ISSUE NO.2 AUG 2015 AUSTRALIA
BUDGETING FOR BUB
OVERACHIEVERS UNDERACHIEVERS PARENTING
BUMP & BUB
n e d r a G s t h g i l e D PARTY IDEAS
CONTENTS ISSUE NO.2 AUG 2015
22 6
HELLO
06 #Trending 08 Negative Exposure 11 Overachievers vs. Underachievers Education Series 2015 15 How to Encourage Your Little Learner
Hello and welcome to the second edition of PakMag Australia. Thank you so much to everyone who supported our first edition. What a way to hit the national stage! We are so pleased with the great feedback received and are very grateful for all the support to date. This month we cover how to host a gorgeous garden party, we give you some ideas on how to use all those unwanted buttons, and inspire you to head to the Whitsundays to escape the winter chill. Please join us on our social media channels if you haven’t already - any support you can offer by sharing us with your friends would be very much appreciated. Until next time, have a fabulous month, and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.
Bree x
17 Hidden Dangers 18 What's in a Name? 21 Budgeting for Bub Bump & Bub 22 Bump & Bub Products 26 Gender Disappointment Bump & Bub 28 Recipe Ideas 30 Garden Delights Party Ideas 32 How Does Your Garden Grow? Home 34 Save the Bees 37 Health
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DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.
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TRENDING
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PASTEL PUNCH A4 ART PRINT RRP $10.00 WEB www.yorkelee.com.au Pastel Punch print is from the pastel home range. Beautiful pastel colours and simple shapes creates this winning combination. Printed on 200gsm matte, satin or bond paper stock for optimum quality.
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ASHLEIGH & BURWOOD HOME FRAGRANCE PACK RRP $79.00 WEB www.finefragrance.com Stimulate the senses and beautify the home with specialist fragrance products from Ashleigh & Burwood. Featuring on-trend European designs that complement home decor and gorgeous aromas to awaken the senses, Ashleigh & Burwood perfumes and fragrance accessories create the perfect setting to relax. Premium Fragrance Lamps from Ashleigh & Burwood have a rich history dating back to 1898. Today, Ashleigh & Burwood offer a visually appealing product that still actively purifies, cleanses and fragrances the air in your home. Featuring delicate hand blown glass and glamorous mosaic designs, each lamp is carefully handmade and crafted from the highest quality materials with the sophisticated customer in mind.
THOMAS & FRIENDS: TROUBLES ON THE TRACKS Cinders and ashes... there's trouble on the tracks for Thomas and his friends! The Troublesome Trucks delight in causing chaos for Thomas, as Annie, Clarabel and Toad encounter unexpected high-speed adventures. James runs into trouble with some clip coaches and Percy ends up in an old mine.
www.pakmag.com.au AUGUST 2015
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NegEaXtPivOSeURE
PARENTING
Story Jenna Gallina
We cannot control the news, but we can control what we expose ourselves and our children to. The question is… should we? Leading experts and our Pakmag parents weigh in on the good, bad and ugly truths involving negative media exposure. The world is a different place compared to 30 years ago. While I grew up snacking on sugary sweets (sometimes), walking home from school unattended and watching the 6:00pm news every night, many parents will agree that it is no longer safe or smart for children to do any of these. There is no doubt that children are exposed to much more information and news than previous generations. In a world where the stream of social, digital and broadcast media is almost constant and widely available to the whole household, negativity seems to lurk in every corner. Turn the television on and it’s there. Escape to the land of Twitter and it’s there. Talk to a friend at school drop off and it’s there. Death, illness, violence, natural disasters, terrorism, kidnapping – this is the world we live in. But has it affected our outlook on life? Are we more cautious because of it? And could it be negatively impacting our children? Saying No to Negative News The Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) thinks so, especially for children under the age of eight. They cite scary television, both fictional and not, as causing sleep disturbance, fear and anxiety in young children. The media tends to overdramatise everything. We get stressed out and negative when we really don’t need to. Our mums who have turned their homes into no-news households have noticed a huge difference in their children’s behaviour. “My youngest is incredibly sensitive and having access to this negativity wasn’t doing him any favours.”
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However, it isn’t just violence in the media that the experts are claiming cause fear in children. According to the ACCM, programs that feature “illness, death, aggression” and “the sense that something is lurking” such as the death scene in Bridge to Terabithia, the dementor scene in Harry Potter and the “Marshmallow” ice monster scene in Frozen are the ones causing the most anxiety in our kids. It’s not just the children that are impacted by constant negativity in the media. Exposure can cause parents to become cautious, concerned and cynical. You may not even realise that the negative media has changed your mindset until you eliminate or reduce it from your life. No News is Bad News But is it really a good idea to eliminate anything potentially negative from the lives of children in fear it will upset them? Educator and author Dr Kevin Donnelly warns that not exposing our children to real events can leave them unprepared for life. Many of our Pakmag readers agree. “They need to know what’s going on in our community,” Dwayne tells us. Forbidding children from seeing both positive and negative media, whether through books, the Internet, movies or the news, can mean they are missing out on valuable life lessons and conversations that will shape their development. “I find it reassuring that my growing primary school aged family have reassuring, confident, positive opinions to counter-act the negative,” mum of four, Paula explains.
“It’s surprising to hear our future generation comment on how the world should continue to act.” Finding the Medium in Media Yes, the news and the world we live in can be scary but only if a child is left with unanswered questions. Melbourne psychologist Dr Rob Gordon recommends not leaving children alone in front of the television without an adult present and to never assume children understand the proximity, impact and reason of an event. "If your children are going to see it, talk to them about it. Explain where and when it happened," he said. Not only does this deter anxiety but it also helps to develop empathy. “I make sure we discuss what she has watched and understands that bad things do happen,” Lyn tells Pakmag. “There is a lot of negativity in our world, but there is also so much positive," Dr. Gordon said. "Even though the number of bad people is outnumbered by the number of good people, we don't have a lot of stories about good people doing things.” "It's very important for parents to let their children know that they are surrounded by people that care for them at school, at home and so on." At the end of the day, regardless of what others think, what the experts say or what the studies reveal, the choice comes down to you. The decision should be made on a child-by-child basis and what is best for your family as a whole. Like all big parenting decisions, it’s not an easy one to make. And there is no right or wrong answer.
PARENTING
WHAT PAKMAG PARENTS THINK Do you let your children watch the news and be exposed to negative media? “No. I still want my kids to be exposed to everyday stuff, but I just don’t think the media needs to be the one to expose them” - Bree (mum of two) “They watch it sometimes, but if it is too negative I prefer to change the channel. But we always discuss the topics covered.” - Kristen (mum of three)
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“Yes, my daughter sometimes watches the news and other shows that are probably for older viewers. I make sure we discuss what she has watched and she understands that bad things do happen.” - Lyn (mum of two) “My kids are still too young to watch the news. But I think they need to be aware of what's around them but at an appropriate age.” - Danielle (mum of two) “No. My son is not mature enough to process the news and separate reality from fantasy.” - Laura (mum of one) Join the conversation through our PakMag Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/PakMagAustralia
YAY OR NAY TO NEGATIVE MEDIA? NAY:
• Allows for a more positive environment • Prevents fear and anxiety in children • Encourages parents to expose children to experiences rather than relying on the media • Avoids sensationalised and unnecessary drama that does not involve them
Stay tuned for our feature on Gaining Control of your Facebook Account next month.
YAY:
• Engages conversation with your children • Encourages opinions and develops understanding about the world around them • Helps them to prepare for both the positive and negative things that happen • Encourages empathy for others
NEGAtive media, positive outcomes When exposing your children to the big bad world of broadcast, digital and social media, try these tips: • Talk to them about what they are seeing, answer their questions and help them to develop realistic views about threats and danger. • Help your child to understand where the event fits in relation to them. • Remind them of the positive stories. One plane may crash, but thousands make it to their destination without a problem. These stories may not make it to the news but they are still worth mentioning, especially if your child seems anxious or confused. • Watch a child-friendly news program such as the ABC’s Behind the News.
• Save your dramatic discussions for after the kids go to bed. Children are well aware of your reactions and they will play an important role in shaping children’s perceptions. • Slay negativity on social media. I will be the first to admit that Facebook is my go-to guide for all things news. Because of this my newsfeed is always filled with negativity, from local and national pages and even from friends who are having a bad day. Hide, restrict or fully block certain people, pages and status updates from popping up on your feed through the settings tab.
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EDUCATION
2015 Education Series
How can we nurture both types of children?
are many and varied and there is no ‘one size fits all’ definition.
Story Mary Kershaw
Typically, underachievers are unable to self-start and always find excuses. While they may be very active in their sporting and social life they may find school boring. They are often more laid back, easy going and content when compared to overachievers.
As parents we all hope our children will develop a healthy relationship with achievement. But could our well -meaning comments, encouragement, questions and expectations trigger in them the need to overachieve or underachieve? And, if your child is showing signs of overachievement or underachievement, what can we do to nurture and support them? How do we know if our child is developing unrealistic expectations for themselves? Characteristics of overachievers and underachievers
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Typically, overachievers are driven, intelligent, focussed and motivated. They seek out interesting challenges and are prepared to pay a high personal price for success. They tend to have a hard time accepting second place and are constantly striving to be better which can lead to anxiety, stress and disappointment.
Where Does My Child Fit In?
Let’s look at how each type typically responds to some everyday themes parents are familiar with:
Facing challenges
Setting goals
Overcoming obstacles
Underachievers • Tend to avoid challenges • Lack the motivation and skills needed to plan and finish a task
Underachievers • Are unable to set realistic goals for themselves
Underachievers • Give up easily, lack perseverance • Avoid hard work and make excuses for why deadlines are not met
Overachievers • Love a challenge • Thrive on the chance of success, praise or recognition
Handling the success of others Underachievers • See themselves as competing with others • Feel threatened by their success • Although they aspire to be winners, they are poor losers Overachievers • Compete with themselves • Look for successful people to help them achieve their goals
Overachievers • Struggle to set meaningful goals and instead work to achieve goals set for them by others
Receiving feedback Underachievers • Ignore constructive criticism so they don’t have to change their behaviour Overachievers • Can be anxious, addicted to praise and approval and crushed by negative feedback • Focus on the image of success and not the momentum which means they can find it difficult to step back, reflect and change course
Overachievers • Are perfectionists but can view too many choices as an obstacle • Become paralysed and unable to make a decision • Avoid difficulties that may compromise their image of being successful
Maintaining organisation Underachievers • Work best when their personal space is disorganised • Can easily work without a set or detailed plan in place Overachievers • Require organisation and cleanliness in their work space • Rely on making detailed lists for how they will achieve their goals
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EDUCATION
Nurturing Overachievers & Underachievers Some children may fit perfectly into one category or the other; some children will not. So how do we help our children thrive regardless of their personality traits? Compiling a list of strategies to suit your family can help. Here are a few to consider.
Strategies for Parents of Underachievers • Love each child unconditionally and celebrate who they are • Keep conversation, advice and feedback realistic but positive and encouraging • Encourage diversity and don’t compare your child with others • Avoid overscheduling and allow for downtime • Focus on strengths and downplay weaknesses • Model life-long learning • Provide schedule and routine at home • Frame your child’s perceived failures or setbacks as learning opportunities • Get to know your child’s passions and strengths and keep your expectations of them achievable
Strategies for Parents of Overachievers • Model what’s important: family, work-life balance, self-care, character, hobbies • Help your child find ways to study more efficiently • Help your child regulate their expectations of themselves, that they can be proud of giving their best effort as opposed to being proud of winning or getting top marks • Identify when your child is taking on too much and intervene • Provide opportunities to unwind and switch off • Help your child see wasted effort or setbacks as an opportunity to change direction or try a new strategy • Identify interests and limit options and decisions • Help your child prioritise goals Information about how we can best help our children develop self-worth and find life-balance is often contradictory. The best thing we can do as parents is to embrace our children’s individual traits that make them special, regardless of whether they may show characteristics of overachieving, underachieving, both or neither.
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Know your child's Learning Style Knowing your children’s individual learning style can help you customise their education and study environment to suit their needs. The Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences breaks down learning styles into various categories. Where do your children fit in?
Linguist Learner
• Good with words, communicating and language • Enjoys reading and writing and learns well through individual and independent work
Logical Learner
• Good with numbers, scientific reasoning, patterns and logical thinking • Enjoys mathematical equations and predicting outcomes of events
Spatial Learner
• Good with pictures, charts, graphs and visual learning • Enjoys design, art and photography
Kinaesthetic Learner
• Requires movement to learn • Enjoys hands-on activities, physical exercise and discovering how things work through action
Auditory Learner
• Good with rhythm, sound, tone and music • Enjoys playing musical instruments, singing, performing and learns well through lectures
Interpersonal Learner • Good with communication and showing empathy to other’s moods and feelings • Enjoys group work, debate and social interaction
Intrapersonal Learner
• Good with self-reflection • Enjoys solitary and individual work
Natural Learner
• Good with outdoor and hands-on activities • Enjoys doing, rather than watching and learning in a natural environment
Like your child’s temperament, changing your child’s learning style is next to impossible. Rather than trying to make your intrapersonal learner more extroverted, experts advise that parents learn to nourish their individual learning style, which, in turn, will help your child feel more confident and enthusiastic to learn.
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HOW TO ENCOURAGE
Your Little Learner Story Jenna Gallina
Teacher and author Robert John Meehan tells parents that “it shouldn’t matter how slowly some children learn as long as we are encouraging them not to stop.” And as accurate as this is, it can be hard not to worry that our child might be falling behind and not to compare them with other children.
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is responsible for monitoring children across Australia in terms of their development in five key areas – physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills and communication skills. According to the last AEDC census, 22 per cent of Australian children are developmentally behind in one or more of these key areas. Every child learns at a different pace but what if your child is struggling? How do you know? “Signs that a child is falling behind often vary,” tutor, Rebecca Mackenzie tells PakMag, “Some things to look out for are distancing themselves from school work and peers, a drop in confidence, forgetting concepts learnt previously, disruptive behaviour, and calling themselves names such as ‘stupid’, ‘dumb’ or a ‘loser’.” The reason your child may be struggling could be due to social pressure, a lack of individualised attention, learning troubles, stress or anxiety. “One of the biggest effects
of children struggling in school is the loss of confidence and motivation. This can then carry across into other aspects of life.” Mackenzie warns. AS A PARENT, WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? Talk to the teacher and stay in regular contact with them. Even if your child seems to be improving, make regular follow-up appointments outside of school hours. A teacher is unable to remember everything every child does so simply catching them at the door will not provide you with enough details to help your child successfully. Be involved in the classroom, homework, home reading, etc. Homework should have a combination of tasks that the child can complete on their own and tasks that they will need assistance with, which means you will need to be involved as much as possible. Commit to completing homework and practice a regular reading routine. This means being consistent, punctual and making sure any work is completed properly and not done
in a rush. Children will often protest but once they see how it helps then they will start to come around. Make sure there are no underlying problems. Get your child’s hearing and eye sight checked. Seek extra help for your child as soon as possible. Often a child may feel better doing school work with a tutor or someone other than their parents as they are less likely to resist help or feel embarrassed. Work with your child’s productive time. Your children may be full of creative energy in the morning but burnt out by the afternoon, or they may function better after dinner. Find this productive time and use it. Stop comparing. Take a step back and focus on the individual journey of your children, not their peers. Every child has a different learning style and pace. Be flexible, creative, encouraging, patient, positive and most importantly, be there whenever they need help.
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PARENTING
CHILD PROOFing your home
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HIDDEN DANGERS Is your home safe for a mobile tot? Here are some tips on protecting your children from potential dangers in the home, reports Shannon du Plessis.
Walk into most homes with young children, and you’ll often see gates of various sizes, padded corners on coffee tables and kitchen cupboards that need a degree in engineering to open them. This is a sure-fire sign of a child-protected home. Children are curious creatures and when they start becoming more mobile, they find more joy in pulling out Tupperware from your cupboards than many of the toys you have bought for them. It’s a good idea to “get down on all fours” to search the house for potential hazards. You’ll be surprised at what you might find when seeing the world from your child’s perspective. There are many risks associated with products in the home, particularly since children have a higher chance of having a reaction to a substance because they are still growing. Their bodies consume more air, food and liquids per kilo of body weight than adults, so their organs and developing immune systems are not as able to combat hazardous substances as adults. Common household products such as bleach, washing powder, dishwashing liquid, bug spray, flea collars, garden/weed pesticides, cigarette smoke, oven, toilet and drain cleaners, and paint products can contain toxic chemicals. Air pollution, such as dust and tobacco smoke, is also harmful to children.
TIPS FOR CHILD-PROOFING YOUR HOUSE: • Use covers on electrical outlets and hide electrical cords behind furniture. • Use childproof latches on kitchen and bathroom cabinets. • Set the temperature of your hot water system to 50oc. • Prevent poisoning by keeping household cleaners, chemicals and medicines out of reach and always store them in their original container. Know the Poisons Hotline number – 131 126. • Buy and use products with child-resistant caps. • Make sure that used or hand-me down equipment, such as car seats, strollers, toys and cribs haven’t been recalled for safety reasons. Phone Product Recalls Australia on 1300 302 502 or visit www.recalls.gov.au • Use stair gates. • If your child is under the age of 3 make sure thier toys have no buttons, eyes, beads, ribbons, or other pieces your child could pull off and choke on. Always check the manufacturers warning labels. • Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and a fire blanket in the house and use flame retardant sleepware. • Tie cords of blinds, curtains and appliances up out of reach. • Do not carry hot liquids or food near your child and do not allow your child near stoves, heaters
or other hot appliances. • Empty all water from bathtubs and nappy pails. Never leave a child unattended in the bath. • Secure furniture that can topple (bookcases, chests of drawers and TV’s) to the walls. • Remove the hood and neck drawstrings from your child’s jackets and other clothing, as they can get caught in school bus doors, handrails and playground equipment. • Consider enrolling in an first aid course.
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What’s in a Name? It’s the most significant decision you will make as a parent – naming your bub. Regardless of whether you are pregnant and contemplating names for your little one, or you are already used to yelling the names of your kids on a regular basis, check out these names topping the charts around the world. We’ve looked at the research and the survey results are in – so what are the suggested naughtiest, nicest and happiest names? More importantly, do any of your chosen names make the list?
MOST POPULAR BABY NAMES 2015
THE NICEST NAMES
What are other parents naming their babies? Check out the top ten baby names in Australia, based on the most recent data collected from McCrindle.
These names topped the list as the sweetest little darlings, based on data collected from School Stickers.
BOYS
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GIRLS
BOYS
GIRLS
Oliver
Olivia
Jacob
Amy
William
Charlotte
Daniel
Georgia
Jack
Mia
Thomas
Emma
Noah
Ava
James
Charlotte
Jackson/Jaxon/Jaxson
Amelia
Adam
Grace
Thomas
Emily
Harry
Sophie
Lucas
Sofia/Sophia
Samuel
Abigail
James
Sophie
Jack
Hannah
Alex/Alexander
Chloe
Oliver
Emily
Ethan
Ruby
Ryan
Alice
AUGUST 2015 www.pakmag.com.au
PARENTING
THE NAUGHTIEST NAMES School Stickers also reported on what were deemed the naughtiest names. Here are the top twenty cheeky children’s names.
BOYS
GIRLS
Joseph Cameron William Jake Joshua Jamie Lewis Benjamin Ethan Luke
Ella Bethany Eleanor Olivia Laura Holly Courtney Amber Caitlin Jade
THE HAPPIEST NAMES Psychologist Dr David Holmes claims that what we are called has a direct bearing on our wellbeing. He put together a report of the most common names of people who are generally “happy” and “unhappy”.
BOYS
GIRLS
Joshua Jason Matthew Terry Barry Stan Ian Craig Nigel Christopher
Judy Stephanie Linda Pam Pat Fiona Paula Susan Isobel Vicky
THE UNHAPPIEST NAMES According to Dr. Holmes, the Captain Grumpypants Awards belong to the lucky people bestowed with these twenty names.
BOYS
GIRLS
Ben Andrew Edward Tim Owen Bob Dennis Ray Alfie Jeremy
Lynn Charlotte Tina Amy Tara Sam Alex Tanya Jessica Olivia
pakmag
Baby Name Inspiration Looking for something unique and individual? Check out some ideas to help get your brain thinking outside the box:
NATURE INSPIRED NAMES BOYS GIRLS
Ocean Summer Rain Eden Blaze Dawn Kobe Raven River Crystal August Coral Forest Violet Orion Willow Leo Rose Jasper Ivy
TREND SETTING NAMES BOYS GIRLS
Axl Arya Ace Everly Diesel Edie Atticus Piper Milo Juno Kale Luna Benji Harlow Levi Poppy Jett Rhiannon Zephyr Lennox
GENDER BENDING NAMES BOTH
Mason Bailey Wyatt Riley Frankie Blake Georgie Harley Blaire Jordan Marlow Jamie Stevie Jayden Harper Casey Avery Charlie Cameron Harlow
VINTAGE NAMES BOYS GIRLS
Henry Diana Leo Victoria Arthur Mabel Jack Adelaide Louis Frances Oscar Olive George Rose William Elizabeth Joseph Hattie Charlie Alice
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BUMP & BUB
pakmag
BUDGETING for Bub Story Jenna Gallina
Spending time at home with your baby is priceless. However, it can cause financial strain now and down the road, especially for the primary care giver. According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), 41.6 per cent of women in employment work part-time hours, compared to 16.8 per cent of men. This discrepancy is usually due to women spending more time taking care of the children and the household.
Useful Apps
The ASIC Money Smart Budget Planner
“This change in income can leave women worse off at retirement as they spend fewer years in full-time work. At age 60 - 64, women have on average $104,734 in their Super balance whilst men have $197,054,” the ASIC reports.
Choose your products wisely You can spend a good chunk of cash buying things for baby. You may want to look into second-hand items, hand-me-downs and even DIY projects to help cut down the costs. This all depends on your budget and your income. Talk about it - Have detailed conversations with your partner or family about who will be the main caregiver for the child and whether you will need to address your spending and saving patterns ahead of time. Get to know the ABC’s of baby costs - Avent bottles, bouncers and change tables are just the beginning! Start a spreadsheet of all the items you will need now and down the road. To help you stick to your baby budget, consider a budget spender app. The ASIC Money Smart budget planner is a great resource and free to use.
Plan for emergency - You never know when the computer may crash or your partner may come home from work with a broken leg. Start an emergency savings fund now just in case. Know your entitlements This may include • Family Tax Benefit A and B • Workplace Paid Parental Leave • The Newborn Upfront Payment • Child Care Rebate and Child Care Benefit • Dad and Partner Pay • Maternity Immunisation Allowance Invest in your Super(mum) account - Adding just a little bit of extra to your Super, even if you are not working, can make a big difference down the road. Each month, take a certain amount from your monthly budget to add to your Super account. Track your spending - Track your current spending using a budgeting app. We love Pocketbook which is free. The ASIC’s Women’s Money Toolkit is a great resource when budgeting for bub. Check out www.moneysmart. gov.au for more information.
THE ASIC’s Women’s Money Toolkit
Shopping for baby is one thing. Saving for baby is quite another. But how much do you really need during that first year? According to Suncorp, the average weekly cost to raise an infant is $206 (and rising!). And this doesn’t include the costs involved in pregnancy and nursery preparation.
The good news is that there are several resources available to help you pay for the costs of having a baby and living on just one income, whether for a few weeks, a few years or indefinitely.
Track My Spending App
Get your money in order, one baby step at a time.
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DUUKIES BEACH SOCKS RRP $34.95 WEB www.terryrich.com.au New from The Netherlands, Duukies Beachsocks are the ideal replacement for the old-fashioned kids water shoes. Duukies offer perfect protection against hot sand, burning sun, sharp shells, coral & stones PLUS they are slip resistant. And like swimwear they dry fast! Made from high quality nylon and neoprene, they are easy to get on but won't slip off in the water. They fit children's feet like a glove! Plus they mix and match perfectly with children's beachwear. Young children's feet are delicate, so protect them in style with Duukies Beach Socks. Winners of Baby Stuff Innovation Award 2015!
BUMP & BUB
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ANNALISA KAFTANS RRP $219.95 WEB www.kaftansbyannalisa.com Annalisa's maternity kaftans are made from a comfortable stretch fabric. The kaftan will grow with you throughout pregnancy, then return to original shape for wear post-birth.
FOOD BABIES LOVE BOOK AND FEEDING SMOCK RRP $55.00 WEB www.foodbabieslove.com.au Best selling Food Babies Love, a guide to introducing solids to your baby and a divine cotton polka dot Feeding Smock will set you and your baby up for a life time of food enjoyment. Packed with great tips and advice and deliciously simple recipes that the whole family can enjoy, its no wonder thousands of Aussie families love Food Babies Love.
DREAMBABY LADYBUG NIGHT LIGHT RRP $32.95 WEB www.dreambaby.com.au The Dreambaby® Ladybug night light is a fun, safe way to add a sense of comfort and security to bedtime. The ‘One Touch’ on/off operation is really easy to use at bedtime and throughout the night. Once turned on, your child’s bedroom is gently lit in a warm glow, providing enough light to see the space around the room, yet not bright enough to disturb sleeping children. Not only is the Dreambaby® Ladybug Battery Operated Night Light a decorative item but it’s also highly energy efficient and long lasting. With a loving, friendly appearance, the Dreambaby® Ladybug provides children with a sense of security throughout the night. Suitable for children aged 12 months+.
BREASTFEEDING MUMMA TEA PACK RRP $45.00 (for pack of 3 teas) WEB www.yournaturopath.com.au The 'Breastfeeding Mumma Tea Pack' contains: 1 x Boobie Brew' - a herbal blend shown to improve milk flow and may assist with bubs colic; 1 x 'Rooibos Chai' - a base of rooibos (naturally caffeine free!) and gorgeous chai spices; 1 x 'And...Relax' - a blend of safe, relaxing herbs that tastes divine. All teas are hand-blended and packaged by a qualified naturopath, so you can be assured that what you are drinking is perfectly safe for you and bub. Happy sipping!
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p m u Bnd BUB a
MATERNITY SWIMWEAR RRP $74.95 WEB
nity.com.au
www.aquamater
be. Valued at JoJo Maman Be season range by w ne imsuits. the sw t ic ou ss k Chec tankini sets or cla ing nn stu m fro $74.95, choose
BABYWEIGHTS RRP $29.95 WEB www.babyweights.com.au
BREASTFEEDING STARTER KIT RRP $49.90 WEB www.medela.com/AU/en/breastfeeding.html Everything a new mum needs for the first few weeks is right here. The Breastfeeding Starter Kit by Medela contains a range of products for the right start in mum's breastfeeding experience. Whether she is exclusively breastfeeding or additionally pumping, the Breastfeeding Starter Kit is an easy and safe solution to collect, store and feed, to care and protect and to easily sanitize. At $49.99 it’s the perfect gift idea for new mums. Includes: 1x Calma, 2x 150ml bottles with multi-lid, 12x disposable nursing pads, 1x Purelan100 7g, 1x QuickClean microwave bag and 5x Pump&Save bags.
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Babyweights is a deck of 48 expertly devised post-natal exercise flash cards for mums to perform with their baby. They’re a convenient, cost effective, playful and creative way to work out with their baby, allowing them to get back into shape and providing both with physical and emotional benefits. No expensive gym memberships. No babysitting required. No time away from baby needed. It’s the perfect way to look after themselves and their baby. Babyweights caters for all fitness levels and provides a well rounded workout.
THE PREGNANCY WEIGHT PLAN BOOK RRP $30.00 WEB www.melaniemcgrice.com.au Most women struggle with their weight during pregnancy. Hormone fluctuations, increased appetite and fatigue are just some of the pressures that make it difficult for women to stay within a healthy range. As a result, 74 per cent of women gain more weight than scientifically recommended, then struggle to lose it after having their babies. Leading Australian dietician and weight management expert, Melanie McGrice works with pregnant women and couples trying to conceive. In The Pregnancy Weight Plan, Melanie provides detailed information based on the latest research and her years of client experience. Reassuring, accessible and packed with expert advice, this is your guide to feeling healthier, fitter and stronger during this exciting period of your life.
ATTIPAS AUSTRALIA RRP $29.95 WEB www.attipas.com.au Keep your little one’s toes warm and snug with Attipas Australia’s newest styles. The new styles include great kidfriendly designs in fun patterns, with the same ergonomic features Attipas are known and loved for. Attipas shoes are made with a non-slip gripped sole, are highly breathable and support your infant from their very first steps. Attipas shoes have been specifically designed to help infants learn to walk based on seven years of research at the University of Seoul in South Korea.
BESPOKE MOMENTS PRINTS RRP $23.95 WEB www.bespokemoments.com.au These gorgeous woodland prints from Bespoke Moments are the perfect addition to your little one's bedroom. Featuring two hipster foxes and one hipster bear you can choose the print that you love the most. Bespoke Moments prints are commercially printed using the finest dye based inks to ensure continued vibrancy. Besppoke Moments uses quality 220 GSM linen cardstock from Germany which is responsibly sourced and Forest Stewardship Council certified.
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Bump & Bub
Gender Disappointment
Of all the ‘taboo’ subjects facing pregnant women, gender disappointment can be one of the most difficult to deal with and is much more common than many mums-to-be realise. Varying in degrees of severity, in some cases symptoms can lead to antenatal and post-natal depression. STORY Carly Hammersly Many women feel unable to discuss gender disappointment for a range of reasons including:
pregnant with her second, the number of questions about girls made her stop and think.
• Fear of being judged as a bad mother and the belief other people will assume they will not love their child • Not wanting to be deemed selfish or insensitive because their child is healthy • Worry that they will upset those who are having trouble conceiving • Fear that they will not be able to bond with a child of a particular sex
“After a while, all of the innuendo started to have an effect and I started to think about how nice it might be to have a little girl to complete our family. We resisted the temptation to find out the sex of our baby at our scan and, in the end, we were blessed with another little boy.
Gender disappointment has become more prevalent in modern society, with so much focus by parents and family members on discovering the sex of baby during pregnancy (rather than waiting until birth). It has also become much more of an issue with families limiting the number of children they have. Many mums report friends and family members unknowingly putting the pressure on throughout pregnancy, with uninvited questions about gender preference. “When I fell pregnant with my second child, almost immediately the questions started, insisting that I must desperately want a girl this time around,” said mum of two, Corinne. Corinne’s firstborn was a boy and she said, despite not having a gender preference prior to becoming
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“For a few days I did feel a bit down, like I was grieving for the little girl I would never know as my husband and I had decided this baby would complete our family. On about day three after he was born I was sitting alone with my baby and just looking at his face and I fell utterly in love, just as I had with his brother. I’m the only girl in a house full of boys now and I love every minute of it!” Corinne said now looking back on her pregnancy, she was glad she hadn’t found out her baby’s sex in an ultrasound as she believes the reactions of other people may have had more of an impact and she may not have been able to enjoy the rest of her pregnancy. “Obviously friends and family don’t mean any ill will when they talk about having a particular gender over another, but I think it should be something people keep in mind when
talking to pregnant ladies. It can definitely be a sore subject and people may not realise the weight of their words.” Psychologists generally agree that feelings of gender disappointment tend to dissipate following the birth, with the majority of mums bonding with their child over time - just as Corinne did. However, in some cases, the feelings can deepen and even prevent mum bonding with bub. In these cases, intervention may be required as gender disappointment can evolve into post-natal depression. The best course of action if you are feeling any sort of disappointment regarding the gender of your child is to try and get your feelings out in the open. Family and friends can encourage mums (and sometimes dads can be affected too) to talk about their emotions, without judgement or censorship. “For me, the disappointment was a bit like going through a grieving process. I imagine there will be times in my life when I will stop and wonder what it may have been like to have had a girl, but my boys are my whole life and I’ll never regret who they are,” Corinne said.
100% edible
Handmade decorations
for your cakes
Our icingbits turn your cakes into works of art! For info call 0410 107 722 or visit www.icingbits.com
s e p i c e R30 minute
Family Favourite
Allergy Friendly
TURKEY STROGANOFF INGREDIENTS • 600 grams turkey mince • 1 cup onion, chopped • 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1/4 cup gluten free flour blend • 2 cups gluten free chicken or turkey broth • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1/2 teaspoon thyme • 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage • Salt and pepper to taste • Gluten free pasta or rice to serve
HOW TO MAKE 1. In a skillet over medium high heat, brown the turkey. Add the onion and cook until tender. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about two more minutes. 2. Pour mixture into a medium bowl and set aside. 3. Add the oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until fully incorporated; continue stirring for about 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken broth and stir until thickened. Stir in the Dijon mustard. Add thyme, sage, salt and pepper. 4. Stir in the turkey, onion and mushroom mixture. 5. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until turkey mixture is heated through. 6. Serve over cooked pasta, rice or potatoes.
Product
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MEXICAN CHICKEN CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS • 375 gram chicken thighs or breasts • 1 cup salsa • 4 oz. light cream cheese • 1 tomato, diced • 1 cup spring onions, sliced • 1 cup mushrooms, diced • Grated cheese • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips • Parsley to garnish
HOW TO MAKE 1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius. Grease a casserole dish and set aside. 2. Dice the chicken into small cubes and fry until brown with a tablespoon of olive oil. 3. Add the salsa, mushrooms and cream cheese to the pan, heat and stir until cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through. 4. Layer into the prepared casserole as follows. Crushed tortilla chips, chicken and salsa mixture, tomatoes, green onions and cheese. Place in the oven uncovered for 20 minutes, until heated through
LASER ENGRAVED NAMED COOKING SPOON Looking for a personalised gift? How about a beech wood spoon with your own name on it? Each spoon has a food safe oil applied to it to protect the wood, and to prolong the darkness of the engraving. RRP $25.00 WEB www.notinshops.com.au
FOOD
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Breakfast
SIMPLE EGGS BENEDICT INGREDIENTS • • • •
LIMONCELLO COOLER
HOW TO MAKE
INGREDIENTS • • • •
Fresh raspberries (approx. 5 per cocktail) A couple of sprigs of mint 120mL cold sparkling wine or lemon flavored sparkling mineral water 60mL Limoncello liqueur or premix lemon cordial (such as Bickford's)
HOW TO MAKE 1. Put your glasses in the freezer if possible, or at least the fridge so that they are cold. 2. Put the raspberries on a plate; separated from each other and place in the freezer at least 15 minutes before serving time. 3. Gently 'smush' a couple of small mint leaves and add to each glass along with 5-6 of the frozen raspberry ice cubes. Add limoncello or premix lemon cordial, then the sparkling wine or mineral water.
Product
4 - 6 English Muffins, cut in half 4 - 6 slices of thick cut bacon 4 - 6 eggs 1 jar of pre-bought hollandaise sauce
1. Preheat oven to 200º C. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. 2. Place bacon on a fully rimmed baking sheet (edges on all four sides) that has been topped with a cooling rack. Bake for 15-20 minutes. 3. Add 2 tablespoons of water to each indention of muffin tin. Crack an egg into each individual indention, taking care not to break the yolk of the egg. Place in the oven along with the bacon the last 9 - 10 minutes of cooking. 4. Place English muffins on another baking sheet. Spread with butter and place in oven at the same time as adding eggs. 5. As your bacon, eggs, and muffins are baking, prepare your hollandaise sauce. Pour into a serving container. 6. To assemble Eggs Benedict, place English Muffins on each plate, top with one slice of bacon that has been folded in half to fit on the English Muffin. Using a silicon spatula, gently remove a poached egg from the muffin tin, draining on a thick kitchen towel before placing on top of the bacon. 7. Drizzle with hollandaise sauce and serve warm.
LISA T LAZY SUSAN Add some simple style and a modern touch to your home decor with our range of Lisa T products. This food safe pine lazy susan is ideal for sharing meals with family and friends. RRP $25.00 WEB www.target.com.au
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GARDEN DELIGHTS
Party Ideas
A garden-inspired tea party is a perfect theme to consider for your child’s next birthday party, baby shower, gender reveal party or bridal shower. Serve dainty and delicious delicacies and transform your backyard or local park into a whimsical wonderland. Here are some fun ideas to enchant and entertain with a gorgeous garden gathering.
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CELEBRATE
DELICIOUS DELIGHTS • Multi-coloured macaroons • Fairy bread • Mini sandwiches (crusts off, of course) • Ladybug biscuits • Mini champagne glasses filled with multi-coloured jelly • Pink lemonade • Cupcakes with flower toppers • Cake pops • Tea pots filled with various lollies • Miniature rocks (Milo balls) • Caterpillar shaped sushi • Plenty of freshly grown veggies from the garden served up on flower-shaped platters (snow peas, green beans, carrots, red capsicum, celery and mushrooms). • For an adults-only garden party, add champagne with strawberries to the menu as well.
DECORATIONS • Paper lanterns • Multi-tiered cake stands for all your treats • Fairy lights • Paper pinwheels • A tea pot filled with flowers • Tissue paper pom poms
• Dollies and floral tablecloths • Matching bunting and balloons.
ENTERTAINMENT (FOR THE KIDS) • Pass the teapot - Fill a plastic teapot with small treats and trinkets and have the children pass the teapot around while the music plays. Whoever is holding it when the music is paused picks a prize from the teapot. The last kid receives the teapot (and the final trinket). • Musical flowers - Forget musical chairs. Try musical flowers instead. Cut out large colourful flowers from construction paper and arrange them in a circle. Let each child stand on one. Turn on the music and remove a flower. Have each child rotate around the room until the music stops; the kid left without a flower is out. Continue until only the winner remains. • Garden treasures - Stage a treasure hunt with various items that you would find at a garden party – a teacup, a satin glove, a doily, a paper fan, a bunch of flowers and a garden gnome.
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Split the children into two teams and see who finds all the missing items first. • The mad hatter - Stage craft time for the children by pre-purchasing cheap wide-brimmed hats and letting the kids decorate their own hat with fake flowers, felt, ribbon, glitter and construction paper. • Fashions in the field - Ask all guests to dress in their Sunday best – dust off the dainty dresses, slide on the satin gloves and pull out the pearls. And don’t forget the wide-brimmed hats. Host a fashion parade and offer prizes for various categories so that all children get a prize (best dressed, most original outfit, best matched, prettiest accessories, etc).
LOLLY BAGS • Rubbers/erasers shaped like teacups, caterpillars and ladybugs • Miniature lizard and insect figurines • An artificial flower • Miniature paper umbrellas • A small sachet of wildflower or vegetable seeds • Paper fans • Garden-themed colouring in pages with a crayon for each bag
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Woven Bead Planter Zig Zag
Home
HUNTING FOR GEORGE (RRP $70.00)
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? Daily sunshine, decent rainfall and warm temperatures make Australia a gardener’s goldmine.
Legian Outdoor Bench ZANUI (RRP $899.00)
Botanical Planter ZANUI (RRP $19.95)
Planter Square Crate ZANUI (RRP $119.95)
Multipurpose Shovel ZANUI (RRP $34.95) Watering Can ZANUI (RRP $69.95)
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HOME
Setting up a backyard garden the whole family can enjoy is a lot easier than you might think. CHOOSE YOUR SPACE Think sunny, with partial shade with easy access to water. CHOOSE YOUR SOIL As a general rule, well-draining soil, neutral pH to slightly acidic (pH 6 to 7) with plenty of organic matter is ideal. Keep in mind that every plant has its preferred range of soil acidity, drainage and light. CHOOSE YOUR CONTAINERS For non-food plants, get creative by upcycling items around the house • Old bathtubs or laundry tubs with holes for drainage • Old car tyres – these can be stacked on top of each other at different heights • Plastic and terracotta pots, large pots, polystyrene boxes, barrels, large terracotta pipes and recycled containers • Old pallets make excellent raised garden beds
For food plants, stick to bricks, terracotta pots, non-treated wooden sleepers and other materials that do not contain chemicals. BioPak’s Biocups are great for seedlings as are plain egg cartons. CHOOSE YOUR PLANTS AND VEGGIES What you choose to plant will depend on a number of things - what you like, how your garden is set up and where in Australia you call home. In general, most veggies and fruits will do well throughout Australia but be sure to check with your local gardening expert to verify which plants and produce to plant and when. CHOOSE YOUR MAINTENANCE ROUTINE Garden care requires continuous mulching, watering and non-chemical remedies to keep your plants healthy and to ward off pests. You should also rotate crops regularly (every season or every year) to make sure that the soil retains nutrients and the risk of disease is reduced.
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Vessel Harden Up 'Cups' CRANMORE (RRP $34.00)
FLOATS ON WATER
Greenbo Flower Pillow ZANUI (RRP $39.95)
Water Drop Steel Wire Chair MATT BLATT (RRP $295.00)
Check Plant Holder/Stool MATT BLATT (RRP $129.95)
Pop & Scott White 'Pot of Gold' Pot HUNTING FOR GEORGE (RRP Various) www.pakmag.com.au AUGUST 2015
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HOME
SAVE THE BEES What if we told you that growing a garden is not only therapeutic but also plays a key role in saving a species that is nearing global collapse?
Mason Bee House HOUZZ
Over the past fifty years, honey bees have suffered greatly and the trend continues to show that honey bees face more threats every day. In some areas bees have already lost up to 90 per cent of their colonies. Without bees, we do not have a sustainable food source. According to Save the Bees Australia, one in every three bites we eat are from foods that need to be pollinated by honey bees. This includes almonds, apples, blueberries, watermelons, cherries, onions, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, coconuts, hazelnuts, cucumber, lemons, strawberries, pears, limes, carrots, cotton, walnuts, sunflowers, various beans, apricots, plums, pomegranates, black berries, sesame, eggplant, cocoa, cranberries, vanilla, tomato, and grapes. Do your part to help save the bees by providing a honey-bee haven in your backyard. Go organic. Stop using chemical sprays, detergents, perfumes, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.
GardenEasi Planter Grey MASTERS (RRP $253.00)
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Plant bee-friendly plants and flowers in your yard and garden. Bees love native wildflowers, flowering herbs, berries and many flowering fruits and vegetables. Consider growing any of these in your backyard garden: basil, sage, thyme, borage, oregano, lavender, chives, buckwheat, berries, cucumbers, tomato, winter squash, pumpkins, melons, tulips, sunflowers, asters, dandelions, clovers and lilac. Group the same plants together. Plant at least one square yard of the same plant together to make a perfect bee attractor. Refrain from weeding. Dandelions, clovers, loosestrife, milkweed, goldenrod and other flowering weeds are very important food sources for bees. So let them grow‌ let them grow‌
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HEALTH
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HEALTH
d n a d e s s e r t s r e v O CIATED UNDERAPPRE
MUMMY STRESS MANAGEMENT STORY Simone Kay, Fitness, Form and Function
Fight or flight? Does motherhood ever bring on this feeling for you? Perceived danger releases the stress hormones adrenalin and cortisol to help you through. Most children do ‘dangerous’ stuff as they explore the world. Add to that the increased stressors of modern life and it becomes clear that we need tools for stress management. Try these: 1. Exercise in a way that opens your body up and relieves stress. Think yoga ‘up dog’ - it lengthens the deep front line of fascial tissues and helps relieve stress. Five full yoga sun salutations and life will be instantly better! 2. Try non-competitive game play with your children or with friends. A light round of tennis or beach volleyball is perfect for focusing your mind on something other than the stress. 3. Hug often. Physical contact releases the “cuddle chemical” oxytocin that helps to reduce stress hormones in the body. New mums should consider adding baby massage to the routine. The transfer of oxytocin for both mum and bub is a perfect antidote to stress. We can’t avoid stress, it’s a natural part of our biology. We can reduce its negative effects by remembering to make movement, play and hugs a key part of every day.
DID YOU KNOW? • Big family, little stress - According to a survey conducted by Today, mums with three children face the highest levels of stress. Mums with four or more children report the lowest levels of stress. • Morning drop off madness - The school run is the most stressful time of day for mothers, according to a recent study. • A stressful life - Health Status reports that the most stressful times in one’s life include the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, moving and major illness. • Super mums equals super stress - On a scale of one to ten, the majority of mums admit to feeling an 8.5 on the stress scale. • Food for stress - Asparagus, turkey, blueberries, oatmeal and avocados are all great stress-relieving snacks.
Simple Stress Relievers The Mindfulness Colouring Book. Ever colour in with your children and immediately feel better? Colouring has been proven to help soothe anxiety and eliminate stress. Take a few minutes out of your day, wherever you are, and colour your way to peace and calm with The Mindfulness Colouring Book. WHERE TO BUY Booktopia RRP $16.99
What’s Up App. What's Up? is a fantastic free app utilising some of the best CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy) methods to help you cope with anxiety and stress. COMPATIBLE with Apple and Android devices RRP Free
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HEALTH
Product REVIEW
STUTTER SUPPORT STORY Jenna Mottin
Australian research studies suggest that 8.5 per cent of 3 year old children experience stuttering. And, while it can often resolve on its own, it is only natural for parents to feel slightly concerned. Stuttering is a speech disorder that causes interruptions in the flow and rhythm of speech. These can include:
STORY Clifford J Hawkins BSc PhD DSc
Do you or your children have allergies? While many parents will avoid foods that inflame the system, medical literature advises against this. Alternatively, the problem can be more comprehensively dealt with by ensuring all food is pre-treated with Biohawk’s DigestEasy. DigestEasy, an extract of the gingers, which is sold frozen but used from a refrigerator. Its activity is standardised at a level that makes it easy to measure out for taking after meals and for using in food preparation. Biohawk’s DigestEasy can be used to digest the cause of the food intolerance in the child’s food. You can add it to all prepared meals (after breakfast and after dinner works best) to help keep food intolerances in control for the entire family.
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• Repeated sounds (c-c-can) • Repeated syllables (mu-mu-mummy) • Repeated words (and-and-and) • Repeated phrases (Can I- Can I- Can I) • Prolonged sounds (caaaaaaan I have a drink) • Blocks – often silent and are seen when the person looks as though they are stuck, trying to speak but no words are coming out Stuttering usually begins in the early years of life, sometimes by the age of three. All people experience the onset of stuttering differently. Some report it to commence gradually over days, weeks or months. Other report it to be quite sudden in onset. While many believe that stuttering can be the result of stress or anxiety, it is still unknown what causes stuttering. However, anxiety is often something that people who stutter experience because of the stutter. The best way to help relieve this anxiety and support your child through the stutter is to communicate, engage and react. • Speak with your child in an unhurried way, pausing frequently • Use your facial expressions and other body language to convey to your child that you are listening to the content of her message and not to how she's talking • Set aside a few minutes at a regular time each day when you can give your undivided attention to your child • Consider additional support It is highly recommended that any parent who has concerns about whether or not their child is stuttering should have their child assessed by a speech pathologist. Although some children may recover from stuttering naturally, it is not always possible to determine those children that will versus the children who will require therapy.
HEALTH
DITCH THE PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES STORY Jade Vogler, HEALthee Living
• Many scientists even go as far as urging complete avoidance of BPA in children’s products and food items. BPA is currently banned in France, Denmark and Canada.
“Drink lots of water!” “Stay hydrated!” – these are phrases we hear all the time but what if the containers you are drinking out of are a hazard to your health?
• Studies have also found that adults with the highest levels of BPA in their bodies seem to have a higher incidence of heart problems.
Bisphenol A or BPA, is a chemical used to harden plastics and can be found in so many things around us. Plastic water bottles, baby bottles, the lining of canned foods, shop receipts, magazines, CDs/DVDs, medical devices and even dental sealants all contain BPA. Although it can be picked up via air, dust and water, the most prevalent way BPA is getting into our bodies is from consuming food or drink that are in vessels containing BPA.
• Stop buying and using plastic water bottles. Replace your plastic bottles with reputable brand stainless steel or glass ones (found in health food stores, eco stores and chemists). Be wary of cheap imitations claiming to be stainless steel as some only have an aluminium lining.
So why the concern?
• BPA, also called a “hormone disruptor,” theoretically acts like a hormone in the body, disrupting normal hormone levels and developmental progress. • Studies performed on animals have shown a possible link between BPA exposure and a later increased risk of breast and prostate cancer. • Experts believe there is a connection between BPA exposure and conditions such as obesity, diabetes, infertility, and childhood issues such as ADHD. • There is concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain and behaviour and the risk to foetuses, infants and young children.
A l t e r n a t iv e s t o P l a s t ic Water Bottles
FOR YOUR TODDLER: ME-ME Stainless Steel Sippy Cup
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What should you do?
• Definitely do not drink from plastic water bottles that have been in the sun or left in a car in hot weather as it is believed that the heat causes cancer-producing toxins to leach from the plastic into the water. • Don’t reuse plastic water bottles. • Don’t freeze water in plastic water bottles as this also releases dioxins from the plastic. • If you are caught without your bottle and have to buy water to drink, buy water in glass bottles not plastic ones. • Although BPA-free containers are a better option, still aim towards ditching plastic completely as there is growing concern that the common BPA replacement Bisphenol S (BPS) may be just as harmful.
DEBORAH STORER ATTITUDE IS GRATITUDE – TEACHING KIDS THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING GRATEFUL If there is one thing that can make a powerful difference to you and your child’s life now and in the future, it is to teach the importance of being grateful. Gratitude is one proven way to shift from a place of unhappiness to a place of peace and joy. When you focus on what you don’t have, it causes unhappiness. When you focus on what you do have, it results in peace. Being grateful is all about showing appreciation for what we have, focusing on the positives, giving thanks and demonstrating respect for self, others and life. Teaching your children about gratitude can be tricky, especially with younger kids who believe the world revolves around them. Help your children understand the concept of being grateful with these four tips:
• Look for the positives – in every situation there is good and bad. Ask your child what is the positive of the situation when discussing something negative. • Encourage them to tell you something they are grateful for every day. • Teach them to say thanks for the things that they do have – food on their plate, a comfortable bed, etc. • Lead by example. Your positive attitude will rub off on your children.
FOR YOUR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN: SIGG Water Bottles for Kids
FOR YOU: Kleen Kanteen Wide Mouth Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Remember, you cannot control life; you can only control your response to it. Teaching our children to respond to life with an attitude of gratitude can ensure a positive and peaceful future.
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TRAVEL
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THE WORLD’S
Wonderful Waterparks For a fun-filled time with the whole family on your next holiday, a visit to a waterpark guarantees a great time for all. Although Australia is known for places such as Wet n’ Wild on the Gold Coast, a great place to beat the heat, there are also fantastic parks located in more unlikely places around the globe, such as Canada and Germany. Here’s our guide to some of the world’s best waterparks. STORY Kylie Stokes CHIMELONG WATER PARK GUANGZHOU - CHINA Covering an area of more than 300 square kilometres, the Chimelong Water Park in Guangzhou Province is the largest water park in the world. New attractions are being added all the time in a constant push by the park’s owners to have the biggest, fastest, scariest and most thrilling water rides in the world. Currently, Chimelong’s main attraction is the Behemoth Bowl, a slide quite unlike any other. Thrill-seekers ride four at a time in a specially constructed tube, and after sliding nearly 100 metres, are thrown into a huge bowl before being thrown into a drop chute into the swimming pool below. WORLD WATERPARK EDMONTON - CANADA The vast Edmonton Mall in Canada is better known as being one of the world’s biggest and most impressive shopping centres. But it’s also home to an expansive indoor water park, open all year round – a great place to not only beat the heat, but also the freezing winter temperatures, which can drop as low as -40 degrees fahrenheit. World Waterpark’s signature slide is the Cyclone, with
an innovative loop design similar to that of a loop the loop on a traditional rollercoaster. WATERBOM BALI INDONESIA Bali has been a favourite destination for families for many years, and a day out at the Waterbom Park is often on the must-do list for visitors young and old. Conveniently located in the Kuta tourist hub, in spacious landscaped Balinese gardens, Waterbom offers more than 20 action-packed slides. The park’s most unique offering is the Climax, where riders enter a chamber suspended nearly 20 metres in the air, followed by a sudden vertical drop, before unexpectedly being taken back up and looping around, a seemingly physics and gravitydefying thrilling few minutes of fun! TROPICAL ISLANDS BRANDENBURG - GERMANY While Germany is not exactly known for its sunny climates and beautiful sandy beaches, Tropical Islands, in Brandenburg, is the next best thing. As the name suggests, the largest indoor water park in the world recreates the relaxed vibe
and aesthetic of a beach resort, all within a large, fully enclosed dome. Palm-tree lined sandy shores lead to the clear blue waters of the ‘beach’, surrounded by dense rainforest. Tropical Islands is better suited for those after a relaxing waterpark experience rather than racing up and down waterslides, but there’s still plenty to enjoy, with an onsite sauna and spa, various waterfalls, and even guided treks through the rainforest. NOAH’S ARK WISCONSIN UNITED STATES The states of California and Florida may traditionally hog the theme park headlines with their various Disney offerings, but the small state of Wisconsin trumps all others when it comes to waterparks. Wisconsin Dells is home to Noah’s Ark, the biggest waterpark in the United States, and with more than 50 slides and water rides, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family. There’s one-of-a-kind slides and rides such as the first near-vertical loop in the Scorpion’s Tail, and the Water Coaster. For the younger ones, there’s the Kiddie Kingdom Water Playground, for the whole family, a 4D Dive-in Theatre showing the latest cinematic releases.
www.pakmag.com.au AUGUST 2015
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Travel
WHITSUNDAYS WONDERLAND Escape to a family-friendly tropical oasis complete with snow-white silicia sandy beaches, crystal bluewaters and an array of activities for all. With direct flights to Hamilton Island from most Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, your next dream vacation is closer than you think.
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AUGUST 2015 www.pakmag.com.au
TRAVEL
STAY
PLAY
WINE AND DINE
In Airlie Beach - Big4 Adventure Whitsundays
Airlie Aqua Park - This is the most recent attraction to hit the Airlie Beach shores. Opening last month, the Airlie Aqua Park is an aquatic playground of obstacles, action and slides for ages one through to grown ups.
Club Crocodile, Airlie Beach Enjoy casual poolside dining with kid-friendly menu.
Multi-award winning BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is set amidst 26 acres of botanic-like gardens and offers quality accommodation options from private shady camping and caravan sites, through to luxury studios and one, two and three bedroom condos. The resort is heaven on earth for kids of all ages with Airlie Beach’s largest lagoon-style pool (heated from June to September) and over 15 onsite activities including two waterslides, an outdoor cinema, jumping pillows, adventure playground, 18 hole mini golf, tennis, all year activity program and the only mainland Kid’s Club.
Stay
Book online and quote promo code “PAKMAG” to receive a 10% discount. (Valid for stays until 10/12/2015. Subject to availability).
In Airlie Beach - Big4 Airlie Cove Resort and Caravan Park
BIG4 Airlie Cove Resort and Caravan Park is a tranquil 28 acre tropical haven that will provide you with the perfect starting point for the holiday of a lifetime - somewhere quiet and peaceful to come home and relax after another perfect day. BIG4 Airlie Cove Resort and Caravan Park is the closest BIG4 park to all tour drop off points which take you to the fabulous Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. Kids will love the brand new Big Bucket Water Park with slides, rings, cannons and big Pirate Ship playground complete with a jumping pillow, big rope play for the adventurous kids, plus springers, slides and more!
Stay
Special offer for PakMag readers - Stay four nights, pay for three in one of the family cabins.
Visit Whitehaven Beach Recognised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and stretching over nine kilometres, Whitehaven Beach is a pristine expanse of pure white silica sand fringed by brilliant blue water and lush tropical islands. Go whale watching - July to September is whale watching season. There are plenty of companies to book through and most are designed for families with children. Enjoy a picnic at the Airlie Beach Lagoon - With free BBQ’s, playgrounds and plenty of areas for the kids to play, spend a couple of hours at the salt water Lagoon and surrounds. Koala Gallery Wildlife Experience Previously known as the Fauna Park, this wildlife sanctuary is home to native animals including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, crocodiles, Tasmanian devils and frill-necked lizards. Head in the morning for “Breakfast with the Koalas” every day from 7:30am to 9:30am. Barefoot Bushman’s Wildlife Park 8 kilometres from Airlie Beach, this park is home to one of Queensland’s most comprehensive collections of Australian fauna, featuring koalas, crocodiles and free roaming kangaroos and wallabies. Kids and adults alike will learn and be entertained by the six Wildlife Shows held daily. Camp-Out on the Reef - The only place where you can “camp out” on the reef is with Cruise Whitsunday Reefworld pontoon. This is a great overnight activity for children over the age of 12.
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The Jubilee Tavern, Jubilee Pocket Enjoy a cool beverage after a long day on the reef. The Jublilee has a great kid’s playground and familyfriendly dining. The Reef Gateway Hotel Bistro, Cannonvale – Open to the public, the Reef includes a kids room, playground and the swimming pool is open to diners. Mr. Bones, Airlie Beach – Located on the main street by the lagoon, Mr. Bones has gourmet pizzas, tapas and a Baby Bones menu Sushi Hi, Airlie Beach – Located on the esplanade, Sushi has never been so fun. Not only it is delicious but there is a great fish tank so the kids can spot Nemo while waiting for their meals. Wildlife Park Café, Hamilton Island Located in the Wildlife Park, enjoy a lovely meal among the wildlife.
EIGHT Ways to Explore the Great Barrier Reef 1
Under the sea with a snorkel or scuba dive
2
On top of a paddle board
3
From the sky on a helicopter tour
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Amongst the waves on a sea kayak
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On board a guided yacht
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From the clouds on a parasailing adventure
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Through a glass-bottom boat tour
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On a sail boat or a bare boat
Whether you’ve explored the Whitsundays before or are considering it for the first time, this is one destination that you will want to escape to (and never leave).
www.pakmag.com.au AUGUST 2015
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CUTE AS A BUTTON
Craft Corner
Thanks to Rebeka Lambert
BOUQUET OF FLOWERS YOU NEED • Glue gun and glue (or craft glue) • Assorted colourful buttons • Straws or wooden sticks to secure buttons HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT 1. Choose your button combination – you will need five buttons of the same colour for the petals plus two buttons for the stamen (the middle bit). The middle button should be the largest. 2. Glue a small section of each petal button to the main middle button. Secure and let dry. 3. Add another button on top of the middle to finalise your pretty flower. 4. Glue your flower to a straw or wooden stick and place in a vase to display your flower arrangement.
EVEN MORE BUTTON FUN
The opportunities to go bananas with buttons are endless. Here are some more fun ideas to try: • Button rings • Button necklace • Button barrettes
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AUGUST 2015 www.pakmag.com.au
• Button paperclips • Button bookmarks • Button bowl
CRAFT CORNER
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Time to get crafty with PakMag’s craft corner. Do you have a whole jar of buttons just begging to be used? Here are some super creative and surprisingly simple buttons crafts to keep the little fingers busy over the weekend.
Thanks to Divine Lifestyle
BUTTON CATERPILLAR YOU NEED • Assorted colourful buttons • Large wood craft stick • Glue gun and glue (craft glue will work too) • Googly eyes • Pipe cleaners • Scissors HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT 1. Apply glue to one button at a time and press it to the craft stick (this will be your caterpillar’s body). 2. Create the first layer of buttons, let dry and then go back and glue on the second layer to add some depth to the caterpillar. 3. Glue two googly eyes to the button head. Hold until secure. 4. Add a small length of pipe cleaner to the back of your caterpillar’s head. Use glue to secure the antennas.
Thanks to Craft Juice
BUTTON ON CANVAS YOU NEED • Blank white canvas • Glue gun and glue • Black pen • Assorted colourful buttons HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT 1. Trace the design you want to create on the blank canvas using the black pen. 2. Using the glue gun, glue each button into position on the canvas. Hold until secure. 3. Let your canvas picture dry before hanging up. Experiment with other button canvas shapes – your child’s initials, a butterfly, flowers or how about drawing a tree and using buttons as the colourful leaves and flowers?
www.pakmag.com.au AUGUST 2015
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AUGUST 2015 www.pakmag.com.au
INTERVIEW
pakmag
Embracing IMPERFECTION Ever picked up a magazine with Miranda on the cover, carrying her son Flynn on one hip while tottering in sky-high stilettos, make-up perfect, not a hair out of place then glanced down at your own clothes and thought: “what am I doing wrong?”
know about the risks of post-natal depression, however a recent study found that the incidence of PND is more common for mums around the time their eldest child is turning four years old.
Mainstream media bombards society with an unrealistic picture of what motherhood should be. Mums are feeling more pressure than ever before to bounce back after childbirth, get it together and go on with their lives as if a child is nothing more than an accessory. The real story is much different to that which Miranda portrays and can be different for every woman. Some women are natural born mums, while others take time to settle into the change of pace. No matter your previous life experience, career success, or socio-economic standing - becoming a mum seems to be a huge leveler. Even the most confident woman in the world can be left feeling undone by the desire to be “everything for everyone”. The high expectations placed on mothers by the ideal of modern motherhood can put untold strain on mums and the family unit as a whole as a result. Most new mums would
A Murdoch Children's Research Institute study of 1500 mothers found that 10 per cent of women reported symptoms of depression a year after the birth of their first child – but this increased to 15 per cent four years after the birth. The findings are unsurprising when you consider the factors at play. By the time the eldest child is four, chances are they have a younger sibling - perhaps even two - who have joined them. Mums may be considering getting back into the workforce. The stresses of juggling multiple children, daycare and early education, the financial pressures that come with this - on top of daily family life - can be enormous. Many mums will tell you they cope, just because they have to. These statistics, not to mention the more often undiagnosed rates of “mum burnout”, point to the need for mums to make more “me” time and stop putting everything else before themselves. Often trying to juggle so much at once can actually be worse for children as a result. But this shouldn’t be seen as yet another reason for mums to feel guilty! Instead, try to embrace the imperfections of life. Realise that
if something doesn’t get done one day, there’s always the next. If the washing sits unfolded for a few days, it’s not the end of the world. And if the kids eat weet bix for dinner - at least they’re eating! Try to remember that your children have their whole lives in front of them, what they will recall from their childhood is the time you spent with them - not whether the ironing was done or if the house was immaculate. This is your life right now. Embrace it rather than endure it. If you feel like you are struggling to find a balance, there are lots of places you can go to get parenting advice including your local community health centre. The Facebook page The Imperfect Mum is a great online space offering mums a place to embrace the ups and downs of motherhood, imperfections and all. The month, creator and founder of The Imperfect Mum, Kristy Vallely and her panel of specialists will hold their always-popular conference, fittingly titled Empowering Women 2015. Aimed at bringing the online community face-to-face and providing real-life connections, the conference will break down barriers and the best news - it’s being held in Melbourne on 22nd August. For information on tickets and to secure your early bird price of $135, visit www.theimperfectmum.com.au
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Stylish Maternity Wear
For a stylish mum-to-be
Being comfortable and stylish is an important part of feeling great during your pregnancy, so how do you get the best value and style from your maternity wardrobe? For most women there are two stages of buying - firstly when you are newly pregnant and things are starting to get a bit tight and uncomfortable. Then secondly, when you have come into your last trimester you realise how much your size and shape has changed due to your growing bump. With the first stage of buying it is about purchasing key pieces. Just as you have with your pre-pregnancy
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wardrobe, look for key pieces which you can wear multiple times per week if needed. If you are working invest in a good quality pair of maternity work pants or skirts. Specialist maternity labels use high quality fabrics and most styles will include an adjustable waistband to help see you through your pregnancy, giving you the best value for money in the long run. As you enter the last trimester, reality hits as to how much your body has changed due to your growing baby and pieces you bought early on may not quite be suitable for much longer. This is the time to start looking at tops and dresses which are also suitable for breastfeeding as
these pieces will cover you for the remaining weeks of your pregnancy and for the first few months when baby arrives and you are still getting back to your pre-baby body. At this stage usually three to four tops, three breastfeeding singlets and a dress will cover you for the last trimester and into the breastfeeding stage. You will wear these pieces multiple times a week for around six months so purchase quality items that you know will stand the time. Leia Williams is the owner of Elle J and mum of two gorgeous gingerhaired boys. Visit: www.ellej.com.au
Get extra value from cross-over styles such as maternity dresses with nursing access.
Stay cool with this free flowing maxi dresses which can be dressed up or down.
Wardrobe must have! A super comfy pair of shorts!
Ripe Maternity 'Love Your Body' Striped Nursing Dress www.ellej.com.au
Ripe Maternity Chevron Maxi Dress in Wasabi www.ellej.com.au
Ripe Maternity Philly Cotton Shorts (an Elle J Best Seller) www.ellej.com.au
AUGUST 2015 www.pakmag.com.au