MAGAZINE.COM.AU
CARING FOR A TERMINALLY ILL CHILD
How To Have A Drug Free Birth
MOTHER’S DAY ISSUE 68 - MAY 2017
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CONTENTS COVER STORIES
CELEBRITY READS
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MAKING MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL
CARING FOR A TERMINALLY ILL CHILD
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THREE WAYS TO HAVE FUN ON MOTHER’S DAY AS A SINGLE MUM HOW TO HAVE A DRUG FREE BIRTH
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COURTNEY CLARKE SMALL TOWN GIRL RISING TO HI-5 STARDOM
EVERY MONTH
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EDITOR’S LETTER
EDITOR’S PICKS
BOOK REVIEWS
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MUMMY BLOG: ONE DAY AT A TIME RECEPES
YOUR CHILD
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HOW TO DEAL WITH A BABY WITH COLIC STARTING SOLIDS AND PREVENTING FOOD ALLERGY TOILET TRAINING IS MY CHILD READY?
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SELECTIVE HEARING - ITS AN EPIDEMIC IS THERE A CURE?
HEALTH
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HOW TO DEAL WITH EDEMA WHEN PREGNANT HOW TECHNOLOGY SAVED MY SON
REAL READ
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WHAT IT IS LIKE TO HAVE CHILDREN WITH SYNGAP1
DAD READ
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THE SPECIAL BOND BETWEEN FATHER AND DAUGHTER
SHOPPING
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FASHION: LOVE HENRY
SHOP KIDS FASHION
GET THE LOOK INTERIORS
TOY REVIEWS
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EDITOR BIANCA MEDINA
ASSISTANT EDITOR JANA ANGELES
ART DIRECTOR CRAIG BURKILL
SALES DIRECTOR KATALIN CSARDAS
CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS APRIL DAVIES SHEREE ECHLIN LEAH SHANNON TRACY FULWOOD NICKI MARIE AIMEE YORK CARA BARILLA PAUL TREVINO LAUREN GLADMAN
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES EDITORIAL@MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES ADVERTISING@MYCHILDMAGAZINE.COM.AU
CONTACT: MYCHILD MAGAZINE PHONE: 0411 572 877 My Child magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by MyChild Magazine (ABN 79 167 787 662). No other parties or individuals have any financial interest in the company or in My Child or mychildmagazine.com.au. My Child contains general information only and does not purport to be a substitute for health and parenting advice. Readers are advised to seek a doctor for all medical and health matters. The publisher and authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. Reproduction of any material without written permission by the publisher is strictly forbidden. We cannot accept responsibility for material lost or damaged in the post or for any unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.
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Baby Carrier One The ultimate ergonomic edition www.babybjorn.com.au The Parallel Line Design is a sign of a genuine BABYBJĂ–RN product. may 2017 | mychild
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EDITOR’S LETTER Hi Lovelies,
Hope you’re all well and enjoyed the School Holidays and Easter Break with your family and loved ones! Now that the kids are back at school, I’m sure it will give you a chance to catch up on all the things that you missed while spending time with your little ones for the last several weeks. I know I am and I just can’t seem to keep on top of it all! Anyhow it’s May already, I really can’t understand where the time goes! I will never really understand why once you become a parent the years seem to fly by. I kind of wish that before my daughter’s birth that time went by quickly and could slow down once she arrived. I sometimes feel like its going by so quickly that I might not remember all the amazing milestones I have encountered since Max’s arrival. Oh well, I suppose that all parents go through the same thing and I’ve recently started to sit back everyday for 10 mins and reflect on the day and store my favourite memories so that in years to come I can recall all the amazing moments that parenthood has given me. Now let’s take a look at what’s in the May Issue. This month we have some great articles for Mother’s day which include: 3 ways to have fun on mothers day as single mum and Making Mother’s Day special. We also have you covered on when to start solids and preventing food allergy. Don’t forget to check out the Caring for a terminally ill child article for those that may need a little guidance and if you’re pregnant, make sure you check out the how to deal with edema when pregnant and how to have a Drug Free Birth. For those with a little bub that has colic, make sure you take the time to read the how to deal with a baby that has colic for some great tips and tricks. Toilet Training is always an interesting topic and the when is my toddler ready to Toilet Train? also offers some great advice. If you (just like me) are starting to wonder if your kids actually hear you, have a read of the Selective Hearing article. The special bond between father and daughter is also a great read for dads and mums too. We have been lucky enough to have the Williams Family share an amazing real read about their 2 girls which is a must read. All the usuals, interior, reviews, blog and much more can also be found in this issue so make sure you check them all out. Well that’s all for now. Until next month
ianca
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Bianca and the mychild Team xxx 6
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editor
PICKS
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PREGNANCY
HOW TO DEAL WITH EDEMA WHEN PREGNANT - TIPS ON HOW TO EASE THE PAIN
By Cara Barilla Educational Columnist and Journalist Pregnancy can be quite difficult when it comes to your body changing. We don’t seem to understand the myths, facts and ways to control our system. Edema causes significant changes to our body and these are associated with our
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physical appearance and weight. Edema in pregnancy is a common part produced by added blood and fluid. Inflammation of fluid and blood is mainly experienced in the hands, wrists, face, legs, ankles, and feet. Additional retaining of fluid is required to moderate the body, which then allows expansion as your baby grows. Some people don’t feel any pain
at all during mild cases, though most women do feel tightness and tense pain in many areas. Here are some natural ways to balance and control pregnancy edema. Relax, Relax and Relax; It is crucial for your body to keep regulated at all times for your baby to develop at a healthy
rate. Elevating your legs will not onl y keep your blood circulation moderate and reduce tension, it will also reduce stress. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite movie to moderate your body back into place. Standing up all day can trigger edema when pregnant. It’s ideal to have moments to sit and elevate your feet.
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Massage Healing; This technique balances blood flow and prevents high-blood pressure. Not only will a nice massage keep you in a refreshed mood, but this is a very important way to help circulate blood. When you are in pain from edema, a soft massage can reduce swelling. It’s best to chat with your local GP or pediatrician for a referral to get a quality masseuse specialising in pregnancy massages and women with edema. Ice packs: Whilst your feet is elevated, it’s helpful to use icepacks on your feet to reduce swelling and pain. Keep a few ice packs in your freezer and apply to your feet when necessary. This will reduce swelling, keeping your feet cool and balancing flow. When we are pregnant, our temperatures tend to rise quite a bit, therefore placing an ice pack on our feet and calves will soothe and balance the pain caused from edema. Keep Hydrated: Whether you are pregnant or not, water is a very significant source for our bodily function. Drinking purified water not only flushes away the old toxins, it also stimulates body circulation while strengthening your system in order to ward off the pressure and pain associated with edema.
Walk: Walking assists in the stimulation of blood flow and helps reduce inflammation and pain. Try to walk at least once a day for half an hour. It will aid in the removal of bodily toxins and boost your energy levels. Moving around your body regularly eases away any pressure your body may feel. Eat Right: Eating right does not only benefit the development of the baby, it helps prevent gestational diabetes, obesity and high-blood pressure. By eating more veggies and natural protein, you will reduce the risk of edema. It’s best to speak to your local kinesiologist, nutritionist or dietician to consult with you on your individual intolerances, allergies and blood compatibility. Edema is triggered by many different effects for each individual. Loosen up! Wear loose clothes, cotton or breathable fabrics to take away pain while allowing frequent movement of blood and fluid. Open toe shoes and any kind of flat sandals will support your feet and prevent fluid blockages. Try not to wear any closed-in shoes during pregnancy, as it will prevent edema and the discomfort that comes with it. If you are pregnant in the winter however, closed-toe shoes are unavoidable. Your feet may not be able to fit into your usual shoes as your feet may be swollen. It would be quite painful to squeeze into them. You should invest in buying a few closed-in shoes, which are a couple of sizes larger. Overall, when dealing with edema, it is probable that each and every individual has their own unique preferences to what is the most comfortable choice. Accepting what your body is naturally telling you is usually an indication to try and consider some alternatives. Try to read your body and do what makes you comfortable. For any uncertainties, it’s best to speak to your local pregnancy GP, pediatrician or nurse to assist with any other issue.
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The Ne x Level o t f Care
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TERMINALLY ILL FAMILY MEMBERS
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CARING FOR A TERMINALLY-ILL CHILD – WAYS TO HELP YOU COPE WITH CARING FOR A CHILD WITH A TERMINAL ILLNESS By Paul Trevino
If you have a child with a terminal disease, then you probably think that life isn’t fair. And you’re right. But this doesn’t necessarily mean that your child’s condition can’t be treated. Things have changed a lot over the years, and today’s tech advances can help kids with terminal illness live a comfortable life for months - sometimes even years. Most types of cancer treatments are all about keeping things under control by managing the symptoms.
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Your behaviour as a parent is crucial. You have to help your kid keep living a fulfilling life, while at the same time prepare for a dignified and peaceful death. Have an honest and open conversation with their doctor, and talk about your feelings. It won’t be easy, but it is important to acknowledge that there are things in life you can’t control. SYMPTOMS, HEALTH-CARE, AND SIDE-EFFECTS Caring for a child with a terminal illness is excruciating, especially if that child is your flesh and blood. The best thing that you can do is know everything there is related to the condition. Know about the symptoms, best treatment available, and side-effects. Palliative care is all about helping the child live a comfortable life. It involves the social, psychological, and spiritual needs of the whole family. Note that we’re not talking about a treatment, but about care. Hospice care can be included in this category. It is a form of palliative care for patients with less than six-months to live. The services are focused on offering support, and can be provided both at home and in an assisted living facility. Most families don’t want their child to be looked after in a hospital. They want them to live at home, and be surrounded by their loved ones. COMMUNICATION IS FUNDAMENTAL When caring for a sick child, it’s very hard to talk about death. But you have to do it so that you can assure them that everything will be alright. Find the right time to have a conversation. If the cancer is in the early stages, you can have time to find the right approach. You’re the judge, and you can choose to tell your child whenever you want. But do it properly and make them feel safe. A lot of parents choose to keep their kids in the dark but they don’t realise that this approach can do them more harm than good. Since your child is sick, and their body may feel pain, they will have to deal with lots of changes, and will naturally start
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asking questions. At some point, you’ll run out of options and you won’t be able to explain why their pain won’t stop. Be open and honest Why is it so important to be open and honest with you child? First, because you will make them feel a lot less anxious. Second, because you’ll make them understand what’s happening. This will enable you to have closure. Share memories, express your love and adoration, and make them feel safe and protected. Your child will probably have a lot of questions. Knowing what’s on their mind, and doing everything you can to clear the air is a great way to make them feel at peace. However, you may not want to talk about death with your child if they are a preschooler. They won’t be able to understand the concept, and you might scare them. In school, kids begin to understand what death is. Their understanding often depends on cultural norms, the things they see on TV, and religious beliefs. THE GREAT POWER OF REASSURANCE When bringing the topic of death into discussion, it might be a good idea to reassure your child that they won’t be alone, and that they will go to a better place where others will look after them. Parental love matters just as much as support. Be there for them, and convince them that after death all their pain will go away forever. In some circumstances, your child’s physician may recommend some supplements and vitamins to help maintain their strength for as long as possible. Even in the late stages of a terminal disease, such as cancer, no parent wants their kid to suffer. To know more about what suits your child, consult with the best professionals. Bottom line is, the best treatment for a child who suffers from an incurable disease is love. Care for them and make them happy, so that they can die happy and at peace.
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BIRTH
HOW TO HAVE A DRUG-FREE BIRTH BY JANA ANGELES
Are you a mother considering a drug-free birth? Like most mums, you’re not alone when it comes to your pregnancy journey as there are many options to consider when it comes to the birth of your baby. Some might prefer a drug-free option because of the natural aspects associated with it, avoiding any hormonal or chemical imbalance that might happen when using drugs in the body. Though mothers will judge you on your choice, there is nothing wrong with choosing a drug-free birth. Of course, you need to prepare extra carefully if you plan on doing this so that the birth of your baby is as smooth as possible. So how can we make a drug-free birth less painful for us? REMAIN POSITIVE WHEN IT COMES TO THE BIRTHING STAGE Having negative feelings in general will weigh you down no matter what, so the best option for you is to remain positive while you’re enjoying your pregnancy. The last thing you want to do is be surrounded by opinionated people who discourage you from having a drug-free birth.
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You have the power to create a positive perception of birth. Most movies portray childbirth as an excruciating experience but in reality, it’s not necessarily an accurate description. Remember, all childbirths are unique to each individual so if you want a drug-free birth, don’t let anybody stop you! DON’T BE AFRAID TO BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS Go back to basics and take time to learn about everything related to birth. Read books, watch videos or do research on the Internet. You can also attend classes and meet other mothers who can pass on knowledge to you if they have had a birth previously (bonus if they’ve had a drugfree one). Learning everything related to birth will help you be more sure of yourself and prepared for the big day. You can psychologically prepare yourself by letting nature run its course and trusting your instincts when it comes to your body. We underestimate how powerful our bodies are, so don’t be afraid to trust what your body can do during childbirth. Most importantly, treat it with care during your pregnancy. PLAN AND VISUALISE THE BIRTH If you’re a visual person, this will be an easy step for you! Planning how you’re going to approach your birth can be an efficient way to decrease any anxiety and stress associated with the birth. Imagining pleasant birth scenarios can help you keep on track and increase motivation in following through a drug-free birth. Make a dreamboard and put up pictures, which will help you feel peaceful and harmonious. This will help you be more confident in yourself and your decision for a drug-free birth! FIND WAYS TO STRENGTHEN THE MINDBODY CONNECTION There are a number of ways to strengthen
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the connection between the body and mind. Undertaking any of these will help you immensely with your drug-free birth. These include: • Meditation: When undertaking this method of relaxation, meditation allows the release of melatonin (a hormone released to regulate sleeping and waking cycle). Melatonin is only released during stressful times. Meditation can also produce an increase of endorphins and has powerful pain-relieving effects, similar to morphine. If prenatal women commit to meditation regularly, they will be less afraid of the pain associated with childbirth. ● • Yoga: This a popular form of exercise during pregnancy. Yoga is the combination of gentle stretching, relaxation and breathing techniques. One of the biggest perks of doing yoga regularly is that it builds stamina and relaxes the pelvis. It can also improve the wellbeing of mothers and help alleviate the pain associated with labour. Taking up some yoga classes can definitely decrease stress levels prior to the birthing stage too! Depending on your preference, both meditation and yoga will provide adequate time for you to relax and be prepared for a drug-free birth. It will also help strengthen the mind and body connection, enabling a positive mentality during the birthing process. No matter how much you prepare for a drug-free birth, be prepared for the unexpected outcomes when you start going into labour. Even if you are ready to not take any medical interventions, a complication during the birth can happen. Otherwise, by following the steps above, you’ll be right on track in preparing for a drug-free birth!
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BIRTH
HOW TO DEAL WITH A
BABY THAT HAS COLIC TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP EASE YOUR BABY’S PAIN By Cara Barilla, Educational Columnist and Journalist
It can be so hard to deal with colic; you are witnessing your poor crying baby, not understanding what he or she is trying to communicate with you due to the discomfort it’s causing them. Understanding your baby’s intolerances, their portion limits and their comfortable positioning may be a sound stepping stone to deal with. However, there are a lot more alternatives and studies being brought forward to the treatment of colic and the pain associated with it. Once you have established what your baby’s needs are, it will be more manageable inside their personal routine when dealing with colic.
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Baby massage: Latest studies and techniques reveal that specialised baby massage techniques aid in the pain and prevention of colic. As a baby’s bodily functions are still underdeveloped, a baby massage can assist in circulating congestion. Speak to your local Pharmacist, GP, midwife or nurse for professional advice related to baby massages. There are also “mother baby” massage workshops available for you and your bub. Regular feeds: If you are feeding your bub too much or too fast, this can also be a factor of intestinal air from the interruption of excessive lactose (either from breast milk or formula feed). Ideally, feeding babies twice as often and half in quantity can prevent colic and discomfort. Overfeeding is a common issue babies face, which can cause colic. Overfeeding leaves very little space in your baby’s tummy, leaving little breathing space and discomfort. Your child will naturally guide you to understand when they have had enough. After each feed, it’s best to allow your baby to be positioned upright to allow more gas to be brought up. Additional burping “over the shoulder” and “over the lap” is very effective for gas release. Changing Positions: Moving your baby around (tummy time, the footballer position, bouncing the baby), and other gentle frequent movement options can often help release gas and provide them with more comfort. This also raises bonding time for you and your bub, as there’s a lot of handling time involved. When your little one is at ease and feeling safe in familiar arms, their little bodies will release tension, resulting in more gas being released. Elevation: When your baby is upset due to discomfort, try to elevate your baby’s legs in an upward motion, and practise the “bicycle motion”, which can help release tension and push out additional gas.
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Placing your little one on his or her tummy and elevating their head in the “tummy time position” can also aid in gas retention. Warm baths: A relaxing bath for two often relaxes both you and your baby. Skin to skin time is not only rejuvenating and calming for both mum and bub, it can also aid in bodily movement. At lukewarm temperature, rest your little one on your chest in water as its flow will help circulate unwanted gas. Simple massage techniques in water has been proven to stimulate the movement of prolonged intestinal gas. Over-the-counter products: If you are concerned your baby formula is the prime suspect of your little one’s colic, it’s beneficial to speak to your local GP and pharmacist to assist in the best anti-colic formula and medicine. The best way to determine if your little one is experiencing pain from colic due to formula is to purchase a specialised baby formula for colic sufferers. If you notice a dramatic difference within two days, it’s ideal to change formula as your little one may have an intolerance to its ingredients and formulation. Whether or not you are experiencing a suffering baby from colic or not, it’s best to have your baby checked by your local GP. Sometimes your babies are silent sufferers and may show their pain in a more discrete way. As long as your little one experiences regular tummy time support, movement, natural flow and not being overfed, these are general ways to aid in the prevention of colic. Chat to your local support nurse, hospital hotlines and mother’s group support systems for additional home remedies and like-minded advice. Most importantly, read your baby’s body language and monitor any changes and red flags accordingly.
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BABY
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Starting Solids and Preventing Food Allergy By Lauren Gladman Introducing solid foods to your baby is a very exciting milestone. These days however, with the rise in food allergy, this excitement is often tainted by anxiety about food allergies. This combined with lots of new research and therefore many changes to the introducing solids recommendations can be confusing. So what is the best way to move your baby from their first mouthful to eating family foods? The following is an up-to-date summary of what every parent needs to know. It is not fully understood why allergy, especially food allergy, has increased so quickly in recent years, particularly in young children. Allergy prevention information is important to parents and rightly so. In Australia recent studies show that 10% of infants have an immediate food allergy and severe reactions (anaphylaxis) have increased 4-fold in the last 14 years. The reason for this is a complex mix of lifestyle, environment and genetics. No single cause has been identified yet. There are many studies on allergy prevention underway, however, to date there are no clear guidelines on specific actions parents can take to prevent food allergy in their children.
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During pregnancy, some mothers are manipulating their diet hoping to reduce food allergy risk for their child. However, this is not supported by research. It is recommended that a varied and healthy diet is consumed during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. A varied diet includes a range of grains, fruit, vegetables, dairy, eggs, nuts and meat. Restricting your diet whilst pregnant should be avoided or done with caution and medical consultation. Risks of inadequate nutrition in a pregnant mother include poor growth in babies and nutrient deficiencies. Any length of breastfeeding provides benefit to mother and baby. Continuing to breastfeed during the age solids are introduced may assist with food allergy prevention. Although scientific evidence around this has weakened in the past few years, there remains many other benefits to be gained from breastfeeding. The age of your babies first mouthful of food is one of the most studied aspects of allergy prevention. Despite evidence not yet informing an optimal time, starting between 4-6 months is currently recommended. Specifically, don’t start solids before 4 months and don’t delay solids beyond 6 months as this may increase (rather than decrease) the risk of allergy. Beyond commencing iron-rich foods as one of the first foods (e.g. rice cereal), foods can be introduced in any order and at a pace that suits your baby. There are no particular allergenic foods such as dairy, wheat, cooked egg, peanuts and fish that need to be avoided or delayed. These foods should be introduced before 12 months of age along with fruits, vegetables and grains when the family are consuming them. Further research is required to determine the best age to introduce these foods. Trialling a new food every 2 days will enable you to identify foods if they cause a reaction.
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Recent research has emerged showing exposure to peanut pastes from between 4 and 11 months of age, at least 3 times per week may decrease the risk of peanut allergy significantly. Similarly, studies looking at cooked egg have shown introduction before 8 months of age can reduce the risk of egg allergy. This is particularly in families where another member has a food allergy. To introduce peanut, use a peanut paste. To start egg, use a boiled egg that is mashed. Gradually increase egg or peanut from a Âź baby spoon to full serves mixed with other foods such as puree vegetables. Once introduced, continue to offer both foods at least twice a week. If your baby does react to foods as they are introduced, seek medical advice. For those diagnosed with food allergy the only current treatment is avoidance of that food. A medical practitioner or accredited practicing dietitian (APD) will assist with advice to avoid foods if needed. This requires a sound understanding of food labels. In Australia, infant formula and infant foods must comply with mandatory allergen declaration requirements to assist parents in selecting the right food for their children. Embrace sharing food and eating with your child as it is an exciting and messy milestone that the whole family (including your furry friends) are sure to enjoy. Remember: All infants, including those at high-risk of food allergy should be introduced to foods that are common food allergens before 12-months of age. These include peanut butter, cooked egg, wheat products, dairy and fish. Lauren Gladman is a Accredited practicing dietitian (APD) specialising in infant, children and adolescent nutrition for 11 years. She is also the proud mum to Isla, 3 years and Finn, 18 months.
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BOOK
reviews
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A Fearsome Beast and a Dumpling Feast Written by Yves Stening, Illustrated by Nigel Buchanan This engaging book is the first in a new series call ed Dinner Detectives, in which siblings Clementine & Aksel uncover the magical stories behind the foods we eat every day. In their first case, they investigate Chinese New Year, with their cousin Ying explaining the origins of the holiday’s traditions. Each book in the series will feature the recipe for a dish that can be prepared by children and their parents (in this case delicious dumplings!), and which will expose them to new cuisines and open up discussion about where food comes from and the joy it can bring us. The fascinating story and fantastic illustrations work together wonderfully to create a book perfect for 3-8 year olds.
Storm Whale Written by Sarah Brennan, Illustrated by Jane Tanner This lyrical rhyming story is a joy to read aloud – a simpl e tale of three sisters who find a beached whale and attempt to rescue it. The text is full of rich imagery of the seaside, and beautifully captures the feel of the sisters’ desperation in the midst of the summer storm. Both the language used and the realism of the illustrations have a classical, oldworldly feel that is not found in many picture books today.
Goldilocks and the Three Potties By Leigh Hodgkinson While there may be plenty of toilet training picture books on the market, many tend to be straightforward and factual, making them somewhat unappealing to their target market. Goldilocks and the Three Potties is exactly the opposite – children can instantly identify with this familiar story, made all the more enjoyable by the fabulous quirky illustrations. The traditional tale has been tweaked in a humorous and relatable way, making it spot on for kids embarking their toilet training journey. From early accidents and false alarms until they finally get it “just right”.
Grandad’s Secret Giant By David Litchfield This is the gentle tale of Billy and his grandfather, who find a way to make a shy giant feel welcome in their town. Billy learns that rather than judging others hastily based only on their appearance, it is important to remember that we are all just people seeking connection and acceptance. Litchfield is the author/illustrator of the awardwinning The Bear and the Piano, and his ability to create amazingly detailed worlds, which draw the reader into the story is sure to make this second solo effort another success. Best suited for children aged 2-7.
While at first, the language may seem too complex for 4-8 year olds, Storm Whale invites repeated readings, as parents and children can discuss and discover together the meaning of many wonderful new words.
REVIEWED
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MOTHER’S DAY
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THREE WAYS TO HAVE FUN ON
y a D s ’ r e h t o M AS A SINGLE MUM By Jana Angeles
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Being a single mother on Mother’s Day is a challenge. You see people on social media sharing pictures of their perfect famil y or the ones getting luxurious gifts as a sign of appreciation. Getting to that point where you feel like you’re shortchanged doesn’t necessaril y mean your motherhood journey is worse than others - it just means you have to go at it alone and figure out a creative way to celebrate. Yes, being a single mum has it downfalls but we can change and remain positive in our attitude. So how can we make Mother’s Day a fun and memorable one as a single mum? CREATE A FUN TRADITION FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN It may be easy to just stay at home and binge-watch your favourite TV series while eating your go-to ice cream flavour but being out of the house and having fun with your children is always something you’ll never forget. Create meaningful memories with your children by starting your own unique tradition on Mother’s Day. It can be something simple like cooking a famil y meal together, seeing the latest art exhibit at a museum or going on wild rides at an amusement park. The possibilities are endless and it’s better to do something that makes you feel good about yourself instead of wallowing in self-pity. Remember your Mother’s Day celebrations are unique to yourself so you can make it fun your own way. FORGET ABOUT THE EXPECTATIONS AND ENJOY THE RIDE Things might not go perfect on Mother’s Day and you may feel susceptible to negative feelings more often than not. It’s important to remind yourself of the simple things that make motherhood such a wild yet rewarding journey for all
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of us. Don’t build on expectations and thrive off them because in the end, you may feel disappointed if they are not met. Your children may just want to spend more quality time with you. Mother’s Day doesn’t have to include an extravagant dinner in the end. It could mean bonding over your favourite movies with your children or simpl y cuddling each other to sleep. Enjoy the day and remain positive as best you can. Make Plans With Your Famil y And Friends It’s easy to feel left out especiall y when all your friends are coupled up and celebrating their version of Mother’s Day with their own families. Find time by seeking out friends who are also single mums and get together with your children and be creative with your outings. You can go on a day trip to the beach, day cruise or even have a quiet picnic in the park. It’s not rocket science when it comes to making plans and you’ll find that even the most simplest things can benefit you physicall y and emotionall y. Of course, this might be your first Mother’s Day being single but that doesn’t mean you should let that define your worth. You can be happy fl ying solo and just be grateful spending time with your children. Overall, it’s okay to feel a bit left out when it comes to Mother’s Day. Just because you’re single, doesn’t mean you should miss out on all the fun. Remember that your children love you no matter what and if they show love and care towards you on this special day, show your appreciation and remind yourself that you’re an amazing mother with many valuable qualities. may 2017 | mychild
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THE
MUMMY
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ONE DAY AT A TIME WRITTEN BY: SHEREE ECHLIN
Mummas, how often do you take time to do something for yourself? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Or is the real answer rarely or in fact never?! We spend so much time focused on the little people in our lives we often forget about ourselves. Am I right?! I can’t remember the last time I was able to shower in peace or even just a moment of silence to duck into the toilet unnoticed. It’s like the kids can sense you have disappeared and seek you out to wreak havoc once to make sure you know you’re alive. I love my girls and I often say I wouldn’t change a thing. But even I know that’s probably a little bit of a lie. It’s the little things in life that can make a big difference. My two beautiful girls are by far the best things I have done in my life. They can drive me crazy at the drop of a hat but mind you, it’s all part of the fun isn’t it?! I’m nodding in agreement but it’s purely a reflex action, haha! In all seriousness, I know I am very lucky to have my babies. They may be the reason I like a glass or two of wine and more chocolate than I really need, but they do give amazing cuddles, kisses and heart-melting smiles. I often have to remind myself of those moments when I’m packing up toys (again and again
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and again) or cleaning up who knows what off the floor. They are the reason I am mummy and I wouldn’t change that for anything... well except maybe a trip to the toilet in silence every now and then, haha! But isn’t it funny when they aren’t around how much you miss them?! Maybe not every second but the silence can be deafening. The screams, laughter and arguing can sometimes create an odd sense of comfort when you get used to it, along with driving you up the wall of course! But I know all of it, the good, bad and the chaotic will fly by in the blink of an eye. It won’t be long before arguments over toys will become battles over hair straighteners and make up. I think I will need all the help in the world then. Chocolate and even wine may not be enough to save me! Speaking of treats, isn’t it funny how kids don’t miss a thing when they know they have been promised something? There is no pulling the wool over the eyes of my girls, especially Miss Izzie. Two days can go by and they won’t remember the millionth time you asked for the toys to be put away, but they remind you a debt you owe, especially if that reward involves some kind of chocolatey treat!
There is no denying, they are my girls after all! I guess another sign they are following in my footsteps would be their sheer strength and determination, or in simple terms, attitude. And oh my there is plenty of that. One likes to purse her lips, stomp her feet and tell me I’m the naughty one. While the other is doing her best to upset her big sister and give me cheeky smiles as she runs away, usually during a nappy change. I thought Miss Izzie might be the devil in disguise but I’m starting to think her little sister may have taken over the role. Together they can be super cute, full of love and smiles for each other and notabl y adorable. It almost sounds like a scene from a cute kids movie. It does happen for about half an hour and then it’s like the wind changes and I gain two little ratbags in their place. But even on the worst of days, we still manage to share a laugh together, usually at the expense of someone (mostly me) of course. I do often wonder what my girls could possibly have in store for me next. They are growing up faster than I can keep up some days. But I love how they are full of curiosity and tackle every challenge (willingly) with wide-eyed wonder and fullblown determination. I can only hope that is something they hold on to, no matter what the world throws their way. Life is always an adventure for my girls and I. Jump on to shereeechlin. com to share in more of our fun.
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KIDS
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Selective Hearing It’s an epidemic among children, is there a cure? BY AIMEE YORK SOUND FAMILIAR? As parent’s we often hear ourselves repeat the same sentences multiple times a day and end up exhausted and frustrated with the lack of response we received from our kids. Selective hearing is often more of a colloquial, somewhat amusing term to describe the mischievous ways of children. However, when applied to contexts outside the home and school, it can lead to challenges beyond simply learning to listen. WHAT IS SELECTIVE HEARING? Our ability to select what we hear is referred to as the ‘cocktail party effect’. This was described by British scientist Colin Cherry in the 1950’s. It explains our ability to focus on one person’s voice, and block out other noise around us. Using this skill effectively helps us function in society and select the right source of auditory noise to listen to.
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Selective hearing can be defined as the tendency of some children to select what they hear, and either tune in or out of what is being said to them. The difference between this and the effective use of the Cocktail Party Effect is that children are often described as selecting the ‘wrong’ source of noise to listen to. The word ‘select’ implies a choice. If selective hearing is not behavioural and is quite pervasive, then it may not be a choice. Selective hearing does not necessarily involve whether a child can hear or not. In fact, many children with selective hearing have perfect hearing levels. Selective hearing often has to do with the processing part of our auditory system; the part where the sound information reaches our brains. Things that can lead to a child’s selective hearing include: • Are you saying too much? – Remember kids have short attention spans. Don’t give them five instructions to follow, stick to one or two key instructions at a time. • Are they focusing on something else? – Kids can become engrossed in the activities they are doing (it’s great for their concentration, not so great for parents though). Make sure when speaking to you child, you have their full attention. • Are you doing something else when speaking to your child? – Children respond better when you are giving them your full attention. Even though you’re busy with a million things, try to speak to them face-to-face when asking them to do something. • Are you Criticising? – Kids will tune out if you’re constantly criticising them; it a natural behaviour. • Do you order or beg your kids? – If you’re ordering your kids around like it’s the army or begging them to do the things you ask, chances are they’ll learn not to listen to you. • Do you follow up words with actions? –
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You must be consistent with this and if you’ve asked them to tidy up their toys or no TV, then that means no TV. If you don’t follow up, you are teaching your kids to ignore you. WHAT TO DO TO HELP YOUR CHILD WITH SELECTIVE HEARING? Selective hearing can’t be cured with a magical wand, but there are things you can do to help your child improve their listening skills. For everyday cases of selective hearing, here are some top tips on how to regain your child’s attention. • Look at me - Ensure your child has time to stop what they are doing, turn and face you, and make eye contact. • Clarify - Ask your child to repeat back or summarise what you just said to check understanding. • Make it visual - If you’re asking your child to do something as part of a routine, print out some pictures to remind them visually of what is required. Stick them on the fridge or somewhere communal for easy access. • Positive reinforcement - When your child starts to become successful at listening and less selective, reward them with verbal praise or a small treat for their good listening skills. • Reverse the roles - If your child asks you to do something, try to get your child to impress any of the above four tips back on you as a parent! These simple tips should help your child build good listening skills, it will take time and dedication but the results will be worthwhile for both parties. If these tips don’t help or if you suspect your child has challenges around any aspect of auditory processing or attention, contact either your doctor, a speech pathologist, audiologist or occupational therapist for further help. Aimee York is the Director and the Principal Occupational Therapist of KinderCloud.
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TODDLER
TOILET TRAINING IS MY CHILD READY? By Tracy Fulwood As we survey the complexity of the human child in its natural habitat, we can see the splendour and complexity that this creature brings. From the moment it appears to the time it takes its first steps on planet earth, we observe that there is a considerable distinction between what we know and what we don’t. With the latter leaving its parents questioning if they actually know anything at all. As the creature prepares to emit a cry of defiance, no where on the planet does wildlife put on such a spectacular show. We are left with a most interesting question. When do we start toilet training?! If child rearing sometimes feels like a David Attenborough dialogue in a BBC documentary, don’t stress. You are not the only one left searching for answers and toilet training is one parenting topic that can leave us most baffled.
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There are definite signs of readiness when your child is ready to start toilet training. This means if your child is willing and able, it will be easier to tackle this brand new habit. There are three challenges though that parents can face when dealing with readiness. 1. Missing the signs. 2. Relying on readiness alone to start toilet training. 3. Believing “independence” factors are necessary to start. 1. MISSING THE SIGNS Missing the signs of readiness is often due to simply not knowing what they are. This challenge is often coupled with the expectation that your child needs to be a certain age before you can start toilet training. Age has nothing to do with readiness! Your child can display signs of readiness at four months, fourteen months or two years plus. “My six-month old daughter would go to the same spot on the mat every day at 9.30am and do her poo. I would stand next to her and wait for her to finish then go change her nappy.” Without any awareness that a regular poo routine was a sign of readiness, this Mum was missing a perfect opportunity to have her infant poo trained. Imagine that! No more poo nappies again at six months old. Simply popping her daughter on the potty in the same spot at the same time it resulted in her daughter currently doing a poo each day. Her daughter’s sign of readiness made it so easy for her to be poo trained but without knowing or believing it was even possible. “Sebastian and Tristyn were showing signs of readiness at fourteen months, so I started toilet training. They were daytime trained by seventeen months; night time trained by eighteen months. No more nappies from seventeen months old! I saved over $6,000 in nappies with my twin boys by finishing toilet training early.” (Kylie, Brisbane) Readiness = Easier. Don’t miss the boat simply because you didn’t know.
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2. RELYING ON READINESS ALONE TO START TOILET TRAINING The second challenge is waiting for your child to show signs of readiness before you can even start. The problem is your child may not show you signs of readiness. There are two personality types, which have a greater chance of this happening. In the “Know Your Child” program, we teach parents to identify their child’s distinct personality type. This in turn provides a greater understanding of your child’s needs and more confidence in raising them. The four Know Your Child personality types are: 1. Courageous Lion 2. Loveable Lamb 3. Cheeky Monkey 4. Wise Old Owl While not exclusively, the Loveable Lamb and the Wise Old Owl have a greater chance of NOT SHOWING signs of readiness with toilet training. Loveable Lambs are very laid back. While beneficial in other areas, it makes toilet training quite difficult. They are often the child who doesn’t care if they are wet or dirty and are at the last to tell you they need to go. They will choose the easy path every time and when it comes to toilet training, this is the nappy. There is no reason to make the
effort to change anything if they are perfectly comfortable with the status quo. The Wise Old Owls are cautious and don’t like change. They are quite fearful, particularly in new things. This child will stick to what they know over attempting anything new. There is absolutely no reason to show you signs of readiness when they are more comfortable with the first way they were shown; the nappy. 3. BELIEVING “INDEPENDENCE” FACTORS ARE NECESSARY TO START Waiting for your child to suddenly tell you one day, “Mum, I need to poo!” can cause months of delay. Telling you they need to go is the finish of the process, not the beginning. They are learning a brand new skill that needs to be taught. Yes, there are some children, often the “I do it”, independent Courageous Lions. But what if you don’t have this child? Telling you they need to go, being able to walk, talk, pull their pants up and down themselves is the finish of the process, not the beginning. In addition to this, if we have used a disposable nappy, this takes the sensation away, making awareness even more difficult. First teach then aim for independence. Give them the opportunity to learn this new skill. Don’t have the unrealistic expectation they will suddenly know how to do something they have never done before.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF READINESS? So what are the key signs of readiness you need to look out for with toilet training? 1. Pulling at the nappy or taking it off. 2. Dislike of wearing the nappy and/or a battle at nappy changes. 3. Telling you “wees” or “poos” before or after they go. (This could be verbal or non-verbal e.g. tapping at the nappy, crying when wet or dirty.) 4. Taking an interest in the toilet or potty. 5. Taking an interest in you or siblings going to the toilet. 6. A dry nappy - displaying an ability to hold on. 7. A regular poo routine. If your child is showing signs of readiness, it means they have an awareness of what their body is doing. Don’t worry about how old they are so get going. They may tell you “poos” when they mean “wees”. It doesn’t matter. Initially it is just a feeling. The important thing is they are aware. It will be easier for you and them if they are willing and able. If your child is not showing any signs of readiness, consider there may be chance they won’t. To avoid delay, you may want to step in and help your cautious or laid back child learn this brand new habit in ways that will suit them. Tracy Fulwood is the founder and creator of www.pottytraining.com.au and the Know Your Child program. For over nine years Tracy has helped 14,000+ parents toilet train their children. She has appeared on the first season of Shark Tank on Channel 10, nationall y on Kids Life and Chanel 9 Extra, speaking a number of times on radio. Tracy has written three fun, children’s books on toilet training, developed the Personality Test for Early Childhood and written the invaluable parenting resource Know Your Child - Toilet Training. Tracy holds weekly Know Your Child (& Toilet Train in Days) Workshops at Childcare Centres around Australia to help parents and staff with toilet training.
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How technology saved my son.. Written by: Tracey Lucock Think back to when you were pregnant.. Every list of ‘what is essential’ is different. Every bit of advice from family expert’s conflicts! Confused and confronted with so many options and passionate opinions, I did what so many women do…develop the research skills to rival the FBI and undertake my own needs assessment! The result? A huge list of ‘mandatory’ nursery items which if I was to fund, I could take exactly 1 day off work to have my baby.
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BABY
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The most sage advice I received from family and friends was, what worked for them might not (probably wouldn’t) work for me and my son. With this is mind I went back to square one, threw out the list and went back to basics. We borrowed the furniture essentials, purchased a low-end stroller (because I didn’t know what I needed and knew I’d upgrade), invested in the day to day mandatory mountain of nappies, wipes, wraps and onesies and banked the savings to be invested on what MY baby needed. Sure enough the birth plan (developed through weeks of birthing yoga with my husband – oh yes he was so impressed) I had prepared went out the window.
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The bottles I was given were irrelevant as I seemed to be a jersey cow level of super breast-feeder and my kids never took a bottle. The automatic swing I purchased with my ‘savings’, well I have to say I did love that when my second bundle of joy arrived. Who doesn’t want a second set of hands? One should never be outnumbered by their children right? Then there was the baby monitor choice and boy did this caused many different debates. It’s amazing the opinions people feel free to share from “What a waste of money with too many false alarms” said some, “Why can’t you just carry them in a sling 24/7” said others, “What’s wrong with the old finger under the nose trick?”.
Goodness it was overwhelming. All I could think about was why would I risk such folly and wake my sleeping baby after hours of rocking and patting a baby with severe colic and reflux. And what about the parents with a premmie or a sick baby? What would parents suggest that had tragically lost a child to SIDS? Does this choice have to be so hard? With so much choice out there , I was back to using my FBI skills and after hours of research I found the Snuza Brand of monitor and the reviews online were brilliant. The monitors are tiny pods that clip to baby’s nappy to monitor only the baby’s motion – nothing else. I was so excited to find this product and finally felt that this choice would give me the “peace of mind” that I was searching for.
I started importing the brand and luckily for my son we did. Shortly after he started having Tonic Colonic seizures and without the Snuza monitors we might not have found him the first night he had a seizure and ended up with bedding wrapped around his throat. My boys are heading to teens now and I can tell you am so grateful I decided to make up my own mind regarding a baby monitor. I don’t like to operate on fear but for less than a cup of coffee a day I can’t imagine having a baby and being without a Snuza. The new Snuza Pico even tells you the baby’s skin temperature and sleep position. It all appears on a very simple app on your phone (using super low frequency technology that is safe for babies) so that you can see exactly what’s happening without that creaking door waking your sick or just blissfully sleeping bundle of joy. We also support the wonderful work of Karl and Alex Waddel who established Rivers Gift after they tragically lost their son to SIDs. Love to try a Snuza Pico: www.lifestyleparenting.com/productsnuza-pico-1217.aspx or a Snuza Hero www.lifestyleparenting.com/productsnuza-hero-835.aspx ? You’ll find them in Baby Bunting, Bubs Baby Shops, Sydney Baby Kingdom, Baby Bounce, Baby & Toddler Town and many local stockists. www.lifestyleparenting.com/stockists.aspx Tracey is the Owner and Director of Lifestyle Parenting Distribution Group and has 2 Teenage Boys. Being a mum, I wanted to share my experience on researching Baby Monitor and why I choose the Snuza Brand.
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MOTHER’S DAY
Making Mother’s Day Special By Jana Angeles What would life be like without our amazing mothers? The world would definitely be a darker place without them. So you want to thank your mother in a special way this year but you’re not sure how on Mother’s Day. Even with the amount of luxurious gifts you’d like to give her, it’s sometimes not enough to indicate how much you truly care. Giving gifts doesn’t have to be expensive nor does it have to be a competition with your other siblings. The important thing is you’re able to successfully make her feel special without trying too hard. So how can you treat your mother like a queen this Mother’s Day
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PUT TOGETHER A GIFT BASKET Is your mum a foodie? Someone that loves her wine and cheese a little too much? Then putting together a gift basket would be an excellent way to show her how special she is on Mother’s Day. Not only is it thoughtful, you won’t have to break the bank as much when you know exactly what to put in it. She’ll appreciate the gift so much because of how thoughtful and generous it is! You can also have fun putting it together if you know she has several interests and you’re indecisive on just getting one gift. GET A PERSONALISED MOTHER’S DAY CARD There’s nothing more beautiful than writing your own message in a card that she’ll treasure forever. You can get creative and add a photo of you and your mother together. Get crafty and ditch buying the overpriced Hallmark cards and make your own version your mum will love. Anything handmade is always worthwhile keeping.
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with a facial or an hour massage. If she needs an escape, taking her somewhere near the beach can immediately calm her down from life’s worries. Spending more time with your mother and creating fond memories will show how much you love and care for her too. GIFT HER A FAMILY PORTRAIT The perks of having brothers and sisters is being able to pull together a cheesy family photo. One of the most common (and in our opinion, the best gift to give your mum) is a before and after photo. Take your favourite childhood photo with your brothers and sisters and do the exact same pose of it now (assuming that you’re all grown adults) and put these together in a collage and frame it. This is a beautiful gift to give to your mother because she will remember all the years she has raised you and your siblings. She will also feel proud knowing she has such wonderful children.
THROW A PARTY AT YOUR HOUSE OR HER FAVOURITE RESTAURANT If your mum is the outgoing type, she will love this. Having a surprise party at your house or her favourite restaurant would be a great way to get her family and friends together, celebrating the wonders of motherhood. She’ll also have the opportunity to reconnect with people she’s lost touch with while also having a memory she can cherish forever.
GIFT HER SPECIALISED JEWELRY Jewelry is expensive but that doesn’t mean it can’t be personal even if you spend bucketloads of money. Simply getting a necklace or bracelet with your mother’s name engraved in beautiful handwriting can be an elegant piece she can keep for years to come. Get her something she can wear no matter how casual or formal her outfit may be. She will feel special because of how thoughtful the gift is, it will also make her feel beautiful inside and out!
TAKE HER TO A DAY SPA OR SPEND THE WEEKEND AWAY If your mother has been stressed with work or anything life-related, taking her to a day spa or spending a weekend away would do wonders to her health, physically and mentally. There’s nothing more relaxing than to pamper yourself
Mother’s Day only happens once a year so no matter what you do or what you give to her, make sure it’s in her best interest. Even if your gift isn’t as extravagant as last year, that won’t matter to her. As long as you have a loving and respectful relationship with each other, the bond between you and her will last forever.
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REAL LIFE
A FIRST-PERSON PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT’S LIKE TO HAVE CHILDREN WITH SYNGAP1 Obstacles faced, the effects of the condition and how it as changed our lives Written by Danielle Williams Have you ever had a sick child? A moment, an hour, a day when you felt completely helpless? We’ve had six years of feeling helpless, watching our daughters have hundreds of seizures every day and struggling to do the most basic tasks. The chronic worry changes you, we now see the world through pain-tinted glasses. While the pain and guilt is all encompassing, having special needs children has also given me new perspective. I have redefined success, happiness and accomplishment, reminding myself every day that success is not always packaged as you expected.
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Our perception of normal has changed as well. I’ve realised that normal is underrated. I actually never wanted normal kids - I wanted extraordinary kids. I certainly got that, although I didn’t necessarily want my kids to be extraordinary to medical science. We live in a parallel world to family and friends with kids the same age as ours. While they worry about the letter sent home from school about bullying, I worry about the family of the student who passed away in my principal’s letters. I worry about co-ordinating a 1:1 adult to child ratio when I leave the house than worrying about what my child might do to embarrass me. I worry about what I have or have not done to cause my child to cry uncontrollably for hours and less about whether I topped up my Nurofen supply. I worry about balancing my energy between finding a cure and treating the symptoms and less about how much energy I’ve dedicated to each child. Our suspicions were first aroused when Jaeli was 15 months old. My husband noticed very subtle eyelid flutters and eye rolls. The first Paediatrician we saw dismissed us as neurotic first time parents and told us to go home. We were already pregnant again and dissatisfied with that advice. The next thing we did was the first step of our epic diagnostic journey. We took our toddler to the emergency department of the Royal Children’s Hospital. Within an hour, our suspicions were confirmed. Our baby had epileptic activity manifesting as eyelid myoclonus seizures. With this first clue, we thought epilepsy explained all of the symptoms, a belief we held for the next 3 years.
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Intractable epilepsy is a medical term we became very familiar with. We watched our toddler’s seizures intensify, her sleep always disturbed, violent mood swings and selfharming behaviour. At the time, we didn’t realise the significance of the first anticonvulsant failing to control her seizures. The fact that one failed anti-convulsant has an effect on the probability of any others working. We tried 17 further anticonvulsants in the belief they would help. We forced medicine into Jaeli in the belief that it would help her, only to find that it did more harm than good. We became experts at dosing, crushing, hiding and monitoring the efficacy and side effects of various medicines. By the time we had tried 10 anti-convulsants, Jaeli’s seizures were the worst they had ever been. She was having hundreds of seizures every day. She couldn’t eat or walk without suddenly dropping to the ground or flinging her food across the room. We were losing faith in Western medicine. We tried alternative therapies and the Ketogenic diet; an extremely controlled diet requiring hospital admission. We felt like we were racing the clock. The longer the seizures persisted, the more damage was being done. Our vision of our normal little girl was slipping away with every failed anticonvulsant. We saw multiple specialists and even reached out to modern medical detectives looking for a cause that would lead us to a magic cure. The more specialists we saw, the longer our list of problems became. The list ranged from chronic obstructive from sleep apnoea to autism. The more we found out, the more confused we got. We questioned every new clue. During the time, Dr. Google was not very useful.
Dali was born three days before Jaeli’s 2nd birthday. She hit all of her milestones in her first year of life but by the time she was 13-months old, we knew exactly what the subtle eye rolls meant and how they evolve. ‘Heartbreaking’ doesn’t do the emotion justice but heartbreaking is the only term that feels remotely apt. We had learnt a lot about what did and didn’t work with Jaeli but unfortunately the list was heavily skewed to what didn’t work. We still had no idea what we were dealing with or how to successfully treat it and now we had two children with the same problems.
entering our 8th year listening to the Wiggles!
We lived under a dark cloud for the first few years. Travelling separately through the stages of grief. Chronic sleep deprivation was the norm, we operated in a zombielike state and for me, temporary denial was my saviour. If my work colleagues knew what I had to go through every day, every night, every weekend, they too would see me as the helpless mother I was in every moment when not at work. Leading a double life was my emotional survival mechanism. It didn’t mean I was less of a wreck than other mums with special needs kids, I just limited the time I allowed myself to be a wreck.
One of the most unexpected benefits of having special needs children is the people you meet as a result. We have been introduced to a world of amazing carers who have helped broadened our understanding of life and love. Since going public with the details of our girl’s condition, we have been touched by the kindness and generosity of our community in helping us raise awareness and funds for research. Our community has surprised us with the healing power of ‘social medicine’. People genuinely want to help and it’s heart-warming to be the benefactors of that goodwill.
For those first few years, it was difficult to even fathom the cloud had edges but once the darkness subsided, a silver lining emerged. Recently I was hanging up the washing watching a 5-year-old Dali explore her surroundings. She pulled the full washing basket down from the bench and buried herself in the sheets. It dawned on me that we get to enjoy that age of wonderment when your toddler discovers new things for the first time, entertaining as they explore everything around them. That age of wonderment with our girls may span a decade. We’re
While we are restricted in what we can do as a family, we have fun together and instil a sense of belonging and unconditional acceptance in the girls. Much like other parents, we want our children to be happy, to be heard, to feel fulfilled and to be connected in their own world.
In February 2016, following Whole Genome Sequencing on our family, we finally received a diagnosis, a genetic reason for all of the symptoms: SYNGAP1. A seven letter word that spelt the end of our search for the ‘Why’. We are more informed now than we ever have been yet. We now have something to anchor to. We feel more empowered than ever before. More connected to our community and grateful for the new connection with our global Syngap1 family.
Since 2011, when we first realised we were different, our journey in numbers; 2 daughters, 12 symptoms, 4 seizure types, at worst – 52 seizures every hour, 18 trialled anti-convulsants, 2 diets, 5 homeopathic supplements, 20 specialists
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across 11 different specialities, 7 therapists, 5 years on the diagnostic odyssey, 2,000 disturbed and worried nights, > 250 appointments equalling 14 working weeks of appointments, 45 blood tests, 10 urine samples, 2 lumbar punctures, 600 blood ketone measures, 3 anaesthetics, 3 MRIs, 5 EEGs, 15 nights in hospitals, 2 sleep studies involving EEGs and 24/7 video monitoring, 2 visits to A&E, 1 ambulance ride, 22 differential diagnoses, 27 therapy and treatment ideas explored, 1 emotional roller coaster, 1 diagnosis & now real hope for a cure.
Jaeli
Find out more about us @our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ Syngapresearch/ and contribute to our research effort here; www. supportepilepsy.com.au/event/ SynGAPresearch
Dali
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Jaeli
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Courtney Clarke: Small Town Girl Rising To Hi-5 Stardom By Jana Angeles Bright and bubbly, it’s not everyday you come across a person like Courtney Clarke. Since being selected as part of the cast for popular children’s TV group, Hi-5, Clarke describes the job as ‘the dream’. Coming from Lithgow, Blue Mountains NSW, she has seized every opportunity and it’s only taken her a step closer to living the life she’s always wanted. From her enthusiasm, it was obvious how quickly she settled in the job because of the people she was working with. “One of the things that really stuck out to me since we got the job is how quickly we all connected,” she explained. “We’ve all been really lucky we gelled quite quickly as a group and it benefits the performances like nothing else. It just brings this amazing energy to the stage.” Competing against 450 other applicants, it wasn’t an easy run to gain a slot for Hi-5 stardom, but Clarke enjoyed the audition process regardless. Meeting like-minded people similar to her eased the anxiety and stress of being ‘the best of the best’. “The audition process was a very full on run. It was like five or six days and it was supposed to only be three,” she said. “Everyone at the beginning of the audition kind of dropped off from hundreds down to fifty, and fifty down to twenty, and then it would go back up to thirty. It was really confusing but they had a really hard time deciding who would be that five because they did just have a miraculous amount of talent in the audition process. I still don’t know how they chose it.”
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CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
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“The audition process was a very full on run. It was like five or six days and it was supposed to only be three,” she said. “Everyone at the beginning of the audition kind of dropped off from hundreds down to fifty, and fifty down to twenty, and then it would go back up to thirty. It was really confusing but they had a really hard time deciding who would be that five because they did just have a miraculous amount of talent in the audition process. I still don’t know how they chose it.” With rehearsals, shooting and promotional activities filling up her days, Clarke was just humbled to even be part of Hi-5. To her, it was something she always dreamed of doing and it gave her art as a performer meaning. With Hi-5’s legacy of providing a fun and interactive show for kids, she knew much of her work was important: every dance, every scene and every song. “We’re only the smallest part of how this show kind of functions,” she said. “Just getting on and doing our own thing. It takes so many people for the show to kinda come together and that’s what I probably admire the most is the dedication of everyone in their job. “The series is about the kids, not about having something amazing. Every time we were given a direction from our director, it was really based on how the kids were going to react to this; how they were going to feel loved. I just admire that the product is based around the audience, which is kids and giving them something amazing. That’s something hard to find in this industry so I’m very lucky to be working in a job where it’s about the product and the people.” Her passion for making a difference in a child’s life was important to Clarke. Not only in her work on Hi-5 but post-HSC, she took a gap year and spent a couple of trips in Cambodia. From there, she had the opportunity to work on different
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projects - one of which was building a primary school for the children. Through their hardship and making the most of what they had, it was a life-changing experience for Clarke. “I could tell you all the lessons I’ve learnt from that sort of thing but it was just so amazing to go spend time there,” she stated. “Funnily enough, I was going over there to try and love people but all I received was love. Like they’re just so kind and so caring and they just want to play with you. All the kids just want to play and they don’t have any boundaries and they’re just so open. It was like a really life-altering experience to spend time there and experiencing their culture.” During her teenage years, Clarke was a very active member in the community arts of Lithgow. She took part in all aspects of performing arts and volunteered in several community-run events. With her town being made up of mostly elderly people, she explained that within the last ten years, the foundation of arts has grown in Lithgow. Feeling proud of her opportunities back at home, she was humbled to have grown from such a tight-knit community. “I guess one of the beauties about a small town is that everyone is so connected and knows each other,” she said. “Everyone is also so supportive since I’ve gotten the job. It really does show when you come from a small town just how supportive the community is, as well as all that other stuff. Everyone is just so accommodating and really caring and they want you to do well and you kind of need that if you want go out and give something a try.”
Being part of Hi-5 means a long-time commitment and Clarke is just happy and grateful to be in the position that she’s in. With so many things lined up for her, Hi-5 is an opportunity she wants to invest in completely. With very little spare time in her hands, she just wants to make the most of everything and for that, she’s genuinely lucky to land a job she absolutely loves.
“For me, this job is like the biggest thing in the world and it is very time-consuming but I want to put my whole heart into it,” she said. “I just want to throw everything I have into making it into a really good opportunity, making sure I’m giving all of my everything to kind of anything they present us with.”
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The Special Bond Between Father and Daughter How to Build on Your Father-Daughter Bond By Cara Barilla; Educational Columnist and journalist Whether you are a new father, grandparent, stepfather, or father-inlaw, the “father figure” bond between father and daughter is crucial to a female’s life. From birth to adulthood, being bound in the unconditional support of your father can stay with you throughout your most memorable peaks and choices in life. Retaining good advice, strong memories, feelings and lessons from a father is solely crucial to a child’s development, whether it’s physical, emotional or spiritually-bounded. Below are some collective solutions to help form a strong memorable bond between you and your daughter. These can help contribute a mutual understanding, likeliness and acceptance of the fatherdaughter relationship.
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DAD READ
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If you see your stepchild sad or even happy, it’s nice to chat about where that feeling came from and how you can be involved to help that scenario for example; if your stepchild comes home from school feeling sad, getting involved and allowing your stepchild to feel that it’s okay to open up to you to elaborate their feelings will not only grow a stronger feeling of confidence to your stepchild, they will feel more trust between the two of you; ensure you can involve yourself in finding a positive solution. ACCEPTANCE Accepting there is another “father figure” other than yourself may be hard. Even though you are living under the same roof as your stepchild, they will always relate certain situations to their biological father even though they see more of you. It’s completely normal for your stepchild to always bring up their biological dad, it’s a normal healing process of being in a divorced situation therefore feeling the wholeness & completion of “family” is important to your stepchild. You have to be the one who makes the first move in terms of bonding, assisting, giving helpful advice and knowledge as your little stepchild depends on you for guidance. Even though you may be titled “stepdad”, your role is a whole lot more significant in their life as they see you 24/7 seven days a week. LAUGH TOGETHER Playtime is crucial to the bonding of stepfather and child. It builds trust, selfesteem, connects both of your sense of humour together and aids in lightheartedness after playing the role of the “parent”. Being a part of your stepchild’s playtime makes them feel comfortable to you. Not only that, you are giving up a part of your leisure time, which instantly increases likeliness. Whether you are taking them to the park to play ball, making quirky jokes, playing arts and crafts together, sharing interests in videogames, or watching a funny movie of their choice, these will subsequently aid in a warm, trusting relationship between the two
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of you. It’s important to find out what your stepchild’s hobbies and interests are and to build from that. You will find this is an easy way to opening your stepchild’s trust and warmth to you. Support and bring out the best of them Support is a huge factor in any child’s life. Knowing they have high quality love, support and guidance in their household will instantly build up their self-esteem, confidence and self-worth. Understand what it is that your stepchild likes to do and encourage them to do that for the good of the community. For example, if your stepchild likes to sing, you should encourage them to sign up to the local community choir, church choir or music group. Encouraging children on their interests not only brings out the best of them, it will aid their capabilities in the future. This will whole heartedly bind their confidence to go for what they want in life when making sensible life and career choices. Taking steps like these will create confident and success-driven adults. When there’s positive support, there is always a pathway to success. GAIN THEIR TRUST Trust is a vital element in a child and adult’s life. Trust can bring a strong foundation of comfortability and openness to love in their childhood, adolescence and adulthood. It’s healthy to show examples that reflect to the child that you are trustworthy as a parent, friend and role model. It may start off asking them to share their day with you, no matter how small the gesture is. Knowing they have a consistent healthy role model they can trust will give them a sense of appreciation towards you. You will be the heart of their important milestones in their life. The importance of a parental role model solely plays a vital highlight into a child’s life. This will impact their life choices, bound their disposition and play effect on their personality. Having a fit father figure in their life will not only build self-assurance, it will consequently increase accomplishment in their family household.
FASHION
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Previous Pages: Annie Dotty Pocket Dress – Pink RRP $39.95 / Wool Felt Hat – Wine RRP $35.95 Esther Dotty Pocket Dress – Navy RRP $39.95 / Wool Felt Hat – Onyx RRP $35.95 Cotton Tights – Cream RRP $16.95
Esther LS Heart Top RRP $32.95 Esther Harem Pants RRP $39.95 Esther Knit Cardigan - Ruby Red RRP $42.95
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Arthur LS Little Farmers Tee RRP $29.95 Arthur Corduroy Jeans – Mocha RRP $39.95
Esther Shirt Top – Floral RRP $35.95 Esther Corduroy Skirt – Moss RRP $34.95 Esther Faux Fur Vest – Cream RRP $44.95 Cotton Tights – Cream RRP $16.95
Dress Images: Mountain Dress Mr Fox Dress Tiny Triangle Dress All RRP: $54.95 Description: Baby doll style dress, featuring scooped back hem line, gathered waist and long sleeves. Fit for any little Miss to run, jump & play. Mr Fox dribble bib Mountain dribble bib RRP: $16.95 Description: Dribble bibs, perfect for your little dribbler and compliments Annie Shirt Top – Floral RRP $35.95 Annie Corduroy Jeans – Pink RRP $39.95 Annie Baby Fur Vest – Pink RRP $39.95
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Annie Ls Heart Top RRP $32.95 Annie Ballet Skirt RRP $34.95 Esther LS Heart Top RRP $32.95 Esther Ballet Skirt RRP $34.95 Cotton Tights – Cream RRP $16.95
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Arthur Flannelette Check Shirt – Red RRP$34.95 Albert Chino Pants – Navy RRP $44.95
Albert Tractor LS Tee RRP$29.95 Albert Chino Pants – Navy RRP $44.95
Dress Images: Mountain Dress Mr Fox Dress Tiny Triangle Dress All RRP: $54.95 Description: Baby doll style dress, featuring scooped back hem line, gathered waist and long sleeves. Fit for any little Miss to run, jump & play. Mr Fox dribble bib Mountain dribble bib RRP: $16.95 Description: Dribble bibs, perfect for your little dribbler and compliments Annie LS Lace Collar Top – Pink RRP $32.95 Annie Floral Jeans – Pink RRP $44.95 Annie Faux Fur Vest – Pink RRP $39.95 Cable Knit Beanie – Pink RRP $24.95
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Arthur Cable Knit Jumper Stone RRP $42.95 Albert Corduroy Jeans – Navy RRP $39.95
Annie Pink Cable Knit RRP $44.95 Annie Corduroy Jeans – Navy RRP $44.95 Jose Sunglasses – Pink RRP $15.95
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ALBERT Plaid Dress Shirt - Navy/Mustard RRP $34.95 ARTHUR Chino Pants – Camel RRP $44.95 ESTHER LS Crochet Motif Top – Navy RRP $32.95 ESTHER Floral Jeans – Mustard RRP $44.95 Wool Felt Hat – Taupe RRP $35.95
www.lovehenry.com
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shop
KIDS
fashion
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shop
KIDS
WHAT’S IN OUR STORES THIS MONTH BABY
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GIRLS
UNDER
Dymples Knit Dress $20.00 rrp B Collection Girls Knit Beret $10.00 rrp
$
BIGW.COM.AU
B Collection Girls Printed Knit Dress- Mint $10.00 rrp Underworks Opaque Tights $6.00 rrp B Collection Zip Up Boot $20.00 rrp BIGW.COM.AU
60 UNDER
$
Mini Long Sleeve Bubby $16.95 rrp Camille Cord Overall $34.95 rrp Pre-Walker Hadley Leather Tassel Moccasin $39.95 rrp
Anna LS Stepped Hem $19.95 rrp Libby Longline Jacket $59.95 rrp Huggie Tights $14.95 rrp Mia Long Boot With Tassel $59.99 rrp COTTONON.COM
COTTONON.COM
SPLURGE Dolce & Gabbana - Rose Print Romper $157.00 rrp LMBAMBINI.COM.AU
I Pinco Pallino - Sleeveless Pink Dress With All Over Print $200.00 rrp Hucklebones - Cape $324.00 rrp LMBAMBINI.COM.AU may 2017 | mychild
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shop
KIDS
WHAT’S IN OUR STORES THIS MONTH BABY
30
UNDER
BOYS
Dymples Print Tee $5.00 rrp Dymples Cargo Pocket Trackpant - Grey $10.00 rrp Dunlop Baby Check Sneaker Black $15.00 rrp
$
Emerson Boys Printed Button-Up Shirt $18.00 rrp Emerson Boys Chino With Belt $24.00 rrp B Collection Boys Slip On Canvas Shoe $10.00 rrp BIGW.COM.AU
BIGW.COM.AU
Bayley Knit $39.959 rrp Dylan Parka $54.95 rrp Mitch Moto Jean $54.95 rrp Tim Desert Boot $39.95 rrp
60 UNDER
$
Lucas Bomber Jacket $39.95 rrp Tyler LS Tee $16.95 rrp Archie Pant $34.95
COTTONON.COM
COTTONON.COM
SPLURGE Kenzo - Tiger 27 All In One $116.00 rrp LMBAMBINI.COM.AU
I Pinco Pallino - T-Shirt Robot Dali $85.00 rrp Stella McCartney - Pedro Trouser $99.00 rrp LMBAMBINI.COM.AU
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GET THE LOOK:
interiors
Leah Shannon is a designer and owner of Parade and Company, a lifestyle brand specialising in decor for children’s rooms. She has 15+ years experience in design and a passion for creating children’s spaces that inspire, educate and spark the imagination. 84
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INTERIORS
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Pixie and Hart Bowie Poster $55.00 rrp leoandbella.com.au
Striped Throw Cotton On Home $70.00 rrp cottonon.com
Bunny Hat Mini Dressing $49.00 rrp thegatheredstore.com
Round Cushion $15.00 rrp target.com
Bunny Light Down To The Woods $140.00 rrp hawkesgeneralstore.com.au
Marigold Rug Armadillo & Co $550.00 rrp armadillo-co.com
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Grey Storage Basket Norsu Interiors $60.00 rrp mrwolfkids.com.au
White Chair $39.00 rrp kmart.com.au
Sweetart Studio Large Woven Wall Hanging $130.00 rrp @sweetart_studio Credits: Styling: Sarah Woodham, @salted_grace. Photo: Sarah Spagnolo, @sarah_spagnolo_photography
Canopy - Numero74 $229.00 rrp littleco.co.nz
House Desk Custom built by designer and her husband
Large Peony flower wall decals - Urban Walls $190.00+ rrp uwdecals.com
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Credit: Melissa Barling from Winter Daisy
Star Wall Decals Urban Walls $90.00 rrp uwdecals.com
Shelf - Oeuf $999.00 rrp minimee.com.au 88
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Belly basket $29.00 rrp olliella.com.au Alphabet Art Print $40.00 rrp laleliolustudios.etsy.com
Name Banner - Sprig West $5.00+ rrp minimoc.ca
Wood Toys $40.00 rrp traedesigns.com Heart Blanket $115.00+ rrp yarningmade.etcy.com
Cot - Oeuf Classic $1499.00 rrp urbanbaby.com.au
Sheepskin Rug $90.00 rrp ozwool.net
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TOY
Reviews
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TOYS
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TOY
Reviews
REVIEWED BY APRIL DAVIS
5/5
JELLYCAT WALTER WARTHOG
Waggles and giggles and plenty of wriggles, that’s Snagglebaggle Walter Warthog! His cordy grey tummy is scrummily soft, just like his fancy tusks! With a tufty tail and soft messy mane, he’s the star of the forest as he truffles along. Bright eyes, soft claws and squishy snout - that’s warthog style! Our verdict What’s not to love about a mane of soft fur, a friendly face, and big strong tuffs? While a warthog isn’t your typical soft animal, it’s refreshing to see that Jellycat’s range of soft and cuddly companions encompasses a lot more than just fluffy bunnies.
RRP $39.95 – AVAILABLE FROM THE ENCHANTED CHILD WWW.ENCHANTEDCHILD.COM.AU/SHOP-GIFTS
JELLYCAT MEDIUM BASHFUL FROG With his big soft smile and twinkling eyes, Bashful Frog is scoop-up-and-snuggle-cute! He’s a swift swimmer and a hoppy, happy pal who loves to munch flies - the perfect pal for a riverside picnic. His cosy green fur is as strokeable as can be - the perfect bubbly Bashful buddy Our Verdict Let your kid’s imagination run wild as they fall in love with this soft and cuddly frog that will take them on adventures in and around the home. Every child needs a reliable toy that they can drag around everywhere - this is it!
4/5 RRP $ 44.95 - AVAILABLE FROM SEND A TOY WWW.SENDATOY.COM.AU 92
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childs FROM A VIEW
4/5 WIND UP DANCING PRINCESS Wind them up and watch them dance! Available with a number of different dress and hair colours, all you need to do is wind the dial and watch her dance around the floor just like a real princess. Our Verdict One little wind lasts a surprisingly long time. Make sure you have plenty of space available because this little princess has more than a few moves up her sleeve.
RRP $12.95 AVAILABLE FROM HOMING INSTINCTS WWW.HOMINGINSTINCTS.COM.AU
CLASSIC TRANSFORM IT FIRE TRUCK This wooden robot transforms into a fire truck and back into a robot! The elastic ropes, hidden in the joints, allow each section to rotate 360 degrees. There are three styles to collect, each with its own difficulty rating.
Iack
This robot is so cool! One minute it’s a robot; next minute it’s a truck! I love it! Our Verdict This robot/truck lets creativity run wild! As the blocks take on two much loved forms your kids will scream with joy.
RRP $14.95 AVAILABLE FROM SKILL BUILDERS WWW.SKILLBULIDERS.COM.AU
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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 EFFORT.
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hot-smoked salmon scrambled eggs 0.10 Prep 0.05 Cook
Servings 4
INGREDIENTS • 8 eggs • 185g pkt hot-smoked salmon • 150g baby spinach • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1/2 cup Jalna Greek Natural Yoghourt • 4 slices wholegrain bread, toasted • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
METHOD Step 1: Whisk eggs in a large bowl until smooth. Season. Discard salmon skin and coarsely flake. Step 2: Heat oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook eggs, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until almost set. Remove from heat. Add yoghurt and stir until combined and creamy. Step 3: Meanwhile, place spinach in a large microwave safe bowl. Season. Microwave, covered, for 2 minutes or until wilted. Step 4: Serve scrambled eggs on toast with spinach and salmon. Sprinkle with chives.
Photo: Craig Wall
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zucchini waffles roasted sweet pot AND ALMONDS 0.15 Prep 0.15 0.10 Cook Prep
0.25 Cook
Servings 4Makes 24
INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS • 150g zucchini, coarsely grated • 2300g eggspeeled sweet potato, cut into 1cm thick rounds • 50g grated cheddar 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup self-raising 1 garlic clove, thinlyflour sliced • 25g finely 75gbacon, trimmed kale,chopped coarsely chopped • 1/2 smallpoached brown onion, finely chopped 2 eggs, • 11tablespoon oil almonds, chopped tablespoonolive natural
METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan forced. Line a METHOD baking tray with baking paper. Place potato on tray.allLightly sprayinwith olive oil. Roast Stepprepared 1: Combine ingredients a large bowl. for 20-25 minutes or until golden and tender. Season with pepper. 2. heat oil in according a large non-stick frying StepMeanwhile, 2: Cook in waffle iron to pan over medium-high Add garlic and manufacturer’s directions forheat. 5-6 minutes or until cook, stirring, for 30 seconds or until aromatic. golden and cooked through. Serve immediately. Add kale and stir until just wilted.
y t s at
3. Divide the potato among serving plates. Top
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Photo: Photo: Andrew Andrew Young Young Photo: Guy Bailey
bbq chicken & roasted sweet pot saladALMONDS wraps AND 0.10 Prep 0.25 Cook 0.10
Servings Makes 424
INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS 8 Coles Australian RSPCA Ke• • 300g peeled sweet potato, cutApproved into 1cmChicken thick rounds babs Honey Soy • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil • 4 Simson’s Pantry wraps • 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced • 1/2 baby cos lettuce, coarsely shredded • 75g trimmed kale, coarsely chopped • 1 avocado, stoned, thinly sliced • 2 eggs, poached • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced • 1 tablespoon natural almonds, chopped • 1 tomato, cut into thin wedges • 1/4 cup (20g) shaved parmesan • 1/3 cup (100g) whole-egg mayonnaise METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 200C/180C fan forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Place potato on METHOD prepared tray. Lightly spray with olive oil. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until golden and tender. Step 1: Heat a greased chargrill or barbecue flat plate on medium. chicken, turning 2. Meanwhile, heatCook oil inthe a large non-stick frying occasionally, for 10 mins or until cooked through. pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and Transfer to a platefor and with aside cook, stirring, 30 cover seconds orfoil. untilSet aromatic. forAdd 5 mins rest.stir Remove thewilted. chicken from the kaletoand until just skewers. 3. Divide the potato among serving plates. Top Step 2: Divide the kale wraps amongand serving plates. with the wilted mixture poached eggs. Top each wrap with lettuce, chicken, avocado, Sprinkle with the almonds. onion, tomato and parmesan. Drizzle with mayonnaise. Season. Roll up tightly to enclose the filling. Serve.
Photo: Guy Bailey
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baby cos, cherry tomato & chickpea salad 0.05 Prep
Servings 2
INGREDIENTS • 125g cherry tomatoes, halved • 400g can chickpeas, rinsed, drained • 2 celery sticks, finely chopped • 2 tablespoons fresh continental parsley leaves, chopped • 1 baby cos, leaves separated • 2 eggs, soft-boiled or hard-boiled, peeled • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
METHOD Step 1: Combine the tomato, chickpeas, celery and parsley in a bowl. Step 2: Divide lettuce leaves between 2 serving bowls. Top with the chickpea mixture and an egg. Step 3: Combine olive oil and lemon juice in a jug and drizzle over the salad. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
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Photo: Jeremy Simons
gnocchi with pesto & pancetta 0.10 Prep 0.25 Cook
Servings 4
INGREDIENTS • 500g gnocchi • 160g green beans, sliced • 100g Primo Gourmet Selection Pancetta, sliced • 60ml (1/4 cup) cooking cream • 95g (1/3 cup) good-quality pesto • 1 lemon, rind finely grated and juiced • Shaved parmesan, to serve, optional
METHOD Step 1: Cook gnocchi in a large pan of boiling water until the gnocchi float to the surface. Add beans to the pan during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain well and return gnocchi and beans to pan. Step 2: Meanwhile preheat grill. Lay the pancetta slices in a single layer on an oven tray. Place under the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes each side until golden and crisp. Break into pieces. Step 3: Add combined cream, pesto and lemon rind to warm pasta and beans. Season well with pepper. Add crispy pancetta pieces and toss to coat. Add lemon juice to taste. Divide between serving bowls. Photo: Craig Wall
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roasted vegetable panini 0.10 Prep 0.20 Cook
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS • 4 cups chopped mixed vegies (such as zucchini, capsicum, red onion, sweet potato, pumpkin, cauliflower) • 150g tomato medley mix • 1 cup quark, goat’s cheese or fresh ricotta • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley or basil), plus extra, to serve • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 1⁄2 Turkish loaf, halved horizontally • Balsamic glaze, to serve
METHOD Step 1: Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan forced. Place the mixed vegies in a roasting pan. Drizzle with oil. Season. Roast for 10 minutes. Add tomatoes to the pan and roast for a further 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Step 2: Meanwhile, combine the quark and herbs in a small bowl. Season. Step 3: Cut the Turkish loaf into 4 pieces. Preheat a chargrill pan on medium. Cook the bread, turning, for 1-2 minutes or until lightly charred. Step 4: Spread bread bases with the quark mixture. Top with roasted vegetables and extra herbs. Drizzle with balsamic. Top with bread tops. 100
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Photo: Jeremy Simons
lemon microwave mug cake 0.05 Prep 0.02 Cook
Makes 1
INGREDIENTS • 1 egg • 2 tablespoons caster sugar • 2 tablespoons milk • 20g butter, melted, cooled • 40g (1/4 cup) self-raising flour • Lemon curd, to serve • Whipped cream, to serve
METHOD Step 1 Break the egg into a 375ml (1 1/2-cup) capacity mug. Add the sugar, milk and butter and whisk with a fork until combined. Step 2 Add the flour and use the fork to whisk until just combined (do not over-whisk). Microwave for 1 1/2 minutes or until the cake rises and feels springy when pressed gently. Top with the lemon curd and cream.
m u y
Photo: Guy Bailey
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dairy-free avocado chocolate mousse 0.10 Prep 0.02 Cook
Servings 6
INGREDIENTS • 2 large avocados • 1/4 cup NESTLÉ BAKERS’ CHOICE Cocoa • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 3 tablespoons maple syrup • 1/3 cup coconut cream • 150 g dark chocolate (70%), melted • Extra grated vegan dark chocolate, to serve
METHOD Step 1: Cut the avocados in half and remove the stone. Scoop the flesh into the large bowl of a food processor. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla, maple syrup and coconut cream. Process for 10 seconds. Scrape down the sides and process a further 10 seconds. Step 2: Add the cooled, melted chocolate. Process for 10-15 seconds or until creamy and smooth. Spoon into serving glasses or dishes. Serve with fresh fruit.
ALL RECIPES SOURCED FROM TASTE.COM.AU
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Photo: Andrew Young
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