Unconditional Love

FORCED ADOPTIONS

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FROZEN FEVER Interview with the Frozen Characters

YOUR CHILD

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LEARNING TO TALK

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CHILDREN BITING

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DISCIPLINE FOR CHILDREN

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MANAGING CHILDREN’S FOOD ALLERGIES

LIFESTYLE

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BECOMING PARENTS

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FERTILITY OPTIONS FOR SINGLE WOMEN

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SEX & RELATIONSHIPS

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RECIPES

SHOPPING

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42

BOOK REVIEWS

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SHOP KIDS FASHION

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LACEY LANE Kids Fashion Spread

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GET THE LOOK Interiors

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TOY REVIEWS

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PRODUCTS WE LOVE Oricom Secure870

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EDITOR IN CHIEF BEAU MEDINA BIANCA MEDINA

EDITOR ANNA DIXON

ASSISTANT EDITORS ANVI SHARMA JANA ANGELES

ART DIRECTOR ANNA DIXON

SALES DIRECTOR BIANCA MEDINA

CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS LITTLE READING ROOM MICHELLE PATERSON LACEY LANE

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES EDITORIAL@MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES ADVERTISING@MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU

CONTACT: CRE8 PUBLICATIONS PHONE: 0411 572 877 8 GROSE ST, PARRAMATTA, NSW 2150 FRONT COVER - LACEY LANE - LACEYLANE.COM.AU

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–RN product.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Hi Lovelies Hope your all doing well and have had a great year so far. We still can’t believe that we are almost half way through 2016 and we are releasing our 7th issue since taking over the magazine! They say that time flies when you’re having fun and I couldn’t agree more. We have so much fun at here at the mychild office. Our team is full of comedians if anyone wanted to switch careers.

So this month in the May issue we are excited to be featuring the Lacy Lane clothing collection.

Make sure you check out the fashion feature, the clothes are absolutely gorgeous. We also had the pleasure of interviewing the Frozen characters Elsa, Anna and Olaf for the Magazine as they will be touring Australia with the Disney on Ice tour, we will have Free tickets up for grabs next week, make sure that you check out our latest competitions and enter for your chance to win.

The mychild Excellence Awards are drawing to a close (15th May 2016) and we have had such an overwhelming response so far – thanks to all readers and followers that have voted for their favourite products. We still have 3 x amazing prize pack to give away for voters and they include things like video baby monitors, double breast pumps, a whole lot of amazing baby bath and care products, beautiful wraps and blankets just to name a few of the goodies in the hampers (valued at over $500). Don’t miss out on your chance to WIN one of these prize by simply voting in the awards.

We love bringing to you great content that has useful facts and tips to help guide you on this wonderful journey of parenthood and we welcome any feedback or suggestions on topics you would like us to cover, so please email and send them through to editorial@mychildmagazine. com.au .

That’s a wrap for this month!

Beau and the mychild Team xx

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PICKS

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learning 8

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BABY

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Learning to talk is one of the most important steps that young children take. It helps them make sense of the world, to ask for what they need and to get on with other people. If you think about how hard it is for adults to learn a different language you can get some idea of what it is like for an infant to learn to speak from having no language at all. Language and speech, like other development, take place at different rates for different children.

STEPS IN LEARNING TO TALK THE EARLY MONTHS Long before they can speak, babies are listening to their parents and carers. They begin to make little noises and sounds which come before speech. If parents and carers imitate these, it is as if they are talking to the baby. This is the beginning of your baby learning to talk.

By responding to your baby’s needs when she cries, you show that you have heard her and that she matters. This is the start of communication.

8–12 MONTHS • The early little noises turn into babbling e.g. ‘Da-da-da-da’ and ‘Ma-ma-ma-ma’.

• Babies begin to learn what some simple words mean even though they cannot say them, e.g. ‘Mummy, Bottle, No’.

• There may be one or two single words.

• Babies wave ‘Bye-bye’ when asked.

• They obey simple requests such as ‘Give me the ball’.

12–18 MONTHS • There is much babbling in the children’s own jargon.

• The first single words appear e.g. ‘No, Dad, Dog’.

• Children can point to things that they know when they are asked to.

• Children know their own names and respond to them.

18 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS • 18 month olds can know and use six or more words. Two year olds may have 100 or more words. Many of the words may be unclear but the parent or carer can

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• LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS LISTENING AND TALKING. • USE SIMPLE LANGUAGE. • SIT OR KNEEL DOWN SO YOU ARE ON YOUR CHILD’S LEVEL WHEN SHE IS TALKING TO YOU. • SPEND TIME READING SIMPLE STORIES AND RHYMES, LOOKING AT PICTURE BOOKS AND SINGING SONGS. • HELP YOUR CHILD TO NOTICE ROAD SIGNS AND BILLBOARDS. • LEARNING LANGUAGE IS IMPORTANT. IT SHOULD ALSO BE FUN.

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• • • • •

tell what is meant.

Two year olds can say their name.

They can ask for simple things that they need e.g. ‘Drink’.

Children start to join words together e.g.

‘Daddy home’, ‘All gone’.

They copy the last part of sentences.

They try out different speech sounds and make mistakes.

3 TO 4 YEARS • Children begin to ask ‘What?’ and ‘Why?’ questions.

• They use sentences with three or four words.

• They begin to separate the truth from makebelieve.

• They can talk about ‘Yesterday, Now and Tomorrow’ and know what they mean.

• Their speech should be understandable most of the time.

• They are likely to talk to themselves as they

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•

do things.

They can learn and join in simple rhymes and songs.

4 TO 5 YEARS • Children learn to adjust their language to the situation they are in. For example: • They talk differently to their parents than they do to their friends.

• They ask ‘When?’ questions.

• They can talk about imaginary situations e.g.

‘I hope...’

• They still mix truth and make-believe.

• They like to tell stories.

• They can hold conversations with their friends and parents.

• They will be able to say their name, age and address if they have been taught this.

• Four year olds enjoy making up words for fun and using toilet words, e.g. ‘poo’, ‘bum’.

• Their speech is clearer but they still may not

be using ‘th’, ‘r’, ‘z’, ‘s’, and ‘v’.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO • • • • • • • • • •

Talk to your baby right from birth and imitate her sounds.

Name things and talk about what you are doing. Use simple words and sentences at first with an emphasis on key words.

Read books with your baby Have conversations with your child at some stage every day.

Listen with interest when your child is talking to you. Don’t interfere or correct your child’s speech.

Answer questions simply and clearly.

Allow your child time to get out what she wants to say.

Talk about pictures in books, and name things in the pictures.

Sing songs and read rhymes with enthusiasm.

Take your children to the local library and read

• • •

some stories to them. Then you can borrow or buy the ones that they particularly enjoy.

Give a younger child a chance to talk without being interrupted by older brothers and sisters.

If your child is stumbling over words because he is excited suggest that he tell you slowly. Then listen to him carefully.

Get down to eye level with your child when teaching a new word so he can see your lips and hear the word clearly.

For children with a severe hearing loss, it is most important that their hearing loss is recognised before six months of age.

Be concerned if your child • does not react to loud noises by the time she is one month old.

• does not turn her head to a noise or voice by three months of age. Hearing problems often cause speech difficulties.

• does not start to make single sounds, e.g. ‘ba ba’ by eight or nine months.

• does not babble or make other sounds when someone talks to her by twelve months.

• is not starting to say single words by twelve months.

• does not understand simple instructions by two years.

• frequently repeats sounds or part-words, e.g. ‘Wh-wh-where’s my ba-ba-ball?’

• lengthens sounds or gets stuck on words, e.g. ‘m-m-m-m’ or da-a-a-a-ad’ See Stuttering • is embarrassed or worried when speaking.

If you have any concerns at any stage about your child’s speech, talk to your local child health nurse or your Doctor. Your child may need to see a Speech Pathologist (through local Community Health Centres, Hospitals that provide services for children, or privately).

BILINGUALISM AND RAISING BILINGUAL CHILDREN ‘Bilingualism’ means being able to use two or more languages. Over half of the world’s population is bilingual. In Australia, an increasing number of children are growing up in homes where more than one language is spoken.

Raising bilingual children has lots of benefits, such as creating strong family and cultural bonds. The way you support bilingualism in your family depends on your family situation and the languages you use at home.

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TODDLER

CHILDREN

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Biting is a normal part of development in young children. While biting can hurt and be frightening for the child who is bitten, there are not usually any health risks.

Biting can also frighten the child who bites. They can feel very powerful because of the strong reaction and attention it brings. However, the feeling of power can be scary because they can feel out of control.

children get into situations they can’t handle. Children under about three are usually not ready to play in a cooperative way with other children. If a child in a group takes their toy they may respond by hitting or biting.

They have not yet learned to control their impulses or other ways to cope with frustration.

If biting gets a strong response they may see it as successful and try it again.

Children need to feel secure and know that feelings can be managed.

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

EXPERIMENTAL BITING

Biting is one way babies explore the world - they put things in their mouth and biting is just part of this. It can also be a way they experiment with communication until they learn words to express their feelings. Many babies will try biting the breast when they are feeding, or try biting a parent or carer. Biting can seem like a game to them, especially if they get a big reaction.

What parents can do Don’t let children think it is funny or a game. Say firmly, ‘No! Biting hurts.’ Remove them quickly from the breast or arm or whatever they are biting.

Babies and toddlers usually soon learn not to bite. When children are teething their gums often feel sore. Give them things they can safely bite on, e.g. teething rings.

Biting from frustration Frustration happens

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when

Supervise children closely.

However, even the best supervision will not always prevent some children from getting in a quick bite.

Try to avoid situations your child can’t cope with. Keep group play to short times and small groups. Watch for times where two children might want the same toy and step in first to distract them.

Redirect young children away from the situation rather than try to explain your reasons. They are too young to understand and too many words can confuse them.

Young children need you to understand their feelings and need your help to manage them. Feelings are very hard for young children to control and it takes a long time to learn.

Biting is not a problem of bad behaviour, it is a normal part of a child’s development that passes when they learn other ways to express themselves.

Biting when feeling powerless Often it is the youngest child

in the family who bites. The older children can seem to be stronger, talk better and be more able to get what they want. The youngest can feel small and powerless. In groups, a less powerful child can discover that biting is a way of getting some power.

What parents can do If your child is playing with older children, explain to them how the younger one might feel. Get their help to make things more equal and make sure the needs of each child are met.

Make separate play places for older and younger children if needed.

If your child has already bitten, tell them it is not OK to bite and remove them from the situation. Keep them with you for a while before letting them return.

BITING UNDER STRESS

Biting often occurs when a child is under emotional stress they can’t handle. They may be very upset or angry and the biting is a way to show their distress and pain. Young children don’t know what they are feeling - they just act!

WHAT PARENTS CAN DO

Try to find out what is causing the stress. It isn’t always possible to remove the cause but you might be able to lower the stress. Plan ahead to avoid situations where you know your child might bite. Offer as much love and affection as you can at other times to help them feel secure.

Watch what happens just before the biting happens. For example, if a child bites when another child comes into their space or takes their toy, help the child protect their space. If they have enough words you might teach them to hold out their arms and say ‘Please move away’. Or you could ask your child ‘What can we do to stop Anna from taking your toy? What other toy could you give her to play with?’.

Ask other parents to support you in preventing your child from biting. Ask that they be firm but matter of fact, ‘No, we don’t bite’.

Help children find other ways to express their feelings, e.g. through play and stories.

Don’t bite back. This really scares a child and teaches the very thing you don’t want them to learn.

THE CHILD WHO IS BITTEN

Sometimes parents may be concerned that a bite could transfer a disease. While a bite When a child is bitten there can can leave a bruise, the skin is sometimes be a strong reaction not usually broken so there is no chance for viruses or bacteria from parents. to enter the body of the child It is important to comfort the who is bitten. child who has been bitten, whatever the reason for the bite. If a child is bitten at childcare, However, it is also important to an upset parent may expect the child who has bitten to be not over-react. excluded. While this reaction Bitten children may have a big is understandable, it is more response because it brings helpful in the long run if the lots of attention rather than centre provides specific support because they are in severe pain. for the child who has bitten, and After some brief comforting, makes sure other children are encourage the child to go protected. straight back to normal play. If they are old enough, help them Whatever the cause of the biting, find ways to protect themselves respond quickly, firmly and that don’t hurt the child who has calmly. Show your disapproval bitten. If the child who is bitten without anger or over-reacting. is very young and not able to Remove the child from the protect themselves, adults need situation and help them find to make sure they are kept safe. another outlet for feelings.

CHILDREN NEED TO FEEL SECURE AND KNOW THAT FEELINGS CAN BE MANAGED.

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When your baby becomes the next big thing.

Answers to the big questions about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Download the app now at mymedela.com.au for free !

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reviews 20

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Billie’s Yummy Bakery Adventure Sally Rippin and Alisa Coburn Billie B Brown and her friends create an imaginary bakery where they bake scrumptious creations for their customers.

Emily becomes jealous when Billie and Jack bake a spectacular cake and a competition ensues with disastrous results.

Billie’s Yummy Bakery Adventure explores relatable themes of imagination, jealously, competition and friendship, as the children learn a valuable lesson in the importance of teamwork and inclusion. Brightly coloured illustrations bring the characters’ imagined creations to life, as a plethora of sweet treats fill the pages and ‘globby, goopy pinkle dough’ explodes and drips throughout the book.

Billie’s Yummy Bakery Adventure is recommended for readers aged 3 years and over and deals with important themes in an age-appropriate manner that will have children requesting repeat readings.

Archie, No Ordinary Sloth Heath McKenzie Archie doesn’t want to sloth the day away like his friends and so they send him away into the darkest corner of the jungle. After some convincing from some unlikely animal friends, Archie decides to return to his friends and it is very lucky indeed that he does.

Archie, No Ordinary Sloth deals with themes of friendship, belonging and originality, through the channel of a likeable and accessible sloth. The brightly coloured illustrations portray a playful Archie jumping and swinging above the heads of his sleepy animal friends, as he discovers a group of oddball animals, who like him, are different from those of their kind.

Archie, No Ordinary Sloth is recommended for readers aged 3 years who will thoroughly enjoy the simple text, playful illustrations and celebration of individuality.

There Is a Tribe of Kids Lane Smith There was a pod of whales, a formation of rocks, a night of dreams and there was a tribe of kids.

There Is a Tribe of Kids is a heartwarming exploration of what it means to belong. The magical illustrations take the reader on an adventure through the natural world, as various frames show a child searching and discovering what it means to be part of something, from the smallest of creatures to the expanse of the ocean or night sky.

There Is a Tribe of Kids is recommended for readers aged 4 to 7 years and is a magical story of a child who, after searching high and low and everywhere in between, finds their place in the world. .

Flora and Peacocks Molly Idle

the

Flora wants to dance with the peacocks, but one of them is reluctant to join the fun.

Flora and the Peacocks is a wordless picture book that utlitises colour, symmetry and a lift-the-flap style to successfully portray themes of friendship, kindness and inclusion. Flora is seen dressed in exquisite peacock colours, as she mimics the movement of the peacocks through dance and waves her fan in the action of a tail. One particularly proud peacock refuses to join in, resulting in a quarrel between the peacocks and the demise of Flora’s fan. In a spectacular finale, a full page flap folds out to reveal a poster-size image of Flora with what appears to be a magnificent tail as the peacocks stand by her side.

by

REVIEWED The Little Reading Room

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THE

MUMMY

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UNCONDITIONAL WRITTEN BY: SHEREE ECHLIN

love

T

here is always a serene calm in my house when my girls are asleep. And I’m not necessarily talking about them either!

Sometimes I think it’s possible to love them just that little bit more when they are in dreamland.

There is that sense of satisfaction that another busy day is over and I survived.

That and I finally get to watch something other than Peppa Pig, Ben and Holly or In the Night Garden! I’m still trying to work out where those writers get their ideas from...I’m not quite sure what Iggle Piggle and Upsy Daisy are really up to in that garden but I think that’s a story for another day!

I’ve said this so many times over the last two-and-a-half years, parenting is hard.

Anyone who thinks it’s easy to raise tiny humans, I would certainly love to meet them and high five them (possibly in the face, haha). But seriously it’s not a job for everyone and on really bad days in my house I look at the back door with longing and a sigh. Only because I know my girls can’t reach to open it if I disappear outside for a few minutes. Only problem is they make my neighbours very aware of where Mummy is!

But children have this way of reeling you in and changing your perspective on life.

They don’t know any different and we are left with the fun job of teaching them the ins and outs, ups and downs and crazy ways of the world. Whether we do it right or wrong is a matter of opinion (or judgement) these

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days. And don’t I often hear about it from my trying toddler, haha!

Before I became a mum (you know that time where you think you are ready to have children but really have no idea?) I could never have imagined what it would be like to be responsible for tiny humans. To think that my entire world would be turned upside down is probably an understatement! I never truly imagined how much I would give up, how much my life would be different and deep down I know now I wouldn’t change a thing.

And then my five-month-old decides it’s time to cluster feed at 2am again and my toddler thinks it’s okay to scream the house down at the same time and I feel that twinge of wanting to return to my old life. Why does everything always feel ten times worse when everyone else out there is asleep?! It’s funny how you always remember the bad moments/days even if they are more than outnumbered by the good.

But I must admit there is no greater feeling than an unsuspecting cute grin, kiss or hug from my beautiful girls. They have a way of making everything right again, even if they were the reason things were amiss in the first place. I couldn’t imagine my world without them. They have helped shape me into the person I have become (a yelling OCD toy clearing crazy lady, haha!) and have left me pondering the biggest question to date: what the hell did I do

with my time before having children? And I honestly thought I was busy back then....

I would move the earth (well probably really just furniture or a dead insect) for them in a heartbeat and I know every move I make is usually with the thought of them in mind.

Why? Because I am their Mummy and they will always be my babies no matter how big they grow (awwwww).

And when all else fails I have a little quote I love to think about and smile. I came across it years ago for my own beautiful mum and it has been mentioned quite a lot since then.

“I brought you into this world and I can take you out again”. I love this saying and while it may sound sinister, I like to look at it and laugh. It’s definitely no easy feat bringing a child into the world.

You need a lot of patience (wine will do too), a big support network (always known as grandparents/aunts/uncles), lots of chocolate (not really but it will make you feel better) and above all else a never ending supply of love. It’s something you may not always feel is there in return but those little people in your life will certainly give it back in buckets right when you need it.

And on that note, from one Mummy to all the others in your various forms including the Mummy’s-to-be, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy Mother’s Day. You really are doing an awesome job!

Drop by my website shereeechlin.com for more of my light-hearted tales.

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BECOMING

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PREGNANCY

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The birth of a first child and the process of becoming parents is a ma jor turning point for most relationships. Each person’s experience of becoming a parent is different. While for some it will be an easy transition, for others it may create some unexpected problems.

The birth of your first child will cause ma jor changes to your lives. You can prepare for this change in several ways, such as: • learning beforehand about childbirth and about being the parent of a young baby • making practical arrangements for when your baby comes home • making decisions about your work arrangements and finances after your baby is born You may not have thought how becoming a parent will affect your relationship with your partner.

Children affect their parents’ relationship. Couples often overlook this in the busy time preparing for their child’s birth, and in the excitement of becoming parents.

Couples face two particular challenges at this time: • coping with the demands of pregnancy, childbirth and the early months of parenthood • expanding their relationship to make room for their baby

PREGNANCY

During pregnancy, both partners must adjust to the woman’s physical changes. Each person’s experience of pregnancy is affected by: • the woman’s physical health • how the woman feels about herself as her pregnancy develops • how her partner reacts to her pregnancy • how both partners cope with the changes in their emotional and sexual relationship.

The effect of pregnancy on a couple’s relationship can vary enormously. It can draw couples closer and can highlight differences.

Men also have emotional needs during pregnancy.

These may include a need to be able to express their concerns and to be reassured. Pregnancy often puts new emotional demands on men demands to show patience and tenderness, to mop up tears and to give gentle encouragement.

This can be difficult for some men.

Sexuality is often affected by pregnancy. For some couples pregnancy is a time of heightened sensuality, a time when love-making takes on a new intensity and a new importance. Others find 30

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that during pregnancy their libido diminishes and that other ways of expressing intimacy and affection become more important.

BIRTH - AND AFTERWARDS

Many fathers are present at their child’s birth.

Some choose to be present and others feel that they have to be present because it is expected of them. For some couples, sharing the experience of their child’s birth can be very special.

Some fathers, however, find the experience more upsetting than they had expected. It can be difficult for men to find someone they can talk with honestly about the childbirth and the feelings it aroused.

After the excitement of the baby’s birth comes the task of settling down to parenthood. Parents’ experiences will vary. For some couples the transition is easy; for others, it can be a difficult time – a time of tiredness and emotional stress, when couples become distant and withdrawn and sometimes resentful of their partner’s reaction to the new situation.

Many couples experience uncertainty, and sometimes difficulty, in their sexual relationship after the birth of a child. For some, it is a matter of picking up where they left off, but others find that the demands of parenting affect their sexual needs and their lovemaking for a long time. Honest and open communication is vital to avoid hurt and misunderstanding between couples.

NOW WE ARE THREE

The physical and practical aspects of becoming parents presents couples with many wonderful and exciting experiences to share as well as bringing new challenges to overcome. The most difficult challenge can be learning to make room in their relationship for the baby.

The arrival of the first child means that time and emotional energy will be taken from the couple’s relationship and put instead into parenting their child. Most couples are happy to make this change and share the parenting responsibilities and fun. Some partners, however, can feel left out, unappreciated or not as loved as before. This can distance the couple from each other. Good communication will help the the couple to love and enjoy their baby, and maintain their love and interest in each other.

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KIDS

DISCIPLINE FOR

YOU DON’T NEED TO PHYSICALLY PUNISH CHILDREN TO TEACH THEM. THEY LEARN BEST WHEN ‘GOOD’ BEHAVIOUR IS ENCOURAGED AND THEY FEEL SAFE AND SECURE. THE KEY IS HAVING A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR CHILD AS WELL AS CLEAR RULES AND REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.

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People often confuse ‘discipline’ with ‘physical punishment’ but they are quite different. Discipline is about guiding children and helping them learn what is expected. They gradually learn how to control their own behavior.

Warm but firm parenting that encourages the behaviour you want is the best way to guide children. A positive approach is less stressful for children and makes parenting more enjoyable. It takes patience but is worth it in the long run. It uses love instead of fear to teach life-long skills, and strengthens the bond with your child.

For many parents growing up, discipline often meant punishment. It could leave us feeling hurt, upset and unfairly treated.

Children learn best when parenting is warm but firm. It builds on your child’s strong desire to please you.

Discipline is really about guidance. It is a way to keep children safe as they find out about the world. They need to learn how to manage their feelings, impulses and actions so they can learn and get on with others.

Discipline is also about helping children learn the values that are important to your family. Children learn to make good choices because they want to do the right thing, not just to avoid punishment.

This teaches them self-discipline.

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Young children often show their feelings in how they behave. They have not yet learned the words to say how they feel. Parents might think the child is being ‘naughty’ or playing up when in fact they are struggling with something.

Understanding what causes your child’s behaviour is important. If you deal with what’s

DEALING WITH FEELINGS Children can have many different feelings in a short space of time. Expressing emotions is a normal part of their development – it is not ‘misbehaviour’.

The younger the child, the harder it is for them to know their feelings or to have the words to tell you. Their brain can’t yet stay calm when they have big feelings such as frustration, anger or disappointment. They can feel overwhelmed and out of control. They learn best when you remain calm as you guide them through this.

Try to find out what your child is feeling by really listening and helping them talk about it. You might say: • • •

‘You seem very angry. Can you tell me what’s wrong?’

‘I think you must be hurting inside’ ‘Tell me if you need a hug.’

Just like adults, children need to be heard and understood when they are upset.

Help children name their feelings. When a child is supported to express a feeling safely, they learn that all feelings are OK and that you will keep loving them, even when they’re upset. They also learn that feelings are not something to be avoided or ignored.

Beneath the upset feelings it could be that your child: really bothering them they will have less need to ‘act out’ or be ‘naughty’.

When life is so busy it’s easy to think you don’t have the time to find out what is really going on. However the time spent finding out the real cause of your child’s behaviour will mean less time reacting to ‘misbehaviour’.

When a child is ‘naughty’ it can be a sign they haven’t yet learnt what you expect, or they have feelings they don’t know how to deal with.

LEARNING WHAT IS EXPECTED Children are not born knowing how to behave.

They rely on you to teach and guide them in ways that suit their understanding and ability.

They need you to show them what to do calmly and patiently. Just as we all learn by practice, you may need to repeat a lesson many times until they can do it without your help.

•

• • • • •

feels insecure, e.g. a new baby in the family, problems at school, trying to make friends, scared by parents fighting or a family break up feels ignored because you are always busy.

They act out to get your attention because angry attention is better than none is trying to cope with changes and it all feels too much is angry and frustrated at not being able to do something is showing that they feel unfairly treated needs more support or more independence than you have allowed. Maybe your parenting style is too strict or too relaxed.

WANTING TO PLEASE YOU Sometimes when a child feels controlled or forced to do what a parent wants a lot of the time, they can start to resist and a power struggle can result.

They might get angry and frustrated if they think

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you don’t listen, or you don’t care what they are feeling. This can affect the bond and trust you have with your child.

It will be hard to get your child to cooperate if they have given up trying to please you. Going back to basics and reconnecting with your child is the most important thing you can do. It can help to: • • • •

•

spend time with them, playing and having fun focus on their ‘good’ behaviour rather than only reacting to ‘bad’ behaviour show that you understand how they feel when they are upset find positive ways to say things rather than using ‘No’ or ‘Don’t’ all the time, e.g. rather than ‘Sit up straight’ or ‘Don’t slouch’ you might say ‘When you sit up straight in the chair your back grows nice and strong’ tell them what you like about them and how much you love them.

The easier you make it for your child to please you, the more they will want to do so.

Just as children need to practice a new skill, parents need practice when trying new ways of parenting. There are things you can do to help your child know what is expected and to learn self-discipline.

PLAN AHEAD Thinking ahead about your needs and your child’s needs can help prevent a difficult situation. When you go shopping your toddler might get bored, or become tired or hungry. They act out and you get stressed. Plan to shop in short bursts when the shops aren’t busy and your toddler isn’t hungry or tired. Let them help you in some way.

TEACH THEM YOUR VALUES Talk to your child about why you want them to do something, not just because you say so. They will learn what is important to your family, e.g. doing things together, listening to each other and speaking with respect.

BE A ROLE MODEL It is also important to be a good role model by acting in ways you expect of them. Children have a strong sense of justice and fairness and if they see you acting in ways that don’t match what you say, they might resist what you tell them. They are more likely to copy what you do.

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NOTICE ‘GOOD’ BEHAVIOUR When children know what is expected and are praised and encouraged for doing this, it builds on their desire to please you. They are ‘rewarded’ when you notice the good things they do, and when you tell them how proud and happy it makes you feel.

Keep material rewards to a minimum or your child may learn to do things only if there is the promise of a treat.

BUILD RESPONSIBILITY Children learn responsibility by being part of making decisions rather than just following what parents say. Even young children can be involved in making simple decisions. This doesn’t mean letting children do what they want without making sure they stay safe. It means guiding them toward good choices by: • helping them learn how to problem-solve and think about consequences. This builds confidence and skills so they can make bigger decisions as they mature • letting them learn by doing. They may not always choose what you like but as long as the choice is safe for them and for others, they will learn to trust themselves and to know that you trust them to make good choices • encouraging them when they make mistakes.

Mistakes teach children how to deal with frustration and disappointment. Encourage them to have another go.

Problem-solving, not punishment responsibility and self-discipline.

teaches

BE CLEAR ABOUT RULES AND LIMITS Work out your family rules early to avoid problems. They need to be simple, consistent and predictable. Rules can be adapted as children get older and become more independent.

It helps if you: • have a few simple rules that are easy to follow, e.g. in our family ‘We always take turns’, ‘We never hit people or call them names’, ‘We always clean our teeth before bed’. You could put these on the fridge to remind people.Make sure you follow them yourself

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•

• • • •

all know what rules mean, e.g. ‘Be kind to your brother’ may not mean anything to a young child. You might say ‘Be kind to your brother and share your toys with him’ choose your moment to talk about rules, e.g. when your child is upset or having strong feelings is not the best time know what your child is able to do, e.g. if the task is too hard your child may fail turn a ‘no-choice’ into a choice, e.g. ‘We are leaving in five minutes. Do you want to get in the car now or in five minutes?’ don’t give mixed messages. Laughing at what your child is doing while saying ‘No’ will be confusing.

actions and how they can make up for mistakes.

LOSING A PRIVILEGE Some parents take away something important to their child to teach them a lesson. Losing a privilege can be less effective because it is not related to the behaviour.

The child may comply because they don’t want to lose a privilege, but it doesn’t help them learn what to do. They may resist if they feel the consequence isn’t fair. It may also lead to the child being sneaky to avoid losing something they want.

If you ever have to make an exception to a rule, explain your reasons to your child.

Having clear rules about ‘how we do things in our family’ helps children learn what is expected.

USING CONSEQUENCES Consequences for unacceptable behaviour can help children learn. Involving them in deciding what they are can increase their cooperation. They need to suit your child’s level of understanding and be understood by everyone.

You need to be consistent in applying them and make sure they: • are safe for your child • happen as soon as possible after the misbehaviour • fit the behaviour and help your child know how to do it better.

NATURAL CONSEQUENCES Children learn to take responsibility when they can see the outcome of their actions. For example, your child might not put their toys away when you ask. When they can’t find their favourite toy, they learn the natural consequence is that you can lose them. This way the parent doesn’t have to do the teaching, the natural outcome is the teacher.

RELATED OR LOGICAL CONSEQUENCES A parent might give a consequence that flows on logically from a child’s actions. For example, your child is running around the yard and you ask them to calm down so they don’t damage the plants.

When they knock over a potted plant you could get them to clean up the mess. You might also get them to help you put the plant into a new pot.

When a consequence is related to the behaviour it helps children see the connection between their

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BABIES (0–1 YEAR OLD) It is a waste of time and can be harmful to use any kind of discipline on babies. They are not able to think ahead, understand reason or remember what you want.

Loving touch and gentle words are just as important as feeding and clothing babies. They need to learn that the world around them is friendly and safe and that they can trust you to protect them.

Whatever your baby does, e.g. crying a lot, it is not to be naughty or ‘get at’ you.

TODDLERS (1–3 YEARS) At this age children are full of life and curiosity.

They learn through touch and trying things out and this often means making a mess or using things the wrong way. They like to do things their own way and often get frustrated because they don’t yet have the skills they need. They start to say ‘No’ as they learn they are separate from others.

• • •

•

Teach and show your child new skills with patience and praise.

Keep it simple – one new lesson at a time.

Avoid battles, particularly with eating and toilet training. Unless they’re ill, children will eat what they need if given a choice of healthy foods. Don’t waste energy trying to make them eat if they don’t want to. Avoid a struggle by saying ‘You’ve had enough? OK, let’s get you down from your high chair’.

Toddlers don’t yet understand consequences or know how to change their behaviour. It’s best to distract them by giving them something

else to do. Rather than ‘Don’t touch the TV’ you could say ‘Here’s that book you like’.

The more your toddler feels competent, in control and able to do things, the calmer they will be.

PRESCHOOLERS (3–4 YEARS) By three to four years children are able to understand most of your instructions and predict the results of many actions. They begin to share and play with others.

Children at this age are easily excited. They can be a bit bossy as they like to be in control. Expect some ‘showing off’ and being silly. This is an age of copying others, finding fun in being shocked and trying out new words, including swear words if they have heard them.

If your child has reached this age feeling you are loving and approving, they will mostly want to do what pleases you. If they reach this age feeling you are overpowering, demanding and not ‘on their side’, your child may stop trying to do the things you want because they can never please you.

• •

Teach by showing your child what you want them to do, and giving choices.

Teach your child to think ahead. Let them know in advance that a change is coming. You could say ‘We need to leave the playground in five minutes so which swing do you want to play on for the last five minutes?’

CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE (5–12 YEARS) Children at this age understand much more about themselves, and about rules and limits.

They start to see things from another’s point of view. Parents need to explain to them about adult behaviours and feelings, and why you react as you do.

•

•

•

Talk with your child about a wide range of topics. Listen to their views and be willing to discuss different opinions rather than forcing your ideas on them.

Try to be in step with other parents who have children the same age. If you are too far away from what most parents do around discipline, you may find it hard to get your child to cooperate.

Teach your child how to work out ways to solve problems. This is a useful skill at this age and an important step towards learning self-discipline.

Distributed by: www.exquira.com.au may 2016 | mychild

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SHOPPING

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PREGNANCY

FERTILITY

options FOR SINGLE WOMEN

Making decisions about your fertility can be a daunting prospect if you are single, but the good news is there are assisted reproductive methods available that may help you when considering your options of motherhood either now or in the future.

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Single women who are keen to become a mum need to decide on whether they would like to parent a child alone or perhaps wait to see if the right partner comes along.

Unfortunately, age can be one of the driving factors that can impact on this important decision because female fertility declines over time. Once a woman reaches the age of 35, fertility begins to decline. By age 40, it is estimated that a female’s conception rate is in the range of 8-10 per cent per month and at age 43, the pregnancy rate is thought to be 1-3 per cent per month.

So, if you are a single woman and want to become a parent, the options include:

DONOR INSEMINATION

This involves artificial insemination – a fertility procedure in which treated sperm are inserted into a woman’s uterus at the fertile time to provide a chance of conception. This method for single women usually involves the use of frozen sperm from a donor.

IN VITRO FERTILISATION

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) literally means “fertilisation in glass”. For single women it involves the fertilisation of the egg by a donor sperm in an incubator outside the body, followed by transfer of the embryo back into the uterus. For this to take place the woman has to undergo a full IVF cycle including an egg retrieval process. Any spare eggs can be frozen or fertilised with donor sperm and frozen as embryos.

INTRACYTOPLASMIC SPERM INJECTION

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is a specialised form of IVF and involves the injection of a single sperm directly into a mature egg. This method would only be used with single women if the donor’s sperm

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quality is poor or previous IVF cycles showed a poor fertilisation rate.

EGG FREEZING

For a range of reasons, egg freezing can potentially be helpful for single women, including those who may wish to try to have children at a later date, those with a genetic disorder that could limit their fertility, and women with cancer who may need to undergo chemotherapy.

The process of freezing female eggs has advanced rapidly over the past 10 years and research studies are reporting equally successful fertilisation and embryo development rates for frozen eggs as compared to fresh eggs. However, it is essential that egg freezing only happens after appropriate counselling.

While there are many egg-freezing success stories, there is no guarantee that a particular woman will have a baby down the track, frozen eggs or not. However, the younger the woman is when she freezes her eggs, the better quality they will be and hence the greater chance of a successful pregnancy at a later date.

For women who do become single parents, recent research is encouraging and has reported that single mothers who use donor insemination are parenting their children equally to that of partnered women. There are no significant differences in the parent’s wellbeing or children’s development*.

Whatever your decision, we recommend consulting a qualified fertility counsellor to help you through the process. *Quality of parenting, mother and child wellbeing and ‘daddy talk’ in single-parent families formed through the use of donor insemination http://www.fertstert.org/article/ S0015-0282(15)00626-3/fulltext

ONCE A WOMAN REACHES THE AGE OF 35, FERTILITY BEGINS TO DECLINE. BY AGE 40, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT A FEMALE’S CONCEPTION RATE IS IN THE RANGE OF 8-10 PER CENT PER MONTH AND AT AGE 43, THE PREGNANCY RATE IS THOUGHT TO BE 1-3 PER CENT PER MONTH.

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MANAGING

food CHILDRENS

ALLERGIES

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BABY

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I

ntroducing food to your child can be a wonderful experience for you as a parent. It gives you an opportunity to explore different kinds of meals, allowing time to bond with them and offering a chance to try food from cultures around the world. Unfortunately, not all children are lucky enough to eat everything as food allergies do exist. However, it is possible to make delicious alternatives without having to compromise the taste of each dish. Even if it’s gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free – it is possible to create something that still tastes amazing (soy ice cream exists and it’s delicious!).

Managing your child’s food allergies is far from simple. As a parent, you have to be very cautious when it comes to feeding them. Daily activities such as purchasing food from the grocery store or simply eating at a restaurant can be tricky, especially if your child has several allergies to different foods. Simply educating yourself on different online resources or talking to your local GP or child health nurse will allow you to be comfortable when managing your child’s food allergies.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON FOOD ALLERGIES FOUND IN CHILDREN? Each child is different as their food allergies can range from being mild to severe. It’s important as a parent to recognise these symptoms when your child has an allergic reaction to certain foods.

An allergic reaction happens when your immune system thinks a food (usually a protein) is harmful to the body. The most common allergies are: • • • • • • • •

Cow’s milk Peanuts Eggs Fish Shellfish Tree nuts (walnuts and pecans) Wheat Soy

Although children are more likely to be allergic to cow’s milk and peanuts.

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90% of food allergies happen when these particular foods are consumed by children. Children can sometimes outgrow their food allergies to milk, eggs, soy and wheat. However, allergies to nuts, shellfish and fish tend to continue on to adulthood.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF FOOD ALLERGIES Symptoms from food allergies can range from being mild to severe and this really depends on each individual child. There are also a number of factors to consider including how much food was consumed, body location, severity and timing.

Symptoms normally appear within 10 minutes to two hours after the food was eaten. Common symptoms to look out for include: • Coughing • Hives (a common symptom) • Itching

• • • • • • • • • •

Eczema Swelling in the tongue and throat Vomiting Abdominal cramps Difficulty in breathing Diarrhoea Tingling sensation in mouth Runny nose Red watery eyes Wheezing

In the case of anaphylaxis, several of the symptoms mentioned above can occur as well as difficulty in breathing, a drop in blood pressure and being left unconscious. However, this only happens in rare cases only. If your child shows signs of these symptoms in a severe way, please call the Australian Emergency Telephone line 000.

It’s possible for infants to experience food allergies as well and this could happen when milk or soy protein is consumed as part of their diet.

Symptoms include mild skin rashes to bloody stools and in rare cases, they could experience anaphylactic reactions of hives, a high pulse, wheezing and other symptoms. Although, symptoms stop showing if milk or soy protein is removed from their diet. More than 90% of babies outgrow their protein intolerance once they reach 1 to 3 years of age.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF FOOD ALLERGIES In order to diagnose a food allergy, visit your local family doctor to help you find out the necessary information. Your doctor may ask you to keep a logbook of what food your child eats while reporting back any changes when certain foods are consumed. Sometimes going through an elimination diet where foods that are suspected to create an allergic reaction are temporarily removed, is a good idea to try.

AS A PARENT, YOU HAVE TO BE VERY CAUTIOUS WHEN IT COMES TO FEEDING THEM. DAILY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS PURCHASING FOOD FROM THE GROCERY STORE OR SIMPLY EATING AT A RESTAURANT CAN BE TRICKY,

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After this process, your doctor may then perform a scratch skin test which will determine the allergy.

This occurs by having a dilute form of the food in the needle while making contact with your child’s skin and observing whether there is swelling and redness found in the skin area. Although a positive skin test can occur, not all people will have allergic reactions from certain foods. The doctor will only ever diagnose a food allergy if a patient tests positive in a skin test or blood test to a specific allergen and if their food history proves this.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies.

The only way to prevent an allergic reaction from occurring is to strictly avoid any food your child is allergic to. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe certain medication such as antihistamines, like Benadryl, or epinephrine for the management of your child’s food allergies.

OUTGROWING A FOOD ALLERGY AND RE-INTRODUCING FOODS You should only ever consider re-introducing foods to your child under your doctor’s supervision. Even if children outgrow certain food allergies when they reach adolescence, allergies to peanuts, nuts and seafood normally persist through to

adulthood.

Tips to follow in managing your child’s food allergies • Prepare your child for any accidents that may occur when consuming foods that they’re allergic to. Teach them how to approach any scenario while also educating them on how important it is to seek help when this happens.

• Let them be their own “food label detective”.

Teach your child how to read food labels while also letting them have a go on the tricky scientific and technical names listed as part of the ingredients. Acknowledge their detective work and ensure they understand the importance of reading food labels first before consumption.

• Help them understand the risk in sharing food with their school friends and how their lunch may contain the foods they’re not supposed to eat.

• Encourage and support your child in asking questions about their food allergies • Have your child teach their classmates and friends about their food allergies and what they can do to help.

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REAL READ

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forced

ADOPTIONS Gold Coast woman Michelle Patterson is out to assist other grieving mothers to speak up about their experiences of loss

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A

fter 30 years of secrecy around being forced to adopt her child, Gold Coast woman Michelle Patterson is out to assist other grieving mothers to speak up about their experiences of loss.

Ms. Patterson realised how burying her guilt and shame over the forced adoption of her son in 1986 impacted all areas of her life.

“The forced adoption of my son and secrecy of my pregnancy left me feeling shame, grief, depression and I attempted suicide,” Ms. Patterson said.

“Hiding this led to a decline in my health, confidence, wealth, relationships and communication for 30 years.

“I was not able to acknowledge and receive personally my Australia Day Award for Sportswoman of the Year due to the secrecy and being sent to Sydney from Coonabarabran because of my pregnancy. I was left with physical scars from my pregnancy, as well as emotional.

“Since moving beyond my guilt and shame, I am now free to express myself in other areas and am able to help others do the same.”

She hosts ‘Empowering Woman’ experiential classes for women who want to shift their emotional burdens monthly on the Gold Coast.

Ms. Patterson is one of up to a predicted 250,000 women in Australia who were forced to adopt their babies out against their will from the 1950s to 1990s. She fell pregnant at age 16 to a son, named Jared, who she has since been in contact with through Facebook, however the relationship remains strained as he prefers to live his life without her in it.

“I felt complete rejection to start with and then guilt and heartbreak because I’m his mum and he doesn’t want the same connection,” Ms. Patterson said.

“This made me see how much I was still attached to him. I have to let this be for now.”

Former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard offered a national apology to those affected by forced adoptions in 2013.

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She apologised for: “the policies and practices that forced the separation of mothers from their babies, which created a lifelong legacy of pain and suffering.”

The Senate Inquiry Report into forced adoption practices found that babies were taken illegally by doctors, nurses, social workers and religious figures, sometimes with the assistance of adoption agencies or other authorities, and adopted out to married couples. Some mothers were coerced, drugged and illegally had their consent taken away.

Many of these adoptions occurred after mothers were sent away by their families ‘due to the social stigma associated with being pregnant and unmarried’.

The removals occurred as some young mothers were seen as unfit for motherhood and has been described as ‘institutionalised baby farming’.

Ms. Patterson said she was sent to Sydney to spend her pregnancy in secrecy as organised by her mum and was also diagnosed with a heart murmur.

“I now no longer have this due to a significant amount of personal development,” she said.

Falling pregnant at age 16 was the end of her sporting successes. She has represented her school in swimming, cross country, athletics and basketball and was an overall top athlete. She has learned to find the gifts in her experience now and use her intuition to help dozens of women who have had similar strained family relationship challenges.

“It’s a learning process to know about yourself, find self compassion and acceptance,” she said.

“If women hold on to the trauma of adopting a baby out, it has the potential to become a slow death and can impact their relationships, health, wellbeing, work and finances.

“There is a point where they can come to peace with their situation.”

For more details about Ms. Patterson’s empowerment group and private consulting packages, call 0418 684 846 or visit www.michellepatterson.com.au

“babies were taken illegally by doctors, nurses, social workers and religious figures, sometimes with the assistance of adoption agencies or other authorities, and adopted out to married couples. Some mothers were coerced, drugged and illegally had their consent taken away.�

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INTERIORS

INTERIOR: NORSUmay INTERIORS 2016 | mychild 71

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SEX

RELATIONSHIPS

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RELATIONSHIP

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Parenting can put a lot of pressure on your relationship, including your sex life. Many couples find their sexual relationship changes after the birth of their child. It’s important to keep communicating with your partner, and find ways to stay connected and intimate that work for both of you.

MAINTAINING A HEALTHY SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP In the time leading up to the birth of your child, you may not have given much thought to how becoming a parent might influence your relationship.

But in fact, one of the most difficult challenges new parents face is learning how to make room in their relationship for the baby.

Or, to put it another way, to find room for their relationship with a baby.

It’s likely that some of the adjustments you need to make are to do with your sexual relationship.

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but you may find that the kind of sex you have and how often you have it changes.

SEX AFTER HAVING A CHILD

Straight after the birth of your child, it may be a while before you feel ready to start having sex again. Hormonal changes in new mothers can affect how they feel about sex, while new fathers can feel worried about what’s right for their partner.

Further down the track, you may feel physically and emotionally ready for sex, but stress, tiredness and the responsibility of being a parent can take their toll on your libido.

While you’re working your way through any uncertainty or difficulty in your sexual relationship, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open with your partner.

COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR PARTNER

Some couples find they feel a bit withdrawn or become distant from one another while adjusting to parenthood. For example, one partner may feel left out or unappreciated, or resentful of their partner’s reaction to the new situation.

Talking with your partner about how you feel, and how they feel, will help you understand what’s happening in your relationship. Good communication is also important to help you stay connected and find ways of maintaining intimacy with one another.

FINDING THE TIME Finding time and energy to spend with your partner can be more challenging when you’re a parent – especially a new parent – but it’s still important for your relationship. Taking time to connect with your partner doesn’t need to be complicated.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Share a meal together once your baby is asleep.

• Go for a walk together – take your baby with you if you can’t find a baby sitter.

• Phone your partner during the day to see how they’re going.

• Start small – start with going out for coffee, and work your way up to longer outings.

• Plan your time – plan a date, find a baby sitter, and make it happen.

RELATIONSHIP ADVICE If you or your partner need help, you can ask your doctor for advice. You may be referred to a counsellor or therapist.

You can also call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 for advice and support.

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TOY

Reviews

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TOYS

may 2016 | mychild

83

TOY

Reviews

REVIEWED BY APRIL DAVIS

TIGER TRIBE VINTAGE TIN TEA SET - RAINBOW HILLS Little girls - or even boys - love a good tea party, but the last parents want is their little ones wreaking havoc with their good china. This dreamy, retro-style Rainbow Hills tea set is the perfect, old-fashioned addition to any toy chest. The 15-piece set includes a teapot with lid, four cups, four saucers, four plates, a tray, and a handy, travel-friendly suitcase, which is perfect for on-thego fun.

th i n g

4/5

Our verdict: Coordination, sharing and socialisation are just some of the skills and values your child can learn while playing with this handy, and compact tea set. Made from tin, and the perfect size for little fingers, your child’s imagination will run wild as they enjoy playing with a sweet, traditional toy. The only downside is that unwitting parents are likely to get roped into drinking play tea with their pinkies up!

RRP $39.95.- AVAILABLE FROM TIGERTRIBE.COM.AU

TIGER TRIBE PERFECT PAIRS PUZZLE - COUNTING WITH ANIMALS This interactive, educational activity set contains an eclectic mixture of colourful puzzle pieces with fun animal pictures and corresponding numbers. Containing 20 pieces, the 10-piece puzzle set is designed to be a toddlers first puzzle set; teaching young children essential numeracy, colour recognition and spatial awareness.

Our verdict: Fun, colourful, interactive, and durable, this puzzle kit is made from heavy-duty cardboard, which teaches kids to count by association. The Perfect Pairs Puzzle is self-correcting (only the correct matches will fit together), which is great for independent play, encouraging children to make their own decisions, while learning to count,

RRP $17.95.- AVAILABLE FROM TIGERTRIBE.COM.AU 84

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5/5

childs FROM A VIEW

TIGER TRIBE MAGNA PLAY - THINGS THAT GO Designed and illustrated in Australia, Magna Play contains a selection of magnetic pieces that can be used to create different shapes and pictures.

From boats to scooters and planes to trucks, your child is only limited by his or her imagination. The pieces stick to the portable cases magnetic display board, as well as fridges and whiteboards. Perfect for on-the-go play, Magna Play is the essential travel companion.

5/5

Jack:

I really liked this set because my mum lets me take it with us when we go out, as long as I’m really careful with the pieces. My favourite thing to make is a train. I had trouble at first, trying to find pieces that worked together, but I’m getting pretty good and my mum seems to really like my pictures.

Our verdict: Magna Play allows more freedom for design and artistic flair than regular magnets because your child has complete control over the final outcome. The pack encourages children to experiment with different picture and colour combinations, and let’s them show you how they think the world works in a fun, artistic manner.

RRP $34.95.- AVAILABLE FROM TIGERTRIBE.COM.AU

TIGER TRIBE KID O - STACK & FIT CUPS Designed for younger kids, ages one plus, the stack & fit cup set is a fun activity for kids in the tub or on dry land. Available in a range of bright colours, this new take on a classic toy has rounder edges and a smoother design for optimal enjoyment. The graduated cups make bathing a time for infinite discovery, flip them upside down and they can form bright creations of your child’s creation.

Our verdict: While the cups are great fun and encourage imaginative play, the cups perform much better in the bath than they do anywhere else.

When used as stacking blocks, there are limited construction variations and the cups aren’t engaging enough to keep kids entertained for long periods of time. Great for a short distraction but not for longer periods.

3/5

RRP $24.95.- AVAILABLE FROM TIGERTRIBE.COM.AU may 2016 | mychild

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Fast FOOD GET THE LITTLE ONES INVOLVED TO HELP CREATE MASTER MEALS USING OUR RECIPES THAT ARE KID FRIENDLY & CAN BE MADE WITH LITTLE OR NO EFFORT.

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beetroot, peach &

COCONUT 0.15 Prep

Makes 250g

INGREDIENTS 1 whole ripe peach 1 vac-packed cooked beetroot, (roughly 65g – not the pickled ones) 100ml coconut milk

METHOD Carefully peel the peach, then roughly chop it and place in a blender (use a hand-held stick blender, if you prefer) or bowl. Halve and add the beetroot. Pour in the coconut milk, then either blend to a purée, pulse, mash and/or finely chop depending on the stage your little one is at (for more information on stages of complementary feeding, click here). If it’s a bit too thick, add a little water to loosen, then serve.

This is a wonderful weaning recipes that your little one will love

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1 cup blueberry PANCAKES 0.05 Prep 0.15 Cook

Makes 4

INGREDIENTS 1 large free-range egg 1 cup of self-raising flour 1 cup of milk sea salt 200g blueberries olive oil 4 tablespoons natural yoghurt

METHOD To make the batter, crack the egg into a large mixing bowl.

Add the flour, milk and a tiny pinch of sea salt.

Whisk everything together until you have a lovely, smooth batter. Fold through the blueberries.

Put a large frying pan on a medium heat and after a minute or so, add ½ tablespoon of oil. Carefully tilt the pan to spread the oil out evenly.

Add a few ladles of batter to the pan, leaving enough space between each one so they have room to spread out slightly – each ladleful will make one pancake, and you’ll need to cook them in batches.

Cook the pancakes for 1 to 2 minutes, or until little bubbles appear on the surface and the bases are golden, then use a fish slice to carefully flip them over.

When the pancakes are golden on both sides, use a fish slice to transfer the pancakes to a plate.

Repeat with the remaining batter, adding ½ tablespoon of oil to the pan between batches, if needed.

Serve the pancakes straight away, topped with a dollop of natural yoghurt, and some extra berries, if you like.

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cinnamon banana BREAD 0.15 Prep 0.50 Cook

8 Servings

INGREDIENTS 4 bananas, mash 350g and save leftover banana to decorate the top of the loaf 1⁄2 cup coconut flour 60g 1 tbs cinnamon 1 pinch salt 4 eggs 50g/4 tbs coconut oil, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1.5 tsp baking soda 1 tbs ACV 1/2 tbs maple syrup for the batter plus ½ tbs for the top

METHOD Preheat oven to 180ºC and line a loaf tin with baking parchment and pour the mixture in Whisk dry ingredients, then stir in all the wet ingredients using only ½ tbs maple syrup and mix until smooth. Alternatively throw everything into a food processor and blend until smooth.

Decorate the top with slices of excess banana and drizzle over the other ½ tablespoon of maple syrup to make a gloss Bake at 180ºC for 50 mins Cool on a rack completely before turning out of the tin, slicing and eating

Skip the sugary, storebought banana bread and make your own delicious, healthy version. may 2016 | mychild

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mushroom & sage

PIZZA 0.45 Prep 0.15 Cook

4 Servings

INGREDIENTS BASE

TOPPINGS

1 x 8g dry yeast 270ml lukewarm water 1 Tsp salt 500g strong/Plain flour 1 Tbs olive oil Olive oil to grease

1/2 Cup Tomato Possata (Pureed Tomatoes) 160g Mozzarella Pizza cheese 100g Mushrooms sliced 100g Tomatoes Sliced ½ Small bunch of Sage picked then chopped (save few leaves for garnish) Cracked Black pepper Sea Salt

METHOD Place the yeast and water into a bowl and whisk with a fork to combine. Rest it in a warm place for 10 minutes. Combine the flour and salt in a bowl and make a well in the centre.

Pour in the yeast mixture and mix with a spoon to combine.

Once the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl, turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead for about 8 minutes or until it becomes elastic to touch.

Place the dough into a clean bowl lightly greased with olive oil and cover slightly with damp tea towel. Put it into a warm place and rest until the dough doubles in size up to 30 minutes Pre heat a fan forced oven to 200c and lightly oil up a pizza pan.

Roll out 190g of the pizza dough on a floured surface into a circle around about 30cm wide, place onto the pizza tray and push into corners to form an edge for the crust.

Spread the tomato Possata over the dough leaving a thin border around the edge sprinkle with chopped sage. Season and then sprinkle the Mozzarella pizza cheese evenly over the top followed by the sliced mushrooms, tomatoes and cracked black pepper over the top.

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Put the pizza into the oven and cook for around 15-20 min until pizza is crispy and golden around the edge & cheese is melted. Take out of oven and then garnish with a few of the left over Sage leaves, cut into 8 even slices and serve it hot.

fish CAKES 0.15 Prep 0.55 Cooking

Makes 12

INGREDIENTS 1 sweet potato (250g) 250g white fish or salmon from sustainable sources, skin off and pin-boned 500ml milk 100g frozen peas 2 large free-range eggs 1 lemon, optional 100g oats or Ryvita crackers olive oil

METHOD -Preheat the oven to 190°C -Peel and dice the sweet potato and slice the fish into 2cm chunks. Place the sweet potato and fish into a medium pan, add the milk to just cover the fish and bring to the boil over a high heat.

-Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, adding the peas for the last couple of minutes. Drain and mash together, reserving a splash of the poaching milk.

-Remove the amount needed for your baby, adding some of the reserved milk to loosen to the desired consistency.

-For adults and toddlers, crack 1 egg into the remaining mash, and finely grate in the lemon zest. Season lightly with sea salt and black pepper, and stir well to combine, then leave in the fridge to cool completely.

-Meanwhile, whisk the remaining egg and a pinch of sea salt in a shallow bowl. Place the oats or Ryvita crackers into a blender and whiz until fine, then tip into another shallow bowl.

-Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the fishcake mixture and shape into a small patty. Dip the patty into the egg, letting any excess egg drip off, then cover in the breadcrumbs.

-Place onto a lined baking tray, and repeat with the remaining ingredients – you should end up with around 12 patties.

-Drizzle with a little oil then bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden, turning halfway, then leave to cool slightly. Delicious served with seasonal greens, or a fresh green salad. may 2016 | mychild

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organic roast CHICKEN 0.35 Prep 1.00 Cook

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS 1 whole organic chicken Salt and pepper 1 red onion cut into wedges 4 shallots/pearl onions, halved, skin on 1 head garlic, sliced horizontally, skin on 1 bunch thyme, half of the bunch left whole, the other half with leaves picked 6 sprigs rosemary, 2 sprigs whole, the rest finely chopped 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp dried oregano 2 potatoes, sliced, skin on 2 carrots, peeled and sliced horizontally 1/2 butternut, wedges, skin on

METHOD Preheat the oven to 200C. Generously season the chicken inside and out. Stuff the chicken with the red onion, shallots, garlic and whole sprigs of thyme and rosemary. Using kitchen string, tie the legs together to help cook the chicken through evenly.

In a deep roasting tray, lay the sliced potato on the bottom of the tray. Place the stuffed chicken on top.

Scatter carrot chunks around the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary, thyme and dried herbs. Roast at 200C for 15 minutes.

Drop the heat down to 160C. Add the pumpkin/ butternut wedges and season with salt and pepper.

Continue to cook for a further 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Remove from the oven, cover and rest for 15 minutes.

Carve and enjoy.

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veg & lentil COTTAGE PIE 0.30 Prep 0.50 Cooking

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 1 medium leek 1 large carrot 1 small onion 1 stick celery olive oil 100g split pea red lentils 500ml organic vegetable stock

100g frozen peas sea salt freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons tomato purée 30g Parmesan cheese 1 large sweet potato, 300g

METHOD Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Trim, wash and finely slice the leek. Peel and dice the carrot, onion and celery.

Heat a splash of oil in a medium pan on a medium heat, add the leek, carrot, onion and celery. Pop the lid on and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until softened.

Add the lentils, stock and peas, then bring to the boil, stirring regularly. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through.

For baby, remove a small amount to a blender (use a hand-held stick blender, if you prefer), or a bowl, then either blend to a purée, pulse, mash and/or finely chop depending on the stage your little one is at For adults, season to taste with sea salt and black pepper, then add the tomato purée. Scrub the sweet potato clean, then coarsely grate it into a bowl, toss with a little oil and a good few gratings of Parmesan.

Transfer the filling to a 15cm x 20cm ovenproof dish and sprinkle with the sweet potato. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potato topping is golden and cooked through and the filling is piping hot.

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This delicious dessert may hail from Europe, but it finds a new home in Tilba with fresh ingredients from the farm.

apple, rhubarb &

HONEY STRUDEL 0.50 Prep 0.20 Cook

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 165ml lukewarm water 1 large egg, lightly beaten ¼ tsp white vinegar 30g butter, melted 300g flour, sifted ¾ tsp salt Melted butter

550g large green apples 200g rhubarb, thinly sliced 1 ½ cup cranberries 750g honey 3 cups breadcrumbs 3 tsp cinnamon 300g ground almonds

METHOD

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-Preheat the oven to 220°C. -For the pastry, warm a large earthenware or metal bowl. In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, egg, vinegar and butter. Sieve the flour and salt into the bowl, and stir by hand for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes a firm dough. Shape the dough into a ball and transfer it to a floured surface. Knead the dough by repeatedly lifting it and slapping it onto the table, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, approximately 10 minutes. Form the dough into a ball again, place it onto a floured surface and cover it with the warm inverted or bowl. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

-Meanwhile, start on the strudel filling. Peel the apples and cut into quarters, then cut the quarters again into four. Mix the apple and rhubarb together in a large bowl with cranberries, honey, breadcrumbs and cinnamon. Set the filling aside.

-Back to the pastry, cover a large table with a tablecloth, and sprinkle the cloth generously with flour. Using a pastry brush, coat the top of the dough with melted butter. Roll it out to a thickness of 1/8 inch, and place the dough over the knuckles of both of your hands.

Gently stretch the dough apart by pulling your hands away from each other. Working quickly, continue to stretch it until it is paper-thin.

The pastry should be the size of a tablecloth. With scissors, trim off the thick outer edges of the strudel dough. Brush the stretched dough generously with melted butter and then sprinkle it with ground almonds. Place the filling in a log shape along the edge.

Starting on the edge closest to the filling, lift the tablecloth from underneath. Using the weight of the strudel, gently roll the strudel over. Brush the top of the roll with melted butter and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs. With a sharp knife, cut it into sections that will fit comfortably on your baking sheets.

-Line the tray with baking paper, and brush it with melted butter.

Transfer the strudel onto the tray, seam side down. Bake in the middle of the oven for 10 minutes, and then reduce the heat to 200°C. Bake for 20 minutes longer or until the strudel is crisp and brown.

-Remove from the oven and serve hot. Dust with icing sugar and serve with whipped cream.

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Photography: Nikole Ramsay 96

may 2016 | mychild april

frozen

INTERVIEW may 2016 | mychild

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e

lsa, Anna, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf the snowman are headed to Sydney for the FIRST TIME EVER with Disney On Ice! They will joined by Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, as well as Belle, Ariel, Rapunzel, Flynn and more! Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival opens in Sydney on July 13 this year and will feature the magical winter wonderland of Frozen. The 2016 ice spectacular will also present the enchanting adventures of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Tangled and Beauty and the Beast, presented by popular hosts Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy!

What is your name?

Queen Elsa of Arendelle. It’s very nice to meet you.

Do you have any hobbies?

Well, being Queen does keep me busy but I do really enjoy exploring my new found snow and ice powers. There’s a fountain in our town square where I like making ice sculptures for everyone to enjoy.

Do you have a favourite food?

I’m going to guess that if you asked my sister, Anna, she would say chocolate. I would too. We have that in common.

Who is your best friend?

My little sister, Anna. We were very close when we were little and are even closer now.

How important are your friends and family to you?

My parents were always so careful to make sure Anna and I felt loved and safe; their example is what first taught me how important family is. After I was able to truly let go and embrace who I was as an individual, I was able to appreciate them even more. You see, what makes family and friends so important is the fact that they are always there for you, even when you pull away.

We know you and Anna are close, what are some of your favourite things to do together?

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Do you mean besides eating chocolate?

Well, I’m teaching Anna to ice skate and I really just love getting to do all the things we couldn’t for so long.

Can you tell us your favourite part about living in Arendelle?

I think it’s the people. They’ve shown me so much patience and kindness, even when they had every right not to. Their example is truly inspiring.

What is it like living in a castle?

While I do like the castle Anna and I live in most of the time, I also love spending time in my ice palace in the mountains.

There’s something so satisfying about making something yourself and then enjoying it. I don’t think there’s a view of the Northern Lights like it anywhere in the world.

We know Olaf’s favourite season is summer, what is yours?

I do like winter very much; There’s so much calm and quiet – and time to be close with the ones you love. I just feel at peace in winter. But of course I think part of what makes winter so great is how much it helps you appreciate summer. Now that the castle gates are open, summer brings such fun festivals and I love to see how happy that makes everyone.

WELL, BEING QUEEN DOES KEEP ME BUSY BUT I DO REALLY ENJOY EXPLORING MY NEW FOUND SNOW AND ICE POWERS.

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TRUST ME, I KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO NOT HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY AROUND AND HAVING THEM BY YOUR SIDE’S THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD.

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What is your name?

Anna. Well, Princess Anna of Arendelle, actually but you can call me Anna. No need for formalities – unless you like that sort of thing. I mean, I can be formal if you want, but I’m happier if everyone is relaxed and comfortable.

Do you have any hobbies?

Let’s see… snowman building, throwing parties… oh, and I really like mountain climbing. Though I like mountain climbing better when I’m not being chased by a big scary snow monster.

Do you have a favourite food?

Chocolate. Definitely chocolate. Oh! And sandwiches.

Who is your best friend?

My sister, Elsa. Ever since we were kids - sure we had that little period where we couldn’t be together, and the whole almost-eternal winter thing, but now we’re closer than ever. And I have to say, since we’re talking about friends, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf come in a pretty close second.

How important are your friends and family to you?

Are you kidding? They’re everything to me. Trust me, I know what it’s like to not have a lot of friends and family around and having them by your side’s the best thing in the world. To know you always have someone to talk to and laugh with and love you no matter what - that’s incredible.

We know you and Elsa are close, what are some of your favourite things to do together?

Is “everything” a good answer? Because I kind of want to say, “everything.” Wait. How about ice-skating?

We’ve been doing a lot of that lately. Elsa’s been teaching me and when you have a sister with ice magic you get to practice just about anywhere you want. Have you ever skated on a fjord? It’s pretty amazing.

Can you tell us your favourite part about living in Arendelle?

It’s so beautiful here, I love to be outside – wandering the town square, watching the ships come in and out of the harbour, exploring in the woods, rock climbing…

Of course, none of that would be nearly as much fun without all of the people, I mean, talk about your kind and generous and fun townspeople… I think Arendelle’s got them all.

What is it like living in a castle?

Well I like it but what I really love is when we get to open the gates and invite everyone in. I just love the music and the fun! After all, what really makes a place special are the people, right?

We know Olaf’s favourite season is summer, what is yours?

Oh, I like summer too. It’s got a lot going for it: long days, warm nights, festivals, visitors… you name it. But spring and autumn, they’ve got their own special kind of, I don’t know, life! And I wouldn’t be a good sister if I didn’t love winter a little bit. Seriously, have you ever seen willow trees in winter with frozen droplets of water hanging like diamonds from their branches?

Breathtaking.

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Olaf, it’s really great to be here in Arendelle getting to meet you. Can you tell me, what is the best thing about being a snowman?

That’s easy: warm hugs. Oh wait, can I change my answer? (Phew) Good. I forgot you said “the best” thing! The BEST thing is having my own personal snow flurry. No. Wait… I take it back; it’s definitely the warm hugs… AND the personal snow flurry! And a detachable head.

And the worst?

I don’t understand the question.

Never mind. Tell us about your amazing orange nose. Is it made from what I think it is?

Well if you think it’s made from a special magic Troll crystal, then no.

It’s a carrot! A very special carrot that apparently reindeer really like to kiss… a lot!

Do you have any brothers or sisters?

You mean like my little brother, Marshmallow? If you do, then yes!

Yes I do. Have you met him – ‘cause he likes meeting new people. Not a big hugger though. More like a big roarer and swiper and thrower He’s really good at it.

Olaf, what do you like to dream about?

Summer! Definitely summer. I’ve always dreamt about summer and sun and all things hot.

Do you have any hobbies?

Giving warm hugs. Getting warm hugs. Playing with Sven. Sitting in front of a fire… for a very short time. Ice-skating with Anna and Elsa. Watching Kristoff carry around ice. Staring at the sky. You know, the usual kinds of things.

I’m from a place called Sydney – Bless you.

Thank you. For what?

It sounded like you sneezed.

Oh, no. I said, “Sydney” – it’s a place in a country called Australia.

Oooh, “Aus-tral-eeah”- sounds exotic.

Well it certainly has some of the best beaches in the world.

Beaches? You mean the kind with warm sand?

Those are the ones. Do you think you’d like to visit someday?

Wait. Hold on. Do you think I could come visit someday?

Of course! We can hardly wait to see you there. Thanks for your time, Olaf.

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THE BEST THING IS HAVING MY OWN PERSONAL SNOW FLURRY. NO. WAIT… I TAKE IT BACK; IT’S DEFINITELY THE WARM HUGS… AND THE PERSONAL SNOW FLURRY! AND A DETACHABLE HEAD.

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DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS

MAGICAL ICE FESTIVAL

Featuring the Number One animated movie of all time, Frozen AUSTRALIA TOUR: 2 JUNE – 17 JULY, 2016

TICKETS ON SALE!

The Academy Award® winning animated film Frozen will come to life on ice and is packed full of action, adventure, magic and unforgettable characters. Audiences are transported to Arendelle to join royal sisters Elsa and Anna, the hilarious snowman Olaf, rugged mountain-man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven as they discover that true love conquers all.

Audiences will delight as Ariel twirls 35 feet above the ice in a stunning Spanish web act and be swept away as Rapunzel and Flynn are greeted with a dazzling display of the floating lanterns.

Beauty and the Beast will include an enchanted Be Our Guest scene, with theatrical elements that will astound the audience.

“We are taking a fresh new spin on how we’re presenting the Disney stories,” says Producer Juliette Feld. “We are weaving together the four worlds of royal sisters Anna and Elsa, Ariel, Belle and Rapunzel as they each embark on their own epic journey.”

“In our more than 30 years of producing Disney On Ice shows, Feld Entertainment has been waiting for a film like Frozen,” says producer Nicole Feld. “The most exciting part of bringing characters like Anna and Elsa to the ice for the first time is knowing that they have a powerful and inspiring message that resonates with audiences as the sisters discover the true meaning of love.”

This year’s show pushes the cast of world-class skaters to the limit with daring choreography, theatrical routines above the ice, stunning costumes and impressive set designs that transform endlessly throughout the production. With so much talent and storytelling jam-packed into one show, Disney On Ice truly brings the magic and is a must see for girls, boys and the whole family.

Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival is a jam-packed show overflowing with magic and will be shortly touring in a city near you! The National Tour starts on 2 June through to 17 July, and city dates include:

Perth Arena 2 - 6 June (Thurs - Mon) Ticketek Adelaide Entertainment Centre 10 - 13 June (Fri - Mon) Ticketek Wollongong- WIN Entertainment Centre 16 - 19 June (Thurs - Sun) Ticketmaster *Brisbane Entertainment Centre 23 - 27 June (Thurs - Mon) Ticketek *Melbourne- Rod Laver Arena 1 - 5 July (Fri - Tues) Ticketek *Newcastle Entertainment Centre 8 – 10 July (Fri - Sun) Ticketek * Sydney- Allphones Arena 13 – 17 July (Wed - Sun) Ticketek *denotes school holidays Purchase Wollongong tickets through Ticketmaster: 136 100 or www.ticketmaster.com.au/disneyonice. Tickets for all other cities purchase through Ticketek: 132 849 or www.ticketek.com.au/disneyonice Tickets start from just $34.50. Additional discounts apply on select performances. Credit card and transaction fees may also apply. For more information and to view a clip from the show visit www.DisneyOnIce.com.au.

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EXCELLENCE AWARDS

FINALIST 2016

FAVOURITE BABY MONITOR

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Oricom

Secure870 Baby Monitor Review

$359.00 - FOR STOCKISTS PLEASE VISIT ORICOM.COM.AU

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PRODUCTS WE LOVE

Reviewed by April Davis Sleep time is notoriously difficult and can be a stressful time for first time parents. It’s perfectly natural to feel like your eyes need to be on your baby at all times, and while this is usually the case, your babies sleep time is often your only downtime, or your only chance to actually get some work done. This is why selecting a good baby monitor is essential for ensuring your nursery is a safe and calming space for your little one.

The cutting-edge, interactive Oricom 870 Baby Monitor is one of the most popular monitors on the market - and for good reason - it’s the ultimate in secure baby video monitoring. The touch screen operating panel allows you to easily check on your child from anywhere in the home and gives you some much needed peace of mind while your baby is sleeping.

Featuring a large 3.5” touch screen, luminous light display and calming noises, the motorised, tilted camera easily captures all of your baby’s sounds and movements. Come bedtime, you can choose from a selection of lullabies, white noise, nature, and even womb sounds that are perfect for soothing your little bundle into a peaceful slumber. The monitor also has a mesmerising light show to help sooth even the most reluctant sleepers, creating a calming ambience, similar to a night light, that makes bedtime more relaxing.

to do is charge the camera and the monitor, with their separate power cables, set the camera up in the nursery, then keep track of their every move as you go about your day, or go to bed yourself.

At first the Oricom seems like a regular run of the mill baby monitor, however, once you test the monitor out you will quickly notice the stand-out features that make it more than ‘just’ a baby monitor - it’s also an essential sleeping tool. Trying to teach your child to follow a regular sleeping pattern can be tricky, but this monitor helps take some of the stress out of the process. The calming noises and light show is an effective way to transition your baby into sleeping alone and can sooth them when they start to wake up, helping them to sleep through the night.

Some important safety considerations: Try to keep the camera out of reach from your child and find it a home at least one-metre from the crib. The camera unit is wall mountable for added convenience.

Key features: High-quality touch screen, pantilt camera, 3x digital zoom, hi-definition sound, 480x320 resolution screen, baby friendly night vision, 19 lullabies and sounds, vibration alerts, parent talk back, adjustable night light, up to 6.5 hours in-use time and a wall mountable camera unit.

Valued at $359, this monitor really does have it all. The monitor measures the room’s temperature, and tells the time. All you have

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awards

EXCELLENCE

GO TO MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU

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vote now

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