My Child Magazine November 2018 Issue by My Child Magazine

ISSUE 86 - NOVEMBER 2018

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

Top Tips to Meet the Emotional Demands of Becoming a Mum.

Supporting someone with PND Babywearing: A Way to Reduce PND

Should I hold my child back from starting? Should you fight in front of the kids?

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Top Tips to Meet the Emotional Demands of Becoming a Mum. By Kylie Kaden (BSSc.Psych. Hons) www.kyliekaden.com.au

You’ve painted the nursery and bought the pram – but can you prepare mentally for the trials to come?

November 2018 | mychild

Parenting is a tough gig. Even if you’ve never felt symptoms of depression or anxiety before, pregnancy and childbirth can increase the risk of these feelings. Becoming a parent is an emotional time, shrouded by high, often unrealistic expectations on how your new role will fit into your old life. It is a period of adjustment in your relationship, your work and social life as you adapt to meet your child’s needs.

Added to this, some women have strong feelings of guilt about what sort of mother they are, and may start feeling they aren’t living up to their ‘ideal’ or compare themselves to others (or the ‘curated’ life others project on social media). These traps are a perfect breeding ground for negative feelings. As many as 15% of new mums experience Postnatal Depression. But can expectant parents do anything to increase their chances of avoiding it? Just like preparing your home for your child, there are steps you can take to best equip yourself to meet the emotional demands as you start life with a new baby. * Stocktake your friends – cull the ones that you have to clean for hours to invite over, those that sprout stories about their ‘gifted’ children that do no wrong, or smiling assassins who enjoy dishing out snide judgements about your parenting choices. Surround yourself with people you can be honest with, convey realistic pictures of family life, and build your confidence. Mother’s groups can be lifesavers, and they can be poison. If you leave yours feeling worse than when you arrived, stop going. * Have realistic standards – there will be days (weeks?) where the wheels fall off. Chaos will become the new order. The house will look like it’s been burgled, you’ll have nothing but toast for tea and you’ll realise you haven’t washed your hair since your kid started solids, and that’s okay. It happens to all mothers (even those picture-perfect ones with pristinely ironed clothes and babies that supposedly sleep through from three weeks). But if things seem usually extreme, speak out. As for help. You know what they say – fit your mask first before helping infants. * Maintain healthy choices – while this is easier said than done when sleep deprived and responsible for a human being twenty-four-seven, mood can be highly influenced by sugar highs and lows, and poor lifestyle. Pregnancy and breastfeeding place huge demands on the body, often leaving mothers feeling flat, and nutritionally depleted. A balanced diet and active lifestyle are always great steps to improve wellbeing – take time out to look after yourself, as your baby needs you at your best. * Don’t ignore feelings that concern you. They often multiply if left unchecked. Becoming a mum represents a time of rapid change in your life cycle, both physically and mentally. It is normal to feel moody, weepy, tired or anxious during the first week after giving birth. However, in the months that follow, if you find yourself crying excessively, feeling a sadness you just can’t shake, having panic attacks or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, these are signs of the more serious condition of Postnatal Depression (PND). 10 November 2018 | mychild

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What Causes PND? A complex interaction between biological, social and psychological factors contribute to each individual’s risk of developing PND. However, the exact cause of this disease is complex. What is clear is there is no shame in the diagnosis – having PND does not mean you are ‘weak’ or a ‘bad parent’ as PND, like most medical conditions, crops up indiscriminately. So, can you do anything to avoid slipping into the darkness? If you’ve suffered PND in the past, you are at higher risk of those negative feeling returning with subsequent pregnancies, however your experience also makes you well-equipped to know the signs. The best way for you to reduce your chances of suffering from PND is to know the risk factors, and if you decide what your experiencing goes beyond the normal ebb and flow of life, speak to others.

Risk factors include: * * * * * * * * *

Family history of postpartum depression Personal history of any type of depression Stressful events that occurred during pregnancy Difficulty breastfeeding Unwanted pregnancy or a difficult birth Baby born with health problems Relationship problems with significant other Weak support system Financial strain

Many of us approach motherhood with the odds stacked against us, but by no means is PND inevitable, even if you find yourself in several of these risk categories. Despite doing everything right, depression is common – but temporary when treated. If you do feel you are at risk of slipping into the black hole, and that your mood is impacting on your ability to lead a normal life, you are not alone. At least one in seven mums feel as you do, and many treatments are available; counselling, exercise, lifestyle changes and medication to name a few. When caring for a child the days seem long, but the years are short. Take steps to make it possible to enjoy those early precious days with your child.

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) for parents experiencing post and antenatal mental health issues open 10am-5pm (AET) Mon-Fri Ph: 1300 726 306 Beyond Blue 24hr helpline Ph: 1300 22 4636

November 2018 | mychild

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Supporting

someone with PND Written by Jana Angeles

November 2018 | mychild

Postnatal depression (PND) is an illness women may go through after they have given birth. It disrupts the dynamic of their relationships with their family and friends and can prevent the mother from bonding with their newborn in the early weeks, which is most crucial to their own development. With symptoms such as having mood swings, loss of appetite and experiencing bouts of anxiety and panic attacks, PND is serious and any signs of having it needs to be treated immediately. If you have a friend or family member going through PND, what steps can you take to remind them that they have your full support during this tough battle of depression?

Listen to them when they share their thoughts and feelings Having PND is not easy and your friend or loved one may be experiencing negative thoughts and feelings. Create a comfortable environment for them and do your best to listen when they choose to express what they are thinking or feeling. This is a great way for them to let out anything that is weighing on their mind and opens up a path of trust between you and them. Expressing their inner thoughts and feelings can be a healthy way for them to avoid bottling up. Listening is a great way for you to subtly let them know that you are available if they need someone to just talk to and hear them out.

Send them positive texts Maybe your friend or loved one isn’t comfortable talking on the phone with you and that’s okay! However, don’t underestimate the power of a positive text to let them know you’re there if you need anything. Simply sending them a positive text of encouragement can be what they need to get them through their mood swings or feelings of sadness. It also reminds them that they have someone that they can rely on when they need to feel inspired and positive again. Be creative when it comes to texts and write thoughtful ones which combine some of your favourite motivational quotes.

Make them food and deliver it to their house Your friend or loved one with PND may neglect simple household duties such as cooking, cleaning or undertaking the usual errands that need to be taken care of. It’s not their fault that they are feeling this way and it can be overwhelming for their partner or other children that they aren’t able to do this. There is no act of kindness too big or small and making food (dishes they personally like) and delivering it to their house could be what they need to take the stress off from their family. We all know that cooking from the heart can go a long way and preparing a meal for them will save the family time and money as well.

14 2018| |mychild mychild 14November October 2018

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Encourage professional help No matter how supportive you are to your family or loved one going through PND, you need to remember there’s only so much you can do when it comes to helping them. If they still continue to put themselves down, neglect normal household duties or generally not taking care of their physical and emotional wellbeing, it’s time to talk to them about getting professional help. Therapy is encouraged because professionals within the mental health space can help your friend or loved one have a confidential conversation about what they’re going through, encouraging them to see a different perspective from the negative thoughts they may be feeling at the time. There are also support call centres such as Lifeline (13 11 14) and PANDA (1300 726 306) where they can contact a counsellor immediately if they just need someone that they can talk to about their PND and the next steps they need to take to be on the road to recovery.

Be there even if the going gets rough Despite the challenges of having someone in your life going through PND, don’t quit when you feel like no progress is being made. Yes, it can be difficult trying to talk to someone who won’t budge from their negative train of thought but you being there when they are in this state matters more than you know. Being a good friend and listening when they need you counts for something. We all go through our rough patches so sometimes it’s good to remind yourself that they would do the same for you if you were experiencing something similar.

November 2018 | mychild

Babywearing: A way to reduce

PND

Written by Jana Angeles

October 2018 16 November November 2018 2018|||mychild mychild mychild

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November October 2018 | mychild

Reducing your chances of getting Postnatal Depression (PND) is possible when it comes to babywearing. Ross who is a UK Dad Blogger for Isablog has shared his struggles with Postnatal Depression and has written blogs sharing his personal experience with PND. He shares in one of his blog posts that babywearing has helped him with his Postnatal Depression. Contrary to popular belief, dads can also get PND and Ross is an example of a parent who has had to face the challenges of dealing with it. While babywearing is one way which could help parents experiencing any signs or symptoms of PND, getting professional help is always encouraged. So, how does babywearing reduce the effects of PND?

Gives you freedom to get stuff done! Babywearing gives you the opportunity to be able to do things without the hassle of taking a pram with you. You may want to catch up with a friend or get some house chores done. By simply babywearing, you give yourself the freedom to do more. Having bub close to you will not only allow you to move freely but it gives you the chance to keep them close to you when undertaking a task around the household. It could help you avoid feelings of discouragement and motivate you to be active and social with a family member or friend.

Close contact with bub = strengthening bonds One of the key benefits of babywearing is that you have close contact with your bub at all times. You have them close to your body, which allows for skin-to-skin contact. Touch is key when it comes to growing your bond with your baby. Since babywearing allows you to touch constantly, it may help with the symptoms of PND. While raising a baby can be physically and emotionally draining at times, having close contact with them can start creating that bond, rather than have you as a parent feel isolated if you are experiencing the symptoms of PND

Your baby is more likely to cry less According to a study done by Loyola University Chicago, if a baby cries less, you are less likely to suffer symptoms of PND. It can be stressful for if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a new parent trying to calm down your newborn baby. You may feel like somewhat of a failure if you do not end up stopping bub from crying, which may lead to symptoms of PND. Through babywearing, it is a method that could help your baby feel at ease because of your close contact with each other. This will make it easier when you are about to feed them or when attending to their needs when they are crying. 18 November 2018 | mychild

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They will sleep/nap for longer Babies generally sleep/nap for longer when they are carried. One of the key advantages of babywearing is that it allows you to rock them to sleep again, especially if they have woken up from a short sleep cycle. This also saves you time from having to lift them up again from the cot and rocking them to sleep as well. In addition, babywearing can also help improve the way your baby sleeps at night. Since you have been in close contact with bub, it helps regulate their circadian rhythms much better. More sleep for the family equals a better wellbeing for all!

Helps increase your confidence as a parent Since babywearing allows you to keep in close contact with bub, it gives you the opportunity to read your babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cues much more effectively. This is because when you are holding bub close, you are more likely to be in fine tune with their cues. Since you are being responsive to their needs through babywearing, you gain the trust of bub and helps create strong family ties, allowing you to become a happier parent as a result. This will give you a confidence boost in your ability to raise your newborn. It is important to remember that babywearing is merely a suggestion that could help alleviate/prevent the symptoms of PND. However, we encourage all parents to seek professional help if the symptoms of PND worsen over time. There is no shame in asking for help, especially in situations where you are at risk of feeling isolated and depressed. Remember that you are not alone and there is support out there when you need it! November 2018 | mychild

Advice

Celeb

who hav

throug

Written by Ja

20 November November2018 2018| mychild | mychild

FEATURED ARTICLES

e from

brities

ve gone

gh PND

ana Angeles

November 2018 | mychild

It’s estimated that one in seven women will experience Postnatal Depression (PND) in their lives. While celebrities live such glamorous lives, working on cool projects and may have all the money in the world, some celebrity mothers around the world have openly shared their struggles in dealing with PND. It just goes to show that even the individuals who have everything will experience the darkness of PND. We believe that there is no substitute in expressing how you feel - whether it’s through a journal or on a post via Instagram. You have the power to be the voice and change to all the women who are going through PND. Here are some celebrities we personally think give great advice for the women out there struggling with PND.

Tammin Sursok South-African born Australian actress Tammin Sursok (Pretty Little Liars, Home & Away), wrote a deep and insightful essay on the day she was diagnosed with post-partum anxiety, which was published via news.com.au last year, writing her struggles and saying, “I remember not being able to swallow. Not being able to eat. Not being able to cry. Not being able to breathe. Just not being ‘able’.” She is genuine with her words and describes the anxiety and loss of appetite you experience with PND. Tammin shares a powerful statement from her piece saying that “As mothers, women, parents and caregivers, we need to break the stigma. Lives are being lost. We need to speak up about our tales of sadness and hope and joy. We are no lesser because of it and only through heartache comes true resilience.”

Drew Barrymore Drew Barrymore has been an iconic figure when it comes to the household names of chick flicks such as Never Been Kissed, The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates. Through her fame and glamour, she too is a mother that has experienced the grief that comes from PND. Her story about her experience with it became the cover story on People magazine and she describes the illness as being “under the cloud”. She experienced PND after giving birth to her second child. In the interview, she shares that the illness taught her to make sensible decisions while also making her work life suit her role as a parent.

Gwyneth Paltrow Gwyneth Paltrow experienced PND first hand after giving birth to her second child. Her ex-husband Chris Martin (Coldplay), noticed the change in behaviour when comparing the experience to their first-born. In a Goop podcast episode, she opens up about her experience with PND and speaks so honestly about what the illness did to her. She says, “I just didn’t know what was wrong with me. I couldn’t figure it out. It never occurred to me.” While experiencing the symptoms of PND, Gwyneth felt like she was a failure and she encourages women to speak about PND openly for increased awareness. She says, “I thought postpartum depression meant you were sobbing every single day and incapable of looking after a child. But there are different shades of it and depths of it, which is why I think it’s so important for women to talk about.” 22 November 2018 | mychild

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Alanis Morissette Known for her powerful hit single “Ironic”, Canadian-American rockstar Alanis Morissette opened up her struggle with PND for 14-months in an interview with People magazine last year. Alanis talks about how the illness has put a strain on her marriage with rapper Mario “Souleye” Treadway, although he has been extremely supportive throughout her struggles with PND and tries to find activities, like watching Game of Thrones together as an opportunity to bond. Alanis talks honestly and says, “I just know that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel and try not to beat myself up.”

Adele When her debut album, 19 was released in 2008, Adele’s career has flourished and with her incredible voice and talent in penning such emotive lyrics, reaching both critical and commercial success, the illness of PND stole the spotlight from her when she gave birth to her son. In a Vanity Fair cover story in 2016, she shares that speaking to mothers who experienced similar struggles with PND helped her through the illness as she refused to take antidepressants to deal with its symptoms. She recognised that it was important that she took the time to recharge and get some alone time, at least one afternoon a week. She says, “You’re constantly trying to make up for stuff when you’re a mum. I don’t mind, because of the love I feel for him. I don’t care if I don’t ever get to do anything for myself again.”

Disclaimer: My Child Australia do NOT own celebrity images above.

November 2018 | mychild

How does

breastfeeding probl

link with PND? Written by Jana Angeles

24 November 2018 | mychild

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

lems

November 2018 | mychild

Breastfeeding is something all women assume they can do but when they actually attempt it, it may not be as easy as they think it is. It’s hard to justify how breastfeeding can be difficult to some individuals and it’s something that some may take for granted. First time mothers may be keen to get their baby to latch on and breastfeed but sometimes, they simply do not have capacity to do that. In this article, we explore how breastfeeding problems could link to the cause of PND. Losing confidence Being unable to breastfeed could lead to a loss of confidence in women. Since they are unable to do the thing that is “natural”, they may feel that they are useless and cannot provide the proper nutrients for their baby. If they have people in their families or friends who have successfully breastfed their children, they may feel that their expectations have not been met, leading to the comparison trap and losing confidence in themselves as a parent.

Society pressures It’s easy to place an idealistic picture on what we want as parents before we even become parents. With media reporting the benefits of breastfeeding and how bottle feeding should be discouraged, society may sway women into feeling like they should be able to breastfeed milk to their babies. Women who cannot breastfeed may feel the need to keep trying, despite their struggles because of the pressures society has placed on them. Having that added pressure only gives them the opportunity to bring themselves down, which could then lead to symptoms of PND since they are seen by society as a failure.

Too demanding physically or emotionally This can vary from each woman but breastfeeding may be physically and/or emotionally demanding for them. Breastfeeding may also be painful and requires the physical effort by the mother to successfully deliver breastmilk to their baby. This could be straining, especially if they aren’t well-rested. With the physical and emotional demands that could come from breastfeeding, these could lead to experiencing symptoms of PND. 26 November 2018 | mychild

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Tips for breastfeeding support * Join a mum support group: Joining a support group with other mothers who haven’t been successful with breastfeeding could be what you need. Being with peers who are experiencing the same issues as you can be comforting and you will find that you can relate to each other the same way. It also provides a healthy space for you to open up and share the impact on what it’s like to be unable to breastfeed. * Open up to your loved ones about your struggles: Being open to your friends and family about your breastfeeding struggles shows that you can trust them despite what goes on in your life. Just because you feel like a failure doesn’t mean you are completely alone in this. Your close network of family and friends are here to help you along the way. * Keep a diary and write out your thoughts and feelings: It can be tough trying to bottle your thoughts and feelings about not being able to breastfeed. Allowing yourself to write in a diary can be a healthy way for you to reflect and make sense of everything that you’re thinking of. There is no shame for stringing together words that could hopefully make sense to you in the future when you have accepted that breastfeeding is just not meant for you. * Accept what you can’t change and move forward: Despite what your friends, family or society say, if breastfeeding doesn’t work for you, then you shouldn’t try and make it work for you. Being in denial will not only make things worse but the extra pressure will overwhelm you to the point where it could affect your physical and mental health. It’s easier to let go and stick to the existing alternatives. There will be people who may judge you for not being able to breastfeed, but that doesn’t mean you should let them make you feel terrible about it. There are things you cannot change and you just need to learn to let go and move forward.

November 2018 | mychild

Five T

THE

You Should

Freezing

DADDY

blog

Written by Kar References: IVF Australia Better Health Channel

28 28November November january 2016 2018 2018 | mychild | |mychild mychild

PREGNANCY

Things

Know Before Your Eggs

rli Steenkamp

November November 2018 2018 | mychild | mychild29 29

It can be very stressful for women to try and build their careers as well as knowing that your biological clock is ticking. Modern technology has made it possible for women to freeze their eggs. Freezing your eggs is done through a process called Vitrification, which is the quick freezing of unfertilised eggs. Initially it was for women who had chemotherapy or an early onset of perimenopause. More women, though, are becoming aware of this procedure and considering it for social reasons. Not having found the right person to have a child with, financial reasons, a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age or career aspirations are ma jor factors in the decision-making. Before you freeze your eggs, there are five things you should know.

1. Be prepared It is not a quick or easy procedure. Freezing your eggs is quite a tricky process. Firstly, your hormones need to be stimulated through medication. This medicine is taken through daily injections. It helps the eggs to mature and to get as many as possible. Women can experience bloating during this process, but it is quite a painless procedure. Some women experience Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome where the ovaries swell and bleed, but this is a very rare complication. Once you have finished the course of medicine (about 2-3 weeks), the eggs will be removed from the ovaries with an ultrasound-guided procedure through the vagina. A light general anaesthetic will be given and you can leave about two hours later. You should take it slow for the rest of the day. The eggs will be frozen through Vitrification. When you are ready to use these eggs, they will be thawed, fertilised with sperm to form an embryo and then implanted back into the uterus. This whole process might have to be repeated if not enough eggs were retrieved.

2. It is expensive Freezing your eggs is expensive. Every clinic is different and has their own fees. Here is an estimation if the fees that you could pay for this procedure as set by IVF Australia. $ $ $ $ $ $

1500 medicine 6900 for up to 10 eggs retrieved 300 for additional eggs 1045 day surgery 500 Anaesthetic 500 Storage

Because this is not necessarily a once-off process, makes it very expensive. Women who have this procedure done for medical reasons could be eligible for Medicare rebate.

3. An unreliable backup plan Many women feel secure that they have extended their fertility. They are set on this procedure as their backup plan. Unfortunately, eggs can be very temperamental. Not all eggs will be suitable to freeze and not all eggs will survive the Vitrification process. Some eggs might not survive the thawing process and not all eggs will form into embryos. An embryo has a 35% chance of developing into a pregnancy. That is why it is important to freeze as many eggs as possible. 30 November 2018 | mychild

PREGNANCY

4. Age is not only a number Age does matter. Medical professionals advise women to freeze their eggs before they are 35. The reality is that by the time women start thinking of freezing their eggs, they might be older than 35. The younger you are when freezing your eggs, the better quality the eggs are. * Women under 35 should store at least 10 eggs. * Women 38 years should store 20 eggs. * Women 40 years should store 3 eggs. You have to take into consideration that clinics wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t perform this procedure if you are too old for your own health as well as the baby should you fall pregnant.

5. Every clinic is different â&#x20AC;&#x201C; do your research Every state or territory has their own laws with regards to freezing eggs. You should make sure that you do your research and ask questions when deciding which clinic is best for you. Ask the following: * * * * * * * *

What success rate do they have? (How many pregnancies?) What are the ages of the women that fall pregnant? How many eggs do they need from you to do this procedure? What will be an estimated quote for this procedure? How do they freeze the eggs? How do they store the eggs? Is storage included in the price? Can they thaw, fertilise and implant the embryos? (Not all clinics can do everything)

This journey can be emotional on women and they might feel lonely. It is good to find a support network to be there for you through this process. There is not much data about this procedure because it is quite new, however, there are many success stories. It is important to think about what you want and to take action, taking charge of your future. However there is no guarantee that it will work, but if it is successful, this procedure will soon be a distant memory and you will have beautiful memories growing by the day.

November 2018 | mychild

Emerg

C-sec

What you ne

Written by J

32 November November2018 2018| mychild | mychild

BIRTH

gency

ctions:

eed to know

Jana Angeles

November | mychild November 2018 |2018 mychild 33

Before you even were a mother, you probably had set expectations on what it would be like to give birth. You’ve done everything to make your pregnancy journey a smooth process. You’ve eaten right and you’ve followed all the tools that were written in the pregnancy books you were reading but one thing you should always make room is preparing for an emergency c-section. Giving birth is not a simple process and there are things that happen which are beyond our control. Here are some of the things you should know about emergency c-sections:

Why would an emergency c-section be necessary? * If you are giving birth to more than one child: If you are having twins or more, complications could happen during their birth. * Labour progression isn’t normal: Your cervix may not be dilating normally or you have a prolapsed umbilical cord. * The baby is too large: The size of the baby cannot fit through your pelvis, so a C-section is required. * There is a medical emergency: You may be experiencing severe bleeding or severe pre-eclampsia. * The baby’s health is in danger: For example, it’s been identified that the baby’s heartbeat is abnormal, a c-section needs to happen to prevent any further complications.

What happens during an emergency c-section? * If there is time, an epidural or spinal anaesthetic may be used, so you will be awake during the procedure. If the birth needs to happen immediately, you may be put under general anaesthetic, which then means you will be asleep when the c-section is happening. * There will be a catheter that will be inserted into your bladder so all fluids will be flushed out. * A screen will be placed around your belly so that it blocks your view from having to see the incision the doctor is making. * You may have a drip in your arm and an oxygen mask placed over your nose and mouth. * Once the anaesthetic comes into effect, the doctor will make two incisions: one through the abdomen and the other one through the uterus. You may feel some tugging once the baby is removed from the uterus. Once the baby is born, their mouth and nose will be suctioned and the umbilical cord will be cut and removed. * Your placenta is then taken out and you will then get stitched up!

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BIRTH

What is the difference between a planned and an emergency c-section? * During an emergency c-section, the hospital staff may not be able to give you an epidural or spinal block if there is not enough time. You may need general anaesthetic, however, this is rare. * After the birth of your baby, they may need to spend time in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for close monitoring of their health. * A planned c-section is something you’re mentally prepared for, an emergency one isn’t. You may feel many mixed emotions after the event of an emergency c-section.and celebrate the birth of your child. You’ve done the hardest part, so do your best to be patient during the healing process. Your lady parts will be healed in no time!

Steps to recovery * Expect to stay in hospital for at least 5-6 days. After the procedure, you will feel very tired and sore. You may also suffer from constipation and struggle to move and tend to your baby. * You will have to wait either 6-8 weeks or have your doctor’s approval to be able to lift anything heavy or do any exercise. It’s normal to slowly adjust after a c-section. * Rest up as much as you can! You should try and catch up on sleep as soon as you get home from the hospital and only undertake very light duties around the household. * Go for short walks. It’s important to stay active, even after a c-section. It gives you a good excuse to be outside and take in some fresh air. * Self-care. Take the time to catch up on some much needed ‘me’ time. This could mean reading a book, taking a bath or unwinding to your favourite TV show. If you have any concerns which come up, feel free to get in touch with your doctor to share any thoughts and feelings you may have post-birth. * Eat food that’s good for you! Eating healthy and nourishing food will help you recharge and fuel your body with good nutrition. Eating right will also make you feel good mentally. * Get help from your loved ones. Ideally you shouldn’t be lifting a finger around the household so get your friends and family to help around while you recover.

No mother or soon-to-be mum is ever prepared for an emergency c-section. Just because you undergo one doesn’t mean you have failed as a parent. There are some things where you cannot control and this is just one of them.

November 2018 | mychild

Tips for

formula

38 November November2018 2018| mychild | mychild

Written by Jan

BABY

Baby

eeding

na Angeles

November 2018 | mychild

There is no shame in feeding your baby formula milk. Maybe breastfeeding didn’t work out due to various issues beyond your control. In this article, we have put together some tips to make baby formula feeding a much better experience for you and your bub.

Evaluate the ingredients for the formula milk When you are looking for a formula milk brand to use, always check the ingredients to see if it meets the nutritional requirements for you baby. Avoid brands that may include unnecessary added sugar and anything that may cause an imbalance in their stomachs. There are plenty of brands to choose from so avoid getting sucked into the marketing of some brands and evaluate carefully. A good place to start is to check out the reviews online and see what other consumers are saying about a particular formula milk you’re eyeing on and go from there.

Choose the right bottle If you are going with the plastic option, make sure to check out the ones that are BPA-free. Although they may be costly, using glass bottles are another option too. Depending on what your personal choice is on the materials used, it’s worthwhile exploring and researching bottles available in the market and make a decision after carefully weighing in the pros and cons of each. You also have to keep in mind that when you’re picking out a bottle for bub, make sure that it is age-appropriate. Newborns have a smaller nipple hole for their bottles and progressively get larger when they grow older.

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BABY

Warm carefully It is not recommended to heat up formula milk in the microwave seeing as there may be hot spots in the milk that you may not be able to detect when testing drops of it on your wrist. Bottle warmers are acceptable for use when heating formula milk but you have to make sure that you avoid overheating. A safer option would be to place the bottle in a bowl of warm water or to run the bottle under a faucet with running warm water. Always test to see if the milk is safe to drink on your sensitive skin area. The back of your wrist is generally a good go-to.

Other considerations * Feed on an angle: It is important that you don’t overwhelm your baby with formula milk while feeding. It is best to feed them on a good angle. The best way to do this is to prop them up and avoid having them flat on their back. If you angle the bottle well, this will help prevent flooding your baby with fluid or consuming too many air bubbles. * Have a burp break: When it comes to formula feeding, you may think it’s a good idea to satisfy your baby’s hunger by giving them the whole bottle in one go. However, it’s important to have a burp break every now and then, despite their eagerness in finishing. Getting up and encouraging your bub to have a good belly burp could be a good way for them to release any air in their tummies and also gives you a bit of a break from feeding altogether. * Get comfortable: Feeding your baby the bottle is an experience that is meant to help you bond with each other. You should never leave them alone with the bottle as it can be dangerous and may cause harm. Sitting propped with your baby can help your mind wander and think about how a human this small can give you so much joy in your heart. Feeding time is a great time to reflect and be grateful that you are able to witness such pure joy in something so simple as bottle feeding! * Don’t mind the haters: There will be people you come across who won’t accept that you are bottle feeding. They may scrutinise this method and never understand why you would choose to bottle feed instead of breastfeeding. Just remember that you are not alone and many other women face the same scrutiny but you shouldn’t let them make you feel worthless for doing so. Acknowledge that you can’t please everyone and remember that you are feeding bub with nutrients they need on the daily. November 2018 | mychild

Does the

time-out disc

really work Written by Jana Angeles

42 November 2018 | mychild

TODDLER

cipline

November November2018 2018||mychild mychild

43 43

It can be easy to hand out time-outs like cotton candy to children who don’t behave the way you want them to, but they can be a bit overrated if your toddler doesn’t seem to take them seriously. In this article, we explore how you can implement time-outs into your daily life effectively, which could help your toddler listen and understand the impact of their own behaviour.

Tips to use time outs * Discuss your behavioural expectations to your child: Time outs can be a good way to explain to your child your expectations when it comes to their behaviour. Do you feel like they have been misbehaving often? Give them a time-out and once it’s over, explain why they were put into time-out in the first place. This could help them understand that you want them to respect you and recognise what good behaviour looks like. * Use them sparingly: Only use time-outs if you absolutely have to. Do not rely on them solely when showing discipline to your child. It can get a bit repetitive, plus they will not take it seriously if that’s all you ever tell them to do. Without explaining why you are giving them time-outs seems like a bit of waste and it won’t serve you any favours in the long run. * Keep the time-out length to the child’s age: You should only keep your child in time-out for the length of their age. For example, if they are three years old, only leave them in time-out for three minutes. If you leave them in time-out for longer, they may potentially forget that they were in time-out in the first place. Remember, you’re trying to prevent them from acting up and repeating disrespectful behaviour! * Use direct and positive language when time-out is over: Adding to the first point, once time-out is over, it’s encouraged to use direct and positive language when speaking to your child. Reassure them that time-out does not mean you don’t love them anymore. You are simply teaching them to behave in an appropriate manner and time-out gives thr opportunity to get the message out there to stop the cycle of misbehaving. * Don’t use time-out as a threat: Sticking to your guns is part of parenting so why use time-out as a threat? It simply doesn’t work that way. You either use it or you don’t. If you use time-out as threat, it will not be an effective method of discipline to your child. You are only making it harder for yourself to not enable action when it’s truly needed, especially if they are throwing the biggest tantrum in public! * Be prepared to leave: There’s a time and a place for time-outs and sometimes when you’re in the public’s eye and your child is acting up, you know when it’s time to leave. Don’t feel the need to discipline your child if you know that they are throwing a tantrum that will cause glares from people around you. If you know that time-out isn’t an appropriate action to take in a situation, then it’s time to pick them up off the floor and leave!

44 November 2018 | mychild

TODDLER

Drawbacks to time-outs * Your child may be too young to understand the concept: Your child may be too young to understand what a time-out is. It can take a while for them to register by being sent to a corner and thinking about what actions they did to cause you to be upset. It may just cause more confusion on their end. * They are becoming resistant to time-outs: If you feel like your child isn’t having a bar of it, think of another method of discipline in the meantime. There is no point trying to convince your child to stay in time-out if they don’t seem to be cooperating with the idea anyway. You are just fighting a hard battle that will cause a lot of headaches for both parties! * Time-outs are generally used as threats: Parenting is all about taking action. If you do not follow through a time-out, it just becomes useless and there will be no positive outcomes from it. You can’t just use them as a threat and expect your child to be “fearful” of them.

Time-outs normally work if you use them for what their intended purpose is, which is to diffuse your child from showcasing any signs of misbehaving temporarily. Make sure you use them sparingly and avoid using them as threats. However, it’s important to keep in mind that time-outs are no substitute to a healthy discussion with your child on what expectations you have on their behaviour, so sitting them down and using positive language is still encouraged!

November 2018 | mychild

Should I hold my child back from starting

school? Written by Karli Steenkamp

There are many scary and difficult parenting moments and decisions that one needs to make. One of these decisions is when it is best for your child to start school. There are many things to take into consideration when you are making this decision. There are positives and negative aspects to delaying your child from starting school. Every state and territory has their own laws about what age a child should be when they start school. Parents do have a choice of keeping their child out of school for another year if they feel their child is not ready. It is a difficult decision because you also donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to put limits on your child because of your own fear. It is not a decision that can be made overnight and parents should take into account their childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character as well as a few other factors.

46 November November2018 2018| mychild | mychild

KID

November 2018 | mychild

When should my child start school? Every state and territory has their own laws. * Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia a child should be five by 30 June when they start school. * New South Wales a child should be five by 31 July when they start school. * Tasmania a child should be five by 1 January when they start school. * Victoria, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory a child should be five by 30 April when they start school.

Positives and negatives of holding your child back Research is constantly being done on whether it benefits a child to delay starting school or if it actually harms them. The research is quite conflicting because many researchers find that it benefits your child a great deal to start school later and others feel that there is either no impact or it benefits them. Positives to a delayed start: * They are more mature. * They are the oldest in the classroom. * They perform better academically. * They have more confidence. Negatives to a delayed start: * It can be hard if all your child’s friends start school and he or she is left behind. * They might get irritated with their younger peers in the class. * The advantage the child had at the beginning of their school careers will eventually fade when the other kids start catching up. It can be overwhelming for parents, however, you know your child best. You know what your child is capable of. You have seen your child at their best and at their worst. It is important to trust yourself and your instinct as a parent. Dr. Nadia Louw, Educational Psychologist says that when you are in doubt, keep back. She says that as parents you might feel like you are giving your child an academic edge, but it can cause untold damage if they are not ready for formal education. “It is like forcing a little fledgling from the nest before its wings are fully developed. The impact on the child’s academic self-concept and ability to learn can be great. So parents have to think carefully when making this decision.” She also says every child is different and it really depends on them. 48 November 2018 | mychild

KID

How do I know if my child is ready? When a child starts school, it is important that they have aced certain skills that are important for their own well-being. Dr. Louw identified a few concepts that parents need to know and schools are looking for when children start school: * Social maturity – Can they play with their peers and make friends? Can they share and take turns? * Communication – Can they communicate their feelings and needs? * Emotional maturity – Are they very shy and withdrawn? Or very emotional and sensitive? * Self-concept – Will they be able to cope with a formal schooling environment? * Adjustments – Can they adjust to a new environment? It is ok to be hesitant, but overly anxious can mean that they are not ready for school. * Independence – They should be able to dress themselves and go to the toilet by themselves. If you are in doubt on whether your child is ready for school or not, seek expert advice from your child’s pre-school or from an educational psychologist.

What can I do to prepare my child for school? Parents play an important role in the development of kids. Help them build their confidence, set up a good routine and praise them when they do things independently. Practice with them to look after their belongings. Dr. Nadia Louw suggests that your child meets their new teacher and see the school before they start so that they are familiar with the surroundings. If they do have separation anxiety, inform the teacher and discuss strategies beforehand. Read books about stories going to the big school. Introduce a countdown calendar a few weeks before. Discuss certain scenarios about things that could happen and think together about ways on how you can react when it happens. Assure them that it is ok to be nervous. It is necessary to think about all these factors before you make a decision on whether to start school or wait another year. A child can thrive if surrounded by friends and from the support of their parents. Talk to the school about your concerns and make an informed decision, but listen to your gut. Parents know best.

References: With thanks to Dr. Nadia Louw (D.Ed Psych. of Doctor of Educational Psychology) also referencing Jansen, M. (2018)SCALE Training Manual. Kidspot November 2018 | mychild

How to be a good d when travel is part of the job Written by Lance Green

50 November November2018 2018| mychild | mychild

DAD READ

dad

November 2018 | mychild

It can be challenging travelling every few times a year for work and being away from the family you love. Having time apart can put a strain in your relationship with your kids and your partner if you are not always upfront on when conferences are scheduled or when ad-hoc important business meetings happen. However, just because you travel as part of the job doesn’t give you an excuse to leave all the parenting duties to your partner staying home. Here are some tips to take on board to help you maintain a good relationship between your kids and your partner when you travel quite regularly for work:

Don’t avoid talking about your planned business trip Having an honest conversation with your kids about going away for work is needed. You need to explain to them when things are planned and the reasons why you need to go away. Kids will value the time you took to explain how things are going to run while you are away. It will also prepare them for your absence. Reassure them that you’ll stay in touch and make it work even if you are in completely different time zone when you’re overseas.

Have a parenting plan This is an important step to take, especially when it comes to managing the relationship you have with your partner. Understand that they may struggle being at home with the kids and there may be occasions where they will need your input in making tough decisions. You need to work out amongst yourselves to set a time that works for the both of you to discuss important matters regarding the lives of your children and home life so it still feels like you’re working as a team. Having a parenting plan could help you and your partner organise and discuss important things while you are away.

Schedule time with your children before you go away Before you go on your business trip, make sure you schedule some time with the kids and do something fun before you go away. This means taking them out for lunch and hanging out at the park afterwards. Going to the local theme park or visiting their favourite toy shop. This will help maintain the bond you have with your kids. It’s important that you make some good memories before you leave home, so the goodbyes will be less tough knowing that you will get to spend time with them again when you get back!

52 November 2018 | mychild

DAD READ

Tips on how to stay connected when you’re away With the blessings of technology, there’s no excuse to be out of touch with your children while you’re away. Here’s some tips to help stay connected with them during a business trip: * Read them stories while on the phone/video chat: If you are normally reading stories to your kids before they go to sleep every night, doing this over the phone/video chat could work wonders for your kids. With the role of technology, they can hear your voice and even see your face while you are reading a storybook to them. This will also help your kids see that you’re trying to stay connected with them despite the distance. * Send them postcards: If you are overseas, send them a postcard of the city you’re in and write a meaningful note that describes how much you miss them and how you can’t wait to spend time with them as soon as you get home. This could be a memorable keepsake they can treasure for many years to come. Postcards also come in cool artwork and photography, which could give them a taste of the city you’re currently travelling in! * Create a special box: While you’re away, your children may get up to all the crafty things when you’re away. This could mean creating drawings, writing special letters or working on some wonderful projects at school. Give them a box where they can stash everything they plan on giving to you when you get home. This is a neat way for you to spend some time together and bond immediately when you arrive back from your business trip. It will be a ‘show and tell’ catch up your kids will appreciate! Travelling as part of the job may be tough on families, but it can still work. With careful planning and compromise, you can still balance spending quality time with your kids while also doing the job you love.

November 2018 | mychild

The Original Innovat for Globe-Tr 54 November 2018 | mychild

tive Ride-On Suitcase rotting Tots! November 2018 | mychild

Kids these days have a whole lot of stuff they want to take with them on Holidays, Weekends away and even a simple sleep over! Actually, they seem to need to take more than the average grown adults! If you’ve ever tried packing or maybe more like squeezing both your kids and your own needs into one piece of single hand luggage, you know only too well how many items you ended up sacrificing in order to accommodate your child’s every want, not just their needs, you’ll also know that it’s murphy laws that the one thing they end up losing it over is the one thing that happens to be a the bottom of the bag! Don’t laugh, most of us have been there, any if not it’s only a matter of time! Sharing luggage with the kids can be frustrating and it can also cause more headaches than you signed up for! There is good news though, if you get your kids a Trunki, you can avoid all the drama’s that this scenario presents!

Trunki is the ultimate travelling companion for globe-trotting tots. Trunki is made from the same lightweight yet durable plastic as adult suitcases and has been tested to the extremes to make sure it can take all the wear and tear any excited 3 year old can throw at it. Trunki allows kids to pack, carry and ride on their suitcase in a safe and fun way. Honestly Trunki is the ultimate kids ride on luggage giving you a chance to relax while the kids can entertain themselves.

56 November 2018 | mychild

A Little Bit About The Trunki Trunki weighs only 1.7kg. It has soft rubber rims to help prevent little fingers from being caught and a wide, stable wheel base ensures that the kids are safe riding around airport terminals. The best part is when tiredness sets in and it will, the handy shoulder strap allows you to carry or pull Trunki with kids in tow! Here all you need to know: * It Has an 18 Litres Capacity - lots of space to pack toys and games. * Secure Lockable Catches - keep favourite possessions safe inside for the ride. * It’s Lightweight and Durable – made with the same high-quality plastic as grown-up cases. * Super Comfy Saddle - rest tired legs in queues and you’ll never hear, my feet hurt again! * Horn Grips for Stability - grab the horns to steer the Trunki. * Tow Strap with Key - to make sure your contents are secure and never get lost. * Carry Handle - easy to grab for a departure gate dash. * Soft Rubber Trim - to protect little fingers while packing. * Internal Pocket - keep treasures inside for easy access. * Teddy Bear Seatbelts - keep teddy safe with his very own seatbelt!

Trunki was created to beat the boredom so often suffered by travelling tots. It has been designed to be used as hand luggage, and the best part is that the kids can pack Trunki with all their favourite belongings, so you can just do you! Trunki is designed and made in the UK and comes with a free 5 year guarantee giving you confidence with your purchase. With 18 colourful characters and designs to choose from, getting your child to choose just one, will be challenging part! If you a little creative or you want your child to just put their stamp on design, Trucki recently launched the Made for Me customiser, so if you or your little one are feeling creative, jump on board and create your very own Trunki! When it comes to traveling with kids, most parents will accept help when it comes to keeping their kids entertained, especially when comes to extra-long layovers between flight or those unexpected and feared delayed flights that cab happen. Trunki is the perfect pal for all your travels – no matter how big or small your trip is, Trunki is sure to keep a smile on your child’s face where ever your adventures take you! Get your Trunki’s today for only $89.95 from www.trunki.com.au *Hand luggage allowances may vary, we recommend checking with your airline before you fly. Trunki’s are recommended for children aged 3+. November 2018 | mychild

Karen Martini on Jamie Oliver’s Learn Your Fruit and Veg program By Karli Steenkamp

25 % of the children in Australia are overweight or obese, according to Jamie Oliver. This is a frightening statistic. The famous chef, well-known for making moves to help the world become healthier is taking Australia head-on by implementing his Learn Your Fruit and Veg program. He is not doing it alone. Karen Martini, Australian chef, best known for being a judge on My Kitchen Rules, Better Homes and Gardens as well as The Intolerant Chef has taken on the role of being the ambassador for this great initiative. Karen gets serious about food, health and Learn Your Fruit and Veg. Starting her career at 15 years old, Karen has gone from strength to strength. With a passion for beautiful food made from raw produce and cooking with her young girls, she is the perfect choice to bring Jamie Oliver’s dream to Australia. She is humble, but has a fire in her when it comes to cooking. “You never know what’s in your inbox,” says Karen when I asked her about her career. “It’s great to be an educator and also inspire the whole time, but I am also feeding my own creativity from day-to-day, experimenting, reading, travelling and it is seriously one of the best career choices for me personally - there is always something new to learn.” This passion is the precise reason why Toby Puttick, mutual friend of Karen and Jamie Oliver, approached her under Jamie’s Ministry of Food to be the ambassador and bring this worthy cause to Australia. 58 November 2018 | mychild

“I really felt moved to contribute and try and achieve change. The lack of fruit and veg intake from our young kids really surprised me.” It is suggested that children need 5 servings of vegetables a day. In today’s busy lifestyle, it can be hard to achieve this. Karen believes strongly in this program. “It is a touch and taste curriculum without lecturing people about what to eat. It is more hands on and we can affect change. I think when a child goes home and discusses that flavor or that discovery, this in turn can lead to changes at home on the kitchen table. We must remember that food brings people to the table and it’s quite a relaxed scenario where you want to find out what’s going on in your children’s lives.” Jamie Oliver’s Learn Your Fruit and Veg curriculum is done with trained facilitators and the classes are tailored to different age groups. There is also take home information for the children. Every class heroes one fruit or vegetable and teaches children the origin of where it comes from and how it affects our bodies. It teaches them simple and quick to prepare recipes. “It’s about discovery and the experience.” The aim of this program is to change the eating habits of our children for the better by getting them engaged in fresh food and cooking. We need to prevent childhood obesity and to help teach children how to be inspired around food. “Type 2 diabetes is gaining on us because people are eating so badly. It all goes hand in hand. You are what you eat, so you need a balanced diet. That is our goal.” This curriculum is just what Australia needs. “We have an abundance of produce. We have everything at our fingertips. We have lots of fresh air, long beaches and we are surrounded by water and it’s surprising that we need this curriculum in our schools in front of our young children.” Karen feels that if children help in the kitchen or can cook for themselves they are empowered. “If they could chop up their own orange or slice up their own tomato, pick cherry tomatoes of the stem or get a cucumber and wash it, they are not relying on you to feed them.” She says that this way they will be less likely to open a packet, but if they are going to eat a ryvita, encourage them to have some cheese with that. This program has no heat and minimum ingredients which makes it easy for children to do. As a mother of two, Karen understands the frustration of getting your children to eat fruit and vegetables. “But you must just keep on presenting whatever you are eating. I presented mushrooms to my daughter 27 times and now she loves mushrooms. It’s not because I gave her a single mushroom. It was never presented the same way.” Children are young and need to learn about fruit and vegetables. “The palette needs to be brought along and that is why the aim of this project works so well because you are introducing those flavours early. Parents are meant to be eating the vegetables too; you can’t cook one thing for the kids and another for you.” Some advice from Karen to get kids eating fruit and vegetable is to find out what they like and build from there. Parents shouldn’t give up and shouldn’t be too hard on themselves. A Greek salad is one of Karen’s favorite family meals to make.

November 2018 | mychild

What else can we do to assist in keeping our kids healthy? Kate Save and Laura Ballantyne gave us an idea what a healthy diet looks like for a child. A healthy diet should be from the five food groups: Vegetable, protein (meat or fish), fruit, grains and cereals and diary. A healthy snack with a good intake of vegetables could be crisp breads with tuna, cheese and tomato, a potato salad or fruit salad and rice cake with peanut butter, carrot and celery sticks with cottage cheese. Karen Martini, chef, mother of two and ambassador of Jamie Oliver’s Learn your Fruit and Veg program encourages parents to speak to their children’s schools to implement this program. It is a worthwhile cause that not only teaches them to be healthy but also to enjoy cooking, food and be independent. Karen and Jamie want to activate change in Australia for the generations to come. Food can be fun and children need to learn that. Empowering them and giving them the knowledge about what is good for them can help fight obesity and as Karen Martini says: “Food brings people together.”

References: With thanks to Karen Martini & Hannah Williams. Kate Save, CEO of Be Fit Food and Accredited Dietician Laura Ballantyne, Accredited Dietician at Be Fit Food. Jamie’s Ministry of Food

Q #8) “What does a balanced diet look like?” A balanced diet for a child consists of enjoying a variety of nutritious foods from each of the five food groups: 1. Vegetables and legumes/beans should make up a large proportion of a child’s diet and should be encouraged at every meal. Vegetables provide dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, essential for optimal health. 2. Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds are foods that are rich in protein. This is important for building, maintaining and repairing body tissues. 3. Fruit provides dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, and phytonutrients, to optimise health and wellbeing. 4. Grains and cereal foods should include wholegrain and high fibre varieties of bread, cereals, rice, pasta and noodles. Refined grain products such as cakes and pastries can be high in added sugar, fat and sodium and should be eaten minimally. 5. Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for bone health.

60 November 2018 | mychild

How much fruit and veg does a child need daily?

Age (years)

Recommended Serves of Vegetables & Legumes/Beans

Recommended Serves of Fruit

Toddlers 1-2

2-3

1/2

GIRLS 2-3

2.5

4-8

4.5

1.5

9-11

12-13

14-18

BOYS 2-3

2.5

4-8

4.5

1.5

9-11

12-13

5.5

14-18

5.5

Q #9 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can you give me an example of a daily eating plan for a child?â&#x20AC;? Meal plan based on the requirements of a child aged 9-11 years at a healthy weight, average height and light activity (approximately 2 serves fruit, 5 serves veg, 5 serves grains, 2.5 serves lean meat and 3.5 serves dairy per day).

November 2018 | mychild

Plan 1 Meal Breakfast

Ingredients

Veg Fruit Grain Serves Serves Serves

Porridge:

Daily Lean Serves Meat Serves 1

cup oats, 1 cup low fat milk and 1 medium banana

Morning Tea

Crispbreads with tuna, cheese, & tomato

3 crispbreads, 1 tin tuna, 2 slices low fat cheese, 1 tomato

Lunch

Wholegrain Egg Sandwich

1/2

2 slices wholegrain bread, 1 boiled egg, 1 cup mixed salad

Afternoon Tea Dinner

Potato Salad

1/2

1/2 cup potato salad made with greek yoghurt

Spaghetti Bolognese

65g cooked lean beef mince, 1 cup pasta, 1 cup “hidden” vegetables- carrot, broccoli, mushrooms, cup tomato pasta sauce

Evening Fruit Salad & Yoghurt Snack 1 cup mixed fruit, 200g yoghurt Total Serves

1 5

3.5

2.5

Plan2 Meal

Breakfast

Ingredients

Eggs and Soldiers

Veg Fruit Grain Serves Serves Serves 1

Daily Lean Serves Meat Serves 1

2 boiled eggs, 1 piece wholegrain toast, cup baked beans

Morning Tea Lunch

Grapes and Yoghurt

150g grapes, 200g yoghurt

Wholegrain Chicken and Salad Wrap

1/2

40g chicken, 1x cheese slice, 1 cup mixed salad (lettuce, tomato etc. )

Afternoon Rice cake with peanut butter, carrot Tea & celery sticks with cottage cheese 2 rice cakes with 1 tbs peanut butter, cup celery and carrot, cup cottage cheese

Dinner

Lamb Kebabs with Vegetables

65g cooked lamb, ½ cup brown rice, 1 cup cooked vegetables- carrot, broccoli, peas, pumpkin

Evening

Banana & Milk

1 medium banana, 250ml low fat milk

Total Serves 62 November 2018 | mychild

3.5

2.5

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Should you

in front of t

Written by Jana A

64 November November2018 2018| mychild | mychild

RELATIONSHIP

FIGHT

the kids?

Angeles

November 2018 | mychild

Remember the days where your parents used to fight? It may have gotten ugly, with broken ornaments scattered everywhere, slamming doors and tears to end the night. It’s not a pretty sight having fights with your partner and it’s definitely not something your children should see if things do get ugly. While fighting in front of your kids may be discouraged, there may be upsides to your children seeing a constructive argument between you and your partner. Here are some of the things that could happen after you have finished up arguing:

You show your kids that you disagree Relationships are built to withstand the obstacles you face together. It’s unhealthy if you and your partner rarely fight. There may be some suppressed feelings/anger you have kept from them for a long time; things that have been irritating you but haven’t mustered up the courage to tell it how it is. Consider the upside of disagreeing as it shows your children that even couples who appear strong have had to fight some tough battles together. Disagreeing in a constructive and healthy way can show your children that it is okay to express your emotions in an honest and sincere way. If you are angry at your partner, this will help your children avoid internalising any anger they may feel and recognise that it’s much healthier to let it all out. 66 November 2018 | mychild

RELATIONSHIP

It teaches you and your partner to explain how arguments work Your children may be curious about the argument and what started it in the first place. Having a good handle on this may suggest to you and your partner that you aren’t leaving them out of the situation entirely. This doesn’t mean you have to explain in full context why you had a fight with each other. You can just say, “We had a fight with mum/dad because we disagreed on something but we talked it out and we are okay.” Reassuring your child that you are not on the verge of a relationship breakdown can help them understand that these things just simply happen in due course.

This will teach them the importance of listening A healthy argument requires understanding each others perspective. You and your partner may disagree about something controversial like politics, religion and current affairs. It gives your children the opportunity to see that just because you are disagreeing on something, doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t love each other anymore. If you are listening to each other’s perspectives and respectfully saying some valid arguments/ opinions, this can help your child understand the importance of listening respectfully regardless of that person’s stance.

WHAT NOT TO DO While we have mentioned the positives of arguing above, here are some of the things you and your partner shouldn’t do while having a disagreement: * Verbal/physical abuse: This can be traumatic for your children to see. Calling each other mean things and throwing objects around the house will only end in regret. It also does not set a good example of showing respect to one another. It will also impact your child’s emotional wellbeing in a negative way, which could make them feel like home is an unstable place to go to if this happens everyday. * Asking your children to take sides: You are full-grown adults and having your children take sides in an argument will only cause more problems. Remember the argument is between you and your partner. You shouldn’t let your children be involved in your disagreement in the first place. * Argue when the kids are awake: If you know that you and your partner are having a heated argument, avoid doing it while your kids are awake. This can help them stop feeling anxious or worried about both of you. If the kids are awake, relocate into another room and have a discussion there instead. It would be a good idea if they were busy doing an activity, either playing with their toys or drawing. Fighting in front of your kids isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you are having a healthy debate over something, but when you know it will get into a heated argument, just remember to respect your children and move it elsewhere. Just because you fight as a couple doesn’t mean you and your partner no longer love each other anymore. It just means you care enough to work out your differences together.

November 2018 | mychild

Gaining the upper hand Written by Sheree Hoddinett

“Look Mummy I can do it. I can do it and it’s because you showed me how.” My heart nearly melted with pride when my beautiful five-year-old daughter uttered those words. My girls nearly break me on a regular basis, but they sure know how to make Mummy smile in a split second! The awesome praise came about after she copied a little trick I showed her on the trampoline. It really is the little things they do that can lift your spirits, at times when they have almost worn you down. And they can definitely do the wearing down very well. 68 November 2018 | mychild

If there’s anything I have learnt in the last six to twelve months, it’s that they really like Mummy to see their achievements in action. I do my best to watch, I really do. But sometimes, I can’t watch them do the same thing for what feels like the millionth time in a row (yes I know, that’s an exaggeration). And they don’t have a lot of patience if I don’t look at them in two seconds flat when they need it either. But isn’t it funny when I need them in a hurry, it doesn’t happen. Instead, selective hearing kicks in of course. What you wanted my attention, Mummy? I guess I do get it when their attention wanders easily. Did someone say chocolate? Just kidding. The attitude never dulls though, it just ramps up even more. I’ve tried raising my voice, lowering my voice and saying nothing at all. I take things away, I try to reason and I know I shouldn’t but I also use bribery. Nothing changes. I think it’s easy to say you know what you’re getting yourself into when you have kids. But with each new “fun” encounter, I’m not so sure. There is no manual to tell you exactly what is coming up and it is so different with each child. There is no comparison! Sure, the basics are the same, but you can never predict when each change is coming. A friend of mine has a daughter who is just a few months younger than Miss Phoebe (now three). And we often share (commiserate) about the pain…sorry I mean joy...our daughters heap upon us. But she quite often watches in shock over what I cop from my eldest daughter. Sometimes I wonder if it’s because she’s worried about what she’s going to experience herself in two years. I remind her that she won’t be alone because I’ll be hitting the repeat button and going through the exact same thing, all over again, but with my youngest daughter.

But it is really one day at a time, right? Hell no! I try to plan as best I can for the attack of attitude that will hit me like a tonne of bricks. I’m joking, mostly. You can’t plan for that kind of thing. I might be lucky as I laugh silently and rock myself in the corner. As you can probably tell, I use humour a lot when it comes to my kids. Most of what they do is pretty funny, more so when you look back on it. It isn’t always so funny at the time. But if you aren’t laughing, the alternative is crying and I think I do way more than my share of that already. Talking about humour, I still find one of the toughest parts of parenting is trying not to laugh when your kids do something so wrong but hilarious at the same time. You know that moment where you almost have to bite your lip to stop the laugh escaping. Because you know if you do, your kids will see and then you are screwed. Miss Phoebe is usually quite the entertainer on that front. The butt of the joke often her sister. It always comes down to perfect timing and she seems to say or do things at the right moment, usually at the dinner table too where everyone sees and hears it. So, I guess it’s not all bad. I think I’ve said that a few times now. I’m not really sure who I’m trying to convince anymore, haha! There’s something about being a mum that is hard to pinpoint but it’s made me a different person to what I imagined. I’m not always sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing but my girls seem to love me so I’m definitely doing one thing right. I just need to work out what it is...somehow. Check out more of my parenting tales and “wisdom” (insert snort here) via my website www.shereekim.com.

November 2018 | mychild

THE SUN’S OUT AND THE KIDS WANT SCOOTERS? FINDING THE RIGHT ONE IS ‘WHEELIE’ EASY WITH

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More and more children are riding scooters as their first mode of transport. With many learning to ride a scooter before they can ride a bike, it’s important to make sure that your kids are safe and on the right model for their age. So where do you start with so many scooters on the market? Let us make it as simple for you as counting 1, 2, 3… EVO COMFORT Let’s start with the little ones (1 to 3 years old):

When considering what scooter to purchase, the Globber EVO Comfort is a 3-wheel Scooter has been designed to grow with your child from 12mths to 9yrs. Globber scooters are built to outlast even the most robust kid. The new EVO Comfort also allows you to adjust the product to the exact height, comfort and movement stages for each of your children, giving it even more longevity.  A My Child Magazine Reader reviewed the EVO comfort and here what she had to say: “From the moment I received my daughter’s EVO comfort scooter, I knew this was a quality product. The Evo was easy to put together and I love how you can use the scooter as a ride on until your child is ready to scoot all on their own. The ride offered is very smooth, even on bumpy footpaths. I assume this is because the wheels are made with a higher quality material than other scootesr in the market. The stability and easy steering are just amazing and all these little things are what make the Globber EVO Comfort exceptional. I will be recommending this scooter to any family and friends that are looking to purchase a scooter for their child”. November 2018 | mychild

PRIMO PLUS Suitable for children aged three years plus:

mounted on ball bearings, there is no need to lift the back wheel and reposition; kids simply tilt the handlebars in the direction they want to travel. The PRIMO Plus also comes with a button on the front to lock the steering. The easyto-use locking system allows youngsters to master the straight line and learn to balance before attempting to turn corners. With a lowered deck, the well-balanced PRIMO Plus offers better stability for beginners. The high-quality rebound wheels make it a very smooth ride, while the long rear brake protects the wheel and provides improved stopping. The reinforced metal structure is durable and tough enough to handle what kids throw at it, and the strong deck has a 50kg weight rating. Globber PRIMO Plus costs $130 and comes in a range of brilliant colours. FLOW 125 All grown up and loads of places to go (kids 6+ years old):

For the active child in your life, the all-new Globber Flow 125 is perfect for those transitioning from a 3 wheeled scooter to 2 wheels. Packed with loads of features, this scooter looks cool and feels comfortable. Perfect for young riders, the clever design grows with your child so parents will love it too! The handlebar can be adjusted in a snap to four different height positions. As well as being super stylish and extremely comfortable for little ones to ride, the handlebar grips are soft and easy to hold. Designed to make learning safer, the Globber PRIMO Plus comes with assisted steering. Thanks to the directional pivots being

With a cushioned nonslip deck, soft brake and high-rebound 120mm wheels for a smooth ride, kids will be coasting along in no time. It comes with moulded handlebar grips and three adjustable height positions for added comfort. Handling up to 100kg, the reinforced fixed structure is built tough enough not to wear out before kids grow-up, making it the ultimate way to get out and about. The Globber Flow 125 comes in four colour combos; dark blue/black, plum/grey, green/ black and red/black and costs $120 www.globber.com.au

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November 2018 | mychild

TOY

Reviews

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November October 2018 | mychild

TOY REVIEWS REVIEWED BY SHEREE HODDINETT JELLYCAT LARRY LOBSTER (LARGE) Put your claws together for the one and only loveable Larry Lobster! This shimmying shellfish is a dance sensation in the undersea ballroom. Bright brick red with bobbly eyes, this chipper chap has perky feelers and a funky corduroy tail. Let him spin you round the floor! He also has a pellets in his bottom so he can be posed upright. A super soft and quirky plush toy friend for all ages.

Our verdict I usually prefer my seafood of the eating variety but Larry Lobster is a little bit more on the cute side for a soft and squishy crustacean. And he might be a bit too chewy if you did try to nibble on him! With a friendly face (and luckily soft claws) Larry is very cuddly and his googly-looking eyes definitely kept me smiling whenever I glanced his way. He’s one-of-a-kind and a quirky character who certainly looked quite comfy sitting upright on my desk….even with his claws crossed, haha! I think he might be a keeper in the ever-growing toy collection at my house. I just can’t say no to soft cuddly animals!

RRP - $49.99 AVAILABLE FROM: INDEPENDENCE STUDIOS - WWW.ISGIFT.COM, SENDATOY.COM.AU, AMAZON.COM.AU, MIGHTY APE, MOOII

CHRISTMAS SPARKLE PUTTY It’s almost that time of year again, with Christmas just around the corner. Put some sparkle back into the festive season with a little bit of Christmas Sparkle Putty. Stretch it, snap it, bounce it and watch it melt! This seriously sparkly putty stretches, bounces, snaps, tears and moulds to any shape. It’s a bit of fun for everyone.

Our verdict I’m a bit of “no fun” mum when it comes to sticky, messy and potentially damaging toys. But occasionally I relent and with two little girls who go crazy over glittery, sparkly and shiny things, sometimes I do have to try and be the fun mum. They love putty (and slime and play doh) because they can do anything with it and of course this one sparkles so it elicited screams of joy and excitement when it arrived, while I silently dreaded it (haha!). Scary thoughts of putty stuck in hair still haunt me, but alas it’s not all bad and my girls have plenty of fun with it. So, snap to it and add this one to your Christmas stocking filler list!

RRP - $7.99 AVAILABLE FROM: INDEPENDENCE STUDIOS - WWW.ISGIFT.COM 76 November 2018 | mychild

LEAP FROG LEAP START 3D Get your child excited about counting, learning to read, problem solving and more through fun re-playable activities. The magic behind LeapStart is a stylus that reads invisible dots on every page, triggering questions, challenges, songs, jokes and more. LeapStart 3D is a complete learning system that magically brings books to life with audio and then enhances the learning with corresponding 3D-like animations. It features touch-and-talk games, creative challenges, problem-solving puzzles, maths mazes and more with more than 30 activities in every book. The LeapStart library has more than 400 activities that include touch-and-talk games, creative challenges, problem-solving puzzles, maths mazes and more with 30 plus activities in every book (books are sold separately). Every activity is designed to be played again and again for endless discovery.

Our verdict

RRP - $79.99 AVAILABLE FROM: MIGHTY APE, CRAYONS, THE NILE

It was excitement plus in our house when this magical little number arrived. While it means learning things, it’s still fun and that’s what I love about the interactive toys for my girls - they have a ball while absorbing all the information at the same time. For them pushing buttons (that aren’t Mummy’s) and seeing pictures and hearing sounds are always a big winner. With my eldest daughter off to school in a few months, this reader has arrived at the perfect time! I really can’t fault this one. The only downside is having to get the books separately but it’s going to be worth it in the long run!

VTECH SWITCH & GO DINOS – LEX THE T-REX Lex the T-Rex is king of the Tyrant lizards...he’s also king of the road! Just Switch & Go! This 2-in-1 toy switches between a car and a dinosaur in a few quick and easy steps for hours of action role-play fun. The Switch & Go knows which mode it has been transformed into; press the talk button or move when in dino mode to hear fun phases, dinosaur roars and learn dinosaur facts or car sound effects and driver’s phrases when in vehicle mode. The animated LCD screen helps bring them to life - when in dino mode, the screen displays the dino’s eyes and when in vehicle mode, the screen becomes the windscreen, showing the driver. Educational flashcards are also included with each dino, adding a further educational element to these fun packed toys!

Our verdict Even with two little girls, this car which also converts into a dinosaur, proved to be pretty popular. I’m pretty sure it has a lot to do with the fact it’s a noisy toy and my girls tend to love anything that they can push the buttons and copy phrases from (which I have heard on repeat)! I’m all about letting my girls play with all kinds of toys, regardless of whether they’re aimed at boys or girls, and this one has been on-the-go everyday! Being able to interchange from car to dinosaur (which my eldest seems to love!) made it even more enticing to play with. I’m also a fan of the educational toys because I feel they make a big difference to kids being interested in learning!

RRP - $34.95 AVAILABLE FROM: KMART, KIDZINC, ONLINE TOYS AUSTRALIA November 2018 | mychild

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reviews BOOK

November October 2018 | mychild

Book Reviews Watch This! By Hilary Walker, Jane Godwin & Beci Orpington This innovative book is not only a fun and interesting way to introduce children to basic shapes, but also an invitation to readers to see what shapes they can make with their own bodies. The book is a photographic celebration of a group of children creating circles, triangles, rectangles and pyramids, and experimenting with the types of shapes they can make if they work together. The bold, colourful backgrounds add to the sense of playfulness, and young readers aged 1 and up will be captivated by the movement and energy which almost leap off the pages.

The Rabbit, the Dark and the Biscuit Tin By Nicola O’Byrne How can a young rabbit avoid having to go to bed? Easy - capture the dark in a biscuit tin of course! If it doesn’t get dark, he won’t have to go to bed. But trouble quickly ensues for the nocturnal animals, who don’t like the sun, and the vegetables growing in the garden, which begin to wilt. Luckily Rabbit discovers just in time that the dark can actually be quite wonderful. This is a beautiful book with a surprise ending which will delight readers aged 3-7.

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ABC What Can She Be? By Sugar Snap Studio This book explores the world of possibilities open to young girls who are thinking about their futures. Each letter of the alphabet represents a career path they might like to consider, from Astronaut and Botanist all the way through to Yoga Instructor and Zoologist. While the focus is on empowering girls to aspire to great things, this book is equally relevant to young boys interested in learning about the people who make up our society. The bright, quirky illustrations create further excitement on each page of this book, which will interest readers aged 3-6.

Waiting for Chicken Smith By David Mackintosh This is a beautiful exploration of summer holidays by the beach - finding treasures, listening for the ice cream van, swimming and surfing, walking to the lighthouse. It is also a tale of friendship, and the ups and downs of sibling relationships. The relaxed pace of the text captures the feeling of an endless summer, and the sketchy illustration style uses a colour palette reminiscent of sand, surf and sunset. This is a gorgeous book about change and memory, which will be enjoyed by readers aged 4-7.

REVIEWED

October 2018 | mychild November 2018 | mychild

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Karen McDermott:

How Does She Do It All? Written by Karli Steenkamp

Karen Mcdermott is an ambitious mum of six, who has the recipe for a great balance between motherhood and her career. She is a mother, an author, owner of Everton Publishing Company, speaker and runs an academy for aspiring writers. In 2016, she won an Ausmumpreneur award. She is a humble woman who knows what she wants. Her path wasn’t always easy, but she surely does not let any obstacle get in her way. Karen moved to Australia in 2008 when she was 35 weeks pregnant with her third child. “It was the best thing ever. I started writing when we came over,” says Karen who had three more children in Australia. When asked how she gets to do everything with six kids, she says, “One takes up so much more time, when you start to put other kids in the mix, they help each other. They are playing and I am able to write my book. That is my happy flow. That is the essence of success for me. I take my kids to school and pick them up. That is my nonnegotiable. During school holidays, I take off because that is where my balance is.” She suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to an incident that happened before she moved to Australia. She also suffered a miscarriage and lost twins, a boy and a girl. “When I lost the twins I woke up. That is why I started writing. I wrote a book about what happened to me. It is a novel called The Visitor.” Her quote she strongly believes in is “In every negative situation is the potential for a positive outcome.” Having an awful experience with self-publishing, she got the opportunity to become a publisher for a company. “I always believe that when time

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and circumstances align, magic happens.” She started her academy because she wanted to help more people publish their books and being successful while doing it. Karen doesn’t mind sharing her secrets to success and she doesn’t do anything by half. “I hire a castle in Ireland and I bring authors of Australia to Ireland to experience what it’s like. It is like a Downton Abbey experience on a writing retreat. I do big things, but I don’t fear, because I challenge my knowing and I know that it is exactly what I must be doing at the time and it’s all aligned.” She believes if you enjoy your journey, it happens much more. “Once you start to take action and its aligned with your vision, these opportunities that you never really thought of start coming to you.” Karen works hard during the term to take off during the holidays. Parenting never takes a holiday. She finds the balance by prioritising her needs with focus and energy. Her advice for other parents is to find a balance. “People talk about the perfect balance, that’s not going to happen. Make it work for you. Just remember that by doing something for yourself and following your passions, you are being your best self for your children. I never compare myself to others and I don’t worry about what other people say.” If you want to start a business, start with what you know and build on it. “Magic happens right outside of your comfort zone.”

With her busy schedule and six kids, it can be difficult for her and her husband to spend time together. They will try and watch a movie together or take time whenever they can. It is not always easy trying to juggle her lifestyle and that is why she writes. “Writing is like a meditation to me. It is my selfish time.” There are days that are a bit overwhelming so she takes a time-out to have a coffee, go to the beach and rebalance.“If I push to get it done then it doesn’t have my good energy. It won’t get done as efficiently.” She definitely makes it look easy. “If I can do it as a mother of six, then so can you.” She proves that you should not give up on your dreams and you do not have to sacrifice things. It is about a balance that works for you. “When everything is aligned it works. People must embrace it.”

November October 2018 | mychild

The MiaMily HIPSTER wherever lif 84 November 2018 | mychild

R™ PLUS, it’s all you need,

fe takes you.

November 2018 | mychild

Choosing a baby carrier can be a little daunting and with so many choices, sometimes working out your needs versus your wants can become quite overwhelming. There are many things you’ll need take into consideration when selecting a baby carrier, some of the basic things you should consider are:

* * * * * *

Safety Comfort Versatility Usability Durability Longevity

Finding a carrier that offers all of the above can be challenging, and finding a carrier that also needs to suit your lifestyle and keep up with your needs when most parents end up settling for something that they are not entirely happy with. Well, what if it didn’t have to be that hard? Actually, what if it was quite an easy choice? Once you see what the MiaMily HIPSTER™ PLUS has to offer, all the stress of choosing what’s best for you and your baby will be gone. It’s the only carrier you’ll ever need, from the day you leave the hospital to the first morning of preschool.

So, what makes the MiaMily HIPSTER™ PLUS Baby Carrier the Smart Solution? * Conventional baby carriers support your baby from the groin area, leaving baby’s legs to hang unsupported. The HIPSTER™ PLUS is unique because of the built-in 3D hip seat which puts your baby’s hips in a healthy “M position” as recommended by paediatricians so you’ll breathe easier knowing baby’s hips are supported in a healthy position. * It’s wide enough for your baby to sit comfortably with the support they need in all the right places from birth to up to 20kgs. * This ergonomically designed unique baby carrier’s 3D seat acts as an “extra hip”-taking the weight off your own hips and back which helps minimise the cause of back pain when you’re holding your baby for long periods. * It has built-in storage so you can leave the nappy bag at home for short trips * It has nine carry positions giving you the flexibility you need for every stage of your baby’s development * Keeps your baby comfortable enough to sleep peacefully on long walks or when running errands around town.

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The HIPSTER™ PLUS grows with your Baby! * NEWBORN - The infant insert keeps baby wrapped up in a plush cocoon, putting your baby right back into the soothing foetal position. And the 3D hip seat supports your arms during the long hours of carrying and nursing your baby in the early days. * 3-6 MONTHS - As soon as your baby has a strong neck and head control, use the 3D hip seat with the double shoulder strap to carry your baby facing in. This is when your baby is just becoming aware of who you are and wants to be close to you as much as possible. * 6-12 MONTHS - Your baby is becoming more curious about the world around you every day. Growing babies love to see things from your perspective, up high and in-person. Now’s the time to try the forward-facing position. * 8 MONTHS – 3 YEARS - The back-carry position is a great option for heavier kids on long trips or for hiking outdoors. Your HIPSTER™ PLUS goes wherever a stroller can’t. Starting at only $248, the MiaMily HIPSTER™ PLUS has so much to offer and with its affordable price tag it’s easy to see why so many parents are loving it. Here’s what the MiaMily tribe have to say about the MiaMily HIPSTER™ PLUS: “I bought this when my son was about 8 months when he got too heavy for my other carrier. I love that it’s washable, can be strapless and has storage. I’m completely lost without this. My son is 2.5 and still wear it daily!” Ms M “I wish I knew about this product when I had my first child, I would have bought it back then. I have been using the hipster with my daughter and she loves it. She loves being close and when I need to do the dishes she sits on my back. It helps a lot while cleaning and while out and about. The seat even helps when my oldest wants to be held. Recommend buying this product.” Kim “When purchasing this carrier, you will hit the jackpot. This is literally the ONLY carrier you will ever need for your child’s entire life it literally does EVERYTHING you could ever want in a carrier. It’s perfect for at home, on the go, and football games! The pocket is great for diapers and bottles. The phone holder fits my Pixel 2 phone perfect. My husband even loves this carrier and started babywearing yay!” Courtney B. When deciding what baby carrier to choose, look no further than the MiaMily HIPSTER™ PLUS. This carrier has been designed to bring you a high-end, quality, ergonomic product that simplifies your needs without compromising on your wants. MiaMily HIPSTER™ PLUS is available at Baby Bunting or you can visit: www.tabc.com.au for more information.

November 2018 | mychild

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GET THE LOOK:

interiors

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Kids Room

Style Credit: Maureen Stevens Design 90 November 2018 | mychild

Table and Chair Set â&#x20AC;&#x201C; White $ 29.00 Kmart.com.au

UNDVIK Wardrobe, white $279.00 ikea.com.au

MINNEN - Ext bed frame with slatted bed base, white $ 199.00 ikea.com.au

November 2018 | mychild

FLISAT Toy storage with wheelsl $49.00 ikea.com.au

Clouds Wall Decal $26.00 etsy.com/au

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TOFTLUND Rug $12.99 ikea.com.au

MUSE Check Throw $129.00 pillowtalk.com.au

Bronte Bold Cushion Cover $35.00 simplycushions.com.au

Jellycat: Wilbur Whale $43.99 mightyape.com.au

Jellycat: Odell Octopus $76.99 mightyape.com.au

Scandinavian Style Adjustable Floor Lamp $89.00 templeandwebster.com.au

November 2018 | mychild

Nursery Style Credit: Lori Gentile Interior Design

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Round Rattan Laundry Basket with Lid â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Large $109.95 frenchknot.com.au

Nursery Art Set of 3 Baby Animals : Bunny Panda Tiger $19.00 etsy.com/au

4 Panel Elodie Divider $ 139.00 templeandwebster.com.au

JELLYCAT Bashful Bunny Huge $139.00 davidjones.com

November 2018 | mychild

HOVSTA Frame, birch effect $19.99 ikea.com.au

HABITAT Monash Throw $69.95 pillowtalk.com.au

MUSE Luna Chunky Knit Cushion $54.95 pillowtalk.com.au

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Fremont Tripod Floor Lamp Beige Shade â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Natural $165.00 interiorsecrets.com.au

WINTER WISH WHITE MODERN RUG $899.00 rugemporium.com.au

SOLGUL Cot, white $199.00 ikea.com.au

November 2018 | mychild

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shop KIDS

fashion

November 2018 | mychild

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shop

KIDS BABY

GIRLS Scented Tee $7 rrp

UNDER

SPLURGE

Denim Pinafore $15 rrp Sandals $12 rrp

Embroidered Stripe Shorts $12 rrp Embroidered Sandals $15 rrp https://www.kmart.com.au/

https://www.kmart.com.au/

Kitty Abstract Print Dress $59.95 rrp Knot Sandal $44.95 rrp

https://www.davidjones.com

Summer White T-Shirt $39.95 rrp Scallop Hem Skirt $54.95 rrp Bunny Sandal $59.95 rrp https://www.davidjones.com

Graphic Crepe Dress $102 rrp

Printed Shirt Dress $126 rrp

Mini me leather baby Mary Janes $216 rrp

Printed leather babies - Daisy Baby $126 rrp https://www.melijoe.com/au/

https://www.melijoe.com/au/

November 2018 | mychild

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shop

KIDS

WHAT’S IN OUR STORES THIS MONTH BOYS

BABY Short Sleeve All Over Print Shirt $9.00 rrp

UNDER

Skinny Fit Jeans $12 rrp Dress Sandals $15 rrp https://www.kmart.com.au/

Panel Striped Tee $6 rrp Denim Moto Jogger Pants $17 rrp Casual Sneakers $14 rrp https://www.kmart.com.au/

UNDER

Dj Exclusive Robo Friends Db T-Shirt $43.95 rrp

Boxy Varsity Sleeves Tee S/S $59.95 rrp

Asterisks Slouch Short $49.95 rrp

Blocked Magic Volley Boy 10.5 Short $44.99 rrp

Bal Harbour Repeat (Canvas) $60 rrp

Mini Empire Canvas $49.95 rrp

https://www.davidjones.com

SPLURGE

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https://www.davidjones.com

Trompe l’œil T-shirt $102 rrp

Logo polo $125 rrp

Fleece pants $136 rrp

Carrot cut pants $151 rrp

Scratch trainers Bande web $310 rrp

Bi-material trainers $112 rrp

https://www.melijoe.com/au/

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Love-is-in-the-air Featuring a little heart on the top and a heavy geometric colour clash of blossom red, royal blue and sunflower yellow on the bottom. Made from 100% cotton. 3-6months / 6-12months $45.00

Fly-away-Peter Be taken to Neverland, this romper features long sleeves for those coolers days, a Peter Pan collar and an earthy pattern in lilac, teal and blue hues. Made from 100% cotton. 3-6months / 6-12months $45.00 106 November October 2018 2018| mychild | mychild

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Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-get-Spotty Featuring a funky spot pattern and super cute collar with a low back - Spotty never looked so stylish. Made from 100% cotton. 3-6months / 6-12months $45.00

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L-R: Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-get-Spotty and Fly-away-Peter

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B E L LY S U P P O R T

Support for your back and growing baby belly

Shrinks and tightens your post pregnancy belly, waist and hips

GET A LIFT + TIGHTEN UP! From pregnancy support to post pregnancy compression, Belly BanditÂŽ provides what mums need . . . when they need it. BELLYBANDIT.COM.AU

Reci

Novemb

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ipes

ber 2018

November 2018 | mychild

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BREAKFAST

Croissant French toast with strawberries * 0:05 Prep * 0:10 Cook * 2 Servings

INGREDIENTS * * * * * * * * *

1 Coles Brand Australian Free Range Egg 2 tablespoons milk Large pinch ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 10g butter 2 Coles Bakery Croissants, split 1/2 cup (125ml) thickened cream, whipped 100g fresh strawberries 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup

METHOD * Step 1: Whisk the egg, milk, cinnamon and vanilla in a medium bowl. * Step 2: Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Place the croissant halves in the egg mixture for 10 secs to soak. Cook the croissant halves for 3 mins each side or until lightly browned. * Step 3: Place the croissant halves on serving plates. Top with the cream and strawberries. Drizzle with the maple syrup to serve.

Photo Credit: taste.com.au 116 November 2018||mychild mychild October 2018

Spinach and feta fritters Photo Credit: taste.com.au

INGREDIENTS * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* 0:10 Prep * 0:25 Cook * 4 Servings

250g frozen chopped spinach, thawed 1 2/3 cups (410ml) buttermilk 1 Coles Brand Australian Free Range Egg 25g butter, melted, cooled 2 cups (300g) self-raising flour 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 100g fetta, crumbled Olive oil spray 250g cherry truss tomatoes 2 tablespoons basil pesto 1 tablespoons olive oil 1 avocado, stoned, peeled, diced 2 tablespoons small basil leaves

METHOD * Step 1: Use your hands to squeeze excess moisture from the spinach. * Step 2: Whisk the buttermilk, egg and butter in a jug. Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl. Make a well in the centre. Add the buttermilk mixture and whisk until just combined. Stir in the spinach and fetta. Season with pepper. * Step 3: Spray a large non-stick frying pan with oil. Heat over medium heat. Spoon two 1/4-cup (60ml) portions of batter into the pan. Cook for 2 mins or until golden underneath. Turn and cook for 2 mins or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter, spraying the pan between batches. * Step 4: Meanwhile, preheat grill on high. Place tomatoes on a baking tray lined with foil and spray with oil. Cook under grill for 5 mins or until skin softens and tomatoes start to collapse. * Step 5: Combine the pesto and oil in a small bowl. Serve fritters with tomatoes and avocado, drizzled with the pesto mixture and sprinkled with basil. November October2018 2018||mychild mychild

117 117

LUNCH

INGREDIENTS

Cheesy vegie-ball subs * 0:15 Prep * 0:25 Cook * 4 Servings

* * * * * *

1 medium eggplant, trimmed 2 x 400g cans chickpeas, rinsed, drained well 1 red onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1/4 cup chopped fresh continental parsley 20g (1/4 cup) fresh breadcrumbs (made from day-old bread) * 40g (1/4 cup) plain flour * 1 egg, lightly whisked * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1/2 teaspoon dried chilli flakes * 600ml tomato passata * 4 long crusty bread rolls * 100g (1 cup) coarsely grated mozzarella * Fresh basil leaves, to serve

METHOD * Step 1: Use a box grater to coarsely grate the eggplant. Place in a colander and set aside, squeezing often, for 15 minutes. * Step 2: Process the chickpeas, half the onion and half the garlic in a food processor until a coarse paste forms. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in grated eggplant, parsley, breadcrumbs, flour and egg. Season. * Step 3: Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan forced and line a baking tray with baking paper. Roll tablespoonfuls of eggplant mixture into balls. Place on prepared tray. Bake, turning halfway, for 20 minutes or until the vegieballs are golden and firm to the touch. * Step 4: Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the remaining onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes or until softened. Stir in the chilli flakes, then passata. Season. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the vegie-balls and set aside. * Step 5: Preheat the grill on high. Cut the rolls down the middle, taking care not to cut through. Place, cut side down, on a lined baking tray. Grill for 1-2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Turn rolls over and fill with the vegieball mixture. Sprinkle with the mozzarella. Grill for 1-2 minutes or until mozzarella starts to melt. Sprinkle with basil. 118 November 2018||mychild mychild October 2018

Photo Credit: taste.com.au

Creamy salmon and broad bean fettuccine

INGREDIENTS * * * * * * * * * *

* 0:15 Prep * 0:20 Cook * 4 Servings

400g skinless salmon fillets 375g Barilla Fettuccine 2 cups frozen broad beans 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small brown onion, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, crushed 1/4 cup dry white wine 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 300ml Coles Simply Less thickened cream 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh chives

METHOD * Step 1: Fill a medium, deep frying pan two-thirds full with cold water. Add salmon. Bring to the boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stand for 5 minutes or until salmon is cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Using a fork, roughly flake salmon. * Step 2: Meanwhile, cook pasta in a saucepan of boiling salted water, following packet directions, until just tender. Drain. Return to saucepan. Place broad beans in a heatproof bowl. Cover with boiling water. Stand for 2 minutes. Drain. Peel and discard skins from broad beans. * Step 3: Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion has softened. Add wine and lemon rind. Bring to the boil. Add cream and broad beans. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper. * Step 4: Add sauce, salmon and chives to pasta. Gently toss over low heat to combine. Serve.

Photo Credit: Craig Wall, Al Richardson & Andrew Young November October 2018 2018 || mychild mychild

119 119

DINNER

INGREDIENTS

Pad Thai noodles with sesame salmon

* 0:10 Prep * 0:15 Cook * 4 Servings

* * * * * *

150g dried flat rice noodles 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 4 skinless salmon fillets 150g green beans, cut diagonally into 5cm pieces 1 red capsicum, seeded, thinly sliced 4 spring onions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced diagonally * 150g pkt MAGGI Marketplace Pad Thai recipe base * 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted * 1/4 cup coriander leaves

METHOD * Step 1: Cook noodles in a saucepan of boiling water following packet directions. Refresh under cold water. Drain well. * Step 2: Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for 3 mins each side or until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate. * Step 3: Add the beans, capsicum and white parts of spring onion to the pan. Stir-fry for 3 mins or until beans are just tender. Add the recipe base and noodles. Stir-fry for 3 mins or until well combined and heated through. * Step 4: Divide noodle mixture among serving dishes and top with salmon. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, coriander and remaining spring onion.

Photo Credit: taste.com.au 120 November October 2018 2018| |mychild mychild

Sticky wings with spinach and apple salad * 0:10 Prep * 0:35 Cook * 4 Servings INGREDIENTS * 1kg Coles Grill RSPCA Approved Australian Chicken Wings with Honey & Soy Marinade * 2 spring onions, thinly sliced lengthways * 120g pkt Coles Australian Baby Spinach * 1 Granny Smith apple, cored, cut into matchsticks * 2 limes

METHOD * Step 1: Preheat oven to 180C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. Arrange the chicken on the lined tray and bake for 30-35 mins or until cooked through. * Step 2: Meanwhile, place the spring onion in a bowl. Cover with iced water. Set aside for 10 mins or until curled. Drain. Combine spinach, apple and half the spring onion curls in a bowl. Juice 1 lime and drizzle over salad. Toss to combine. Cut remaining lime into wedges. * Step 3: Top chicken with the remaining spring onion curls. Serve with the salad and lime wedges.

Photo Credit: taste.com.au October 2018 | mychild November

121

DESSERT

Grilled donuts with strawberries

Photo Credit: taste.com.au

* 0:10 Prep * 0:05 Cook * 6 Servings INGREDIENTS * * * *

6 Coles Bakery Cinnamon Donuts* 250g strawberries, thinly sliced 6 scoops vanilla ice-cream 1/3 cup (80ml) Coles Brand Chocolate Topping

METHOD * Step 1: Preheat a sandwich press. Line with baking paper. Place the donuts in the sandwich press and cook for 2 mins or until lightly grilled. * Step 2: Place the donuts on serving plates. Top with strawberry and ice-

122 November October 2018 2018| |mychild mychild

Blueberry flower twist Photo Credit: taste.com.au

INGREDIENTS * * * * *

* 0:10 Prep * 0:25 Cook * 8 Servings

2 sheets Pampas Puff Pastry, thawed 100g frozen blueberries 1/2 cup raspberry jam 1 egg, lightly whisked 1 tablespoon demerara sugar

METHOD * Step 1: Preheat oven to 220C conventional or 200C fan-forced. Line a baking tray with baking paper. * Step 2: Cut a 24cm circle from each sheet. Place 1 circle on the prepared tray. Combine frozen blueberries and jam in a medium bowl and spread over circle, leaving a 3cm border. Place second circle on top and press edges to seal. * Step 3: Place a 4cm glass upside down in the centre. Using kitchen scissors, cut up to the glass to make 16 wedges. Remove glass. Twist each wedge once. Brush with egg. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and puffed. * Step 4: Serve while still warm.

October 2018 | mychild November

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MYCHILD DIRECTORY 124 November 2018 | mychild 124 August 2018 | mychild

Christmas Gift Guide

125

October 2018 | mychild

November 2018 | mychild

125

Babies 126 November 2018 | mychild

Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Activity Centre $279 thestorknest.com.au

Pearhead Babyprints Keepsake $16.95 thestorknest.com.au

Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Rainstick Rattle $19.95 thestorknest.com.au

November 2018 | mychild

127

Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Stroller Bar Toy Â $39.95Â thestorknest.com.au

Skip Hop Vibrant Village Light Up Dog Piano $39.95 thestorknest.com.au

128 November 2018 | mychild

Skip Hop Fox Roll Around Rattle $17.95 thestorknest.com.au

Skip Hop Zoo Paddle & Go Owl $19.95 thestorknest.com.au

Skip Hop Unicorn Bandana Buddies Stroller Toy $29.95 thestorknest.com.au

Skip Hop Avocado Stroller Toy $24.95 thestorknest.com.au

Skip Hop Farmstand Activity Gym $179 thestorknest.com.au

Skip Hop Explore & More Follow Bee Crawl Toy $59.95 thestorknest.com.au November 2018 | mychild

129

Toddlers October 2018 130 November 2018| |mychild mychild

Trunki Ride On Suitcase -Flossi $89.95 www.trunki.com.au

Trunki - Dive Sticks $19.95 thestorknest.com.au

Skip Hop Monkey Zoo Harness $34.95 thestorknest.com.au

November 2018 | mychild

131

Frankie Ray Sunglasses Ava Pink Yellow Ombre $29.95 thestorknest.com.au Skip Hop Llama Zoo Backpack $34.95 thestorknest.com.au

Frankie Ray Sunglasses Copper Tort $29.95 thestorknest.com.au Skip Hop Bee Zoo Eat Neat Plate Set $24.95 thestorknest.com.au

132 November 2018 | mychild

lil Fairy Door lil Fairy Mailbox Light Pink $22 thestorknest.com.au

Leap Start 3D $69 Target.com.au

Krooom Galactic Police Space Mission Playset $29.95 thestorknest.com.au

Sweet Treats Learning Café™ $59.99 toybiz.com.au

November 2018 | mychild

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Little KidsÂ 134 November 2018 | mychild

Fizz Pink SunglassesÂ $80 junia-co.com.au Kidizoom Duo 5.0 $85.99 toyuniverse.com.au

Vtech Kidizoom Smart Watch DX2 $79 Target.com.au

VTech Myla The Magical Make-Up Unicorn $69 Kmart.com.au

November 2018 | mychild

135

Vtech Kidi SuperStar Lightshow $89.99 kogan.com.au

LeapFrogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Water & Count Vegetable Garden $35.00 bigw.com.au

136 November 2018 | mychild

Vtech Kidizoom Action Cam 180 $89.95 dicksmith.com.au

VTech Switch & Go Dino Dash T-Rex $69.00 Kmart.com.au

VTech DigiArt Squiggles & Sounds $35.00 bigw.com.au

VTech Push Along Pet Carrier $49.00 Kmart.com.au

VTech Secret Safe Diary Colour $49.00 Kmart.com.au

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138 November 2018 | mychild

directory November 2018 | mychild

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MYCHILD DIRECTORY 140 November 2018 | mychild

November 2018 | mychild

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142 November 2018 | mychild