ISSUE: MAY & JUN 2019
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MACKAY & WHITSUNDAYS
MOTHERS ON A MISSION MEGA MOTHER'S DAY GIVEAWAY
PERFECT PICNIC SAME-PAGE PARENTING BLISSFUL BALI SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE FREE www.pakmag.com.au | May/June 2019 1
WELCOME 4
Entertainment: Check it Out
Hello and welcome to the Mothers on a Mission edition of PakMag.
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The Thing Is…
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Mothers on a Mission
I don’t know a mother that isn’t on some sort of mission. Whether it be a mission to get out of the house on time, a mission to get the kids to eat well, or a mission to change our community or planet, mums are leading the way. Mums know that the smallest of contributions can make a difference. Whether it’s insisting on recycling, going plastic free for school lunches, hiding vegies in meals or insisting that we use our manners - mums are doing things daily that make our world a little better. Big or small, every little moment creates a ripple that can make big change.
15 Same-Page Parenting 19 Childbirth and your Relationship 20 WIN – Bump, Bub and Beyond 22 Quick and Easy Time-Saving Recipes
To all the mums out there, I solute you. Here’s to doing the most important job in the world, raising kids. May you have everything you need to empower you on this journey so that you raise incredible kids that make the world a better place. Oh, and happy Mother’s Day, I hope you are celebrated today and every day, because you deserve to be.
23 What’s On Guide 25 Mini Mag 32 Beautiful Blissful Bali 34 WIN – Mega Mother’s
I truly hope you enjoy this edition, and of course, don’t forget to tell everyone you read it in PakMag.
Day Giveaway
36 Home with Caro and Kingi – Parent’s Retreat 38 Celebrate: Perfect Picnic 41 School Holiday Guide
Bree James PakMag Founder and Editor-in-Chief
42 Health 45 Choosing a Childcare or Kindy 47 Nurturing Relationships and Getting Involved with School 50 Daddy Diary
Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-Chief Bree James
On the cover Karley, Andrew, Ava and Finn Cunningham Cover Photography Sweet Fields Photography, www.sweetfieldsphotography.com.au Contact Us: p 4053 3331 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a PO Box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870
Senior Graphic Designer Clare Winter
Our North Queensland Channels PakMag Cairns Parents of North Queensland
Graphic Designer Sara Williams
Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman Colleen DuBois Dan Kendrick
Journalist Jenna Galley Videographer Monique Saggers
Marketing, Events and Administration Assistant Alyssa Marino
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Our Global Parenting Channels PakMag Online
Content Creator Kalisha Fitsch Podcast Producer Alana Scalici
Media Interns Blair King Emily Bremner
Accounts Trent Stievano
Parents and Kids of North Queensland
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The Give It A Go Group For Parents The PakMag Parents Podcast PakMag TV
Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The ideas expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers. We encourage recycling. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin.
families www.pakmag.com.au | May/June 2019 3
Entertainment
CHECK IT OUT Cinema Under the Stars When: Friday 3rd May, 5.30pm - 9.00pm Where: Mackay Base Hospital, 475 Bridge Rd, Mackay More info: www.mackayhospitalfoundation.com.au Revisit the tradition of outdoor cinema on the lawns of Mackay Base Hospital. Bring a picnic blanket and get cosy under the stars as you enjoy a FREE movie screening of a classic family favourite, Mrs Doubtfire. Popcorn, BBQ and glow products will be available for purchase.
Paxton’s Night Market - Mother’s Day Market
The Wizard of OZ
When: Friday 10th May, 5.00pm - 8.00pm Where: Paxtons Night Markets, 10 River St, Mackay More info: Paxtons Night Markets
When: Friday 17th May - Saturday 18th May, multiple show times Where: MECC, Alfred St, Mackay More info: www.themecc.com.au
Are you looking for something unique and heartfelt for Mother’s Day, but just don’t know what to get?
Following on from their smash hit “Wicked” in 2017, Mackay Musical Comedy Players are back with the other side of the classic story.
Head on down to Paxton’s Night Market where you’ll discover a variety of market stalls. You’re sure to find the perfect one of a kind locally handmade gift for mum.
Dorothy Gale is swept away in a tornado from a farm in Kansas to the fantastical world of Oz, where she embarks on a quest to see the powerful and mysterious Wizard in the hopes to return home.
Million Paws Walk When: Sunday 19th May, 8.00am - 1.00pm Where: Meadowlands Amphitheatre, 9 Lagoon St, West Mackay More info: www.millionpawswalk.com.au Join a crowd of locals and their four-legged friends on a walk to fight animal cruelty.
Fun Day at Carlisle When: Sunday 19th May, 10.00am - 2.00pm Where: Carlisle Adventist Christian College, 17 Holts Rd, Mackay More info: www.carlisle.adventist.edu.au Looking for something fun to do with the family? It’s all happening at Carlisle Adventist Christian College - free rides, car wash fundraiser, good old fashioned games on the oval, Bunnings Warehouse crafts, community basketball game and a visit from a fire truck. There’s something for all ages to enjoy.
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Walk lengths will be 2.5km and 5km and there will be food, competitions and kids’ activities at the venue throughout the event. Don’t forget to bring your furry friend to this great day out for the whole family.
Billionaire Boy When: Tuesday 28th May, 10.00am and 6.00pm Where: MECC, Alfred St, Mackay More info: www.themecc.com.au David Walliams’ best-selling books come to life on stage! Twelve year old Joe and his dad have more money than you could imagine. Joe has everything he could ever want from a golden underwater ferrari to his very own cinema, but all he really needs is a friend. Life particularly gets tough when Joe arrives at a new school and faces a bully, Dad’s new girlfriend and the world’s worst school canteen - and learns that money can’t buy you everything.
Mackay Birth Centre turns 25 When: Friday 14th June, 9.30am – 11.30am Where: Mackay Birth Centre, 475 Bridge Rd, Mackay More info: www.mackay.health.qld.gov.au
Shell Questacon Science Circus When: Saturday 15th June, 11.00am - 4.00pm Where: MECC, Alfred St, Mackay More info: www.themecc.com.au The Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre will be overflowing with captivating hands-on science exhibits for one day only, when the exciting Science Circus rolls into town! Visitors of all ages can enjoy over 40 interactive exhibits and watch spectacular science shows, and even learn something along the way. Tickets available at the door only.
The wonderful Friends of the Mackay Birth Centre have organised a celebration for the centre’s 25th birthday. Head on down for tours of the Birth Centre, a jumping castle, face painting, and of course cake. All Mackay and surrounding families welcome.
Mackay Show 2019 When: Tuesday 18th - Thursday 20th June Where: Mackay Showgrounds, 24 Milton St, Mackay More info: www.mackayshow.com.au It’s showtime! One of the most exciting annual events of the year is almost upon us. Head down to the Mackay Showgrounds and explore a hub of entertainment for the whole family. There will be exciting rides, food stalls, family entertainment, prizes to be won and much more.
Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat When: Sunday 30th June, 10.30am and 1.00pm Where: MECC, Alfred St, Mackay More info: www.themecc.com.au The story of bestselling author Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat comes alive on stage this June in a performance parents and kids alike are sure to enjoy. The play tells the story of a brother and sister, bored at home on a rainy day, when they are visited by none other than The Cat in his red and white striped hat and his friends. He will teach us to make our own fun with nothing except a little imagination.
For your chance to win tickets to these great shows marked with WIN above, enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win
www.pakmag.com.au | May/June 2019 5
The Thing Is
The Thing Is... STORY Bree James Motherhood. It is by far the most challenging thing I have ever done and probably will ever do in my life. The nine months of morning sickness, the traumatic labour, the sleepless nights, the loneliness, the helplessness, the loss of identity, the loss of your body, the loss of your old life and often friendships. There is a lot of loss and it all seems to happen in the early years of motherhood. The thing is, motherhood is hard. It is challenging, and it can bring us to the brink of insanity and breaking point at times. I remember my mum saying many times “you kids are driving me insane” and now I know why. I don’t know what it’s like in your household, but this is what drives me insane at mine sometimes. •• No one ever wants to do the same thing. One person will want to go out, others want to stay home. So you end up just debating what you are going to do for the next three hours and end up doing nothing. •• No one ever wants to eat the same thing. You cook one meal and basically force everyone to eat it. One person is stoked as it’s their favorite meal, another person did love it but now hates it, and another will not be hungry and not want to touch it. Meal times can totally suck. •• No one ever made the mess, broke the thing, or knows where they put it. It’s always some ghost person called “Idunno” who lives in the house that did it (or one of the pets of course). Rinse and repeat, this is the daily life of a parent. Groundhog day at its finest. I often imagine what parenting would feel like if you were to nail it. You’d cook the perfect meal that everyone loved and craved every day for every meal.
respectful conversation. Everyone in the house would pull their weight, clean up after themselves, and look after their belongings. There would be no wasted energy managing everyone, mums would be relaxed and chilled. We wouldn’t be feeling like a computer with 100 tabs open with no more room on our hard-drive. Life would be amazing. Can you imagine it? Close your eyes and imagine motherhood like that. There would also be unicorns, rainbows and sparkles, money would rain from the sky and there would be world peace, no hunger or disease, and of course happiness and laughter for all. All jokes aside, motherhood is of course wonderful and despite its challenges, it’s one of the best things I have ever done in my life. It’s given my life purpose, it’s made my life about serving others instead of myself, it’s made my life more valuable, it’s made my time more valuable, and it’s made my relationships more precious (or nonexistent), and of course it’s brought more joy to my life. Motherhood certainly puts everything into perspective about what is important and what is not. Even though parenting is not all rainbows and unicorns all the time, the little arms around your body and the adoration and pure love you get from your kids makes it all worth it (even when it’s mixed with tantrums and sleepless nights). At the end of the day when they are sleeping peacefully in their bed, your heart swells, you breathe a sigh of relief the day is over, but then you often regret the day wasn’t what you had hoped. The stress of the day is forgiven, you kiss their foreheads with a vow to make tomorrow better. This my dears, is motherhood.
Your weekends and free time would be filled with laughter, good times, great people and loving, kind and
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8 May/June 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au Sweet Fields Photography
Mothers on a Mission
Mothers on a Mission Parenting is challenging at the best of times. Throw in growing a business on top of that and you’ve got a pretty insane juggling act. This month, PakMag explores the wonderful world of Parentpreneurs-the brave raising a business and a family at the same time. We spoke to a few Mums on a Mission about their journey and how they cope with wearing both hats.
Cassie Davis
Karley Cunningham
“One of my biggest beliefs is that women should feel comfortable breastfeeding their babies in public, therefore I created the BFF Breastfeeding Friend,” Cassie told PakMag. “I make each cover by hand using lightweight, breathable materials, which are perfect for hot climates like Mackay. The special design gives the mum a private view of the baby so that they can still share in this special time with each other. It is practical and stylish with many different materials to suit each mum’s unique style.”
Sweet Fields Photography
A love of food led Karley Cunningham to start her very own business cooking up food that is both good and real while simultaneously juggling her family with husband Andrew and kids Ava and Finn.
“I’m the proud owner and head Chef of Healthy Stuff n Junk Mackay. I have had a love for food forever – all food, good food, real food!” Karley told PakMag. “Today, my focus is to provide healthy ‘stuff’ for people using the best quality local ingredients I can find, sharing my knowledge and meeting awesome people along the way.” Karley’s beliefs led her to start her business. “I believe it’s important to be mindful of the food that we use and it’s pathway between its origin and your plate,” Karley shared. “I use whole foods that are not at all or minimally processed, refined and handled, making them as close to their natural form as possible using local, organic and pesticide free ingredients. You can’t go wrong.”
Not only is Cassie Davis a loving wife to husband Chris and mum of two girls Evelyn and Lacey, she is also the owner of BFF Breastfeeding Friend, an invention that she hopes will give mums the confidence to breastfeed anywhere at any time.
The mission to create this invention came about through Cassie’s own experience. “I breastfed my first daughter for two years without a cover, as I always found them too heavy and uncomfortable. I always felt heartbroken when I would hear women, some of whom were my closest friends, say that they felt the need to hide away to breastfeed because they were so uncomfortable in doing so,” Cassie explained. “After figuring out what I would want out of a breastfeeding cover, and spending a long time perfecting it, I took the plunge and launched my business.” When asked what her wish is for her mission, Cassie said “My wish would be to spread more positivity in regards to breastfeeding however the mum feels comfortable.” To support Cassie’s mission, head on over to www.bffbreastfeedingfriend.bigcartel.com
When her son Finn was born with a dairy intolerance and she started baking healthy treats for him, word spread quickly. “I set my kitchen up as a home-based business, quit my job and have been madly baking ever since, creating recipes for people with all types of intolerances and the health conscious.” Karley continues to come up with ideas for her business, but along the way she has realised that finding support is important. “My husband works away, so it becomes a juggling act. I realised I needed help and that I need to be there for my family and friends. There is support out there, and there’s plenty of people cheering all us mums on.” To support Karley’s mission, head on over to www.healthystuffnjunk.com.au
www.pakmag.com.au | May/June 2019 9
Mothers on a Mission
Carley Shelley Photography
Carley Garantziotis
Carley Shelley Photography
Lots of creativity, passion and imagination led Carley to start a photography business, including creating one-of-a-kind digital art. Together with the support from husband Stuart and daughters Shelly and Aria, Carley’s dream keeps growing.
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“I own a local photography business and studio called Carley Shelly Photography where I make it my mission to create the best portraits and digital art that people have ever seen of themselves,” Carley shared with PakMag. “My goal is to serve each and every person who enters my world with an enriching photography experience and provide the highest quality images and products.” Carley has always been a creative person and has strived to do something creative for a living. “From the moment I began studying photography, I found a real curiosity for the entire process – from planning a shoot, interacting with my subject to getting creative in postproduction,” Carley told us. “Once I finished, I decided to complete a diploma of photo imaging and opened my business on the Gold Coast shortly after. Since moving to Mackay there was no question in my mind that I wanted to reopen my photography space up here.” Today, she creates whimsical images that really capture a child’s imagination. “I find the entire process so rewarding. Ultimately, I would love to get to the point where I can offer my works to those less fortunate and those who need a bit of magic in their lives.” To support Carley’s mission, head on over to www.carleyshelly.com.au
Mothers on a Mission
Alicia Cashen
Wendy Steindl
Through spending time with her children Nate Riley and Kirra May, Alicia became inspired to start a shop of quality home made sensory play items promoting learning and development.
Together with the support of husband Mick and kids Connor, Oliver and Sarah, Wendy is on a mission to educate people about being environmentally friendly. “Healthy Clean & Green is a market stall and online business that brings environmentally friendly better choice products to the Mackay region affordably and conveniently,” Wendy shared with PakMag. “I have always been passionate about the environment. I have spoken at local events, schools and conducted assessments on local businesses to highlight areas in their workplace where they can make changes in a bid to become more environmentally friendly.” Wendy wasn’t always this vocal about what she believed in. “I was a silent eco-warrior for many years,” Wendy shared. “but it was after a friend asked me about my bamboo toothbrushes one day and I rattled off a heap of information that lead to her saying I should be telling more people these things. That’s when I started thinking about turning my passion into a business.”
“We are sure many share the belief that ‘family comes first’, and for us having struggled for many years to start our family, that is a motto we strongly live by. With my husband Mat’s support, we decided to take this new little adventure with our business Riley-May Paper Hearts,” Alicia told PakMag. “We’re hoping that it helps support our family financially, while allowing myself to be able to work around our kids instead of going back to a 9-5 job.”
According to Wendy, the best thing about being her own boss is not being locked into a 9-5 work day. “When I schedule my diary every week, I make sure I schedule the work stuff around the kid stuff and husband stuff and the volunteer stuff and the social stuff. Every week is different, but it all gets done and life is good.” On the other hand, one of the hardest things is not having a boss. “Having only yourself to answer to can be detrimental to the business if you’re not self-motivated to keep moving forward.”
The journey has had its bumps in the road, but that hasn’t stopped the family. “We’ve had so many hurdles to overcome already, but our family and friends have given us the strength and courage to keep powering on,” Alicia shared. “We love the concept of people supporting one another.” When asked how others can help Alicia out, the answer was pretty simple. “Just help spread the word for our little Sensory Play business. We are a very fresh homebased business, but so far we have already been so blessed with all the love and support we have received,” Alicia told us. “We have big dreams and hope this is the start of something wonderful for us and our little family.”
Altogether, Wendy believes everyone is capable of making a difference. “Healthy Clean and Greens tagline is ‘Small Changes, Big Impact’ – and I truly believe that everyone together doing small things can change the world!”
To support Alicia’s mission, head on over to the Facebook page RileyMay Paper Hearts.
To support Wendy’s mission, head on over to www.healthycleanandgreen.com.au
www.pakmag.com.au | May/June 2019 11
Mothers on a Mission
Rebecca Watkins
Shelley Wild
Over the years, together with support from partner Cye and kids Jake, Lochlan and Cara, Rebecca has harnessed her accountant experience and made it her mission to help as many small businesses as possible to grow.
Shelley Wild is not only a wife and mother who wants the best for her family, she has a burning passion for helping people to constantly evolve in order to reach their full potential. “I have always been fascinated by how to solve challenges to make people’s lives better. As a result, learning and change in human systems have been my lifelong pursuit.” Shelley explained to PakMag. “In 2015, I founded the Human Learning Collective – a place and space for people, interested in being a better human, to learn how to humanise organisations, teams, families and classrooms.” Shelley added “We have established a learning community, events, immersive labs, café-like learning and adopted one of the world’s most advanced social learning platforms to co-create snack-size learning that is accessible on your mobile device.”
“I got into this because it is something that I feel is invaluable. Compliance for business is a must, but they do not always get the advice they need at reasonable prices,” Rebecca told PakMag. “It is my mission to get people savvy about cash flow and enjoy engaging my chartered accountancy skills, marketing skills and mummy skills to understand the stresses of life as a business owner.” It is Rebecca’s goal to help business owners achieve their respective goals. “I want to help them achieve what they set out to do and retire in comfort as they dreamt of,” she said. “However, juggling my business and kids is a full-time job and I barely have time for myself. My family is very supportive however, and my partner does school drop off and pick up so our children aren’t affected by my long hours.”
Blueclick Photography
Shelley told PakMag her one wish for her mission. “I wish parents and teachers knew how much they curate tomorrow’s humanity. They are incubators of leadership and change, and their role is more important than anyone has realised or acted upon. How we parent and teach and what we say and do can have a substantial social impact.”
“ The mission is something my family all believe in and love,” Shelley shared when asked how her family copes with her mission. “Our daughter does not think we ‘work’, she thinks that Mummy is going to help people be happy.” Shelley added one last piece of advice “Be the social impact you want to see ripple and humanise organisations, teams, families and classrooms.”
Rebecca believes that an accountant is a business partner, and as such should be invested in their client’s business. “My philosophy is that if they grow, so do I,” she told us.
“If you’d love to learn about people, to magnify our humanness and create a ripple of positive social impact on the world go to our website and express interest in joining the Human Learning Collective.”
To support Rebecca’s mission, head on over to www.forsythsmackay.com.au
To find out more about Shelley’s mission, head on over to www.humanlearningcollective.com.au
12 May/June 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au
Mothers on a Mission
Yolonde Entsch
Samantha Caporn
Like any mother, Yolonde Entsch wants her daughter to grow up with only the best opportunities in life. She strives closer to this everyday by empowering women to fight for equality in every aspect of life.
A passion for hairdressing and issues with sensitive skin led Samantha to start manufacturing her very own natural beauty products. Today, she makes and sells these products from her very own home-based salon right here in Mackay.
When Yolonde was asked what her mission was, she said: "I work with ladies who make Moon Sick Care Bags to donate to the women of Papua New Guinea. Papuan women living in rural, remote and isolated villages do not have electricity, access to shops or sanitary products." "We’re very excited about the upcoming launch of a short film about the Moon Sick Care Bag Project and the Doomadgee ladies’ trip to Papua New Guinea to personally deliver the Bags. The short film was a fantastic initiative and will showcase what can be achieved with a little drive, determination and the right partnerships!"
Her one wish for her mission is “Is that every woman in the Pacific region who doesn’t have access to female hygiene products receive a Moon Sick Care Bag”. Yolonde’s family are nothing short of supportive. “I am blessed to have a very supportive and encouraging family who are all extremely proud of me, especially my husband and mum who are my biggest and loudest champions'.
“I’m a mum of three beautiful kids, wife to husband John and I’ve been hairdressing for 18 years, 11 of which from my home-based salon in Mount Pleasant,” Samantha told PakMag. “In the last few years, I decided to start manufacturing natural beauty products and selling them in my salon. The reason I started this was because I’ve had sensitive skin since a young girl, and my family have it too unfortunately. I wanted to do something.”
This is how Natural Bliss Beauty Products by Sam was born. Upon a lot of research into the topic, Samantha came up with her very first product; a natural deodorant paste. “I gave this to my friends and family to try. They loved it and suggested I sell it to the public,” Samantha told us. “Moving forward a few years, I have broadened my range to many items now. My most popular product is my natural detangler spray which has a lice deter option for school kids.”
Yolonde also told us what you can do to help bring this mission to life. “Come and be a part of this powerful movement! We’re looking for volunteers who have skills they’d like to share and donations of fabric.”
Through passion and some innovative thinking, Samantha turned her hobby into a business. “This was just a little hobby that I thoroughly enjoy and now I’m slowly getting my products out to everyone. I’m currently trialling a natural sunscreen bar that has built in bug repellent.”
To find out more about Yolonde’s mission, head on over to www.yolonde.com
To support Samantha’s mission, head on over to her Facebook page Natural Bliss Beauty Products by Sam.
www.pakmag.com.au | May/June 2019 13
Parenting
Same-Page Parenting STORY Jenna Galley Every single one of us has a different theory when it comes to parenting. And this is perfectly okay. You’re the parent - you get to decide what’s best for your child. But what happens if you and your partner are not on the same page with what’s best? What happens when you say one thing and your partner says another? Or when you believe in one method of guidance and they disagree? What happens when your values in parenting aren’t matching up? This happens ALL the time. Getting on the Same Page Sure, you made your beautiful darlings together, but it’s only natural to have slightly different views on how to raise them.
understand one another, everyone gets along so much better.” So how can you get on the same page? Here are four things to try: Consider your Family Values Values play a pretty important role in our lives. They influence all behaviours and attitudes and affect our decisions and relationships. But when you and your partner are focusing on teaching your kids different values, it can cause confusion and conflict. For example, you may want your children to be organised, placing an emphasis on ensuring they always pick up after themselves and clean up all messes. Your partner, on the other hand, may value creativity and see their mess as part of the creative process.
Parenting expert and author, Dr Justin Coulson explains that although being united in every single matter is pretty much impossible, it is so important for a happy household to get on the same page especially in terms of your parenting plan, your family values and your teaching and discipline methods.
It’s fine to have different values. But you and your partner need to know which values are important to one another in order to find a balance.
“[Being on the same page] is the first thing parents need to make their parenting work,” Dr Coulson explains in his latest book, 10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know. “When we see things the same way, or a least work to
Then get your partner to consider the same. Once you know which values are the most important, you can work on finding a compromise that incorporates both parties’ ideals.
So ask yourself, What traits and behaviours do I value? What traits do I want my children to have?
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Parenting
Create a Shared Vision With values sorted, it’s time to work on your family vision. So grab two coffees and sit down with your partner. Ask each other this one simple question: What do you want for your family? Yes, you want your family to be happy and healthy. We all want that. But this is too vague. We need to be more specific with our goals. 1.
What makes you a good parent?
2. What is your role as a parent? 3. What’s the most important thing for your child? 4. How would you like your children to remember their childhoods? 5. What’s the end goal for your children? What is it that you want most for them? Yes, sitting down and having a chat about these things means stepping back and analysing your own parenting methods, which can be a little bit tricky. But these questions will help shape the decisions you make for you and your family. Chat Before You Act
When these guidance methods aren’t in sync, it can be confusing and ineffective for kids and can often result in more acting out and screaming matches. So take the time to see eye-to-eye before you act. “When a child requires some ‘discipline’ (that is, teaching and guidance), talk with your partner first. Describe what happened, focus on your shared vision, and discuss how you can deal with the kids based on what matters most,” Dr Coulson suggests. Dr Coulson admits that this won’t always work, especially when you’re in the heat of the moment and you don’t have a chance to talk it through first. But it’s okay to step back from the situation, let the air clear and then decide on the right plan of action with your partner a few hours after the event. This gives both you and your child time to reflect on what has happened. Accept Co-Authorship Sometimes you simply cannot agree. In these instances, let go of the reigns and agree to try it your partner’s way. On one condition... you also try your way. Try it one way for a week and see how it goes - how you feel, how the kids feel, how the family functions. Then, try it the other way for a week and see what happens.
Being on the same page when it comes to disciplining and teaching our kids is so crucial. But it is also one of the trickiest chapters to conquer as a team.
“When you simply cannot get alignment, agree to experiment,” Dr Coulson explains. “So long as no one is being hurt and people’s values can be respected, this can be a useful approach.”
From day one there may be conflicts in teaching and guidance methods. One parent may prefer to sleep train their infant; one parent may prefer to let baby snuggle. As the child gets older, the conflicts continue. One parent may want to try time-out or grounding, or yelling. The other parent may prefer to try talking, understanding and reflecting rather than punishing.
Parenting is a tough gig and there’s bound to be some hurdles along the way. But maintaining a united front with your partner can make these every day hurdles so much easier to conquer. After all, when going up against our fiery tots, spirited kiddies and strong-willed teens, the more united we are, the better chance we have at getting them to listen to us. And actually getting them to bed at a decent hour! Fingers crossed at least.
Learn More Dr Justin Coulson’s 10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know is an inspiring and easy read, perfect for all busy parents. It offers plenty of great advice for positive solutions in everyday parenting challenges that you can easily bring on board in your own home. www.happyfamilies.com.au
16 May/June 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au
Bump, Bub and Beyond
How childbirth affects your relationship STORY Blair King Having a child is one of life’s greatest moments. When you’ve found a partner who you adore and you’re both ready and eager to turn that love into a tiny heartbeat, life couldn’t be better, right? And just like that, two suddenly become three; but once all of the newborn excitement starts to mellow, there is often a shift in our relationship with our significant other. How can we cope when our relationship takes a hit? Lacking a Good Night’s Rest The biggest shift in your household after childbirth will be the amount of sleep you and your partner are getting. We all know how much a good night’s sleep can affect our mental state, so with the lack thereof for a new mother and father, it’s understandable if you become crabby easily. Although the only real remedy for sleep deprivation is, well, sleep, keeping mindful that your partner is going through it at the moment just as you are, can ensure that the peace is kept. Even though one of you is likely to be getting more sleep than the other, try and be as empathetic as possible. And of course, encourage each other to take naps when you can. Social Life Shortage Before having a child, our social lives are booming. We go for drinks with friends, out to dinners after a day in the office and take little weekend getaways spontaneously. This young and carefree lifestyle takes a big slap in the face when we become parents. But it’s not all downhill. These aspects of your life will come back, although maybe not as spontaneously and on a whim as before.
The loss of your social life when becoming a parent can take a toll on your relationship. Your partner may become agitated at the fact that you aren’t the adventurous, outgoing couple that you were previously and relationship dynamics can shift. “Well, What Did You DO All Day?” Whether you are working a 9-5 to support your new family or staying home to look after your little one, both roles have their challenges. It’s easy to assume you’ve bagged the hard end of the bargain when your partner is home all day to look after a newborn, and vice versa when your other half doesn’t run to help you with the cooking as soon as they arrive home from work, but communication is key. Understanding that one role can be just as difficult as another, and expressing challenges you face day to day can dodge negativity and diminish assumptions that being a stay at home parent is a walk in the park. Shifting Affection When you bring a baby into the world, everything revolves around them. It is easy to pour yourself into being the best parent you can be, but your shift in direction of affection can often be at your partner's expense. Mental and physical attraction can decline after childbirth but you’ll find other ways to be intimate with your partner. Postnatal Depression can affect both males and females, so it is vital to communicate with your significant other and seek professional help when needed. Although parenthood is a fresh and sometimes scary experience, it is an amazing experience worth every minute.
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Bump, Bub and Beyond
BUMP, BUB AND BEYOND Featured products, reviews and prizes. Visit www.pakmag.com.au for your chance to win!
Lil Goldie Zoie Romper in Biscuit RRP $29.00 - www.thejuniorshop.com High quality romper in ribbed cotton for stylish little ones. The Zoie Romper is a must-have for your little one’s wardrobe, made of comfortable material, a relaxed fit and featuring adorable tie detail on the back. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a day spent having fun in the sun or a family gathering. The romper also features a snap crotch for easy nappy access, adding a touch of convenience to a parent’s busy life. Made of 95% Cotton, 5% Spandex. Machine Wash Cold.
Sinchies reusable pouches RRP $38.50 - www.sinchies.com.au Sinchies is the perfect litter-free lunchbox kit, including 5 of each of their reusable sandwich bags, snack bags, wrap bags and 150ml yoghurt pouches in super cute designs - Unicorns, Trucks, Pineapples or Lightning bolts. Affordable, durable and money saving. These little beauties will help you ditch the single use yoghurt squeeze pouches, snap lock bags and cling wrap, and you will save hundreds of dollars per year. Everything you need to get you started on your journey to leading a more sustainable life in the cutest possible way.
20 May/June 2019 | www.pakmag.com.au
MaterniTea RRP $72.00 - www.maternitea.com MaterniTea is the world’s only complete pregnancy tea program, providing 100% organic and caffeine free herbal tea blends formulated for mums-to-be and designed to support women at each stage of pregnancy. The MaterniTea signature trimester pack includes a selection of 3 organic herbal tea blends in beautiful custom print embossed tins in our signature teal gift box. Each tin contains 30 biodegradable pyramid tea bags x3.
Bump, Bub and Beyond
INFANTILE COLIC Babies who cry and fuss a lot are often described as being “colicky,” but what exactly is colic, and what causes it? Colic is defined as crying and fussing inconsolably that happens often and may last for hours. It’s very common and affects roughly one in five infants. If your baby cries excessively, it could be a sign of colic.
NAPPY BAG ESSENTIALS Despite the obvious (nappies, wipes, and disposal bags), there are some essentials you should definitely have in your nappy bag. A change of adult clothing. Accidents happen when you least expect them to, and the last thing you want is to walk around with a poop stain on your shirt. Hand sanitiser. There may be no washing facilities available where you’re going. Hats. One for you and one for bub - It’s important to stay sun safe out there! One or two toys. In an attempt to keep them distracted during changing time. A portable changing pad. Baby changing pads help keep your little one comfortable and means that you always have a clean surface to lay bub on. Snacks and water. Pack some baby food pouches, fruit and water (in a bottle for you and a sippy cup for bub).
What causes colic? The cause of colic is unknown, but there are various theories including indigestion, trapped wind or gut sensitivities – but there is little evidence to support these theories. What should I do if I suspect my baby may have colic? Firstly, if your little one is crying excessively, take them to a doctor to rule out any medical conditions, such as eczema and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. However, babies with colic usually don’t have an underlying medical condition. How can I comfort my baby? Every baby is different and while a certain settling technique may work like a dream for some, it may do nothing for others. Try a few different things, such as holding your baby, wrapping them snugly in a sling, talking gently to them, gentle massages and avoid overstimulating them. Contact your doctor immediately if your little one has a weak, high-pitched continuous cry, vomits green fluid, has breathing problems, has a fever of 38°C or higher or passes blood in their stools. If you have any doubts or worries, don’t hesitate to see your GP.
DID YOU KNOW? Pregnant women often have a heightened sense of smell, and certain scents can be overwhelming. The reason for this is to help them steer clear of foods they shouldn’t eat while pregnant. This is caused by the same hormones that cause a mumto-be to have morning sickness.
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QUICK AND EASY RECIPES TO SAVE YOU tIME TIME Balancing parenting and life is no mean feat and staying on top of everything can prove to be a challenge, so here are some meals that will save you time and your sanity.
Chicken-Moo Goo Gal Pan RECIPE Dorothy Richmond, Dietitian
NIGHT BEFORE BREAKFAST CHIA PUDDINGS Serves 4 Chia seeds are packed with nutrition and absorb liquid very effectively, quickly turning into a healthy, fibre-packed pudding. These make a great breakfast, snack or dessert. Pudding Ingredients 1 ½ cups coconut milk ½ cup chia seeds 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 cup raspberries Four small mason jars
Jam Ingredients 2 cups raspberries 3 tbsp chia seeds 2 tbsp water ½ tsp vanilla essence Maple syrup to taste
Method Place all the ingredients for the jam in a small pot, boiling over medium heat. Stir frequently for a few minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. Sweeten to taste with a little maple syrup if necessary. Scoop a tablespoon of the jam into the bottom of each jar. Now for the pudding. To a mixing bowl, add coconut milk, chia seeds and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine. Transfer the mixture to the fridge for ten minutes. Once the chia pudding is set, remove from the refrigerator and give it a stir, then divide between mason jars layered on top of the jam. Save it for the next morning or have it right away as a delicious healthy snack. Garnish with raspberries if you’d like.
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Serves 4 Chinese food needs to be prepared in advance, so get the kids chopping or watching on a Sunday ready for a quick Monday night feast. Ingredients 2 chicken breasts, skinned 2 tbsp peanut oil 2 garlic cloves diced 1 punnet of exotic mushrooms 400g button mushrooms 1 bok choy, cut into 5cm pieces 50g baby corn 10 snow peas 1 cup sliced celery 1 green pepper, sliced 1 red pepper, sliced 1 small can water chestnuts 1 small can bamboo shoots sliced
1 tbsp chopped shallots 1.5 cups chicken stock 1 tsp chopped ginger 2 tsp sesame oil 1 tsp soy sauce 2 tsp sugar Marinade Ingredients ½ tsp corn starch ½ tbsp rice wine ½ tsp minced garlic 1 egg white 3 tsp sesame oil
Method Cut chicken into 5cm slices and marinate overnight. Flatten the chicken slices with a heavy bottomed pan. Stir fry the chicken in preheated wok with oil for approx. one minute. Remove chicken and reserve until the last moment. In the hot oil, stir fry the shallots, celery, garlic, mushrooms, bok choy, corn, snow peas, broccoli, capsicum, water chestnuts and bamboo shoots for one minute. Add 1.5 cups chicken stock, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil. Add a combined mixture of corn-starch, sesame oil, soy sauce and sugar and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the precooked chicken and serve immediately along with Chinese egg flat noodles.
WHAT’S ON MAY MAY -- JUNE JUNE Wednesday 1 May Women with Influence Dinner Mackay The Dispensary www.jane-anderson.com 6.00pm / $99 / Adults Weekly Teens & Tweens Art Classes Mackay Creative Kids Art Studio Mackay Art Society Inc 3.30pm / $22 / Check Facebook THURSDAY 2 MAY LEGO Hogwarts Build Workshop 4-week workshop Gordon White Library Mackay Regional Council Libraries 3.30pm / Check Website / Grandparent and Grandchild 8+ Yrs Weekly Childrens Art Classes Mackay Creative Kids Art Studio Mackay Art Society Inc 3.30pm / $22 / 5-6 Yrs Bus Tour - Mackay Day in The Clouds Farm and Food Tour The MECC www.sarinasugarshed.com.au 8.00am / $158 / Family FRIDAY 3 MAY Charmaine Wilson The Australian Medium The MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $50 / Adults
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience Seabreeze Hotel www.seabreezemackay.com.au 6.30pm / $70 / Adults Cinema Under the Stars Mrs Doubtfire Mackay Base Hospital Mackay Hospital Foundation 5.30pm / Free / Family SATURDAY 4 MAY Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow 2019 The MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $42 Adult / Family 2019 Mackay Track & Field Carnival Runs until 5 May Mackay Athletics Club Mackay Athletics Club 8.00am / Check Website / Family
With Star’s Rob Kidd
Wonder Park - Sensory Movie Day Screening TBA Sensory Movie Day Mackay 10.30am / $6 / Family Lamberts Beach Seafood and Wine Festival Seabreeze Hotel www.seabreezemackay.com.au 12.00pm / $15 Adult / Family TUESDAY 7 MAY Performing Arts Workshops for All Abilities Split Spaces www.crossroadarts.com.au 4.00pm / $150 (term) / 7-12 Yrs Weekly Childrens Art Classes Mackay Creative Kids Art Studio Mackay Art Society Inc 3.30pm / $22 / 8-12 Yrs
NPL Round 15: Magpies Crusaders United v Brisbane Roar Youth Magpies Sporting Club Mackay Magpies Sporting Club Mackay 7.00pm / $10 Adult / Family SUNDAY 12 MAY Mother’s Day Buffet Breakfast Mount Pleasant Tavern Mount Pleasant Tavern 7.30am / $22.95 Adults / Family Mothers Day High Tea + Open Day Wetland Walkabout Wetland Walkabout 1.00pm / $35 / 18+ Mother’s Day Classic Meadowlands Ampitheatre www.mothersdayclassic.com.au 8.00am / Check Website / Family
THURSDAY 9 MAY Shannon Noll Mount Pleasant Tavern www.oztix.com.au 7.00pm / $39.80 / 18+ Yrs
Shine Bright: Self Care Workshop Neighbourhood Yoga Kirsty Head 10.30am / $60 / Adults
FRIDAY 10 MAY
SUNDAY 5 MAY
SATURDAY 11 MAY
Foster & Allen The MECC www.themecc.com.au 5.00pm / $72 Adult / Adults
Abundance Day Mackay Community Garden Mackay Community Garden 10.00am / Free / Family
Mackay City Centre - Art Walks Artspace Mackay Mackay City Centre 4.30pm / Free / Family
Laura’s Tri Mackay Harbour Beach www.active.com 7.00am / Check Website / Family WEDNESDAY 15 MAY Jimi Jackson ‘Adulthood’ Australian Tour Mount Pleasant Tavern www.naturaltouring.com.au 7.00pm / $30 / 18+ Yrs
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WHAT’S ON MAY MAY -- JUNE JUNE WEDNESDAY 15 MAY ThinkAboutIt Workshop CQUniversity Mackay CQUni Social Innovation 4.00pm / Free / Adult FRIDAY 17 MAY The Wizard of OZ Runs until 18 May The MECC www.themecc.com.au 8.00pm / $46 Adult / Family Beatles Reimagined with Special Guest Kristin Berardi Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music 7.30pm / Check Facebook / Family SATURDAY 18 MAY Watercolour Workshop Ocean International www.handdrawndesigns bymichellemdv.com 10.00am / $135 / Adults Mackay - Free safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training Quest in Mackay www.grapevinegroup.org.au 9.00am / Free / 15+ Yrs
NPL Round 16: Magpies Crusaders United v Gold Coast Knights Magpies Sporting Club Mackay Magpies Sporting Club Mackay 7.00pm / $10 Adult / Family SUNDAY 19 MAY Million Paws Walk Meadowlands Ampitheatre www.millionpawswalk.com.au 8.00am / Check Website / Family Fauna Rescue Whitsundays Renewal Day Lions Park, Cannonvale Fauna Rescue Whitsundays 10.00am / Free / Family WEDNESDAY 22 MAY National Simultaneous Storytime “Alpacas with Maracas” Gordon White Library Mackay Regional Council Libraries 10.30am / Free / 2.5-5 Yrs THURSDAY 23 MAY Djuki Mala The MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $30 Adult / Family
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With Star’s EJ
FRIDAY 24 MAY Mackay Expo Runs until 26 May Mackay Showgrounds www.mackayexpo.com.au SATURDAY 25 MAY Velos in the Valley 2019 Mackay Harbour Velos in the Valley 7.00am / Check Website / Family
BMA Kidspace Artspace Mackay Artspace Mackay 10.00am / Free / Family WEDNESDAY 29 MAY Basic Financial Literacy Workshop Jubilee Community Centre Premier Spending Planners 6.00pm / Free / Adults SATURDAY 1 JUNE
Mackay Mayor’s Charity Ball 2019 The MECC www.themecc.com.au 6.00pm / Check Website / Adults
Open Day for The Very Hungry Caterpillar 50th Anniversary Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Meditation, Practice and Benefits 8 Limb Yoga www.8limbyoga.com.au 2.00pm / $50 / Adults
NPL Round 19: Magpies Crusaders United v Western Pride Magpies Sporting Club Mackay Magpies Sporting Club Mackay 7.00pm / $10 Adult / Family
Mackay Toyota Nebo Rodeo Mackay Toyota Mackay Toyota 10.00am / Check Facebook / Family
9.00am / Free / Family
SUNDAY 2 JUNE
TUESDAY 28 MAY
Peter Williams Medium Live The MECC www.themecc.com.au 2.00pm / $45 Adult / 16+ Yrs
Billionaire Boy The MECC www.themecc.com.au Various times / $15 / Family
Car Boot Sale and Free Community Breakfast Flourish Mackay Flourish Mackay 7.30am / Free / Family
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For your chance to WIN a Fit Fingers Prize Pack, tell us what your favourite type of craft and why? Fit Fingers - $59.95 - www.fitfingers.com.au - Fit Fingers is a fine motor toolkit designed to improve the fine motor strength of young children. The pack is aimed towards helping children aged between 3 - 8 years tackle the challenges of kindy, prep and primary school. Fit Fingers is colourful, fun and engaging, and promotes hands-on and play based learning whilst strengthening the fine motor muscles. Everyone needs well-developed fine motor skills, which is why it’s so important these are developed early on in life. Enter at www.pakmag.com.au/win - Competition closes 31/05/2019
Mini Mag
What’s On
MAY -- JUNE JUNE WHAT’S ON MAY THURSDAY 6 JUNE
SATURDAY 15 JUNE
THURSDAY 20 JUNE
THURSDAY 27 JUNE
Jade Holland Mount Pleasant Tavern www.oztix.com.au 7.00pm / $17.35 / 18+ Yrs
Sarina Relay For Life Runs until 16 June Sarina Showgrounds www.secure.fundraising.cancer. org.au 2.00pm / Check Website / Family
Bells are Ringing Musical Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music www.cqu.edu.au/cqcm 7.30pm / Check Website / Family
Bus Tour - Mackay Day in The Clouds Farm and Food Tour The MECC www.sarinasugarshed.com.au 8.00am / $158 / Family
Shell Questacon Science Circus The MECC www.themecc.com.au 11.00am / $6 Adult / Family
FRIDAY 21 JUNE
FRIDAY 7 JUNE Musical Mystery Tour with Danny Elliott and Sharna LeGrand The MECC www.themecc.com.au 11.00am / $15 / Adults SATURDAY 8 JUNE The Ten Tenors - Love is in the air The MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / Check Website / Adults WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE Bruce The MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $42 Adult / Family THURSDAY 13 JUNE A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music and Dance Sensation The MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $69.90 Adult / Family
REGULAR MARKETS Eungella Markets Date: 1st Sunday of the month (Apr to Dec) Time: From 9.00am Location: Eungella Memorial Hall - North Street Sarina Showground Markets Date: Last Sunday of the month Time: From 8.00am (Mar to Dec) Location: Bruce Highway Sarina
NPL Round 20: Magpies Crusaders United v SWQ Thunder Magpies Sporting Club Mackay Magpies Sporting Club Mackay 7.00pm / $10 Adult / Family Sunday 16 June Robertson Brothers ‘60s Variety Show’ The MECC www.themecc.com.au 2.00pm / $69.95 / Adults WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE Toni Childs Retrospective The MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $69 Adult / Family
Paxton’s Night Markets Date: 2nd Friday of the month* Time: From 5.00pm Location: Paxtons Warehouse Details: *Check their Facebook page as dates subject to change Paxtons Night Markets Twilight Markets Time: 6.00pm - 9.00pm Location: Northern Beaches Bowls Club Details: Please visit Northern Beaches Bowls Club facebook page for dates and theme
FRIDAY 28 JUNE The Whitlams - Last Drinks at the Morrison Hotel Tour The MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $60.50 / Adults
Ball Park Music Magnums Hotel www.oztix.com.au 8.00pm / $55.10 / 18+ Yrs
SATURDAY 29 JUNE
SATURDAY 22 JUNE Leaving Jackson The Johnny Cash and June Carter Show The MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $63.90 Adult / Family NPL Round 21: Magpies Crusaders United v Redlands Magpies Sporting Club Mackay Magpies Sporting Club Mackay 7.00pm / $10 Adult / Family
The Vanda & Young Songbrook The MECC www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $59.90 / Adults River Sessions 2019 Mulherin Memorial Park www.riversessions.com.au 11.00am / Check Website SUNDAY 30 JUNE Dr Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat - Live on Stage The MECC www.the.mecc.com.au 10.30am / $27.50 / Family
Seaforth Markets Date: Every Sunday Time: From 8.30am Location: Palm Avenue Seaforth Troppo Treasure Markets Date: 2nd Sunday of the month Time: From 7.30am - 11.30am Location: Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre River Street Twilight Market by GWFM Date: 2nd Friday of every month Time: From 4.00pm - 8.00pm Location: Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay City Centre
The Greater Whitsunday Farmers’ Markets Date: Every Wednesday Time: From 7.00am - 11.00am Location: Bluewater Quay, River Street, Mackay City Centre (Best parking - Brisbane Street) Details: Greater Whitsunday Farmers Market Showground Markets Date: Every Saturday Time: From 6.30am Location: Milton Street
Email your event or market to admin@grandpublishing.com.au to be included. Spaces are limited.
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REGULAR EVENTS MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: LIBRARIES Baby Bounce Location: Gordon White Library Days: Thursdays (During school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am Location: Dudley Denny City Library Days: Mondays (During school term) Time: 11.00am - 11.30am Location: Mirani Library Days: Mondays (During school term) Time: 9.30am - 10.00am Location: Sarina Library Days: Tuesdays (During school term) Time: 9.30am - 10.00am Storytime Storytime is aimed at 2 – 5 year olds and their parents and carers and is held weekly during the school term. This half hour program of stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays and songs enhances language and literacy development in an interactive, fun-filled environment. The sessions encourage a child’s love of books and promotes the library environment as an exciting place for the whole family. Location: Mirani Library Days: Tuesdays (during school term) Time: 9.30am - 10.00am Location: Walkerston Library Days: Tuesdays (during school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am Location: Gordon White Library Days: Wednesdays (during school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am Days: Fridays (during school term) Time: 9.30am - 10.00am Location: Sarina Library Days: Wednesdays (during school term) Time: 10.00am - 11.00am Location: Dudley Denny City Library Days: Thursdays (during school term) Time: 10.30am - 11.00am
Toddler Time Toddler Time is aimed at little ones who are walking to 2.5 years and their parents and carers and is held weekly during the school term. This half hour program of lively nursery rhymes, finger plays, action songs and a story encourages language development and social interaction in an interactive, funfilled environment. Location: Gordon White Library Days: Mondays Time: 9.30am – 10.00am
Time: From 6.00am Ability level: Beginner-advanced More Info: Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates. Bicycle Belles A social riding group just for ladies. Meeting point: Bicycle Connection, 20 Victoria St, Mackay Days: Wednesdays Time: 6.00am Ability level: Beginnerintermediate More Info: Bicycle Belles Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.
Location: Mirani Library Days: Wednesdays Time: 9.30am – 10.00am
Mums and Bubs Morning Ride
Location: Dudley Denny City Library Days: Fridays Time: 9.30am – 10.00am
Meeting point: Gooseponds car park at the end of Willis Street, North Mackay Days: Wednesdays Time: 10.00am More Info: Bicycle Belles Mackay Facebook page for details and updates.
MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: BIKE RIDERS Social Rides Meeting point: Metro Café, River Street Days: Saturdays Time: 6.30am Ability levels: Team Caffeine (Beginner - intermediate: 15-20km/h), Team Tour de Latte (Intermediate: 25km/h), Team Slipstream (Intermediateadvanced: 30km/h) and Team Titanium (Advanced: 35km+/h) More Info: Visit Rock N Road Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates. Lazy Riders Meeting point: Bridges Café, Bluewater Quay Days: Every second Sunday -stay for breakfast after the ride! Time: 7.00am Ability level: Beginner-intermediate More Info: Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates. Sizzle'n Sausage Sunday Sesh* Mountain bikers of all abilities are welcome to come out for a ride, held every Sunday and followed by a sausage sizzle from 8.30am. Meeting point: Rowallan Mountain Bike Park, Glendaragh Rd, Farleigh
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A social riding group for Mums with children who are not yet at school.
Mountain Bike (MTB) Night Ride* Lights on bike and helmets are a must! Days: Wednesdays Meeting point 1: Corry Cycles, 5 Kay Court, North Mackay Time: 6.00pm Meeting point 2: Rowallan Mountain Bike Park, Glendaragh Road, Farleigh Time: 6.30pm Ability level: Intermediate-advanced More Info: Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates, *MAD MTB or MTBA membership is required to use the trails. Thursday Night Social Ride A weekly evening get together for a ride and catch up. Meeting point: Metro Café, River Street Days: Thursdays Time: 7.00pm Ability level: Beginnerintermediate More Info: Visit Bicycle Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates. MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL: RUNNERS Free LayZee Runners Club Days: Saturdays
Time: 5.45am Meeting point: The Metro Market Cafe, River Street, Mackay Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays Time: 5.30am Meeting point: The City Fitness Health Club, Victoria Street. More Info: www.mackaycitycentre.com.au MACKAY ANIMAL RESCUE SOCIETY Monthly Adoption Day Days: Last Sunday of the month Time: 9.00am - 12.00pm Location: Mackay Pet Superstore, Greenfields Fundraiser Markets Days: Third Sunday of the Month Time: 9.00am - 1.00pm Location: Mackay Marina LET THE CHILDREN PLAY TOYSHOP Free Children’s Book Reading Bring your snack. Coffee/tea will be available Days: Every Wednesday Time: 9.30am - 10.00am Location: 15b Macalister St Cnr Victoria & Macalister Sts Contact: 4944 0180 or email info@playmackay.com.au POSITIVE BIRTH MOVEMENT MEETUPS A support group for parents and parents to be. Discussion theme changes each month. Days: Last Wednesday or Thursday of every month. Time: 10.00am and 6.30pm Location: Uneek Industries courtyard - 166 Shakespeare St More Info: The positive birth movement Mackay Meet Ups Facebook page, or call 0458 100 680 DO YOU HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROMOTE TO THE COMMUNITY? Email your event or market to admin@grandpublishing.com.au to be included. Spaces are limited. Please notify us if there is any updated information for our regular events.
Travel
Beautiful Blissful Bali STORY Bree James They call it the Island of The Gods, and for good reason. There is no other place quite like it. There is a special vibe and an authentic essence that touches and inspires visitors from all over the world. If you love shopping for clothes, jewellery, unique wooden and artistic items, listening to live music or indulging in yummy food and drinks, massages, pedicures and manicures all at amazing prices, then Bali is definitely a place you should visit. If you want peace, to reconnect with yourself or your family, there are many ways to enjoy Bali with less of the hustle and bustle. Our last trip to Bali was not about being a tourist. It was not about shopping. It was all about chilling out and reconnection. If you are in need of some soul time, then this my friend is the place for you. Where to stay that’s peaceful. A private villa is always great. You can have your own pool, and some even come with their own chef and butler, meaning you don’t have to lift a finger and you can relax with the family. A hotel with a private beach is also an option. You still have inhouse guests to contend with, but no beach sellers which can make your time on the sun lounge more relaxing.
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A wellness retreat. If you are kid-free there are so many wellness retreats in Bali. A smaller boutique hotel. Choose a quieter destination like Chandidasa, Uluwattu, or the quieter parts of Ubud. How to maximise on relaxation if you're traveling with kids? Hire a nanny. Bali Nannies Bali (they have a facebook page you can check out) are fantastic, and for only $7 per hour (minimum 5-hour booking), you can have some down time and the kids will enjoy craft among many other activities. Stay somewhere with a kid’s club. The kids will love it and you can relax some more. Go for a family massage. For around $7 per person, a massage place will give the whole family an hour of bliss. Five Relaxing things to do in Bali. 1. Do a meditation course together. We did a Transcendental Meditation (TM) course as a family and it was one of the best investments in our family that we’ve ever made. For four days, we had a two hour lesson which taught all of us how to meditate using TM. Those that could sit still learnt a sitting version, whereas the youngest in our
Travel
2. Learn to surf together.
5. The active relax. If lazing around isn’t your thing, and you need a bit of active relaxing, there are many bike tours of Bali. Some cater for children as young as seven on their own bike, and they have bikes with safety seats for younger children. Biking your way through tranquil villages and cascading rice paddies is a great way to get a taste of that elusive “real” Bali. There are beach tours, mountain tours, volcano tours all on push or electric bike.
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There are many surf schools in Bali, pick one with a nice beach so you’re not swimming in rubbish from Kuta (Uluwattu is recommended, pick somewhere with small surf). Not only will being in the ocean make you feel good, you’ll get lots of laughs in too.
The Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Center in Ubud has a range of family-friendly and child-friendly art courses including: performing arts, silversmithing, painting, woodcarving, basket weaving, fruit carving and lots more. Most of the classes are very short at two to three hours and very affordable.
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So far, they have 40 schools they have taught resulting in thousands of children learning this skill. It is a fantastic organisation on a mission to create world peace. Check out www.wpbsp.org to find out more and to book.
4. Learn some unique skills.
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The course cost varies on whether you want the teacher to come to your villa or you go to their premises. The most amazing thing about the course that we did was that the money we paid goes towards them teaching other disadvantaged children in Bali through the Bali Schools.
Cooking is a wonderful skill for all family members to learn, especially in a foreign country. There are many cooking schools in Bali that will teach the whole family a range of dishes so your Bali holiday can be brought into your home whenever you feel the need.
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Check out our videos on PakMag TV or blogs on www.pakmag.com.au for loads more Bali tips, hints and ideas.
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Best of all, we can do it together or on our own forever so we can continue to have lovely family time after our holiday too (plus, the kids will learn what meditation is and will know not to interrupt you when you do it after your holiday!).
3. Turn into chefs with a cooking course.
Watch P
family learnt a walking version. The beautiful thing is the skill of TM increases brain function and focus, and also lessens stress. So not only is it a skill for life, it is also a way of giving your brain a rest and recharge whenever you do it.
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WIN!
MEGA Mother's Day GIVEAWAY 1
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1. Peace and Quiet Tea 50g - $15.50 - www.theberryteashop.com.au - This tea brings a feeling of peace to the drinker and will help quieten a busy mind. Sweet, fragrant and soothing organic chamomile is combined with organic rose and lavender to create a state of pure relaxation. 2. Personalised L'Occitane Hamper $149.00 - www.thehamperemporium.com.au - This hamper includes a leather keyring (which can be monogrammed with Mum's initials) which is protected by a clear pocket to hold a photo, products from L'Occitane including a white microplush robe, hand & nail cream, shower gel, shimmering lotion, mini eau de toilette, perfumed soap and toiletries bag. Mum will also enjoy sweet treats from Morgan's of Sydney. 3. HoMedics Foot Spa with True Heat - $78.00 - www.catch.com.au The HoMedics Foot Spa is complete with 4-in-1 relaxation modes, including bubbling action, vibration massage, magnetic therapy and a built-in heater to ensure the water reaches the perfect temperature. The pack contains a foot spa, 2 x pedicure attachments and 4 x massage rollers. 4. Marley Spoon Family Box - $114.00 www.marleyspoon.com.au - Marley Spoon delivers fresh, seasonal ingredients for you to cook at home. There are 20 meals to pick from each week and you receive all the ingredients pre-portioned, so you don't need to worry about food waste or buying unnecessary ingredients. Each meal comes with an easy-to-follow recipe card with six simple steps. 5. Naturally Inspired Book - $54.95 - www.theinspiredlittlepot.com.au - Krissy Ballinger will help you reduce your body's toxic burden with recipes for common day-to-day essentials like deodorant, magnesium oil, dishwasher tablets, cleaning sprays and much more. Be inspired by the simplicity of the recipes and the stunning photography. 6. VAYA Drynk - $54.00 - www.vayalife.com - These sleek tumblers stay cold for 18 hours or hot for 12, making them perfect for cool water on the go, a coffee at work or smoothie to fuel you for the day. They boast a metallic finish, non-slip coaster base, corrosion-resistant materials and graspable design. It’s BPA-free, has a magnetic lid, a one-year warranty and it’s super easy to clean. 7. Mophie Charge Stream Pad+ - $89.95 - www.mophie.com All you need to do is simply place your device atop the Mophie Charge Stream Pad+ and your device will begin to charge on contact. It delivers up to 10W of power for fast-charging speeds to Qi-enabled smartphones, and the non-slip rubberised pad holds the phone securely in place while charging.
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8. Magnesium + White Tea Skincare Relax Bundle- $88.00 www.thebasecollective.com - All of The Base Collective’s magnesium products contain naturally derived ingredients that may assist with muscle fatigue and cramps, magnesium deficiencies, sleep, recovery, stress management and leg cramps during pregnancy. The Relax Bundle includes 1 x White Tea Magnesium Hand & Body Wash, 1 x White Tea Magnesium Body Balm, 1 x Magnesium Oil and 1 x Magnesium Bath Salts.
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Home
PARENT'S RETREAT With The Block’s Caro and Kingi A calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. At the end of a long day, it’s nice to retreat to your own little oasis to unwind, take a deep breath and relax for a bit. For many parents, the main bedroom in the house has become more of a retreat, and so it should be.
If you’ve got a walk-in wardrobe, modify it with practical and easy-to-use storage solutions so you don’t have to spend ages looking for the perfect outfit. If you’ve got a balcony, utilise this space with comfortable seats, lively plants and wind chimes and you’ve got a gorgeous relaxing space to sit with your partner and reflect on your day together.
There are a few steps you can take to turn your regular bedroom into a parent’s retreat.
Comfort is key
Smart space Your retreat doesn’t need to be huge for it to be perfect, as long as you use the space you have in an efficient manner. Give that spacious feel to your room even if it’s small by avoiding clutter. It can be tempting to fill each corner of the house with all sorts of trinkets, but sometimes, less is more.
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A parent’s retreat should bring about feelings of serenity, relaxation and gratitude for that muchdeserved ‘me time’. One way to really up the comfortfactor is to make the space as cosy as possible. Invest in a soft new doona, a fluffy rug and perhaps even an arm chair by the window for quiet reading.
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Freedom's Tip: Set up a chaise lounge in the bedroom for curling up and reading. Include soft furnishings such as throws, mood lighting and calming artwork for peace and quiet. A place to escape with that good book or the new series on Netflix.
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1. Middle of Nowhere Distant Waters Framed Print 83cm x 83cm - RRP $375.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 2. Design Twins Large Pot 52cm High - RRP $275.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 3. Wyatt One Drawer Bedside Table - RRP $399.00 - www.freedom.com.au 4. Wyatt Queen Bed Frame - RRP $1499.00 - www.freedom.com.au 5. Kip & Co Bamboo Forest Two Piece Pillowcase Set - RRP $65.00 $32.50 www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 6. Hanging Pearls 71cm (Plastic) - RRP $9.95 - www.freedom.com.au 7. Eadie Lifestyle Linen Cushion RRP $99.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 8. Bonnie and Neil Velvet Bolster - RRP $185.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 9. Gilberto Brass and Marble Table Lamp - RRP $99.00 - www.freedom.com.au 10. Neeks and Gaston Mooloolaba Waves Framed Canvas 120cm x 100cm - RRP $229.00 - www.freedom.com.au 11. Axel One Door Two Drawer Dresser - RRP $499.00 - www.freedom.com.au
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Celebrate
PerFect Picnic Food, family and sunshine. Picnics are one of the simple pleasures in life, and there are so many ways to enjoy them. We are so lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world where the weather is perfect almost year-round for a picnic with friends or family. Whether you’re off on a staycation and packing a meal to enjoy along the way or catching up with family at the local park, there’s plenty of ways to make your picnic perfect. Delicious nibbles One of the main ingredients to a successful picnic is deliciously healthy food. Pack some refreshing salads, seasonal fruits, healthy smoothies and oven baked treats and your picnic is sure to be a winner (even amongst the kids).
drive and plan your picnic around a visit to one of the stunning locations Queensland has to boast? Another great idea is setting up your picnic close to a playground or swimming hole so the kids can have a bit of fun in between nibbles, and you’ve got a comfortable spot to supervise from. Keep it convenient All this talk about delicious food and beautiful locations is great, but you need to transport all your food and equipment from A to B without your picnic turning into a recipe for disaster. Investing in a handy cooler bag, a thick picnic blanket and a set of kid-friendly plates and cutlery will turn your day from good to great. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, water bottles, napkins, trash bags and wet wipes.
While mini sandwiches, sliced fruit and carrot sticks are great picnic staples, why not take it up a notch and bring homemade sausage rolls, mini quiches, cupcakes, fritters or scones? The possibilities are simply endless. If you’re looking to empty out the fridge, a great platter with ham, salami, nuts, carrot and celery always goes down well. Chasing waterfalls One of the great benefits of having a picnic is the location. The possibilities are endless, from forests to beaches and everything in between. Why not take a
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1. Isoki Polar Pouch - RRP $25.95 - www.juniorsonline.com.au 2. Weekender Stripe Outdoor Floor Cushion - RRP $69.00 - www.freedom.com.au 3. Vasaio Rectangular Platter RRP $12.60 - www.freedom.com.au 4. Picnic Cocktails and Mocktails - www.luvofoods.com 5. Cheshire Four Person Picnic Basket - RRP $132.30 - www.freedom.com.au 6. Outdoor Game Kubb in Crate - RRP $89.00 - www.freedom.com.au
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MINI PICNIC QUICHES Makes approx. 12
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These delightfully cheesy mini quiches don’t just look adorable, they taste scrumptious too. They’re easy to make ahead of time and taste delicious accompanied with a salad or simply on their own. Quiches are deliciously versatile and are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack – and these are kid-friendly with hidden veggies. Ingredients 3 sheets shortcrust pastry 3 eggs 1 zucchini, grated 1 carrot, grated ½ cup chopped spinach ½ cup grated cheddar cheese 2 tbsp milk Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste Method Preheat the oven to 180°C. Mix the eggs, milk, zucchini, carrot and spinach in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
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Grab a muffin tin and grease it lightly to avoid the quiches getting stuck. Place the shortcrust pastry on a flat surface and cut 12 circles, each slightly bigger than the spaces in your muffin tin. Gently push the pastry circles into the tins, ensuring they fit snugly. Divide the egg mixture between the tins, ensuring each quiche has an even amount of ingredients. Top as desired with grated cheddar cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden and set. Enjoy! PakMag Tips If not all of these get eaten, they make a great lunchbox addition. If you like your quiches to be extra cheesy, add a sprinkle of parmesan on top before baking.
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School Holiday Guide
SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE DR SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT – LIVE ON STAGE The Cat in the Hat is a story loved by old and young alike, and is sure to have the whole family laughing. Follow two bored kids as their lives (literally) get turned upside down when they get a visit from The Cat in the Hat. Remember, “It’s fun to have fun, but you have to know how.” Two sessions on Sunday the 30th June at 10.30am and 1.00pm. Tickets available now. A MECC Auditorium, Alfred St, Mackay P 4961 9777 E mecc@mackay.qld.gov.au www.themecc.com.au
UNICORN FESTIVAL Making its first ever appearance in Mackay this school holidays, the Unicorn Festival is sure to be a hit with the little ones. This day will be jam-packed with face painting, rides, games, competitions and yummy food. Head on down to the Mackay Showgrounds on Sunday the 7th of July for all thing’s unicorn from 9.00am – 3.00pm. A 24 Milton St, Mackay P 0484 362 166 Unicorn Festival
ART CLASSES Mackay Creative Kids Art Studio are hosting weekly art classes for children of all ages. These classes are a fantastic way for your children to work on their art skills or to just have some fun. Your kids will paint, draw, weave, sculpt and more all whilst making friends and taking home a gorgeous creation. A Mackay Creative Kids Art Studio, Paxtons, River Street P 0431 672 603 Mackay Creative Kids Art Studio
MACKAY AQUA PARK Bring the family down to the Mackay Aqua Park and complete the ultimate inflatable obstacle course.
The kids can race, swing, jump and climb their way to the finish line, while you sit back and watch with a coffee and croissant in hand. A Gowake Cable Park, 4 Michigan Way P 1300 500 261 E bookings@mackayaquapark.com.au www.mackayaquapark.com.au
FOREST FLYING For all the thrill-seeking families, Forest Flying should be one on your to do list these holidays. See the rainforest from a whole new angle as you glide on through the canopy. You’ll also learn fascinating facts about the beautiful ecosystems surrounding our beautiful region. A 18 Oliver’s Road, Finch Hatton P 4958 3359 E info@forestflying.com www.forestflying.com/contact
SARINA SUGAR SHED This one is for all the kids (and adults) with a sweet tooth. The Sarina Sugar Shed will take you on a tour to show you how the sugar shed and mill works together. Plus, you’ll get to taste the sugar in a variety of delicious shapes and forms it comes in. A Field of Dreams Parkland, Railway Square, Sarina P 4943 2801 E info@sarinasugarshed.com.au www.sarinasugarshed.com.au
MACKAY SHOW You don’t have to wait for the school holidays to come around for the fun to start. From the 18th- 20th of June, the Mackay Show will be making a return, and it will bring something for people of all ages. The Mackay Show is one of the biggest events of the year and is loved by all with rides, arts and crafts, food, games and shows. A 24 Milton St, Mackay P 4957 3916 E admin@mackayshow.com.au www.mackayshow.com.au
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Health
HEALTH Health HEALTH Benefits BENEFITS of OF Chia CHIA Seeds SEEDS
Natural NATURAL Remedies REMEDIES for FOR Warts WARTS
Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are packed with nutrients and considered one of the healthiest foods on the planet.
Warts are harmless skin growths that may appear anywhere on the body, but for children they are most commonly found on the hands and feet. They can be unsightly and may even be painful as you put pressure on them while walking.
Chia seeds are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. A 28-gram serving of chia seeds contains 5.6 grams of protein. They’re also loaded with antioxidants which fight the production of free radicals which could otherwise lead to diseases like cancer. Chia seeds may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and the high fiber and protein content in the seeds may even help you lose weight. As if the list isn’t long enough, they’re also high in omega-3 fatty acids – containing more than salmon, gram for gram.
While many disappear on their own after time, they can bleed when knocked or some simply won’t go away on their own.
These tiny wonderful seeds also have very few calories and are super easy to add to your diet. Incorporate them into smoothies, salads, oatmeal or muffins. You can even easily make chia pudding by adding one and a half cups of non-dairy milk to one third a cup of chia seeds and sweetening it up with honey, maple syrup or agave syrup for a healthy, protein-filled treat. The seeds absorb up to ten times their weight in water, creating that pudding texture. Delicious and nutritious!
Orange peel – Rub the wart with an orange peel daily for two weeks. This will cause the wart to turn orange and darken before finally dropping off. Duct tape – Place a square of duct tape over the wart and leave it in place, removing only when replacing with new duct tape. You should start to see results after about two weeks. Baking powder – Mixing baking powder into a paste and applying it to the wart can help it fall off. Cover it with a bandage and repeat daily.
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Education
CHOOSING A Childcare OR Kindy Finding a quality child care centre or kindergarten that suits you and your family’s needs can be easier said than done. Sometimes you need to leave your child in someone else’s care due to work, study, or other commitments. As well as providing care and supervision, attending child care or kindy helps children develop social, emotional, and learning skills by exploring the world and playing with other kids. This helps make the transition into school less bumpy once that day comes. Whether you are looking for a great child care centre or your child is approaching the age to commence kindergarten, this guide will help you find the centre that is perfect for you (Please bear in mind that many centres encourage early enrolment as spots do fill quickly and many have long waiting lists, so checking these centres and kindergartens out now for future use is also a great idea). ADEONA MACKAY A Celeber Dr, Andergrove
MACKAY FAMILY DAY CARE A (Office) Cnr Shakespeare and Rae St, East Mackay
Adeona is a unique service that combines the natural world and exploration, and encourages responsibility, open investigation and respect.
Safe, positive and inspiring services taking place in a home-based learning environment conducted by passionate Educators.
The centre offers all the essentials your child will need for the day, including delicious and nutritious morning teas, lunches, and afternoon teas, as well as hats and sunscreen for outside play. There is a Japanese teacher engaging children in bilingual experiences, and lots more.
Hours (Office) 8.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Hours of day care vary per location. P 4965 9999 E admin@mcdc.com.au www.mfdc.com.au
Hours 7.00am – 5.30pm, Monday to Friday P 4942 5563 E mackay@adeona.com.au www.adeona.com.au/adeona-mackay KOOKABURRA CHILD CARE CENTRE A 256 Bedford Rd, Andergrove Yummy meals are prepared daily, there are large spacious playing areas both indoors and outdoors and there is a minimum of three educators in each room. Hours 7.00am – 6.00pm P 4955 2398 E admin@kookaburrachildcare.com.au www.kookaburrachildcare.com.au SNUGGLEPOT KINDYLAND EDUCATION AND CARE CENTRE A 51-53 Grendon St, North Mackay Located conveniently close to Mackay’s city centre, Snugglepot Kindyland features a grass play area, a wide range of natural toys, sunscreen and hats provided all in an environment that recognises the child’s individuality. Hours 6.30am – 6.30pm, Monday to Friday P 4957 4466 E info@snugglepotkindy.com.au www.snugglepotkindy.com.au
WONDER KIDS EARLY LEARNING A 1 Youngs Lane, Walkerston Wonder Kids believe children develop best when their days are filled with play, learning and fun, and this is reflected in their service featuring a waterpark, sandpit and obstacle courses. Hours 6.00am – 6.00pm, Monday to Friday P 4959 3500 E director1@wonderkids.com.au www.wonderkids.com.au GOODSTART A Various locations Goodstart believes every child should have the best possible start in life with a range of engaging activities promoting natural learning, communication, and confidence. P 1800 222 543 E enrolments@goodstart.org.au www.goodstart.org.au C & K CHILDCARE AND KINDERGARTEN A Various locations C & K offers a strong play-based curriculum in large, natural and sustainable outdoor environments that encourage children to discover, explore and learn through nature. P 1800 177 092 E info@candk.asn.au www.candk.asn.au
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Education
How to nurture relationships and get involved with your school STORY Luke Baills, Head of Junior School, The Cathedral School The dust of the new school year has settled and you might find yourself reflecting on how you can engage positively with your child’s school. I have collated a few ideas and tips to show you how rewarding this can be for not only your child, but you too. When you send your child to school each day there are some things you can do to assist with making it positive. School and home needs to consist of collaborative trust and connection to create a safe culture of care. For all families this begins with mutual respect.
Kerry Spina, parent educator and author at Kids in Harmony Collective, refers to this as the 'Triangle of Care'. •• The child •• The teacher •• The parent Kerry states, “This relationship is vital, and we must have each other’s back. We do not ever ‘throw anyone under the bus’, and we must help our children be responsible for their actions and learning. This does not mean we play the doormat or cannot question,
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Education
but we have a respectful, caring and trustworthy relationship with the whole triangle. With many years in schools ahead of us, it is important to get this right early. There is no denying that things happen. However, blaming, complaining, and whining are disempowering habits that serve no one.” How can parents help? Be proactive in your child’s learning journey by connecting the classroom to home. I encourage parents to take an active interest in what their child is learning by reflecting on what is being taught in the classroom. When you extend a child’s learning into their everyday existence, it deepens a child’s connection and understanding of a concept and shows purpose for their learning. Communicate with the teacher about what is being taught, and raise the idea of extending learning beyond the classroom doors. Understanding a teacher’s pedagogy and indeed the whole schools philosophy on learning can help make a cohesive transition to learning in the classroom and learning at home. Some parents feel disconnected because of long work hours and aren’t present for drop-off and pick-up. There are other methods to stay connected like meeting up with other class families in a social setting. Take the opportunity to get involved with the school community at out-of-hour events, like Carnivals (Fairs), weekend activities and P&F happenings. Being a member of a school’s P&F allows you to be across all the happenings within the school and provides you with the opportunity to be further informed about your school. As a P&F member you will also make new school community connections, which extend beyond your child’s class. If you have time through the school day, offer to help in the classroom or library, offer your support at school events like sports carnivals or become a tuck-shop helper. It is exciting for your child to see you participate in the school community and it helps build the social connections with others in the school community.
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How to help your child with conflict? There are bound to be times through a child’s schooling journey when relationships are tested and issues arise; be it with another student, classroom teacher or a member of staff. It is key to remember that communication is essential. Talk through the concerns with your child and allow them to take the time needed for reflection. Talk through strategies with your child to help them navigate a tricky situation. Conflict can lead to the greatest learnings. It is critical that a child builds a bank of strategies to deal with situations as they grow through their developing years. If a parent continually jumps in to resolve an issue for a student it can hinder resilience and the cultivation of strategies to deal with issues when they arise in the future. There are a plethora of empowering resources parents can utilise to assist with building a bank of mindset strategies to deal with conflict. There is a book for every topic; ask your teacher, visit the library, ask other parents or Google a topic. ‘How full is your Bucket? for kids’ by Tom Rath is a great read for understanding feelings. How others make you feel and importantly, how your actions make others feel. ‘Stick and Stone’ by Beth Ferry is a useful resource when friends clash. Read the book, discuss the story, relate it to your child’s circumstances, and discuss the resolution and how your child could resolve their situation in a similar way. Connect with your child’s teacher if you believe they need to be notified of a situation, if you would like insight into the situation within the school setting or if your child has tried to resolve the problem without success. Together we're better in teaching children to respect themselves, their school, teachers, educators, peers and parents by modelling what it looks like and feels like. This is not always easy when FEAR drives the bus. On occasion, it could be easier to blame others for our children’s choices, but instead we can consciously model respect, care and trust for our school. Embedding these values at a young age will set our children up for life long success and ensure an iron tight triangle of care for years to come. We will fail if we work alone, for behind the parent should stand the school and behind the teacher a home.
DADDY Daddy Diary DIARY When I was 12, we arrived in Mackay. Dad, myself, my sister and our dog all cruised up the Bruce Highway from Sydney and still to this day leaving Sydney is the best thing we ever did. Sure, we had Australia’s biggest exhibition to see each year, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, but you know what? Bigger isn’t always better. When we drove up at the end of 1980, we only had to wait a few months until the annual Mackay Show started during the school holidays. It was some of the best fun I’ve ever had as a kid. My kids who are now teenagers love it as well, but perhaps for slightly different reasons. The Mackay Show this year is again a must see and do experience, and here are my top 10 activities to do in no particular order. 1. Ferris Wheel 2. Cows and bulls 3. Dagwood Dogs 4. Car Displays 5. Showbags 6. Looking for money on the ground 7. Dodgem Cars 8. Fireworks 9. Stunt cars and motorbikes 10. Wood chopping
With Star 101.9’s Rob Kidd
If you’re going with your family this year, be sure you’ve approved it with your bank manager first. You may need to hold off with your home loan payments first. But really, it’s all worth it, you’ll have a ball. My suggestion would be to arrive early, say around 4:30, and stay until your legs won’t give any more. Park your kid carrier down along Alfred Street, walk in the Milton Street entrance and go nuts. Head straight for sideshow alley and open that wallet to anything and everything. Shoot the ducks, throw the balls, bust the balloons and throw the darts. Grab the gigantic coloured animal of the year (everyone will be walking around with one so don’t worry if you don’t know which one it is) and then proceed to the main arena to catch the crew who don’t value limbs that much. The wood choppers. Stay to watch that for an hour, then head into the 500 Pavilion for a feed. It’s heaps better than some of the other gear, let me tell you. Once the tucker is in you, take a walk around to all the animals and art exhibitions, trade stalls and shops and once that’s done and the kids are complaining, head to the main stand for the night’s action. You’ll get dancing, stunt shows and of course what every family waits for each year, the massive fireworks display. It’s a staple of everyone in the district. It’s just brilliant. Once that’s done, wake the kids up and head home. Job completed. Just repeat again next year. Rob Kidd Star 101.9 Mackay and the Whitsundays
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