PakMag Mackay - February 2017 Issue 52

ISSUE: FEB 2017

52

MACKAY

Sharing, SOLVING & SIBLINGS

lunch box IDEAS

HEALTHY LIVING

Valentine's Day CRAFT

TINY TOTS GUIDE

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FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

CONTENTS

HELLO

ISSUE NO. 52 FEB 2017 Hello and welcome to our February edition of PakMag. School holidays are over and with the big kids back at school, it’s time to focus on the little ones. Our Tiny Tots guide is a great way to find out what activities are available to children under five-years-old in Mackay.

February also marks the beginning of our ‘Challenges with Children’ series in which we discuss a range of issues that our children may experience, from learning difficulties to physical disabilities. This month we explore emotional and behavioural issues.

With January over and our New Year’s resolutions a month old (and possibly now at the back of our minds!), check out our feature on healthy living for some tips on how to stick to the plans you made at the beginning of the year to have a happy and healthy 2017.

February is the month for lovers and that doesn’t have to stop when you have a family. Why not get the kids involved in making some Valentine’s Day projects?

See our tips on page 36. I’d love to see some Valentine’s Day crafts you and your kids have made – post your pictures to our Facebook page.

Until next time, have a great month and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

Bree

04 Entertainment: Check This Out 06 Lunch Box Ideas

From Around The World

09 The Thing Is... With Bree James 11 Parenting: Sharing, Solving

and Siblings

15 Health 17 Challenges With Children 19 Baby: Immunisations 20 Bump and Bub: WIN 23 What’s On Guide 25 Mini Mag 32 Celebrate: Sports Party 36 Craft: Valentine’s Craft 38 Healthy Snacks

BREE JAMES / PAKMAG PUBLISHER

39 Feature: Healthy Living 41 Tiny Tots: Activities For Under 5s

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44 Townsville Family’s

PNG Health Mission

46 Home with Caro & Kingi:

PAKMAG HEAD OFFICE P 4053 3331 E admin@pakmag.com.au PO BOX 7433 Cairns QLD 4870 FB www.facebook.com/pakmagmackay T #pakmag ON THE COVER Chloe Oliver PHOTOGRAPHY Deanne Woods Photography WEB www.deannewoodsphotography.com PAKMAG'S CORE VALUES

Create happier communities

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48 Home: A Little Something For

The Kids’ Bedrooms

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DISCLAIMER No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions.

The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

Awesome Administrator Gleisy

Daring Designer Lise

Bree's Wingwoman Rose

Sales Star Lisa

Darling Designer Clare

Talented Trent

Grand Poobah Bree

Office Aficionado Janelle

Rad Sales Rep Jacqui

Word Wizard Jenna

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

Savvy Sales Sandra

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pakmag ENTERTAINMENT

CHECK IT OUT

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nd Feb

Brick by Brick Exhibition Launch WHEN Thursday, 2nd February 2017, 4:00pm-5:00pm WHERE Gordon White Library, 54 Phillip Street, Mount Pleasant Be the first in Mackay to experience the Brick by Brick exhibition!

Children aged 8 to 13 years are invited to get their hands on a whole lot of Lego* Bricks and learn about our nation’s capital at the official launch of the Brick by Brick exhibition.

This launch will celebrate the start of the Brick by Brick exhibition at the Gordon White Library. The exhibition will then remain open to the public until the 2nd April.

4th Feb

Chinese New Year Celebrations WHEN Saturday, 4th February 2017 WHERE Victoria Street between Nelson and Macalister Streets MORE INFO www.mackaycitycentre.com.au The year of the Rooster will be celebrated in style at Chinese New Year 2017.

Get down to Victoria Street at 5:00pm on Saturday, 4th February for a night filled with a variety of attractions and entertainment aligned with Chinese culture. Taste great food and see amazing and colourful performances right in the city centre.

This is a free event for the whole family to enjoy.

11th Feb

Mackay Saturday Drive WHEN Saturday, 11th February 2017 WHERE Meet at Fitzgerald State School Hall, 9:00am MORE INFO www.mackayevangelicalchurch.com Mackay Saturday Drive is a fun filled, scavenger hunt- like event discovering the hidden treasures of Mackay.

Register at MAKE church at 9:00am and then set off for an adventure where you will discover some of the hidden treasures our beautiful town has to offer. Finish the day with a delicious BBQ lunch at a beautiful venue with live music from the very talented Jade Fiyen and kid-friendly fun!

For more information and registration please visit the website.

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th Feb

Sports Expo and Sign-On Day 2017 WHEN 12 February 2017, 9:00am to 1:00pm WHERE MECC MORE INFO sport@mackay.qld.gov.au or www.mackay.qld.gov.au The Sports Expo & Sign On Day is an annual half day event held in February at the MECC. There will be over 100 exhibitors, an active zone and lucky door and best dressed prizes on offer. A wide range of sporting organisations, teams and active leisure groups will be on hand to provide information on fitness and sporting opportunities in the region.

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FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

19th Feb Handmade Boutique Market

WHEN Sunday, 19th February 2017, 8:30am – 12:30pm

WHERE Mackay Basketball

MORE INFO www.hbmarket.com.au Get down to Mackay Basketball on Sunday, 19th February from 8:30am for the first Handmade Boutique Market of 2017.

The market features a range of handmade goods from clothing to homewares and everything in between.

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th Mar

SAVE THE DATE

NQ Babies and Kids Market WHEN Sunday, 5th March 2017 WHERE Mackay Showgrounds Huge Hall MORE INFO www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com It’s back again! North Queensland Babies and Kids Markets have great quality pre-loved, new, handmade, information and promotional stalls with everything you need for you and your little ones.

Come along for an exciting morning shopping for bargains and beautifully handmade items.

This market is a specialised market for babies and kids, mums & mums to be, so save the date and don’t miss it.

Entry $2.00 for adults. Refreshments available.

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rd Feb

All Fired Up Tour with Bree James and Andrew Griffiths WHEN Thursday, 23rd February 2017, 9:00am-12:00pm WHERE Mackay (see website for more details) MORE INFO www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/events Bree James and Andrew Griffiths are seriously fired up - they are on a mission to help you make 2017 not just a good year in your business, but a flaming extraordinary year. Between them they have over 50 years of business experience (they look good for their age right?) and when it comes to thinking different, challenging the norm and having way too much fun, no one else comes within a whisker of these two.

This action-packed 3 hour seminar is for anyone looking to get MORE done, sell MORE stuff and have MORE fun – from small business owners to sales teams this event will help you make 2017 your best business year yet!

Tickets available now via www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/events

17th Mar

SAVE THE DATE

World’s Greatest Shave

WHEN Friday, 17th March 2017 WHERE Various MORE INFO www.worldsgreatestshave.com The Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave is 16th19th March, Australia-wide.

Child care centres and schools all around Mackay and surrounds will get involved by ‘colouring their hair to show they care’ on Funky Hair Day. Shave or colour at work, at school, at home or with family and friends to help support North Queensland blood cancer patients.

Visit www.worldsgreatestshave.com for more information and tips on how you can get involved.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

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Lunch Box Ideas From AROUND

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Japan: Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwich)

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Sushi is a much-loved favourite amongst both adults and children the world over, but it isn’t something many of us think of making from home. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. These Onigirazu, or sushi sandwiches, are easy to make and are a perfect way to put an exciting twist on the classic sandwich. Assembly is super simple. Grab your favourite sushi fillings (pictured onigirazu includes katsu tofu, sweet potato and picked cabbage) and simply layer them between sushi rice and wrap in seaweed!

For the full recipe visit www.lazycatkitchen.com

GREECE: Grilled Lemon Chicken Wraps

Why not add a taste of the Mediterranean in your kid’s lunchbox with these delicious grilled lemon chicken wraps? This is a great option for school lunches but also for dinner. Our suggestion is to grill up some chicken for your evening meal to enjoy this recipe hot, then allow to cool and assemble as a lunch-time leftover!

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Check out the full recipe at www.thecozyapron.com and let the kids get their hands dirty coating the chicken in beautiful spices!

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MEXICO: Walking Tacos

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Tacos are a kid-friendly option when it comes to Mexican food. But they’re often not lunch-box friendly. These walking tacos are a lunchtime game changer!

Simply pop all the elements (beef, lettuce, chopped tomatoes or salsa, cheese, sour cream) in little containers inside your child’s lunchbox along with a snack-size bag of Doritos (crush them slightly) and a spork. At lunch time, all they have to do is open the chips, add all the elements to the bag and voila, an easy to eat taco alternative!

AUSTRALIA: Cheese and Vegemite Scrolls

Ah vegemite! Any excuse to get this Aussie staple into lunchboxes is alright by us! Take a break from breaky vegemite on toast (or do both!) and try your hand at these tasty cheese and vegemite scrolls. With all the elements of a sandwich but in a fun little roll.

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Vegemite’s official Cheese and Vegemite Scroll recipe can be found at www.vegemite.com.au and shows you how to sift, spread and sprinkle your way to prefect lunchbox snacks in 25 minutes.

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AMERICA: Mac and Cheese Muffins

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Kids love “Mac and Cheese” so these easy-to-make Mac and Cheese muffins are sure to make your little one light up when they open their lunchbox!

Make your macaroni and cheese and combine 2 cups of your mac and cheese with ¼ cup of breadcrumbs, 1 cup of chopped ham and 2 beaten eggs, pop the mixture into muffin trays and bake at 180 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Allow the muffins to cool before you pack them in lunchboxes. Easy!

ENGLAND: Mini Toad-in-the-Hole

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Toad in the Hole is a classic British favourite. Essentially, it’s Yorkshire pudding with sausages in it! Although it’s generally a dinner time dish, these mini Toad in the Holes are great for lunch boxes. Perfect hot or cold, dipped in tomato sauce or gravy, or just on their own, your little ones will love these savoury treats. These mini versions only take 30 minutes to make and have six ingredients so even the busiest of mums can find time to make them.

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For the full recipe visit www.charlotteslivelykitchen.com

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FIVE Tips for Waste Free Lunchboxes It’s estimated that the average school student’s lunchbox generates 30 kilos of rubbish each year.

Packing a waste free lunchbox for your kids will not only reduce your impact on the environment, it will also save you money and help your kids eat healthier by avoiding packaged and processed foods.

Here are five simple steps for waste free lunchboxes:

1. To give up the plastic wrap.

The right lunchbox or containers are essential. Go for an all-inone lunchbox with separate compartments for different foods.

2. Ditch the packaged food. It’s

easy to be tempted to buy plastic or foil-wrapped biscuits or muesli bars, but these foods are heavily processed, expensive and overpackaged. Swap packaged snacks for healthier home-made versions packed straight into a lunchbox.

3. Buying in bulk = less waste

5. Find out if your school has

4. Buy a reusable drink bottle and

The Source Bulk Foods stocks a great range of products to help keep your children’s lunches as waste free as possible.

and better value for money. Instead of plastic-wrapped cheese sticks, buy a block of cheese and cut it yourself. Swap squeezy yoghurts for a large tub of plain yoghurt that can portioned into small containers. fill it with water. A good quality bottle will see your child through many years of schooling, and you’ll be avoiding drinks and juices that are high in sugar, low in nutrition and create excess waste.

a composting program, and if not suggest that they start one.

Composting food scraps saves a huge amount of waste going to landfill.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

7

The Thing Is...

STORY Bree James

The kids are back at school, some normality is starting to take shape. It’s time to put ourselves first a little, look after our health, have some “me time”, get a routine and put some of those goals (or if you read my article last month, some standards) into play. It feels good to be getting back on track. But the thing is… are we really putting ourselves first?

Because if you are like me, that dreaded feeling sets in... Parental guilt.

The little voice in your head that says, “I want to go for a walk, but I really should get that load of washing done”, “I really love the look of that mango, but it’s (insert someone else in the family’s name) favourite, so I better not eat it” and the constant list goes on.

my parent’s life and I am now living my own and I am just fine for it. This little statement made me feel less guilty as a parent myself now.

I counted one day, how many times I put myself last and put others first. It was over a dozen times. Am I a martyr for being like this? Maybe a little, but mostly I do it because I want those in my life to have the best, and I have been happy to take a backseat. But eventually it comes at a cost.

Less guilty for having a weekend to do as I please, to give me time to re-energise.

As parents, society tells us to put our kids first. I see so many parents working so damn hard, and going to extremes to give their children the absolute best they possibly can have. But are we creating a monster here? A generation of self-centered kids who expect to be put first all the time? I honestly think so. Last year, I interviewed Janine Allis, Founder of Boost Juice, and I asked her how she balances such a massive company with over 160 stores globally and raising three kids. She said something to me that has made me feel a little better, which was, “my kids are living my life now. When they leave me as adults, they will be off living their life”. And it’s so true. I’m not sure about you, but my parents cared for me, sure. But did they put my needs first above their own? Very rarely. I grew up living

The thing is, we can’t be amazing parents if we aren’t amazing people. To be an amazing person, we need to do things that make us amazing. Which is, do the work that we love, do the things that we love, eat the foods that we love, and have some time that is just for us to do with as we please.

Less guilty for putting my work first to provide for my family as I am the primary income earner.

Less guilty for eating that mango, because you know what, I love mangos too, dammit (especially in a daiquiri, but that is besides the point)!

So, get out there and be the person that makes you super proud to be you, and I am pretty confident your family will be proud of you too. And that makes a much happier family all round.

Bree www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

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PARENTING

pakmag

Sharing, Solving and Siblings STORY Jenna Galley

It’s only natural for siblings to fight. About EVERYTHING. But having more than one child provides you with the perfect opportunity to teach them the importance of sharing, of showing empathy and of working out ways to solve problems without your assistance (or need to referee).

SIBLING RIVALRY: WHY DO MY KIDS FIGHT SO MUCH? Regardless of the gender or even the age gap, fighting is a way for siblings to communicate, to sort out problems and to develop social strategies to help them in future situations.

Some siblings fight more than others and the reactions to these arguments will vary as well. This is often due to a child’s personality and temperament. Some children have trouble communicating their feelings and resort to physical aggression. Others well up with tears or hide away after arguing with a sibling.

There are many underlying reasons why your kids are constantly at each other’s throat. It is often due to one child feeling jealous or threatened by the other child. It could be an attention-seeking method or it could be because a child is hungry, bored or tired.

It could be due to the fact that they are tired, bored or hungry which can make them more aggressive, restless, moody and ready for a row.

My kids tend to get along wonderfully in the morning but their harmonious play time usually only lasts about an hour.

Track when the fights occur and try to predict when it’s time to give the kids a break before the fights begin.

Set up alone time.

While playing together is important, learning to play independently is equally as important and can also prevent fighting. When you think your children are close to the edge, split them up and suggest they play alone for a while.

Offer them personal attention.

Here are some tips that can help you reduce the rivalry and help you achieve some sense of sibling harmony.

Give each child your undivided attention as much as you can, even if it’s just for a few moments a day. Read them a book. Ask them about their day. Do a puzzle or make a craft. This one on one time is so valuable, regardless of how old your child is.

Don’t compare.

Play fair (not favourites).

Every child is an individual and often sibling rivalry comes from the fact that one child feels like they are not living up to the standards set by the other child. Reassure your children that there are no specific standards and that you are proud of each child for their individual talents and successes.

Children don’t necessarily need equal attention, but they need to feel equally loved and equally as important. A baby, for example, is going to require a lot more of your attention than an older sibling. This only becomes a problem if the older sibling feels like he is not getting fair attention, or any at all. There is a big difference between being fair and being equal.

Help them cooperate rather than compete.

Rather than racing each other, let the kids be on the same team in household chores and family activities.

This promotes teamwork rather than competition.

Monitor their fighting patterns.

Do most fights occur just before dinner? Or before bed?

To reduce the rivalry between your children, it’s important that you reach a family dynamic that everyone is happy with. When a child feels like he is a valued member of the family, that his individuality is respected and that his place in the family is not being threatened, then this sense of anger, aggression and resentment will subside. www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

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pakmag PARENTING

SUCCESSFUL SHARING It is ingrained in human nature not to share (especially in children). And thus, teaching a child to share can be a bit tricky. We went to one of the leading parenting experts to help guide us through the complex solutions to lack of sharing. Hopefully these tips from author, father and leading child physician, Dr. Sears, can help your children learn to share.

Lead by example.

Children learn by watching others, especially their parents. How can a child learn to share his toys when a parent refuses to share theirs? We’re not suggesting you give up your vehicle to the neighbour, but when you have a sharing moment (for example, lending a friend a cookbook), make a point to bring up the topic of sharing with your child.

Giving to charity and asking your children to help you with this can also help. As you collect clothing, food and brick-a-brack that you no longer need, ask your children to do the same with their toys. Let them come with you to donate the goods and see the value in giving.

Don’t expect too much from young children.

According to Dr. Sears, children have a hard time understanding and feeling empathy before the age of six. This makes sharing a bit tricky – when a child is not able to understand someone else’s feelings, it is hard to make him understand the motive behind sharing his prized possession with his sister.

Dr. Sears suggests that children under the age of two are, simply put, unable to easily accept sharing. They care about themselves and their possessions and, although they are happy to play alongside a child (known as parallel play), they really cannot grasp the idea that a child would want the same toy as them.

Use a timer.

To help your children learn to share, they may need some guidelines. A timer is a great device to ensure both kids are getting an equal amount of time with a certain toy or device.

Offer plenty of praise.

When your child does agree to share something special with a sibling or someone else, make a big deal out of it. Children are hesitant to give up something they love but this can be made a lot easier when they are rewarded for the behaviour. Bribing them or offering a tangible reward is not necessary – use your words to encourage them to continue to share.

SOLVING PROBLEMS IN THREE SIMPLE STEPS It’s important to pay attention to your children’s conflicts, especially if they get violent or out of control. However, it is also important that you are teaching children the right way to solve these problems and how to, eventually, conquer these conflicts without your assistance.

Step One: Teach them how to calm down.

Before any problem can be solved, your child needs to be in a calm state. Taking deep breaths, going for a quick walk or closing his eyes for ten seconds can help him release the anger or anxiety so he is ready to communicate effectively.

Step Two: Talk it out.

Communication is key to finding viable solutions to any problem. First of all, help your child understand his emotions and why he is feeling how he is. Next, talk about the problem and discuss possible solutions. Then you can put these solutions into place.

Step Three: Step Aside.

It will take several arguments, several meltdowns and several fights for your child to start putting these two steps into place. But once he does, it will arm him with the tools he needs to solve problems at home, at school and anywhere else, effectively.

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FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

HEALTH

pakmag

+ HEALTH Breakdown on the hearing highway Could your child have CAPD? STORY Jodie Miles, Mackay Hearing A short attention span and not listening properly to instructions – sounds about right for every kid at some point! These are both totally normal behaviours, but if they are recurring, or there are other symptoms – then it’s probably a good idea to get your child checked for CAPD. WHAT IS CAPD?

Central Auditory Processing Disorder describes a breakdown in the hearing process, where your brain is unable to make sense of what your ears are hearing. Think of being in a noisy classroom or even at home with the TV on and someone is giving you instructions but your brain just isn’t able to decipher the difference between what is being said to you and the noise that surrounds you.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

There is a broad range of symptoms that could point to CAPD, but many can also be common signs of being a kid.

Delayed response to performing a requested task, asking for instructions over and over, being unorganised – your child may be a little preoccupied (i.e. tuning you out while watching Netflix), or it could be the sign of something deeper.

FINDING OUT FOR SURE

CAPD won’t be picked up during a standard hearing test – but it can be diagnosed during specialised auditory testing.

After 10 years of CAPD testing and being a mum to three young kids, I am passionate about helping parents to not only detect CAPD; but also, to help you and your child overcome those CAPD obstacles.

For a comprehensive CAPD assessment, or advice on dealing with a positive diagnosis, call Mackay Hearing on 07 4952 4649.

CURING CAPD As well as a combined effort from a child’s parents, teachers and audiologist, there is now an app available to help your child beat a common form of CAPD. With Sound Storm, your child can perform brain exercises for 15 minutes per day over 12 weeks to help retrain the pathways that are causing CAPD. Available for Apple devices only and is most suitable on iPads.

Expert Advice: Keeping your Heart Healthy STORY Dr Elizabeth Chappel FRACGP MBBS BSc (Hons), Apple Tree Medical Everyone has a story of a relative who lived to be 100 whilst drinking a bottle of whisky a day and chain smoking. Unfortunately, they’re the exception, not the rule and many of us have to work at keeping our bodies healthy.

One of the most important aspects of keeping healthy is looking after your heart. Luckily, there are plenty of things that we can do to minimise our chances of developing heart disease without having to cross our fingers that we’ll be one of those exceptions.

• Begin with exercise. Walk, run, jump, skip, ride, lift; just move!

• Your diet doesn't have to be complicated to protect your heart. Avoid processed foods of any type, try to buy local produce, eat vegetables and think about portion size.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

• Surround yourself with people who lift your mood and make you laugh. Laughter really is great medicine.

• Ensure that you get good quality sleep every night.

Individual requirements vary but the vast majority of people need at least six hours every night.

• Stressed? Life is stressful, it cannot be avoided.

Some stress is good but unrelenting stress is toxic to your heart. Look at your work schedule or your commitments. Plan breaks, holidays and time out.

• If you are overweight seek help, support and advice as to how to lose a few kilos. You don't have to be a super model to have a healthy heart but if your weight is creeping up, take action now.

• It will come as a surprise to no one that smoking damages your coronary arteries. It is when these arteries block that you have a heart attack. There is no room anywhere in your life for a smoke if you want to remain healthy.

It is very wise to have regular health checks to assess for early risk factors. These include discussing with your health care provider your family history, your blood pressure, your BMI, and looking at other risk factors such as any medications and supplements you may be taking, your other medical problems as well as blood test results for things such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

15

Challenges with Children: EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES STORY Rose Foster

Raising children comes with a unique set of challenges. As parents, keeping our children safe, healthy and happy is paramount and with their continual growth and development, achieving our goal can be a learning curve for both parent and child.

Many young children have tantrums and exhibit a range of behaviours, both good and bad, as they navigate the world and learn what’s right and wrong. Inability to manage emotions, being disruptive and aggressive behaviour are all common in children under three. We all know that toddler who’s a biter! It is when these tantrums persist into adolescence and more aggressive, anti-social behaviours prevail that it may be time to intervene.

Signs of a Problem Many emotional and behavioural issues are short-lived and are a normal part of a child’s development. When a child does not seem to be moving on from these behaviours

though, it could be a sign of a more serious emotional and

• Temper, aggression and inability to manage frustration/anger.

• Short attention span, unable to focus on tasks or follow instructions.

• Frequent defiance.

behavioural issue.

What to do

Emotional and behavioural difficulties come in many forms

It’s easy to become concerned when it comes to our children’s wellbeing. And whilst it’s good to monitor your child’s behaviour, determining whether behaviour you’re concerned about is considered ‘normal’ for their age or stage of development is a good first step.

but are often broken down into conditions such as ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Response Ability, an initiative of the Australian Government Department of Health, advises that signs of emotional or

After considering this, if you are still concerned you should:

• Significant changes in behaviour.

• Observe your child at different times of the day, doing different tasks.

• Different behaviour to peers (similar age and stage).

• Write down examples of the behaviour and when it occurs.

behavioural difficulties include:

• Severe separation/attachment problems.

• Persistent withdrawn, scared, upset or anxious behaviour.

• Consult your GP. Your GP is your first port of call and will perform an initial assessment to determine whether further assessment and treatment is needed.

Stability at Home Although there are a number of causes of emotional and behavioural difficulties, some being genetic and unpreventable, having an unhappy, unstable or abusive home-life is known to be a factor which could trigger an underlying problem. Unfortunately, there are many children in the Far North and beyond who don’t have this luxury that most of us take for granted.

Foster care and disability service provider, Life Without Barriers Mackay, aims to provide happy homes for children and looks for adults who want to be the positive change in a child’s life. They are currently looking for specialised Foster Carers to share their home, heart and time with a child or young person. Children in foster care need committed, trustworthy and resilient adults to guide them to a positive future.

Carers have access to training and help, both before they become a carer, and ongoing. People get matched with foster children, based on a number of factors to help ensure the placement – short or longer-term – is as successful for everyone as possible. If you are interested in finding out more about foster care in your area contact Life Without Barriers on (07) 4965 4800 or 1300 592 227 or visit fostercare.lwb.org.au.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

17

BABY

Immunisations:

pakmag

Why, When and Where

STORY Rose Foster

Protecting our children from harm is one of our main priorities as parents. Immunising them against deadly diseases is an important step in ensuring our little ones remain healthy.

It is estimated that vaccinations save six million children from dying from preventable illnesses every year.

And, although the debate rages on about whether or not to vaccinate, the general consensus amongst Australians is that immunisation is essential to give our children the best start in life, shown by 92 per cent of two-year-olds being fully up to date with their vaccinations.

Under the National Immunisation Program, vaccinations outlined in the National Immunisation Program Schedule (outlined below) are free.

Your GP or local health care provider will generally provide an immunisation service (or will be able to advise you of where you can go if they don’t).

So, why is immunisation so important?

PROTECTION We never want to see our little ones in pain or under the weather. By not immunising our children, diseases such as whooping cough, hepatitis B and meningitis can be contracted easily, and we run the risk of unnecessarily putting our children in harm’s way.

With systematic immunisation programs, some of these diseases may become a thing of the past.

Smallpox is one such disease that has been wiped out thanks to immunisation efforts.

EXCLUSION

ELIMINATION

If you do not vaccinate your child, you may limit your options with regards to childcare. Your childcare provider can refuse enrolments, cancel enrolment or attendance, or conditionally accept enrolment or attendance if your child does not have an up to date vaccination record.

Immunisation is considered one of the biggest health successes of the modern world. While many diseases can be treated with medicine, some cannot and the only way to control them is through immunisation.

Further to that, you could miss out on childcare payments. The Child Care Benefit, Child Care Rebate and Family Tax Benefit will all be refused if your child is not fully vaccinated at each key milestone.

By vaccinating we can avoid these illnesses and protect our children from becoming seriously ill, spending time in hospital or dying as a result.

The Australian Government has made it easy for new parents to understand which injections our children should have and when.

BIRTH

• Hepatitis B TWO, FOUR AND SIX MONTHS (3 ROUNDS)

• Hepititis B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, haemophilus influenza type b and polio (all-inone vaccination) • Pneumococcal disease • Rotavirus 12 MONTHS

• haemophilus influenza type b and meningococcal C (all-in-one vaccination) • Measles, mumps and rubella (allin-one vaccination)

18 MONTHS • Measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox (all-in-one vaccination) • Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (all-in-one vaccination) 4 YEARS • Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio (all-in-one vaccination) 7 YEARS (AVAILABLE THROUGH SCHOOL IMMUNISATION PROGRAM) • Human papillomavirus • Diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (all-in-one vaccination)

NOTE: Medically at risk children should have additional vaccinations for pneumococcal disease at 12 months and four years. www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

19

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BABY INKLESS PRINT KIT

BY BABY MADE WEB www.babymade.com.au RRP $24.95 AVAILABLE Myer Stores / Baby Bunting Stores The Baby Inkless Print Kit is a remarkable DIY baby keepsake product that creates detailed handprints and footprints safely with no ink, no paint and no mess.

Using miraculous inkless print technology, this product enables parents to take four sets of hand or footprints at one time. In just three easy steps – Wipe the child’s hands or feet with the inkless wipe,press onto the specially treated Baby Made paper and within seconds baby’s print magically appears before your eyes, while the child’s hands and feet stay clean and dry. Baby’s prints can be applied to a wide range of gift merchandise.

MURPHY & DAUGHTERS TRAVEL CANDLES WEB www.murphyanddaughters.com.au RRP $19.00 Murphy and Daughters Travel Candles are the perfect companion on your next getaway or impromptu weekend away. Encased in a handy tin caddy for easy stowing, these hand-poured candles are made in Australia with pure vegetable soy wax and a cotton wick. Burning up to 20 hours, each scent inspires warmth and relaxation in any environment.

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FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

Let your child explore, create and discover through messy play STORY Goodstart Early Learning – Kylie Warren-Wright, National Safe Work & Wellbeing Manager Children are naturally active learners and can learn so much through play. Messy and sensory play can be an especially valuable learning experience for babies and children because it stimulates many senses at the same time.

They can feel, see, smell and sometimes taste their messy creation, depending on the activity.

Messy play experiences like water play, mud play, jelly, slime, goo, foam and scented or edible play dough can all stimulate your child’s senses while they develop their hand eye coordination and fine motor skills.

As a parent, it can be hard to embrace ‘mess’, but the good news is there are lots of ways you can set up opportunities for messy play at home and in the natural world that won’t take too much effort to set up, or clean up!

Ideas for messy and sensory play: • Bath time – playing with water by using plastic cups or washed up yoghurt pots to pour, splash and empty water.

• Meal times / food – let your child savour the taste, smell and texture of different foods (pasta, cereals, jelly, mashed potato and even baked beans all provide interesting sensory experiences).

• Finger painting – on paper or let your child experiment by painting parts of their own body or other surfaces (hint: you may prefer to use edible paint for this by making a batch of instant vanilla pudding and mix with food colouring).

• Play dough – let them squish, squeeze, splat and squelch to their hearts’ content.

• Bubbles – who doesn’t love bubbles? Use bubble mixture, frothy washing up liquid bubbles in a container, or experiment by mixing shaving foam with paint.

• Natural world – whether you find some sand to play with, puddles to jump in, leaves to gather, or mud to play in, there are endless outside play ideas.

Remember, as with all play there are always safety considerations to keep in mind. This is particularly true with water-based activities or choking hazards.

Parents shouldn’t be afraid to let things get messy.

Roll up your sleeves and have some fun engaging in messy play with your child. Remember, what might look like a mess on the surface is giving your child a truly unique learning experience.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

21

WHAT'S ON FEB

"Rob picks 2017 Chinese New Year Celebrations on Saturday 4"

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE ADULTS DIY WORKSHOP HOME ORGANISATION Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm / Free / Adults

Thursday 2 BRICK BY BRICK EXHIBITION LAUNCH - BUILD YOUR OWN CAPITAL Gordon White Library www.eventbrite.com.au 4.00pm / Free / Kids 8-13 years

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS TROLLS 2D Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

Friday 3 U3A MACKAY INC - GIVE IT A GO DAY Senior Citizens Hall ecoburn@bigpond.net.au 9.00am / Free / Seniors

Sunday 5

BRING YOUR BABY LA LA LAND Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au See website for times / Cost / Family STARTING YOUR NDIS PLAN INFORMATION SESSIONS Mackay PCYC nqengagement@ndis.gov.au 11.30am / Free / Adults and Carers

Saturday 4 2017 CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS Victoria Street Markets www.themecc.com.au 4.00pm / Free / Family BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE KIDS DIY - ART CLASS WORKSHOP Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 Call store for times / Free / Kids

MACKAY'S PREMIER 31ST ANNUAL BRIDAL FAIR MECC Plenary Halls www.themecc.com.au 10.00am / Gold Coin Donation / Adult BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE KIDS DIY - ART CLASS WORKSHOP Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 Call store for times/ Free / Kids BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE ADULTS DIY WORKSHOP HOME ORGANISATION Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm/ Free / Adults WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS TROLLS 2D Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

MACKAY REGION COUNCIL

Monday 6

NRL TRIAL 2017 NORTH

BRING YOUR BABY LA LA LAND Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au See website for times / Cost / Family

QLD TOYOTA COWBOYS VS

Tuesday 7

MACKAY SATURDAY DRIVE

STARTING YOUR NDIS PLAN – INFORMATION SESSIONS Mackay PCYC nqengagement@ndis.gov.au 11.30am / Free / Adults and Carers

School, North Mackay

Wednesday 8 BRING YOUR BABY LA LA LAND Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au See website for times / Cost / Family

Friday 10 BRING YOUR BABY - LION Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au See website for times / Cost / Family

Saturday 11 DISCOVER THE GARDEN CHILDREN WORKSHOP Mackay Community Garden www.facebook.com/ MackayCommunityGardens 9.00am / $5.00 / Kids

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

BB Print Stadium Mackay www.themecc.com.au

4.00pm / Cost / Family Starting at Fitzgerald State 0429 852 949

9.00am / Gold Coin Donation / Adult

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE

ADULTS DIY WORKSHOP -

KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND LAUNDRY

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget

4840 1300 or 4862 8000

11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm/ Free / Adults

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE

KIDS DIY - GARDEN CRAFT WORKSHOP

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget

4840 1300 or 4862 8000

Call store for times/ Free / Kids WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS RED DOG: TRUE BLUE Event Cinemas

www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@GRANDPUBLISHING.COM.AU

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

23

WHAT'S ON FEB Sunday 12

Tuesday 14

MACKAY SPORTS EXPO AND

SPECIAL VALENTINES DAY SCREENING - HIDDEN FIGURES Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 6.30pm / Cost / Family

SIGN-ON DAY MECC

www.mackay.qld.gov.au/ 9.00am / Free / Family

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE

KIDS DIY - GARDEN CRAFT

Wednesday 15

Bunnings Warehouse Mackay

BRING YOUR BABY - LION Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au See website for times / Cost / Family

WORKSHOP

North and Paget

4840 1300 or 4862 8000

Call store for times/ Free / Kids BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE

"EJ picks Mackay Sports Expo and Sign-On Day on Sunday 12"

ADULTS DIY WORKSHOP -

Friday 17

LAUNDRY

HEALTHPOINT CHEMIST GROUP MORNING MELODIES 2017 SIMON GILLESPIE – SINGS PETER ALLEN MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 11.00am / Cost / Family

KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget

4840 1300 or 4862 8000

11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm/ Free / Adults

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS -

BRING YOUR BABY - GOLD Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au See website for times / Cost / Family

RED DOG:TRUE BLUE Event Cinemas

www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

Saturday 18

Monday 13 BRING YOUR BABY - LION Event Cinemas

www.eventcinemas.com.au

See website for times / Cost / Family

2017 HELLOWORLD TRAVEL EXPO MECC Plenary Halls www.themecc.com.au 10.00am / Free / Family

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE KIDS DIY - WALL ART WORKSHOP Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 Call store for times/ Free / Kids

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS MOANA Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE ADULTS DIY WORKSHOP WINDOWS AND DOORS Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm / Free / Adults

Monday 20

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS MOANA Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

Sunday 19 HANDMADE BOUTIQUE MARKET Mackay Basketball Stadium www.hbmarket.com.au 8.30am / $2.00 / Adult BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE KIDS DIY - WALL ART WORKSHOP Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 Call store for times / Free / Kids BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE ADULTS DIY WORKSHOP WINDOWS AND DOORS Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm/ Free / Adults

BRING YOUR BABY - GOLD Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au See website for times / Cost / Family

Wednesday 22 BRING YOUR BABY - GOLD Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au See website for times / Cost / Family

Thursday 23 ALL FIRED UP TOUR - BREE JAMES AND ANDREW GRIFFITHS Mackay CBD www.andrewgriffiths.com.au/events 9.00am / Cost / Adult THE SEARCHERS - SOLID GOLD HITS MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $69.90 / Adult

WHAt's On GUIDE CONTINUES ON PAGE 29

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@GRANDPUBLISHING.COM.AU

24

FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

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Cinderella February 18-19

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Sleeping Beauty The Little Mermai February 25-26.............................................................................................POSTCODE.............

March 4-5 March 11-12 Disney

Tangled MKY February 25-26

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Sleeping Beauty The Little Mermaid ADDRESS.............................................................................................................

March 4-5 March 11-12 .............................................................................................POSTCODE.............

MKY

Disney

Cinderella February 18-19

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TO ENTER COLOUR 18-19 IN & MAIL February TO: February PAKMAG, COLOUR IN FEBRUARY 2017 PO BOX 7433, CAIRNS QLD 4870 WIN A FAMILY PASS TO A DISNEY PRINCESS FILM FESTIVAL SESSION. (COMP CLOSES 17/02/17)

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ADDRESS............................................................................................................. .............................................................................................POSTCODE.............

Disney

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March 4-5 March 11-12

WHAT'S ON FEB BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE ADULTS DIY WORKSHOP D.I.Y. PROJECT WEEKEND Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm / Free / Adults

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE ADULTS DIY WORKSHOP D.I.Y. PROJECT WEEKEND Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 11.00am, 12.30pm and 2.00pm/ Free / Adults

BRING YOUR BABY PATRIOT'S DAY Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au See website for times / Cost / Family

BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE KIDS DIY - FUN MOSAIC WORKSHOP Bunnings Warehouse Mackay North and Paget 4840 1300 or 4862 8000 Call store for times/ Free / Kids

Monday 27

Saturday 25

Sunday 26

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS SING 2D Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

WEEKEND FAMILY FLICKS SING 2D Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au 10.00am / $6.00 / Family

Friday 24 GO YOUR OWN WAY - THE STORY OF CHRISTINE MCVIE - FLEETWOOD MAC'S MOST FAMOUS SONG BIRD MECC Auditorium www.themecc.com.au 7.30pm / $42.00 / Adult

Tuesday 28 SUZI QUATRO - LEATHER FOREVER MECC Plenary Halls www.themecc.com.au 8.00pm / $99.00 / Adult

Save the date Sunday 5 MARCH

PIONEER TOASTMASTERS Speechcraft Course Community Centre pioneertoastmastersmackay.org Bookins are required 7.00pm / $120.00 / Adult

NTH QLD BABIES & KIDS MARKET Mackay Showgrounds www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket. com 8.30am / $2 adult entry / Famliy

BRING YOUR BABY PATRIOT'S DAY Event Cinemas www.eventcinemas.com.au See website for times / Cost / Family

EMAIL EVENTS TO: ADMIN@GRANDPUBLISHING.COM.AU

REGULAR MARKETS EUNGELLA MARKETS

SEAFORTH MARKETS

TWILIGHT MARKETS

PORTERS COMMUNITY MARKETS

DATE 1st Sunday of the month (Apr to Dec) TIME From 9.00am LOCATION Eungella Memorial Hall - North Streett

DATE Every Sunday

DATE Third Sunday of each month

MARIAN MARKETS

DATE Every Saturday

LOCATION Northern Beaches Bowls Club TIME 6.00pm - 9.00pm INFO Please visit website for dates and theme www.nbbowls.com.au

DATE 3rd Sunday of the month TIME From 8.00am LOCATION Holy Rosary Church Anzac Avenue (Excluding May & Dec) SARINA SHOWGROUND MARKET DATE Last Sunday of the month TIME From 8.00am (Mar to Dec) LOCATION Bruce Highway Sarina

TIME From 8.30am

LOCATION Palm Avenue Seaforth SHOWGROUND MARKETS TIME From 6.30am

LOCATION Milton Street TROPPO TREASURE MARKET DATE 2nd Sunday of the month TIME From 7.30am to 11.30am LOCATION Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre

TIME From 8.00am LOCATION Porters at the Corner of Brisbane & Gordon Streets THE GREATER WHITSUNDAY

PAXTON’S NIGHT MARKETS

FARMERS’ MARKET

DATE* 2nd Friday of the month TIME From 5.00pm LOCATION Paxtons Warehouse

DATE Every Wednesday of the month TIME From 8.00am to 1.00pm

*Check their Facebook page as dates subject to change www.facebook. com/PaxtonsNightMarkets

LOCATION Bluewater Quay

aid

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29

REGULAR EVENTS

BIKE RIDERS

MACKAY REGIONAL COUNCIL LIBRARIES BABY BOUNCE Please note that Baby Bounce does not run during the school holidays.

Gordon White Library Thursdays 10.30am - 11.00am Mackay City Library Mondays 11am - 11.30am Mirani Library Mondays 9.30am - 10.00am Sarina Library Tuesdays 9.30am - 10.00am

STORYTIME

SATURDAYS SOCIAL RIDES Meeting point Metro Café, River Street Start time 6.30am ABILITY LEVELS Team Caffeine (Beginner - intermediate): 15-20km/h Team Tour de Latte (Intermediate): 25km/h Team Slipstream (Intermediate-advanced): 30km/h Team Titanium (Advanced): 35km+/h More Info Visit Rock N Road Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates.

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, fun-filled environment.

The sessions encourage valuable one-on-one time between parent and child and are also a great networking opportunity for parents.

TIMES AND LOCATIONS Gordon White Library Mondays 9.30am – 10.00am Mirani Library Wednesday 9.30am – 10.00am Mackay City Library Friday 9.30am – 10.00am 30

LAZY RIDERS Held every second Sunday -stay for breakfast after the ride!

Meeting point Bridges Café, Bluewater Quay Start time 7.00am Ability level beginner-intermediate More Info Visit 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 Road, Farleigh Start time From 6.00am Ability level Beginner-advanced More Info Visit Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates

WEDNESDAYS BICYCLE BELLES A social riding group just for ladies, held every Wednesday.

Meeting point Bicycle Connection, 20 Victoria Street, Mackay Start time 6.00am Ability level beginner-intermediate More Info Visit Bicycle Belles Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

MUMS AND BUBS MORNING RIDE A social riding group for Mums with children who are not yet at school Held every Wednesday at the Gooseponds.

Meeting point Car park at the end of Willis Street, North Mackay Start time 10.00am More Info Visit Bicycle Belles Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

MOUNTAIN BIKE (MTB) NIGHT RIDE* Meets every Wednesday to ride the trails – lights on bike and helmets are a must!

Meeting point 1 Corry Cycles, 5 Kay Court, North Mackay at 6pm Meeting point 2 Rowallan Mountain Bike Park, Glendaragh Road,

FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

6.00pm Club Raffles 7.00pm Live Entertainment Sports Bar 7.30pm Lucky Seat Gaming Room

THURSDAYS

SATURDAYS

THURSDAY NIGHT SOCIAL RIDE A weekly evening get together for a ride and catch up, on each Thursday.

Meeting point Metro Café, River Street Start time 7.00pm Ability level Beginner-intermediate INFO Visit Bicycle Mackay Facebook page for ride details and updates.

11.00 - 12.00pm Happy Hour From 12.00 noon Auction Cup 12.30pm Club Raffles 1.45pm Membership Draw 3.00pm FREE Sausage Sizzle Sports Bar 3.00 - 4.00pm Happy Hour 7.00pm Live Entertainment, Sports Bar 8.00pm After Dinner Mint Gaming Room

RUNNERS

SUNDAYS

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.

TIMES AND LOCATIONS Mirani Library Tuesdays 9.30am - 10.00am Walkerston Library Tuesdays 10.30am - 11.00am Gordon White Library Wednesdays 10.30am - 11.00am Fridays 9.30am - 10.00am Sarina Library Wednesdays 10.00am - 11.00am Mackay City Library Thursdays 10.30am - 11.00am Please note that Storytime does not run during the school holidays.

Farleigh at 6:30pm Ability level Intermediate-advanced More Info Visit Corry Cycles Facebook page for ride details and updates *MAD MTB or MTBA membership is required to use the trails.

THE LAYZEE RUNNERS CLUB Every Saturday from 5.45am Meet at the Metro Market Cafe, River Street, Mackay Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5.30am. Meet at the City Fitness Health Club, Victoria Street.

Free More Info For more details visit www.mackaycitycentre.com.au

WALKING GROUPS MACKAY DOG WALKERS & SOCIAL GROUP Every Saturday at 6.45 for an 7.00am start. Departs from Bluewater Quay More Info For more information visit the Mackay Dog Walkers Facebook page.

HEALTH & HEART WALKING An initiative of the Heart foundation.

Departs from 2 Tennyson St, Mackay Every Saturday at 6:45am Contact Heather 4957 7997

SOUTHS LEAGUES CLUB MONDAYS

9.00am Mother Hubbard Drawn 6.15pm 5.00 - 6.00pm Happy Hour 6.00pm Members Roast Night in Bistro 7.30pm FREE Trivia Night 7.30pm Pick The Pig Gaming Room 8.00pm Members Monthly Birthday Draw

TUESDAYS 1.00pm Green Grocer Gaming Room 5.00 - 6.00pm Happy Hour 6.00pm Gimme 5 for $12 in the Bistro 7.00pm Members Attendance Draw

WEDNESDAYS 12.30pm Souths CASH Bingo 1.00pm Supermarket Sweep Gaming Room 5.00 - 6.00pm Happy Hour 6.00pm Hump Day Rib or Rump 6.00pm Club Raffles 6.00 - 9.00 WOW promotion Gaming Promotion 7.00pm Free Texas Hold'em Poker with 888PL 7.30pm Souths Cash Bingo

THURSDAYS 5.00 - 6.00pm Happy Hour 6.00pm Kids Eat Free 6.00pm Club Raffle 7.45pm Membership Draw 8.00pm Major Tom Gaming Promotion

FRIDAYS 4.00 - 7.00pm Happy Hour From 5.00pm TGIFriday Wheel 6.00pm If you Crumb it They Will Come

SUNDAYS 9.00am Sunday Buffet Breakfast in Bistro 1.00pm Club Raffles 1.45pm Membership Draw 2.00pm FREE Texas Hold’em Poker with 888L 6.00pm Club Raffles 6.00 - 7.00pm Happy Hour 7.00pm Saints Bingo (Last Sunday Of Each Month) Souths MAJOR Promotion Drawn

MACKAY ANIMAL RESCUE SOCIETY

Monthly Adoption Day Last Sunday of the month, 9.00am to 12.00pm, Mackay Pet Superstore, Greenfields Fundraiser Markets Third Sunday of the Month Mackay Marina 9.00 - 1.00pm

LET THE CHILDREN PLAY TOYSHOP CHILDREN’S BOOK READING

Day Every Tuesday Time 9.30am to 10am Free - Bring your snack. Coffee/tea will be available Location 15b Macalister St Cnr Victoria & Macalister Sts Contact 4944 0180 or email info@playmackay.com.au

Is your little superstar a sport fanatic? Why not give your biggest fan a sports-themed party that celebrates this passion? We’ve got a great selection of sweets, treats, games and decorations that will give the whole team something to cheer about.

FOODS OF FANATICS

DECORATIONS OF CHAMPIONS

In addition to the traditional game day meals (sausage rolls, party pies and mini hot dogs), give your little champions the energy they need with some of these simple and (somewhat) nutritional ideas:

When decorating for your child’s sports party, you will probably want to choose plates, tablecloths, crepe paper and balloons to represent your child’s favourite team colour(s). For example, if your little guy or gal is a Cowboys fan, then you will most likely stick to dark blue and yellow.

• Use edible black markers to transform a bowl of oranges into mini basketballs.

• Serve treats, like popcorn, pretzels or nuts, out of trophylike cups.

• Turn water bottles or juice pops into referees by adding a band of black and white paper around the base and topping each drink with a whistle.

• Serve up a veggie platter with plenty of greens to represent the pitch.

• Serve fairy bread using sprinkles of your child’s favourite team colours.

• Pick up a sheet of fake grass (from any hardware store) and cut it into placemats for the table setting.

• Transform paper lanterns into balls with a bit of paint (orange for basketballs and black and white for soccer balls).

FUN, GAMES AND LOLLY BAG IDEAS Keep the superstars happily sweating with some physical activity. Then send them on their way with a lolly bag.

• Set up a mini golf station in your backyard.

• Play cricket, baseball or footy at a nearby park.

www.sugarandcloth.com

• Make fruit sticks using fruits of the same colours as your child’s favourite team (watermelon for red, grapes for green, blueberries for blue and banana for yellow).

• Invite guests to the party by designing a ticket-themed birthday invitation.

DIY Party Favour www.ideas.evite.com

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Shannon Bond Cake Design

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FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

www.ideas.evite.com

ma.com

Icingbits Edible Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

Wooden Golf Set www.earthtoys.net (RRP $105.00ea)

Rubber Sponge Cricket Ball www.earthtoys.net (RRP $4.50ea) www.catchmyparty.com

www.afternooncrumbs.com

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

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www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

35

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating the love you have for those you care about the most. Sure, it’s nice to enjoy a date night with your spouse, but Valentine’s Day also provides a perfect opportunity to get crafty with the kids and make something cute and memorable.

While Valentine’s Day may not be as monumental as it was pre-kids, you can still mark the occasion and celebrate the love you have, not only for your partner, but also for the special little ones in your life that have made your family complete.

Craft Tips: 1. Cleaning up from craft time can be a huge pain. The easiest way to enjoy craft time (even with glitter) is to have an old

tablecloth, sheet or piece of plastic underneath the area. That way you can simply remove the matting after you have finished.

2. Have all the materials out and ready to go first. This will keep the kids more involved in the craft and also provide you with an easier clean-up.

3. To eliminate fights and keep everyone happily helping out, decide what the kids can ‘help’ you do and try to give them both similar tasks to avoid fighting over who gets to glue what.

VALENTINE's GLITTER VOTIVES Glitter may be every parent’s worst nightmare, but sometimes vacuuming glitter off the carpets for weeks is worth it when the craft is cute enough. And these mason jar candles certainly are! A perfect craft for little ones (especially ones who love glitter), they make a great gift from the kids, whether giving them to a grandparent, teacher, friend or simply letting them light up the table during your romantic Valentine’s Day family dinner. The combination of pink and white add an extra element of love to celebrate this special occasion.

What you need:

How to make:

• 2 Mason jars

1. Start by sticking the heart sticker into the middle of the mason jar. If you don’t

• Foam heart sticker or template • White and pink paint • White and pink glitter • White and pink ribbon • Mod podge • 2 small candles

have a heart sticker, you can cut a heart shape out of a piece of card and use Blu Tack or painter’s tape to stick it to the jar.

2. Paint all around the sticker with your white paint and let dry (overnight is preferable). Remove your sticker heart.

3. Paint the white section of the Mason jar with mod podge and use white glitter

to glisten it up. Add a pink ribbon to finish it off and place a candle at the bottom.

4. Repeat with the additional candle but using pink paint, pink glitter and a white ribbon at the top.

Thanks to www.masonjarcraftslove.com

KIDS VALENTINE'S CHOCOLATE HUGGERS These cuddle chocolate critters are another simple, cheap and adorable craft to try with the kids. Rather than sending out the traditional Valentine’s Day cards to the children in class, why not send them each an animal hug instead?

What you need: • Heavy craft paper

• Heart-shaped chocolates or candy

• Paper glue or a hot glue gun

• Scissors

How to make: 1. Download the templates through the website listed below or draw your animals on the card and cut out.

2. Draw on the eyes, nose,

mouth and extra facial features with a thin Sharpie pen if you’re not using the template.

3. Place a chocolate on the stomach of each animal and wrap their arms around it.

4. Add a dot of glue to hold everything in place.

Thanks to www.liagriffith.com

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HEALTHY SNACKS

Macad a

T H 'S MON THIS ARE S CK ND SNA EE A N FR E T U GL AN! VEG

Prep time: 8 mins Cook time: 15 mins Makes: 15 bars

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 10 mins Makes: 16 cookies

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

1 cup dates 1/4 cup sultanas 1/4 cup cranberries 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds 1/2 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup chia seeds 1/4 cup 100 per cent pure maple syrup 1 cup puffed rice (rice bubbles work fine also)

1 cup macadamia nuts 1 1/4 cups of dates 1/3 cup desiccated coconut 1 heaped tbs cacao powder 1 tsp ground ginger

HOW TO MAKE PREHEAT fan forced oven to 180°C (200°C conventional).

LINE a medium baking tin with greaseproof paper.

PLACE all ingredients in a food processor, except the puffed rice. Blend until mixed well.

ADD in the puffed rice and blend for another 30 seconds or so.

PRESS the mixture firmly into the lined baking tray and bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes, turning the tray half way through cooking time to ensure even baking.

ALLOW to cool before slicing into pieces.

Using ordinary rice bubbles rather than plain puffed rice will make this recipe quite a bit sweeter. Keeps for up to a week in the fridge. These bars must be stored in the fridge.

RECIPES BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Get your ingredients from The Source Bulk Foods online.

Check them out on facebook: /TheSourceBulkFoods

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m

ies Cook ia

y Seed h c n u Bar Cr

s

HOW TO MAKE PREHEAT fan forced oven to 180°C (200°C conventional).

LINE a baking tray with greaseproof paper.

PLACE all ingredients into a food processor and blend until the mixture is broken down and starts to stick together. If it’s not sticky enough, just add a dash of almond milk and blend again.

SHAPE the mixture into cookies by rolling them into balls and pushing them down gently using the back of a fork once on the baking tray.

BAKE for approximately 10 minutes.

ALLOW to cool slightly before transferring them to a cooling rack.

When they first come out of the oven they will be quite soft but will harden up once they’ve cooled. Cookies will keep for up to a week in the fridge.

RECIPES CREATED BY: Liz Richards of Simple Nourishment. Check them out online: www.simplenourishment.com.au on Instagram: simple.nourishment or on facebook: /simplenourishment

FEATURE

pakmag

STORY Rose Foster We all know that January is ‘New Year, New You’ time. It’s a time for making changes, setting goals and outlining resolutions. Well, February is about sticking to them!

For many of us, our resolution is to have a healthier year, and life in general. But being healthy comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, it’s not all about going to the gym and eating healthily (spoiler alert: it is partly about this – don’t hang up your running shoes just yet!).

Surrounding yourself with positivity, having a healthy home and ensuring you choose the healthier option are all little changes that can make a big difference to your overall health.

Healthy Eating It really goes without saying that having a healthy diet is essential to healthy living. But in a world of processed foods that are quick, convenient and often cheap, it can be hard to always eat healthily.

There are so many diets out there; some work, some are fads but whatever they are, they are generally not sustainable for a long period of time. Internationally recognised nutritionist, Dr Lisa Young says that a lifestyle change over dieting is the best thing to do when it comes to health eating.

She recommends eating structured meals and snacks, so you eat often and you don’t become famished.

When we’re hungry, we tend to grab unhealthy snacks and junk food so having healthy snacks ready to eat during the day is essential to making a change to our eating habits.

sign up for something you’ll love?

If you need some motivation, get a gym buddy or personal trainer.

Like your workout done quick? Try a 30-minute metafit workout. How about pole-fit, ballet-fit classes or box-fit for something a bit different?

There are so many options when it comes to exercise that there really is no excuse not to do it (don’t worry, I’m saying this to myself too!). So, pick something, stick to it and get fit!

Healthy Choice A golden tan is something men and women across the world love to sport.

But sitting in the North Queensland sun in an attempt to achieve that perfect colour has proven to be deadly. Two thirds of Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their life time.

Healthy Habits

Knowing the effects of the sun on the skin is one reason spray tanning in salons has become so popular over the last 10 years.

When we think of being healthy, exercising is usually at the forefront of our minds. Yet, often, it’s something most of us put off. Finding the right exercise regime is essential for sticking it ou,t so this year, why not

Despite the horror stories we may have heard, or experienced ourselves about the orange, streaky and transferring tans of a decade ago, spray tans are better than ever.

They are now easily applied, dry fast

and have little to no after smell. And what’s more, they look as natural as a sun tan without the hours of sunbaking, burning and potentially life-threatening side effects.

Healthy Atmosphere Healthy living shouldn’t just be about what we physically do to our bodies.

Creating healthy environments in which we spend our time is important for a healthy lifestyle too.

Our home and working environments can have negative effects on our overall health if they are not sending positive messages to our brains.

Feeling unmotivated or unproductive at work? Brighten up your workspace with some bright desk accessories, get yourself a plant and rearrange your desk. Feeling flat at home?

Declutter, add ambient lighting and give your home some personality.

Our environment can actually affect our mental health more than we may realise, so make some small changes and see how far they go!

Why not start with your bedroom?

See our tips on making your bedroom beautiful on page 46.

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

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Tiny Tots

ACTIVITIES FOR UNDER 5s

Mackay Regional Council 2017 SPORTS EXPO AND SIGNON DAY - Sunday 12 February from 9.00am to 1.00pm at the MECC. The annual expo and sign-on day has become an important event on Mackay’s sporting calendar.

The expo allows local sporting groups and clubs to showcase their sports and encourages Mackay residents to stay active. Approx 100 clubs will be exhibiting. It’s a great event for people of the region to bring their kids to and also for adults to see what a wonderful range of diverse sports and activities that are on offer.

Special guest QLD Firebirds Netball sharp shooter, Romelda Aiken, will be attending this year.

The event, facilitated by Mackay Regional Council, is supported by corporate partners Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.

TODDLER TIME This language development and social interaction session is for toddlers up to two and a half years.

With nursery rhymes, finger plays, action songs and a story, it’s a great way to spend a morning.

Time and locations: Gordon White Library

Dudley Denny City Library Friday, 9.30am - 10am BABY BOUNCE Baby Bounce promotes language development in babies from birth to walking. The session features nursery rhymes, finger plays, songs and stories.

It's never too early to talk, read and tell stories with your child.

Time and locations: Mirani Library Monday 9.30am - 10am Dudley Denny City Library Monday 11:00am - 11.30am Sarina Library Tuesday 9.30am - 10am

Gordon White Library Wednesday, 10.30am - 11am Friday, 9.30am - 10:00am Dudley Denny City Library Thursday, 10.30am - 11:00am Held during the school term.

MANY CULTURES STORY TIME Many Cultures Story Time is an innovative program of stories, songs and rhymes. Sessions are specifically targeted at children aged 2 to 5 years from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

• Indigenous Australians • Torres Strait Islanders • Australian South Sea Islanders

Gordon White Library

• Speakers of languages other than English

Thursday 10.30am - 11am

• Recent immigrants to Australia

Held during the school term.

Bring your children aged 2 to 5 years to their fun sessions, which are held in a safe, inclusive environment and meet other families from diverse backgrounds.

STORY TIME Story Time enhances language and literacy development and is aimed at children aged 2.5 to 5 years. The session features stories, nursery rhymes and songs.

Sharing stories, singing and talking to your child is fun and good for their brain development.

Time and locations: Mirani Library Tuesday, 9.30am - 10am Walkerston Library

North Mackay Little Athletics Offering athletics for children as young as three, North Mackay Little Athletics introduces tiny tots to the world of athletics through a range of athletic based games and activities.

Tuesday, 10.30am - 11am

Come and Try Day: 19th February 2017

Mirani Library

Sarina Library

Tel: 0413 594 559

Wednesday, 9.30am - 10am

Wednesday, 10am - 11am

Web: www.mackaylittleathletics.com

Monday, 9.30am - 10am

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pakmag TINY TOTS

PCYC Mackay Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) Mackay offers excellent sporting and recreational facilities. Unleashing kids' potential starts at PCYC Mackay.

Their aim is for programs to be dynamic, fun and affordable. The PCYC staff provide quality care and are committed to ongoing improvement.

They also have a variety of room hire options: Stadium, Childcare Room, Pulse Room, Meeting Room Facilities: • Playground • Bike Track • Outdoor Basketball Court • Indoor Stadium (can cater for basketball, netball, volleyball, roller derby etc) Services: • After School Care • Before School Care • School pick up and drop off • Vacation Care • Venue Hire, including corporate functions, birthday parties with a jumping castle – indoors Sports & Activities: • Archery • Badminton • Basketball Aspidowns Basketballs • Bicycle Education • Karate (Juniors and Seniors) • Fitness - Mums and Bubs, Bootcamp, Boxing • Playtime Play Centre (6 months – 5 years) A: Norris Road, North Mackay QLD 4740 Web: www.pcyc.org.au/Mackay Tel: 4942 3296 Email: mackay@pcyc.org.au

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Ready Steady Go Kids Ready Steady Go Kids is a multi-

sports program for 2.5 – 7year olds.

Each term they work on 5 sports

and focus on a specific gross motor, hand-eye/foot-eye and/or balance activity to complement the sport

component of the program, in a fun

environment. Ready Steady Go Kids instructors also lead and educate on other important components of the program such as warm-

up, stretching, team-building and sportsmanship.

Classes run for 45 minutes and all

classes are held indoors. They also offer a FREE trial lesson.

Classes are held on Monday,

Mackay Gymnastics Kindergym is for boys and girls aged 2 - 3 years but Mackay Gymnastics also offer enrolments for children aged from 18 months following approval.

Children in Kindergym experience a wide range of movement activities,

and are encouraged to think, create, construct and solve problems with their own bodies. Starting with a

fun warm up, children enjoy a fun, circuit based set-up with safe,

stimulating activities, with movement opportunities for each child to play and learn.

Kindergym classes have parent/

carer participation. Classes run for 45 minutes.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and

Check their website for more

Saturday mornings.

information.

Please visit www.readysteadygokids.

Tel: (07) 4942 0032

com.au for more information or to book a FREE trial lesson.

Web:

www.readysteadygokids.com.au Tel: 1300 766 892

Web:

www.mackay.gymnastics.org.au

Let them know you read it in PakMag!

pakmag FAMILIES OF PAKMAG

‘Ship life certainly has its challenges but, for my family, it is also tremendously rewarding.’

– Lori Schierer, YWAM Volunteer 44

FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

TOWNSVILLE FAMILY'S PNG HEALTH MISSION For many of us, going to the doctors is a part of life we take for granted. However, for many people across the world, access to medical care is not as easy as walking into the nearest medical centre or hospital.

YWAM Medical Ships, headquartered in Townsville, aims to provide communities in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with healthcare that they otherwise would not get. With the help of volunteers, both medical professionals and those who just want to help in any way they can, YWAM Medical Ships have seen hundreds of patients benefit from their outreach programs. One such volunteer is Lori Schierer, who tells her story below.

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to see the world, make a difference and bring hope, but I never really imagined it would turn out the way it has. I never expected to make a home in Townsville and serve the people of PNG with my whole family on the YWAM Medical Ship.

Life with kids is an adventure. Life on a ship, in PNG, with kids takes the meaning of the word to a whole new level. My husband, Jeremy, serves as Captain, I serve as the part-time purser and our children, five-year-old Monty and two-year-old Reuben, serve as offsiders to the medical staff, intrepid explorers and nephews to 100 other volunteers who live on board.

And their popularity is not limited to the ship. The boys are a source of excitement whenever we go ashore.

Local children gather around, hoping for a chance to touch their white skin and the mothers try as often as they can to carry, hold or help the boys with anything!

The local’s intrigue was reciprocated

by Monty when we first arrived.

The differences between PNG and Townsville are vast. It was fascinating to hear what he observed and noticed, from the skin colour of the people and the practice of riding in the backs of open trucks, to the uniforms of the security guards in Port Moresby.

also helping out where they can.

Monty recently helped test patients’ eyes after they received cataract surgery, pointing at the shapes on an eye chart while an adult volunteer gave instructions and recorded the test results. Watching people get their eye patches off after surgery has become one of our favourite things to do. Reuben’s too young to really help out and it takes him longer to adjust to the newness of things, but I’m so thankful for what he’s learning and experiencing even at his young age.

The ship is usually at anchor rather than alongside, as there are no wharves in the remote locations we visit. The kids think it’s great to zip up their lifejackets and jump into small boats for rides to and from the shore. Our medical and community engagement teams are usually busy during our shore visits and Monty likes to join in on the healthcare, teaching and helping hand out resources like soap and toothbrushes and toothpaste. He also enjoys collecting whatever he can! In one village, he discovered freshwater clam shells everywhere. Once the locals realised he was collecting them, they joined in the search and even provided a box for him to take them home in.

It’s such a joy watching my kids not only experience a new culture but

One of the great things about being on the ship is our ability to do this as a whole family. We are each able to contribute to the purpose of the ship, even in small ways. Jeremy is able to include the kids at times in his work and we enjoy having family adventures when we can. Ship life certainly has its challenges but, for our family, it is also tremendously rewarding.

GOT A STORY TO TELL? PakMag is looking for families in FNQ with stories about their interesting lives or unique situations. Email us on editorial@pakmag.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au FEBRUARY 2017

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pakmag HOME

Masterful With The Block's Caro and Kingi Your bedroom is your sanctuary. It should not only be the place you go to rest your body, but where you feel relaxed and where you can recharge for the next day. So here are our top tips to achieving a blissful bedroom retreat.

Choose soft palette colours.

Soft colours, such as light blues, whites, lime greens and pinks are perfect for bedrooms as they can brighten it up and make the room feel light and airy. Adding a few cushions, a rug or curtains in a matching colour can also add a bit of harmony to your bedroom.

Play around with lighting.

Everyone is different when it comes to the right lighting for

www.pequeninavanilla.com.br

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FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

their specific needs. Some people prefer to keep a candle aglow as a mood setter before bed while others prefer a

night lamp or even LED lights to help bring in a bit of a glow.

Avoid using your bedroom as your charging station.

Having your mobile phone on your bedside comes with a

number of downfalls. Not only is it harder to fall asleep after playing around on your phone but it can be harmful to your relationship. While you recharge at night, let your phone,

iPad and other electrical devices recharge in the living room.

Add some plant life.

There are so many health benefits to having plants inside – they can purify your air, reduce carbon dioxide levels and remove toxins from the environment (including benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene).

Pony Rider - X Cushion korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au (RRP $95.00ea)

Plant Stand www.facebook.com/bespokedesignerliving

Declutter often.

For some reason the bedroom seems to accumulate stuff quickly – clothing that needs to be put away (or binned), books and artwork your kids bring home from school, electrical chargers and so much more. To achieve a better night’s sleep and simply go to bed feeling stress-free, keep your bedroom as clutter-free as possible.

Keep Resin Almost Black Round Pot + Stand korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au (RRP $275.00ea)

Coconut & White Peach Candle by Sohum www.prettylittlesomething.com.au (RRP $32.00ea)

Pony Rider Lover Linen Pillow Case korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au (RRP $59.00ea)

Heico Rabbit Night Light www.earthtoys.net (RRP $149.95ea)

Bedside Table www.facebook.com/bespokedesignerliving (RRP $400.00ea)

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FOR THE KIDS' BEDROOMS Figure of 8 Train Set 40pcs - Bigjigs www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $85.00ea)

Rainbow Hot Air Balloon Ornament www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $34.99ea)

World Globe Night Light www.earthtoys.net (RRP $64.95ea)

Concrete Men in Small, Medium and Large www.facebook.com/bespokedesignerliving

Pillow Fight Sword and Shield www.jbkidz.com.au (RRP $30.00ea)

We love these handmade Hazel Village soft toys from Earth Toys.

These beautiful creatures are hand stitched from organic cotton and ready to become a child's life long friend.

Hazel Village animals are suitable for all ages as their features are embroidered on, making them soft and safe for babies.

Their adorable outfits are removable so the animals can share and trade.

Annicke Mouse in Amethyst Sparkle Outfit www.earthtoys.net (RRP $65.00ea)

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FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

Lucy Owl in Red Bonnet www.earthtoys.net (RRP $65.00ea)

Flora Fox in Dress www.earthtoys.net (RRP $59.95ea)

Gracie Cat in Acrobat Costume www.earthtoys.net (RRP $85.00ea)

Ella Toad in Sparkle Tutu www.earthtoys.net (RRP $69.95ea)

nQ cAR & tRuck RentAls Explore Mackay and the beautiful Whitsunday’s in a car from NQ Car & Truck Rentals. Our low prices and great service are the reason why we are the first choice of so many visitors to the Mackay and Whitsunday’s area.

Low prices, great service Vehicle hire atthe right Price!

Whether you need a car rental from the Marina or at the Airport, we offer a drop off and pick up service.

1800 Rent A tRuck

cARs • utes • 4WDs • buses • tRucks Phone4953 49532353 2353 Phone Malcomson Street, 64Malcomson Street,MACKAY MACKAY nicole@nqcartruckrentals.com.au tracie@nqcartruckrentals.com.au www.nqcartruckrentals.com.au www.nqcartruckrentals.com.au

Daddy Diary February is a strange month.

Not just for the way it’s spelt but because so much happens in it!

School is back, the weather is still hot as an oven and, in the lull after Christmas and New Year, we are all counting down until we can have another break at Easter time.

Perhaps the most significant thing about February is Valentine’s Day. Love it or hate it, the abundance of chocolates will be in the supermarket, the red roses will be spilling out of the florist and the restaurants will be charging exorbitant prices for those lovers who want to eat on February 14th.

I’m no expert but here’s a few tips that I can give any mum or dad out there to make this year’s Valentine’s Day special.

By Rob Kidd 50

FEBRUARY 2017 www.pakmag.com.au

Tip number one: get crafty. Or, more specifically, get the kids to get crafty!

Handmade Valentine’s cards are a thoughtful alternative to a storebought card and getting the kids to do it will give them a chance to use their imagination.

Tip number two: stock up with something you like. Chocolate, favourite movies…alcohol! At this point you may be scratching your head, but this comes in handy for step three! Set up your vice and read on...

Tip number three: learn how to play hide and seek. This all-time fun game is a kid favourite and, if played correctly, you can use this to your advantage by having time to yourself whilst entertaining the kids!

It may seem like a little thing but in so many ways it’s huge. Time away from your little darlings can help ease stress and give you time to have a conversation that doesn’t involve the words Peppa or Pig. Whether you’re single or part of a couple, alone time is good for connection; with yourself, or your significant other. Now, it doesn’t always have to be a romantic candlelit dinner and can be as simple as having a chat whilst one of you is in the bath, and one of you is on the toilet. Don’t screw your face up, we’ve all been there!

February is a strange month, yes it is!

Have fun, Rob

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