My Child Magazine October 2018 Issue by My Child Magazine

ISSUE 85 - OCTOBER 2018

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

How to Nurture Father-Daughter Relationships Responding to

Your Child’s Emotions Family Portraits: How it can Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem

Childcare meals,

what is really going on in the kitchen?

How to Get Your Baby to Nap Longer

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CONTENTS FEATURED ARTICLES

EVERY MONTH

YOUR CHILD

EDITORS LETTER

HOW TO GET YOUR BABY TO NAP LONGER

FEATURED ARTICLES

October 2018 | mychild

Understanding emotional awareness and recognising feelings is important as it will help your child in various ways, * Through interactions, your child will learn to read the emotions of other people, and how these emotions influence their exchanges with others * Being aware of emotions will support the development of working with others and problem-solving * Helping your child to learn about their emotions supports the overall development of their self-regulation skills, resilience and helps to build a strong sense of self

What ways can you help? Manage your own feelings: This one is at the top of the list. We all have our off days, however, because children learn by imitation, the first thing you need to consider before you deal with your child’s emotions, is how you respond to your own. Think of it this way: * By demonstrating how you manage your own feelings, your child learns from you how to do the same * Learning to recognise that your little angel has pushed your buttons and what triggers you - will also help you to identify what the next step is * Make talking to your child about feelings a normal part of every day. You can do this by naming feelings in yourself and others, and encouraging your child to do the same, such as saying “I’m feeling tired right now, how are you feeling?” * Remember, you are not alone. So, don’t be embarrassed to have these conversations with other parents and friends, you might get new ideas and strategies to use

Arm your child with reliable strategies: No army is any good without the proper training. When dealing with children’s emotions, psychologists suggest arming them with some useful techniques. By introducing calming techniques, you will enable your child to learn control. It will also teach them how to respond appropriately should they be feeling overwhelmed. Some ideas for you to try are: * Physical activity - such as stretching, yoga and meditation. Learning correct breathing techniques can also help your child through a stressful situation * Sensory play activities - Sensory play has a calming effect by allowing your child to focus on one sense (often touch) and “block out” others * Using imaginative or creative thinking can help your child to better understand stressful situations and to practice solutions, such as the use of social stories and role-play activities 10

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Tips for Infants and Young Toddlers: For infants and young toddlers, having a soothing and responsive parent as well as a calming environment increases their ability to handle stress and begin to self-regulate emotions. The following may help calm a young child: * Motion – Rocking, walking, dancing or using swings can help a child to breathe more regularly * Music – Calm, quiet music, either sung or using a tape or CD can help soothe a child * Changing position – The way that you hold or carry can help calm a very young child. Try changing positions and to see how a child will respond * Reduce Stimulation – Try dimming the lights and reducing the amount of noise in the room Teach them to empathise: Young children often pay little mind to the effect that their behaviours might have on someone else. If your child bites, hits or kicks, get down to his level and calmly ask how he might feel if someone did that to him. Prompt them to give it some thought by asking “if your sister kicked you, how would you feel?”. Talk it out: If your child has a “meltdown”, talk them through it: “Did you feel angry that Annie didn’t listen to you?”… “What can we do to work through these feelings?” To better understand

Other tips: * Be as warm, caring and responsive towards your child as you can and practice patience * Remember that children are affected by the feelings, behaviours, and interactions of others it’s important to monitor your own wellbeing and ask for help and support when you need it * Seek medical advice if you feel as though your child’s emotional wellbeing is compromised in any way, as some medical reasons for the ongoing concerns, may be present Children come into the world with basic needs and as they grow, they continue to need not only love and attention but responsive adults who can help them manage their emotions effectively. and respond to the emotions your child is having, they need to have labels for each of them.

About the Author: With a little over 14 years of early childhood education experience behind me, my knowledge and passion for children and their development is evident. I obtained my Degree in Early Childhood Education in September 2013. Where originally from New Zealand, I have lived in Australia for 6 years now and I live in regional WA.

References: https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/raising-resilient-children/managing-emotions October 2018 | mychild

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Top Signs You’re Ready to

Toilet Train Written by Ciara O’Hanlon

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Toilet training is a big step for parent and child alike. Although frustrating at times, it can also be so rewarding watching your little person gain a new sense of independence and control over their bodies. There is no set age when a child should begin toilet training but you can expect to start anywhere from 18 months up until 3 years and beyond. The biggest mistake a parent can make is starting before their child is ready. Waiting until theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready can help eliminate some of this frustration. But how do we know when our children are ready to take on this mammoth task? Here are a few tips that can help you in reading the signs.

Having an audience: Although some people may find the thoughts of having someone studying your toilet routine a bit unnerving, this can be one of the best ways of determining if your child is ready to toilet train. Their interest means they are starting to realise that this is something they can also participate in. Talk them through every step and practice a good routine yourself, making sure to wash your hands properly as your child is closely studying your every move. This can help establish good bathroom etiquette in the future. It can be helpful to use a toy or teddy to act out the whole routine and let them role-play themselves.

Sitting still: One of the most important things for your child to be able to do before using the toilet or potty is being able to sit still for a few minutes at a time. If your child is not interested in sitting still, then they probably wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the patience for toilet training. If they can sit for a few minutes at a time and pull their own pants down then they could be ready to start. Begin by sitting them on the toilet or potty after changing their nappy so they can start to get a feel for it.

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Pulling at their nappies: If your child is uncomfortable when they have a wet or soiled nappy and can let you know by pulling at it, or even better, by telling you they need changing, then they could be close to training. They also can show this by taking off their own soiled nappy. You can praise them for letting you know that by using the toilet, they will be able to avoid feeling weighed down and uncomfortable. You can also discuss with them how they felt just before they soiled themselves and try to make them more aware of this feeling so they can predict it themselves next time.

Follow multiple commands: There are many steps for your toddler to remember when it comes to using the toilet. If you have observed them following multiple commands in other aspects of their lives, such as cleaning up and putting their toys away or grabbing their clothes from their bedroom, then they could be ready for a bathroom routine. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll firstly need to remember to use the toilet in the first place, then wipe or shake in the case of little boys, followed by a good hand cleaning routine and then drying their hands thoroughly on the towel. Remember that even if your child is showing all the signs and seems to be taking it in their stride, there will almost always be accidents and regressions along the way. Try not to add any extra pressure or show your disappointment or frustration as this will only lead to your child feeling ashamed and upset that they are letting you down, which, will just lead to more accidents. If they have an accident, it can be helpful to pop them straight on to the potty or toilet so they are reminded of where they should be. Tell them accidents happen and that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not angry or upset with them but that they need to concentrate really hard the next time. Remind them that they can pause what they are doing and come straight back afterwards. Stay upbeat and positive and reinforce how proud you are of them every time they successfully use the toilet. October 2018 | mychild

Family Portraits:

How it can Boost Your Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Self-Esteem Written by Jana Angeles

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Family portraits are a keepsake every family should consider getting. Although the idea of taking cheesy photos with your family sounds a bit lame, it can be one of the best things you can do and provides an opportunity to reminisce as you and the children get older. Family portraits do not have to be done by a professional photographer. With the age of smartphones taking quality pictures, you can take a nice photo with the family anywhere. Not only that, but family portraits can also help with boosting your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-esteem and allows them to nurture the existing relationships they already have with relatives. They say a picture says a thousand words - for kids, they do so much more. Here are some of reasons why family portraits are good for your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-esteem.

It reminds them that home is where the heart is when you have family Having family portraits placed on your living room walls can be a great way to remind your children about the meaning of having a home. They may have had a difficult day at school or fight with a friend, so being able to come home and seeing the smiles of your main family members could be what they need to get them through a bad day. It also reminds them that they are in a place where they are loved and supported. Family portraits also reflect the bonds you have with each other, so this could help them understand what unconditional love is. 18

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It displays important values You have to remember that your children have minds that are like sponges - they absorb pretty much everything! Family portraits can help them recognise the important values they need to cherish in life, such as kindness, love and respect. Children need to be reminded about the important values in life once in a while and a family portrait could help them make good choices as they grow older. They will appreciate the bonds you have already created with them and help them feel safe and secure.

They appreciate the art in how the photos are developed You may have the extra money to collaborate with a photographer and get them professionally done. Taking family portraits is an artwork in itself and sometimes, you need to put the effort to get them done properly. This means wearing the best outfit something youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d wear at a formal event and having a nice landscape as a background. Photography is an art form in itself, so going through all this effort can create a great memory with your children. You can even laugh if photos donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turn out that spectacular but appreciate the efforts that were contributed by everyone. One day your children will look back and appreciate the art form of family portraits and feel lucky they had the opportunity to store such great memories from photographs.

It allows them to appreciate the existing relationships they have with family Your children have their off days. They may drive you crazy with their hyper energy, nonsense and out-of-whack demands, but one day they will look back at a family portrait and see how much hard work and sacrifice it took for their parents to raise them well. It takes a whole team to raise a family, so your children having a family portrait to look back on can give them a wholesome feel to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to them, as well as acknowledge the hard work that comes with building and maintaining the bonds all family members have.

They can cherish the memories when they are older Memories last forever, so why not take family portraits? As your kids grow older, they will learn to appreciate the memories that came with the photos and also be able to see how much has changed over time. While nostalgic feelings can arise from looking at a family portrait, your children will feel thankful that they are part of a family who took the time to make these portraits happen. Furthermore, they will feel a sense of joy knowing that these photos show the people that gave them unconditional love from the very beginning.

October 2018 | mychild

The importance of

make-believe play Written by Karli Steenkamp

References: Early childhood The Conversation Learning 4 kids Therapy Focus 20

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Whenever you watch a child play, have you ever wondered where they get their wild imaginations from? In their minds, they can be anything from an ant catcher to an astronaut. Everything is possible. These great imaginations have so many benefits for these growing minds. Make-believe play is strongly encouraged for young children. It is when children role play and take on another character that interests them. They pretend to be someone else and get involved in the actions and things that a person in that role would do or say. They get very caught up in the game and take it very seriously. A few popular make-believe games are superheroes, playing teacher and playing mummy or daddy. Make-believe play helps children to portray what they are thinking, without even knowing it. We get insight in their thoughts and feelings by watching and listening. Their fears, which they may not know how to communicate, can come out. They get to see the world from someone else’s perspective by “putting” themselves in someone else’s life. They have to think how this person will react, behave or feel in the circumstances that they have created. Exploring the feelings of how one would feel in the situation that they have made, gives them insight in how different people feel different things. This type of play also improves their language by learning new words and phrases. They pick up words from their friends too. Their language becomes richer and they grow their vocabulary. A child’s development is vitally influenced by make-believe play. At an age where brain development is at its best, it is crucial to promote this type of play. Children are not born to naturally know how to role play. They have to be guided and taught how to do it. Parents and educators need to encourage this, but should at first play with them and lead children on what to do. Give them scenarios to play with until they are confident to magic up their own story. You can provide props to help start the creativity process. A prop doesn’t have to be expensive and it can be something very simple.

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The impact that make-believe play has on a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social and emotional skills are great. Not only can they learn how to deal with their fears, but they can learn important problem solving skills. They have to imagine what a teacher will feel when the learners are misbehaving or a parent with a child that complains or mess. They learn to have empathy towards others. All these scenarios help them build their self-esteem and they gain confidence because they are in charge of their own game and own feelings. If they are playing with friends, they have to learn to take turns and share. Deciding on what to play can be a huge compromise and their negotiation skill will be put to the test. Role playing is a great way for parents to model positive behavior. You can give your child a scenario where they are the parent and the doll does not want to brush their teeth. Your child will then have to think of the appropriate thing to say to encourage the doll to brush its teeth using their own experiences as a guideline. Make-believe play also helps with gross and fine motor skills. Playing dress-up helps with their coordination and practicing how to dress them can help their skills in dressing themselves. Dressing their dolls really helps with those fine motor skills. Make-believe play helps children be creative. It is believed that children that learn to be creative from a young age have better creativity when they are older. In this role play, they make a world for themselves where they are in charge and they feel safe and happy. In doing so, they are actually learning valuable lessons, without knowing that they are learning. You can encourage different role plays and give your child a wide range of experience as different people. Not only will it expose them to these different worlds, but it will be fun too. Encourage children to have weird and wonderful imaginations. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical and emotional benefits are priceless. October 2018 | mychild

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WHAT’S IN OUR STORES THIS MONTH

How to get through the

hreenager Stage Written by Ciara O’Hanlon

October 2018 | mychild

You may have made it through the teething, toilet training and terrible two tantrums. But don’t let yourself get too comfortable. Just as you say farewell to your toddler, the threenager makes an appearance. This aptly named stage has all the hallmarks of your average teenager, complete with door slamming and stroppy declarations that you’re ‘not their best friend anymore’. Dealing with a three year old with a new found sense of independence can be exhausting. You will spend some days feeling as though you are walking on eggshells, terrified of offending someone half your size. Here are a few ways to help you navigate through the turbulent year of the threenager. Keep them informed: The threenager has more of a grasp of routines and days of the week than ever before. Incorporating a general run down of the following day’s activities or chores as part of their bedtime routine can help them feel calm and reassured. Remind them of the previous night’s discussion the following morning over breakfast, or even better, ask them if they can remember the plans for the day. Feeling uninformed can lead to your threenager feeling out of control and upset. If they are being looked after by a grandparent or babysitter, let them know the plans well in advance and reassure them that you will be back to them shortly.

Let them be in control: Within reason of course, allow your three year-old to help out around the house. Show them how they can help you by completing chores themselves. Load their plates in the dishwasher after dinner or let them help with watering plants. Letting them choose their own clothes and dress themselves will instill a sense of pride in them, although be prepared for a few outbursts while they become accustomed to zips, buttons and even just pulling a t-shirt over their heads. Once your three year-old starts doing these things for themselves, you can expect your morning routines to be a lot less efficient and running late a lot of the time. Allowing them to navigate these important life skills just might save you from having a door slammed into your face!

Listen to them: A three year-old still struggles to communicate exactly how they’re feeling but they will try to let you know. Although you may be busy or occupied with other children or with general chores, try and take the time to listen to what they are saying or asking you. It may take some time for them to articulate it properly on how they’re feeling. Giving them the time and attention they need will make them feel secure and loved.

Laugh with them: Sometimes the best way to save a potential meltdown is by being a bit silly and goofy with your three year old. Showing them your lighthearted side can bring back that playfulness that they do still possess. It might not completely save the situation but it can downgrade a code red tantrum to a mild sulk or maybe, if you’re lucky, a smile! 26

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Take time for you: Dealing with a threenager can be exhausting. You never know what mood they will wake up in, which colour plate or spoon you’re supposed to use, or why you’re suddenly getting screamed at because you walked in front of them instead of waiting at the gate until they allowed you to walk. No matter what, you will most likely lose your cool at some point. Taking some time for yourself or even coming up with ways to help you deal with some of the more trying times can be invaluable. Remember that despite acting like mini teenagers they still need you for so much. Their little heads are chocked full of questions about the big world that they need you to answer. They will still fall and get hurt and want nothing more than a big cuddle from you. Embrace the threenager and help them through this stage and maybe they’ll thank you for it when the real teenage years hit. Or not!

October 2018 | mychild

Manage

How to

Complex Feelings during THE

DADDY

Pregnancy Written by Jana Angeles

blog

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PREGNANCY

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Pregnancy is a challenging journey for everyone. The reality of being pregnant is that you will feel awful some days - like you can’t catch a break sometimes. Having another human growing inside of you is a tough gig and it’s frustrating to not be able to channel your emotions because you don’t want to be a burden to anybody. You will often feel like life is testing your patience some way or another. When you’re so used to being in control, sometimes going through pregnancy feels like you’ve lost it sometimes. It’s important to remember that you’re human and that it’s okay to feel lousy about being pregnant. After all, with the added weight (excuse the pun) of your emotions, at some stage you need to put yourself as a priority and know when enough is enough. In this article, we explore some healthy ways where you can manage the complex feelings you may have during pregnancy: 30

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PREGNANCY

Take a break If you’re pregnant and working, it can feel like you’re running a marathon race. You can’t catch your breath because you’re working during the week and may have to take care of the nieces and nephews during the weekend. It’s important to recognise your limits, especially if you’re an introvert. It can be exhausting to keep busy so know when you need to step back and take a break. Even just getting a day off for work and doing something relaxing such as getting a facial can help you feel rejuvenated again.

Reconnect with your partner Who says you can’t have a date night when you’re pregnant? Being able to have some couple time and ranting to your partner may be what you need to feel good again. It can be overwhelming to bottle your emotions, so talking to your partner and being honest about what you’re feeling could not only improve your relationship but will also have someone there to check you back into reality when you start to overthink or worry again. When pregnant, your mood may change from time to time so be prepared to know when you need time to just have fun with your partner. Sometimes being reminded of why you are in a relationship with them can help you feel less stressed and more supported in so many ways.

Remove yourself from stressful situations Do you have drama happening in your household? A friend having relationship troubles and feels the need to constantly update you on the recent fight? Facing these kinds of scenarios may not be healthy for you and the baby. Removing yourself from stressful situations like this can help you feel more at peace with yourself and your emotions. It can be hard to separate your complex feelings when pregnant. You need to take care of yourself above all, so removing yourself from unnecessary drama can help make things less stressful for you. There are more important things for you to worry about.

Let it out Whether it’s keeping a journal and writing how you feel each day or calling up a good friend who knows when you need cheering up, it’s important to be honest with your feelings and understand that you may be in the position where need to get things off your chest. It’s much healthier to let things out instead of letting them eat you up. Just remember that you are human and to know that you aren’t perfect. It can be tough trying to communicate how you feel, but the more you do it, the less likely you feel isolated with your complex feelings during pregnancy. It is a challenge to be pregnant, so being able to take care of yourself first and foremost is important for the sake of yours and the baby’s health. Putting so much stress can add weight to your shoulders, so be sure that you are also in check of your own emotions and to always either turn to your partner, friends or family if you need somebody to cheer you up. Pregnancy is tough, so remember that everything isn’t rainbow and butterflies and that you’re just someone who has the right to feel.

October 2018 | mychild

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BIRTH

Post-Birth Survival Kit:

Essentials to Keep Things Fresh

'Down There' Written by Jana Angeles

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Birth can be viewed in two ways (or both): beautiful or horrible. It can take a while to recover from birth. Recovering from birth is a process and one that shouldn’t be rushed. However, it’s important to acknowledge that on the basis of hygiene, keeping things fresh down there could help the healing process. Though things may be a little sore, keeping your vaginal region clean can help speed up the healing process. All it takes is a little patience and persistence! We recommend following your doctor’s orders post-birth. These tips are just some suggested ways on how you can help heal up and stay clean after giving birth.

Have a sitz bath A sitz bath could be what you need to keep things fresh down there. Having a sitz bath is specifically made for the purpose of helping your vaginal region feel clean and heal faster. You can use Epsom salts and dissolve it in warm water. Doing this daily for 10-15 minutes could help flush out any bacteria existing down there, keeping the region clean. Alternatives that can be used instead of Epsom salts is witch hazel, olive oil or baking soda!

Using a postpartum spray Giving birth to a baby is not easy, which is why postpartum sprays were invented! The discomfort of birth is too real, especially in those moments where you need to go to the bathroom. Having a postpartum spray can be helpful when you’re toileting as it could provide some relief for the pain you’re experiencing. One of the key benefits of using a spray is that it won’t affect your breast milk since it is making external contact with your body. While taking pain medication may help, it’s not recommended while breastfeeding. To maximise the spray’s effect, use it on a pad. This will help numb the pain felt down there.

Make use of tea bags Did you know that black tea has some anti-inflammatory properties? Tea bags could help heal your vaginal region faster and provide a calming effect. All you need to do is brew a couple of tea bags and steep them in boiling water. After they have cooled down, insert the tea bags in your underwear with a pad and you’re good to go! Using tea bags can help relieve the effects of perineal pain and wound stitches. Not only will this keep things fresh down there but it can help speed up the healing process.

Fill a squirt bottle with warm water If you want to go back to basics, having a squirt bottle filled with warm water could be of use for your vaginal region. After birth, it becomes very sensitive down there, so doing the most simplest things like toileting can be a struggle. After you have finished urinating, flush your vagina with warm water using a squirt bottle. This could help relieve the burning sensation you may feel, especially when you have stitches!

October 2018 | mychild

BIRTH

Use maxi-pads not tampons (for now!) You may have been a fan of the good old tampon, but having given birth, it’s not practical to use one. Using a maxi-pad can help you manage the vaginal discharge coming out post-birth. This is known as lochia and the discharge contains blood, mucus and tissue. Lochia normally goes for about four to six weeks post-birth. Small clots are normal to have when experiencing lochia, however, you should notify your doctor if you have heavy clots. Change pads frequently to maintain hygiene and only use tampons when your doctor has confirmed that they are safe to use. Hygiene may go out of the window in the first few weeks after birth and that’s okay. The above are just suggested essentials on how you can keep your vaginal region fresh and clean while you embark on the healing journey after birth. From using maxi-pads to taking sitz baths, there are of course other ways of keeping things fresh down there. Give yourself a moment to relax 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!

October 2018 | mychild

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How to G to N Baby Written by Jana Angeles

October 2018 | mychild

BABY

Get Your Nap Longer

October 2018 | mychild

Getting your baby to nap longer would be a dream. You could get so much done catching up on things like house chores, favourite episodes from your new TV series or give you a couple of hours to dive in and read a newly purchased book. There will be times where parents will find their baby is frequently waking up in the middle of the night. The 3am wake ups aren’t exactly ideal but they do happen. It can be extremely frustrating when your baby becomes fussy and irritated, meaning that they may feel overtired from a lack of sleep. So, how can we as parents help our babies nap for longer during the day? Here are some tips that could help them snooze just a bit longer:

Insert the dummy before your baby needs it

See if there are factors that wake them up early

As strange as it is, using a dummy before your baby actually needs it helps. Most parents tend to give the dummy when their baby starts to get upset or when they are wailing like no tomorrow. One of the challenges is having their dummy inserted in and having it fall out while they are asleep. This tends to start the madness of an upset baby. If you have the opportunity, check in every few times to see if the dummy has fallen out of your baby’s mouth while they are napping. Being able to spot this as soon as it happens can give you the opportunity to re-insert instead of waiting until your baby reaches the crying stage!

Is the nursery room dim? Do you have creaky floorboards? Well… it’s time to find all the factors that prevent your baby from napping for longer. Having a good overview of their nursery room and seeing if there are particular factors that create noise can help you minimise the amount of distraction that may happen while your baby is napping. It’s a smart idea to have it dim and quiet without any further interruptions that could cause them to wake up. Remove noisy objects such as battery-operated toys, use thick curtains to block off sunlight and get those creaky floorboards fixed (or avoid stepping on them at all costs while your bub is asleep).

October 2018 | mychild

BABY

Teach them how to self soothe There are babies out there who learn how to sleep on their own and manage to get some shut eye for at least 11-12 hours. It sounds like a dream, right?! Having your baby sleep easily during the night can help them get enough sleep with no interruptions and teaching them how to self soothe can help them do that! Check in with your baby’s doctor to see if they can go without feedings during the night and teach bub how to self soothe not just for night time sleeps but for naps too! Just remember that self soothing isn’t about letting your baby cry it out until they fall into a slumber sleep - it’s about teaching them how to fall asleep on their own. Crying is just a sign where your baby is expressing frustrations.

Time your baby’s naps It’s important to give your baby some routine when it comes naps, so timing them can help you recognise how often they need to sleep throughout the day. It’s important for babies who are younger to sleep for a lot longer. They may feel tired easily if they are out at a social gathering and remaining awake for longer than they should be will only make them overtired. Timing naps adequately can help you stick to a routine when it comes to your baby’s sleeping patterns. Don’t wait until your baby becomes fussy as this isn’t a sign that they need to sleep, it is because they are simply overtired! Getting your baby to nap longer takes a lot of patience. If you’re a new parent, it will take longer to adjust what your baby’s sleeping needs are. Just remember to not keep your baby awake for too long, teach them how to self soothe when they are ready to and don’t wait to use the dummy when they become upset if it falls out during their nap. Changing up a few things with the suggestions above could potentially help out bub sleep for longer!

October 2018 | mychild

Childcare meals,

what is really going on in the kitchen Written by Kat Wieczorek-Ghisso Co-Founder Paisley Park Earl Learning Centres B, Teach., B.Ed., M.Ed.

There are many talented Childcare Cooks in kitchens around Australia. Without their passion, efficiency and flexibility, centres offering a ‘full meal service’ would simply not survive. By a ‘full meal service’, I refer to the delivery of a menu of up to 5 meals per day; breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and late afternoon. In some cases, this even extends to dinner provision. Coupled with the demand of catering for individual allergies and dietary preferences. Extending beyond recipe basics can be quite challenging, notwithstanding the additional pressure of meeting national guidelines, budgets and time limitations. An average childcare kitchen dishes out hundreds of meals per day. To meet this demand, some Cooks rely on the purchase of pre-packaged and/or frozen ingredients to aid their preparation. Whilst the jury is still out on the nutritional content of frozen vegetables, it goes without saying that fresh produce, or that grown from own garden, is always a better option. There are ample opportunities for the creative Cook to expand their culinary skills without compromising children’s nutritional needs. Gone are the days when meal preparation is limited to the delivery traditional childcare classics. Whilst dishes such as Spaghetti Bolognaise remain favourites, we need to explore better ways of broadening tastebuds and reignite our passion for cooking, not only for the benefit of children but for our country’s health.

October 2018 | mychild

TODDLER The prevalence of obesity in Young Australians is increasing at an alarming rate, so much as that the NHMRC predicts that by 2025 a third of our population will not only be obese but develop type 2 diabetes. Equipped with these alarming predictions the Australian Government has committed millions to unveil causal factors that have led us down this path and determine ways we can avoid contributing to the rising obesity epidemic. Whilst there are many causal factors that have contributed to increased incidence, international researchers have determined that poor eating habits are by far the most common. Referred to as ‘obesity promoting’ compact living arrangements and contemporary lifestyles significantly impact decisions we make about when we eat and what we eat. Combined with any of the below factors, it’s no wonder inactive bodies are a ticking time bomb.

* Changes to food supply and the availability of cheaper processed foods containing high levels of saturated fats, salts and sugars * Increased portion sizes of packaged takeaway meals * Decrease cost of pre-packaged foods and increase in cost of fresh produce * Social and cultural food influences with increased consumption of alcohol and food associated with cultural festivities * Disruption to sleep patterns which interferes with appetite and disturbs our metabolism * Workplace circumstances have increased ‘office time’ and decreased activity October October2018 2018||mychild mychild

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TODDLER Despite these alarming findings, there are numerous ways we can avoid becoming victims of the rising health crisis, and it starts with exposing children to healthy eating habits early on. However, to make any real difference, community organisations, including those in the business of childcare must be receptive to shouldering some of the responsibility. Given approximately 1.5 million children attend childcare in Australia each day, there’s a genuine opportunity to combat the obesity epidemic in partnership, and have childcare kitchens, such as Paisley Park Early Learning Centres lead by example. Paisley Park is a private provider of 20 Early Learning Centres around Australia, focused on implementing a food philosophy where qualified Chefs, garden patches and access to locally grown fresh produce is a featured part of the daily program. Most childcare menus consist of staple ingredients; toast, wheetbix, apple, banana and orange, potato, carrot, broccoli, peas, chicken, beef, etc, in a way that contributes to at least 50% of children’s daily nutritional intake. Whilst there are ample ways to use the mentioned ingredients in the preparation of delicious meals, Paisley Park Chefs incorporate more interesting flavours and textures, representing culinary tastes from around the world, including exposure to various herbs and spices. For children the meal time experience extends beyond the kitchen and offers opportunities for them to nurture the growth of their own fresh ingredients. This is considered as a meaningful way to build their knowledge about where food comes from and encourages them to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. Not only do children see ‘life in action’ but once mature ingredients are picked, delivered to the kitchen and used in the preparation for the daily meal, children see firsthand how they have contributed to the process and are therefore more inclined to try new flavours. Such holistic experiences, according to Paisley Park have the capacity to change the way children view food and contribute to them making better meal choices. Mealtime practices are also a fundamental component of the Paisley Park food philosophy, implemented as an authentic dining experience. On any typical day, children are actively involved in setting up tables and using real tools, such as knives, forks, crockery and glassware when serving their own portions. Children are very capable of using the same implements adults do, especially when appropriate use is effectively role modelled. Mess being made and accidents occurring is inevitable, and as such forms a natural part of the learning process. Such experiences promote the meal experience as one where the child has contributed to the decision making, including learning important life lessons, such as being careful. Research shows that exposure to healthy ingredients at an early age supports developing broadened palates and as such, contributes to making better long-term meal choices. It all comes down to attitude, a willingness for childcare providers to embrace new ways of doing things and encouraging Cooks to break out of traditional habits. This includes exploring uncharted territory and getting educated about the available produce in local communities, as well as engaging available resources such as families and fellow colleagues in important conversations about their meal choices. It’s time to get cracking, make changes and reap the rewards of healthier happier children. The result is worth the effort.

Useful Links: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-topics/obesity-and-overweight http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/phd-gug-directorscoord

October 2018 | mychild

Why is it important for your child to sleep early By Karli Steenkamp

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KID

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People do not function well without sleep. We feel miserable, cranky and even a bit emotional. Children need their sleep too. An overtired toddler is like a spitting volcano; it is best to try and avoid it. Everyone’s ability to function normally gets compromised when we do not get sufficient sleep. Sleep is essential to everyone’s well-being. It is crucial that parents ensure that children go to sleep early for many reasons Why is enough sleep so important? Sleep has an enormous impact on how children learn, behave, interact and their overall health. A child that does not get enough sleep won’t be able to concentrate when they have to learn. There could also be behavioral problems, because a tired child is also a cranky one. It is of the utmost importance that children get enough sleep to improve concentration, deal with conflicts and interact in positive ways with their peers. Sleep has a huge biological effect on our bodies. Studies have suggested that children are less likely to be overweight when they get enough sleep. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, when you sleep late at night, you get hungry and will probably have something to eat. Secondly, little sleep affects your metabolism. Our bodies work when we sleep and that is when most of our food gets digested. However, if we do not sleep enough, our bodies make more of the hormones that tell us that we are hungry.

Another biological aspect is that sleep improves our immune systems. Lack of sleep puts your child at higher risk of illness. Sleep terrors and sleepwalking has also been connected to the lack of sleep. According to Kidshealth, sleep helps your brain to rest and store information. Your cells repair when you sleep and that is when most of the growing in children takes place. If they do not rest enough, their growth could be compromised. 48

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KID

How much sleep does a child need? Every child is unique and has different needs. Sleeping is important for everyone, but how sleep is spread depends from child to child. The amount of sleep a child needs, decreases as they get older. Here is a guideline of how much sleep children needs and it includes daytime naps. * * * * *

4 – 12 1 –2 3 –5 6 – 12 13 – 18

months need 12 – 16 hours sleep a day years need 11 – 14 hours a day years need 10 – 13 hours a day years need 9 – 12 hours a day years need 8 – 10 hours per day

Routine, Routine, Routine! Children function better on routine. When they know what to expect, they are more confident, cooperative and have fewer tantrums. Be consistent every day. Have a routine that fits in with the whole family, so that everyone can be involved in bedtime. Do calming activities before bed. Watching television can be over stimulating for children and can make it harder to fall asleep. Try and get your child to fall asleep on their own. Sleeping time is when anxiety usually makes an appearance, so make sure your child is in the same room every night. A teddy bear or blanket can help reduce anxiety. Put a nightlight on and make sure that the room is not warm or too cold. Pa jamas should be comfortable and not too hot either. A healthy routine could be the following: * * * * * * *

Bath Pa jamas A snack (not full of sugar) to prevent the hunger cries as they are about to fall asleep. Brush their teeth. Read or tell a story. Goodnight kisses. Leave the room.

In our busy lives, a routine can be challenging but certainly worth it for a peaceful household. This helps your child to get enough sleep and prepares them for the day ahead. Sleeping will become less of a hassle once a good routine is set in place and this will help everyone in the house get a good night’s rest. Having enough sleep has so many benefits and is essential to a happy child. If you have tried everything and your child still does not want to sleep, you should talk to your pediatrician about your concerns. A sleeping child is a happy child (and happy parents!)

References: Webmd, Restonic, CNN Health, Kids Health, Life Education, Sleep for kids

October 2018 | mychild

How to Nurture

Father-Daughter Relationships

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DAD READ

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Having a daughter is one of the greatest gifts a father could ever have. Daughters are treasured gems. They are the ones who encourage us to do better. It’s important that as fathers, we learn to nurture the existing relationships we have with our daughters. It’s a key aspect in their development, their own emotional and physical wellbeing and allows them to grow into confident individuals. Being able to communicate effectively, spending adequate bonding time with each other and taking the time to learn new things will help you understand the benefits of nurturing the relationship you have with your daughter. It’s time to put the tips below to practice and be the best version of ourselves for the girls! Be a great role model As humans, we aren’t perfect. We are bound to make mistakes and do things that we may not be proud of. It’s important as fathers that we learn to be great models for our daughters. They are looking up to us from the very beginning and how well we communicate with them is one of the main factors that come into play. Make time to show your awesome qualities to your daughter. Being helpful and generous with your time can show them how much they are appreciated and loved by you.

Take the time to listen As your daughter grows older, they will face some complex issues during school and their personal life. It’s hard growing up and dealing with new problems that we aren’t prepared for. Taking the time to listen to them now will help them express their emotions in a healthy way. It also shows that they can feel comfortable sharing things that are on their mind. This will be important to have during their teenage years where they will face many challenges of identity and the pressures of doing school assignments and exams. The payoff will be large if you start being a good listener while they are still young.

Teach her new things Whether it’s riding a bike, writing a poem or cooking your favourite dish, your daughters will appreciate learning new things from you. This is a great opportunity for you to bond over these activities and gives them a chance to learn why you enjoy them so much. It’s important for your daughter to see what your likes and dislikes are. Being able to teach them new things can help them feel encouraged to take a challenge and embrace the learning curves that come with it. It also shows your helpful nature.

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DAD READ

Give her compliments A great way to boost your daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-esteem is to shower her with compliments - not just for her looks, but cheering her on when she manages to learn a skill set that she should be proud of. She may have won an award at school or created a fantastic piece of art sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extremely proud of. Compliments give her the boost she needs to feel confident in her own abilities and this will help her achieve greater things. Positivity goes a long way for our daughters and giving compliments can help nurture that father-daughter bond!

Do fun activities Fun activities such as going to the theme park, reading your favourite chapters of Harry Potter or simply having a balloon fight - fun activities help nurture the father-daughter bond you have. It allows you to showcase your inner child and gives you a chance to be creative. It also gives you a break from the mundane things you have to do as an adult. Nurturing father-daughter relationships is an important part of parenting. It shows that you make time for your daughter, listen and understand their needs and be there every step of the way when they are achieving a particular milestone. Recognising that you have the opportunity to do the above with your daughter allows you to be motivated on connecting with them and see that bond grow overtime. Recognise that spending quality time with your daughter helps pave the growing foundations of your relationship and establishes that ground of security and nurturing needed for them to grow into confident and successful women in the near future.

October 2018 | mychild

CanT

National Ban brings hop

By Karli St

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Teenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

AWARENESS

ndanna Day

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October 2018 | mychild

“Every year around 23,000 young people (aged 12-25 years) are confronted with a cancer diagnosis – whether it’s their own or that of a parent, brother or sister.” This is the reality for many people. CanTeen is a youth cancer charity that supports young people that are affected by cancer in some way. On the 26th of October CanTeen celebrates its annual event, National Bandanna Day. This is a major fundraiser to bring awareness to Australians. Maddy, a cancer survivor shared her story and spoke about CanTeen and why everyone should support National Bandanna day.

Speaking to Maddy, she has strength in her voice telling a story that depicts her as the true survivor. One would never guess what she has gone through and she has used her journey to inspire and help others Maddy graduated high school when she was 17 and at a time where you have your whole life in front of you, she received devastating news 2 weeks after she graduated. “A lump appeared on the lower part of my pelvis. Initially, I thought it was an ingrown hair, but it turned out to be a tumor. I was diagnosed with stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer, which is a very rare form of cancer, but it all happened within a week. It was such a whirlwind week.” “There was no time to process. They gave me three months to live just because of how bad it was.” Maddy explains that she felt numb when she got her diagnosis. “You kind of just change into this mode of not wanting to die. I really believed in the power of the mind. It was very much a numbing feeling; I don’t want this to happen and I was almost a bit angry at the world at the same time.” She had to undergo chemotherapy for 12 months with 6 weeks radiation. Luckily, there was an immediate change in the tumor, something that surprised even her doctors. She doesn’t have words to describe how it feels when you hear the news that you can go home and not worry about hospitals anymore. “I think it really encouraged me. Even if it is just for another 5 years, at least I am going to give it a chance. It was probably the best day of my life.”

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AWARENESS Maddy got involved with CanTeen towards the end of her treatment. “I did attend a few of their events, but nothing hugely. It was a bit hard at the time. I was struggling tremendously with PTSD and I was in a pretty bad place to be honest. Cancer can be quite isolating so talking to someone that gets it, is really in the next level an amazing connection. These people really lifted me up and showed me that I wasn’t alone and I just developed some of the most amazing connections - it really changed my life and my head and mind. I had a great passion for CanTeen that I want to share with the world the amazing stuff they do for people with cancer. What they do for young people going through cancer, it is pretty unbelievable. I think I definitely wanted to do more. I was eager to do more at CanTeen and get more involved.” She joined CanTeen’s leadership program this year and they asked her to do National Bandanna day. “I am so honoured - it’s the best thing that could possibly ever happen. I started to learn and develop skills I can take forward and into the future and to do National Bandanna day allows me to share the great news of CanTeen and what they have given me.” National Bandanna Day is an important day for Maddy and CanTeen. It is a day of celebration and showing Australia what they offer to young people. “There is so much more that goes on behind the scenes and what they do for young people. It’s their day. National Bandanna Day gives young people with cancer the opportunity to let them know that they are not alone.” Maddy shares advice to other young people going through similar situations as she did. “There are so many other people out there that are going through the same or similar thing. I would encourage more people to get involved with CanTeen. It is really life-changing. You don’t need to share your story, you can just have fun and meet other people. Secondly, just never give up, it is really a big thing for me to just never give up. Keep going even though you don’t know if you are strong enough to because at the end of the day, you will be so proud of who you are and what you have achieved.” Information on where to get your bandanna can be found on CanTeen’s website. There are many ways to get involved and it starts by spreading the word. Two designers have collaborated with CanTeen this year Paul Vasileff, renowned Founder and Designer of Paolo Sebastian and 2017 Young Australian of The Year, to create a beautiful, limited-edition silk bandanna. Pacinta Turner, a young Indigenous artist who designed the “My Country and Wallaby Tracks Dreaming’ bandanna. CanTeen CEO, Peter Orchard says that their bandannas are symbols of hope, connection and resilience. Their goal this year, is to sell 270,000 bandannas which will enable them to raise $1.37 million. With the proceeds they can continue to provide vital support to young people affected by cancer. “We’ll need support from communities around Australia, so we can achieve our target”.

References: With thanks to Maddy & Amelia Watson CanTeen

October 2018 | mychild

Doctor Karp:

The Baby Whisperer Last month, Australia was graced by the visit of one of the world’s most trusted pediatricians and child development experts. He is a world-known American doctor, with over 25 years of experience that has been linked to names like Madonna and Pierce Brosnan. His parenting guides are such a hit with parents that he is now the world’s most renowned baby and sleep expert. Dr. Karp takes babies very seriously and his breakthrough discoveries are making life easier for parents every day. He knows babies, he is in tune with them and tries to teach parents how to do just that. A humble person, a warm, friendly voice and knowledge that is golden; Dr. Karp figured out a solution to most parent’s trouble and that is sleeping. His newest invention the SNOO have people talking - even Jessica Biel and Kate Hudson are talking about this great product. During Dr. Karp’s visit, it was coincidentally the week that Australia celebrated its most popular due date on the 17th of

October 2018 | mychild

September. Both of us were having a good laugh at the many reasons why that might be. He is more than willing to share his expertise to better the lives of all parents and children.

was the Baby Safety winner last year; it won an Inaugural Sleeptech award from the Sleep Foundation and many more. It really improves quality of sleep and feedings.

There are many challenges parents are facing today. It can be challenging to find a balance between working and parenting. When it comes to sleep time it could be a nightmare and the easiest thing is to put babies in our beds, which isn’t a safe option. I would love to hear about SNOO, your amazing creation.

If you do not get enough sleep, you do not produce enough milk and babies get upset or fussy. Enough sleep will help you to produce more milk and be more relaxed.

Have you heard about ‘The Happiest Baby On The Block’? I believe babies are born too soon. There is what I like to call the fourth trimester. For the first few months, it can help to think of babies like a fetus… outside the womb. When you rock or hold babies they are calmer. When grandparents rock a baby and get it to stop crying, parents think they are doing something wrong, but it is the rocking motion from when they were in the womb. When you moved, your belly jiggled and the baby got use to this for 9 months. That is why we need movement and noise. The womb is louder than a vacuum cleaner. We also accepted more help in the past. We had grannies, aunties and nannies that came over to help look after the baby. Now we try and do it alone and we don’t see people that much because we are so busy. SNOO acts as an older sister responding to the baby. Making noises and creating movement. SNOO is the safest bed ever made. It adds 1-2 hours of sleep for the baby by responding with white noise and motion. It has a sack that attaches to the side so that your baby can safely sleep on the back. You may only need to get up for a nappy change. SNOO

What if people can’t get the SNOO, what other advice could you give parents for sleeping? The SNOO is an inexpensive product, it is not exclusively for the rich and famous, but can benefit middle class people as well. It works out at about $7 a day in Australia. If you use it for a second child then you can half that and of course you can sell it off once you are done. That is what a Redbull or coffee would cost you just to stay awake. But there are other things you can do. Play a CD with white noise and be alert to a babies sleep cues. There is a running joke amongst parents that parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but then you came along with your groundbreaking discoveries. People call you the baby whisperer. Please take me through the calming reflex and the 5 S’s. The calming reflex is an innate ability. It is like a knee jerk, if you do it in the right place it will happen a hundred times. Everyone can be a baby whisperer and there is a guide for parents. If you follow the 5 S’s correctly a baby should calm down. My video shows how to do it. The first one is the swaddling, not to tight and the hips must be loose, but they October 2018 | mychild

shouldn’t wriggle around. They should also not overheat. The side or stomach, just till they are calm, the back is the only safe position for a baby to sleep in. The shush – this should be louder than what you expect it to be. The swing – they should jiggle like when you take a drive and go over a very bumpy road and the head jiggles and then the sucking from a pacifier or nursing. And if those 5 doesn’t work? What a stupidly great question. If it doesn’t work, then you are doing it wrong. Watch the video again and then try it again. If you have done all that then you should maybe go to the doctor to check for food allergies or other underlying problems. Please explain to me your concept of Toddler-ese? Remember toddler-ese has three techniques: Repetition, short phrases and mirroring. You have to be empathetic. Empathy is important. Parents go too quickly to the ‘but’, without showing the empathy. When you apologise to an adult you are sincere, we should have the same energy. On a more serious note, Postpartum Depression is a reality and more people are getting affected. Why is it so common, do you think it has to do with our busy lives or is it just more acceptable now? It is a bit of both. Postpartum Depression is more of an anxious depression, where you check your baby

October 2018 | mychild

constantly to see if they are ok or the parents that washes their hands all the time or can’t sleep. Do you have tips on how to cope with Postpartum Depression? You have to speak to people about it. Get a support network and speak to them. Also, you have to get enough sleep. They actually used sleep deprivation as a torture method years back. What tips do you have for new parents or parents to be? My slogan is, ‘Be flexible or die.’ Like if you get a caesarean instead of a natural birth. Prepare for anything. What does the future hold for you Dr. Karp? We want to rent the SNOO out per day like you would do with a breast pump, making it more accessible to all people. In 2019, we are starting that in the US and will hopefully bring that to Australia too. What in your career are you most proud of? I would say in all my years as a doctor, the SNOO has been sold to thousands of people and we did not have one death reported. So, that shows that we are saving lives. SNOO can be bought online as well as Dr. Karp’s The Happiest Baby on The Block and The Happiest Toddler On The Block.

The Ne Level oxt f Care

Now that’s peace of mind... Oricom BabysenseTM2 lets you rest easy by monitoring the breathing movement rate of your sleeping baby. • BabysenseTM2 is included as a medical device on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG No. 97479).

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Visit www.oricom.com.au to ﬁnd your nearest stockist. Babysense2 is intended for use as an Infant Apnoea Alarm. ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND USER GUIDE, USE ONLY AS DIRECTED.

The Nigh

Written by K

www.kylieka

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RELATIONSHIP

ht Watch

Kylie Kaden

aden.com.au

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‘You want me to get up? But I have work in the morning!’ These words are heard in bedrooms throughout the globe when a baby cries in the wee hours. While some relish every precious moment with a newborn (yes, even the ones at 3am) for others, months of broken sleep can feel like torture. So, when both parents are exhausted, who should take responsibility when those midnight cries risk your sanity, and relationship? Here’s five reasons why sharing the night shift is the best thing for both your relationship, and your baby.

1. SANITY. Most humans don’t function well on four hours sleep per night for months on end; think grumpy, negative pain in the backside. Do you really want to live with that easily-frustrated, sleep-deprived zombie, and allow them to drive your child/ren around? Even if breastfeeding, attending to the baby all night every night shouldn’t automatically fall to the mum. To keep all members of the household sane, invest in a pump so both parents can do night feeds (one at a time, there is no need for both parents to lose sleep), and work out a roster (before the midnight cry) so both partners are at their best when they need to be. 64

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RELATIONSHIP 2. SAFETY Often, the fact that women have breasts (and maternity leave) sees to women carrying the lions share in the initial months, and men supporting the family financially. It sounds fair – one job each, the only catch is, caring for babies is twenty-four hours a day with no weekends or sick pay. Sure, employees in the workforce generally request you stay awake (also pretty vital for surgeons, pilots and bus-drivers, for example) but so does the task of keeping an infant alive (and often, care for older siblings too). Choking, drowning, unattended stovetops – these hazards present fatal consequences to infants if they’re caregiver can’t stay awake to supervise them. (Even more dangerous: telling your wife you can’t help as you have to work is saying the work she does is less valuable and therefore, deserves less respect. Worth the consequences?) If you want science on it: new findings in the Journal of Sleep Research (Feb, 2018) found staying up all night harms a woman’s working memory far more than a man’s, which can lead to judgement errors and thereby increased risk of accidents.

3. BONDING Babies are only little for a moment. Why not savor it? A weird kind of magic blankets the world in the wee hours. The house creaks. Time stops. There’s nowhere to rush to, and only your child to steal your attention. Only when you’ve taken an unsettled baby by the light of the clock radio and satiated their needs till they fall asleep, serene and content, can you feel that sense of satisfaction and purpose. A child will never look at you like a stranger if you’ve done the hard yards in the dark hours, and really gotten to know your child.

4. COUPLEDOM You created the life together, why not share the hard stuff? Feeling unsupported leads to seething resentment. Seeing each other as equal partners and a source of support will do wonders for your relationship. Don’t count hours or keep note like it’s a contest. You are on the same team. Do what’s best to keep you both functioning. (warning: faking sleep when baby cries to force your other-half to act is a rookie mistake – we can tell - it’s all in the breathing). Becoming parents is hard – make sure your relationship doesn’t suffer for.

5. EMPATHY. No one can truly understand how exhausting parenting 24/7 can be (or the joys it can bring) when the longest shift they’ve taken is a token afternoon. Unless you’ve put your own needs on hold, day in, day out, to take care of a child, it is hard to know what support to give, when a cup of tea or hug is required most (and the brownie points earned for helping more are far more likely to get you that leave-pass for a game of Golf or night out). Caring for a new baby is a challenging, but also a joyous time. Communicate openly about your feelings regarding night feeds during the day when you have time and energy to discuss the best plan in a non-combative way. Does one of you relish night snuggles with your baby? Manage to be delightful on three hours sleep, or falls back to sleep a moment after the duties are done? Helping each other stay afloat in those often, grueling early months of sleep deprivation can help avoid the risk of physical and mental burnout. Besides, appreciation is the best aphrodisiac. October 2018 | mychild

Growing up i Written by Sheree Hoddinett

When did they get so big?! When you’re looking back at old photos, the differences are amazing. It’s funny how I can look exactly the same (maybe a teeny tiny bit older) but my girls have changed so much just in the space of 12 months. 12 months!!! The days do feel long, but they’re really not. Kids just make them feel longer, especially if they keep you up all night, haha! It’s certainly awesome doing the comparison shots of the changes. Gone are the cute little baby faces and in their place are the wide smiles of little girls. Although I still love their chubby hands and

Their cheeky smiles and laughter still get me, even when I’m mad because they have done something naughty. There’s something about little giggles that just make my heart melt. Maybe it’s because we’re linked by DNA. I have to like the sound, or maybe because it is very cute. On the other hand, it’s not so cute being whacked in the face for the fun of it or being called some weird unmentionable names. Sometimes they’re funny but I guess you have to be there, in the original moment for it to make any sense. 66

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is hard to do It’s funny how grown up they can seem, almost overnight. Taking a fascination with body parts (mummy’s boobies or bum) or coming out with words that I think are way beyond their comprehension. Being a mum is like riding a rollercoaster full of ups, downs, twists and turns and at times you can pretty much guarantee someone will throw up. You can prepare until the cows come home, but there’s always going to be so much you don’t know. I look at them often and at times with a tear in my eye, thinking I’ve probably failed them. I worry that I’m a bad mum. Damn, that Mum Guilt, that old chestnut never goes away. I yell because they don’t put toys away. I yell again because they aren’t listening. I’ve smacked little bottoms for rudeness and throwing of toys. Yet, they still want their mummy, even when I don’t feel worthy of those beautiful smiling faces. Yes, I’m a Mum who has unknowingly continued on with anxiety and depression knocking on the door. No, I’m not saying all this because I’m looking for sympathy. I’m putting it out there because so many people have had things eat away at them so much, but it’s just become a part of them without any realisation of the

growing problem and potential damage building up around them. If I’m proud of anything, other than working through my “issues” (they’re definitely still there, trust me), is that although I’ve failed at and probably wrecked so many aspects of my life already, there are two things I have managed to get right, my beautiful “baby” girls. Although if you ask them, I’m quickly reminded that they aren’t babies, they are big girls now. Deep down I know I’m a pretty good mum. It’s those cute milestones they reach and the big smiles when they achieve something cool (like Miss Izzie writing her own name and a few others) that really bring me back down to Earth. I may never have a good grip on this mum thing, but I can never hide from the cheeky monsters anyway. They keep finding me…usually looking for chocolate…so I can’t give up just yet. There is plenty more where this came from, so jump onto my website www.shereekim.com and either commiserate or laugh, either way I’m used to it! Until next time….

October 2018 | mychild

Does Your Baby Love to Fall Asleep in The Pram? 68 68

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October 2018 | mychild

There are many reasons why babies love being in and falling asleep in a pram. Firstly, there’s the gentle rocking motion they feel while being pushed around, then there’s the being tucked up in a blanket or swaddled in the cocoon like environment, which kind of mimics being in a parent’s arms, add in the soothing white noise that’s all around, it’s no wonder that babies love being taken for strolls in their prams.

home and realise the only way to settle your baby is to pop them in the pram and go for a walk. At first, you’ll be ok with it, anything to keep your baby happy is worth doing right! You’ll walk them around the house, up and down the street and maybe even go for a longer neighbourhood walk, but after months of doing this, through rain, hail or shine, it can unfortunately become a tiresome task.

Now having a baby that loves the pram comes with many benefits. It allows you to get out and about with your baby and continue to live the life you love. It means that you can get some precious me time back whether it’s getting your nails done, getting a blowout or simply enjoying a hot meal with your family (enjoy them I say, because when toddler years hit, I swear, it will be 3 years before you enjoy another freshly cooked hot meal that hasn’t be reheated in the microwave or oven!). This is just naming just a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy when you have a baby that loves the pram.

However, there is a solution to this problem and Pramrolla has the perfect device to help you settle your little one without you needing to leave the house.

But with everything that’s good there comes a bad. Allowing your baby to fall asleep in the pram seems harmless until you get

October 2018 | mychild

Dean Fanning the Owner and Inventor of the Pramrolla created this device that all parents didn’t know they needed when he and his wife Nikki had just brought home baby #3. Growing into a family of five with three kids under 3 ½ years of age plus two working parents presented the Fanning Family with some challenges. Baby #3 did not settle or want to sleep in his cot but was happy to have a sleep when being pushed around in his pram. Dean started to wonder if there was anything in the market that could help him?

After searching the internet and making enquiries at baby stores resulted in nothing, Dean decided that he could create a device that would recreate the same pram walk sensation without having to leave the house. Dean purchased a few bits and pieces, and after tinkering in his shed for a while, the first prototype of Pramrolla was born. With the success of the Pramrolla with the youngest Fanning, Dean refined the prototype and tested it on his family and friends that had babies and the feedback he got was amazing. Many of Dean’s parent friends felt that they had gained back some level of control instead of being tied to a pram and were so grateful for the device and its simplicity in using. That was the beginning of the Pramrolla journey! So how does it work you ask? The Pramrolla runs off your standard mains power and the device sits under a wheel of any 3 or 4-wheel full size pram and spins that wheel to create the sleep lulling effect of white motion. The Pramrolla has been designed to use for all babies, especially those who love

to sleep in a pram or even the car and it’s suitable to use from birth to around 12-14 months of age. The best part is that you’re not actually going anywhere because the pram stays in the same spot, just with one of its wheels spinning! If you are struggling with being tied to the pram and want to give yourself a break and keep your baby happy, check out the Pramrolla and order yours today for just $99.00 www.shop.pramrolla.com.au Pramrolla shouldn’t be used as a substitute for established best practice sleeping guidelines as advocated by your Maternal Health Nurse or other recognised experts such as SIDS and KIDS. Pramrolla is designed for short sleeps of between 30 – 120minutes.

October 2018 | mychild

TOY

Reviews

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October October 2018 2018 || mychild mychild

TOY REVIEWS REVIEWED BY SHEREE ECHLIN

JELLYCAT LOLLOPYLOU (LARGE) Rainbows, unicorns and magical times, there really isn’t much better when it comes to fun and imaginary play today. Enter Lollopylou, full of fizz in super sherbet colours. This cool, kooky unicorn has creamy fur and a squishy magical horn. Braid that beautiful ribbony mane or squash those bonny bright hooves. The perfect companion for fairy-tale dreams and sparkling forest adventures.

Our verdict Everyone is crazy about unicorns these days and it’s no wonder, they are pretty cool for an (ahem) imaginary animal. Sorry, they’re pretty horses with horns, aren’t they? Lollopylou is a beautiful unicorn for the young (and young at heart) and of course, there’s a little bit of magic that comes along with this character. I fell in love with the soft creamy fur the minute the wrapping came off, but I think I’ll have some competition with my two unicorn-and-rainbow-loving daughters wanting to take her off my hands. Oh, to be young again!

RRP - $69.95 AVAILABLE FROM: INDEPENDENCE STUDIOS - WWW.ISGIFT.COM, MISS N MASTER, DISCOUNTTOYCO.COM.AU, MIGHTY APE

THE AUSTRALIAN COLLECTION WALL WALKING SPIDERS What has eight legs and sometimes scares even the manliest of men? If you said spiders, you’re spot on but it won’t be these wall walking spiders inducing the shrill screams, unless of course you’re playing some practical jokes. Have a bit of fun throwing these spiders at any tiled or glass surface (or person if you’re up for a laugh) and watch them walk down.

Our verdict If spiders and creepy crawlies aren’t your thing, it’s best to steer clear of these eight-legged monsters! With that being said, they are pretty fun and induce some giggles as they “come alive”. I’m not the biggest fan of spiders, so they definitely aren’t my cup of tea and you are semi-limited to the surfaces they actually “walk” on but all-in-all, they aren’t too bad for a quick play toy or even a stocking filler with Christmas just around the corner. At least these spiders can’t follow you around the room!

RRP - $6.95 AVAILABLE FROM: INDEPENDENCE STUDIOS - WWW.ISGIFT.COM 74

October 2018 | mychild

LEAPFROG LEAPBUILDERS ELEPHANT ADVENTURES It’s time for a new adventure! Learn about fruits, numbers, animals and more while building the elephant with easy grip blocks especially made for little hands. The elephant will respond with phrases, sounds and songs whenever one of the double-sided blocks are inserted into the magic window slot. Create your own animal shapes or match the picture on the building cards and bring your creations to life with movable blocks. Expand and Explore as you collect the rest of the LeapBuilders range – Phonics House, Fix-It Truck and more in the Wild Animals range.

Our verdict RRP - $34.95 AVAILABLE FROM: BIG W, GOOD TOY STORES AND ONLINE RETAILERS.

Take your little one on an adventure with their new elephant friend. Talking and colourful toys that little ones can learn from are always a good choice and although it may drive you “bananas”, it’ll be teaching them all about fruits, numbers, insects, colours and all the fun of music. It’s also a great tool for imagination, allowing kids to build what they want while they learn something new along the way with the help of the Interactive Smart Star Unit, which I found was a pretty clever way to allow kids to interact during the building process. It may not be the only talking/learning toy on the market, but it’s certainly one to take kids on a slightly different path for a change.

VTECH TOOT-TOOT DRIVERS DISNEY MICKEY’S MAGICAL WONDERLAND Go where the fun never ends with the Toot-Toot Drivers Mickey’s Magical Wonderland. Hop into the car with Mickey Mouse and experience this magical town. Go up the lift and slide down the ramp to push the boat back and forth, spin the gears and open the peek-a-boo windows to help promote motor skills. Little drivers can also activate five SmartPoint locations and listen to Mickey Mouse say fun phrases and encouraging words. It really is a magical place!

Our verdict You really can’t go wrong when it comes to all things Disney and Mickey Mouse is always a winner! Your little adventurer can listen to Mickey say fun phrases and encourage play time where they can get lost in the fun of their own imagination. It gets even better for the big Disney fans. You can also connect or interact with other play sets including Mickey’s Choo Choo Express or Minnie’s Ice Cream Parlour (sold separately). The biggest drawcard for me with interactive toys like this is what it teaches kids. Things like pretend play (using their imagination), music and of course, fine motor skills with holding and manoeuvring toys on tracks/wheels/gates etc. You might even say the big(ger) kids could a bit of fun out of this one too!

RRP - $79.95 AVAILABLE FROM: BIG W, GOOD TOY STORES AND ONLINE RETAILERS. October 2018 | mychild

reviews BOOK

October 2018 | mychild

Book Reviews Lemonade Jones By Davina Bell & Karen Blair This is the first book in a new series from the author of last year’s beautiful picture book Under the Love Umbrella. Readers are introduced to Lemonade Jones on her first day of Year One, and we follow her adventures as she learns the rules and navigates the social landscape of her new school. Lemonade Jones and her friends Leela Blue, Clark Dark, Penny Milkbar and Marcus Crackle are an instantly lovable bunch, and early readers aged 5-7 will love the humour and whimsy of their stories.

When I Was a Child By Andy Stanton & David Litchfield This book has the makings of a modern classic. The illustrations are simply stunning – the type that readers young and old can lose themselves in for hours, full of detail and wonder. The beautiful rhyming text tells of Emily’s grandmother describing to her granddaughter the magic that existed in the world before Emily was born - lamenting its disappearance, as she feels that the world has since turned ‘slow and cold’. Emily helps Grandma see that the magic still exists, and together they dive into the depths of their imaginations. This is a lovely book to share across generations, and will be enjoyed by readers aged three and up.

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Jacaranda Magic By Dannika Patterson and Megan Forward This book celebrates one of the simplest joys of childhood – spending an afternoon in a favourite tree. When five friends become bored on a hot summer day, a gust of wind leads them to discover the magic of their beautiful jacaranda tree. Using their imaginations, the tree becomes everything from a marshmallow cave to an asteroid-dodging spaceship, and its soft purple flowers become butterflies, genies, fairies, mermaids and finally, ‘fresh purple snow’. The lyrical rhyming text and lively illustrations will be enjoyed by readers aged 3-6. Jacaranda Magic is an excellent springboard for discussion about the wonders of playing in nature, in a world where many children (and adults!) are reliant on technology for entertainment.

Morris the Mole By Nicki Greenberg Young readers may be familiar with Nicki Greenberg’s fantastic sense of humour from The Naughtiest Reindeer books and the more recent Meerkat Choir. In this book, Greenberg brings us Morris, the mole who loves to dig. Morris’ digging creates mayhem as he pops out of the ground into the middle of Mouse’s birthday party, Rabbit’s vegetable shop, and Frog’s reading lesson. When Morris discovers a new passion, we get the feeling that the mayhem is about to move to a whole new level. This fun, engaging story will be enjoyed by mischief-makers aged 3-7.

REVIEWED

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GET THE LOOK:

interiors

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Kids Room

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TheKidsPrintStore - Boho Watercolor Tribal Headress, Arrows & Dreamcatcher $70 etsy.com/au

Travels Light Hot Air Balloon Model, Blue $65.00 livingstyles.com.au

Skulls on a white background $168 redbubble.com

October 2018 | mychild

Replica Philippe Starck Prince Aha Stool $59 mattblatt.com.au

Benjamin Curved Plywood Stool $69 mattblatt.com.au

HollysMeadow - Felt Elephant $172 etsy.com/au

October 2018 | mychild

GloriousHomeDecor - Gold zebra pillow Mustard zebra cushion $45 etsy.com/au

Farah Quilt Cover Set $79 templeandwebster.com.au

Seattle Desk Lamp in Antique Brass $288 thelightingoutlet.com.au

20 LED STAR Lights Battery Operated Fairy String $12.99 ebay.com.au

October 2018 | mychild

Nursery Style Credit: Lori Gentile Interior Design

October 2018 | mychild

Marken Large Round Ottoman, Classic Cream $599 brosa.com.au

NUMERO 74 Canopy Natural $219 designstuff.com.au

Koralky 3 Light Pendant in White Wash $695 beaconlighting.com.au

Casper White Linen Armchair $1,499 savaandco.com.au

October 2018 | mychild

Melissa & Doug Large Plush Giraffe 1.2 Metres Tall $179 mrtoys.com.au

Cocoon Flair Change Table $899 thebabycloset.com.au

October 2018 | mychild

Cocoon Flair 5 in 1 Cot $899 thebabycloset.com.au

BOUCLAIR SHINY SALOME RUG WHITE $99 spotlightstores.com

BARRIER BALM $37.95 aromababy.com NATURAL BABY LOTION $26.95 aromababy.com

MOISTURISING NAPPY CHANGE CREAM $22.95 aromababy.com

Artificial Peony Classic Vase - White $138.85 flowerama.net.au

October 2018 | mychild

shop

KIDS

fashion

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shop

KIDS BABY

GIRLS Tassel Tee $7 rrp

Dip Hem Singlet Top $2.50 rrp

UNDER

Printed Boardshorts $5 rrp Printed Thongs $3 rrp

Sandals $12 rrp https://www.kmart.com.au/

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

BEBE Hank Night Sky Tee $32.95 rrp

UNDER

Moto Detail Twill Pants $12 rrp

FOX & FINCH Bunny Denim Jegging $36.95 rrp MOSSIMO ANDRE $39.95 rrp https://www.myer.com.au

EVE’S SISTER Indi Wolf Tee $34.95 rrp EVE’S SISTER Tara Legging $34.95 rrp CONVERSE Chuck Taylor Crib Hi $34.95 rrp https://www.myer.com.au

SPLURGE

TARTINE ET CHOCOLAT Flannel dress $139 rrp SOPHIA WEBSTER Mini Me Butterfly leather babies - Chiara $199 rrp

LACOSTE Printed dress $105 rrp POM D’API Printed leather babies Daisy Baby $126 rrp https://www.melijoe.com/au/

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

October 2018 | mychild

shop

KIDS

WHAT’S IN OUR STORES THIS MONTH BOYS

BABY Striped Long Sleeve Tee $4.50 rrp

UNDER

Denim Shorts $7 rrp Clog Sandals $12 rrp https://www.kmart.com.au/

Long Sleeve Printed Tee $2.50 rrp Poplin Shorts $8 rrp Beach Sandals $15 rrp https://www.kmart.com.au/

UNDER

FOX & FINCH Mr Fox “Superhero Fox” Tee $34.95 rrp

BAUHAUS Palm Tree Tourist Shirt $34.95 rrp

SPROUT Cargo Pant $34.95 rrp

INDIE KIDS BY INDUSTRIE Cuba Chino Pant $59.95 rrp

OLD SOLES EAZY JOGGER $50 rrp

DC ANVIL TX SE $59.95 rrp

https://www.myer.com.au/

ARMANI JUNIOR Trompe l’œil T-shirt $102 rrp

SPLURGE

TIMBERLAND Boy slim fit fleece jeans $100 rrp DOLCE & GABBANA Beach sandals $111 rrp

https://www.myer.com.au/

ELEVEN PARIS Unisex Football shirt Eleven Paris x Melijoe $110 rrp STONE ISLAND Fleece tracksuit pants $187 rrp ADIDAS ORIGINALS Trainers with laces Samba OG $128 rrp

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

October 2018 | mychild

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

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Claws Duffel Bag $70.00 Organic Leopard Spots Short $40.00 Organic A Cat For Everyone Singlet Onsie $40.00 Organic Crown Tiger Shortsleeve Onsie $50.00

October 2018 | mychild

Organic Crown Tiger Cardigan $50.00 Organic Crown Tiger Shortsleeve Onsie $50.00

Organic A Cat For Everyone Singlet Onsie

Organic Cat Eyes Shorts $40.00

Organic Claws Cardigan $50.00 Organic Claws Tee $40.00 Organic Leopard Spots Short $40.00 98

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Organic Claws Short Sleeve Romper $50.00

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Organic Claws Short Sleeve Romper - $50.00

Tiger Badges Straight Hem Tee $45.00 Double Leopard Harem Shorts $40.00 Leopard Spots Contour Tee $45.00 Cat Badges Sleeveless Hood $60.00 Crown Tiger Relaxed Shorts $50.00

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Cat Eyes Oversize Tee $45.00 Cat Eyes Mesh Trucker Hat $40.00

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Meow Oversize Tee $45.00 Cat Eyes Mesh Trucker Hat $40.00

Organic Claws Short Crown Tiger Muscle Tank $50.00

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October 2018

Recipes

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BREAKFAST

INGREDIENTS

Spring vegie pancakes *0:10 Prep *0:15 Cook *Makes 10

* 2 cups spring vegetables, finely chopped or grated (such as potato, zucchini, shallots, silverbeet, baby spinach, parsley) * 80g (1/2 cup) wholemeal self-raising flour * 1 egg * 125ml (1/2 cup) milk * 1-2 tablespoons tamari, to taste * 1 avocado, peeled, thinly sliced * 85g (1/3 cup) whole egg mayonnaise * Baby spinach leaves, extra, to serve (optional)

METHOD * Step 1: Place the vegetables in a bowl. Sprinkle with the flour and toss to coat. * Step 2: Whisk the egg and milk in a jug. Add tamari, to taste. Pour over the vegetable mixture. Stir until well combined and a thick batter forms. * Step 3: Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Spray with oil. Spoon 1/4-cupfuls of the vegetable mixture into the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes. Turn and cook for a further 1-2 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter, in batches, to make a total of 10 pancakes. * Step 4: Divide the pancakes among serving plates. Top with the avocado and mayonnaise. Season. Serve with extra spinach, if using.

Photo Credit: Jeremy Simons 106 106

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Strawberry french toast Photo Credit: taste.com.au

INGREDIENTS

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

* * * * * * * * *

250g punnet strawberries, hulled, halved 1/4 cup (40g) icing sugar mixture 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 tablespoon water 2 eggs 1/3 cup (80ml) milk 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 40g butter, chopped 1 loaf Coles Bakery Pane di casa bread, cut into 8 slices * 2 tablespoons icing sugar mixture, extra * 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, extra * Strawberries, extra, halved, to serve

METHOD * Step 1: Combine strawberries, 2 tablespoons icing sugar, vinegar and water in a medium bowl. Stand for 5 mins. Place strawberry mixture in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 mins or until strawberries soften and a sauce forms. Set aside. * Step 2: Meanwhile, whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon and remaining icing sugar in a medium bowl. Melt half of the butter in large frying pan on medium heat. Dip 4 bread slices into egg mixture for 10 seconds. Transfer to pan and cook for 1 min each side or until golden. Transfer to serving plates. Wipe pan clean. Repeat with remaining butter and bread. * Step 3: Combine extra icing sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Serve French toast topped with strawberry compote and fresh strawberries, dusted with the cinnamon sugar.

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Fresh prawn spring rolls

LUNCH

* 0:47 Prep * 0:05 Cook * Makes 20

INGREDIENTS

* 50g rice vermicelli noodles * 20 round (20cm diameter) rice paper sheets * 20 cooked king prawns, peeled, deveined, halved lengthways * 1 cup (55g) bean sprouts, trimmed * 1 carrot, peeled, cut into matchsticks * 1/4 cup (40g) finely chopped peanuts * 20 mint leaves * 20 coriander leaves PEANUT SAUCE * 1 tablespoon peanut oil * 1 garlic clove, finely chopped * 2 fresh red birdseye chillies, seeded, finely chopped * 1/2 cup (80g) unsalted roasted peanuts, finely chopped * 1/2 cup (125ml) water * 1/3 cup (80ml) coconut milk * 1 tablespoon lime juice * 1 tablespoon fish sauce * 1 tablespoon brown sugar

METHOD * Step 1: To make the peanut sauce, heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and chilli and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until aromatic. Add the peanuts, water, coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce and sugar and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. * Step 2: Place the noodles in a small heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside for 5 minutes to soften. Drain well. * Step 3: Soak 1 rice paper sheet in warm water for 30 seconds or until soft. Drain on paper towel. Place on a clean work surface. Place 2 prawn halves along the centre of the rice paper sheet. Add a little of the noodles, bean sprouts, carrot, peanuts, a mint leaf and coriander leaf. Fold in ends and roll up firmly to enclose filling. Repeat to make 20 spring rolls. * Step 4: Place on a platter and serve with peanut sauce. 108 108

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Photo Credit: Steve Brown

Lemony salmon pasta with spring vegetables and ricotta

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

0:10 Prep 0:15 Cook 4 Servings

400g fettuccine 500g Coles skin off salmon fillets 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 leek, pale section only, thinly sliced 1 garlic clove, crushed 1 large zucchini, peeled into ribbons 1 lemon, zested, juiced (1/4 cup juice) 2 tablespoons chopped dill 1 cup (120g) frozen peas, thawed 150g fresh firm ricotta, crumbled Lemon wedges, to serve Dill sprigs, extra, to serve Crusty bread, to serve

METHOD * Step 1: Cook fettuccine in a saucepan of boiling salted water following packet directions or until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. * Step 2: Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-heat. Cook the salmon for 3 mins each side for medium. Transfer to a plate. Set aside for 5 mins to rest. * Step 3: Heat oil in the same frying pan over medium-low heat. Add leek and cook for 3 mins or until softened. Add garlic, zucchini and lemon zest and cook for 2 mins or until zucchini softens. Add lemon juice, dill and peas and cook for 2 mins. Add pasta to the pan with the reserved cooking liquid and ricotta. Gently toss to combine.

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DINNER

INGREDIENTS

Spring vegetable and haloumi bowl * 0:20 Prep * 0:30 Cook * 4 Servings

* * * * *

200g (1 cup) brown rice 1 bunch baby carrots, trimmed, peeled 1 bunch broccolini, trimmed 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed 60ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil, plus 2 teaspoons, extra * 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, (plus lemon halves and lemon zest), to serve * 1 teaspoon honey * 250g haloumi, thinly sliced * 1/4 red cabbage, shredded * Guacamole, to serve * Snow pea tendrils or baby spinach, to serve

METHOD * Step 1: Cook the rice in a large saucepan of boiling water for 25 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside to cool. * Step 2: Meanwhile, steam the baby carrots until tender. Place the broccolini and asparagus in a large heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Set aside for 2 minutes or until tender-crisp. Drain and transfer to a large bowl of iced water to cool. Drain and pat dry. Cut any thick stems of broccolini in half lengthways. Cut the asparagus in half lengthways. * Step 3: Combine the olive oil, lemon juice and honey in a small screw-top jar. Season. Seal tightly and shake to combine. * Step 4: Drizzle 2 tablespoons dressing over rice. Stir to combine. Divide rice among serving bowls. * Step 5: Heat the extra 2 teaspoons olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook haloumi for 1 minute each side or until golden. Divide haloumi, carrots, broccolini, asparagus and cabbage among serving bowls. Top with guacamole, snow pea tendrils or spinach, and lemon zest. Drizzle with remaining dressing. Serve with lemon halves.

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Photo Credit: Guy Bailey

Spring vegetable bake with cheddar and parmesan sauce Photo Credit: Rob Palmer

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

1/2 small cauliflower, cut into florets 2 medium zucchini, thickly sliced 1 bunch broccolini, cut into 5cm lengths 150g snow peas, trimmed 25g butter 2 tablespoons plain flour 1 1/4 cups milk 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

METHOD * Step 1: Preheat oven to 210Â°C/190Â°C fan-forced. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil over high heat. Cook cauliflower for 4 minutes or until just tender, adding zucchini and broccolini after 1 minute and snow peas after 2 minutes of cooking time. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to a plate lined with paper towel to drain. Arrange vegetables in a 6 cup-capacity ovenproof dish. * Step 2: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until mixture is bubbling. Remove from heat. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Return to heat. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheddar. Season with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over vegetables. Sprinkle with parmesan. Bake for 15 minutes or until top is golden. Stand for 2 minutes. Serve.

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DESSERT

Spring fruit salad

Photo Credit: Ben Dearnley

INGREDIENTS * * * * * * *

* 0:15 Prep * 0:10 Cook * 8 Servings

5 large pink grapefruit 1 cup white sugar 1 vanilla bean 1.3kg seedless watermelon 3 Red Delicious apples 400g red grapes, removed from stalks 2 x 250g punnets strawberries, sliced

METHOD * Step 1: Juice 1 grapefruit. Combine sugar and 1/2 cup grapefruit juice in a small saucepan. Cut vanilla bean through centre, leaving bean connected at base. Scrape soft black seeds out of centre. Add seeds and bean to sugar mixture. Stir over low heat for 5 minutes or until sugar has dissolved and syrup just comes to the boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, without stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Allow to cool completely. * Step 2: Using a knife, remove skin and pith from remaining 4 grapefruit. Cut into wedges. Remove skin from watermelon. Cut flesh into 2cm cubes. Cut apples into quarters. Remove cores and discard. Dice apple.

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* Step 3: Arrange watermelon in a large serving bowl. Top with grapes, apples, grapefruit and strawberries. Drizzle with syrup. Serve.

Figs and biscotti with honey cream Photo Credit: Con Poulos

* 0:20 Prep * 4 Servings INGREDIENTS * * * * *

150ml thickened cream 2 tablespoons honey 100ml Greek-style natural yoghurt 22 almond biscotti (Unibic brand) 6 fresh figs, cut lengthways into 5mm-thick slices

METHOD * Step 1: Use an electric beater to whisk to the cream and honey in a medium bowl until soft peaks form. Add the yoghurt and whisk until mixture thickens. * Step 2: Place the biscotti in a plastic bag and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to crush the biscuits until mixture is coarsely crumbled. * Step 3: To serve, place 1 tablespoon of cream mixture in each glass and top with 1 tablespoon of crushed biscotti then 3-4 slices of fig. Repeat layers. October 2018 2018 || mychild mychild October

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