PakMag Townsville - May 2013 by Grand Publishing

pakmag MAY 2013

To w n s v i l l e

EzEine FMRaga

ISSUE 30

magazine of choice for local families

Mothers Day

Kids

MINI MAG Inside

Edition

Event

Guide Complete guide of MAY events

Inspiring MUMS Mums juggling business

Child

Cover photo courtesy of Cheeky Monkey Photography

and motherhood

Attachment A mother’s gift for life

win Monster Mother’s Day Giveaway!

Go to page 10 for details

31 08

welcome

Contents

note

Hi everyone and welcome to our May Edition. Firstly, a big thank you to the Museum of Tropical Queensland and Ranger Dan for making our last PakClub such an awesome event. This month is obviously all about mums! We’ve interviewed a number of local mums this month including three inspiring women who juggle kids and businesses plus Maria Hutton who managed to raise her beautiful family from a wheelchair.

MAY

parents 02 What’s New 05 Show & Tell 08 Inspiring Mums

Every year I always like to celebrate Mother’s Day by enjoying a lovely family BBQ with my mum and all the family. So, to all you fantastic mums out there, I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.

11 Child Attachment

Look forward to seeing you at our next PakClub at Willows on Wheels. Get your skates on and remember, tell everyone you read it in PakMag! Enjoy!

Nat pakmag Publisher: Bree James Editor: Elaine Seager Publication & Sales Manager: Natalie Griffiths NQ Sales & Biz Development: Angelina Mortley Design & Layout: Trina Jensen Articles: Elaine Seager, Jutta Dempsey, Amanda Cranston and submitted writers Phone: 4053 3331 Fax: 4053 3350 Sales Phone: 0427 725 624 Email: info@pakmag.com.au Postal: PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812

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.

13 Women & Finance 15

PakHealth

16 Nutrition PakFood

21 What’s On

kids 23 Kid’s MiniMag

babies 31 Baby News: Baby Brain

things to win

23 Mini Mag

05 WIN a Hi-Vis kids shirt

31 PakBaby

06 WIN a kids book pack

35 Real Lives: Zest for Life

19 WIN a Good Guys mystery prize

Market Mania

24 WIN Movie Tickets to EPIC

39 Help for Carers

25 4 mystery prizes to WIN

40 Share the Cleaning

33 WIN a Gumigem jewellery

42 Biz Directory

46 WIN a mystery prize

44 Out & About 46 Fav Pets / Competition Winners 47 Homemade Mum Day Gifts 48 Mummy Laughs with HotFM

cover ModelS: Mum Nicole Sims and daughter Alani Photography: Thanks to Cheeky Monkey Photography

Find us exclusively in your local: www.pakmag.com.au

inBRIEF Mother’s Day Classic

PakClub

May

what’s

New

CHARI-Tea

12 May (9am-11am) Willows on Wheels Come along and join us at our next PakClub event at Willows On Wheels. Entry is free for everyone from 9am11am with FREE skate hire plus special breakfast deals. There will be lots of prizes as per usual and some special

Volunteers Wanted

treats for the mums. Call 4723 0936 for more info.

Saturday 15 June

Pink Bun Campaign Sunday 12 May

2-22 May 2013

Thursday 23 May

Bakers Delight bakeries across the nation are joining forces to raise $1.2 million for

This month there will be morning teas happening

Australians affected by breast cancer in this year’s Pink Bun Campaign. During the campaign Bakers Delight bakeries will donate 100% of the sales of their Pink Finger Buns to Breast Cancer Australia. Sporting clubs around Australia will also ‘pink up’ their clubs on Mother’s Day weekend for the same cause.

all over Townsville as the Cancer Council asks Queenslanders to whip the candles out and don party hats to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Australia’s

Rossiter Park, Kimball Street, Aitkenvale

with some exercise along the

(registrations start from 6.30am). Entry

picturesque Ross River? Join together

fee $10 for adults, $5 for school students.

with your family for this annual run or

Children under 5 years are free. The

walk to help raise money for the Ronald

Townsville Ronald McDonald House is the

McDonald House. It starts at 7.30am from

charity for this event.

MILLION Paws Walk Sunday 19 May Calling all Dog Lovers! The RSPCA’S annual

pooch, biggest, oldest and a number of

Million Paws Walk will be starting from

other categories. Other entertainment

detection programs, and patient support services.

Strand Park at 9am on Sunday 19 May.

and activities are also planned to make

Visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au, phone 1300

Even if you don’t have a dog you can still

a fun family day of it. Turn up before

do the walk and help raise money for a

9am to register or register online at

good cause. There will be prizes for smallest

millionpawswalk.com.au

Biggest Morning Tea. Funds raised through this event go towards vital cancer research, prevention and early

MTQ News

Why not start Mother’s Day off

656 585 or text ‘HOST’ to 0400 867 867 to receive your

Our annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic is coming up next month. This is our biggest fundraising event of the year with all proceeds going to the 4TO Give Me Five for Kids Campaign that raises money for the Townsville Hospital children’s ward. We need volunteers so if you would like to help out on the day for a good cause, or in the lead up to the event, please email promotions@pakmag.com.au

Hypnobirth Workshop New Workshop 16 June If you’re looking for a more natural empowered birth, Mindful Mamma are presenting a new one day express hypnobirthing workshop in June. It will cover the processes of natural gentle birthing, how your state of mind affects your birth experiences and how to prepare yourself using breathing techniques, relaxation and self-hypnosis. Class numbers are small so bookings are essential. Call Zoe on 0420 504 421.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea host kit today.

The Museum of Tropical Queensland has recently reintroduced paid admission for Townsville locals at half the price of their general admission charges (thanks to the generous support of the Townsville City Council).

BUSH Poetry 14-16 June

They are also introducing a new annual

Prices for Townsville locals are $15 for adults

Pimpac Hall

membership program called MyMuseum.

and $8.80 for children aged 3-15 years.

This gives you general entry to the Museum

Family tickets cost $38 for two adults and up

Bush Poetry has been introduced to the National

for a full year plus VIP invitations to special

to three children.

events and members-only activities. To join up, just complete an application form and post it to them or pop in. The form can be download from mtq.qm.qld.gov.au.

Curriculum this term and with the Townsville Bush Poetry Mates Inc hosting the Queensland Bush Poetry Championships next month (14-16 June) it gives local school children the opportunity to enter. Younger poets are encouraged to enter the Under 18 and Under 13 categories by submitting an entry form available from the Townsville Bush Poetry Mates website.

www.pakmag.com.au

Show &Tell

New product

review hi-Vis Kids workwear

The latest news, products and tips in the world of families and kids Get to know...

Thanks to a NQ business dads are not the only ones wearing hi-vis workwear. Kids love to dress up like adults and now you can fit them out in practical safety gear that’s perfect for the great outdoors. Made from 100% lightweight cotton, Hi-Vis shirts come in yellow/navy or orange/navy and fit from newborns to size 8. Available for $39.95 at www. hi-viskids.com.au

For your chance to WIN a Hi-Vis kids

WIN Despite being heavily pregnant with her third child Nicole Sims agreed to grace our front cover this month. A former Iron Woman she is married to Cowboys star Ashton Sims and mum to Kobe (3) and Alani (2). [1] How did you meet Ashton? I was an

[5] What do you love about being a

Iron Woman in the Nutri-grain Series and

mum? I love watching them growing,

we met through that.

learning and developing their personalities

[2] What’s it like being married to a

[6] What will you be doing on Mother’s

We ride the emotional rollercoaster ride

Day? Hopefully having a sleep-in and then

with him but at home he is very down-

enjoying a yummy breakfast that I won’t

to-earth and doesn’t get any special

have to cook or clean up!

moment? There are so many but I did find

Shellharbour (south of Sydney).

the kids completely smothered in a thick

Townsville? I love the lifestyle that it offers

like ghosts!

Masterchef Julie Goodwin has just released her newest cookbook just in time for Mother’s

[8] What’s the strangest thing in your

Day. This gorgeous book revolves around

the outdoors in winter with bike rides,

handbag? Alani’s umbilical cord clip!

food for social gatherings with recipes for a

[9] Tell us something most people

range of occasions, such as family dinners,

with the kids. Some of our favourite places

layer of sudocream one day; they looked

for young families and being able to enjoy scooter rides and walks along the Strand are Lollipops, Pallarenda and Maggie Island. www.pakmag.com.au

Book Review

[7] What’s your funniest mummy

[3] Where are you from originally?

[4] What do you enjoy about living in

what habit your child copies from dad?

everyday. And hearing them say ‘ I love you’.

‘Cowboy’? It has its pluses and minuses.

treatment.

shirt go to our website and tell us

wouldn’t know about you? I’ve never tasted coffee!

cocktail parties, high tea and, of course, the kids school cake stalls. www.pakmag.com.au

Show &Tell

Book Review

Got something to share or shout about? Email us at elaine@pakmag.com.au

Smart Charts

Chant & Rhyme by Peter Viska Peter Viska’s understanding of children has

irreverence and good time cheekiness.

rewarded him with a lifetime of publishing

Titled In Your Eye Meat Pie!, Hang Loose

and TV success. His Far Out, Brussel Sprout!

Mother Goose!, Stay Cool April Fool! and

series has been printed over 40 times by

Take A Stroll Sausage Roll!, these four

three publishers in Australia and have

books are packed with colourful chants

sold in excess of a million copies. Now

and rhymes and matching outrageous

Peter is releasing a brand new series of

illustrations. A fun read for children of all

four children’s picture books through

ages. Available from all good book stores at

Alicat Publishing that are packed with fun,

$7.95 each or online at www.alicat.com.au

WIN The NEW Elfie Love range of goal charts are now being exclusively sold at Target.

TO WIN: For your chance to win a book pack thanks to Alicat Publishing, simply go to our website and tell us the name of one of Peter Viska’s new books.

NEW App Sounds of Life Imagine being able to take a photograph and, at the same time, capture the sound of that

The range has been specifically designed for Target and

exact moment – your baby’s first cry or singing

it is about promoting goals that depict good habits at

happy birthday while blowing out candles. Well

school, home and in the playground. The Smart Chart

now you can thanks to a new photo sharing app

range comes with 180 re-useable stickers. For more

developed by Cochlear Limited. It is available

information go to www.elfielove.com

from the App Store and on Android.

www.pakmag.com.au

Family

ith eight children between them

business that she has successfully “built from the

Elle Roberts, Katrina Sayce and

ground up on talent and word of mouth.”

Cherri Hird lead active lives as

As these strong women grow as individuals and

inspiring mothers and business owners. Elle

Matters

juggles motherhood with a four year old son, and shares a number of creative business

to be away from my son to be working – it

Business Conference and Bespoke Magazine.

needs to be something I care about to make it

Katrina shares her time between mothering

worthwhile.” Motherhood even seems to have

three teenage children and playing an integral role within the Townsville Academy of Performing Arts. Cherri runs a busy household of four children, with toddlers and teenagers keeping her on her toes at home; she also owns and manages Hird About Nails.

thought I would be a career woman taking over the corporate world of marketing” says Elle who is well on her way to making this a reality. Last year she created, funded and hosted the Artful Business Conference in Brisbane, for creative

All three women accept that creating a work/ life balance can be difficult to achieve at times. Katrina believes “Everyone has a different idea of when the businesswoman hat should come off and the mummy hat goes on. “

family time,” and Elle admits “It is a constant

For Katrina the element of business came out

struggle to stay really present and focused in

of necessity. “I had the desire to do things my

the current moment.” As mothers we often place

way, and had so much to offer, but couldn’t get

importance on the other aspects of our lives,

the amount of work I wanted.” After opening

but Elle reminds us that we should re-evaluate

a purpose built dance studio, she quickly

this method of thinking, “I need to remember

exceeded her initial expectations. Katrina has

to look after myself and my family, as well as my

had many business successes since then, with

business.”

the opening of the Townsville Academy of

Elle affirms “Like parenthood there is never a

Performing Arts a personal career highlight.

www.pakmag.com.au

my business.” Cherri agrees that motherhood

weekends, which of course crosses over into

biggest success.

how important these skills have become to

to her clients includes “a lot of after-hours and

amazing” says Elle who recognizes this as her

More and more women are proving that motherhood does not mean giving up on career success. For these three inspiring local women, in many ways having families actually helped pave the way to business success.

what skills I have learnt from being a mum, and

Cherri finds the dedicated time she provides

and passion-driven business owners. “It was

By Louise Costanzo

these women. Katrina claims that, “It’s amazing

incorporate working with a family.”

that I thought I would have my own business; I

Mums

helped pave the way for business success for

has helped her achieve “a delicate balance to

“It wasn’t until after my son was born in 2009

Inspiring

play a huge part in the business design and execution. Elle appreciates that “If I am going

ventures including, Studio Exsto, The Artful

Story thanks to Louise Costanzo

make impressive career advances, their families

perfect time to start a business – so be smart

Cherri experienced various career avenues until,

sure, but be brave too and start now!” Katrina

in 2001 she decided to complete a Cert II in Nail

and Cherri believe that passion is the key to

Technology and found her true passion in the

success, “If you find something you are really

beauty industry. As with Katrina and Elle, Cherri

passionate about, give it a go. Passion is the the

is thrilled with the substantial growth of her own

gift you give your children.”

Mother’s Day So how will these inspiring women be spending Mother’s Day? Cherri Hird

Katrina will be requesting gluten free pancakes for breakfast this Mother’s Day, Cherri will be spending the morning with her family before “hosting a mother and daughter luncheon at the rock pool on the Strand,” and Elle will be enjoying a breakfast with her beloved mother and son, “before relaxing the day away.” Either way, these women, will be making the most of the special day before they conquer the business world as independent and inspiring mothers.

Elle Roberts www.pakmag.com.au Katrina Sayce

pakmag

Mother’s Day

Monster Giveaway

Thanks to the support of some great local businesses we are giving away some awesome prizes this month to some lucky mums. If you would like to win one of these prizes simply go to www.pakmag.com.au to enter our competition.

Nails by Michelle’s Beauty Room

One night at Jupiters

Located in Kirwan on the corner of Ross River

A night away in a superior room for two adults

Road and Forrest Avenue, this salon offers the full range of beauty treatments but specialises in Bio Sculpture Gel Nails. Valued at $75 this prize entitles you to a full set of gel tips with nail art. For more information call 0438 733 316.

plus breakfast in Aqua Restaurant. Aqua will also be featuring a Mother’s Day buffet lunch (not included in this prize). It includes a range of hot and cold dishes as well as a selection of seafood. Mums will receive a complimentary glass of bubbles and a special gift. Cost: $49.90 pp ($25 children). Bookings essential. Call 4722 2261.

Dinner for Two at Ciabatta Enjoy a sumptuous night out with dinner for two at one of Townsville’s best restaurants. Damien Tosh promises relaxed casual dining with delicious food to make for a perfect romantic evening. www.pakmag.com.au 10

Total Bag Envy Nappy Bag Total Bag Envy nappy bags will change the way you feel about your nappy bag. With features that include multiple pockets inside and out, a change mat, insulated bottle holder, and an adjustable pram strap, all encased in a designer handbag look, you will be the envy of your friends. www.totalbagenvy.com.au

Ultimate Facial & Makeup

Peppermint Pink Hair Pack

Every mum deserves some pampering for Mother’s Day and Cherri at Hird About Nail is offering this 1½ hour makeover package using botanically based Ultra premium Swiss skincare and cosmetics. Valued at $120.

Thanks to Peppermint Pink Hair on Fulham Road in Gulliver we have a PPS Repair & Shine Product Package to give away. It includes Aroma essentials shampoo and conditioner, active treatment for dry coloured hair, colour lock spray and heat protection spray valued at $80.

Attachment child

A Mum’s

Gift

by Jutta Dempsey

All mothers know the beauty of being connected to their kids. ‘Attachment’ is one of the earliest bonds formed by parents and perhaps one of the most important aspects of parenting that sets your children up for life.

he mother-child attachment bond that

provide reassurance, so they are comfortable

is formed from birth is the cornerstone

seeking them out in times of need.

of a child’s psychological make up. It

serves to keep a baby close to its mother and thus improve the child’s chances of survival. Beyond survival it also shapes a child’s brain, profoundly influencing self-esteem, expectations of others, and ability to attract and maintain successful relationships.

What happens to children who do not form secure attachments? Attachment difficulties can arise from a variety of stressful situations from post-natal depression to mental illness, neglectful parenting and abuse and parental conflict. Research suggests that failure to form secure attachments, called ‘disorganised or

Infants are a bundle of emotions. Research

reactive attachment’ early in life can have a

shows, that when the mother and child can

negative impact on behaviour in later childhood

sense each other’s feelings and emotions it

and throughout life. Children diagnosed with

results in a successful, secure attachment. In

oppositional-defiant disorder (ODD), conduct

other words, an infant feels safe and understood

disorder (CD) or post-traumatic stress disorder

when the mother responds to their cries and

(PTSD) frequently display attachment problems.

accurately interprets their changing needs. Unsuccessful or insecure attachment occurs when there is a failure in this communication of feelings.

Parenting a child with insecure attachment can be exhausting, frustrating, and emotionally trying. It is hard to parent without the close connection with your child but with time,

Mothers who are available and responsive

patience, and concerted effort, attachment

to their children’s needs establish a sense of

difficulties can be repaired. The key is to remain

security in their children. The child knows that

calm, yet, firm, as you interact with your child

the parent is dependable, which creates a secure

and to provide them with a safe nurturing

base to then explore the world. It enables the

environment as they learn how to trust.

child to be self confident, trusting, hopeful and comfortable in the face of conflict.

The nature of parent-child attachment obviously changes as children grow older and become

By contrast, children who experience

more independent but this relationship is still

confusing, frightening, or broken emotional

considered the strongest bond to creating

communications during their infancy and

security, even when they’re teenagers.

childhood often have difficulty understanding

When a parent provides sufficient structure,

their own emotions and the feelings of others.

recognition, understanding, safety and mutual

This limits their ability to build or maintain

understanding through this important bond,

successful relationships.

it enables your child to feel safe and secure

It is important to note parents do not have to be perfect. They do not have to be in tune with their

enough to venture out and enjoy the big wide world as confident individuals.

children all the time, just a majority of the time.

Jutta Dempsey is the Principal at Directions

When securely attached children are frightened

Psychologists.

they will seek comfort from parents, who will

www.pakmag.com.au

aND

Women Finance

News QCCU

mortgage

Offset Accounts

The latest news and tips in the world of women, families and finance

Financial Perspective

by Gail Glasby

Creating a financial plan is something that everyone should do and its made a lot easier if you understand what your own personal values and priorities are with regards to money.

Did you know that if you have a 100% mortgage offset account and use it effectively you could save thousands over the life of your home loan?

Financial priorities

Here are some simple tips for making

What would you consider to be your biggest financial priorities? Start by writing a list of your biggest priorities followed by a second list of those that are slightly less important. There are no right or wrong answers since everyone is different but this information will help shape your investment choices. The $10,000 question If you were suddenly given $10,000, what would you do with it? This question can be very revealing and is one of the best ways to work out what your attitude to money is. Would you spend it straight away, put it in a savings account or do a bit of both? Putting goals in place Once you have an understanding of your attitudes towards money, you can start to think about what goals you will establish

to keep your financial plan on track. Think carefully about whether your main priorities are in the short or long-term, as this will partly decide where your investments are going to perform best. Working towards your objectives The final step is making the effort to meet your objectives - regular meetings with a financial advisor will help ensure you are staying on track. Reassessing your financial values occasionally is also important, as they could change over time, especially if you go through a major life event such as moving house, getting married or having children.

them work for you: • Have a good budget and stick to it. If you don’t spend more than you earn, your savings will grow in your offset account. This may also allow you to pay off your loan even sooner. • Ensure you have allocated sufficient income to cover your budgeted expenses. • Deposit all of your income into your mortgage offset account and use a credit card with an interest free period to pay for all your day-to-day expenses. By parking your income in your offset account and using your credit card effectively you can reduce your outstanding loan balance

Gail Glasby is a Financial Planner from ipac

for longer each month and reduce the amount of

north queensland and can be contacted

interest you pay on your home loan.

on 4772 2200 for more information, or visit www.ipac.com.au/northqueensland

To find out more visit qccu.com.au or your local Townsville branch in Aitkenvale, Deeragun, Magnetic Island, Townsville Hospital or at Willows.

These articles contain general financial advice only and do not take into consideration your personal circumstances.

www.pakmag.com.au

Before acquiring a product, suitability should be determined after reading the relevant product disclosure statement.

www.pakmag.com.au

Health pak

news HEARING Problems?

Vaccinations By Dr Rachel Adendorff

It has been discovered that some children who appear to have normal hearing may struggle in the classroom because they have difficulty switching their listening attention. This means they find it difficult to follow a conversation from one talker to the next. The study by the University of Sydney looked at people with persistent listening difficulties in noisy environments, but no diagnosis of a hearing disorder or attentional disorder (such as ADHD). Associate Professor Simon Carlile said the researchers were determined to find out why some children, with otherwise normal hearing, fell behind in the classroom.

he said. “In our study, we showed that these children were markedly slower to switch their attention compared to their agematched peers. In a noisy conversation with many participants, this means that these children were having trouble following a conversation as it moved from one talker to the next, making it difficult for them to get the gist of what was being said.

“A wide battery of clinical tests indicated that children who complained of listening difficulties had otherwise normal hearing sensitivity and auditory processing skills,”

Associate Professor Carlile said the group are now developing a test that can be easily used by audiologists and GPs in their consulting rooms.

FLU Vaccines

Should your family get one? r this The current flu season started earlie . years r othe than e wors be year and may ren child for able avail is A vaccination from the age of six months for the flu. prevention of influenza and swine from them ent prev to It is a good idea getting sick and the shot does not cause the flu.

www.pakmag.com.au

ga Getting influenza is worst than havin sick t adul cold and can make a child or for up to a week and may even need

by Dr Rachel Adendorff

se hospitalisation. The centre of disea nd mme reco n entio prev and rol cont an influenza vaccination for everyone six months of age and older. Infants younger than six months can’t have the vaccination but everyone else in the household can and this will help protect the baby. This is very important because infants are more at risk for enza serious complications from the influ infection. It is also recommended that this anyone with an egg allergy discuss on. fully with the doctor before vaccinati

Vaccinations help young and old people stay healthy by preventing serious infections and diseases that can lead to permanent disability or death. Babies gain a small amount of anti-bodies from their mothers through the placenta and breast milk, but this protection is temporary. Immunisation is a way of creating immunity to certain diseases by using small amounts of in-activated or weakened microorganisms. Vaccinations work by using the body’s natural defences to build resistance to specific infections before the child may be exposed to them in the community. Weighing it up The risk of experiencing a side effect from having a vaccination is far less than the risk of severe complications associated with a vaccine preventable disease. Many vaccine preventable diseases are highly contagious and can be overwhelming to a child’s body defences. Most unvaccinated people who come in contact with an infected person will catch the disease. Vaccination records will be needed to enrol your child in childcare or school. Unvaccinated children are excluded from school if there are reported cases of vaccine preventable disease. This is due to the risk to the child of being exposed to the illness. Queensland children currently have a high vaccination rate with 93% of children aged 24 to 27 months being fully immunised.

www.pakmag.com.au

Nutrition pak

Product news

Smooze!

Multi-Vitamins

Fruit Ice

By Connie Eales

product

Cartoon branded, gummi bear looking,

A balanced diet in combination with a

chewable, bursting, orange or raspberry

multivitamin means a child can exceed their

flavoured, the options are endless and it

RDI which will lead to expensive urine rather

can be overwhelming. So does your child

than improved health. There are specific groups of children who

Multivitamins are not necessary for healthy

may need to consult a GP or dietitian

children who are growing normally. Foods

about supplementation. These include

are the best source of nutrients. A balanced

those who have:

diet including wholegrain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, reduced fat

• Restrictive diets, such as vegetarian

dairy, lean meat and the occasional treat

or vegan

food should provide sufficient vitamins and

• Chronic disease which affects nutrient

minerals for growth.

absorption, such as Crohn’s or coeliac

Many parents give their child a multivitamin as an ‘insurance policy’, particularly if they are fussy eaters. Unfortunately, this is not the quick fix it may seem to be and doesn’t

disease • Food intolerances or allergies, such as

If you are concerned about a fussy eater

can carry into adulthood.

or feel your child may be at risk of vitamin

for each vitamin and mineral for children.

advice

or mineral deficiencies, contact your local Accredited Practicing Dietitian or GP.

are READER QUESTION: All my children e hous our at s very active and afternoon e danc er, are a mad dash between socc if the class and tennis. I’m often not sure gh enou them snacks I grab are providing can ity, activ this energy to get through all you help?

www.pakmag.com.au

Do you remember the fruity, frozen, triangles of Sunny Boy goodness from your childhood? For this generation it will be a Smooze! Smooze are a delicious treat, made from real fruit and coconut milk. For parents of children with allergies, Smooze are dairy free, gluten free and preservative free. One individual Smooze has 40% less fat and 16% less sugar than one scoop of full fat vanilla ice-cream, making it a great alternative. With instructions of freeze, cut, push and slurp with no washing up, they couldn’t be more simple. Smooze make for the perfect occasional treat for a hot tropical day.

Compassionate & kind

Affordable options

Local family owned & operated

and easy It sounds like you need some quick se fuel xerci pre-e Good . road the for snacks in and prote both of tion bina com a contains rates ohyd carb GI low with rates carbohyd a steady being preferable because they have crash energy release rather than a rush and

Connie is an Accredited Practising Dietitian at Health Management Cairns (www.healthmanagement.com. au) You can connect with Health Management and ask Connie questions on Facebook.

the (which isn’t good for the activity or include: s idea e Som e). hom cranky car ride babybell • Wholegrain dinner roll with some se chee cow or laughing

Q&A

nutrition

review

Main Office at 10 Langton Street, Garbutt. Open 8.30am-4pm weekdays. Closed weekends and Public Holidays. Crematorium at Bluewater is Strictly No Access. Cemetery open for visitors 9am-5pm daily.

dairy or wheat allergy

address poor eating habits, which children

There is a recommended daily intake (RDI)

• Your choice of cremation or burial services • Collection from your home or Vet • Range of ashes boxes and memorial items • Professional and personalised service For more info call 4751 3220 or email info@petheaven.com.au www.petheaven.com.au

Kids Multi-Vitamins: Do we need them?

really need to take a daily multivitamin?

Caring for your pets when they die

ers

• Devondale long life skim milk popp

is a • Low fat yoghurt tub (frozen if there ) off drop and up while between pick ns)

spoo • Mixed nuts and dried fruit (2 table • Half a peanut butter sandwich • Apple slices dipped in low fat cream • Custard cups

cheese

www.pakmag.com.au

pakfood

with TROY WILLIAMS

pantry parents Baked Eggs with Chorizo

Recipe thanks to: Rachel Laurence

THE GOOD GUYS

kitchen kids Lemonade Scones

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cups self-raising flour

• 1/2 garlic clove, sliced

• 80g butter

• 3 tomatoes, roughly chopped

• 310ml lemonade

• 1/2 chorizo, sliced

• 1/2 cup whipped cream

• 4 eggs

• Strawberry jam, to serve

• 1/2 tsp cumin powder

• Whipped cream, to serve

Recipe thanks to: Holly James

• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped • Salt and pepper

Fl Yum av m ou y rs !

Method

Pre-heat oven to 200oC. Heat oil in a pan and cook garlic until golden. Add tomatoes, salt and pepper to taste and cumin. Cover with a lid, reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes until soft.

Preheat oven to 220°C. Grease a baking tray. Combine flour and butter

Spoon tomatoes into individual baking dishes with some sliced chorizo, make a well in the middle and break one egg into each dish. Sprinkle a little salt over the egg and place in the oven. Cook for approximately 10 mins or to your liking. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley.

lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Press the dough out to a

until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the lemonade and cream. Stir until combined. Turn dough onto a round 3cm-thick disc. Using a scone cutter, cut into rounds. Place scones, side by side, just touching, on prepared tray. Bake for 15-20 mins or until golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Halve scones and spread with jam and whipped cream.

WIN a Good Guys prize

Send in a recipe and photo to www.pakmag.com.au for your chance to win! Entries close: 18/05/2013

For sweet treats that taste as good as they look Every morning the premises at Sweeter than Sugar are filled with the yummy smell of freshly baked cupcakes and brewed coffee. Their shelves are filled with eight to ten different flavoured cupcakes from their huge list of 80 scrumptious recipes, each one topped with swirls of buttercream.

169 Charters towers road (opposite Mitre 10) • Phone 4740 4551 • VIsIt www.sweeterthansugar.com.au Follow us on Facebook for more info: www.facebook.com/sweeterthansugar

www.pakmag.com.au

May guide

pink = family

green = kids

blue = adults

Check out the latest family entertainment & events guide

yourGUIDE

MAY 2013 entertainment & events

ladyneedsatradie.com.au

DATE

Visit our online trades directory and find a tradesperson that you can trust! Introducing to you a lady’s new best friend! Put simply, this website is a local trades directory that has been designed to help you find a tradesperson that you can trust. We like to call it “Our little black book of tradies”! • Electrician • Plumber • Carpenter • Tiler

• Painter • Gardener • Handyman • Pest Control

• Mechanic • Cabinet Maker • Glazier • And many more...

For info call 4028 3339 or email info@ladyneedsatradie.com.au

VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

1/05/13

The Women's Centre

1/05/13

IMPS Building Kirwan Health Campus Australian Breastfeeding Association - Night Time Parenting

Playgroup

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

9:30 AM

4775 7555

9:00 AM

4775 6984

COST Free

1/05/13

PaediaTricKs

Handwriting Club

4:00 PM

dpemery@dodo.com.au

Cost

2/05/13

Rollingstone Community Hall

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

2/05/13

The Women's Centre

Balancing Life workshop

10:00 AM

4775 7555

Free

3/05/13

The Women's Centre

Free Singing/guitar tuition

12:30 PM

4775 7555

Free

3/05/13

PaediaTricKs

"How Does Your Engine Run" Teaching children self-regulation skills

4:00 PM

dpemery@dodo.com.au

Cost

4/05/13

Railway Estate Community Centre

Townsville Toy Library

9:30 AM

4751 3353

4/05/13

NQ Farmers Market

Town Square, Main Street, North Shore

6:00 AM

www.facebook.com/northshorenq Free

4/05/13

Railway Estate Community Centre

Townsville Toy Library

9:30 AM

4751 3353

4/05/13

Tennis Townsville

MLC Tennis Hot Shots - French Open Mini Slam

3:30 PM

www.tennistownsville.org

$20

4/05/13

CityLibraries Aitkenvale

Newborn and Family Drop In Clinic

9:00 AM

1300 878 001

Free

4/05/13

Capoeira Hall - Fleming Street

Adult Beginner Courses and Capoeira Bootcamp

3:30 PM

www.capoeiraschool.com.au

Cost

5/05/13

Murray Sports Complex

Groovin’ the Moo festival

5/05/13

Woolcock Centre, Currajong

Family Yoga Health

3:00 PM

www.sundalah.com.au

Cost

5/05/13

Carlyle Gardens

Arts & Crafts Market

9:00 AM

4773 1195

Free

5/05/13

Seagulls Restaurant

Australian Breastfeeding Association - National Mothering Week Breakfast

6/05/13

The Women's Centre

Free yoga

12:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

6/05/13

52 palm drive deeragun

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

2013.gtm.net.au

4775 6984

6/05/13

Event Cinemas

Bring your Baby - Iron Man 3

10:30 AM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

6/05/13

Townsville Civic Theatre

Room on the Broom

6:30 PM

4727 9797

Cost Gold coin

7/05/13

Pinnacles Gallery

Make It! Art & Craft for under 5's.

10:00 AM

www.townsville.qld.gov.au

7/05/13

Railway Estate Community Centre

Townsville Toy Library

9:30 AM

4751 3353

7/05/13

The Women's Centre

Craft group

1:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

7/05/13

Saunders Beach Community Hall

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

7/05/13

Railway Estate Community Centre

Townsville Toy Library

9:30 AM

4751 3353

VEday SAver y

There’s a store near you Aitkenvale - 290 Ross River Road PHONE: 4725 5244 Kirwan - 36 Thuringowa Drive PHONE: 4773 4224 Woodlands - Woodlands Shopping Centre PHONE: 4751 6286

OPEN 7 DAYS • www.calannapharmacy.com.au FEEL ALIVE

www.pakmag.com.au

FEEL HEALTHY

FEEL GOOD www.pakmag.com.au

pink = family

DATE

green = kids

VENUE

blue = adults

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

COST

7/05/13

Student Centre, James Cook University

JCU Info Session

5:00 PM

www.jcu.edu.au/infoevents

Free

7/05/13

Townsville Civic Theatre

Room on the Broom

9:30 AM

4727 9797

Cost

7/05/13

CityLibraries Aitkenvale

Newborn and Family Drop In Clinic

9:00 AM

1300 878 001

Free

8/05/13

52 palm drive deeragun

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

8/05/13

The Women's Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

4775 7555

Free

8/05/13

Event Cinemas

Bring your Baby - Iron Man 3

12:30 PM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost Cost

8/05/13

PaediaTricKs

Handwriting Club

4:00 PM

dpemery@dodo.com.au

9/05/13

Mary Mackillop Performing Art Centre

Play School LIVE In Concert

10:00 AM

1300 788 028

Cost

9/05/13

Rollingstone Community Hall

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

9/05/13

The Women's Centre

Balancing Life workshop

10:00 AM

4775 7555

Free

9/05/13

QLD Country Women's Ass.

SPELD - Understanding and assisting Children with Dyslexia

9:00 AM

3394 2566

$500

10/05/13 Oonoonba Community Centre

Friends of the Birth Centre - Morning Tea and Playgroup

9:30 AM

townsville@fbc.org.au

10/05/13 Mt. Louisa House of Praise

Mothers of Preschoolers - MOPS

9:30 AM

0411 056 483

10/05/13 The Women's Centre

Free Singing/guitar tuition

12:30 PM

4775 7555

Free

10/05/13 Event Cinemas

Bring your Baby - Iron Man 3

10:30 AM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

10/05/13 PaediaTricKs

"How Does Your Engine Run" Teaching children self-regulation skills

4:00 PM

dpemery@dodo.com.au

Cost $500

10/05/13 QLD Country Women's Ass.

SPELD - Understanding and assisting Children with Dyslexia

9:00 AM

07 33942566

11/05/13 Anderson Park

Memorial service - Sands Townsville

5:30 PM

4775 5957

11/05/13 NQ Farmers Market

Town Square, Main Street, North Shore

6:00 AM

11/05/13 Townsville Showgrounds

Townsville Home Ideas & Lifestyle Expo

12/05/13 National

Mothers Day

12/05/13 Willows on Wheels Skating Rink

Mothers Day PAKCLUB

9:00 AM

12/05/13 Rossiter Park

McDonald's Mothers Day ClassicÂ

7:30 AM

12/05/13 Townsville Showgrounds

Townsville Home Ideas & Lifestyle Expo

Kids

MINI MAG

WIN

prizes

in cinemas j

u ne

www.facebook.com/northshorenq Free

4721 1300

Cost

4723 0936

Free

www.townsvilleroadrunners.com.au

Cost

4721 1300

Cost

13/05/13 The Women's Centre

Free yoga

12:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

13/05/13 52 palm drive deeragun

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

13/05/13 Event Cinemas

Bring your Baby - The Big Wedding

10:30 AM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

14/05/13 The Women's Centre

Craft group

1:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

14/05/13 Saunders Beach Community Hall

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

May 2013 fun activities

www.pakmag.com.au

Find the hidden words!

Match the words and pictures!

Colour it in and you could WIN a prize!

www.pakmag.com.au

Page prize

colour IN & Win!

Dot to DOT

Unscramble these words and you could win!!!

Join the dots, name the item & win a great prize!

[1] rhmteo

_ _ _ _ _ _

[2] rwoself

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

[3] sethooccal

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[4] spreetns

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[5] ndayc

_ _ _ _ _

[6] ldhricne

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[7] ugsh

_ _ _ _

[8] sssiek

_ _ _ _ _ _

[9] lrweyej

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

[10] dsik

_ _ _ _

Simply email us the words at the end and you could win a prize! Send to: pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au

Zoo animal word search Word Search

Zoo animal word search match Words & Pictures

Find all of the words and when complete circle the remaining letters left to right, top to bottom to learn an interesting fact about Mums and you could win a fantastic prize!

To enter this great competition just colour-it-in and mail to:

Name:

PAKMAG, Colour-it-in May 2013

Parent/Guardian:

PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812 and

Address:

you could WIN tickets to see EPIC

Phone:

(Competition Closing Date: 18/05/13)

Email:

www.pakmag.com.au

Age:

All Competitions close: 18 May 2013

Word Scramble

WORDS Appreciation Candlelight Candy Children Chocolates Diamonds Flowers Free Time Hugs Jewelry Kids Kisses Peace Presents Quiet Restaurant Romance Snuggling Sweets Thank Yous

Simply email us the words at the end and you could win a prize! Send to: pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au

Match the word with the right picture and win!!! Vase Card Frame Gift Cake Balloons

Send in your entry and you could win a mystery prize! Send to: Competitions, PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812 Name:

Phone: www.pakmag.com.au

Activities Pak

Mini Mag Fun Can you spot the five differences between these two images?

Maze Mania

pink = family

green = kids

blue = adults

yourGUIDE DATE

VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

Aussie

JOKES For kids

A. To prove he wasn’t a chicken!

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

COST

15/05/13 52 palm drive deeragun

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

15/05/13 The Women's Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

4775 7555

Free

15/05/13 Event Cinemas

Bring your Baby - The Big Wedding

12:30 PM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

9:00 AM

4775 6984

15/05/13 IMPS Building Kirwan Health Campus Australian Breastfeeding Association -BLISS Morning

Q. Why did the emu cross the road?

May guide

15/05/13 PaediaTricKs

Handwriting Club

4:00 PM

dpemery@dodo.com.au

Cost

16/05/13 The Women's Centre

Balancing Life workshop

10:00 AM

4775 7555

Free

16/05/13 Rollingstone Community Hall

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

17/05/13 The Women's Centre

Free Singing/guitar tuition

12:30 PM

4775 7555

Free

17/05/13 Event Cinemas

Bring your Baby - The Big Wedding

10:30 AM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

17/05/13 PaediaTricKs

"How Does Your Engine Run" Teaching children self-regulation skills

4:00 PM

dpemery@dodo.com.au

Cost

17/05/13 Port Douglas

Post Douglas Canivale till 26th May

17/05/13 Port Douglas

Post Douglas Canivale - Street Parade

carnivale.com.au/events/ 4:00 PM

carnivale.com.au/events/

18/05/13 Thuringowa Bicentennial Sound Shell Performance in the Park - Students showcase of talent

4:00 PM

tapastudio@tapa.net.au

18/05/13 Railway Estate Community Centre

Townsville Toy Library

9:30 AM

4751 3353

18/05/13 NQ Farmers Market

Town Square, Main Street, North Shore

6:00 AM

www.facebook.com/northshorenq Free

18/05/13 Railway Estate Community Centre

Townsville Toy Library

9:30 AM

4751 3353

18/05/13 Townsville Civic Theatre

The Ten Tenors Mums The Word Tour

8:00 PM

4727 9797

18/05/13 Port Douglas

Post Douglas Canivale - Beach Day

6:00 AM

carnivale.com.au/events/

18/05/13 Cooinda Family centre Bowen

Welcome to Bowen Family Expo

9:00 AM

4786 3866

19/05/13 The Strand

RSPCA Million Paws Walk

7:30 AM

www.millionpawswalk.com.au

19/05/13 Willows Markets

Capoeira Demonstration

9:30 AM

20/05/13 The Women's Centre

Free yoga

12:00 PM

Free

Cost

Free 4775 7555

Free

20/05/13 52 palm drive deeragun

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

20/05/13 Event Cinemas

Bring your Baby -Star Trek: Into Darkness

10:30 AM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

21/05/13 Railway Estate Community Centre

Townsville Toy Library

9:30 AM

4751 3353

21/05/13 The Women's Centre

Craft group

1:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

This is a free listing. Submit your event info to: admin@pakmag.com.au Q. Why do kangaroo mums hate bad weather? A. Their joeys have to play inside!

Q. What’s a koala’s favourite drink? A. Coca Koala!

www.pakmag.com.au

May guide

pink = family

green = kids

blue = adults

yourGUIDE DATE

VENUE

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

TIME

FOR MORE INFO

21/05/13 Saunders Beach Community Hall

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

21/05/13 Railway Estate Community Centre

Townsville Toy Library

9:30 AM

4751 3353

COST $3

22/05/13 Burdekin Library, Ayr

National Simultaneous Storytime

10:30 AM

alia.org.au/nss/

Free

22/05/13 52 palm drive deeragun

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

22/05/13 The Women's Centre

Playgroup

9:30 AM

4775 7555

Free

22/05/13 Event Cinemas

Bring your Baby -Star Trek: Into Darkness

12:30 PM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost

22/05/13 PaediaTricKs

Handwriting Club

4:00 PM

dpemery@dodo.com.au

Cost

23/05/13 The Women's Centre

Balancing Life workshop

10:00 AM

4775 7555

Free

23/05/13 Rollingstone Community Hall

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

24/05/13 Mt. Louisa House of Praise

Mothers of Preschoolers - MOPS

9:30 AM

0411 056 483

24/05/13 The Women's Centre

Free Singing/guitar tuition

12:30 PM

4775 7555

Free

24/05/13 Event Cinemas

Bring your Baby -Star Trek: Into Darkness

10:30 AM

www.eventcinemas.com.au

Cost Cost

24/05/13 PaediaTricKs

"How Does Your Engine Run" Teaching children self-regulation skills

4:00 PM

dpemery@dodo.com.au

25/05/13 NQ Farmers Market

Town Square, Main Street, North Shore

6:00 AM

www.facebook.com/northshorenq Free

27/05/13 The Women's Centre

Free yoga

12:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

27/05/13 52 palm drive deeragun

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

28/05/13 The Women's Centre

Craft group

1:00 PM

4775 7555

Free

28/05/13 Saunders Beach Community Hall

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

29/05/13 52 palm drive deeragun

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

29/05/13 Fenced Playground Rossiter Park

Australian Breastfeeding Association -BLISS Morning

9:00 AM

4775 6984

29/05/13 PaediaTricKs

Handwriting Club

4:00 PM

dpemery@dodo.com.au

Cost

30/05/13 Rollingstone Community Hall

North Townsville Community Hub Playgroup

9:30 AM

0407 925 574

31/05/13 PaediaTricKs

"How Does Your Engine Run" Teaching children self-regulation skills

4:00 PM

dpemery@dodo.com.au

Cost

31/05/13 QLD Country Women's Ass.

SPELD - Understanding and assisting Children with Dyslexia

9:00 AM

3394 2566

$500

This is a free listing. Submit your event info to: admin@pakmag.com.au

Regular Markets COTTERS MARKETS 8.30am-1pm every Sun at Flinders Mall STRAND NIGHT MARKETS 5-9pm 1st Fri of the month (May-Dec) at Strand Park WILLOWS MARKETS 7.30-11.30am every Sun at Willows Shopping Centre BALGAL BEACH MARKET 3.30pm-7pm 1st Sat of the month Fisherman’s Landing Café MOUNT VIEW PLAZA MARKETS 8am-2pm every Saturday

www.pakmag.com.au

SUNDAY MARKETS – CASTLE HILL PCYC THURINGOWA COMMUNITY MARKETS 8am-1pm 1st Sunday of each month HORSESHOE BAY MARKETS (MAGGIE ISLAND) 9.30am-1.30pm last Sun of every month at Horseshoe Bay Foreshore CHARTERS TOWERS SHOWGROUND MARKETS 7.30am-11.30am 2nd Sun every month CHARTERS TOWERS STOCK EXCHANGE MARKETS 8am-12.00 noon 1st & 3rd Sun every month on Mosman Street

INGHAM MARKETS 3rd Sun every month at Rotary Park AYR MARKETS 8.30am-12.00 noon 1st & 3rd Sun every month at Plantation Park FARMERS MARKET 6am-12.00 noon 2nd & 4th Sat of the month at North Shore Town Centre SATURDAY NIGHT MARKETS Every Saturday from 2-9pm at 87 Ingham Road, West End (opposite Showgrounds) 1st market kicks off on the 10th November

www.pakmag.com.au

Baby Pak

Domain Central 103 Duckworth St, Garbutt hsw.com.au

Baby

Brain

It was a morning just like any other. I got up

Whatever the cause, baby brain gets worse

slowly, and with blurred vision and that half-

as the pregnancy progresses, and you start to

asleep stagger, I made my way to the bathroom.

become more preoccupied with the impending

I picked up my razor (which, let’s face it, doesn’t see much action when you’re pregnant) and carefully and skillfully started shaving off my eyebrows. One at a time, the hair came off and I looked at myself in the mirror admiring the fact that I now had not one hair between my eyelashes and the top of my forehead. And then...I woke up. In a panic, I instinctively felt my face to make sure my eyebrows were still in their rightful place.

Oops, now where did I leave my brain? Baby brain has been a handy excuse for pregnant women for years, but new research suggests it’s all in our head, writes Shannon du Plessis

Welcome to the world of the pregnant woman... where dreams seem real and putting the milk in the pantry is a regular occurrence. “Baby brain” has been well documented and one of the common symptoms listed in the classic What to Expect When You’re Expecting guide by Heidi E. Murkoff.

birth and caring for a new baby. You might be worried about labour, family dynamics (if you have other young children to care for), family finances, the baby’s health, and how you will handle motherhood. Sleep will probably also become more erratic. So baby brain is perfectly normal and will probably last for several months after the baby is born due to sleep deprivation. However a team of researchers at the Australian National University said they had debunked the “baby brain” myth. Their 20-year study on health and ageing analysed the mental function of a group of women before and during pregnancy and in the early stages of motherhood. The women were given memory and cognitive speed tests three times over eight years, but

Absentmindedness is very common during

were not told they were being tested for a

pregnancy and a report published in The

pregnancy study. While the study had found

Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing found

some limited impact on cognitive speed in

that 82 per cent of women surveyed reported

late pregnancy, Christensen said the results

some type of absentmindedness or inability to

showed that carrying a baby had “pretty much

concentrate during pregnancy.

no permanent effects” on a woman’s mental

Feeling forgetful, daydreaming or brain fog is

function.

often attributed to a change in hormone levels.

While I’m happy to hear I’m not losing my

Hormones have a powerful influence on our

marbles, I am slightly miffed at not being able

bodies, including the brain, and pregnancy is

to blame my forgetfulness on my unborn child.

a time of dramatic hormonal changes. Some

Although I’m grateful I still have my eyebrows!

theories suggest that low iron levels and stress

www.pakmag.com.au

are also contributing factors.

www.pakmag.com.au

Baby Pak

kids Health

Sleepy Babies

New product

review

by Nicole Pierotti

Gumigem

Stuttering

COOL Product

Gift

idea

Love

this!

Sleep plays an enormously important role in the mental and physical development of children as well as for their immune system.

Speaking is living Toddlers who stutter are likely to be the targets of bullying and teasing at preschool and kindergarten according to stuttering expert Professor Mark Onslow, Director of the Australian Stuttering Research Centre (ASRC) at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Health Science. Stuttering typically starts in two to three year old children and can hinder educational and occupational success also causing serious psychological problems later in life states Professor Onslow. Professor Onslow says school can be a terrible time for those who stutter and the general community, parents and

Recent research undertaken by ASRC has also shown a linear relationship between stuttering severity and educational achievement. The research has prompted further calls for early intervention and treatment in preschool and school aged children.

This award winning range of baby proof jewellery are designed to look amazing whilst being safe for

teachers need to be educated in regard to the experiences of these children and what they can do to help. “Our recent studies have shown that school children who stutter are generally perceived negatively by their peers and it is virtually inevitable that many will be the victim of teasing or bullying,” says Professor Onslow.

Mummy Jewellery For Teething Babies

Our sleep-wake cycles (circadian rhythms)

Babies 6-12 months

are based on light and dark and they take

= 15 hours

a little time to develop when your baby is born. Research shows that they begin to develop at about six weeks in newborn

TotSeat Travel High Chair Here’s a simple idea that’s practical for parents of babies who are on the move. The Totseat travel highchair converts dining chairs of all shapes and sizes into a highchair,

came up with the idea while on maternity leave with a teething baby. She used to tie teethers to

I year olds

herself until the light bulb moment hit her and

= 14 hours of sleep

she decided to create a teether into a stylish piece of jewellery.

babies and by three months onwards they

4 year olds

have developed a regular sleep-wake cycle

= 12 hours+ (with rest time once daytime

The current range includes bangles, bracelets

and a way of going to sleep.

naps have stopped)

and pendants made from silicone. For more

Here’s how much sleep babies need on

Babies and toddlers have a vast amount to

average as they grow:

learn in the first three years of their life and

Babies 0-12 weeks = 18 hours sleep in 24 hours

squashes into its own tiny travel pouch, and is completely

Babies 12- 24 weeks

machine washable. It is available for only $49.95 at

= 15-16 hours in 24 hours

www.childandbaby.com.au

your baby to suck on. Creator Jenny McLaughlan

information go to www.gumigem.com.au

children who get enough sleep learn more rapidly than those who are tired. Parenting expert Nicole Pierotti

To WIN a set of Jellybean

WIN

GumiDrops and a Firefly Bubba Bangle valued at $45, simply go to

is a psychologist and founder of

our website and tell us the name

www.babysmiles.com.au

of the Gumigem creator.

townsville’s family maGazine for parents of “beans to teens” 3 reasons to use pakmag: [1] pakmag prints 10,000 copies every month [2] pakmag is the only family mag in Townsville that can distribute to every McDonalds & Coles from Ayr to Ingham [3] pakmag targets parents of ‘beans to teens’ 39,989 families consisting of: 3382 babies, 16347 one-five yr olds & 18176 five-fourteen yr olds

check out what we can do for your business Call Natalie on 0427 725 624 or email tsvsales@pakmag.com.au to see how we can help your biz in the family market - FREE opportunities exist

www.pakmag.com.au

Real

Lives Story thanks to Amanda Cranston

Zest for Life Maria Hutton was a vivacious teenager with a zest for life, a buzzing social life and a love of sport, but just three weeks before her 20th birthday she was in a car accident that changed her life forever.

Maria Hutton

Spinal

Injury

Next time you’re thinking how hard parenthood can be at times, spare a thought for Maria Hutton who successfully raised her beautiful family from the confines of a wheelchair.

“I had been out that night and my boyfriend was driving me home. I was asleep in the passenger seat and he lost control and we ended up hitting a telegraph pole,” Maria says. “I broke my spine T4 - 5 which is between my shoulder blades and all I could think of was ‘Why me?’”. She says she split with her boyfriend a few months after the accident, but she didn’t hate him even after what happened. “I was lucky I had really great friends and a great family who supported me because I didn’t want to leave the house after the accident I was too embarrassed to be seen in a wheelchair,” Maria says. At the time of the accident Maria was working as a receptionist and says her employers were amazingly supportive and built a wheelchair ramp, disabled toilet and a disabled car space just for her. She worked there for six years and during this time she met her husband. “Neil started at the mill as an engineer and we would talk on the phone all the time so I asked him out. The nicest thing is when he looked at me he never saw the chair, he just saw me,” she says. “And our wedding day was perfect, apart from me momentarily getting my wedding dress caught in the wheels of my wheelchair.” Today they have three beautiful daughters, Rebecca 26, Sarah 24 and Alana 22. Maria says

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she was just like other mums although there were obvious practical challenges. “I remember one time when the kids were young and I was pregnant with Alana I fell out of my chair and couldn’t get up. My other two girls thought I was on the floor to play with them so they brought out all their toys,” she laughs. “I had to call Neil’s work and ask the receptionist to send him home to help me back into my wheelchair and she was on the PA system before she even hung up the phone!.” Maria says she has accomplished a lot and is really proud of the fact she has not let her disability get in the way of her life. When the kids were little she bought her own craft shop in a shopping complex in Rockhampton because her disability made it hard for her to get a job. “The owner wouldn’t sell it to me at first because he didn’t think I would be able to run my own business in a wheelchair. Six months after I bought the shop he came in and apologised,” she says. Maria now works as a shift fill officer at the Spinal Injuries Association and also in a mentoring role, helping others come to terms with their disability. “Today there isn’t the stigma there used to be and there is a lot of support out there. And at the end of the day you can do anything if you put your mind to it, you just have to do it differently” she says. For more information on spinal cord injuries contact www.spinal.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

by Louise Costanzo

There are some great markets in Townsville and they are often great for a fun family outing, writes Louise Costanzo Farmers Market Every Saturday morning as the sun peeks above the city of Townsville, produce farmers and food artisans prepare for the ambush of locals at the North Queensland Farmers Markets. Supported by the Australian Farmers Markets Association, this is an authentic farmers market that is meeting local consumer demand for farm-to-table food. All the stalls are accredited before registering to sell, promoting the purchase of truly local and seasonal food that is environmentally conscious. Recently we spent a Saturday morning strolling around the markets with a coffee in hand, wandering from stall to stall, filling our green bags with affordable, locally grown produce and indulging in some taste testing. The range of products available included fresh organic

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fruits and vegetables, aromatic skin care, nuts and seeds, olives, tapenades and jams, herbs and spices, seafood, baked goods and dairy products, all grown and produced locally. Fantastic coffee and baked breakfast treats, live music and kids entertainment added to the shopping experience. There was plenty of parking, parkland and several additional retail outlets available across the street.

Children’s Markets The gorgeous and unique products available from the children markets of Townsville are lovingly designed by some of Australia’s most talented crafters and designers. The aisles of stalls are plentiful with gorgeous children’s outfits, chic bedroom decorations and furnishings, brilliant toys, essential accessories, pretty but practical bags and shoes, dreamy vintage-inspired creations,

musical instruments and second-hand necessities. The North Queensland Babies and Kids Market does not only facilitate parents to buy and sell good quality pre-loved goods but also provides an avenue to connect parents; and to showcase local home based businesses and services. It offers a range of affordable and excellent quality baby and children’s goods. Previously held in only the larger capital cities, the Mathilda Markets have now made their way north to Townsville. It is a shopper’s heaven for stylish clothing and accessories or distinctive homewares and toys. Both of the markets are held at the Townsville RSL Stadium, which is completely indoors, air-conditioned and under cover, with pram friendly access and ample parking. It is an enjoyable and relaxed shopping experience for the whole family under one roof, with children’s face painting and craft activities and coffee and sweets available.

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Family

Carers

Matters

help for

Story thanks to Elaine Seager

Disability

Support

elanie Walsh admits that life can

by the Parenting Research Centre but the many

be hard when you’re the parent

local groups across North Queensland are

of a child with a disability. “I won’t

managed by the Cerebral Palsy League.

lie and say it isn’t hard, or exhausting, or that some days I wish things were just ‘normal’. But, truthfully, part of me is also grateful, having a child with special needs has opened up a whole new world to me.”

community Melanie vividly remembers feeling welcome at her first MyTime session, “I just remember being in tears because I finally felt understood and it was the first time I had seen

on toast, and a sausage and tomato for $4

When Melanie’s first daughter Rhiannon started

Rhiannon really interact with kids her own age.

missing developmental milestones her gut told

It was so wonderful to be able to talk to parents

• Hamburgers, sandwiches, cereal & heaps

her something was different despite the fact that

who actually knew what I was talking about,

doctors and other parents kept reassuring her

who were living it themselves.”

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that all kids develop at different rates. “Rhiannon

For parents of children with a disability finding support from other people who understand, care and won’t judge them can be life altering. And the federally funded MyTime Program was created to do just that.

just seemed ‘different’ to her peers. I could never quite put my finger on it but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to it.” It was only when Rhiannon started Prep that someone asked if she had had any genetic testing done. When she got home Melanie went straight to Dr. Google and came across Williams Syndrome. “As I read through the characteristics my heart started to beat faster and faster - they described Rhiannon to a ‘tee’.” Ten weeks later a specialised genetic blood test confirmed the diagnosis and Melanie says she felt relieved to finally find a ‘why’ even though it didn’t really change much since there is no

Sunday 12 May 9aM-11aM WilloWs on Wheels skate rink

Away from the stares and glares of the wider

specific support available for this fairly rare condition. Instead, Melanie says that she has found

Corinna Myers, Cerebral Palsy League’s MyTime Coordinator, says creating time for parents and carers is at the heart of the program. “MyTime offers families the opportunity to meet others in a relaxed environment, share information and experiences, create friendships and develop community support. This peer support is vital to families who can feel isolated or disconnected, and is a fantastic way to make friendships, socialise and find out more about the support and services available in local communities.” For more information on your closest MyTime group please visit www.mytime.net.au or contact Corinna Myers on 4799 9600 or cmyers@cplqld.org.au. The Cerebral Palsy League is a non-profit organisation that provides vital support to more than 5,000 children and adults with cerebral palsy and physical disability.

wonderful support from the MyTime program. This national program provides local support for parents and carers of children (0-16 years) who have a disability, chronic medical condition or

For more info visit our facebook page

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developmental delay. It is coordinated nationally

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Family

Matters

ccording to the 2011 Census, women

others, which should provide further motivation

still do the majority of domestic

for parents to ensure their teenagers develop

chores in modern family households

this key life skill.

and, perhaps not surprisingly, teenagers are the least inclined to help out with the housework. Teenage girls did 28 minutes of housework per day compared to mum at 151 minutes, and boys

Story thanks to Elaine Seager

(aged 15-19) barely managed a measly 19 minutes. While it would be easy to dismiss this as typical teenage laziness it seems as though parents are perhaps being their own worst enemies. A national Newspoll survey recently commissioned by leading cleaning brand VIVA® also discovered that 70 per cent of Mums find it easier to do the cleaning themselves rather than having to ask their teens to help out, resulting in a generation lacking in valuable life skills. Interestingly, 96 per cent of Mums believe that domestic skills, such as cleaning, are an important life skill for their children to learn but over two-thirds just find it easier to do it themselves rather than taking the time to teach their kids how to do it.

those most likely to stay at home, where they are looked after by their mums, are males. Stay-at-home 20-somethings have been tagged by demographers as KIPPERS or Kids in Parent’s Pockets Eroding Retirement Savings. Bernard Salt says “I suspect that some 50-something parents have created a culture of dependence in their young adults to keep them at home but this runs counter to the thinking and values of parents who believe that the learning of cleaning and other domestic skills is important.” It might be laziness or it might be that they’ve never been taught, but one thing’s for sure, in modern busy households where dad and mum both work, the housework should be everyone’s job. As Bernard Salt says, “The only earners and multiple teenagers and perhaps kippers can operate is if there is a fundamental

cleaning skills but they just can’t quite bring

shift in who does the domestic housework.

themselves to teach or enforce the share-the-

Whereas once cleaning was entirely mum’s

cleaning principle.”

job it is now everyone’s job. This is a bold new

themselves’ to be a quality they dislike most in

concept: the household of the future will be more of a sharehouse experience rather than a place where one person does the lot!”

Domestic Life Skills Teaching kids how to take responsibility for personal property is an important life skill and it also eases the burden off mum. Here are some tips: [1] Start early (let younger kids ‘help’) [2] Keep the tasks age-appropriate

[4] Spend time teaching them how

to tidy and clean properly and

the methods you use

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adults are choosing to delay flying the nest and

line is that parents think their kids should learn

[5] Teach them about the different

away anytime soon. More and more young

way a modern household with multiple income

[3] Use charts

If you don’t want your kids to turn into ‘KIPPER’s’, (kids in parents pockets eroding retirement savings) then perhaps its time you started sharing the housework and teaching your kids how to clean for themselves?

parents, it seems this is an issue that isn’t going

commenting on the results, said, “The bottom

of Mums also consider ‘not cleaning-up after

Cleaning

27 per cent of 20-somethings still live with their

Leading social demographer Bernard Salt,

The survey also highlighted that 28 per cent

Share the

Given that another finding of the Census was

[6] Focus on teaching them skills

rather than expecting them to

do it perfectly for you

[7] Make cleaning together a regular,

consistent routine

[8] Make it fun – put some music on

for example.

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