AUSTRALIA’S BEST PREGNANCY, BABY & PARENTING MAGAZINE ISSUE 44
* MAY 2015
Mothers Day gift guide
How to prep for baby No2
10 Signs
THAT LABOR IS NEAR THE BENEFITS OF CLOUD LEARNING 1
LITTLE STARS SHINE AT
Bear cottage When can toddlers dress themselves?
BOND WITH BABY // NANNY SHARING/ FORMULA FOR MUMS | may 2015 * mychild
“My baby is going to have a great body because I drink milk formula ensuring we both get all the calcium that we need for strong bones.�
As a mother you want the very best future for your baby and that future starts with you. Oz Farm Pregnant Mother Formula is formulated with 19 essential vitamins and minerals to help your baby grow and develop. In addition, the milk formula is reduced in fat, it contains only 2% of healthy fats to support appropriate weight gain and to provide valuable nutrients. Avilable at Priceline and Terry White Pharmacy
Oz Farm is a registered trademark. Distributed by Australian Dairy Park , ABN 5916247837. 120 Frankston 2 Gardens mychildDrive, | may Carrum 2015 Downs Melbourne VIC 3201
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www.ozfarmhealth.com.au
SAM REES-JONES
Editor’s column Mothers day is not a modern trend, These fantastic pop up elephants will the earliest history of Mothers Day add something special to every room. dates back to the ancient annual A pop-up card creation expands into spring festival when the Greeks a stunning 3D decoration for hanging dedicated to maternal goddesses. on a bedroom or playroom wall. Only Mothers Day as we know it was instigated by $20.00 from www.Littlerooms.co.nz Anna Jarvis. Though Anna never married and never had kids, she got the inspiration of celebrating Mothers Day from her own mother who used to express her desire that someday someone must honour all mothers, living and dead. When her mother died in 1905, she resolved to fulfill her mothers desire of having a dedicated Mothers Day. By 1911, her hard work paid off and on May 8, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson signed a Joint Resolution designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. Ideally we should not have to wait for a particular day to recognise our mums, but Mothers Day is a good excuse to make our mums or mums-to-be feel extra special, and a day when everything is done for them and it doesn’t have to be an expensive gift, sometimes the best gifts are the handmade personal ones, the ones that come from the heart and time is an extremelly precious gift. Spoil your mum she’s worth it.
Sa m
Sa m
Our beautiful May cover was photographed by Nami Clarke, owner of Katrina Christ Photography in Melbourne. 03 9819 9988 http://www.katrinachrist.com.au/
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contents COVER STORIES 22 Profile Bear Cottage, a place offering palliative care for children 34 Captured by Nami A mother and talented photographer 84 Mothers Day Gift Guide 117 Learning in the clouds Madeline Mitchell explores the benefits of digital learning.
IDEAS 8 Editor’s picks 10 Best in Websites 14 Bits & bobs 16 My business Meet Lillemor Jakobson 42 Get to know Rachel Jones mother and inventor
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47 What we love Prince Lionhearts wipes warmer 48 Mumma To Be Amanda Stirling gives an honest opinion on pregnancy 76 Not Flowers again Something different for mothers day? 98 Ships Ahoy Michelle Lee tells us about her newest design 96 When only the best will do 104 Behind the label Guy and Jo Schanschieff tell us about Bambino Mio
PREGNANCY & BIRTH 50 54 62
Time for no2 What to consider 10 Signs that Labor is near Foetal Develoment What goes on the first few months
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8 64 5 Tips for bonding with baby 66 Shopping What’s new in store 70 News
BABY & TODDLER 76 When will my toddler be able to dress herself? 78 Shopping What’s new in store 80 News 82 How to share a nanny
PRESCHOOLER & BIG KIDS 95 117
Mitchell explores the benefits of digital learners 118 News 120 Prepare for an Asthma spike 122 Raising the modern child
FAMILY 30 136
True life Miss Millie and her story Hidden traps in buying a house
HEALTH
Fun ways to teach children about telling 58 the truth 108 Learning in the clouds Madeline
Could poor oral hygiene harm your unborn baby Step by step Lisa Corduff shares her thoughts on wholefood
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PUBLISHER & EDITOR SAM REES-JONES ART DIRECTOR & STYLIST MORGAN ZELL ONLINE EDITOR JORDAN VON HAGAN NEWSLETTER EDITOR & WRITER JORDAN VON HAGEN WRITERS & SUB-EDITORS
JESSICA RILEY, GEORGIA WARD, THE EXPERT EDITOR
EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES editorial@mychildmagazine.com.au CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS REBECCA JANE FLANAGAN, NAMI CLARKE, AMANDA STIRLING, KELLY WINDER, DR. BEN WILCOX, CHELSEA LEE SMITH, MICHELLE LEE, GUY AND JO SCHANSCHIEFF , LISA CORDUFF, MADELINE MITCHELL, JOHN WARING, TIM BOYLE STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY iStock ADVERTISING DIRECTOR SAM REES-JONES m 0426 790 398 e sam@mychildmagazine.com.au
CONTACT 61 2 9446 1614 mychildmagazine.com.au
MY CHILD IS PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY LITTLE BLUE DOG ABN 611 996 81 521
My Child magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by Little Blue Dog (ABN 611 996 81 521). 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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s m u b g n i sav saving babies
ipes BUY Red Nose Baby WORE & HELP US SAVE M BABIES’ LIVES
Available at: IGA, SUPA IGA, BIG W & TARGET or buy online at aussiewipes.com.au & check out our great promotions! Selected IGA & Super IGA Stores only. Selected range available in Big W. may 2015 | mychild
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IDEAS
EDITOR’S PICKS ALL KINDS OF PRODUCTS CROSS SAM’S DESK EACH DAY. HERE ARE A FEW OF HER FAVOURITES
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This beautifully made Monarch Butterfly Chandelier Mobile is available in many colours $50.00 from www.etsy. com.au Rainbow Silicone Baby teething bracelet $14.95. www.etsy.com.au Encourage imaginative storytelling with this versatile cardboard puppet theatre $70.95 www.downthatlittlelane.com.au Gorgeous little Wellies from www.Skeanie.com.au $29.95 The Wiggles Big Red Van Pull Along Shape Sorter. $35.10 from www.babybrands. com.au This duck hanger will make hanging your little one’s laundry a little more fun. $24.00 from www.www.einrichtendesign.de A Rainbow fun and educational way to play and learn colours! $26.95 www. finleeandme.com.au
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growing babies organically. Made with love for your baby, the nature baby range always respects the best ethical and environmental practices. Modern essentials for your baby, our range includes 100% certified organic cotton and merino wool baby clothing, sleepwear and bedding. A luxurious botanical skincare range for mothers and babies and toys to inspire the imagination.
www.naturebaby.com.au
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MY CHILD PROMOTION
THE BEST IN WEBSIT
SHOPPING ONLINE FOR PREGNANCY, BABY AND KIDS’ GE
> JUST FOR MUMS BOOWIGGIE
BABYBJORN
boowiggie.com.au
babybjorn.com.au
Luxurious leather nappy bags in the disguise of a designer handbag. Designed in Australia.
BabyBjörn’s new generation baby carriers are easy to use whenever and wherever you need it.
> JUST FOR MUMS TOTAL BAG ENVY
totalbagenvy.com.au Professional nappy bags for the working mum. looking good but being practical.
> MATERNITY FASHION MATERNITY SALE
maternity sale.com.au Maternity clothes infashion, on sale and online
> MATERNITY FASHION FERTILE MIND
fertilemind.com.au
The best place to start the minute you’re pregnant. Early stage accessories, bellybelts, bandos, bellybra plus load more
> OUT & ABOUT FAIRY BLOSSOM fairyblossom.com.au Stocking over 2500 products from leading brands, Fairy Blossom and Friends welcomes you
> OUT & ABOUT BELLAS LITTLE ONES bellaslittleones.com.au Baby Carrier Specialists, Ergobaby, Manduca, lillebaby,Hugabub, Boba – Huge Range
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> OUT & ABOUT
> TOYS/PARTIES/GIFTS SOLVEJ solveJswings.com.au Babies and children love to swing. Swinging has really great benefits for your baby and child
> TOYS/PARTIES/GIFTS Bellabuttercup bellabuttercup.com.au Play Space is a portable, cushioned space, ideal for tummy-time, nappy time and for learning to sit and roll
> TOYS/PARTIES/GIFTS MISS KIKI OF CHERRY BLOSSOM LANE
misskikiofcherryblossomlane. com.au Bespoke collection of unique,
petite luxury companion dolls,
> TOYS/PARTIES/GIFTS DINOSNORES
dinosnores.com
Award winning stories that take children on an imaginative journey full of sleepy little creatures
> TOYS/PARTIES/GIFTS PIKAPU
pikapu.com
A nappy to take bub from newborn to toddler, the pikapu nappy’s original design is all you need
TES
EAR? GIVE THESE GREAT SITES A GO! > ECO FRIENDLY
> CHILDRENS FASHION
KIDS CIRCLE
TINY TRIBE
kidscircle.com.au
tinytribe.com.au
Recycle the outgrown clothes from your children in bundles by swapping them online. Save time
Tiny Tribe - Australia’s new online destination for fashionable baby and kids clothing. For 0-3
> BABY FASHION SOOKIbaby
sookibaby.com.au Unique clothing for your baby and child available online and in store
> BABY FASHION OUCH
ouchclothing.com.au
A unique childrenswear collection fit for boys and girls from newborn to twelve years
> BABY FASHION
> NUTRITION/FEEDING QUIBIES quibies.com.au Food storage containers give you a simple way to store and freeze breast milk and purees
> NUTRITION/FEEDING DIFRAX Kidslifestyle.com.au The Difrax S-bottle features a unique S-shape. This S-shape ensures that the teat contains only your baby’s food and no air
> NUTRITION/FEEDING
BABBLE ON BABY
CHERUB BABY
babbleonbaby.com.au
cherubbaby.com.au
Beautiful clothing for your baby for all stages and ages.
Reusable baby food pouches are a portable way to store, freeze, warm and serve homemade baby food.
> SMART INTERIORS THE LITTLE KIDz CLOSET thelittlekidzcloset.com.au The little kids closet- Ingeriors for the modern child. Furniture -Bedding-Decor.
> SMART INTERIORS LILLY & LOLLY lilly&lolly.com.au Lilly & Lolly produce kid’s furniture and bed linen with distinctive designs and
> SMART INTERIORS
SPECKLED HOUSE
speckledhouse.com From decals, to storage and blankets – we are all about creative, fun and practical decorating for kids.
> SMART INTERIORS PETIT
petit.com.au All you will need in bedding and decor to create a dreamy nursery or your child’s first big kid room!
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IDEAS
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PRODUCT
OF THE MONTH
SMART SHAPE
These bottles will change the way you feed your baby. The unique anti-colic valve is so effective, it really slows down the flow of the milk and prevents the dreaded vacuum suction that often leads to babies swallowing air and experiencing stomach pains or vomiting. Your baby can drink freely at their own pace and relax into their feed. Head to Kidslifestyle.com.au for more info
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IDEAS
BITS&BOBS
BEST BOOKS Olaf’s Perfect Day Olaf’s dream finally comes true when he gets to spend a day in the sun! Boys and girls ages 2 to 5 will love reading the all-new story in this Little Golden Book— starring the lovable snowman from the Academy Award-winning film Disney Frozen.$4.99 from Random House
loves These great storage tubs are perfect for smaller toys or rubbish bin. You can have any illustration you want and they are only $45 from Pink Coyote
Bad Kitty Does Not Like Dogs Kitty wants to take a nap. Kitty always wants to take a nap. But Puppy wants to play! Does Kitty want to play baseball? No, she wants to sleep. From Macmillan Publishers On the Night You Were Born On the night you were born, you brought wonder and magic to the world. The moon stayed up till morning. Polar bears danced. Here is a book that celebrates the one and only ever you! Now available in its entirety in board book format. $14.99 from Angus and Robertson
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BIRD & BERRY
This fun play seating is the epitomy of the bird & berry range with a ride-on bird and a large berry pouf. Children’s imagination is wonderful and they will use the set for more activities than we could ever dream of; rolling, sitting, riding, flying, dancing. From Danish by Design
ergobaby ergobaby
TM
NEW
Swaddler
PASTEURISED VS RAW EGG ALLERGY New research from the University of Adelaide shows pasteurised (heated) raw egg contains the same main allergens as non-pasteurised (fresh) raw egg, and is not likely to be tolerated in children with an egg allergy. Researchers have compared the properties of pasteurised with non-pasteurised raw egg in order to better understand if pasteurised egg could be tolerated by allergic children. Pasteurised raw egg, in which the egg is heated just enough to kill bacteria, is used in allergy testing with children because of the risk of salmonella or avian influenza from fresh raw egg. But for some time, researchers have been concerned that the two forms of egg couldn’t be accurately compared, because the pasteurisation and drying process was likely to change the structure of the egg protein. “This finding means that we can be rest assured our studies into egg allergies and tolerance in children are as accurate as they can be, which will greatly benefit our understanding of this growing condition. It also means that no matter which form of raw egg is used, the main allergens are there – so from an allergic child’s point of view, no form of raw egg is necessarily ‘safe’,” says University of Adelaide PhD student Merryn Netting from the University’s Women’s and Children’s Health Research Institute. Egg allergy is the most common food allergy in Australia, affecting 9% of young children. The results of this study are published in the journal Paediatric Allergy and Immunology.
Sweet dreams for you and your baby The innovative Ergobaby Swaddler provides a soft, breathable and flexible swaddling option for your baby. Unique ergonomic features keep baby’s legs in the correct ‘frog-leg’ position and secure the arms close to the heart to ensure your baby sleeps longer, safely and more peacefully. Sweet dreams for you and your baby. 1
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WATCH SLEEP MAGIC HERE!
“At last, a swaddler appreciated by babies, parents AND paediatricians. I recommend it wholeheartedly. And most of the babies I have seen in the Ergobaby Swaddler are asleep. That says it all!” Dr Howard Chilton - Author of ‘Baby On Board’ - www.babydoc.com.au
Leading neonatologist, Sydney’s Prince of Wales Private Hospital and former Director of Newborn Care, Sydney’s Royal Hospital for Women
ergobaby.com.au 1300 725 276 may 2015 | mychild 15 ergobaby.co.nz +61 3 6240*4001
IDEAS
LILLEMOR AND BJÖRN ARE STILL ACTIVE IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS AS HEAD DESIGNER RESPECTIVELY. 16
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Avant garde A MOTHER OF FOUR AND GRANDMOTHER OF 10, LILLEMOR JAKOBSON, THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF BABYBJÖRN, TALKS ABOUT THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF BEING YOUR OWN BOSS
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orking hand-in-hand with her husband Björn, Lillemor established BabyBjörn back in 1961. Although their products are now sold in 50 countries, the brand didn’t become the success it is today without a few bumps along the way and Lillemor is constantly challenged by her role. ‘Thirty million babies have been carried in our baby carriers since we started,’ she says. ‘But we will continue perfecting our products, they never stop evolving. There is plenty of work ahead!”
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DESIGN YOUR PRODUCTS IN THIS WAY?
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE BUSINESS?
“Our first baby carrier was called “Close to heart” so that’s an easy pick. Very few fathers carried their babies in the 70’s but now you see it all the time. I’d like to think that we’ve made a difference with the baby carrier.”
“I’m Creative Director at BabyBjörn.”
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PRODUCTS? “They’re designed to make life easier for parents with small children, so function is key. They need to be simple to use, perfectly safe – and stylish.”
“Being parents ourselves, Björn started making products he wanted as a father. When I started helping him, I brought my experience as a textile designer. We changed the design so that it suited the parents better. We had less bright colours and a more “grown-up” design. We were the first to make a black baby carrier.”
WHICH PRODUCT IS THE CLOSEST TO YOUR HEART AND WHY?
HOW AND WHEN WAS THE BUSINESS/ LABEL CREATED? “It’s a very matter-of-factly brand name: my husband’s name is Björn, which means ‘bear’
Visit babybjorn.com.au
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“BABYBJÖRN’S FOUNDER, BJÖRN JAKOBSON, TOGETHER WITH HIS WIFE LILLEMOR AND TWO OF THEIR FOUR CHILDREN IN 1965
in Swedish and we’re making things for babies, hence BabyBjörn. The business started when Björn saw a baby bouncer in America back in 1961. Nothing similar was available in Europe at the time so he started making his own version. After a while people got the idea and realised how useful it was. The rest is history, as they say.”
“Babies don’t stay babies very long. Try to be close to your children while they’re small. Carry them, kiss them, tickle them! The bond you create during the first months will last a long time.”
WHERE ARE YOUR PRODUCTS/ DESIGNS AVAILABLE?
“I thought it was great being a parent and babies are wonderful but they grow up so fast! By working with babies I have managed to extend that period for more than half a century.”
“They’re available at baby shops across Australia, for stockists please visit www. babybjorn.com.au”
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT NEXT FROM YOUR BUSINESS? “We’ve just hired some new, young engineers so there’s a lot cooking right now, more than usual! Existing designs in new colours and brand new products, there’s a lot in the pipeline.”
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE MY CHILD READERS TO KNOW?
WHAT IS MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR JOB, WHAT MAKES IT WORTHWHILE?
CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT OTHER PEOPLE MIGHT NOT READILY KNOW? “I met my husband, Björn, on a tram in Stockholm. Working and living together it ended up being a long ride - 52 years and counting.” For stockist details please visit www. babybjorn.com.au or phone 03 9585 8199.*
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IDEAS
THIS PAGE: THE GO GO BAG $169.00
My5 favourites AMIE NILSSON IS THE FOUNDER OF MERINO KIDS, SHE NOW WORKS ON PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN. SHE SHARES SOME OF HER FAVOURITE THINGS WITH US.
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The Merino Kids Go Go Bag – and especially the new addition to the Go Go Bag family; the Winter Weight with its luxuriously soft merino fleece lining making it the warmest 100% natural baby sleep bag on the market. www.merinokids.co.nz The Sena Phone Case - this carries my life! It makes life easy to have my phone, cards and essentials all in one place. www.senacases.com Cec’s Muesli – it’s the best start to every day wholesome ‘real food’, full of quality ingredients that aren’t artificially coloured or flavoured. www.cecsmuesli.co.nz I love my Merrell Sneakers they are so comfortable I wish I could wear them all the time! www.merrellaustralia.com.au
And of course home - the best time of the day is really early as the sun comes up in the morning and if I get the chance I try to get the family out for a ride on the horses. We either go out on the farm or down to the beach it is a magic time of the day. If the morning is not possible it is fantastic to get out in the evening before the sun goes down www.cape-estate.com
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PROFILE
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Everyday hero’s IT’S UNTHINKABLE AND UNFAIR, BUT CHILDREN COME HERE TO DIE. FOR THE SICK CHILDREN THAT STAY AT BEAR COTTAGE, THERE IS NO HAPPY ENDING, NO MIRACLE CURE, BUT LOTS OF LOVE AND CARE.
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BEAR COTTAGE CAN HOUSE EIGHT CHILDREN AND THEIR EXTENDED FAMILIES
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hen a child suffers from a life limiting disease, life for the family can be very difficult. At Bear Cottage, the emphasis is on family-focused care and respite, it’s not just the child that is cared for, but the entire family. Located in Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Bear Cottage is a warm and home-like environment providing respite, support and end-of-life care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Bear Cottage is the only children’s hospice in NSW, one of only two in Australia and the only one in the world affiliated with a children’s hospital. Staff at Bear Cottage are committed to providing continued medical care in a nonhospital setting. Staff do not wear uniforms and medical procedures do not take place in the children’s rooms, which are designed to appear like a normal bedroom. This ‘home away from home’ is complete with
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pet dog, Frankie, who is always around to provide some extra comfort. Children’s hospices seek to enhance the quality of life for children with life-limiting illness by providing support, comfort and reassurance to families at their time of greatest need. At Bear Cottage, staff believe a child’s life, however brief, should be enriched, enjoyed and celebrated.
HOW DID IT START Bear Cottage is the initiative of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and was first proposed in 1988 by former Chief Executive, Dr John Yu and Oncologist Dr Michael Stevens, to enhance the Hospital’s palliative care program. The location was found in 1995 with St Patrick’s Estate in Manly offering the perfect place to create a ‘beach house’ type facility, offering respite and palliative care to children and young people in a beautiful and tranquil surrounding.
THE COTTAGE OFFERS PLAY THERAPY INCLUDING MUSIC AND ART The community rallied behind the proposal and helped to raise $10 million needed to construct the facility. Bear Cottage was officially opened on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March 2001.
“Bear Cottage, staff believe a child’s life, however brief, should be enriched, enjoyed and celebrated.” WHAT DO THEY DO? Bear Cottage is dedicated to providing families with a place where they can spend quality time with their child and help create some life- long memories, while providing support to families through difficult times. As a medical facility, Bear Cottage is set up to provide excellent paediatric palliative care 24 hours a day, with access to some of the best
medical resources in the world. Nurses are available to provide medical assistance, administer medications and offer support and guidance around the clock to patients and their families. Staff and volunteers are on hand to take care of the cooking and cleaning, allowing families to forget about the stresses of everyday life. As part of the holistic care provided to children at Bear Cottage, full-time child life therapists and volunteers work with children to engage them in play, music and art therapy. This service not only creates a space for children to relax but also give parents time to recuperate and spend time with one another. Families needing respite will often stay at Bear Cottage for between seven to ten days and may visit up to four times a year. There is no limit put on the length of stay for end-of-life care Bear Cottage offers respite and therapy, child
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RESIDENT DOG FRANKIE IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE FOR A CUDDLE 26
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life therapy and camps to help families cope with their child’s situation. Each of these services is tailored to the child’s/families individual needs to make the experience as stress-free as possible. Families caring for a child with a life-limiting illness often require additional support. At Bear Cottage, a family support team is available to provide assistance and coping strategies to families, from when a child is first referred to Bear Cottage and continuing throughout the care of their child. The team offers support throughout the endof- life period and provides ongoing bereavement and emotional support. Bear Cottage offers play, music and art therapy as a fun and creative outlet for children and families to express themselves. The different areas of child life therapy are powerful tools for alleviating anxiety, promoting feelings of control and giving opportunities for self- expression. It is also used as an avenue to help families cope with their child’s illness. Each year, Bear Cottage organise a number of innovative camps to bring children and families dealing with a life-limiting illness together. These camps provide the opportunity to connect with other families and children with similar medical conditions. The camps offer a positive distraction for children, parents and siblings travelling a similar life journey. Bear Cottage organises kid’s camps, sibling camps, mums’ and dads’ camps, bereaved families camps and a special ‘Mums’ Bootcamp’. Bear Cottage is different to Ronald McDonald Houses in that Ronald McDonald House provides home-like accommodation for families who live outside a 100km radius of the hospital that their child is receiving treatment at. It allows families to stay close to the hospital where their child is undergoing treatment but does not provide nursing care or professional support for the children and families staying there. Bear Cottage provides medical support as well as accommodation but treatment is palliative not curative and therefore limited to
HELPING HANDS ALL AROUND pain relief and symptom control. There are approximately 50 staff members including the manager, nursing staff, social worker, play therapist, art therapist, music therapist, week day and weekend chefs, handyman, housekeepers, administration assistant, volunteer coordinator, fundraiser and community relations. Bear Cottage also has a Staff Specialist who works 2 days a week, four GPs who service Bear Cottage on a roster basis and a full time social worker. In addition, Bear Cottage has over 80 volunteers who perform various tasks from working with the play therapy team, housekeeping duties, dog walkers, drivers, kitchen duties and any other duties that need to be done. Families who use Bear Cottage have a child with a life limiting illness. Often these illnesses are progressively debilitating. There is another children’s hospice in Melbourne called Very Special Kids. There are plans to build a third in Queensland >
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FAST FACTS • Bear Cottage was built entirely thanks to community donations • Bear Cottage was officially opened on 17 March 2001. Over $3 million is currently needed each year to keep Bear Cottage running Bear Cottage relies on donated funds to continue providing the facility free of charge • Money raised goes toward helping fund families to stay at Bear Cottage for respite and end of life care, funding is important camps for kids and parents and providing play, music and art therapy • Bear Cottage cares for children from across Australia, regardless of where they receive their primary care • The children who visit Bear Cottage
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range from newborn infants to children up to 19 years of age Bear Cottage offers accommodation for parents and siblings of the children staying. All meals are provided for children and their families In the last year alone, Bear Cottage has cared for over 220 children with a lifelimiting illness In the last 12 months, there have been 13 children who have come to Bear Cottage for end of life care, where they can be surrounded by love and support in a happy, safe environment for their final days In the last 10 years, Bear Cottage has supported nearly 700 families, both current and bereaved, as they go through their heart-wrenching journey*
To Contact or support Bear Cottage Phone: (02) 9976 8300 Fax: (02) 9976 8303 Website: www.bearcottage.chw.edu.au
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I can switch between bottle and breastfeeding without any problems.
For a perfect combination of breast and bottle: NUK First Choice. Every mother knows that there are situations when breastfeeding is difficult: an important appointment, an invitation or just a little free time with friends. Whether with breast milk or formula, NUK First Choice Bottles and Teats make everyday baby life easier. Modelled on the shape of the nipple during breastfeeding, your baby hardly notices any difference from breastfeeding and takes to the bottle smoothly. And it even lets fathers or grandmothers enjoy feeding the baby too. For relaxed drinking just like breastfeeding: NUK First Choice.
NUK. Understanding Life. NUK is a registered trademark of MAPA GmbH, Germany | NUK AUSTRALIA ,PO Box 5199 Chittaway Bay, NSW 2261 | www.nuk.com.au | 1800 804 918
Available at
and all leading pharmacies. may 2015 | mychild
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TRUE LIFE
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Hello Miss Millie IN AUSTRALIA, AROUND EIGHT PER CENT OF BABIES ARE BORN PREMATURELY EVERY YEAR. AMELIA IS ONE OF THESE BABIES AND SHE IS A VERY LUCKY BABY!
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B
aby Amelia, or Miss Millie as she is known, was born at just 28 weeks, weighing a tiny 795 grams. Mum, Rebecca Jane Flanagan developed severe pre-eclampsia 27 weeks into her pregnancy, which is a dangerous pregnancy related illness. At first Rebecca thought nothing of her symptoms, putting them down to normal pregnancy woes - swollen feet, feeling dizzy, shortness of breath.... but lurking under these seemingly everyday complaints was a condition that if left untreated or mismanaged can be catastrophic for both baby and mother, it’s a dangerous condition. Amelia stopped growing at around 24 weeks gestation due to IUGR (in uterine growth restriction) caused by the failing placenta, a complication of the pre-eclampsia. Once diagnosed and admitted to hospital Rebecca received a series of steroid injections to speed up her baby’s lung development, a serious concern for any very preterm infant. At 28 weeks Rebecca went in for an emergancy caesarean. Amelia’s father Heath was in the theatre during the procedure and followed the doctors and neonatal specialists to the NICU where they performed a series of life saving procedures; something a parent should never have to see their child go through. Amazingly, as it is so often with premature babies, Amelia was a little fighter, and actually tried to breathe on her own straight away, with the help of the CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. However, her weight dropped to just 712 grams, and due to her immature lungs she needed to be ventilated for a few days. When she regained the strength to try again, it was back on the CPAP to assist her lungs to breathe on their own, and enable her little body and brain to grow and develop outside of the womb, and this time there was success. In the days following, Rebecca was too unwell to visit the nursery and so Heath spent
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CUDDLES IN ICU his time going between the adult special care ward and the neonatal nursery, not knowing what the future would hold for his family. It was a week before Rebecca was able to hold Amelia for the first time, and only for a short time as she needed to concentrate on growing and not be handled too much, but Rebecca would be by her side all day every day singing her lullabies and telling her stories, vital for not only bonding mother and daughter, but for early language development. Later there was the opportunity to have longer cuddles - skin to skin - called Kangaroo Care. This is an essential part the care of prem babies and a role that thankfully the mother is able to fill amongst all the medical equipment and tests. That loving human contact is so very important in the beginning. Amelia spent eight weeks on breathing support. Finally the day arrived and all the wires and tubes and monitoring were removed, a miraculous day for everyone.
SAYING GOODBYE TO THE SUPPORTIVE NURSING STAFF The Flanagans truly feel like they are the lucky ones as their tiny baby proved to be the littlest of Aussie Battlers and throughout her 73 days in hospital came along in leaps and bounds. Amelia was even part of a neurological study during her time at King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women where she was given fish oil to analyse the benefits on brain development. The research carried out in the Neonatal Unit at KEMH, the biggest research center in the southern hemisphere, is world class, and the expertise and care from her doctors and nurses, “The King Eddies Angels”, is nothing short of exceptional. Lifelong friendships blossomed within the NICU with fellow premmie families, many who have been able to bring their miracles home, and some who have a tough road ahead. Amelia’s story is very special, but with one in ten babies born premature each year, it is certainly not hers alone. Little Miss Millie, a miracle, and one of the lucky ones. Organisations that support families of premature babies in Australia: Tiny Sparks WA, Miracle Babies Foundation PROUD DAD AND TINY AMELIA Lil Aussie Prems, Life’s Little Treasures* may 2015 | mychild
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Captured by Nami MOTHER, PHOTOGRAPHER, ENTREPRENEUR AND SO MUCH MORE NAMI CLARKE IS AN INSIRATON TO ALL
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t’s easy to assume that the conventional formula of hard work and a dash of luck has simply paid off for Nami Clarke. The mum of two young children has been running one of Melbourne’s best reputed photography studios - a Katrina Christ Photographer franchise - for almost a decade. She has been a Telstra Business Woman of the Year nominee and more recently launched her blog Little Tsunami; a raw, honest and often hilarious account of all things ‘mother’. Nami is also an active supporter of not-for-profit COPE, Centre of Perinatal Excellence. But read between the lines and you’ll recognise that it’s not just the HOW but the WHY that sees Nami successfully wear so many hats. We caught up with Nami and found out more
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about her life and buisness. “Having children had always been a nonnegotiable for me. Considering I built my career capturing the special moments a family shares, it went without saying that I was looking forward to creating an amazing family portrait of my own. But good things rarely come easy. Behind the scenes a traumatic birth experience with my first child was ensued by post-natal depression. I faced the challenge to keep my still-growing business on track, the pressures of being a new mother and facing mental illness for the first time in my life. I felt as though baby number two was my chance to ‘get it right’. However at 33 weeks, my pregnancy was interrupted with the news our unborn daughter was affected by a fatal
genetic kidney disease. We prepared ourselves for the imminent loss of our child. Yet just before her second birthday, as our daughter miraculously continued to defy all odds, we were thrown another curve ball; our harrowing experience was the result of a complete misdiagnosis. It is safe to say that the dust has now settled. Life has once again resumed its (wonderfully fast pace) rhythm and coming through to the ‘other side’ of this journey is, in part, due to the support I’ve received from family, friends, my staff, clients and even readers of my blog. The fundamentally human experiences of love, loss, grief and joy connect all of us – the power of this can’t be underestimated. Rather than slow me down, these valuable life lessons have only further fueled my passion for recording, sharing and celebrating the story of family. “I opened the doors of the Katrina Christ Photographer Melbourne franchise in 2006 and similarly I cannot believe that I am soon approaching a decade in business, it has been such a wonderful journey so far. They say that the first year in business is the test so the fact that we’re soon to celebrate a decade in Melbourne suggests we may be doing a few things right.
had been working up to a career in the photography industry since my late teens; it was always the field I wanted to work in. I also grew up in central Victoria so wanted to be closer to my family. “I am a formally qualified photographer and have worked in the past in shooting roles, however my time is now spent working on the bigger picture (no pun intended!) of running the business, as well as working with our clients helping them design finished pieces for their home.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE TEAM?
“I have an amazing team - there are five of us in total and my business would not be the success it is without the team behind it. Stacey and Rachel are my photographers, they have such a beautiful approach when photographing our clients - who quite often range from one week old, through to great grandparents, pets as well! Rachel and Stacey are both warm, patient and a lot of fun! Liz and Margot take care of everything behind the scenes and do all of our digital retouching, oversee the printing, framing and other finishing processes and ensure our artwork stands up to our strict quality control. There is just as much time spent behind the scenes so I’m always making sure I point out their WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND hard work - they are the invisible hands that THE BUSINESS? give everything that wow factor. Clients see “I was the manager at Katrina Christ me during their design consultation. I work Photographer in Brisbane and when Katrina with each of them one on one to create announced her plans to franchise, I was ready something unique for their home whether this and very eager to take the next step in my be a classic framed piece, a set of canvases, career. I loved the way Katrina’s business was something from our metallic range or an run, its ethos, its energy, the classic style of its amazing album.” imagery, the focus on archival products and the incredibly high standards of her HOW DO YOU SHARE THE photographic work. Katrina Christ RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN YOU? Photographer was established by Katrina “Each of us has an area of expertise - shooting, Christ in Brisbane in 1996, almost twenty years digital retouching, designing consultation, ago! marketing & events, and face-to-face or over Having a Bachelor of Arts in photojournalism I the phone customer service. However all of us
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are multi-skilled and we rely on each other on a daily basis. Getting to do such a variety of things each day keeps life interesting and sharing the workload cements the respect we have for each other as a team. As a small business it’s so important that each of us know the ins-and-out for each family’s collection we are working on, communication is key!”
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF SETTING UP THE BUSINESS? “I moved from Brisbane to Melbourne and opened up the doors to the studio literally one week later. I had spent very little time in this city beforehand, I had no idea which suburb was where and I hadn’t even found a permanent address to live at! All of a sudden everything was brand new and I had to learn and adjust very quickly. As obstacles were thrown at me in it was simply a matter of ticking them off one by one. As a brand, Katrina Christ Photographer was the new kid in town so getting our name out there as much and as soon as possible was paramount and I worked very hard to do exactly that. I still remember the moment someone said to me “Oh, I know your photography, you’re the studio on Burwood Road!” I began operating the franchise before I met my husband and before we had children so it was easier to give all of my time to the studio - the big hours I invested in the early years have paid off and now I can focus on a healthy work/ life balance. That’s not to say I’ve slowed down!”
IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D BEEN GIVEN? “I was given plenty of advice when I started the business - running a franchise means that I always have support on hand and Katrina has always been very generous with her time,
support and guidance. The lessons I have learnt first hand have caused me to hang on to a few pieces of advice in particular: • Don’t over-think things - trust your gut instinct! • Don’t sweat the small stuff. When problems arise ask yourself if it will really matter next week, next month or in 12 months time? When we spend too much time dwelling on small problems in business, our focus and energy shift away from what is truly important, from the things that will actually benefit our clients, staff and see the business grow. • Own it! I suffered ‘imposter syndrome’ for many years despite the fact that I was running a successful business - I was sure someone was going to point out I must be winging it! Take the time to give yourself a pat on the back every once in a while just like you would for a staff member or colleague.”
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE BUSINESS? “There are so many things that I enjoy about business. I absolutely love working with my team every single day. They are a great group of people and they make it a pleasure to come to work. I love meeting so many different clients and the genuine connection that can be made with them in such a short period of time - everyone has a different story and I love learning something new each day from the clients that I meet. I love it when I get massive hugs from clients, particularly when they are collecting their finished pieces from us. And they’re not just saying “thank you” for the photographs there’s so much more to it than that. When you photograph families you’re recording part of their journey together; their identity as a family unit, what they’ve been through together and their love for their
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partner and children. When a client looks you in the eye and holds your hand and says to you “No. Really, honestly, THANK YOU” you know you’ve created something quite significant for them. That’s a wonderful feeling.”
HOW IS YOUR BUSINESS DIFFERENT TO OTHER SIMILAR BUSINESSES? “Without a doubt we pay particular attention to each client having a wonderful customer service experience - it’s not just about getting a great shot to hang on the wall. We work with each of our clients on a very individual basis and we really do live up to the guarantee that clients will LOVE their images.
I’m not aware of other studios that offer a hands-down, 100% guarantee that you will love your photographs. We also focus heavily on archival products and in particular, finished artwork for a clients home - we don’t just burn digital files to a disc just so they can sit forgotten in the bottom of a drawer for the next 10 years without being enjoyed. That defeats the purpose of getting a family together to have a professional photo shoot. Family is to be treasured and celebrated - coming together to have a fantastic time at photography shoot and hanging a beautiful piece of artwork is such a wonderful way to do this. It is also an amazing record for our children to keep as they grow older and have families of their own. The advancement of digital photography is undoubtedly a great thing but recording the imagery is only half of the process. We make sure that the entire process of producing the artwork is realised.”
WHAT GIVES YOUR PRODUCT THE EDGE? “Our signature style of black and white imagery is instantly recognisable. We have shot in this style since the company’s inception and it is truly classic, it simply
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does not date. It allows families to add to their collection over the years as their families change and grow and their pieces blend seamlessly. We never settle for ‘near-enough’. We work to the highest possible standards for every one of our clients and never compromise on quality. If we aren’t happy to display something on our studio’s walls, then we wouldn’t expect our clients to hang it on theirs. “
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS? “My Melbourne franchise has well and truly hit its stride and I simply want to nurture that. Our focus is to continually improve and finesse the entire customer experience, to push ourselves creatively and make a great product better at every opportunity. I’m not interested in taking over the world, I love doing something well and so long as I’m having a laugh while I’m at it then I know I’m on the right track! “
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE MY CHILD READERS TO KNOW?
“If you’re in Melbourne we welcome you to visit us at Katrina Christ Photographer at 58 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn. Come in for a cup of coffee, a chat and we’ll show you what we create! Find us online at katrinachrist.com.au, www.facebook.com/ katrinachristphotographermelbourne and w@kcpmelbourne if you’re a lover of instagram.” See COPE at cope.org.au and Nami’s blog Little Tsunami at www.littletsunami.com.au *
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Get to know... RACHEL JONES AN INNOVATIVE MOTHER WHO HAS CREATED A TRULY PORTABLE, WASHABLE, SQUASHABLE HIGH CHAIR
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achel is the Founder and MD of Totseat and she is also mother to 12 year old Freya. We asked her how she developed this wonderful concept.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE BUSINESS? I became a parent at 38 and it was partly because of becoming parents relatively late in life, and still wanting to visit the kinds of places we used to go to, that the very concept of the Totseat chair harness took shape. The first Totseat was created out of necessity, we hated being offered filthy highchairs by local, Edinburgh cafes and art galleries, if indeed there were any highchairs on offer. Worse and worse they were often hauled out from the disabled loo; where they
were normally stored! It was all about making life easier for myself, in the first instance when it came to eating out. I used to take my jumper off and tie our daughter, who was about one at this stage, into a normal dining chair, as at least its cleanliness was more obvious – using the arms of the jumper as a harness. And it was after one such extremely frustrating episode that I came home and cut up the only fabric I had in the house – my wedding dress – to create what became the first Totseat. Astonishingly perhaps, my husband handed me the scissors – and we are still married! (Wedding dresses have limited mileage I always think, so mine has been doubly useful!). I needed something safe and versatile which would anchor my daughter in any shape or size of chair in the
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EVERYBODY LOVES THE TOTSEAT absence of a traditional highchair; something washable, pocket-sized and funky … and that’s what we have – welcome to the world of the Totseat chair harness. It was also extremely useful when visiting my parents, who didn’t have room for a highchair so being able to slip the Totseat over any of their chairs meant visiting was super easy.
“We hated being offered filthy highchairs by local, Edinburgh cafes and art galleries” I had a bunch of friends whom I had met through the National Childbirth Trust (the NCT) all of whom had wee ones the same age as Freya and they were all really interested in the Totseat and wanted one of their own! I enlisted the help of an old friend who can sew and we made half a dozen – all slightly different- and handed them out to our chums, complete with disposable cameras (it was
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pre-digital). Everyone was then asked to trial the Totseat on as many chairs as possible and report back what did and didn’t work in terms of the design. At the same time I sought advice from Safety Experts, Paediatricians, and Physiotherapists for advice. This was all pretty much while working full time – I worked on Totseat at night and at weekends for the first four years of its life. The day job took priority (and paid my share of the bills) and Totseat was really just a fun experiment in terms of potentially taking a product to market. It took about 9 months to go through what was, really, the prototype and safety testing development. In the end we had 23 families who tested the Totseat on over 900 different shapes and style of chair. What became the final design is pretty much what we still have today, safety and versatility are its middle names! And being a completely neurotic parent they are what really matters! The day before we were due to pick up the
RACHEL DOING A BIT OF QUALITY CONTROL ON THE NEWEST BATCH prototypes to take them to our first trade show, Freya had a febrile fit and I had to give her mouth to mouth resuscitation while we waited for the ambulance. We were on the floor, in my workspace which was beside her bedroom, surrounded by fabric and paper and my child lay lifeless in my arms. It was a horrible moment – when it seemed like everything I was working for would be for nothing. Thankfully Freya was totally fine and has never had another fit. They turn out to be quite common, but I had never ever heard of them – so now I do whatever I can to raise awareness so others don’t have similar, and worse, experiences.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE TEAM? There are five of us within the Totseat studio in Edinburgh - and a wonderful extended family around the world whom are our partners and distributors. Within the team in Edinburgh we split the world geographically and by language skills – Mary looks after North America, Asia and Australasia, and Shirley
looks after Europe. I fill in the gaps! All of us have travelled widely and believe, passionately, in making life as easy as possible for new parents who want – and need – to get out of the house. Jet looks after our intellectual property which is hugely valuable and fiercely protected and Lisa manages our stock. We export to over 40 countries so an ability to converse in a number of languages, across many time zones, is a huge advantage! I’m sorry to say my language skills are the
“We’re a small team so everyone needs to be able to do everyone else’s job – as a stand in – anyway! “ worst on the block – but I can, and do, survive on less sleep than the others!! Very strangely, three of us share a birthday on the 10th of June – what does that say about us?!
HOW DO YOU SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN YOU? may 2015 | mychild
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THE TOTSEAT IS ADAPTABLE TO EVERY SITUATION We’re a small team so everyone needs to be able to do everyone else’s job – as a stand in – anyway! We communicate brilliantly, eat too much cake, are good friends and took the decision to get a company dog a couple of years ago. Polly – our miniature cockapoo (who is also our family pet) – comes to work and keeps us all sane. She is the Well-being Department offering a great escape from the keyboard and screen for a wee walk around the block once in a while!
HOW LONG HAS THE BUSINESS BEEN OPERATING? I made the first Totseat in 2004, sold the first ones in 2005, and started exporting in 2006.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF SETTING UP THE BUSINESS? Managing cash flow would certainly be up there – along with ‘dealing with’ inferior copies and sadly also counterfeits. We have battled
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well known high street names to defend our intellectual property rights and been ripped off by folks we used to trust. Imitation is not a form of flattery – it’s destructive, demoralizing and downright rude. However, on the bright side, we’ve got so good at taking down counterfeits – real counterfeits – we have just spun out another business helping others do the same thing. Given the experiences we have had with the Totseat we are perfectly placed to help other SMEs make their intellectual property work for them. It was only when Alibaba suggested our system was one of the best they had ever come across did we think we might be onto something!
IS THERE ANY ADVICE YOU WISH YOU’D BEEN GIVEN? Taking a product to market is more expensive than you will ever EVER realize. It’s also infinitely more fun that you would ever imagine.*
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT… PRINCE LIONHEART’S ULTIMATE WIPES WARMER
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s the cooler months approach, babies of all ages will thank their parents and carers for switching to warm wipes during change time. Prince Lionheart’s original Ultimate Wipes Warmer not only makes change time more comfortable, but improves the hygiene for little bottoms. Prince Lionheart’s clever wipes warmer is the only one of its kind treated with an EPA approved antimicrobial additive to inhibit the growth of bacteria. Importantly, warmer wipes prevent the pores in a baby’s skin from opening during change time, which can allow bacteria in and lead to nappy rash and irritation. As well as being safer for babies, warmer wipes also reduce the shock of a cold wipe on delicate and sensitive skin, which is particularly useful when trying to keep a baby asleep and comfortable during a change. Setting a new standard for the market, Prince Lionheart’s Ultimate Wipes Warmer incorporates state-of-the-art patented technology that prevents browning of wipes, whilst retaining the moisture. Packaged in a simple to use, elegant tub, the EPA approved additive keeps wipes fresh, odour free and safe for each use. Holding 80 – 100 wipes, this warmer is also very simple to use. Simply pop open the lid, drop in the wipes, and plug it into any standard wall outlet. It includes a night light to assist with middle of the night changes and features the patented Ever-Fresh System – a specially designed micropore pillow that sits between the heat source and wipes, keeping them moist and fresh. Ever-fresh pads only need to be replaced every 3 months and replacements are available in handy two packs. Prince Lionheart is a family-owned and operated business, established in 1973. The company was founded on three pivotal core values: quality, innovation and outstanding service, and they continue to strive to deliver the very best products in each category today. Available from urbanbaby.com.au RRP $49.95 may 2015 | mychild
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IN MY VIEW
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Mumma to be SOON AFTER AMANDA STARLING FELL PREGNANT IT DIDN’T TAKE HER LONG TO REALISE PREGNANCY WASN’T SO PEACHY!
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e were in the “trying” phase, although we had no idea how long it might take to get pregnant. I guess we all know by “trying” we mean lots and lots of sex and limited foreplay (if it’s not going to get us pregnant — forget about it!). That’s why we never told anyone we were in that phase of life. I couldn’t imagine anything worse than telling my dad that my husband and I were “trying” without feeling like I have just told him his sweet baby girl was about to go on a sextravaganza! The trying phase was the beginning of the crazy and beautiful journey we call pregnancy. My expectations of pregnancy had been misconstrued somewhere along the lines. My delusional thoughts made me believe pregnancy was going to be a flawless and peachy perfect journey. Within weeks my peachy theory faded away, along with many misconceptions. I was introduced to a whole new level of psychosis, a pregnant hangover that I thought would never end and so much more. Not exactly what I was expecting, but I was lucky enough to encounter some
memorable moments too. The first ultrasound brought me to tears; it was the beginning of many memorable moments. Hearing my baby’s heart beat for the first time was an absolute delight. When I took my first positive pregnancy test, I had to take three, just in case. Hmm, perhaps the psychosis stemmed from the foetus stage. Once I had confirmation on my pregnancy I felt invincible, I was going to be a Mumma! My symptoms in the first trimester can best be described as a hangover! I got everything associated with a hangover with the exception of throwing up, but I would dry retch instead. This made me feel like I hadn’t accomplished anything. My mouth would start to water, my nose would tingle and I would run into the bathroom, wrap my arms around the toilet seat and hang my head over the bowl. I would then wait for the saliva to stop pouring out of my mouth. Sound familiar? Rest assured you are not the only one dragging yourself up from the toilet bowl feeling miserable and looking absolutely terrible! I still can’t believe I thought I would be “glowing” at this stage. I
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looked pale, pasty and felt frumpy! I feel blessed that I had my husband ride the journey with me – well, through most of it anyway. Throughout my pregnancy I had a love/hate relationship with him, within a five minute span my laughter could turn into tears. And, I am putting that all down to hormones. My husband would like to believe I just went crazy on my own accord, but I assure you it was my hormones, the one time in my life I can justify losing my temper for absolutely no reason, whatsoever! For men (or perhaps just for my husband) I would say the thrill of it all ended once I fell pregnant. Then, I didn’t want him to touch me. He really did get the short straw, for the following nine months he couldn’t do anything right; well, in my mind. My hormones played havoc, so much that anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder all came along for the ride. The media puts a lot of attention on post natal depression, but unfortunately depression during pregnancy gets no media mention at all; just to make us feel that little bit more psychotic when it unexpectedly drowns us. My second trimester was pretty rocky and as guilty as I feel for saying this next bit, I didn’t really enjoy it at all. The exception being the baby’s little kicks and punches, they always made me smile. I suffered with depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Having already experienced anxiety, evidently I was prone to it reoccurring (even if it did bring some unwanted friends along) during my pregnancy. I kept thinking I was fine; I’ve been through it all before, it’s just a little worse as my body is going through a major change and my hormones are just going friggin’ crazy! I hated feeling like this at the best of times and I didn’t really want to accept it as being part of my pregnancy. This was my time to really enjoy what was happening and embrace the fact I was growing a beautiful baby inside of me.
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You need to be mindful with what you eat during pregnancy. When baby brain kicks in it can be very easy to forget some things...my heart raced with panic, stirring a cake mix and I lick the spoon clean. Yep, I ate raw egg, the only time raw egg tastes so good. Thankfully I only licked the spoon...not the bowl. Any time I felt unsettled or unsure I phoned my obstetrician – well, they charge enough, don’t you think? Everyone thinks they are a nutritionist and will try to give you plenty of unsolicited advice on what you can and can’t eat during pregnancy. I love the people who tell you to indulge as you are eating for two. Do they have shares in Weight Watchers — are they trying to get us fat? I am no dietician but I do know eating for two is a myth. A myth that was probably created by some pregnant lady who over-indulged and made the comment “I am eating for two” too many times! My main concern was not so much the quantity of what I was eating but what I was putting into my body. It had been drummed into my head to be cautious of certain foods to eliminate the chance of getting Listeria Infection. Listeria is a bacterium that is found in foods that are not stored or prepared properly. The basic rule is to eat fresh, hot and clean foods. Too many movies have entertained my misconception of pregnant cravings. Those being nauseating concoctions. I assumed I would be craving a vegemite sandwich filled with tomato sauce, strawberries and onions (if I just made you gag I do apologise). For me, it was quite the opposite I was getting put off a lot of foods that I once enjoyed. I have always been under the impression the so-called cravings women get during pregnancy contributes to “some” of the weight gain. I am a chocoholic. I could have only assumed my weight gain would have been from deep-frying a Tim-Tam or eating something just as repulsive. Funnily enough, I
still had lots of chocolate during my pregnancy, passing it off as a craving. But, between you and me this was no craving; I just wanted it and loved the fact I could blame it on a craving. The one time in your life you can get away with eating your favourite foods without the guilt. The only craving I had was milk — very boring I know. Not only do we hear of cravings but we also hear of the odd hours we get these cravings or hunger pains. I did get hungry (not starving) at odd hours but refused to settle the urge, avoiding getting up at two in the morning for chocolate or anything remotely unhealthy, I wasn’t going to be getting out of bed for a carrot! Despite the ups and downs, I absolutely loved being pregnant. I have become accustomed to friends and family having strong opinions whether it’s about pregnancy or motherhood. I have learnt not to entertain their negative thoughts and opinions but rather listen to my mummy instinct. As mother’s (mumma’s to be) I really don’t think we give ourselves enough credit. We know our body best, we know when something doesn’t feel right. When we are vulnerable we tend to be easily influenced by others, rather than listen to our selves. I recall having a nerveracking moment when a friend was trying to convince me I “should” be feeling more movement from my baby, for a brief moment I felt sick to the stomach thinking something must have been wrong. I then eased myself by reiterating what I already knew, my baby was growing perfectly. Don’t compare yourself to others; we are all so different, comparison only results in self doubt. Enjoy the ride; capture the magic that is happening to you, the little bundle of joy that is growing inside of you that will be life changing for the better. I promise! * https://amandastarling1. wordpress.com/
early learning lands in Bondi... specialist preschool programs
hiiq.com.au may 2015 | mychild 51 e:info@hiiq.com.au | mobile:0421 711*622
PREGNANCY
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Time for no 2? DOULA KELLY WINDER GOES OVER SOME CONSIDERATIONS WHEN YOU ARE PLANNING BABY NUMBER TWO
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ou’re probably wondering whether now is the right time to have a second baby. For some women, the wondering begins when they’ve started to notice that all of their mamma friends are either busy growing baby bumps or are already back in the swing of newborn cuddles… leaving their ovaries feeling like they just might explode. Or perhaps you’re just thinking practically,
wondering whether it’s time for you to think about a second child. It’s often hard enough trying to plan out your life with your first baby, but now things are a little different – you probably have another set of feelings playing on your mind. You might be worried that it’s not just about yourself and your partner anymore. Now you have to consider your first child and how he or she
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will react with the arrival of a new brother or sister. It is a common dilemma: how will a new baby fit into family life without taking any time or attention from other family members? The truth is, there is no right time to have a second baby – or a first, for that matter. Your family situation is unique, and what is right for your mother or your best friend may not be right for you. Whatever happens, you will realise that there are pros and cons, and you will feel like you ended up with a gap that worked for you at the time. So, as you and your partner discuss the idea of a second child and what’s best for your family, here are some helpful hints on what you might like to consider:
“Even a problem-free pregnancy comes with its fair share of fatigue” YOUR FIRST CHILD Some families take the age of their first child into consideration. If you choose to have two children close together in age, you may have two children in nappies at one time. If your first child is in the midst of tantrums and toddler frustration when the new baby comes along, he may find it difficult to express his feelings about the new baby. If your first child is older, the two children may have less in common through childhood as a result of the age gap.
baby will cost you money in other areas too. If you take maternity leave, you may find that your income decreases while you are away from work. You will also be forking out for nappies, playgroups and any other baby items you may need. As your second child grows up, family days and holidays out will be more expensive, as will trips to buy school uniforms. You will also be paying for another set of hobbies, school trips and university fees.
THE REALITY OF PREGNANCY If your first pregnancy was littered with health concerns, consultant appointments and bedrest, you should consider this when planning for a new baby. Even a problem-free pregnancy comes with its fair share of fatigue, morning sickness and grumpiness. Consider how this may affect your first child, and how you would cope with looking after your first child whilst pregnant. Do you have the support you need? Who can you call on to help you?
SIBLING LOVE If you wish your children to grow up as adorable little playmates (which will come with the inevitable biffo here and there), a shorter age gap may be your best bet. Children closer in age tend to share interests, toys and friends. If you decide on a much bigger age gap, you may find children have less in common growing up, and the older child may take on more of a mentor or care-taking role.
CHILDCARE COSTS
THE NEWBORN HAZE
Childcare isn’t cheap, and if you’re relying on a private daycare to look after your children, you could find your monthly bill doubles with a second child. Some families choose to delay having a second baby until their first child is entitled to free daycare, or until he starts school.
Remember those mornings that crept up without you catching even a wink of sleep? And those evenings spent chained to the sofa for yet another cluster feed? Another baby means going through all of that again, so you should consider how that period will impact upon your first child. Will your child understand that you can’t play trains because the baby needs a feed? Does your first child still wake up in the night, meaning there
FAMILY FINANCES It’s not just child care that costs money, a new
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might be times where you to and fro between children all night?
YOUR INDEPENDENCE Parenting young children is tough. There are sleepless nights, tantrums, and a seemingly constant stream of needs to be met. It’s exhausting, but then one day, your children will become a little more independent, and they’ll need you less. You’ll be able to go out with friends more often, call in babysitters, and have time to get things done while the children entertain themselves. Having children close together minimises the time you will be parenting young children, and allows you to get your independence back sooner. With a bigger age gap, you may find yourself relinquishing your independence just months after finally getting it back after the first child.
life, you may feel that there is little time to wait before embarking on a second pregnancy. Increased maternal age can also increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications. If you were younger when you had your first child, you may feel that you can wait a little longer before considering a second child.
YOUR PARTNER What does your partner want? You need to sit down and discuss your ideals of family life. Is he longing for another child soon, or is he happy to wait a few more years before cradling a newborn once again? Open and honest discussion is the best way to establish how he feels, and to gently discuss any differences in your views.
WHAT YOU WANT
YOUR AGE
Sometimes, no matter what the practicalities are telling you, your heart wants something else. Think carefully about how you are feeling, and what you think would be the ideal time for you to have another baby. Once you’ve worked out how you feel, you can sit down and talk it through with your partner. Remember, you may need to reach a compromise that you both feel happy with. It’s impossible to predict or know what the ideal age gap is for your family, there are always going to be challenges that we face in the present time and in the future – just as there will be the good things. Talking through the issues above may help you to prioritise what is most important for your family balance. Whatever age gap you choose, know that when your baby is finally in your arms, you probably wouldn’t have it any other way.
Age plays a big part in this decision-making process. Because fertility decreases with age, you may wish to have children sooner rather than later, to give yourself the best chances of conception. If you had your first child later in
Kelly Winder is a doula (birth attendant), the creator of the BellyBelly pregnancy, birth and baby website, and a mum. Check out bellybelly.com.au for more informative articles.
‘Whatever age gap you choose, know that when your baby is finally in your arms, you probably wouldn’t have it any other way.’ YOUR FULL ATTENTION Your first child probably spent his newborn days basking in your full attention. You may have spent months caring only for him, singing songs, reading stories and generally making sure he was happy at all times. If you enjoyed those baby days, and not everyone does, then you may wish for a bigger age gap to allow you to give your second child the same start in life. When your first child leaves for school in the morning, you’ll have all day to focus on your new baby.
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BIRTH
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10 Signs That Labor is Near IS IT TIME? HERE ARE 10 WAYS TO TELL THAT YOUR BABY’S BIRTHDAY IS ALMOST HERE
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t’s the event you’ve been happily anticipating (and fearfully dreading) for months: Your baby’s birth! Many an expectant mama has wondered — and worried — about signs of labour. When will it happen? How will it feel? How long will it take? And, commonly: How will I know it’s time? It’s hard to predict the answers to those first three questions, since every birth is different. There are some clear labour signs to watch for. Pay attention and they’ll tell you: Baby’s on the way!
PRE-LABOUR: ONE TO FOUR WEEKS BEFORE LABOUR
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Your baby “drops” A few weeks before labour begins, your baby will start to descend into your pelvis (for first-time moms; in future births, this “lightening” doesn’t usually happen until you’re truly in labour). Your baby is getting into position to make his exit: head down and low. Yes, you might feel you’re waddling even more than you have been up until this point
— and you may be back to taking very frequent bathroom breaks like you did way back in your first trimester, because baby’s head is now pushing down on your bladder. But the good news is you have a little more breathing room, since baby is moving away from your lungs.
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Your cervix dilates Your cervix, is starting to prepare for birth: It starts to dilate (open) and to efface (thin out) in the days or weeks before you deliver. At your weekly check-ups, your provider may measure and track dilation and effacement via an internal exam. But everyone progresses differently, so don’t be discouraged if you’re dilating slowly (or not at all yet).
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You feel more cramps and increased back pain Especially if this is not your first pregnancy, you may feel some crampiness and pain in your groin and lower back as labor nears. Your muscles and joints are stretching and shifting in preparation for birth.
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Your joints feel looser Throughout your pregnancy, the hormone relaxin has made all of your ligaments soften and loosen (it’s also responsible for your bouts of clumsiness this past trimester). Before you go into labour, you may notice your joints all over your body feel a bit looser. Relax — it’s just nature’s way of opening up your pelvis for your little passenger to make his or her way into the world.
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You have diarrhoea Just as the muscles in your uterus are relaxing in preparation for birth, so are other muscles in your body — including those in our rectum. That can lead to loose bowel movements. Though annoying, this is normal; stay hydrated and remember it’s a good sign!
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You stop gaining weight Weight gain tends to level off at the very end of pregnancy. Some moms-to-be even lose a couple of kg’s ! This is normal and won’t affect your baby’s birth weight. He’s still gaining, but you’re losing due to lower levels of amniotic fluid, more potty breaks
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You feel extra-tired...or you have an urge to nest Wait a minute, is this the third trimester or the first? Between the active bladder and the exhaustion, sometimes you can feel like you’ve travelled backwards in time. That super-size belly, along with the smooshed bladder, can make it hard (even impossible) to get a good night’s sleep during the last days and weeks of pregnancy. Pile on those pillows and take naps during the day if you possibly can! That is, unless you’re feeling the opposite of fatigued: Some mums get a burst of energy as birth-day nears, and can’t resist the compelling urge to clean and organize everything in sight. That’s okay, as long as you don’t overdo it!
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EARLY LABOR: THE HOURS BEFORE LABOUR STARTS
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Your vaginal discharge changes colour and consistency In the last days before labour you’ll notice an increased and/or thickened vaginal discharge. You may also notice the loss of your mucous plug — the cork sealing off your uterus from the outside world. It can come out in one large piece (it looks similar to the mucous you have in your nose, but with faint streaks of blood) or lots of little ones (though you may not notice it at all if you’re the flush-and-run type). This thickened, pinkish discharge is also called the bloody show and is a good indication that labour is imminent (though without labour contractions or dilation of three to four centimetres, labour could still be a few days away!).
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You feel stronger, more frequent contractions Contractions are an early sign of active labor — except when they aren’t. You can experience Braxton-Hicks contractions for weeks and even months before delivery. You’ll feel their pinch as the muscles in your uterus tighten in preparation for their big moment (pushing that baby out!). How can you tell the difference between real and false labour contractions? Look for these signs of real labour: • If you’re active, contractions get stronger instead of easing up • If you change position, contractions don’t go away • The contraction pain starts in your lower back and moves to your lower abdomen, and possibly your legs • Contractions progress: They get more frequent and more painful, and sometimes fall into a regular pattern
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Your water breaks While movies would have you think
you’ll learn you’re in labour only when your water breaks (of course in the middle of a romantic dinner date at a busy restaurant), that’s a very unlikely scenario. It’s actually one of the final signs of labour most women notice and it happens in less than 15% of births. So don’t count on it as your only labour sign! Still feel like you won’t know when to announce “It’s time!” and get ready to meet your baby? Try not to stress about it. You’ll be seeing your doctor or midwife frequently now, and she’ll help you spot all the important signs.
SHOULD I CALL THE DOCTOR? Toward the end of your pregnancy, your practitioner will advise you on what to do when your contractions become regular: “Call me when they’re coming about five minutes apart for at least an hour,” for example. Contractions won’t all be exactly spaced, but if they are becoming pretty consistent, it’s time
to check in with your doc. If you think you might be in labour but aren’t sure, get on the phone; your provider can advise you on what’s going on. Don’t feel embarrassed or worry about calling outside of office hours (your doctor or midwife knew this would happen when she got into the baby-catching business!). You should always call if: • You experience any bleeding or bright-red discharge (not brown or pinkish). • Your water breaks — especially if the fluid looks green or brown; this could be a sign that meconium is present (which is your newborn’s first stool; it can be dangerous if your baby inhales or ingests it during birth). • You experience vision changes, a headache, or sudden or severe swelling. These can be symptoms of preeclampsia, or pregnancyinduced hypertension. Sourced from http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy
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PREGANCY
Could Poor Oral Hygiene Harm Your Unborn Baby? DR. BEN WILCOX WARNS EXPECTING MOTHERS SHOULD BE PAYING EXTRA-SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THEIR ORAL HEALTH.
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COULD POOR ORAL HYGIENE HARM YOUR UNBORN BABY? No doubt, now that you have another little human to care for, you’re more conscious of your diet, exercise and overall health. You’ve given up foods with a high risk of bacteria and food poisoning, and you’ve changed your exercise routine to be more gentle and pregnancy friendly. You might indulge in a maternity massage or prenatal yoga. And you’ll soon be going to birthing classes to ensure you’re as ready as you can be for the arrival of your new family member. Everything you put into your body affects your baby; the way you treat your body affects your baby. But have you thought about how your dental health affects your baby? Recent research has found a link between poor oral hygiene and fetal death. The research, conducted at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in the United States, has linked a prevalent oral bacteria to stillbirth and premature birth. The bacteria, called Fusobacterium, acts to prevent diseases in the mouth. It can, however, enter the bloodstream and actually cause diseases elsewhere in the body. This includes the placenta, umbilical cord and foetus. Meaning serious implications for your baby. According to the research there are over 700 species of bacteria living in the mouth. Most of which never leave the mouth. Fusobacterium, however, has the ability to move into the bloodstream and establish colonies elsewhere. Professor Yiping Han, who conducted the research, has made links between this aggressive bacteria and pregnancy issues including miscarriage and stillborn babies. In her research she found various bacteria in the pregnant woman’s mouth was also present in a stillborn baby. There is currently no way to correctly identify
“But have you thought about how your dental health affects your baby?” and treat this bacteria, making your oral hygiene ever more important. This bacteria can cause diseases elsewhere in your body, too. Once Fusobacterium leaves the mouth, colonies are established elsewhere, causing inflammation. This may then develop into serious infection such as plaque in the heart, causing heart disease, decaying bone in the form of arthritis, or a buildup of bacteria on the lungs that can also lead to infant mortality.
HOW ELSE MIGHT ORAL HEALTH AFFECT YOUR WELL BEING DURING PREGNANCY? Pregnancy hormones can alter the blood flow to your gums, causing gingivitis (bleeding gums). According to a study by The University of Adelaide, gingivitis affects almost 70 per cent of pregnant women, making this a very common occurrence. Periodontitis, another severe gum disease is also prevalent in expecting women. The loss of tissue and bone, holding teeth firm, has been linked to premature births, pre-eclampsia, and gestational diabetes. The risk of tooth decay also increases during pregnancy with morning sickness, vomiting and cravings for sweet, sugary foods.
HOW DO YOU AVOID TOOTH DECAY WITH MORNING SICKNESS? • Brush your teeth after eating, at least twice a day • After vomiting, rinse your mouth with water or mouth rinse • As the tooth enamel will be softened from vomiting, wait 30 minutes before brushing to avoid damage
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• Use a fluoride toothpaste, making the surface of your teeth more resistant • Try to limit the number of sugary foods you eat, and rinse your mouth with water immediately after eating • Use fluoridated tap water for drinking and eating • Brush your tongue to remove any excess bacteria • Quit smoking
NATURAL HORMONE CHANGES ARE NOT LIMITED TO PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING. Fluctuations occur during puberty, menstruation and menopause. Contraceptive pills and Hormone Replacement Therapy are also known to change bacteria and hormone levels in a woman’s body. This affects all women, not just those expecting. Just as during pregnancy, an increase in progesterone and oestrogen experienced in puberty can dilate blood vessels in the gums, causing swelling and bleeding. An increase in bacteria during puberty also makes bad breath, cavities, ulcers and lesions more common. It is imperative to brush for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste after each meal, floss regularly and consult your dentist about potential orthodontic treatment. Being aware of changes in your body and factors that can lead to compromised oral health is even more important as women get older. Just 2.7 per cent of people aged 15-24 showed gum disease compared to 53.4 per cent of people aged over 65. The 2006 survey by The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare showed when women go through menopause, their hormone levels change dramatically once again. Instead of experiencing an increase in
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oestrogen and progesterone, however, there is a decrease. This is most commonly linked to osteoporosis. The Australian Dental Journal found that osteoporosis greatly speeds up the process of tooth decay when combined with common periodontal infections. Menopausal women may also suffer from dry mouth. The decrease in oestrogen combined with a decreased salivary flow commonly causes
“An increase in bacteria during puberty also makes bad breath, cavities, ulcers and lesions more common. “ painful gingivitis. There is a loss of saliva production to cleanse the mouth and neutralise acids produced by plaque. Are your hormone medications making you ill? The Australian Dental Journal study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may help prevent tooth loss in menopausal women. HRT is commonly taken to counteract the symptoms of menopause. The study found that HRT provided protection against tooth loss and a reduction in symptoms of gingivitis. Oral contraceptives however, are found to cause an increase in gingival fluid. This increases the risk of inflamed gums and bleeding. Not only hormones and bacteria found in the body affect your systemic health. There are many ways in which your oral health may be making you ill. Be aware of what your body is telling you and how your lifestyle affects your health. And don’t forget to visit the dentist at least twice a year. *
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nicole Proy of Mockingbird Photography
The
T H IN K ING WOM AN’S website
For Conception, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
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BABY
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FOETAL DEVELOPMENT IT IS AN AMAZING THING TO KNOW YOU ARE GROWING A LITTLE HUMAN INSIDE YOU.
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he 40 week countdown begins on the first day of your last menstrual period, even though you’re not yet pregnant. Conception won’t occur until around week two, though you won’t feel pregnant right away. By week three, your pregnancy will consist of a fertilised egg inside your uterus. Your baby’s genetics have already been determined. Around seven to 10 days after conception, implantation will occur. The embryo is now embedded in the lining of your womb. The brain, spinal cord and heart are already starting to develop. By week four, your baby’s spine and organs are starting to develop. The placenta is developing too, and this will allow nutrients to reach your baby during the pregnancy. The placenta will also start producing the pregnancy hormone, HcG, so you may start to notice early symptoms of pregnancy around this time. Morning sickness, fatigue and a heightened sense of smell are all early symptoms of pregnancy. By the second month your baby’s heart will start beating sometime around day 21. By week five, your baby’s facial features are starting to develop. By week six, your baby looks like one of those tadpole-like foetuses you may remember from science lessons. Your baby may only be around the size of a grain of rice, but the arm and leg buds are starting to form. In week seven, your baby’s tooth buds, pancreas and appendix are starting to grow.
Your baby’s hair and nipple buds are even starting to develop. Your baby’s sex was determined at fertilisation, but in week eight your baby will begin to grow testes or ovaries. Your baby’s fingers, toes and tongue are starting to develop too. In this week, your baby’s bones will start to develop, as well. In week nine, your baby reaches the end of the embryonic stage and officially becomes a foetus. Your baby’s organs are beginning to function now. Your baby is beginning to lose the tail, and is looking less and less like a tadpole with each passing day. In just a week the tail will have completely disappeared. Your baby’s facial features are also starting to look a little more human in week 10. Week 11 is the start of a growth spurt, and your baby will double in size over the next three weeks. Your baby’s fingernails are developing this week. During week 11, the placenta will start functioning, circulating blood between the uterus and your baby. By week 12, your baby can kick, stretch and pull faces. Your baby’s organs are starting to work this week, and your baby has started to urinate the amniotic fluid consumed in the uterus. Your baby develops rapidly during those first 12 weeks, and this is why some pregnant women feel exhausted during the first trimester. It’s hard work growing a person! Be sure to get plenty of rest, eat a healthy, balanced diet and stay hydrated.* supplied by : http://www.health-and-parenting.com
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BABY IN MY VIEW
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5 TIPS FOR BONDING WITH BABY MANY PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THE ALL-IMPORTANT MOTHER BABY BONDING THAT TAKES PLACE AFTER CHILDBIRTH.
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ome describe this time as an “Ah-Ha” moment, when they experienced such joy and love that they were overwhelmed like nothing before. Other women feel the process of bonding with baby took time and didn’t happen immediately. The reality is that your individual circumstances and your experiences during labor and delivery can have an impact on how well you feel you bonded with baby. The best advice about bonding with your baby, is to allow it to happen in its own time. Don’t feel pressured to make something magical happen, and realize that you have spent the entirety of your pregnancy bonding with your baby. Additionally, the following 5 tips will help you feel even more connected to your baby! Give yourself time to heal! Those precious moments when you first see your baby are magical, indeed. In the hospital setting, however, when the doctors are poking and prodding you and your baby, you are exhausted, and inundated with visitors – you can feel a little detached. Make sure you have time for just you and your baby! Seriously – kick well wishers out, or ask that they only visit during visiting hours. Just like your baby is adjusting to breathing air, you are adjusting to motherhood. You need time to BE with your baby, by yourself – or with just you and your significant other. If others find it rude, then so be it.
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Be very clear that you would like some private time. Keep your baby in your room with you rather than sending him or her to the nursery. Having your baby with you, in skin-toskin contact, not only helps with lactation, but also helps with the mother baby bonding experience. Plus, you will adjust to the noises that he or she makes, and your baby will feel safe and secure knowing that you are there. Keep a camera handy and take lots of pictures. You cannot recreate these first moments and before you know it you will be home and your baby will be crawling. Having the pictures to look back on helps you to remember those feelings in the first hours and days, and helps you to realize just how much you and your baby DID bond after delivery. Give yourself time. Adjusting to motherhood, in addition to dealing with a multitude of hormonal fluctuations is not always an easy transition. If you don’t have that “Ah-Ha” moment that people talk about, give yourself a break and try not to worry about it. Sometimes – likely in most cases – this bonding is built around time and togetherness. What YOU will realize, is that although the individual mother baby bonding experience is different for everyone, YOU WILL BOND WITH YOUR NEW LITTLE ONE!*
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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a
doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. www.health-and-parenting.com
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SHOPPING
PREGNANCY&BIRTH
GROWING BODIES
JUST RIGHT
During pregnancy and breast feeding, your nutritional requirements increase .You need more energy, protein and some vitamins, particularly iron, folate, and iodine. A woman’s body goes through many changes and must provide for the needs of a growing baby. A well balanced diet is required to meet the nutritional demands pregnancy and breastfeeding place on a woman’s body. However, during pregnancy there may be factors that make it difficult to get the nutrition you need like: • Morning sickness • Feeling full quickly as the baby takes up more space inside. • Feeling tired • Constipation OzFarm Pregnancy Formula is formulated with premium ingredients that will help you and your baby get all the nutrition that you need. Available from Priceline and Terry White Pharmacy
Too hot, too cold or just right? Your baby isn’t quite as vocal as the three bears, so make sure their bathwater is just right with the Digital Bath Thermometer from Chukles! Waterproof and mercury-free, the Chukles bath thermometers feature a cold, warm and hot LCD traffic light effect indicator and display. Three cute options to choose from are a sure way to keep your baby giggling, because the Chukles bath thermometers make for a fun toy too!
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NO MORE NAPPIES We love the Difrax range as we know they have been developed with medical professionals to ensure they will have a positive influence on the shaping of the mouth and jaws and also on the development of baby teeth. We also found the natural range fantastic as it reduces interference with a baby’s ability to breastfeed due to the nippleshaped teat. Kidslifestyle.com 2 for $10.00
SUPER SUPPORT
FOR QUICK, FAST CLEANING In the space of just one day, babies and small children require several hot meals. In just 4 minutes The NUK Micro Express Microwave Steam Steriliser disinfects baby bottles, bottle accessories (not soothers) and milk pump parts with a steam heat disinfection – without any use of chemicals. Available from Target
The Matty Change Mat allows change time to occur where it most practical for parents. No more dashing to the change table at the first waft of that unmistakable smell! The Matty Change Mat is made of robust PUR (polyurethane foam) which is lightweight, waterproof, requires no cover and is supersoft against baby’s skin. The non-slip base makes it ideal for creating your change station anywhere you want. $169.95 from Danish by Design
KEEP CLOSE Ultra-breathable and unbelievably soft, the cotton Ergobaby Wrap, $129, makes an ideal companion for those first few months after birth, allowing you to remain close to your bub when you are out and about. It’s 4D Stretch material, made from a cotton and spandex blend, distributes your baby’s weight in four directions and can support up to 14kg. The wrap can be used in six comfortable positions, measures 500 x 65cm and three colour options are available at babesinarms.com.au.
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shopping | pregnancy & birth
PEARHEAD PREGNANCY JOURNAL Record the different stages of pregnancy with this contemporary Pregnancy Journal from Pearhead. Pre-printed pages make it easy to create a lasting memory of your baby’s journey to birth. Track every chapter of your pregnancy such as your first visit to the doctor, various food cravings, the first moment your baby kicks, all the way up to the big arrival. This Pregnancy Journal includes an opening on the cover to showcase your baby’s sonogram photo, and is the perfect way for an expecting Mum to remember every step of her adventure. It makes a gorgeous baby shower gift or present for mums-to-be this Mother’s Day! RRP $24.95 Available from www.thestorknest.com.au
NIGHT TIME ACHES Leg cramps are most apparent at night during pregnancy, affecting women in their sleep Crampeze are the innovative cramp relief specialists in the vitamin category with a strong brand heritage. Crampeze are expanding their range to help relieve muscular leg cramps in a variety of situations. Crampeze is Australian made and formulated with traditional, homeopathic ingredients clinically proven to help relieve muscular cramps. RRP: $19.95 from your chemist
ONLINE CONVENIENCE The Stork Nest is an Australian online store that promises to deliver discerning customers the very best international and Australian made baby, children’s and maternity products – delivered pain-free to your door. Offering a Gift Registry, Gift Vouchers and a luxury gift-wrapping service, thestorknest.com.au is a great option for sending gifts or hampers to new Mums or presents to little people. Featuring well-known and much-loved brands such as Trunki, Skip Hop, Pearhead and Krooom, The Stork Nest’s customer service team is run by Mums, who know and understand this market. We also know you’re time poor, so we specialize in fast, efficient and friendly customer service. Shop 24/7 at thestorknest.com.au
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BUB BOLSTER Support yourself with the Bellybean Maternity Pillow, $89, made from organic cotton. Bellybean have changed their covers to reduce chemical dying and processing. Available in the colours dusky pink, green tea, natural and latte, go to bellybean.com.au.
Hand-illustrated furniture for your child. Designs inspired by you to create magical spaces for your child!
pinkcoyote.com.au facebook.com/pinkcoyote.com.au
M 0414 260 110
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NEWS
PREGANCY
WHO ARE YOU CALLING AVERAGE?
Recent research conducted by breast-pump manufacturer Medela demonstrates the huge range of what’s considered “normal” when it comes to breastfeeding your baby. Here are some findings: • Number of breastfeeds per day: 4-13 • Duration of a feed: 12-67 minutes • Amount of milk taken per feed: 54-234ml • Daily milk intake: 47-1,356ml
Wiping out SIDS
Since their launch in 2013, Red Nose Baby Wipes have raised more than $90,000 for SIDS and Kids, with a goal of $1 million to help fund research into stillbirth, SIDS and safe sleeping practices. Available in independent supermarkets and Big W, the wipes are Australian made and owned and have FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certification, meaning the raw materials come from sustainably managed sources. Each carton contains nine 100-wipe packs, $35.97, and you can order online at aussiewipes. com.au.
“Rubbing or rolling a woman’s nipples when she’s full term can stimulate the release of a hormone called oxytocin, which can cause contractions. This method is called“the comfort technique”.” 70
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Can you really PREVENT STRETCH MARKS?
Flu vaccinations
There’s a lot of debate about whether flu vaccinations are safe for pregnant women, so is it really necessary to get one? The World Health Organisation has now placed pregnant women in the category of highest priority for vaccination. It is said that vaccination is beneficial for the mother and baby as it offers protection against infection and protects the unborn baby through antibodies which are transferred from the placenta to the newborn. Each year, influenza causes more than 18,000 hospitalisations and is responsible for approximately 1,500 deaths in Australia – not far off the road death toll! Further, studies show that pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalised for influenza than non-pregnant women. In some cases, this can affect a woman’s ability to carry her baby to full term, as well as the size of the newborn. So can a person contract the flu from the vaccination itself? Researchers have confirmed that in rare cases a person’s immune system can react negatively to the vaccine and they might show minor symptoms of the flu for 24 hours after the vaccination.
Stretch marks are totally normal, but they don’t happen to everyone. They’re formed when the tissue underneath the top layers of skin expands at a faster rate than the skin above it, meaning the tissue tears and scars. Then say hello to red, purple or silvery lines! You’ve probably seen plenty of creams and oils on supermarket shelves and in pharmacies claiming they can prevent stretch marks, so what’s the deal? Is there a magical cure? Because genetics play a large part in your susceptibility to stretch marks, the first step is to ask your mum or sister about their pregnancies. Although not everyone is prone to them, it’s common for up to 90 percent of pregnant women to experience them. As for the potions that claim to reduce stretch marks, there is plenty of ongoing research into their effectiveness, but no scientific evidence so far to prove they actually work. However, products like olive oil, aloe vera, cocoa and shea butter, rosehip oil and vitamin E cream will at least soothe itchy bellies caused by developing stretch marks. The best thing to do? Drink plenty of water, exercise regularly to keep the blood flowing to the skin and buy a new, supportive bra for those growing breasts!
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First Year, First Aid YOUR CHILD IS HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING AND YOU CALLED AN AMBULANCE - BUT A FIRE TRUCK IS PULLING UP OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSE….WHY?
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F
ire trucks are equipped with oxygen, defibrillators and monitors and the fire truck may have been closer than the ambulance and can help you while the ambulance is on its way. Michelle Fiddian has more than 13 years of experience in the ‘First Aid’ industry, having worked as a call talker at the Triple Zero (000) Ambulance Service for six years, and as a first aid trainer at major organisations such as St Johns Ambulance. One of the most heartbreaking incidents Michelle responded to during her time at Triple Zero Ambulance Service was when a little girl had climbed a wall unit. “She had opened some of the cupboards and was using them as steps. The unit fell on her…we called an ambulance and did CPR, but unfortunately this was a fatality.” Screwing large wall units, bookshelves and other furniture into the wall can help avoid a tragedy such as this one. Many families remember to lock cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms, but cupboards in big furniture items should be locked as well. Michelle realised the first aid resources available for the first 12 months of a child’s life were very limited. She found some of the main reasons parents didn’t get first aid training for their new borns included: • Convenience (babies were often not welcome at first aid courses, parents had to leave the house and travel to a location that wasn’t always local.) • Relevance (many courses give “information overload”, providing topics that are too much to absorb during one session.) • Interest (the courses on offer were either scary or uninteresting.) • Cost: many courses were more than $100 per person. Given the fact that many new parents drop to one wage, this is expensive. When we are in a traumatic situation our
minds go blank and it’s the simple things we forget and these are the very important things like: • If you have to call 000 in a medical emergency remember to say ‘Triple Zero,’ not Triple O (the letter O). Believe it or not, people in a panic have called OOO and lost precious time. • Keep your answers simple and precise • Make sure you write down your exact address for your babysitter, who may know how to get to your house and what it looks like, but who may not know the exact address, which is one of the first things they will be asked for if they have to call for help in an emergency. • Strap your wrist to pram handles at all times in case you accidentally let go. • Ensure blind cords are securely tied and out of reach. • Never underestimate the ability of a crawling baby: get down on your hands and knees and see the home as your crawling baby sees it. Beware of what other people bring into the home; for example, handbags left on the ground. They can contain dangerous items such as medications. Michelle has used all her work experience and established courses for parents and she has also put together a book that provides easy-tofollow tips for most accidents and illnesses. • Learn that a ‘sign’ is something that the patient can feel, and a ‘symptom’ is something we can see or measure, such as fever and bleeding. Because babies are unable to verbalise their ‘signs’, we have to rely on their symptoms and our own instincts. • Learn about the Golden Rule for every first aid situation: DRSABCD: Danger, Response, Send, Airway, Breathing, CPR and Debfibrillation.* www.littleaid.com.au
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TODDLER IN MY VIEW
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When will my toddler be able to dress herself? KIDS CAN’T BALANCE WELL ENOUGH TO PUT ON PANTS/SHORTS WHILE STANDING. (COME TO THINK OF IT, NEITHER CAN MANY ADULTS!) AND BEDS ARE OFTEN TOO HIGH FOR THEM TO SIT ON
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t’ll be a slow process, but from around 12 months old, your toddler may start to show an interest in helping you to get herself dressed. But however determined she becomes to do things for herself, she’ll need your help for a long time yet. At this stage, she may just hold out her arm for a sleeve and a foot for a shoe. It’s important to let your toddler have a go at doing as much as she can as she grows. Dressing and undressing helps her to coordinate her arms and legs better. And trying to put on clothes also helps her to learn about using her fingers for those fiddly tasks. Trying to get a small child to stand or sit still long enough so you can pull up pants or throw a shirt over their head can be, well, trying. The good news is, learning to get dressed is a sequence of lessons that most preschoolers master by the time they turn five. And like
everything else, learning to get dressed is definitely made for teachable moments. Not only do kids have to develop certain gross and fine motor skills to do things like put legs into pant holes or pull up a zipper, they also need to start matching colours and recognizing how to choose clothing that will keep them warm or cool enough, all contributing to a growing sense of independence. Learning to get dressed isn’t a single skill that your child will learn overnight. Rather, it’s a series of lessons that your child will grow to understand as they grow and mature. Here are some approximate ages of when kids figure out certain aspects of dressing themselves: • Starting to get undressed 12 to 18 months old
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• Can get completely undressed without help 18 to 24 months old • Pull up pants that have an elastic waistband Two to two and one-half years old • Put on socks or a shirt Two and one-half years to three years old • Get dressed and undressed with minimal assistance (including no-tie shoes) Three to four years old • Dress independently including any buttons, snaps, zippers or buckles Four to five years old • Tie shoes Between five and seven years old Don’t stress if your child hasn’t hit one of these milestones. These ages are simply guidelines and depend a lot on your child’s gross motor skills, maturity and interest in the process.
SHOW AND TELL You may think because your child has been part of the process of you getting her dressed every morning that you can hand her a pair of pants and she’ll pull them right on. And for some kids, that may be the case. But for many children, a simple lesson in how the clothing gets put on will do wonders. Keep it easy. Show on yourself and then help your child get dressed, giving a running commentary on what you are doing “Your pants have three holes. One at the top that goes around your waist and one for each leg. Make sure the tag goes in the back.” To make the process simple, let your child learn on garments that are easy to put on. Loose-fitting clothing that don’t have buttons, zippers or snaps are great to start off with. Elastic waistbands, large openings and pieces that have tags in the back (to avoid putting something on backwards) are also very littlekid friendly.
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MAKE SUCCESS EASY TO REACH If your child’s clothing are hanging high in the closet, it is going to be a lot harder for him to start the process. If it is possible, put all the clothing that your little one will need to access at a level that they will be able to reach use drawers at the bottom of the bureau and lower the bar in the closet if you can. If not, together pick out the outfit that your little one is going to wear. In the beginning give him a few choices, three at the most, of outfits to choose from.
SOLICIT HER OPINION The thing about teaching a child to dress herself is, that once they learn to do it, they are going to want a say in what they wear. And believe it or not, that is a good thing. Now you may see some interesting outfits, yes, (think checkered pants and a striped shirt) but that’s OK. In fact it is great. Because your little one is learning that she has an opinion and it’s OK to express it. As long as the outfit isn’t inappropriate (not warm enough for instance), let her wear what she likes. You are only young once and chances are her tastes will soon become more refined as she gets older.
COMPLETE THE LOOK Make no mistake, getting dressed on your own is not an easy task. Even when a child has all the motor skills down, there is still a lot to think about. It’s important to not rush them, especially in the days where they are just learning. Be patience and resist the urge to just get your child dressed yourself. The more you step in, the less they’ll learn. Mismatched Socks? Backwards Shirt? Praise, Praise, Praise Learning to dress yourself is not a skill a child will learn overnight. And there can be some steps backwards. So if you little one comes downstairs with her shoes on the wrong feet or pants that aren’t buttoned, help them fix what needs fixing, but also be sure to commend them for their great work.*
IDEAS
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT…BABYBJÖRN KITCHEN SETS
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e love this kitchen set. The baby rubber edging underneath prevents the plate plate’s well-conceived three-leafed from sliding about on the table. clover shape helps children to scoop It may be shaped like an egg cup but the up the food with the spoon instead of having clever design of the cup makes it to chase it around the edges or across the multifunctional, it is perfectly shaped for little table. hands to hold and it can also be used for small It comes with a grip-friendly baby spoon that meals with the spoon. The baby cup is made has a short handle that is just right for small from durable material that is safe for use in hands to grip. A ring at the bottom of the the dishwasher, freezer, and microwave, to handle prevents little hands from sliding too make your life easier! Recent conducted breast-pump manufacturer demonstrates huge range far down theresearch spoon and landingby into their The cup hasMedela practical graduated the markings in of yourthe baby. Here see-through food! what’s considered “normal” when it comes to breastfeeding ml and fl oz and frosted, are some No more messyfindings: floors to clean up as the shape plastic means that you can easily see the Number breastfeeds per for day:your 4-13child of the•rim also of makes it difficult contents. • Duration of atoss feed:it12-67 to grab hold it and ontominutes the floor. The For store locations go to www.babybjorn.com • Amount of milk taken per feed: 54-234ml • Daily milk intake: 47-1,356ml
WHO ARE YOU CALLING AVERAGE?
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SHOPPING
BABY&TODDLER BUBBLE BATH Bath toys should be fun, inspiring and easy to store and the new range from BathBlocks ticks all the boxes. Water and soap create a helpful cling between the blocks making building a breeze and these light bath toys can also be stuck to tiled walls. Your child will experiment with geometry, addition, subtraction, balance, structure and cause & effect. From Danish by Design
SNUG AS A BUG Designed for particularly cold winter nights the luxurious cotton rich velour of the super snugly 3.5 Tog Winter Warmer Grobag is the perfect choice for keeping your little one warm in cold winter temperatures. Choose a snowy backdrop, with lovely snowflake embroidery and loveable appliqué and embroidery Mr Moose character or a colourful family of loveable Owl’s to keep them company your little ones will flutter off to sleep in the gorgeous Fly a Kite with gorgeous embroidery and appliqué details. RRp $84.95 from GroBag.
NATURAL EATING Available in two mixed colour versions for boys and girls, these kid sets are fun and thoughtful gift for little ones in your life and brighten up meals for your own family The set is made from bamboo fibre, while the spoon is made of natural bamboo. But just because the products are made of natural materials, it doesn’t mean they aren’t durable. There are two mixed colour versions. Available from Nature baby for $34.95
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EZEE REACH For generations, children from around the world have thrown cutlery to the floor at mealtime. This unique, BPA free cutlery and bowl set from Ezee Reach, provides a practical way of tackling this age-old problem, whilst also developing a child’s motor skills as they eat. The flexible coils attached to Stay-Put cutlery have a retention which acts like a memory, gently returning the child’s hand back to the bowl after they have eaten. This encourages the child to repeat the process, and develop independent eating skills. A child’s coordination and dexterity are also enhanced through the use of this clever cutlery, which greatly benefits their play and pre-school development. Clean up mealtime with Ezee Reach Cutlery & Bowl Set RRP$17.95 from honeybaby. com.au
SECURITY BLANKET New Belgian brand Label Label has developed a beautiful range of plush velour toys and dummy blankets adorned with silky smooth labels for little ones to explore, crunch, crinkle and chew. This gorgeous little blanket attaches to a baby’s dummy via a hook and loop, allowing babies to soothe and comfort themselves. Available in a wide range of sweet animal characters, Label Label products assist with the development of fine motor skills, give babies a sense of security through the soft nature of the toys, and also provide sensory stimulation via the interesting prints and textures of the labels and pull tags. Made in Europe from soft machine washable fabrics, Label Label Dummy Blankets make a lovely newborn gift and are available from thestorknest.com.au for RRP$19.95
EEZI TO SQUEEZE Dreambaby® Door Knob Covers are easy for adults to grip, squeeze and turn but too difficult for small children to operate. They snap easily onto most standard door knobs. No tools required. They are easy to install, reuse and move around from room to room. For added safety on door knobs with push-locking buttons, simply close lid over button to prevent door being accidentally locked. $7.95 from Dreambaby.
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NEWS
BABY&TODDLER Sleep DEPRIVATION
Hidden MENACE Some parents are opting to give fussy eaters vitamin supplements because of concerns they may not be meeting their daily nutritional needs. And with many of the supplements containing around 52 percent of sugar per capsule or per chewable “lolly”, experts are advising against children taking these as a substitute for natural foods. Even common foods such as breakfast cereals or orange juice are packed with nutrients so children may already be meeting their recommended daily nutrient value. Experts suggest that children should only take vitamin supplements if they exhibit obvious signs of failure to thrive, have food allergies, suffer from chronic diseases or are vegans.
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While many parents of newborns joke about sleep deprivation being all part of the job, the fact is many families suffer sleepless nights for months or even years creating a massive problem. Mums whose babies keep them up at night are more likely to suffer from postpartum depression and they’re three times more likely to be carrying an extra five kilograms by baby’s first birthday Tips for parents with sleepless babies or toddlers: • Sleep deprivation is not acceptable: Sleep is so important because it allows the brain to recover from the rigours of the day. Not getting enough can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease and depression • Stop arguing with each other: It’s important that parents work like a team. Stop arguing about how to deal with their tired baby or toddler and develop a plan they can implement together • Determine a sleep plan: This can include day time naps and night time feeding where tasks are split between parents • Teach your baby how to put themselves to sleep: Learn your child’s tired signs and monitor their awake times • Teach your baby that night time is for sleeping right from the get go Give your child the chance to fall asleep on their own without intervention from you Susan Connolly and her Dream Babies program is available at www.dreambabies. com.au.
TIRED SIGNS
Recognising and acting on your baby’s tired cues can help them settle earlier and easier. When your baby won’t settle and becomes overtired, getting them to settle and fall asleep is often more difficult and may take longer than usual. Learn to identify tired signs in your young baby:
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Facial grimacing Yawning Wandering or cross-eyed – worse when tired Breaking eye contact Jerky limb movements Clenched fists Crying Rubbing eyes Whinges and whines Clingy Refuses to feed or eat Yawns Fussing at the breast
Once you have identified your baby’s tired signs and cues, help him settle and fall sleep. There are several things you can do to help your baby settle and sleep but it is important to understand that every baby may need different strategies and support – depends on personality, environment and comfort to name a few. but they’ll play a big part in your baby learning to talk.
Settling babies everywhere This Australian designed portable mat provides a natural baby settling rhythm. The rhythmic bumping motion, by moving your stroller slowly over the mat, settles baby quickly into a restful state, if not a sleepy one. Sleep Rumbler can be used to: • Comfort your baby into a relaxed state when restless • Assist parents in teaching babies to self-settle • Encourage your baby to sleep for longer periods of time • Offer a non-medicated or complimentary option for settling your baby when ill or teething • Helping to calm babies with colic and/or reflux
“Sleep Rumbler has been a life & sanity saver!” Melissa with 6 month old Alex (reflux) and 3 year old Jack
www.sleeprumbler.com.au Distributed by Exquira, see www.exquira.com.au
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news | baby & toddler
HOW TO SHARE A NANNY With the cost of daycare going up all the time, in-home childcare is increasingly appealing. One way to make it more affordable is “nanny sharing” where one nanny cares for the children of two families at once (up to four children in total). Typically, the location alternates between the two families’ homes and, apart from invoicing, all aspects of care are handled jointly. Louise Dunham from Placement Solutions, a Melbourne-based company that specialises in in-home childcare, says, ‘We interview parents from both families together and select potential nannies based on the joint needs of the families.
Ongoing client liaison visits are also held jointly.’ Before considering nanny sharing, potential “share parents” should discuss matters of how much reading and screen time is considered suitable, discipline, nutrition issues such as sugar “allowances”, and also what the children are allowed to watch. ‘Where these things are in sync and the two homes aren’t too far apart,’ says Dunham, ‘nanny sharing between two families can be a realistic and money-saving option.’ For more information on hiring and affording nannies, visit placementsolutions.com.au.
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SITTING, BURPING AND GRABBING! By the time your baby is around six months old they’re probably able to sit unsupported for short periods of time. They’ll also be able to sit in a high chair - just be careful not to leave them unattended as they can still lose their balance easily. It’s likely your baby will be able to burp his or her self by this time. Again, there’s no set date for when this should happen, if they still need your help that’s fine. Gently patting them on the back should be enough. If they haven’t burped after a couple of minutes, they probably don’t need to!
Tricky little movements: fine motor skills By six months or so, your baby’s communication and coordination skills will be coming along in leaps and bounds. You may notice they have better control of their hands. They might be able to hold a two handled cup and drink by themselves, maybe grip things better or even clap. These are known as fine motor skills, which use small, precise movements of thumbs and fingers. Fine motor skills also include small tongue movements, like you do when you taste something. These may be slowly coming along,
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GIFT GUIDE
MOTHERS DAY
gift guide
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IT WAS ABRAHAM LINCOLN WHO ONCE SAID
“ALL THAT I AM OR EVER HOPE TO BE, I OWE TO MY ANGEL MOTHER.”
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gift guide
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7 1| BOSKKE SKY PLANTER Triple Set - Ceramic $112.90
2| NEWBORN SET Just for mums $55.96
www.thedesigngiftshop.com
www.mater.com.au
3| CRATE OF MINI TWINE 23 mini twine spools. £19.99 www.oakroomshop.co.uk
7| TIME FOR TEA WITH ALICE
8| PEWTER LABEL
Made in Australia $18.96 www.Robertgordin.com.au
Personalised label for mum £29.99
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9 BABY CARRIER ONE From $129.00 www.davidjones.co,.au
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4| LOEWE ELEPHANT PURSE A touch of the exotic. £195.00 www.Loewe.com.au
10|MINI HERB PLANTER Personalised mini crate £15.95 www.plantabox.co.uk
5| SOI - HANGBAG LIGHT
6| RAINBOW CASHMERE BLANKET
The first automatic handbag www.lightintheworld.com.au
$155.00
11| MUSHROOM POUFFE In assorted colours. $228.50
12| LIMITED EDITION Flask set $25
www.Anne-Clairepetit.com.
www.Target.com.au
www.StellaMcCartney.com
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gift guide
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1| GUESS EARRINGS Earrings in Rose Gold, $149.95 www.Guess.com.au
2| GUESS NECKLACE Lover Heart Pendant Braclet
8| HYDRATION OIL
Various prices Search here
Facial Treatment Oil & Wellbeing Body Oil $19.95 www.sukin.com.au
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Crisp clear spound. $9.95 www.philips.com.au
in Rose Gold, $139.95 www.Guess.com.au
7| YOGA
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3| IN EAR HEADPHONES
9I ALARM CLOCK AND RADIO For iPod. $99.95 www.philips.com.au
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12 4| COWSHED
5| STORKSAK ELIZABETH TAN
6| THE PREGNANCY JOURNAL
Bath & Shower Gel. $39.95 www.davidjones.com.au
Beautiful nappy bag
$22.00 www.Amazon.com
10|BATH SOAK GIFT SET
11| GLASS PRINTS Bring your pictures to life
12|SUPERIOR NOISE CANCELLATION Headphones $399.99
www.Snapfish.com.au
www.philips.com.au
For the Mum to be $45.00 www.LittleBairn.com.au
$425.99 www.queenbee.com.au
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gift guide
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1| FUNKY FEET Slipper boots $24.95 www.Annabel Trends.com.au
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2| DRAWER SACHETS Silky velvet $16.95
3| CHARLI BIRD CASHMERE PONCHO
www.Annabel Trends.com.au
$289.95 www.charlibird.com.au
8| BORN TO FLY A true story $i9.95
9| MY DREAM KOMBI
7| DREAMS By Rose Inserra $27.99 by Rockpool Publishing
from Mary Napper 90
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60 years of the iconic VW $29.99 by Harpercollins
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4I BAROQUE TEETHING BEADS $29.95 www.Hippybotomus.com.au
5| PEANUT SHELL NURSING
6| FIRST YEAR FIRST AID
For the Mum to be 315.00 www.BabesinArms.com.au
$29.95 www.From Little Aid.com
10|PIONEER CHILLI PRAM $1,099 www.Silvercross.com.au
11| TRIPP TRAPP High chair $329.00 www.Kidslifestyle.com.au may 2015 | mychild
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Not Flowers Again! IF NOT FLOWERS, CHOCOLATES, PERFUME OR A MEAL OUT, WHAT ALTERNATIVE IDEAS ARE THERE FOR NICE MOTHERS DAY GIFTS? HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS:
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A gift experience to do together. Maybe afternoon tea at a posh hotel or a wine tasting session or even a chocolate making workshop. Or maybe something exciting like a hot air balloon ride, the choice is endless, and there are many ‘gift experience’ sites online where you can choose and buy your gift.
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Go see a show, go to a concert or even a sporting event together. Buy the tickets, maybe make a day of it with lunch or a couple of drinks out.
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Buy a plant - plants last a long time unlike flowers, and there are lots of interesting and unusual plants you can choose from. Go for either an indoor plant or a plant for the garden. Maybe a small fruit bush or a strawberry planter.
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Personalised photo gift - lots of photo developing companies have branched out into offering photo gifts too. You just upload the photo and they will turn into either a mouse mat, a mug, a photo book, keyring, fridge magnet and many more things.
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Trip down memory lane. A lovely gift is to do something to revive some of those memories, maybe of your mother’s childhood, or when you were young. Good ideas including taking her out for a meal to an old restaurant or cafe from her past, buy an old film or tv series that she enjoyed.
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A facial, massage or spa day. Either just for her as a special treat, or for both of you, something you can do together.
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Cook her a meal - she probably cooked you hundreds, even thousands of meals, and maybe still does. Just for once cook her a nice meal, something where she doesn’t have to lift a finger.
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Make Time - it may seem obvious, but in today’s busy world it can be difficult finding time for each other. Make the time to spend the day with your mum, go for a walk or shopping trip together, just go over for a good chat, or help her out with something she’s doing.
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Make something handmade - what you make depends on your skills, but don’t think you can’t do anything. Bake them some cakes, muffins or biscuits; make a handmade card, write a poem.
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Buy something from Etsy (or other similar site) - if you don’t feel like you can make something, at least choose something special that is handmade by someone else. Getting her something handmade is much nicer than some mass produced rubbish.
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Finally, tell your mother how important she is to you and how grateful you are for all she has done for you over the years.*
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Duo Signature
More colors Available
Available from: David Jones, Babyography, Wow Baby, Silly Milly Moo, Peters of Kensington, Baby Village, Parenthood, chalet.net.au, wrigglepot.com.au
www.bloomandgrow.com.au
Available from: Baby Bunting, Toys R Us, Bubs Baby Shops, Gear4 Baby, Bubs & Grubs, Uber & Klein, thestorknest.com.au
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PRESCHOOL IN MY VIEW
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Fun ways to teach children about telling the truth MUMMY BLOGGER CHELSEA LEE SMITH SHARES SOME OF HER TIPS
A
few months ago I was invited to participate in a parenting panel for a weekly radio show, and the presenter asked me about young kids “tricking” and if this is a serious case of not telling the truth. I think things are not always as easy as a “truth” or a “lie” in kids’ minds. Make-believe is a very real part of the life of young children and I personally feel that the nature of a “lie” probably indicates how seriously you should take the “trick.” Was the “lie” told to have fun? Or was it to avoid getting in trouble? You would probably address these situations quite differently. In my opinion, however, we should not leave discussions about telling the truth until the time we think our children have told a lie. Emotions may run high during any given situation where someone’s truthfulness is in question and the child is probably going to be quite attached to what they have said, defending it no matter what. If we create playful and hands-on situations to learn about what truthfulness is, before it is needed, then we can help the children distinguish for themselves what “telling the truth” actually means.
This way they are prepared with the necessary knowledge when they are faced with a situation in which they are required to take “truth” seriously. Here are some fun ways to teach children about telling the truth – to prepare them for real life situations when truthfulness is important:
BE STORYTELLERS Talk about how some things you hear about are not actually true, but make-believe. Deciphering truth from fantasy can be tricky, especially things we see on TV. Make up a fantastic story with your child about things that could not be true – such as flying, living in the clouds, or meeting animals that talk. Explain that these stories are fun, but they are not reality (what is true in the real world). Some things we see such as shows with cartoon characters, or hear about like fairies or monsters, are not actually true but “madeup” stories. Discuss when it is okay to pretend and explain that sometimes it is important for us to tell the truth – to say what is actually real.
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PLAY A GAME CALLED “TRUE AND FALSE.” Create signs and learn about discovering truth for yourself. Make two signs which say “True” and “False” (or T and F if your child cannot read yet). You may like to simply use pieces of paper, or index cards taped to a popsicle stick. Show your child which sign is “true” and which is “false,” and explain what the words mean. Now tell your child some things that might be true or untrue while they hold up the correct sign for what you say. You can take turns where they say things and you hold up the signs, as well. This game reminds us that we should always use our own knowledge to decide what’s true – we do not have to believe without thinking for ourselves. Sometimes we may even need to ask for help and learn new things to discover truth — such as when someone says a statement which is not clearly true or false to us (such as “I am ten feet tall” when we do not know how much ten feet is). Knowing when to ask questions, and remembering to use our minds when we hear things, is important for investigating what is actually truth.
Who Cried Wolf is our family’s favourite Talk about how important it is for us to tell the truth so that people can trust us.
CREATE A STORYBOARD. Learn about how you can sometimes be nervous about telling the truth, but that the effort is always worth it. Draw four boxes on a piece of paper. In the first one, draw a child breaking something and feeling nervous about what would happen. In the second, draw how the child told the truth about what happened. In the third, draw how the parent reacted. In the fourth, draw how the parent helped the child fix what they broke. Tell the story to your child or ask them to tell the story using the pictures. Discuss how it can be hard to tell the truth, but that being truthful is always best. Explain that parents may be sad or disappointed by something that happened, but that they always want their children to tell the truth. A parent will do their best to help the child through a situation, and will be very proud when the child tells the truth even when it was hard.
Will guiding your child through these activities mean they tell the truth every time? Probably ROLE PLAY WITH PUPPETS. not – childhood is all about learning, after all. Learn what it means to make promises and But you as a parent will have a wider how it feels when they are broken. framework for discussing truthfulness with Have a puppet say various promises like, “I your kids if they have many experiences to will help you put away your toys” or “I will sing think about what it means as a character a song for you” and have the puppet perform trait… as opposed to thinking they should tell what he said he would. Then use another the truth simply because mom or dad told puppet to do the opposite – say they will do them to. Most importantly, “truthfulness” can something (such as get a snack or do a dance) seem like a fun thing – a useful thing, instead and then not do what they said they would. of something that they got in trouble for not Talk about the importance of doing what you practicing. say you will do. This is a good opportunity to The more children understand about positive review the story of The Boy Who Cried Wolf. character traits, the better the decisions they Just be sure the version you read is agewill be able to make for themselves.* appropriate, because some versions of this story can be sad for young children! The Boy Follow Chelsea at Moments a day
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IN MY VIEW
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Ships ahoy MICHELLE LEE FROM YOUNG FOLK ABSOLUTELY LOVES WELL DESIGNED AND STYLISH SPACES FOR CHILDREN TO DREAM, PLAY AND CREATE
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EACH AREA IS SPACIOUS ENOUGH TO CATER FOR GROWING BOYS WHO WAS THE BEDROOM DESIGNED FOR?
her family history. I had spotted a sweet sailor doll on her bookshelf and asked her about it. It The room was designed as a guest room for turns out it was a family heirloom and I two lucky grandchildren who stay at their instantly knew this family had a tie to the sea. Grandmothers beautiful house. They are sweet The family also had a history with the Sydney outdoor loving boys who are almost four and Ferries with the owner’s late husband working two. for years as an engineer as part of Sydney Ferries. These things allowed me to create a WHAT WAS THE REQUEST FROM YOUR nautical story and set the basis for the colours.
CLIENT?
The design brief was to include a nautical theme to the room to flow with the Hamptons style they have throughout the house. The brief was to also include two metal vintage style beds as it was a style the owner had always envisioned.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE THEME? The theme was worked around some of the initial pieces I chose for the room and also from meeting with the client and talking about
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WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK WITH THOSE SPECIFIC COLOURS? I wanted to do a different take on the nautical theme and to choose colours that flowed with the house. I also wanted to include world maps and a Make Me Iconic ferry which all of which lead me to the colours of the feature wall. I chose colours from the Mr. Jason Grants’ range. The colours work perfectly together.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE THE DÉCOR?
I knew I wanted to incorporate the Incy Interiors chest of drawers in their custom paint colour Blue Lobelia and the locker style bedside to give it an old navy feel. I also wanted an Armadillo rug for the room, as the natural fibres would compliment that of the other rooms. The Caterpillar rug was the perfect colours. I also was keen to incorporate some Pony Rider bedding to give the room a vintage feel, which the owner was fond of. I wanted to include a few child appealing items such as the La De Dah Kids crochet soft toys and the books and book shelf and the sweet sailor teddy.
STORY & DESIGN BRIEF Designing a shared room for this family was a dream job. The house has a gorgeous Hampton style throughout with crisp white shutters and the perfect hue of china white on all of the walls. The owner always dreamt of a shared room with 2 beds and since the family love anything nautical & vintage this set the
design brief. The room is purely for sleeping in with plenty of space to play in other rooms of the house so the small space of the room wasn’t a problem when putting the two beds in. The room is a spare room for when the grandkids come to stay so it didn’t need to be overly kiddie. I was immediately drawn to the beds for their vintage feel and the Lucy drawer’s custom colour and used these pieces for the base for my design. I also wanted to inject a bit of colour into this room so planned the nautical flag geometric style feature wall. This served as a focal point and gives the room a point of difference over the other rooms of the house while still fitting in with the vibe & colours of the house. The room is for boat loving boys after all. The bedside table and pendant lights brings in a vintage old navy feel to the room and the sweet little sailor sitting on the house shelf by Willow and Wood is a family heirloom and is over 50 years old so was a nice touch to add to
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the room. The family also has ties to the Sydney ferries with their grandfather working on the ferries as an engineer for many years so the addition of the Make me Iconic Sydney Ferry also sits well with the room design and the family history. The family is from both the UK and Australia so a world map (or two) was a must. The hanging map was sourced from Baby Donkey and is hung by a triangle hook from The Hook Co, which mirrors the triangles on the opposite wall. I always think of maps when thinking about the nautical theme and this is a nice way of the family learning all about where they are from. I also sourced a vintage globe and world map bunting from Etsy to complete the look. The anchor light by Love Struck Homewares was a must for the room as was the Armadillo and Co caterpillar rug, which has the perfect colours for the room. The beds were dressed with gorgeous organic linen by Bramwell
designs that were custom designed for this job with hand stamped whales on the fitted sheet and stripes on the flat sheet. I also styled the bed with Kip and Co Chambray Ash quilt covers and Pony Rider Angeler canvas throws & pillowcases. The pillowcases that feature a sailing boat with “voyage to the land of nod� printed onto them by Burrow & Be were a perfect find and the sweet addition of La De Dah Kids crochet shark & whales gives the beds a edge of playfulness. Cushions from Blacklist store and a local vintage store finished the beds off nicely. Finally the artwork from Blacklist & Depeapa and the anchor & wave decals from Made of Sundays make the room complete. I particularly love the old sailor print gazing at the wall map planning his next adventure and the Twig Creative limited edition wool camera, as no boating adventure should miss a photo opportunity! The sweet boat in a bottle and the wire basket are from Down to the Woods
102 may 2015 * mychild PLENTY OF | SPACE TO PACK AWAY ALL THE CLOTHES AND TOYS
MAPS AND DOLPHINS, PERFECT COMPANIONS TO HELP PLOT AN ADVERNTURE and the sailor teddy is an op shop find. The room has plenty of storage and a built in wardrobe so the chest of drawers, bedside table and storage bag are sufficient. The room has a playful side to it and fits the clients design brief perfectly. The beauty of using paint to change the wall is it can always be painted back again if they decide they no longer want it. Paint is such a cost effective and easy way to change a room. SHOPPING DETAILS: Beds from Incy Interiors http://www.incyinteriors. com.au Bedside table from Incy Interiors http://www. incyinteriors.com.au Lights from DIYL (available from Young Folk Store) www.youngfolkstore.com.au Natural circle wall hooks from The Hook Co (available from Young Folk Store) www. youngfolkstore.com.au World Globe from Etsy www.etsy.com
House shelf from Willow and Wood www. willowandwood.com.au Hope flag from Blacklist www.blackliststore.com.au Books from Berkelouw Books http://berkelouw.com. au Prints from Blacklist (available at Young Folk Store) www.youngfolkstore.com.au Sailor print from Depeapa www.etsy.com.au/shop/ depeapa Map bunting from Etsy www.etsy.com Bedlinen from Bramwell Designs www. bramwelldesigns.com.au , Kip and Co www. kipandco.net.au , Pony Rider www.ponyrider. com.au Pillowcases from Pony Rider www.ponyrider. com.au and Burrow and Be www.burrowandbe. co.n
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INTERIORS REPORT
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When only the best will do BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED FURNITURE THAT EVOLVES WITH YOUR CHILD AS THEIR NEEDS DEVELOP
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THE COCCON CHAN SETTING TO PLAY AN ONE IN THOSE FIRST
OVAL SHAPED TO FI CONSTRUCTED WIT STORE ALL YOUR BA TO ITS UNIQUE DES INTO A MODERN CH ANYWHERE IN THE H REMOVING THE GEN TOP.
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A UNIQUELY DESIGNED CIRCLE BASSINET WHICH CHANGES INTO A COCOON STYLE COT THEN A JUNIOR BED.
NGE TABLE IS THE IDEAL ND CHANGE YOUR LOVED T FEW YEARS.
IT ANY AREA, AND TH 4 LARGE DRAWS TO ABIES’ REQUIREMENTS. DUE SIGN, IT ALSO EVOLVES HEST OF DRAWS TO BE USED HOUSE, BY SIMPLY NEROUS CHANGE MAT ON
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THE RITZ IS A REAL STATEMENT PIECE. WITH IT’S STRONG LINES AND SOLID CONSTRUCTION, THE RITZ COMMANDS ATTENTION.
THE INNOVATIVE AND VERSATILE COCOON RITZ 5 IN 1 COT WILL GROW WITH YOUR NEWBORN UNTIL THEY ARE IN SCHOOL!
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“
We are a family owned Australian company run by parents for parents. Our Innovative and award winning designs surpass all safety standards and have set the benchmark to make us proud market leaders. COCOON nursery furniture is your choice when only the best will do for your loved one. Our furniture is built to evolve with your child, built to last.
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For Product information and stockist location head to www.chukles.com.au email: info@chuckles.com.au or call them on 1300 88 29 44
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IDEAS
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Behind the label IT ALL BEGAN IN 1991, GUY AND JO SCHANSCHIEFF WERE TRAVELLING THROUGH INDIA WHERE THEY MET AN AMERICAN AT THE TAJ MAHAL.
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early 20 years later, a wedding, 3 children, an MBE*, over 50 awards and 70 countries worldwide; Bambino Mio is the largest and most accessible reusable nappy brand in the world. We caught up with Guy and asked him how it all started.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE BUSINESS? I run Bambino Mio as Managing Director managing a small, very hardworking team based in Northamptonshire in UK helping to develop and direct strategy to continue to
grow and develop the business. Jo continues to concentrate on product development.
WHEN DID YOU LAUNCH YOUR LABEL AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU? When my wife Jo and I were travelling through India. We met an American at the Taj Mahal and over dinner that evening we got talking about a reusable nappy laundry service offered in New York. That was it, the seed of an idea was sown. When we returned back to the UK, we set up a nappy laundry service from our home and we were convinced cloth nappies were the way forward and could see their
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GUY AND JO WITH THEIR THREE CHILDREN FLORENCE , HANNAH AND CHARLIE
potential – not only were they better for the environment but they saved parents a lot of money too. Later in 1997 Bambino Mio was born and we began to sell cloth nappies and associated products.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE TEAM? We have a small team in our offices in Nothamptonshire in UK. In sales we have Tanya (international sales) Kerry and Emma ( UK Sales) Joreen, Nisha and Becky make up our Marketing Team Dom manages our Warehouse , and purchasing with the warehouse team of Lee and Julie and finance is looked after by Sarah our longest serving employee who’s been with us over 12 years.
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When we started , nearly 20 years ago , reusable nappies were seen as being very much a fringe product appealing to a very small , a slightly ‘’different’’ type of parent. However we could see the commercial opportunity due to the significant benefit to all parents (money saving, environmental , health) and so our mission statement became about making reusable nappies ‘’commercially acceptable worldwide’’. This was all aspects of being commercially acceptable. From the places we distributed, to how we promoted . We wanted to make our products mainstream. This would have been hard enough but when you are up against the single most promoted consumable product in the world (the disposable nappy) it was certainly challenging. Twenty years later with our products placed on supermarket shelves around the world and tens of thousands of followers on social media we are very proud of what we have achieved.
THE MIOSOLO ALL-IN-ONE DIAPER
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING FOR YOURSELF? I know my wife Jo would agree that having your own business allowed us the flexibility which most parents desire. When our children were growing up, we were still able to attend school plays, concerts and sports matches and were able to make the hours work around us and our children’s needs. I recall having to improvise many times and often worked with a baby monitor on my desk during the early years of the company!
“There are so many reasons why parents are switching to cloth diapers and everyone’s reason is different;” HOW IS YOUR LABEL DIFFERENT TO OTHER SIMILAR LABELS? Nowadays there are many different cloth nappy brands available to parents but we like to think of ourselves as one of the pioneers of the cloth nappy market, especially in the UK. We have always been at the forefront of
pushing cloth nappies into the mainstream and making parents aware of their benefits. The company’s mission statement when we first began in 1997 was to make cloth nappies commercially acceptable worldwide – and I think we’ve achieved this! There are so many reasons why parents are switching to cloth nappies and everyone’s reason is different; whether it’s to help the environment, avoid chemicals against baby’s skin, or save some money, cloth diapers are increasing in popularity every year and Bambino Mio products are available in over 50 countries around the world. Along we this, we are one of the only brands to offer parents a full comprehensive range of cloth nappy accessories, other essential baby items, reusable swim nappies and potty training products providing everything parents need from birth through to potty training.
HOW DO YOU MARKET THE LABEL? Our brand provides customers with a mixture of fun and quirky prints, high quality design and informative information for our parents. We are extremely proud of the relationship we have built with our customers over the years who look to Bambino Mio as a trusted, multi award-winning brand and we are here to provide them with the knowledge and information needed to embark on their cloth nappy journey. Our brand has been providing parents with stylish, reliable and affordable products for nearly twenty years and we look forward to the next twenty...
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER PARENTS WANTING TO START THEIR OWN LABEL? Have a clear vision of your market and your products and what you want to achieve , go for it and stick at it what ever the knock backs (and there will be plenty)* may 2015 | mychild
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HEALTHY
Step by step WHOLEFOODS BLOGGER AND MUM OF THREE YOUNG KIDS, LISA CORDUFF IS PASSIONATE ABOUT CONNECTING REAL PEOPLE WITH THE REAL FOOD MESSAGE. NOTHING FANCY, NO FRILLS, JUST THE INFORMATION AND INSPIRATION PEOPLE NEED TO MAKE LASTING CHANGE.
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our years ago, when my son started eating food I looked up all the traditional books and gave him a start on rice cereal and basic fruit and veggies. But then I began to wonder what healthy food really was. What does his perfect little body need to thrive? And so began a totally life-changing journey into the world of food. I did a bit of study and due to what I was learning, saw that the only way forward was to begin removing the processed and packaged food from our home.
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But then I got pregnant again...and again. In four years I had three children, wow! I didn’t have time to be a super mum and make all these changes to our diet overnight. I also certainly didn’t have the willpower to resist (ahem non-mentionable) drive-thru items whilst pregnant. But slowly and surely I was actually changing what we ate and how I bought it. Over the past three years our family has become a predominately wholefoods family.
We by no means have the perfect diet (does that really exist anyway?) but I have worked out how to get real food meals together in a hurry. And here’s why I reckon it’s important: our body needs food that it recognises as food. That’s it. Food that is created in factories with a whole load of additives and preservatives and processed to extreme temperatures and pressures is not conducive to a healthy body. It makes so much sense when I say it like that! But the reality is that I grew up in the eighties and processed food was just a part of life. It was ‘normal’. The challenge for mothers now is to recognise that processed foods aren’t the best and be kind to themselves as they take on the challenge of adding more real, whole foods into their families lives. One of the first things I changed was to get rid of anything ‘low-fat’. The low-fat era has certainly done us no favours as removing fat meant that flavour was often replaced with sugar. Ditch low-fat and you have a product that is suddenly more ‘whole’ than it’s counterpart. (Oh and good fats don’t make you fat!) Another simple thing that you can do is replace margarine with butter. Wow it’s been a challenge convincing my parents that butter isn’t the enemy. If you do a little digging about what margarine is actually made from, you may just be turned off for life! Remember – my aim is real food. That’s all I try and do. I look at the food and think: “How real is this? Does my body recognise this as food?” So how about soaking oats overnight for an awesome quick porridge in the morning? Or making bacon and eggs for brekky? If all this sounds overwhelming and the thought of changing everything is daunting and scary
and, well, boring, relax! I created a program called Small Steps to Wholefoods because I absolutely believe that these things take time. A lot of time in my case! I break it all down and call in the experts to share their knowledge to help you make the transition. I know I’m lucky that I copped on to this when my kids were little so we never started the ‘packaged food’ trend in our house. Now that they are a bit older they of course want ‘fun things’ from a packet but I try and bypass this by making sure they never feel deprived. They eat cakes and cookies and muffins but I’m now much more savvy with the ingredients I use and can easily up the nutrition in them quite easily. Alternating the flours we use – like spelt or coconut flour – or using funky ingredients like sweet potato or kidney beans – means that we bypass the constant cycle of using wheat flour, which is often quite irritating to little bodies. But in my humble opinion, as a mum who just wants to do the best she can with what she’s got, anytime I create meals and snacks for my family (as opposed to giving it to them from a packet) I know that I’m setting us up for a healthier life. And I give myself a pat on the back. Because motherhood is a juggle, life is a juggle and life shouldn’t be all about food. But what we eat is super important, it cannot be denied. And I’m always sharing what I know via my Facebook Page and website. Catch me there if you want more real food inspiration for your family. Lisa Corduff is the creator of Small Steps to Wholefoods, an innovative online program encouraging participants to eat more real food, one small step at a time. Innovative because you can’t fail this program! Each small step is a celebration. >
See Lisa Corduff live at Feel Good Field Day on the 24th May. Visit www.soulcollective.com.au for details
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Lisa’s Lunchbox Muesli Bars THESE DELICIOUS NUT-FREE, DAIRY-FREE, EGG FREE BARS ARE GOOD FOR EVERYONE!
INGREDIENTS 120g raw honey 60g coconut oil (could replace with butter) 2 tbls coconut sugar (could use rapadura sugar) 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) 250g oats 50g desiccated coconut 60g pepitas 60g sunflower seeds 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tbls chia seeds 60g chopped dates 60g chopped dried apricots (The addition of 1 egg will help it hold together better, it does make it a bit more ‘cake’ like though. If you want to add an egg or two then do so when mixing all ingredients. I prefer it without!) METHOD • • • •
Line a baking tray with baking paper and preheat oven to 150 degrees Add all dry ingredients to a bowl or blender and combine. Over a low heat, melt the sugar, honey, vanilla and coconut oil together. Once the sugar has dissolved add the mixture to the dry ingredients. If you’re using a blender, then whizz it until it all comes together. If using a bowl mix it up really well until totally combined. • Put mixture into baking tray and flatten to about 1-2 cms. (The thinner it is the crunchier it will be). Place in oven for 30 minutes or until browned all over. Cut into squares or rectangles while warm.
See Lisa Corduff live at Feel Good Field Day on the 24th May. Visit www.soulcollective.com.au for details
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LEARNING IN THE ‘CLOUDS’ MADELINE MITCHELL, PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER AND OWNER OF HI IQ, TUTORING EXPLORES THE BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF SUPPORTING CHILDREN AS DIGITAL LEARNERS
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Pods, iPads, phones, laptops, websites, blogs, podcasts, apps, Emoji, clouds, tablets, BYOD.... I’m not talking about the local technology store, I’m talking about the daily activities of the modern, 21st Century learner children today! It’s hard to keep up with the latest gadgets, trends, hashtags, apps and technological advances in our society. But one things for sure, they are here to stay and they are changing and developing at extreme rates! Just when you think you know all there is to know about blogging, emails, Google Drive and the countless other cyberspace activities, a new device or new software will come out and trump the rest, forcing you to retrain and learn how to use it, all just to buy your groceries!
children are drawn to phones and tablets and all things technology! There are many feasible debates about the negative impact technology can have on children, stopping them from being outdoors and playing sports, being exposed to complex issues and misuse of social media But technology can play a vital role in the holistic education of a child and enhance their creative thinking and analytical skills. Contemporary learners are critical thinkers that are able to ask analytical questions and solve problems. They are highly skilled in multimodal literacy skills and access to the World Wide Web has made children today active, global citizens. Correct implementation of technology provides opportunities for children to learn in visual, But what does this mean for our children? auditory and kinesthetic manners. Rest assured, children today are exposed to Children are able to research topics of interest, technology from the moment they are born. Think connect with people all over the world, explore of your own home. Do you have a computer? A current affairs and use educational apps, build laptop? A tablet? Wireless speakers? Mobile websites and present information in a range of phone? Internet? Baby monitor? Bluetooth in the creative ways. car? A reversing camera? Apple TV? Paywave??? Effective use of technology develops children’s Welcome to the world the contemporary 21st skills in collaboration, creative thinking and Century learner, and they can’t even talk yet! problem solving, whilst engaging and motivating Children are adaptive, fast learners and thrive students in authentics learning tasks. off stimulation and all things technology. Visit our website for a list of recommended How many children from as young as 6 months apps that are suitable for all ages and for great know how to activate the iPad, and to the distress ideas on how to use technology as an educational of mum and dad, even download apps! Young tool at home. www.hiiq.com.au* may 2015 | mychild
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NEWS
PRESCHOOLER&BIG K
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Bad MILK Consumer Affairs Victoria is warning Victorians not to drink or eat unpasteurised milk products, after a child died and several others suffered illness after consuming ‘bath milk’. Anyone can fall ill after consuming raw milk products but children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weak immune systems are particularly at risk. Symptoms can range from mild vomiting and diarrhoea, to lifethreatening illness. It is illegal to sell unpasteurised cow’s milk for human consumption in Australia. In Victoria, it is also illegal to package, deliver or provide raw milk for human consumption. Raw milk may be labelled and sold for cosmetic use – for example, as ‘bath’ milk - and can appear similar to other milk products. It must carry warning labels. Dr Claire Noone, Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, said regulators would review marketing practices relating to the sale of raw milk, including packaging and labelling.
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vegetarians
Firstly, we need to be clear that being a vegetarian doesn’t simply mean abstaining from eating meat and filling up on fruit and vegies. If your child doesn’t like nuts, seeds, lentils and beans then a vegetarian diet probably isn’t for them. A well-constructed vegetarian diets have the advantage of being lower in saturated fats, higher in wholegrains, fruits, and vegetables. Young children need to meet their nutrient requirements in the most efficient way possible. Toddlers have greater nutrient needs than older children and adults per unit of weight because of their extraordinary growth rate. Therefore, there is a consensus that vegan and other stricter vegetarian diets are not suitable for youngsters, given the high likelihood of nutrient issues. Although a vegetarian’s diet is high in vitamins C, A and E, there can be challenges in obtaining enough iron and vitamin B12, both of which are vital for healthy children. The trick is to combine at least two protein sources in each meal, ensure a variety of foods over the week, encourage vitamin C-rich foods with meals to enhance the uptake of iron, and enjoy nuts and seeds to gain healthy fats.
KIDS COMPARE APPLES with apples
Children who are aged in the youngest third of their grade are 50 percent more likely than their older classmates to be prescribed ADHD medication, according to a study from Iceland. Almost 12,000 children born between 1994 and 1996 had their school records from ages nine to 12 analysed by researchers. The results showed that around 740 children in 2003 to 2009 had at some point been prescribed ADHD medication. The problem with these prescriptions is that educators and healthcare providers may not be taking into account the age of the individual child in relation to their peers of the same grade, say researchers. This means doctors could be wrongfully diagnosing children with ADHD when they may simply just be less mature than their older classmates. Researchers are pushing for parents to look at their child’s relative age to their peers before authorising medications if they exhibit lower test scores.
INDOOR AIR pollution
A review has found that the levels of indoor air pollution in some Australian homes can be high enough to affect residents health causing respiratory effects and irritation such as sensitive eyes, a runny nose and an itchy throat. However, worryingly a small proportion of homes, particularly those new builds with poorer ventilation and some homes with gas appliances, had peak concentrations that could trigger respiratory problems. The review recommends that home owner education about indoor air quality be improved, that industry standards to control emissions from building products continue to be implemented and that guidance on safe indoor air quality levels be considered nationally.
chocolate FAST FACTS • The average Australian eats 4.5kg of chocolate each year. • Out of 19 countries surveyed by the Association of Chocolate, Biscuit and Confectionery Industries of Europe, Australia ranks 14th in terms of chocolate consumption levels. Germany took out the top spot. • On average, Australians eat more than double the amount of chocolate consumed by the Japanese each year.
• According to a survey by the National Confectioners Association of America, more than 80 per cent of American parents admit to stealing treats from their child’s Easter stash. • Fry & Son is believed to have created the world’s first chocolate bar (in the form that we know it today), consisting of cocoa powder, sugar and melted cocoa butter. Prior to that, chocolate was generally consumed as a beverage.
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news | baby & toddler
REMINDER TO PREPARE FOR ASTHMA SPIKE It’s not actually in winter and in spring that most children’s hospitalisations occur due to asthma. It’s in summer and autumn when viral infections are prevalent and most readily transmitted between children. Most people don’t realise that summer can be as dangerous to children with asthma as winter. Professor Christine Jenkins, a respiratory researcher at The George Institute for Global Health and The University of Sydney has encouraged parents to review action plans and ensure they have correct medications to prepare for an asthma spike among children, a preventable trend, now that children have returned to school. Professor Jenkins says there is a strong relationship between common colds and asthma, and the return to school after summer holidays. Simple summer colds trigger asthma in children with asthma. The peak occurs within the first two or three weeks when children return to school and they share their respiratory infections with each other. Parents and care givers should
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take preventive steps to assist with controlling asthma attacks, by visiting their local GP and reviewing their action plans and medications. Reviewing a child’s asthma action plan should be done annually because as children grow, their medication needs also change. About one in nine Australian children have asthma. Up to 350 children per 100,000 population can end up in the emergency department in summer, compared to about 50 people aged over 65 per 100,000 populations.
Top tips • Parents be aware – a cold spreads rapidly in a family take care handling children’s things • Encourage good hand hygiene amongst all members of a family – with and without colds. • Encourage covering up each cough and sneeze: arm to face is as good as hand to face Annually review action plans and medications to prevent and control acute attacks and have these displayed at schools and daycare*
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BIG KIDS
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Raising the modern child WITH SO MANY ISSUES TO ADDRESS, PARENTING SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN CAN SOMETIMES FEEL LIKE AN UPHILL BATTLE. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST JOHN WARING HELPS YOU DEAL WITH THE TOP 10 PROBLEMS
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CHILD INNOCENCE
Increasingly it is said that the 50-yearold of today is as fit and active as the 40-year-old of a few years ago. Older people are feeling and acting younger and younger. Sadly, a similar situation is happening at the other end of the age range, but in reverse. I believe our children are losing their innocence at a much younger age. The 10-year-old of today is often as worldly wise, street smart and aware as the 15-year-old of a few years ago. Young children are bombarded with information through the new and various technology platforms that seem to both corrupt and steal their youth and innocence. Across a range of areas children are being exposed to adult concepts and concerns that really would be better off left for a few years time. Sexuality is one such area, where
information, imagery and pressure to engage are placed on young children. The internet, with its pervasive pornographic websites and social networking sites, poses genuine risks to young children’s innocence. Even the humble mobile phone causes young children to be exposed to issues such as credit plans and overspending. How did our generation ever survive primary school without a mobile phone? Television shows and movies expose children to adult concepts, sexuality, violence and swearing if parents are not super vigilant. Many parents allow young children to watch M-rated movies and TV, and play MA15+ video games. PG means “parental guidance recommended” but many parents assume it’s OK. Children only get one chance at childhood. Let’s try to protect them.
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2
SOCIAL SKILLS
Socially skilled people tend to succeed in teaching their children how get on with their peers and how to make and keep friends, which is a very important task for parents. The ability to confidently talk to potential new friends is a talent that can be learned by children. Often a young child will not know what to say to children they meet for the first time at the park. They may be too shy to say anything or may simply ask, ‘Can I play?’ without any preamble of introduction. The other children faced with an unknown child will sometimes say no, simply to exercise spiteful power. To counter this situation occurring to your child in the playground, teach them through role-play to say their name and to ask the other child their name, also teach them to make light conversation: ‘Do you guys live around here?’, ‘I am on holidays’ or ‘I like soccer, do you?’ Avoiding the ‘Can I play?’ question by replacing it with ‘Which team needs an extra player?’ or ‘Would you like to play with me?’ can help to lessen the opportunity of outright spiteful rejection. Children do sometimes reject others simply because they can and they are experimenting with the power of inclusion and exclusion. Once your child has developed friendships the next job for parents is to teach them how to keep their friends. Teaching your child the skills of sharing, turn taking, empathy and conflict resolution will help here. Children, like adults, will vary in their need for friendship. Some children are actually happy with their own company while others want three to five good friends around them often. If you feel your child is lacking in friendship skills there is help around. Some schools, community-based organisations and neighbourhood family support agencies run social skills groups. Relationships Australia runs a friendship skills group as well.
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If your child’s lack of friendship skills is severe and concerning, consulting a psychologist is also warranted. For more information check out relationships.org.au.
3
EMOTIONAL REGULATION
One of the most important tasks that a parent has on that oh¬-so-long list is to help children learn to manage their own emotions. Children aged under seven are largely emotionally reactive to events that occur to them. They have little insight or ability to self-regulate their emotions. They get angry, upset or over excited because things happen to them. They get angry or frustrated when they get out in a game or can’t solve a computer game. By around seven children should be starting to gain control of their stronger emotions. The majority of referrals to my practice are about children with emotional regulation problems. They are either too scared/anxious, too unhappy or too angry for the situation. Some of these children seem to be as powerless to control their emotions as a cork floating in the ocean: a wave comes through and lifts them up so they are happy, until it crashes and they are sad. They show very little ability to process the meaning of the events and regulate their emotions accordingly. I attempt to help them become more anchored like a buoy: a wave may lift a buoy but only by so much and as it passes the buoy only drops by so much. The idea is to try to empower a child to understand that they are in charge of their emotional reactions to situations. Many adults, not just children, act like that powerless cork. They think that event A leads directly to emotional reaction B without acknowledging that all events are processed through our beliefs, attitudes and feelings. For example, your emotional reaction to being fired depends upon your feelings and beliefs about the job. If you hated the job then your
emotions may be of relief, while if you loved the job, you might be devastated. As parents we need to help children become the boss of their emotions by teaching them strategies to decide what the appropriate emotion as well as modelling good examples. A great question to have children ask themselves to gauge the appropriate level of emotional reaction is: ‘Does it really matter?’ ‘How important is it?’ Answered honestly, they can start to put events in perspective and learn what level of emotional response is appropriate for the event.
4
ANGER MANAGEMENT
One of the most common referrals to child psychologists is the angry child. Emotionally healthy adults are able to express the full range of emotions, from joy to sorrow and frustration to regret, in an open and honest manner. It follows then that if we want our children to develop into emotionally healthy adults we need to help them express the full range of emotions, including anger. Before trying to cope with your child’s anger you need to make sure that they are actually angry. Young children are often unable to express other emotions such as sadness, grief, frustration or disappointment. The resulting emotional confusion is often displayed as anger. A few points about anger: anger is a natural feeling that everyone experiences; physical changes occur when we get angry (increased breathing, heart rate and energy to name a few); anger can be harmful or useful depending on how we choose to express the feeling. Being angry is OK; being aggressive is not. Here are ideas to help teach your child to express anger appropriately in a non-damaging way: • Do something physical. Ask your child to run out to the back fence and back as quickly as they can – make a game of it. • Inform them when time out to cool down is
needed. • Encourage active problem solving and communication. Ask your child to express why they feel angry, then help them find solutions. • Teach your child ways to calm themselves, such as listening to music or doing a favourite activity. • Don’t punish anger appropriately expressed – do punish aggression. • Set a good example. When you are angry, explain why and how you intend to deal with it. A few children have major problems with anger and develop disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorders. Seeking psychological assistance with the management of these children is helpful.
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ASK YOUR FATHER
‘Dad, can I ride my bike to the shop?’ Dad asks, ‘What did mum say?’ and the child replies, ‘She said to ask you!’ Do you have these sorts of conversations at your house? ‘Mum can I…’ ‘Ask your father!’ The child is often left wondering who makes the rules in the house. It’s harder still on children whose parents don’t check with each other and simply make arbitrary decisions without consulting the other parent. These children get very confused, especially if they live between two separated households. Bedtime might be up to an hour or more different between the houses. Restrictive diets or television rules might apply in one house and not in the other, compounding the confusion and frustration of the child. Children thrive when they know the boundaries and limits on their behaviour. When the rules are consistently applied across time, households and by both parents, children know where they stand and tend to be more secure and stable. Consistency is very hard to achieve and requires constant effort and co-operation
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between parents. Dad may have been raised with stricter rules than mum so he acts tougher on the children. Mum might make up for his strictness by being softer. Then dad sees mum being soft and gets stricter to make up for her softness. The result is that they polarise each other and become very inconsistent in their approach to family discipline. The children end up in the middle feeling rather bewildered about the rules. It would be like us driving to work each day with the speed limit signs randomly changing from 40km/h one day to 110km/h the next. The answer is not for dad to soften up or for mum to toughen up, the solution needs to be achieved by both parents negotiating the rules that they can cope with. This requires them to meet in the middle somewhere and consistently apply the agreed upon rules. Yes, of course it’s very difficult, particularly when it is across two households but when it is achieved the children benefit enormously.
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MANNERS MATTER
When did manners become optional for children to use and optional for parents to teach? Manners are the social lubricant, that helps us live side by side in relative peace and harmony. We all have competing needs and interests. Manners are what help us take into account other people’s needs; they help us develop empathy. In the 1980s, New York was the murder and mugging capital of the world, despite having one of the largest police forces in the country. In the 1990s, the city adopted a zero tolerance approach to crime. The authorities targeted the so-called petty crimes first, everything from jaywalking to graffiti and parking tickets. Their theory was that if you catch antisocial behaviour at this level, maybe it won’t develop into more serious crimes. The result of their change in policing has been spectacular, with
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many cities around the world copying them. I see many parents whose main complaint about their children’s behaviour is that they will not do as they are told and that their children speak poorly to them. Often the child has lost all respect for their parents and speaks quite disrespectfully and rudely to them. I always ask the child: ‘Do you speak like that to your teacher or principal?’ Nine times out of 10 the child looks aghast and says, ‘Of course not, I’d get into trouble!’ If, as a parent, you engage in conversation with your child when they are speaking rudely then you are training them that it is OK to speak to you like that. If you are asking your child five or six times to do something without response, then the bad news is it’s your fault! Your child has worked out that you are prepared to ask five times, so why should they act the first time you ask them? Ask twice only, the second time with a warning of the consequence for noncompliance. Don’t ask a third time, instead act on the consequence. Your child will learn to respect your word. A basic ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and the simple word ‘sorry’ go a long way to teaching your child respect for others and themselves. Discourtesy in my opinion can lead to disrespect, defiance, opposition and, ultimately, antisocial behaviour. Manners are not optional, they are essential.
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BOUNDARIES & LIMITS
Saying ‘no’ is never easy with children. Their reaction is often to get angry, whinge and whine, and to complain ‘But why can’t I?’. Saying ‘no’, however, is an essential part of a responsible parent’s job description. Placing boundaries and limits on our children’s behaviour teaches them right from wrong, keeps them safe and allows them defined space within which to behave.
At age two the boundaries are very close and we don’t let them do much for themselves. Gradually as they get older we widen the boundaries, allowing our children more freedom over their decision-making and choices. As they continue to show good decision-making and show us that they are maturing, we give them increasing rights. Rights come with responsibilities, which is a hard lesson for most children to learn. Saying ‘no’ is defining where the limit is. It’s setting the boundary. It also shows our children that we love them and that we care enough to keep them safe. However, many
Manners are not optional, they are essential. parents forget to explain why they are saying no. The children see ‘no’ as frustrating and get angry with mum and dad. We impose a bedtime not to be mean but because we know that our children need sleep and that they will be cranky without it. We love our children too much to let them get overtired, but we rarely explain why they have to be in bed at a certain time. Most parents would say to their child that they can only have two chocolate biscuits, not the whole packet, but rarely would they go on to explain that if the child eats the whole packet they’ll vomit and they love them too much to let that happen. Sometimes the first word out of our mouth after a request from our child is ‘No!’ At that point the child frequently stops listening to anything else we want to say. For example a parent may be asked whether Steve can sleep over on Friday night and answers, ‘No, we are going out for dinner.’ An alternative response would be to say something like, ‘This week it isn’t possible, but let’s look at next weekend?’ In doing this you have removed that “red flag” word and moved into a negotiation.
Saying ‘no’ to children isn’t easy but when you know that behind it is your love for them, it becomes easier.
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DON’T DOUBLE PUNISH YOUR CHILDREN
Children may be getting into strife, with trips to the “planning room”, the principal’s office and possibly even suspensions. Parents often wonder how they should respond to their child’s inappropriate behaviour at school. This happens especially if a teacher hints at, or even demands, a parent take action. In my opinion a parent’s response to a child’s behavioural problems at school should not be to double punish the child. Parents need to respond calmly and patiently, seeking out the facts, expressing disappointment where appropriate and setting out their expectations for improvement. Punishment generally is a poor way to change behaviour and double punishment for the same behaviour becomes destructive. For a consequence to have an effect on changing behaviour it must occur very soon after the behaviour. The threat of ‘Wait till your father gets home’ is generally not as effective as dealing with the behaviour straightaway. Imagine the school’s response if you sent a note to school detailing your child’s misbehaviour at home in the morning and requesting they punish them. They wouldn’t do it and I don’t think you should either when they send the note home. The separate areas of your child’s life should be managed by the person who is in charge at the time, whether they be the parent, teacher or netball coach. All of these people are part of the team that raises your child and all have a role in reinforcing good behaviour and discouraging misbehaviour as and when it occurs.
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ATTENTION
words that are needed to get the point across. A common concern of parents and • Consistently praise or reward attentive teachers is the difficulty that many behaviour. Be specific with praise. For children seem to have with paying attention. instance, say, ‘I like the way you are looking at The ability to listen and attend to instructions, me’ or ‘That was a terrific job of listening’. and to stick at an activity for sustained periods If your child seems to have difficulty with of time is a learned behaviour. sustaining their attention to a task, the While some children genuinely have following ideas may be helpful: neurological difficulties in being able to focus • When doing homework or other tabletop and sustain attention (and when correctly tasks, make sure the table is clear and diagnosed with ADHD are medicated for this) minimise distractions (phone calls, TV or other other children simply have not been taught kids playing). good concentration and attention skills. • Ensure your child is given age-appropriate Some people suggest that it is harder for tasks that they are capable of completing. Also children to learn to pay attention now because give them meaningful praise and rewards for of the excessive amount of stimulation – fasttask completion. paced computer games, the internet and • Redirect wandering attention in a supportive DVDs. It is true that a child’s life in this way. Use physical closeness, touch and visual century is faster paced and more stimulating cues such as gestures and pointing to but this simply means that it is even more important features. important that they learn good attention skills. • Have your child alternate between physical The following ideas might help if your child and mental activities. After working at their has difficulties attending to and following desk or table for an appropriate length of time instructions: have them engage in an indoor or outdoor • Show children how to pay attention. Teach game that is physically active. Before starting them that it is important to keep their eyes on in with seat work again, allow some cooling the speaker, and their body quiet, as they down time (for example to get a drink or sit listen and think along. Be a model of these quietly). behaviours yourself. • Provide regular outlets for the release of • Avoid unnecessary talking when giving energy. Give your child time to play and instructions. Use simple, clear-cut directives. engage in physical exercise. Plan daily Focus on telling the child what they can do. activities such as running, sports or long • Use gestural cues. For example, point to your walks. own face if your child needs to attend to you, • Keep activities relatively short, change them or point to the picture in the book if it is the frequently and try to end on a positive note. book your child needs to look at. This will keep the child engaged and • Model good attentive behaviour and praise interested. They are more likely to want to other children who are paying attention. return to these activities at a later date if they • Let your child know that you realise they have experienced success. may have trouble paying attention. Have an • Gradually increase the amount of time you agreement that you will give them a secret expect your child to stick with an activity or to sign when it is a problem (pointing to your ear pay attention. or nose, thumbs up etc). • Keep goals realistic. Reinforce your child’s • Use simple requests and directions. Avoid current skill level and then work on gradual too much talking. Use only the number of improvement.
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COMPUTER ADDICTION
I have seen two separate boys recently who were spending 14 to 18 hours each day on their computer. Each boy was addicted to a popular multiplayer online role-playing game. They didn’t go to school, university or work. They simply slept briefly, ate poorly and jumped back online. The game was everything. Being restricted from the game by their concerned parents led to explosive and often violent outbursts. We successfully weaned one boy off his addiction and he now attends school. The other boy remains lost to the online world. These are extreme examples of what can happen when young people are given too much control in the decision about the balance between sun-time and screen-time. Sun-time is outside play – everything from organised sport to bike riding, cubby building and frisbee throwing with the dog. Sun-time is
more often spent interacting with others, forming friendships and having fun. Screen-time is sitting in front of an electronic box – TV, Xbox, Play Station or computer monitor – and is most often a solitary activity that teaches very little about socialising with others. Perhaps the “slip, slop, slap” campaign has worked too well, because the only tan some children are likely to get is from the computer screen. The answer lies in being able to help children strike a balance. Computer games and TV can be just as educational as playing outside. The trick is in balancing sun-time and screen-time. Ask yourself the question: is my child sunburnt or are their eyes turning square? As a rule of thumb, when friends visit, make it an electronic-free zone and send them outside to play. Rainy days are good computer days, sunny days are definitely for outside.*
FINALLY, A DIFFERENT WAY OF PARENTING!
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If you feel uncomfortable with the traditional authoritarian parenting style then Raising Competent Children is a “must-have”. It is full of inspiration on how to raise competent children and how to develop relationships based on equal dignity, integrity and authenticity, and how to support your children developing self-responsibility – both personal and social. Raising Competent Children is easy to read and draws on examples from everyday life. The author, Jesper Juul, is the founder of FamilyLab and a renowned authority on the family. He has written a number of best-sellers and must-have books.
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old
FAMILY
Hidden traps! NO DOUBT BUYING YOUR FIRST PROPERTY IS A MAJOR DECISION AND COMMITMENT; FOR MOST OF US, A PROPERTY PURCHASE IS THE BIGGEST FINANCIAL DECISION OF OUR LIVES. TIM BOYLE FROM FINALYTICS FINANCIAL HAS A FEW POINTS TO HELP YOU CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS.
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nfortunately, it is often full of traps and pitfalls that cause much undue emotional and financial stress. Things never seem to go the way we thought they would and we get surprised when further “urgent” requests (or bills) arise whether it be from the bank, agent, conveyancer or any of the other people involved in the property
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transaction. There are so many people we have to deal with and inevitably they have all been in the industry for years, doing this all the time. There is a huge imbalance of experience in the property transaction, which unfortunately tilts against the buyer and towards the seller. I so often get comments from clients that they
just feel bullied or pressurised into making decisions on the spot when they would rather not. It seems we enter a vortex of buying a property and don’t quite know what is going to happen next or what is around the next corner. The good news is this doesn’t have to be the case. There is a way to cut through the inexperience curve and get yourself to a level where you will have confidence from the time you start to think about buying until you move into the home you really want. The best way to get there is to follow a proven method to assess and make your home purchase. Such a method becomes your total framework for buying your property; you will find yourself referring to it throughout the buying process and it is a great tool to help you in what can be an uncertain, stressful, and frustrating process. The word “system” or “methodology” may put you off; but honestly, it is amazing how little proper planning most people put into a property purchase. Many of us spend more time planning our next holiday than buying a home (be honest!). Another way to look at it would be to think about how much preparation an airline pilot has to do before undertaking a flight; they have to check all the instruments and indicators before each flight and they have done it hundreds of times. If you have a system that you know is proven, you will get a great head start; even if you have never thought about buying a property before. Over the years, I have developed a 7 step system to give a buyer the best opportunity of buying well. If you adopt this system, you will successfully buy the best home for you at the right price and avoid so many of the problems and horror stories that are all too common. The whole process can be enjoyed and there is
no need to face the pitfalls and be bossed around by the experienced players you are dealing with. By adopting a more methodical approach you will save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress and drama when buying your home. Better still, you will end up with the right property for you, will buy it at the right price, and finance it the right way. Time to convert that home ownership dream into reality! Tim Boyle from Finalytics Financial is a chartered accountant, mortgage credit adviser, and active property investor. Tim is based in Melbourne. Tim can be contacted at tim.boyle@finfin.com.au
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simple solutions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Determine What You Can Afford Get an idea of your borrowing capacity and therefore market levels to research Determine Where and What to Buy Find your area and best suburb Type of property to buy for you Research and Narrow Down Find specific properties for your shortlist 10-15 properties on your contenders list Source and Structure Your Mortgage Where to go for your mortgage Understand types of mortgage for you Finalise Your Financial Position Get all your finances in order Compile Your Shortlist Narrow your list down to 5 properties, any of which you would happily purchase Purchase Your Property Congratulations: It’s yours!!
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