PakMag Cairns - February 2021 Issue 164

ISSUE: FEB 2021

164

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Huge Prizes • Embracing Your ‘Flawsome’ Self • Kids Activities Under 5's Activity Guide • Sustainable Homes • Mindfulness for Teens

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The Thing Is with Bree James Embracing Your ‘Flawsome’ Self STEAM: Sustainable Homes Cairns’ Newest Secondary School is Building Momentum The Value of Mindfulness for Teenagers All Things Tweens and Teens The First Heartbreak Why the First Seven Years Matter Under 5’s Activity Guide Gut Health for Toddlers Bump, Bub and Beyond Parent’s Puzzle: Criss-Cross Mini Mag Adult Colouring Recipes Filled with Goodness Daddy Diary The PakMag Experts All Things Health The Great Lie Names Do Hurt Craft for Kids Things all Leaders Need to Know New Principal Joins the Leadership Team at MacKillop Check it Out Get Out and About

PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James

Hello and welcome to the February edition of PakMag. The ‘school-holiday-hectic’ is officially over, the kids are back at school and hopefully us parents can get some brain cells back. I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted from all the “mum, mum, mum!”

Because of this, we have created the Mindfulness and Connection Edition this month, to help you ‘increase the peace’ in your inner and external life. With tips on mindfulness, meditation and how to embrace your ‘flawsome’ self!

We also have a special focus on the tiny tots this month as older children go back to school, there’s plenty of ways to keep your little humans busy, having fun and learning new skills with the Under 5’s Activity Guide.

I hope you get some ‘me time’ and some routine back into your world.

I know I keep thinking about that walk up the Red Arrow to get some fitness in my world, but then again - curling up with a good book with no one calling out your name is very appealing too. Whatever your “me time” looks like, enjoy it - it was a HUGE few weeks of school holidays.

Until next time, happy parenting and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

Bree Bree James PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief Contact Us: p 4053 3331 e admin@m2f.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 www.pakmag.com.au www.m2f.com.au

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families www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 3

The Thing Is

The Thing Is with Bree James Many of us have just put our child into their first days of daycare, kindergarten, primary school or high school. Children are the keepers of time, and they remind us how fast it goes. It feels like only yesterday I was putting my eldest child into prep, and now in the blink of an eye he is a young man entering high school.

The past decade has flown by so quickly, and I am sure the next one will be even faster and I’ll be looking down the barrel of being an empty nester.

The thing is, ending and starting an era is always momentous and filled with mixed emotions. The excitement and trepidation of the new, and the nostalgia and comfort of the old, mixes together as the perfect tear-jerking cocktail for the emotional parents among us.

The older I get, the more things ‘hit me in the feels’. My son’s year six graduation ceremony had tears streaming down my face from the time I walked in the door, until the time I left. I can only imagine what I will be like on his last day of high school.

of time in our children; hoping, wondering, worrying - whether we have done enough. Could I have done more? Should I have done more? Why didn’t I do more?

Parenthood is the ultimate guilt trip.

As they say, spending time with your children is one thing you will never regret. Time is the best investment and gift you can give your child. Life is just so busy these days, and goes so quickly. The juggle is real trying to fit it all in.

One of the hardest parts of parenthood, (that we rarely speak about) is when our kids grow up. They no longer need us as much anymore, and we never realised that that was the last kicks in your belly, the last breastfeed, the last kiss at the school gate, or the last time they jumped in the bed with you. These moments just happen, and sure, sometimes we are happy about it, but some of these moments we look back on and would give anything for one more experience.

At the end of the day when you’re putting your little darlings to bed and they turn into dehydrated, hungry philosophers who need hugs, story time and ten toilet trips, remember that this stage won’t last forever.

Breath it in and enjoy it while it lasts.

Everything from hearing the sounds of their little voices singing the national anthem, to watching them look for you in the crowd and the delight that crosses their face when they spot you, to seeing their little bodies walk on stage filled with self-confidence, fills you with such pride. Please tell me I am not the only one that has tears streaming down their face during these moments?

I never look around the room, as seeing another parent cry would make me even worse. To my husband’s amusement, I am always a ‘Sooky La La’ that walks out of these events with sunnies on - wishing they’d remembered to bring tissues. Why do I always forget the tissues!?

Bree

Regardless of how much we do for our children, milestones like these have us analysing our investment

www.breejames.com www.myvisionbook.com.au

Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters, and if you are a big cry-baby like me, please track me down and share your tissues.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 7

Feature

Embracing Your ‘Flawsome’ Self STORY Georgia Murch The pursuit of being truly human is discombobulating.

We are so darn tough on ourselves. Learning to be enough, with exactly who you are is not an easy journey. Many of you believe that to be whole; you should pursue not just being better - but being perfect. Either perfect at your job, your parenting, your partnering or your physical self.

What if I told you that achieving peace with who you are and where you are at in life is far easier than you think?

The answer, I believe, is making friends with being ‘flawsome’.

herself doing rich-people things’. Her re-enactments of celebrity and model photos complete with weird poses and outfits are LOL-worthy. She takes the mickey and exaggerates her own flaws for humour.

I think one of the reasons we love her so much (aside from how hilarious she is); is that she is real. She is not hiding her body; she is saying; ‘This is me, I am flawsome’. And she’s made a living from it. With 9 million followers and counting, a flourishing comedy career and a book deal - she is doing fine.

Flawsome is not just making peace with your flaws; it’s knowing that without them, you would not be you.

It goes beyond surrendering to your flaws; it means owning them, understanding them and knowing that admitting them - gives you your power. It doesn’t take your power away.

The thing is, we are drawn to people not for their perfection, but for their acceptance of their imperfections. We admire people who may seem flawless, but they are hard to connect with and understand, and very hard to be like. The Pratfall Effect says that if you want to build trust quickly with people, showing your flaws is one way to do this.

It’s about showing your vulnerability, and in doing so, that increases your connection with others.

Many of you will know the global icon Celeste Barber. Celeste made a name for herself via her ‘@celestechallengeaccepted’ social media series, which began in 2015 as a ‘fun experiment to see what it would look like for an average person to photograph

So how do you make peace with who you are in all your colours? Well there is no checklist. Life is not a clear path. But there are three principles that when explored can help you be a better friend, leader, parent, partner, colleague and person.

How Can I Be Flawsome?

For more on accepting our imperfections with Georgia Murch - tune into episode 77 of the PakMag Parents Podcast at www.pakmag.com.au

8 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Feature

1. Understand Your Triggers

2. Seek the Truth

Have you ever played a character in a play? Or been in a band, part of a group presentation or played in a team sport? For you to play your role you would have been looking for cues from someone else.

Whether the cue was a phrase, a look, a movement you would have looked for it to indicate it was your turn. Ideally anyway.

The truth is tricky. What’s the truth in conversations or situations? Is it what you think, or another’s perspective? Maybe it’s a combo of both. Maybe it’s neither. Reconciling what you believe about yourself and the impact it has on those around you is where you learn. It might not be comfortable at the start but when you use this as data to help you grow, it becomes freeing.

We need to remain open to whatever is coming our way. When we treat feedback as information, not a personal attack, the learning begins. When we react poorly, and stay in our triggers, we stifle our opportunity to evolve. It’s the curiosity and our search for truth when the magic begins. It’s fear that holds us back from being and moving into our transformation.

3. Continue Your Transformation Identifying the things that trigger you off in life is the same. But if you don’t know what to look for, you won’t get to learn about the role you play when life, people or circumstances trigger you into a response. The reactions become things that either help us grow, and those around us, or hinder this growth. When we stay in our stress responses we are trapped.

Understanding the things that hold us back from being present and how we can learn from them is like finding gold - if you dare to look for it. Once we know our triggers it’s easier to know how to seek the truth.

This is where your courage lies. The courage to be open to many truths, to know that one person’s perspective of you - is just that. It’s not automatically adopting others’ beliefs, or punishing them for having them. It’s seeing it as an opportunity to add to what you already know. The aim is to add to your pool of knowledge, not diminish it.

Transformation is endless and it requires discomfort.

To know that you are perfectly flawed - that you are awesome because of your flaws. It’s the differences in each other that make us valuable.

We just need to learn how to embrace our inner flawsome. To learn that the journey to being whole, is learning to be holey.

Georgia Murch is an expert in designing feedback cultures and helping people reconcile the feedback they give themselves. She is a best-selling author and has just launched her third book, Flawsome; The Journey to Being Whole is Learning to be Wholey. For more information on how she can help people and organisations visit www.georgiamurch.com

WIN a Copy of Flawsome!

Flawsome - The Journey to Being Whole is Learning to be Holey. We’re so hard on ourselves, no wonder mental health problems are at all-time highs. Georgia Murch’s answer is to accept our imperfections and learn to be ourselves - flaws and all. www.georgiamurch.com WIN a copy of Flawsome worth $29.99! Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 9

STEAM

Simple Ways to Create More Sustainable Homes

What We Can Do to Improve the Sustainability of Our Homes Making our homes more sustainable doesn’t have to mean completely living off the grid. In fact, improving the sustainability of our homes is quite simple and easily doable for the majority of families throughout Australia.

So, in what ways can we do our part to protect the environment and ourselves through sustainability?

Let’s take a look at some of the options.

Buying multi-use items instead of single-use and reducing plastic use. This could include replacing plastic water bottles with a reusable metal one, replacing plastic toothbrushes with wooden toothbrushes, not using plastic shopping bags… even plastic cotton earbuds can be replaced with bamboo earbuds!

Parents with babies can also improve sustainability by replacing regular nappies with reusable ones and using compostable/biodegradable baby wipes.

Become a recycling master. Visit your local council website for all the information you need on what to recycle and what to do with all other items that you want to correctly dispose of.

Compost. Organic material such as food waste makes up a large amount of the waste sent to landfills. This creates large amounts of methane which is a greenhouse gas that’s bad for the earth. Composting is an easy solution to this and you can find out how to do it at home on the next page.

Try and grow your own fruits and veggies. You can then use your own compost as a great fertilizer for your fruits or vegetable patch.

Turn it off. If you don’t need it on and you’re not using it, turn anything electronic off.

Use LED lights instead. They save money and are much more energy efficient than fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.

Use homemade cleaning products or store-bought products that are eco-friendly. This reduces the amount of harmful chemical waste.

10 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

DIY Beeswax Food Wraps Beeswax food wraps are a sustainable alternative to cling wrap and plastic sandwich bags, while also being easy to make.

What You Need 100% cotton fabric (cut to the size of your baking tray) Scissors (preferably fabric scissors) 50g pure beeswax pellets or 50g pure beeswax bar grated Baking paper Baking tray Paint brush Note – A lot of online recipes include resins or jojoba oil, however you do not need these for your DIY beeswax food wraps to work perfectly fine.

Method Preheat the oven to 100°C Line your baking tray with a sheet of baking paper. Cut the cotton fabric to a size where it fits nicely into the baking tray (do not let it go up the edges, it needs to lay flat).

If using beeswax pellets, generously sprinkle them over the sheet of fabric. If using a beeswax bar, use the grater to grate thin pieces of the beeswax bar over the top of the fabric. The layer of beeswax does not need to be thick – just enough to cover the fabric in a layer of beeswax once it melts.

Place the baking tray and fabric in the oven and allow the beeswax to melt for roughly 3 – 5 minutes or until fully melted.

Allow to cool, then remove the fabric from the tray.

Note: Beeswax food covers are best used for items that need to be stored or refrigerated for only a short time and food items such as school or work lunches.

All About Compost Composting helps reduce your impact on the environment and is not difficult to do, making it a great way to introduce kids to being eco-friendly and helping them gain an understanding of how to reduce their carbon footprint.

To start small with children, they can begin composting in a large, wide-top glass jar as an experiment. Simply add a 1:1 ratio of dry material and wet or fresh material. Dry material can be dry dirt, shredded newspaper, shredded cardboard, dry leaves (during autumn) and more. Wet or fresh material is food waste from the kitchen but also can include manure, green leaves, tea bags and more. Lastly, add Âź of a cup of water to the jar (or dampen the newspaper and put it in, but you will still need dry material similar to newspaper or cardboard).

Add the lid back onto the jar and poke several holes in it for oxygen. Then the jar can be left on a windowsill and over the next few weeks you will see the contents slowly breaking down until they are a soil full of rich vitamins and minerals.

To compost on a larger scale, you can buy a compost bin that sits in your garden. All you need to do is fill it correctly with wet and dry, fresh or dead material and watch as it breaks down over time.

Store-bought compost bins usually have holes that allows water to drain out, as you may notice that too much moisture in your compost heap can make it smelly and slimy.

Advertorial

Cairns’ Newest Secondary School is Building Momentum Excitement is building and enrolments are growing as construction continues at Cairns’ newest secondary school.

Main building works have started at Newman Catholic College following months of demolition and preparation at the school’s site on the grounds of James Cook University. Foundation Principal Lauretta Graham will begin in her role on February 15. A school office will open at Smithfield Shopping Centre soon after she starts and enrolment interviews will commence at the end of the month.

staff, education students mentoring Newman Catholic College students, and students having the opportunity to study university subjects while still at school. Our Cairns-located secondary colleges have long had waiting lists. Newman Catholic College will cater to this need while also offering the Far North a unique and innovative education option.”

Dr O’Brien said the partnership between Cairns Catholic Education and JCU would benefit all Catholic colleges, however Newman Catholic College’s physical co-location would further enable the benefits of that relationship.

Dr Andrea O’Brien, Cairns Catholic Education Services Director of School Effectiveness P-12 and Secondary, said work on the ground was progressing well and enrolment numbers were strong.

Newman Catholic College is accepting enrolment applications through its website www.newman.qld.edu.au, which also offers detailed information about its design and development.

“We have taken more than 100 applications so far for Year 7, 2022 and inquiries continue to flow,” she said.

Academic excellence and pathway options will be a major focus, however equal emphasis will be placed on student wellbeing and fostering a nurturing atmosphere.

The buildings will feature abundant natural light, access to landscape views and quiet nooks for down time.

“A taskforce group is currently working to explore and develop these opportunities,” Dr O’Brien said.

“Possibilities include sharing of facilities and teaching

Mrs Graham was previously Foundation Principal at St Andrew’s Catholic College in Redlynch, guiding the school from 2001 to 2011. For the last nine years, she was Foundation Principal at Mackillop Catholic College in the Northern Territory.

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Dr Andrea O’Brien is Cairns Catholic Education Services Director of School Effectiveness P-12 and Secondary. She has been overseeing the planning, development and execution of Newman Catholic College to date until Lauretta Graham starts in the role of Foundation Principal of Newman Catholic College on February 15. Dr O’Brien’s role at Cairns Catholic Education includes the oversight of all secondary and P-12 colleges.

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Newman Catholic College will open with a Year 7 cohort in 2022 initially and add a year level each year to be a full Year 7-12 secondary college by 2027. It is the first Catholic school in Australia to be located within a university precinct, offering unprecedented opportunity for collaboration.

Dr O’Brien said there was a “massive amount” of work taking place behind the scenes to ensure a smooth opening next year. “Consultation has already begun around the uniform, and this will continue once the new principal begins,” she said. “Throughout this year, work will continue on policy, processes and guideline development, enrolments, curriculum, and pastoral and wellbeing design as well as the ordering of furniture and resources, recruitment and appointment of staff.”

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“We had projected a total of about 750 students by 2027, but expressions of interest suggest we will exceed those figures. People are excited about the innovative facilities and the emphasis being placed on design, digital and inquiry-based learning, in conjunction with the Australian Curriculum. The co-location with JCU is a major point of interest, given the potential to share facilities and resources.”

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www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 13

All Things Tweens and Teens

The Value of Mindfulness for Teenagers STORY Michael Hines Mindfulness, and the practice of meditation, has been around for thousands of years, but has soared in popularity over the past decade with research into its benefits.

Mindfulness is “the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and nonjudgementally” (Kabat-Zinn). The first key part of this definition is; attention, and the ability to pay attention to the present moment; as opposed to being on autopilot and caught up in thoughts about the past or future.

The other part I’d like to highlight - is the importance of the attitude we bring to the present moment. Ideally, we want to cultivate an attitude of openness, curiosity and non-judgement. This part of mindfulness is often overlooked, but is where much of the richness lies as we endeavor to apply mindfulness to our daily lives.

The ability to more fully connect to what’s happening in any given moment, and the mindsets that are cultivated through meditation, hold significant benefits for teenagers. Research has shown that by practising mindfulness, we strengthen areas of the brain that control executive function, leading to better attention, memory, planning, regulation of emotions and selfawareness. It can also reduce activity in areas of the brain associated with emotional reactivity and worry reducing stress, anxiety and depression.

Together, these brain changes provide a foundation for better academic skills, social skills and selfesteem. They provide the cognitive scaffolding for high performance in the form of improved concentration and productivity, better decision-making and problem solving, greater ability to stay on task, and greater awareness and creativity. Mindfulness also provides a gateway to improved relationships in the form of more pro-social and collaborative behaviors, increased empathy and compassion, and less aggressive behaviors.

When introducing mindfulness to teenagers, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Explain the benefits: take the time to clearly explain the benefits of mindfulness to help them get a sense of the depth and breadth of what is on offer, dispelling common myths, such as “meditation is just about relaxation”, “it takes hours/years to see any benefits” and “it’s only for spiritual people” (none of which are accurate).

2. Make it relevant for them: “what’s in it for me?”

If they can establish a clear personal motivation for why they would bother to put time aside to meditate they are much more likely to do so. Would they like to reduce anxiety, focus more on school work, perform better in exams and/or on the footy field? Connecting mindfulness with someone they look up to (from sport, music, fashion) can also support teenagers to give the practice a go.

3. Use invitational language: meditation shouldn’t be imposed upon them; rather they should be invited to take part. This provides autonomy, supports intrinsic motivation and avoids anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable with the practice being placed in an uncomfortable position.

4. Mindfulness Apps: Smiling Mind, Insight Timer, Calm and Headspace - provide guided meditations ranging in length from 1min to 1hr. I’d suggest starting with 5-10min practices; at least three times per week. Like any form of fitness, the mental fitness and dispositions developed through mindfulness are acquired through regular practice. The key is to find a ‘voice’ (meditation teacher) that you enjoy listening to.

5. Commit to your own personal practice: Modelling is important and allows you to teach the principles and practices of mindfulness from a place of authenticity and experiential knowledge.

Michael Hines is a Psychologist and Mindfulness Consultant that has spent the past three years as Lead Mindfulness Expert at Smiling Mind. His passion for mindfulness stems from a personal meditation practice and professional development spanning two decades. Michael has taught Mindfulness at Monash University, UNSW and in organisations across Australia. Outside of his work with Smiling Mind, Michael works directly with schools to co-design and deliver sustainable mindfulness initiatives. www.michaelhines.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 15

All Things Tweens and Teens

All Things Tweens & Teens Benefits of Meditation and How to Start Meditation is an extremely useful tool in handling stress, gaining better focus and memory, sleeping better and improving your creativity. It can also help you tap into your inner ‘flow’, A.K.A your motivational energy, and work on your perspective on your life.

All you need to start practicing meditation is a quiet space and a little time. Beginners can use a meditation guide, which is audio that leads you through the process of your meditation session. You may prefer reading instructions and then meditating in the quiet instead, but either way we recommend the apps Headspace and Calm as they are great meditation tools. You can also choose to meditate for a few minutes or much longer – it’s completely up to you when and where you do it, as well as how long the sessions are (although it’s best to start small!).

Inspiration Corner Our perspective and mindset can have a significant impact on both how we feel and cope with life. When we are ‘strong’ mentally, we can manage more stress and face more challenges. To help maintain a balanced perspective and build resilience, you can have strategies in place, that make facing challenging situations easier.

Calming your mind, practicing mindfulness, using breathing exercises, weighing up pros and cons when we are in a situation, trying to look at the situation from other people’s points of view, and reminding ourselves of the bigger picture and that every person has hard days - can help you overcome the challenge and be a little kinder to yourself in the process. It’s so important to nurture your mind. Remember everything you put into your brain affects your thoughts, and as Buddha says; “our life is shaped by our mind, for we become what we think.” So, make sure those thoughts are going to lead to the kind of life you want.

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16 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

All Things Tweens and Teens

The First Heartbreak STORY Kalisha Fitsch Ahh, the first love. It’s bittersweet and full of new, exciting feelings. Your teen may feel as if it’s never going to end… until it does.

during the breakup, but self-care is just what they need.

Encourage this by buying them a nice bath bomb, a fresh set of toiletries and offering healthy meals.

The first relationship is a big milestone for teenagers.

Developing a deep connection with another person teaches you a lot about relationships and about life.

While parents are aware that the first relationship is usually temporary, your teenager may feel as if their entire world is crumbling around them.

Keep an eye on them. Heartbreak is intense, especially if the relationship ended chaotically (for instance, their partner cheated on them or they got into a big fight). While difficult, it shouldn’t be endlessly emotionally debilitating. If your teen is staying in their room for weeks on end, stops being interested in things they normally enjoyed or you notice a difference in their eating or sleeping habits, it’s a good idea to take them to your GP.

Whether your teenager initiated the breakup or they got “dumped”, heartbreak is an intense emotion and poses quite an emotional challenge for them. In fact, it takes an average of three months to get over an ex, and heartbreak has the potential to cause depression.

What to Do Be a good listener. The best thing you can do for your daughter or son post-breakup is to simply listen.

They are probably feeling vulnerable dealing with these difficult emotions, so just listen calmly. It might break your heart aswell to see your child so upset, but it’s important to be their rock through this experience.

Spend time with them. Offer to do a fun activity with your teen if they’re up for it. Go out for dinner at their favourite spot, go for a drive or take a walk down the beach. All of this will help to distract them from the situation.

Encourage self-care. It may be tempting for your teen to let their usual eating and hygiene routines slip a little

What Not to Do Don’t dismiss the situation. Even if you’re secretly relieved because you didn’t like their partner anyway or you don’t think it’s a big deal because first relationships don’t tend to last, don’t minimise the situation. It’s invalidating and will make your teen feel as if their problems aren’t important to you, and this may stop them from being open about their thoughts in the future.

Don’t force advice. If your teen asks for advice, offer it to them; but don’t force them to follow it.

Don’t push them to share their emotions. Be a good listener, but don’t force them to share their thoughts with you. Your teen may prefer to grieve quietly rather than share their thoughts and feelings on the breakup with you, and that is okay – everyone handles heartbreak differently.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 19

Parenting

Why the First Seven Years Matter STORY Bec Dent and Antonella Sansone Aristotle once said, “Give me a child until he is seven and I will show you the man.”

Sorry parents, I’m not trying to put the pressure on, but it turns out that wise Greek philosopher was onto something 2000 + years ago. Whilst experiences throughout life will also shape who your child becomes, it’s all the crucial milestones and development stages that happen in the first seven years which will set them up for the rest of their lives.

What kind of grown-up do you want your child to be?

What kind of life do you want them to lead? Whilst it’s hard considering these things when they haven’t even started eating solids and it seems like we’re getting ahead of ourselves, research has shown how important these younger years are.

I have asked an expert in this area - Antonella Sansone, author of Cultivating Mindfulness to Raise Children Who Thrive: Why Human Connection from Before Birth Matters - to explain why; ‘During the first three years of life, a child’s brain is already forming one million neural connections every

minute because of exposure to experience, in particular learning from their family and community.

A child under seven - has lower brainwave frequencies (Theta) and consciousness. Theta refers to brain activity in connection with creativity and imagination, which explains why children learn through play.

These early experiences, beginning from life before birth, form our unconscious programming, which controls 95 percent of our adult life experiences (Lipton, 2015). Only five percent is conscious, yet able to modify limiting beliefs that undermine our power and our health.

Although the brain is sensitive to experience throughout life, experiences in the prenatal and early postnatal stages shape to a large extent our biological and psychological make up, medical conditions, immune system, reaction to stress, ability to relate to others, to love and be loved, to cooperate in society and share care, to be empathic and compassionate toward others.

The earliest period of life provides a unique opportunity for the primary prevention of biological, psychological and societal disorders.’

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 21

Parenting

What are the significant milestone developmental stages during these seven years and what does my child need from me at those stages?

Antonella: ‘To become a fulfilled human being, a child needs to develop key life skills such as self-esteem, communication skills, and learn how to regulate their emotions, maintain their health and well-being, resilience, kindness, love and be inspired to achieve meaningful things by witnessing caregivers cultivating these abilities themselves. This learning is not a matter of reasoning of discipline, punishment, or acting according to abstract rules - but it occurs through implicit processes fostered by cooperation, such as mirroring. It is about two human beings being connected.

Children need to learn human values from their parents through the way in which they are treated and cared for, starting from conception and gestation. If they are treated with empathy, compassion, kindness and respect, they become kind and caring human beings.

They learn that violence is not acceptable. When children are not scared by punishment, they learn to trust their parents and openly talk with them when difficulties arise. Caregiving practices have long-term effects on psychosocial development in early childhood (Narvaez & Gleason, 2013). The kind of relationship between the parents also has an important impact on a child’s socio-emotional and moral development.

Through their interactions, they provide an internal working model to the child that is stored in the nervous system. In future, the child is likely to develop the same kind of relationships as they witness in their childhood.

For the first 18 months of an infant’s life and life before birth: the most important thing for parents to know - is to form a close connection, secure attachment and take pleasure in connecting with the baby during pregnancy, caring for, holding, touching, picking up baby’s body cues, talking, playing with, listening and responding, and keeping the baby as close and calm as possible throughout the day and night time.

If the relationship is a source of enjoyment to both the parent and child, all the brain areas, in particular the prefrontal area, will develop properly. When parents spend time interacting with their children, are fully present and responsive - it helps to integrate the different parts of their children’s brain, which leads to improved decision-making, better control of body and emotions, fuller self-understanding, stronger relationships and success in school (Siegel, 2011).

As infants become toddlers; reciprocal interactions can also be expressed by playing make-believe games. For children - play is a real thing. These interactions tell children that you are paying attention to their experience and engaged with what they are trying to express. This is how children learn social norms, communication skills, and relationships. Neural connections in the brain are shaped by human connection and from this the mind emerges (Siegel, 1999). Anxiety, depression and stress linked to life stressors or trauma interrupt the flow of interactions or ‘dance of communication’.

If this occurs occasionally, it won’t undermine children’s development and lead to dysfunctional patterns. But having continuous life stressors or daily distractions such as that of smartphones, can prevent you from engaging with your children, picking up their body cues, understanding their needs, and responding.

Practising mindfulness can help parents become more present and empathic with their children and pay attention to what is going on with them and to their requests for connection. Practising these abilities is so important since these early reciprocal interactions with the primary caregivers and later with meaningful others can affect a child’s attachment style, which impacts how they develop future relationships, including intimacy (Ainsworth, 1969). Because of the rapidly growing brain, the first seven years set the foundation for how children communicate and interact with the world by mirroring how they are being responded to.

Children develop their full potential in a network of nurturing relationships in which school also plays an important role. By the time children reach first or second grade, they begin to separate from primary caregivers by making friends of their own. They are also able to talk about their feelings and use metaphor, an ability to think and reflect upon things. While we cannot control every aspect of our children’s wellbeing, we can help them meet developmental milestones thus building a secure attachment style, which is the foundation of their wellbeing. What we can do is to engage with them as a trustworthy adult so that to positively impact on their unconscious programming that will lead 95 percent of their life experiences. ‘ For Antonella’s full responses to my questions, read our blog at www.pakmag.com.au

Antonella Sansone is a mother, clinical psychologist, researcher, mindfulness teacher/ facilitator and author. Her work with expectant and new parents and infants in UK and Italy, empirical studies of African indigenous cultures and inspiring motherhood have led her to write the book Cultivating Mindfulness to Raise Children Who Thrive : Why Connection from Before Birth Matters and the design of a PhD drawing on it.

She has been granted the International Excellence Award from Central Queensland University. To purchase a copy of Antonella’s book head to www.routledge.com

22 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Tiny Tots

Under 5’s Activity Guide FNQ Dance Academy

Cairns Libraries

Start your little one off with Playdance for 2 - 3 year olds, a social class focused on socialising as well as gross motor skills and co-ordination. Babies Ballet for 3 - 4 year olds and Kindy Ballet for 4 - 5 year old children both combine music, mime, movement dance basics and more, through themed weekly (and fun!) classes.

There’s plenty to do at your local library to keep your little one entertained, including the FREE First5Forever program.

Prep Ballet is the ideal ballet class for children aged 5 6 years old and prep school, running once a week and offering a more structured ballet focus. The academy also offers Junior Boys Classes with a focus on young male dancers aged 3 - 6 years old.

A The City – 168 Draper St, Cairns A The Grounds – 117 Toogood Rd, Woree P 4051 4888 E admin@fnqdanceacademy.com.au FNQ Dance Academy www.fnqdanceacademy.com.au

Jamie Gosling Football Academy This academy offers the Little Goslings Program for 2 - 5 year old boys and girls, the perfect environment for the development of co-ordination, social and gross motor skills. The coaches will help your child as they practice shooting, game time, dribbling, passing and teamwork. Sessions take place weekly from 9.00am to 10.00am at Redlynch Central Sports Stadium, Redlynch Catholic Early Learning Centre and Holloways Beach, on different days of the week.

Also available is the DayCare Centre Program. Enquire online and find more information on the Little Goslings Program on the JGFA website.

A Holloways Beach or Redlynch P 0450 181 626 E info@jgfa.com.au Jamie Gosling Football Academy www.jgfa.com.au

First5forever Baby Rhyme Time – Sing songs and rhymes, clap, move, and explore books together.

Designed for children from birth to 2 years. All sessions start at 10.00am.

First5forever Storytime – Encourage a love of books while helping your child develop early literacy and social skills. Involves story readings as well as songs, rhymes, movement, and a related craft or activity. Suitable for ages 3 - 5 years, all sessions start at 10.00am.

Branches are located at Smithfield, Stratford, Cairns City, Manunda, Earlville, Gordonvale, and Babinda. Sessions are held regularly - visit the website to learn more.

Cairns Libraries www.cairnslibrary.com.au

Turning Pointe Dance Studios Dance is a unique art form that has creative, physical and educational benefits for children of all ages. Turning Pointe Dance Studios offer specialised classes for children aged 2 - 5 years old including Mummy and Me, Toddler Dance, Kinder Dance and Prep Dance classes.

They promote a fun, inspirational and family-like environment. Whether your child is interested in dancing competitively or just there for fun, Turning Pointe is the place to fulfil their dreams.

Email info@turningpointe.com for enrolment information.

A 240 Hartley St, Bungalow P 4031 3390 Turning Pointe Dance Studios – Dance School www.turningpointe.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 25

Tiny Tots

Cairns Art Gallery

Cairns Indoor Sports

In a fun environment, little ones will improve their fine motor skills and let their imaginations run wild in a variety of creative activities relating to the gallery exhibits. Children under 6 years of age must be with an adult guardian.

Small children can get involved with Cairns Indoor Sports for exciting games of junior soccer (Kids Soccer Competition) after school with coaching provided by a Brisbane Roar qualified coach. Playing a team sport with Cairns Indoor Sports is the perfect way to socialise, develop skills, get your body moving and have fun.

It’s game on - no matter the weather!

Creative toddlers, 3 - 5 years. Introduce your toddler to art in a fun and creative class tailored to the very young.

Cost: $75.00 members, $90.00 non-members A 40 Abbott St, Cairns City P 4046 4800 E info@cairnsartgallery.com.au Cairns Art Gallery www.cairnsartgallery.com.au

Little Pearls Swim School Little Pearls Swim School has passionate and caring instructors ready to guide your child through their swimming journey. Offering uniquely small class sizes, an award-winning program and a variety of classes for the little ones, it’s about more than just swimming.

Baby and Toddler – Lessons for ages 4 months to 3 ½ years.

Learn to Swim (Independent) – Lessons for ages 3 ½ years to primary school children.

Contact the Little Pearls Swim School team for information on pricing. Private lessons are also available.

A 1 Cumberland Avenue, Smithfield P 4038 1241 E info@littlepearlsswimschool.com.au Little Pearls Swim School www.littlepearlsswimschool.com.au

UMA Australia UMA Australia provides easy to learn martial arts movements for individuals to practice self-defence skills. Classes cater for children from 4 - 13 years through the Children’s Program, providing them with life-long skills in a family-friendly environment while also improving general health and wellbeing.

Junior Classes take place from Monday - Thursday at 5.30pm - 6.15pm and Saturdays from 9.00am - 9.45am.

Quote PakMag and receive 1 month of training and 2 belt tests FREE OF CHARGE. A 1/21 Donaldson St, Manunda P Master Barry Hampton 0414 782 189 E ckdadmin@pigpond.com Universal Martial Art Cairns Australia www.umacairns.com

26 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Cost and details: $65.00 per term, includes a soccer shirt. Kids soccer comp for both U4 and U6 age groups takes place on Wednesdays at 4.30pm. New season starts at the beginning of each school term.

A 164 Mayers St, Manunda P 4032 2844 E admin@cairnsindoorsports.com.au Cairns Indoor Sports www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au

Inflatable Kingdom Experience two and a half hours of action-packed fun on TEN massive jumping castles, inflatable obstacle courses, and games. Use the sports court and ball pit to get out all your child’s energy for the day - they’ll have the absolute best time! Open every day from 9.00am – 4.30pm.

Cost: $10.00 for children 5 and under and $17.00 for children 6 and over. Online bookings will save 10% OFF entry price. Don’t forget your socks!

A 164 Mayers St, Manunda P 4032 2844 Inflatable Kingdom www.inflatablekingdom.com.au

Kumon Maths and English Kumon’s Math and English programmes offer many benefits to learners 4 years old or younger, introducing them to simpler yet important skills and providing a solid foundation for their future education.

Preschoolers can take the Pencil Skills programme which develops their ability to control a pencil when writing, drawing straight lines, circles and more.

This programme is usually taken as a prelude to Kumon Maths and/or English.

Cost: $100.00 initial enrolment fee. Classes are $140.00 per month (per student, per subject). Visit the website for more information and for any enquiries.

P 0414 957 844 Cairns North E instructor@kumoncairnsnorth.com P 0409 903 105 Raintrees E kumonraintrees@gmail.com Kumon Cairns North Education Centre www.kumoneducation.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Gut Health for Toddlers STORY Kalisha Fitsch Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract transports food from the mouth to stomach and converts it to energy, so of course, it plays a pretty important role. However, in recent years it’s become more apparent that the GI system is even more important to our health than we thought.

The GI system contains trillions of bacteria that not only help you process what you eat, but also helps your body maintain overall wellbeing. While research on these bacteria is still in its early stages, scientists have already found that the food you eat definitely influences your gut health for better or for worse. It’s involved in regulating metabolism, weight gain and may even be wired to the brain.

What many people don’t know is that establishing a healthy gut begins very early in life. In fact, new research has revealed; a child has until the age of two and a half to establish healthy gut bacteria with little change after this point.

Eat the bacteria itself. Consuming good bacteria supports gut health, such as those in cultured yoghurt, given they are not loaded with sugar. Unsweetened yoghurt topped with fruit may help them enjoy it a bit more. Fermented veggies are another excellent addition, such as kimchi and sauerkraut (although not all kids enjoy them).

Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water has health benefits for your whole body, including your gut.

Avoid processed and fast foods. They can be very delicious, and sometimes it’s just easy and quick to buy some nuggets and chips for your child, especially if it makes them happy. However, processed and fast foods can have bad effects on gut health, especially if they already have digestive problems.

How to Boost Their Gut Health

Avoid overeating. Yes, they are growing, but be sure to keep meal sizes within a reasonable limit. What portion sizes work for one child may not work for another.

Watch your child’s diet carefully to make sure they are getting enough food so they are not hungry, but don’t overfeed them to the point where their digestive system can’t handle it.

Nourish the good bacteria. Good bacteria thrive on dietary fibre, so it’s important to feed your little one a diet rich in berries, high fibre cereals and beans.

It’s important their developing microbiomes have lots of nourishment.

Get moving. Exercise keeps the body healthy and happy, and it also promotes good bacteria. Whether it’s kicking a ball around the yard or going to the playground, it’ll benefit their gut health as well as their general wellbeing.

Fortunately for you, nurturing your little one’s gut biome doesn’t have to be difficult. It all starts in what they eat.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 29

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Bump, Bub and Beyond Featured products, reviews and prizes. Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win!

Baby Memory Book

Ocean Play Mat

$44.00 - www.babymemorybook.com.au

$34.99 - www.fairyfuntoys.com.au

This Baby Memory Book comes in cool blue or pretty pink accents with 70 stickers to help you record these baby events, like first foods, tantrums, and more.

There are 13 calendar and milestone pages to assist with this organised recording, in addition to a newborn info page that you can fill out for your new bub. At the end, there is a summary milestone page that can eventually be framed and kept as a picture if desired!

Put on your wetsuit, enter your submersible, and prepare to dive to unexplored depths to observe a stunning range of amazing animals and aquatic wildlife! A great way to stimulate anyone’s imagination, our Ocean Playmat is a special space for creating awesome adventures!

Full of terrific types of aquatic life, such as the rosy pink giant squid and the lime green eel, this playmat has endless amounts of exciting and colourful ocean expeditions!

Medela Breast Pump and Purelan Pump: $69.95 / Purelan: $9.95 - www.medelastore.com.au As one of the leading choices of breast pumps for millions of mums globally, Medela’s Harmony™ manual breast pump has got even better, now fitted with the research-based, state-ofthe art PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield, giving Australian mums more comfort and milk. And also launching at the same time is Medela’s enhanced Purelan™ cream with 100 percent ethically sourced lanolin, giving mums fast relief for sore nipples, that’s safe for bub and the environment.

30 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Bump, Bub and Beyond

Nutrition for Toddlers STORY Director of Operations Nicole Hanlon, Childs World Early Learning Centres From the moment babies start eating solid foods, there is a world of yummy foods out there to be discovered.

How exciting! Nutrients play an important role in brain development and growth of little ones, meaning a nutrient-rich diet is vital for a healthy development.

Feed your toddler a variety of foods so they can acquire a taste for different ingredients at a young age.

Include plenty of vegetables and fruits, some grains and dairy as well as a little bit of protein in their diet.

Here are some suggestions on what your tot requires so they can grow big and strong.

Breakfast – Two tablespoons of oats with milk or natural yoghurt, a piece of fresh fruit or a slice of toast with avocado are healthy choices.

Lunch – A sandwich with healthy fillings such as turkey, tuna or egg with some veggies makes for a great option.

Dinner – Keep it simple with plain, simple foods such as spaghetti bolognese or slicedup meat with vegetables.

It’s a good idea to leave at least two hours in between eating occasions, including snacks.

Suitable healthy snacks include a slice of cheese, a couple of crackers or some cherry tomatoes cut into quarters.

Tips for Picky Eaters If you’ve got a picky eater in the family, there are a few things you can do. Make the food look appealing by cutting it into cute shapes and get them involved in the preparation process. Eat meals together as a family, setting aside 20 to 30 minutes for it. Allow your child to make choices about their food within reason (for instance, “would you like peanut butter or vegemite on your sandwich?” or “would you like an apple or a pear?”) Growing food together in the form of a veggie garden can also get them excited about healthy eating.

There are some foods that are not good for toddlers, such as those that are high in saturated fat, sugar or salt (eg potato chips, lollies and biscuits). Eating too much of these may lead to a nutrient deficiency. Signs of a poor diet include being underweight or overweight, constipation, poor physical growth, being pale or having tooth decay. If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor.

Toddler Nutrition Fact Nutrition is important during all stages of life, but especially when your little one is growing so much in such little time. Toddlers need between 1000 and 1400 calories per day, depending on their age, size and level of physical activity.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 31

Parent's Puzzle: Criss-Cross Fill in the blanks with the words. To help you get started, two letters are already in place.

5 Letter Words

WIN an Ozone and UV Cleaner Case with Wireless Phone Charger worth $79.95!

Your phone is the one thing you touch all day - but how often do you clean it? Clean Case cleans and sterilizes with UV-C and Ozone for double the disinfection power. Featuring dual UV lights that automatically turn off when the case opens to avoid any unwanted exposure. The Ozone function adds a second level of sterilization by filling up the rest of the case’s space for those nooks and crannies that UV light may not reach. It also features a built-in wireless charger for your phone. www.cleancase.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 28/02/2021

32 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

ABATE AWARD EBONY GROVE MOP UP PUT-ON RANGE SHUSH SPRAY STAGE WATER WORRY

BULLION CATERER DIRECTS ETCHING FACULTY KNITTED MACAQUE MAMMOTH PARENTS QUICKLY RAINBOW STUDENT SWIMMER WEALTHY

6 Letter Words

9 Letter Words

BYWORD COURSE CUPOLA EGGNOG HIP-HOP RABBIT SNAP UP THROVE

ANTARCTIC COUNSELOR COVER SLIP EVEANTUATE EXCELLENT FURNISHED PARAMETER PEACH TREE

7 Letter Words

11 Letter Words

ANCIENT ANTENNA BAR CODE BOLOGNA

EXPECTATION GENERALSHIP MINESWEEPER PERSPECTIVE

Pull-out kids activity mag!

What begins with T, finishes with T, and has “T” in it?

1

How many months have 28 days?

2

What has four wheels and flies?

4

What word is spelled wrong in every dictionary?

3

There is a rooster sitting on top of a barn.

If it laid an egg, which way would it 5 roll?”

What gets bigger the more you take away?

6

The answers to these riddles can be found at www.pakmag.com.au/answers

А

Р

А

COLOUR IN I THE TOWN

WIN Large Balancing Gems Worth $54.90 This beautiful set of 8 Large Rainbow Balancing Gems are a lovely way to invite children to open ended creative play, great for building fine motor skills and using children’s imagination. Stacking and balancing these gems is fun and relaxing, while also developing creative problem solving skills and considering cause and effect.

Each gem is handmade, cut with multiple sides and edges making it more of a challenge than regular blocks! www.fairyfuntoys.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 28/02/2021

Connect the dots and colour in

Use the grid to draw the magician’s hat

Whose shadow does this belong to?

WIN an Apollo Jackson Magic Kit worth $69.00 Get ready to learn mind blowing magic tricks that will astound audiences from this jam-packed kit with over 100 easy to learn street magic miracles for kids age 8+.

Some of the amazing, unique and exclusive illusions Included in the kit are, Magic with a Baseball Cap (HP Patented Trick), Self-tying Shoelaces, Vanishing Ink, Magic with Sponge, Levitation Magic, Bend a Spoon with your mind, Amazing Card Magic over 20 Tricks, and much more. www.theatrix.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 28/02/2021

Fill in the crossword with animals

e6 t th Spo rences e diff

Copy the picture

WIN a Pair of Australian Shepherd Kids Mini Classic Ugg Boots worth $179.00 Every child needs a classic pair of ugg boots! Available in two timeless shades, the Australian Shepherd Kids Mini Classic Ugg Boots boast a cosy interior created with premium Australian Sheepskin, a durable design with a rubber sole as well as a tab on the ankle to assist in pulling on the boots. www.uggexpress.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 28/02/2021

Relax and Unwind: Adult Colouring WIN a DIY Decorator Chantal Scallop Velvet Chair worth $304.00!

Featuring a beautiful scallop shell shaped backrest and four elegant flared gold coated metal legs, the Chantal Scallop Chair will add a touch of elegance to any space. Chantal is available in a range of ultra soft velvet upholstery tones including; Blush, Blue, Duck Egg Blue, Black, Pink, Dark Forest Green and Navy Blue. www.luxoliving.com.au Visit www.pakmag.com.au/win for your chance to win! Competition closes 28/02/2021

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 37

Food

Recipes Filled with Goodness

Spaghetti Bolognese with Loads of Veg

Beetroot Brownies

Serves 4

Ingredients

Ingredients

450g cooked beetroot 150g butter, with extra for greasing 250g chocolate block, 70% cocoa 275g caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 25g cocoa powder 100g plain flour 2 eggs Icing sugar or beetroot powder, to dust

1 tbsp olive oil 500g spaghetti 500g minced beef or 400g can brown lentils 400g can diced tomato 200ml vegetable stock 1 cup carrots, finely diced 200g / cup mushrooms, sliced 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 small brown onion, chopped ¾ cup Italian (flat-leaf) parsley ½ cup grated cheese, any Salt to taste Method Place a large pot of water on high heat, lightly salted.

Once boiling, add spaghetti and let simmer on medium heat for the recommended time.

Heat a pan over medium heat, adding olive oil. Cook garlic and onion for 1 - 2 minutes (until it starts to brown). If you are using beef, add to the pan and brown for 4 - 5 minutes. Add carrots and mushrooms and cook until soft (5 minutes). Add lentils, diced tomatoes and vegetable stock to pan, stirring well. Bring to boil then allow to simmer for 10 – 15 minutes.

Once spaghetti is cooked, drain and serve. Pour sauce over top (or add spaghetti to the pan to combine with sauce). Sprinkle with cheese and parsley to taste.

Makes 10 – 15 slices

Method Preheat oven to 180°C. Use butter to grease a 20cm square baking tray then line it.

Chop chocolate and butter into blocks then place them in a food processor or blender. Add beetroot and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Combine eggs and flour in a bowl, mixing well.

Pour in the beetroot and chocolate mix, stirring gently to combine, then stir in the flour and cocoa powder. Mix by hand or electric mixer until smooth.

Pour mixture into the prepared tin. Place in oven and cook for 25 – 35 minutes or until mixture is firm in the middle yet lightly wobbles when the tray is shaken.

Allow to cool then sprinkle with icing sugar, slicing into individual brownie pieces.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 39

Daddy Diary

Daddy Diary Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.

We’ve all heard this advice-gem before and it’s one, I’m happy to say, I live my life by. Every weekday it’s my job to fill three hours of live radio and let’s be honest, sometimes stories do need some mayo on the top to make them sing. I’m happy to provide it.

But I’m not the only one. Both my wife and I happen to be lovers of a good fairy tale.

I tell Michelle I’m her prince charming all the time (not that she ever agrees). Truth is - Mich and I are so into stories that we named our children after them.

Our six-year-old Matilda (Wormwood) and nearly twoyear-old Charlie (Bucket) are both named after Roald Dahl characters. A wee titbit that always fills my heart

Head to Parents and Kids of North Queensland YouTube Channel to see Bree’s up close interview with Cliffo.

with joy. I don’t think Roald Dahl wrote a word I haven’t read. And while his stories are some of the best (in my humble opinion), there are just so many great yarns out there. And as modern-day parents I feel it’s our duty to pass them onto our little sproglets.

Mary Poppins is one of the greatest stories ever told.

And that’s not just an opinion. To this day the PL Travers masterpiece makes Disney millions and it’s not hard to understand why. The story of Mary Poppins is one of perfection. A magical nanny transforming a household (and a widower’s heart) all with the tap of an umbrella.

A timeless classic I was stoked to pass onto my kids.

But that bit of Poppins-magic is just one of the classics I’ve been more than happy to re-live through my kid’s eyes. “Home Alone”, “The Lion King” and the books “The Hungry Caterpillar” and “There’s A Hippopotamus On My Roof Eating Cake”, have all had a run in the Clifton house of late. And it’s been awesome.

Stories play such an important part in our lives.

Here’s to sharing more of our favourites with the little humans we’re lucky enough to call our own.

Now I just need to find a way to convince my family that Star Wars really is the greatest story of all time.

May the force be with you!

Cliffo Hit 103.5

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 41

Expert Advice

The PakMag Experts Dr Bobby Griffin

Dr Richard Thomas

Sunbird Orthodontics

Cairns Vet Clinic

Dear Dr Bobby,

Dear Dr Richard Thomas,

My two-year-old uses finger sucking as a way to soothe herself.

Her child carer suggested this could be a problem. What do you think?

Our dog barks when we’re away.

How can we get her to stop?

I think your child carer is right to be concerned. But, not too concerned! Sucking habits are very common in children. By the age of two years, we should be gently discouraging sucking habits, including fingers and dummies. This is because the risk of developing problems goes up quickly.

If they continue the habit past four years of age and show no sign of quitting the habit, then it is recommended you visit a Specialist Orthodontist who can help steer you in the right direction for help.

4038 1036 www.sunbirdorthodontics.com.au

They think they're doing a good job, but barking dogs can make you unpopular in the neighbourhood!

Firstly, you should remove her from areas where she’s exposed to barking triggers – such as keeping her from seeing cars, people, or other dogs. Exercise can help reduce anxious behaviour, particularly in active breeds. When you leave the house, avoid feeding them in a bowl and instead offer food in an engaging puzzle toy to distract them and create a positive association with you leaving.

If this fails, your vet may recommend treatment for anxiety or explore other options.

4032 9999 www.cairnsvet.com.au

Matthew Calanna

Jana Gorski

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

Naturopath - Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy

Dear Matthew,

Dear Jana,

How can I prevent or decrease my chances of catching the flu?

My three-year-old is such a fussy eater and I’m worried they’re not getting all the nutrients they need. What do I do?

The general advice consists of washing hands regularly, incorporating vitamin C and zinc into your daily diet or supplement regime, exercising regularly and eating healthy – ensuring you’re eating enough fruit and veg each day. However, the most effective way to avoid the flu is to get the family flu vaccines every year. If you don’t feel like waiting around at the doctors, book your flu shot at Calanna and chat to your pharmacists about strengthening your immune system. Calanna will have flu vaccinations available from early-mid March. Talk to our friendly staff for more details.

Young children are very sensitive to new flavours, especially the bitterness of some nutrient-dense vegetables. Mixing those foods in with other flavours, offering those foods several months apart and making sure you’re all eating the same meal together are long-term strategies to set up a wide taste-palette for your child. Shorter term, there are several excellent liquid or chewable multivitamin options for kids. Get advice on a quality formula that isn’t just a lolly in disguise.

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy www.calannapharmacy.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 43

Health

All Things Health What is Naturopathy and How Can it Help My Home?

STORY Jana Gorski, Naturopathic Coordinator, Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy Group Naturopathy is a practice that treats the whole person by acknowledging their physical, mental and spiritual aspects. As well as using herbs and supplements to help the body innately find homeostasis (i.e. balance), it recognises the effect of diet, lifestyle and environment in achieving health and healing.

What Effect Does Sugar Have on my Body?

Sugar is a form of carbohydrate that our body turns into glucose, which it uses for energy.

Your home is a place where you spend a substantial amount of time nurturing yourself and your family by preparing food, sleeping, relaxing and fostering relationships. It can also be a source of exposure to environmental and chemical toxins. Common sources of such toxins include the methods and utensils we use for food preparation and storage, some foods themselves, drinking water, cleaning products, insecticides, personal care products and sunscreens, cosmetics, fragrances, mould, household furnishings, toys and more. In most cases there are natural, safe and effective solutions or cautionary measures you can take to reduce your family’s exposure and also protect the environment.

A Naturopath can help you identify the factors in your home which are working against your body’s natural processes and come up with strategies for creating a home that promotes good health for the whole family.

There are different kinds of sugars, including natural sugar in fruits, but it’s the processed and unnatural sugars that we need to be wary of.

Consuming too much added sugar can cause obesity and tooth decay, as well as higher blood pressure, inflammation and extra fatty liver tissue. All of these are linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. In addition, too much sugar can increase your risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

Free Medication Packing at Calanna Whole Health Pharmacy Are you finding it hard to manage the multiple medications you take? Calanna would love to help you take control of your health with our FREE Medication Packing. We will collate your medications and package them into easy, daily doses with dates on them so you’ll never ask “did I take my medication today?” again. The discreet design allows you to carry your medications with you at all times. Let us know how we can support your medication needs today. Call your local Calanna to book.

Consult your local health practitioner, doctor or pharmacist for advice on these topics first to ensure the best health outcomes.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 45

Health

All Things Health Health Benefits of Aloe Vera You may have noticed that aloe vera is listed as an ingredient on various products in supermarkets and pharmacies. There’s a reason for this – the plant has many health benefits and can be used for much more than a household decoration!

Healing minor burns and pain relief. Aloe Vera can provide relief for burns due to its soothing, cooling and moisturising properties. It can result in the burn healing quicker because it’s not only antibacterial, but also has antiviral and antiseptic properties. In addition, aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, and promotes circulation. That’s a whole-lotta goodness!

Natural Remedies for Sunburn Sunburn, although it can sometimes turn into a nice tan, is not healthy for our skin at all and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

Hydration. Being well hydrated helps our body to function its best.

Aloe Vera is very hydrating within our body and as a moisturiser because it is so water dense. It’s also low in sugar and calories, which makes it a much healthier alternate to sugary drinks.

May improve digestive health. Aloe Vera juice can reduce irritation within the stomach and intestines, providing relief from discomfort and pain for those who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other inflammatory disorders of the intestines. It also helps combat general constipation.

Nutrition. The plant is full of minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and vitamins that our body loves.

Cool down your skin with a cold shower, bath, wet cloth or other – this is important because burns can keep burning the skin after the heat source is gone (in this case, the sun).

Unsurprisingly, aloe vera is a great natural remedy for sunburn, soothing, protecting and moisturising the skin.

Gently rub it on the burnt area every couple of hours. Honey is also good to use, as just like aloe vera it has antibacterial properties, which are needed to prevent infection if your sunburn develops blisters that are itchy and/ or burst.

If you go out in the sun again then you need to cover the burnt area very well.

Try and wear loose clothing until the burn is no longer sore and peeling.

46 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Consult your local health practitioner, doctor or pharmacist for advice on these topics first to ensure the best health outcomes.

Parenting

The Great Lie – Names Do Hurt STORY Bec Dent Remember that old rhyme we were taught as kids?

‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, But names can never hurt me.’

Look, I am sure the person who came up with it originally thought they were doing the best thing for their child - teaching them resilience and that the words of others about you don’t matter, that they can’t hurt you unless you let them… but the truth is, no matter how many times you tell yourself that, they still do.

Name-calling shouldn’t be minimised or dismissed, because every time someone is called a name – it has a very real impact on a person’s sense of self. Who they are, how they feel about themselves, including their self-worth is questioned, even altered, by being defined by these harmful terms. Because of this, name-calling is one of the most painful and damaging forms of bullying.

Research from the University of California has shown ‘that a weak message repeated twice, becomes more valid than a strong message heard only once. Even one repetition has the power to change our minds’ – Dr Habib Sadeghi . This is called the Illusion of Truth Effect, meaning, the more times you are told something about yourself, no matter how untrue it is, the more you believe it.

Hearing those negative things about yourself externally can lead to negative internal dialogue - where you repeat these untrue messages to yourself. We all know how hard it is to switch off that ‘internal dialogue’ and let’s be honest – it’s already way too hard on us, it doesn’t need any help. Which is why this form of bullying is so hurtful, because it can turn us against ourselves. We should be our greatest cheerleader, not enemy.

I remember watching a Dr Phil episode, where he explained how internal dialogue works and how powerful it is. We can speak at a rate of 125 – 150 words per minute (wpm) but our thoughts can operate at 1250 – 1500 wpm.

Which means, ‘you can be told something one time, but in your head, you’ve got the ability to tell yourself the same thing up to 1500 times in a minute!’ - Dr Phil.

Often a bully’s objective when saying these words is not just to affect how a person sees themselves, but how

others do too. For example, if a bully calls someone ‘stupid’ in front of a crowd, the bully hopes the group hears it and will believe it too. The more that message is reinforced, the more others will associate that name i.e. ‘stupid’ with that person too. Which is why, even as a bystander to this form of bullying, standing up and rejecting the bully’s message is so important. It tells the person being bullied, that what’s being said isn’t true – helping to stop that ‘Illusion of Truth Effect’ before it begins.

Other Negative Consequences of Name-Calling Include: Kids compromising their values and beliefs. To avoid being attacked, children may bend to peer pressure and go against who they are and what they stand for.

Damage to a person’s wellbeing and mental health – you know how you’ve felt when you’ve been called a name, this causes a noticeable change in a person’s behaviour and personality. Children can become withdrawn and struggle with feelings of loneliness and despair, anxiety and depression. In some cases, some contemplate suicide. If you see changes in your child’s mood, sleeping habits and behaviour, try discussing it with them and take them to see a doctor. You can also call Lifeline 13 11 14.

Name calling can lead to compromised physical health. Trouble eating, sleeping, upset stomachs and headaches are all very real conditions associated with stress, name-calling and bullying.

Name-calling can lead to physical violence by the perpetrator too. So, please ensure, if your child is being called names at school you bring it to the attention of their teacher or principal.

I hope we’ll all be a little more careful with the words we use and use them to uplift, not to destroy, others.

Reject self-criticism - giving yourself the same kindness and empathy, you would others. Defend and be there for your inner-self as you would any friend. Surround yourself with people who celebrate you and reinforce all the positive things about who you are. Remember to be your own cheerleader – YOU ARE AMAZING, and don’t forget to tell yourself that.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 49

Craft

www.artcampla.com

www.pfefferminzgruen.de

Craft for Kids

Mix and Match Rock Friends

Egg Carton Mermaids

What You Need

What You Need (or regular coloured sharpie pens) Newspaper to paint on Water to rinse brush Pencil

Egg carton Acrylic paint in various colours Paint brush(es) Scissors

Pencil Hot glue gun Glue stick Craft/card paper www.artcampla.com

Acrylic paint in various colours Paint brush(es) Collection of rocks (with flat surface, suitable for painting) Paint pens in various colours

Method www.pfefferminzgruen.de

Method

Cut out each egg cup from the carton. Cut a mermaid tail out of the egg carton lid that will fit into the last egg cup and poke out.

Have fun collecting rocks and imagining what animal matches the shapes you find. Draw a pencil template of your chosen animal onto the rocks before painting it.

You can use the internet for inspiration or ask for some adult help to do this.

Paint each egg cup. While paint is drying, use the pencil to sketch the mermaid bodies onto the card (see picture above or ask for adult help). Paint, then cut them out. If you like - you can cut out patterned paper for the bikini top and stick it onto the template.

Wet your paint brush and begin painting the animal onto the rock. You can use multiple rocks for one animal – separating the head, body or even tail. You can leave the smaller details unpainted and use the paint pens for these later if desired. Once you’re done, let the paint dry.

Cut a slit into the top egg carton cup, then slide the mermaid body into it so it does not move. Glue in place.

Lastly, use the paint pens to finish drawing the finer details of the animals. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your designs and colours!

50 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Stack each egg cup, hot gluing them in place. Or you could ask an adult for help to thread a needle with wool and join the cups together, pressing the needle through the centre of each, and tying a knot on either end, once complete. This, makes for a more moveable tail. Lastly, hot glue the mermaid’s tail in place.

www.gluedots.com

Craft

www.bakerross.co.uk

Alien Finger Puppets

Chatty T-Rex

What You Need

What You Need

Pipe cleaners Small and large pom poms Small googly eyes

Hot glue gun Glue stick

T-rex printable template from www.gluedots.com or create your own A4 cardstock or thick paper Glue / sticky dots or craft glue

Plastic clothes pegs Little googly eyes Pencil or pen Scissors

www.bakerross.co.uk

Method

www.gluedots.com

Take a pipe cleaner and bend it into a ‘U’ shape.

Use the hot glue gun to glue two large pom poms near the bottom of this ‘U’ shaped pipe cleaner. There needs to be enough space between the pom poms for the pipe cleaner to wrap under one of your fingers (use picture above for reference).

Take two googly eyes and glue one onto the front of each pom pom so that your puppet has a face. Then use the hot glue gun to stick a smaller pom pom onto both ends of the pipe cleaner – these are the alien antenna.

Now slide the space between the pom poms under your middle finger, make a fist, and you’ve got your very own alien finger puppet! As you can see from the picture, your fingers make the alien’s face and the thumb is the bottom of their mouth. Move your fingers up as a group or your thumb down, to make your puppet ‘talk’.

Method Print the T-Rex template off and cut it out of the paper.

Use a pencil or pen to trace around the template so the outline is on your cardstock (or print it directly onto cardstock).

Stick the T-Rex’s teeth onto its top jaw with a glue dot, then do the same with the bottom jaw. The teeth should only just poke out. Glue the bottom jaw and teeth to the peg, sideways, on the bottom side of the peg that will open and close.

Glue the other side of the peg to the back of the T-Rex – the jaw should now open and close and you pinch the peg shut!

Finish your Chatty T-Rex off with a googly eye.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 51

Education

Things all Leaders Need to Know STORY Mario Calanna The word ‘leadership’, can mean different things to different people. When leadership is mentioned, it seems to automatically allow us to form an opinion that the leader is confident, has our welfare at heart and that we will be kept safe.

However, there are many types of people in leadership positions. There are some who are incompetent or do not have your best interests at heart – they are pretenders, job-hunters, position-conscious or just promise results. Basically, they are in that position for their own gain. Yes, they may produce some good financial and innovative results, but they tend not to build team spirit and the trust that teams or individuals need. You don’t want to be that kind of leader.

Leadership is not necessarily linked to a position.

Anyone can be a leader in any place, at any time.

Leaders are all around us and play different roles in our lives. They could be teachers, parents, executives, coaches, judges, business owners, sporting team captains or politicians, to name a few.

I believe the best form of leadership is something called ‘servant leadership’. Servant leadership, is about helping and serving others. It is about ensuring family members or team members are achieving what they need as individuals within the greater goal of the leader.

In short, servant leaders help others get what they want so that the leader can get all he or she wants.

Everybody wins.

John Wooden (America’s most successful college basketball coach) defined who a servant leader is: “Who shall be first among you, shall be your servant.

Who puts focus on followers and makes their dreams come true. Who does not say ‘get going’ – and says ‘let’s go’ and leads the way. Who glorifies team spirit and duplicates this in others. Who helps others grow big, because the bigger and better the team - the better they all are. Who has faith in people, who believes in them, and trusts them, who has a sense of humour, who is interested in finding the best way. Who looks for lofty goals and extends the skills and talents and legacy of all the team.”

Servant leaders are dealers in hope. They help people to see themselves better than they believe they are or can become. Leaders should aim to be lighthouses, someone people can look to for guidance and can set their sail by them. Leaders show people what they stand for and can be a beacon to others.

Leadership is a tremendous responsibility. It’s really important to take care of those that you lead and not take that position for granted. A sign of a good leader and its highest reward - lies in knowing that others can achieve their own purpose and meaning - under your leadership.

Servant Leadership is a Gift Which Encompasses: • Privilege to serve • Responsibility and accountability for decisions made and behaviour displayed • Opportunity to lead family and teams to a better place

What are the Qualities of a Good Servant Leader?

• Humility • Ambition (the desire to achieve in the service of others – not at the expense of others) • Character – loyalty, excellence, confidence, resilience, determination, compassion, honesty, kindness, generosity, creativity and confidence • Empathy – they listen to and understand each person in the family or team • Integrity – the way they live and act reflects precisely what they say. They are authentic • Patience • Wisdom • Integrity • They have time for you Above all, leaders should be mindful that they have influence over others by the way they talk (their tone and their manner), the language they use, the values

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 53

Education

they display (as they are always being watched by others), the way they behave in all circumstances, the way they value and respect their team, customers and community and the way they pull from the front and say “let’s go” and set the pace.

It’s such an important time in history, where over the next century, we have the opportunity and need to heal division, reduce confusion, overcome despair with hope, and replace ego with character.

To Do This We Need Leadership Where: • Human capital overrides financial capital – people are your greatest asset • Emotional intelligence (relationships) overrides economic competence • Networks override hierarchies • Collaboration overrides control

It’s so important children feel like the pilot of their lives, not the passenger. Here’s some ways to help them become a leader in their life rather than a follower: • Let the (technology-free) kitchen table be the centre of their growth in all parts of their life and encourage activities, debate, discussion and questions in this space.

• Give them your time and focus completely on them.

• Be the example of the person you wish them to be – in your language, your associations and your activities.

• Listen and understand – give them a voice.

• Discipline them by setting guidelines and boundaries.

Be clear and consistent, so that they know what you will and will not tolerate.

• Meaning and purpose override structures and spreadsheets

• Be honest with them and display this honesty in your own life – your children are always watching and listening.

• Leaders and building teams override followers and victimhood

• Help them make wise and rational decisions.

• Hope replaces fear • Responsibility and accountability replace entitlement

• Take the place of the TV and the smartphone – the overuse of these will kill your relationship over time.

Good or bad habits are being formed continually.

So, be careful with your ideas - because your ideas become their actions. Be careful of your actions, because actions become their habits. Be careful of your habits, because your habits - become their character. And your character - becomes their destiny.

Our children and youth are the leaders of tomorrow, we (parents and guardians) can help them be prepared to lead by teaching them lessons in leadership, which include:

Who they become, will be in large part – due to you.

So, don’t forget to remind them of their greatness and potential, and remember your own commitment to help them become all they can be; Let others lead small lives – but not them.

• Increasing their confidence and self-esteem and building their resilience. Life is hard, unfair and we fail. However, adversity is part of life and resilience grows through adversity. We can overcome the difficulties we face

Let others argue over small things – but not them.

• Explaining the difference between a hero, a victim and an entitlement mindset

• Assuring them they were born to be great

Consider Robert Kennedy’s words: “Few will have the greatness to bend history; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of these acts will be written in the history of a generation.”

• Weaving into their nature that they are the authors of their lives – and are responsible for their choices and behaviour

We were each born to be the best of which we are capable and to help others (especially our children) live their own greatness.

• Helping them to determine the purpose and a meaning to their life

Let others cry over small hurts – but not them.

Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands – but not them.

Mario Calanna is the patriarch of Calanna Pharmacy Group. He has built his business and his reputation by focusing on helping and guiding people so that they can improve their health, their lifestyle and their mindset. The Calanna focus has always been on its people and its customers. Mario has won multiple awards for management and business and is heavily involved in the community. Mario is also a Fellow of the Australian College of Pharmacy, the Australian Institute of Management and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. www.mariocalanna.com.au

54 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Advertorial

New Principal Joins the Leadership Team at MacKillop Since 2016 MacKillop Catholic College has been “Inspiring Hearts, Minds and Spirits” and this year promises to continue this tradition. The MacKillop leadership team for 2021 will be headed by new principal Luke Brown, following the departure of Mr Luke Reed to Mt Maria College in Mitchelton, Brisbane.

Mr Brown brings a lifelong passion for education, together with a wealth of experience having worked as a principal at a number of schools across Queensland and New South Wales. His previous post was as Director of School Effectiveness at Catholic Education Services.

Mr Brown explains: “I was drawn to the role due to the school’s reputation and the diversity of the community.

The opportunity to be part of such a dynamic community is something I am excited about. I have been blessed to be part of a number of wonderful school communities throughout my career and I am sure the MacKillop community will be no exception”.

It is an exciting time for the school as it is currently undergoing tremendous growth, with an estimated enrolment of least 1200 students in 2025. Along with increased enrolment, there are also major capital works commencing this month. The 14-million-dollar project will add to the already impressive state of the art facilities providing new classrooms and a major Performing Arts facility.

Mr Brown is looking forward to working with the expert teaching team to ensure that a quality Catholic education continues to be a hallmark of MacKillop Catholic College. “The entire team have been working hard to ensure that the students have the best quality teachers and the most supportive environment possible. I believe that the provision of a quality learning environment and quality teaching are the building blocks to student growth and achievement. As principal, my focus is to build on the great work already done and engage in a process of continual school improvement.”

“I love my job! I feel privileged every day that I get to work in this environment and with this incredible staff.

I look forward to working with the entire community to deliver a very bright future for the students of MacKillop Catholic College”.

At MacKillop we pride ourselves on being a caring, welcoming and inclusive community where our students are nurtured and encouraged to achieve to the best of their ability. Every day we strive to follow the “MacKillop Way”, which is about Respect, Engagement and Personal Best. Our pedagogy is designed to reflect the needs of 21st century learners, with agile, technology-rich learning spaces.

Limited spaces are available for 2021 and we are now accepting applications for all year levels for 2022 and 2023. If you believe your child would thrive in this environment, come join the MacKillop family!

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 57

Entertainment

Check it Out Cairns Summer Sounds When: Thursday 4 February - Saturday 27 February Where: Cairns Performing Arts Centre More info: www.ticketlink.com.au Huge Aussie artists will be coming to Cairns to perform throughout February as part of Cairns Summer Sounds. On the line up are much-loved artists Tones & I, Bernard Fanning (Powderfinger), John Butler and Amy Shark.

John Butler will be bringing his signature sound, good vibes and master guitar skills to Cairns from Thursday 4 February - Friday 5 February, kicking off this vibrant line up of artists with a bang.

Break out Aussie star Tones & I is now an international artist with over 7 billion streams and broken records for most weeks with a song in #1 on the ARIA Singles Chart. She will be performing from Saturday 13 February to Sunday 14 February.

Following Tones & I, the legendary Powderfinger frontman, Bernard Fanning, will bring his epic songwriting skills, iconic voice and music to CPAC on Saturday 20 February and Sunday 21 February.

Lastly, over Friday 26 February and Saturday 27 February - Queenslander and eight-time ARIA award-winner Amy Shark, will perform favourites from Love Monster and new songs from her upcoming album Cry Forever due for release this April. Get your tickets for a night you’ll ‘Adore’.

Sing&Grow National Music Therapy Program When: Thursday 4 February - Thursday 25 March, Where: The Birch Street Hub (UnitingCare) More info: fsp.cairns@uccommunity.org.au or 4032 6800 Sing&Grow are collaborating with the Birch Street Hub to work with young children and vulnerable families in our Cairns community. Using music-based play, Sing&Grow improve child development outcomes, improve how connected we are socially, improve parent and child interaction and much more.

This is a FREE weekly program for families with young children aged 0 - 5 years old that runs for eight weeks in total. If you’re seeking better connections, not just with your child but within the community, and better child development, then this program is the one for you.

Arj Barker Comes Clean When: Friday 12 February, 8.00pm (venue open 7.00pm).

Where: CPAC Theatre More info: www.ticketlink.com.au Look no further if you want to share a good laugh as the rowdy Arj Barker returns in full force with his hilarious comedy. This 2019 ARIA Award winner for Best Comedy Release is ready to share truths, half truths, and surprises with his Cairns audience as he delivers his all new hour of honest, and sometimes shocking, comedy performance.

Arj Barker is only returning for one night this February so make sure to get your tickets if you want to have a fantastic night of humour and laughter.

58 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

NBL at the Cairns Pop-Up Arena When: Multiple dates throughout February Where: Cairns Pop-Up Arena More info: www.taipans.com Get behind the CQUniversity Cairns Taipans with some great fixtures at the start of the basketball season in the Cairns Pop-Up Arena.

Karneval im Kub (Carnival in the Club) When: Friday 12 February, 5.00pm Where: German Club Cairns More info: German Club Cairns

Friday, 5 February - Cairns v Illawarra Friday, 12 February - Cairns v Adelaide Monday, 15 February - Cairns v Sydney

The whole family can have a blast at the German Club Cairns with February’s Karneval im Klub. Join in the fancy dress fun, then the evening will kick off with Kinderkarneval at 5pm with colouring in, games and prizes for the best dressed.

The night of fun then continues with the adults seeing who can really create a final look worth talking about!

Visit the Facebook page for more information and don’t forget to grab a delicious meal for dinner from the club while the family is there.

The Beatles 50 Years On When: Friday 19 February, 7.30pm (venue opens 6.30pm).

Where: CPAC Theatre More info: www.ticketlink.com.au

Chinese New Year Celebrations - Year of the Ox When: New Year’s Day 12 February. Celebrations throughout the month of February.

Where: The Pier Cairns, Cairns Esplanade, Smithfield Shopping Centre, Trinity Room at Shangri-La, Western Edge Cairns Lagoon, Golden Boat Restaurant, Cairns Museum More info: www.cadcai.org.au The year of the Ox has arrived and family celebrations will be taking place all over Cairns throughout the month of February. The whole family can enjoy a variety of activities including markets, delicious food and Gala Dinners, the stunning Lantern Festival, traditional lion and dragon performances and noisy fire crackers to keep the evil spirits away.

The original Beatles band may not be together, but the world’s premier ‘Beatles Band, The Sensational Beatle Boys’, sure do an amazing job of recreating the music magic! Come and enjoy a two hour special concert featuring every Beatles song that made it to #1 on the charts and the unique sounds that millions fell, and stayed, in love with during the 1960s.

The Sensational Beatle Boys sell out shows in North America and Canada, Asia and South Africa, due to their striking similarities in not just mannerisms, but the ability to capture the beloved music in perfect ways. Make sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.

There’s also a photo competition with prizes to be won.

Children and teens can also enjoy creative and fun Lantern Decorating Workshops at Smithfield Shopping Centre, taking place on both 14 and 21 February. Visit the Cairns and District Chinese Association Inc (CADCAI) website to learn more.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 59

Get Out and About MONDAY 1 FEBRUARY Exhibition: Ben Quilty, The Entangled Landscape Runs until 14 March Cairns Art Gallery www.cairnsartgallery.com.au 9.00am / FREE / Mature Exhibition: Albert Namatjira and the Hermannsburg School Runs until 14 March Cairns Art Gallery www.cairnsartgallery.com.au 9.00am / FREE / Mature Exhibition: uhLebezwe Siwani - Dedisa Ubumnyama Runs until 14 March Cairns Art Gallery www.cairnsartgallery.com.au 9.00am / FREE / Mature THURSDAY 4 FEBRUARY John Butler Runs until 5 February CPAC Theatre www.ticketlink.com.au 7.30pm / $115.50 / PG

With HIT 103.5’s Cliffo & Gabi

Sing&Grow - National Music Therapy program

www.cairnsartgallery.com.au 9.00am / FREE / Mature

Runs until 25 March Birch Street Hub fsp.cairns@uccommunity.org.au 11.00am / FREE / Children 0 - 5 years FRIDAY

Eclectic Electric - Exclusive Electronic Music Event Once monthly Queens Hotel Innisfail Queens Hotel Innisfail 9.00pm / Free / 18 +

5 FEBRUARY

SATURDAY

Chinese New Year Pergola Photo Competition Runs until 26 February The Pier Cairns www.cadcai.org.au 10.00am / FREE / Family

6 FEBRUARY

Taipans vs Hawks Cairns Pop-Up Arena www.taipans.com Family

Cairns Waitangi Whanau Day 2021 Indinji Hall www.trybooking.com 9.00am / $5.00 - $15.00 (0 - 11 Years FREE entry) / Family

Schnitzelpectacular German Club Cairns German Club Cairns Bookings required 5.00pm / FREE / PG 2021 FNQ Contemporaries Exhibition Runs until 14 March Cairns Art Gallery

Ash Grunwald Tanks Art Centre - Tank 5 www.ticketlink.com.au 9.00pm / $50.00 / PG

Jennifer Valmadre Continuum Runs until 21 March Cairns Art Gallery www.cairnsartgallery.com.au 9.00am / FREE / Mature

Chinese New Year at the Pier Runs until 26 February The Pier Cairns www.cadcai.org.au 10.00am/ FREE / Family Museum Exhibition: Lions and Dragons The Sights and Sounds of Chinese New Year Runs until 6 March Cairns Museum www.cadcai.org.au 10.00am / $12.00 - $15.00 / Family Pro Wrestling Power (PWP) Love & War PCYC Edmonton Pro Wrestling Power 6.00pm / Family / PG SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY Retreat Day FNQ Oriental Healing Centre Mareeba www.soundangelmusic.com 8.30am / $60.00 / Mature

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 61

Get Out and About TUESDAY 9 FEBRUARY Bringing Up Great Kids Parenting Courses 9, 16, 23 February and 2 March The Hub Registration: 4032 6800 FREE / 10.00am / Parents Women Taking Control of Their Finances in 2021 Guyala Cafe - Event hosted

by Rita Zappulla - SMSF Strategic Advisors 9.00am / $300.00 - $500.00 / Mature / 15 + Chakra Journeys With Crystal Singing Bowls Held at Yorkeys Knob Community Hall Bookings Essential: soundangel@beeuniversal.org 7.00pm / TBA / Mature FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY Arj Baker - Comes Clean CPAC Theatre www.ticketlink.com.au 8.00pm / $46.90 - $49.90 / 15 + Cairns Chinese New Year Day Fireworks Cairns Esplanade 5.30pm / FREE / Family

Karneval in the German Club German Club Cairns German Club Cairns Bookings required 5.00pm / FREE / PG Taipans vs 36ers Cairns Pop-Up Arena www.taipans.com Family Valentine Heart Painting pARTy Painting pARTy Studio, Stratford www.paintingparty.com.au 6.00pm / $55.00 / 18+ SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY Tones & I Runs until 14 February Cairns Performing Arts Centre www.ticketlink.com.au 7.30pm / $115.50 / PG Chinese New Year Celebrations & Markets at The Pier The Pier Cairns www.cadcai.org.au 9.00am / FREE / Family Jon Stevens - The Noiseworks & INXS Collection Tanks Art Centre - Tank 5 www.ticketlink.com.au 7.30pm / $55.50 / 18 +

62 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Anti Valentine’s Eve

TUESDAY

Laneway Cairns

16 FEBRUARY

Laneway Cairns 5.00pm / $45.00 / 18 + Rainforest Reiki Class Location TBA rainforest-reiki.com 0438 537 365 9.35am / $395.00 / Adults SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY Lantern Decorating Workshops Chinese New Year celebrations Smithfield Shopping Centre

Authors Online: Deborah Rodriguez Cairns Libraries Online event www.cairns.qld.gov.au/library 12.00pm / FREE / Adults (All ages allowed) Gong Meditation with Tibetan Singing Bowls Location TBA www.soundangelmusic.com 7.00pm / $15.00 / MA WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY

www.dynamicrunning.com.au

St. Augustine’s College Tour with Prinicpal Matthew Brennan St. Augustine’s College, Parramatta Park www.sac.qld.edu/au/events 4.00pm / FREE (Bookings essential) / Parents and Carers

6.00am / $3.00 - $15.00 / Family

FRIDAY

MONDAY

19 FEBRUARY

15 FEBRUARY

The Hot and Steamy Festival Port Douglas (LGBT+ festival) Various (Port Douglas) www.pdhotsteamy.com.auu Various / Various / 18 +

www.cadcai.org.au 11.00am and 12.00pm / Clifton Beach Run Series Deadman’s Gully, Clifton Beach

Taipans vs Kings Cairns Pop-Up Arena www.taipans.com Details TBA

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.

Get Out and About FRIDAY 19 FEBRUARY The Beatles 50 Years On CPAC Theatre www.ticketlink.com.au 7.30pm / $49.90 - $69.90 / PG Annual General Meeting Cairns Business Women’s Club Reef Hotel Casino www.cbwc.org.au 4.30pm / Members Only Business and Bubbles Cairns Business Women’s Club BAR 36 at the Reef Hotel Casino www.cbwc.org.au 5.00pm - 7.30pm / Members $39.00 / Non-Members $49.00 A night in the Homeland German Club Cairns German Club Cairns Bookings required 5.00pm / FREE / PG

CPAC Theatre www.ticketlink.com.au 7.30pm / $115.50 / PG

www.cairnsjockeyclub.com.au 12.00pm / $10.00 (Children U15 FREE) / Family

2021 Year of the Ox Gala Dinner - Chinese New Year celebrations Trinity Room, Shangri-La www.cadcai.org.au 6.30pm / FREE (Children U5) $75.00 / Family

FRIDAY

SUNDAY 21 FEBRUARY Lantern Decorating Workshops - Chinese New Year celebrations Smithfield Shopping Centre www.cadcai.org.au 11.00am and 12.00pm / TBA MONDAY 22 FEBRUARY

Rustic Owl - Painting pARTy Painting pARTy Studio, Stratford www.paintingparty.com.au 6.00pm / $55.00 / 18+

Neuro-Developmental Theory to Practice Rydges Esplanade Resort www.compassaustralia.com.au 9.00am / $315.00 / Modern Practitioners

SATURDAY

TUESDAY

20 FEBRUARY

23 FEBRUARY

Bernard Fanning Runs until 21 February

February Race Day Cairns Jockey Club

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.

26 FEBRUARY

Year of the Ox Yum Cha Chinese New Year Celebrations Golden Boat Restauarant, Lake St www.cadcai.org.au 11.30am / $30.00 - $40.00 / Family

Amy Shark Runs until 27 February CPAC Theatre www.ticketlink.com.au 7.30pm / $115.50 / PG Cairns Chinese New Year Lantern Festival Western Edge Cairns Lagoon www.cadcai.org.au 5.30pm / TBA / Family

Hidden - Dynamics Awareness – Evolvement Dragonfly Zen BodyandSkinCare.

CairnsBeaches@gmail.com 11.00am / $80.00 / MA / 18 +

Life Without Me Runs until 6 March The Rondo www.ticketlink.com.au 8.00pm / $26.25 - $31.50 / PG

SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY Smart Owl 12 + Painting pARTy Painting pARTy Studio, Stratford www.paintingparty.com.au 2.00pm / $55.00 / 12 +

Wurst Night of the Month German Club Cairns German Club Cairns 5.00pm / FREE / PG

FRIDAY 5 MARCH

Pretty Birdies - Painting pARTy Painting pARTy Studio, Stratford www.paintingparty.com.au 6.00pm / $55.00 / 18+ SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Dance Extravaganza CPAC Studio www.ticketlink.com.au 8.30pm / $15.50 $35.50 / PG

The Black Sorrows Tanks Art Centre Tank 5 www.ticketlink.com.au 7.30pm / $45.50 $50.50 / PG

www.pakmag.com.au | February 2021 65

Get Out and About

With Triple M’s Elliott

TUESDAY 9 MARCH

WEDNESDAY 10 MARCH

SATURDAY 13 MARCH

SUNDAY 21 MARCH

International Women’s Day Lunch - Cairns Business Women’s Club Location TBA www.cbwc.org.au 11.30am / FREE / 18+

Anh Do - The Happiest

The Best of the Bee Gees with Colin ‘Smiley’ Peterson CPAC Theatre www.ticketlink.com.au 7.30pm / $69.00 - $79.00 / PG

Italian Dreams -

Gordonvale Cottage Markets

Location: 71 - 75 The Esplanade

Date: 1st Saturday of the month Time: 7.00am - 12 noon Location: Norman Park, Gordonvale

Port Douglas Markets

Refugee Live!!

CPAC Theatre www.ticketlink.com.au 8.00pm / $59.90 - $64.90 / PG

NQ Chamber Orchestra CPAC Studio www.ticketlink.com.au 3.00pm / $24.00 - $29.50 / PG

Regular Markets Rusty's Markets Date: Every Friday and Saturday Time: 5.00am - 6.00pm Date: Every Sunday Time: 5.00am - 3.00pm Location: 57 - 89 Grafton St, City

Palm Cove Markets Date: 1st Sunday of the month April to December Time: 8.00am – 2.00pm Location: Williams Esplanade

Malanda Marketst Date: 3rd Saturday of the month Time: From 7.00am - 12.30pm Location: Malanda Showgrounds

Mossman Community Markets Date: Every Saturday Time: 7.00am - 1.00pm Location: 3 - 5 Foxton Ave, Mossman

Holloways Beach Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month

Time: From 8.00am - 1.00pm Location: Holloways Beachfront

Mount Sheridan Plaza Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: From 9.00am - 3.00pm Location: Mount Sheridan Plaza

The Ravenshoe Lions Archer Creek Markets

Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets Date: Open every day excluding Tuesday and Wednesday Time: 9.30am - 3.00pm Location: 13 Therwine St

Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: 7.00am - 12 noon Location: Archers Creek Rest Area, Kennedy Highway

Kuranda Heritage Markets

Atherton Lions Club Indoor Markets

Tolga Markets

Date: 2nd Sunday of the Month Time: From 7.00am - 12 noon Location: Merriland Hall (Robert St)

Yungaburra Markets Date: 4th Saturday of the month Time: From 7.30am - 12.30pm Location: Bruce Jones Park

66 February 2021 | www.pakmag.com.au

Date: Open Thursday to Sunday Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm Location: 2 Rob Veivers Dr Date: 1st Sunday of the month Time: 7.30am - 12 noon Location: Morrow Park Racecourse

Herberton Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of the month Time: From 7.30am - 12 noon Location: Wondecla Showgrounds

Night Markets Date: Open every day Time: 4.30pm - 10.30pm

Date: Every Sunday Time: From 7.30am - 1.30pm Location: Market Park

Woree Markets Date: 3rd Sunday of every month Time: From 8.00am – 1.00pm Location: Cannon Park Racecourse Car Park

Koah Monthly Markets Date: First Saturday of the Month Time: 9.00am – 1.00pm Location: Koah Hall, Koah Road

Mareeba Markets Date: Every 2nd and 5th Saturday of the month Time: From 7.00am – 12.30pm Location: Mareeba Centenary Park, Byrnes St

Tumoulin Count Date: 4th Sunday of the month Time: 8.00am – 12.00pm Location: Tumoulin Railway Station, Tumoulin Rd

Please check with individual businesses before visiting during these uncertain times.