PakMag Townsville - March 2012

M a r 2012

EzEine FMRaga

issue 16

What’s On

MARCH

Year of

reading

Why boys fall behind

Anger

Management Cover photo courtesy of Insight Creative

Teaching your children

Kids

Eyesight: More than 20/20 Nutrition: Food sensitivities Teens and Social Media

MINI MAG Inside

03 36

welcome note Hi everyone and welcome to our March edition. We’ve got some great stories for you this month including why boys fall behind with reading to tie in with the National Year of Reading plus how to teach your children about anger management and all the other usual goodies.

And, can you believe it, Easter is already on it’s way?! We’ve arranged for the Easter Bunny to make an early appearance at our next PakClub to help with handing out the chocolate so if you haven’t been to one of our events yet, it would be great to see some new faces.

Don’t forget we love hearing your feedback and ideas for the magazine so please let us know.

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

Debbie

pakmag Publisher: Bree James Editor: Elaine Seager Publication Manager: Debbie Stewart Sales/Biz Development: Lizette Purcell Client Manager: Angelina Mortley Design & Layout: Trina Jensen Articles: Elaine Seager, Jemma Nott, Amanda Cranston and submitted writers Phone: 4034 3331 Fax: 4034 3342 Email: info@pakmag.com.au Address: Level 2, 68 Abbott Street Virginia House, Cairns QLD 4870 Postal: PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812

Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor.

Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

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contents parents 02 What’s New

pakmag : for parents of beans to teens

kids 23 Kid’s MiniMag

05 Show & tell 06 Reading: the gender divide 09 MacDonnells Law: surrogacy 11 Catholic Education 13

Women & Finance

15

PakHealth

19

PakFood

babies & toddlers 31 PakBaby - What’s in a name?

things to win

21 What’s On 23 Mini Mag

05 WIN a copy of WOW Books 4 Boys

31 PakBaby

19

35 Rainbow Childcare

24 WIN a mystery prize

37

Building blocks

WIN a Good Guys mystery prize

25 4 mystery prizes to WIN

39 Taming the dragon

32 WIN a ‘New Doulas’ book

41 The price of being social

33 WIN a ‘No-Cry Sleeping’ book

42 Biz Directory

48 WIN a mystery prize

43 The imperfect mum 44 Out & About 46 Fav Pets/Competition Winners 48 Smile with a Local

cover shot Model: Olivia Poljakow Photographer: A big thanks to the team at Insight Creative

Find us exclusively in your local:

www.pakmag.com.au

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what’s new march

what’s new march

babes in arms

Movie Releases

Event Cinemas are also running the following Babes in Arms sessions on Wednesday mornings with the lights dimmed and sounds levels turned down.

They are only $8.50, kids go free.

7 Mar – One for the Money 14 Mar – Gone

Gone

21 Mar – John Carter of Mars

Starring: Amanda Seyfried

28 Mar – Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

book ahead next pakclub

In Cinemas: February 23 Babes In Arms Session: March 14 In the new suspense thriller GONE, Jill Parrish (Amanda Seyfried) comes home from a night shift to discover her sister Molly has been abducted.

Jill, who had escaped from a kidnapper a year before, is convinced that the same kidnapper has come back.

family flicks

junior models

It’s time to start booking ahead for some Easter holiday activities and programs:

We will be hopping mad at our next PakClub as we give away 3,000 Cadbury’s chocolate eggs. To make it easier this year, the Easter Bunny will be giving eggs to children under 3 years while the

Fancy seeing a cheap movie on a Sunday

older kids (3-12 years) will have to search for tokens which they can redeem for eggs and prizes.

morning? For only $6 per person you can see

Rhonda’s Final Touch are running some

the following movies at Event Cinemas this

junior model and tiny tot model courses

Come dressed in your Easter bonnets and be prepared for lots of Easter fun. Venue: Stockland

month:

during the Easter holidays. They will cover

Northshore. Date: 18 March. Time: 4-6pm. Call 4721 3915 for more information.

grooming and body image, etiquette,

John Carter of Mars Starring: Taylor Kitsch In Cinemas: March 8 Babes In Arms Session: March 21 From Academy Award® winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton (Wall-E) comes “John Carter” – a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars).

posture, speech and lots more. For more

information call 4773 3336 or visit their

Chipwrecked

11 Mar – Hugo 18 Mar – The Muppets 25 Mar – Journey 2: The Mysterious Islands

pyjama foundation

women’s centre Local charity The Women’s Centre was recently presented with a donation of $2500 from Max Employment. The Women’s Centre offers free and confidential services

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

for volunteers to become ‘Pyjama Angels’.

including a specialist homelessness service, a

It involves spending an hour a week with

sexual assault support service and a women’s

a child in care to read books aloud, play

health service to Townsville women 15 years

Starring: Judi Dench

educational games and engage in other

and older as well as a monthly outreach

In Cinemas: March 22

fun, learning based activities. This is a great

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL tells the story of a group of misfit British pensioners who are enticed to retire to a fabulous hotel in Jaipur, India, where they are promised to live a life of luxury for a bargain price. Upon their arrival, they are dismayed to find that restoration of the once elegant Marigold Hotel has stalled.

www.eventcinemas.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

cause and makes a significant difference

support to women in Ingham, Ayr and Charters Towers. Call 4775 7555 for info.

to our community’s children in care. All Pyjama Angels are interviewed, screened and trained.

babies market

If you’d like to find out more call Julie-Ann

The next NQ babies & kids market is on

on 0409 059 714 or email Townsville@

crafty tackers

new tae kwon-do

Here’s a good excuse to pop over to Maggie

Rhee International Tae Kwon-Do is opening

Island in the Easter holidays – The Island

two new schools in Rasmussen and Hermit

Leisure Resort has art activities for kids

Park. Martial arts have been proven to help

aged 3+ available from 1-4pm. It is open

not only with kids’ physical fitness but it

to the general public but children must be

also helps tp develop confidence and

accompanied by an adult. Cost: $14.50 inc.

concentration levels.

website www.rftmodels.com.au

The local Pyjama Foundation is looking

Babes In Arms Session: March 28

2

4 Mar – Alvin and the Chipmunks:

• Kirwan Aquatic Centre Intensive Swimming Program runs for 30 minutes every weekday of the holidays. Cost: $45 per 5 sessions. Call 4723 3447 to book.

Places are limited.

•

Kirwan Aquatic Centre school holiday program includes lots of supervised fun water activities as well as craft, cooking and games. Cost: $35 per day inc. BBQ lunch. For more info call Kristie, Lisa or David on 4723 3447.

• CSIRO Double Helix workshops will be running on 2, 3 & 4 April. Cost: $12.

Bookings essential. Call 4725 7887 for info. > 2nd – Epic Explosions – 5-12 year olds

materials, use of art smocks, a drink and lolly bag. Call 4778 5000 for more info or go to

Call 0401 491 773 to find out about their

> 3rd – NXT Robotics – 10+ years

www.islandleisure.com.au

free introductory program.

> 4th – Toy Science – 5-12 year olds

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

Saturday 10 March at Ignatius Park College

thepyjamafoundation.com. There is also

(Edmund Rice Hall) on Ross River Road.

a website for more information www.

Times: 9am- 12.30pm. Cost: $2 adult, kids

thepyjamafoundation.com

under 15 free.

check out what we can do for your business Call us now on 4034 3331 or email sales@pakmag.com.au to see how we can help your biz in the family market - FREE opportunities exist

www.pakmag.com.au

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Show and tell

Got something to share or

True Spirit of Yasi Many local NQ residents have contributed to a new book titled ‘The True Spirit of Cyclone Yasi’.

It is an inspiring collection of personal stories, poems, quotes, photos and drawings that reflect on the impact of Yasi. 10% of the proceeds from

shout about? Email us at

the sale of the book will be directed back in to the

elaine@pakmag.com.au

affected community.

Top 5

Favourite Kids Books [1] Lord of the Rings – J.R.R.Tolkien [2] Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix – J.K.Rowling [3] Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azbakan – J.K.Rowling [4] Captain Underpants & The Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies From Outer Space – Dav Pilkey [5] The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrob – C.S.Lewis Source: ABC

WOW Books 4 Boys

Get to know.. Christine Wilson As the founder of the North Qld Babies & Kids Market, Christine runs markets in Townsville and Mackay every three months. She is also mum to three young daughters (8, 6 & 3) Describe your parenting style?

I’m a referee most days!

What’s the strangest thing in your handbag?

A medicine syringe and a bag of

Queensland author Angela Bueti has won a New Business of the Year Award for her range of beginner

What kids TV show do you hate?

boys books and she hopes this will help “rocket

Earthgirl

boys into reading”. Her Scratch and Patch series that launched in July 2010 are now used in over

What do you hope your kids don’t

thirty schools. The WOW books 4 boys’ series can be

inherit?

purchased through www.wowbooks4boys.com and in selected bookstores.

WIN THESE WOW BOOKS! For your chance to win copies of these books simply email us at pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au and

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shells.

tell us the name of the author of Scratch & Patch?

My temper.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done while sleep deprived?

It was only last week that I realised I’d put the lettuce in the cupboard rather than the fridge!

What was the last object you helped your child find?

School homework folder Tell us something most people wouldn’t know about you?

I have 3 ribs missing Finish this sentence: I am a good

What was the last meal you

mum because I “Nit” check my kids

cooked?

and fix it.

Fish fingers, chips and salad www.pakmag.com.au

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reading:

National Year of Reading Story thanks to Amanda Cranston

the gender divide

Surveys show that boys are falling behind when it comes to reading so, what can be done to spark their interest in the magical world of books?

National literacy statistics show that 46

talking to their dolls, so literacy is easier for

percent of Australians can’t read newspapers

them to learn.

or magazines, can’t understand the instructions on a medicine bottle and can’t follow a recipe. And an international survey conducted by UNESCO across 43 countries shows girls have much higher reading scores than boys.

every night but it’s especially important for fathers to read to their sons and show that reading is something that men do too. Good role modelling is also important, boys need to see their father’s reading for their own

Our Sons from an Educational System That’s

pleasure whether it be books, magazines or

Leaving Them Behind by Richard Whitmore

newspapers.

behind in reading.

Early years • Dr Seuss books • Dig Dig Digging by Margaret Mayo • The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle • The Waterhole by Graeme Base • Trucktown by Jon Scieszka • Spot series by Eric Hill • Dinosaur Dig by Penny Dale • All Aboard the Dinotrain by Deb Lund

Choosing appropriate books for boys is also a factor - boys don’t tend to like reading

Middle Grades

“Little boys’ brains have never been ideally

books about girls even though girls will read

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

suited to pick up verbal skills so early in

about anything. Boys often prefer to read

• Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

life,” the author suggests. He explains that

informational books, newspapers, magazines

• Specky Magee by Felice Arena & Gary Lyon

after thorough research the most common

or comic books about sport, hobbies,

• Mission Fox series by Justin D’Ath

reasons for boys falling behind include a

mechanical stuff or fantasy. Younger boys

• The Day My Bum Went Psycho

lack of phonics, poor teacher education,

like to read about dinosaurs, trucks, cars,

by Andy Griffiths

lack of reading instruction in upper grades,

dragons and pirates. The Harry Potter books

• The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

inattention to role models, lack of boy books,

inspired thousands of boys to read again and

by Jeff Kinney

pushing literacy on boys too soon and failure

once boys have got that hunger for books

• Shark Wars series by E.J. Altbacker

to teach properly.

it is important to keep feeding their interest

• The Twits by Roald Dahl

before you lose them to video games and

• Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl

other outside influences.

• Hatchet by Gary Paulson

Other common reasons cited are that boys find reading boring and no fun, they’re too busy, they like other activities better, they

More authors are now recognising the relative

have trouble getting ‘into’ the story or they

lack of books written specifically for boys and

think they are no good at reading.

more male-driven books full of adventures,

It has also been suggested that girls do so much better at early literacy because they usually talk more than boys from a very early age through role playing with dress-ups and

www.pakmag.com.au

Parents can help by reading with their sons

A recent book called Why Boys Fail: Saving

sheds some light on why boys are so far

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So what can be done to bridge the gap?

Books for boys:

mysteries and comedy are coming on to the market. Australian authors who write great books for boys include Felice Arena, Andy Griffiths and Morris Gleitzman.

• The 13-Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths • Whippersnapper by Felice Arena

Other great books for boys • Lord of the Flies • Treasure Island • The Dangerous Book for Boys

www.pakmag.com.au

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Legal Matters

surrogacy

Story thanks to Don Macpherson

Question: My partner and I have been trying to have a child for 8 years. It’s been a heartbreaking process for us. My sister has offered to have a baby for us and we are seriously thinking about it but need to know more from a legal perspective.

Until July last year surrogacy was illegal for

So a single person, or a same-sex couple, may

close family members. As there are numerous

Queenslanders but the law has now changed

become parents through surrogacy as readily as

potential complications, these safeguards are

to reflect growing public acceptance. The

the traditional married couple.

required. For example, what if the birth mother

Surrogacy Act 2010 decriminalises and regulates altruistic surrogacy arrangements. Commercial arrangements remain illegal – that is, where someone receives a payment, reward or other material benefit for participating in surrogacy.

Penalties include prison.

participants – the surrogate or “birth mother”, her spouse (if any), the birth father, and all intended parents – must be at least 25 years old, have had independent legal advice, and been counselled

parents would prefer? What if she decides to keep the child, even if her genetic material was not used? What if there are birth defects? What if intended parents opt out? What if they separate?

Who is ultimately responsible for the child and for the expenses incurred along the way? The

about the social and psychological implications.

sanctioned transfer of parentage, via a

Intended parents must also demonstrate ‘social

“parentage order”, to the intended parents who

or medical need’ for the surrogacy. This is

are then registered on the child’s birth certificate.

straightforward where the intended parent is a

While the Government’s intention with The

Without a parentage order, the surrogate and her

single man or a male couple, but every female

Surrogacy Act is to assist people to achieve their

spouse (if any) are the lawful parents of the child,

intended parent needs medical evidence of her

family dreams, the Act’s overriding principle

regardless of who provided the genetic material.

inability to conceive, or the likely detriment of a

is that the wellbeing and best interests of a

pregnancy to her life or health or that of the child

child born under a surrogacy arrangement are

to be conceived.

paramount, both through childhood and the

gender, or sexual orientation. The Government’s

www.pakmag.com.au

(which must be in place before conception) all

does not manage the pregnancy as the intended

Importantly, the Act enables the Court-

The Act places no restrictions on marital status,

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Before entering a surrogacy arrangement

rationale is that it is “committed to the freedom

The requirements for doctors, lawyers,

and autonomy of the individual,” and “believes

counsellors, and court orders may seem

in the dignity of all citizens and that all citizens

burdensome and expensive – particularly if, as is

should be free from unlawful discrimination.”

commonly the case, the arrangement is between

answers to these questions would surprise many of you.

rest of his or her life. Great care is therefore taken to ensure that the child ultimately has the same status, protection and support as any other child, and is ensured, as much as possible, a safe, stable and nurturing family and home life.

www.pakmag.com.au

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Catholic Education Check out the latest with Catholic Education

children a blessing As Bishop of the Townsville Catholic Diocese, Bishop Michael Putney is a regular visitor at Catholic schools and Early Learning Centres, forging a connection with each school community and adding enrichment through his involvement.

Each year Bishop Michael visits all 33 Catholic

sacraments of First Eucharist (Holy Communion)

schools and five St Mary MacKillop Early Learning

and Confirmation. He is on hand to share in the

Centres across the Diocese, from Townsville to

special occasions from the opening/blessing

the Ingham and Burdekin districts, Palm Island,

of new buildings through to events such as

as far south as Proserpine and as far west as

the launch of Project Compassion and Catholic

Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

Education Week.

A regular at school events, liturgies and

In 2011 he led a two week pilgrimage to Spain

Masses, Bishop Michael regales with humorous

with teachers, secondary students and parents

anecdotes from his visits…such as the child

for World Youth Day celebrations.

who thought his name was “Vicious Michael”, another who told him he was too tall and one who excitedly recognised him from seeing him on television.

With the responsibility of many ministries across the Diocese, Bishop Michael is there to celebrate with the children who receive their

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way that supports their relationship with God.” This year Catholic schools have seen a 5% increase in enrolments in primary schools and 3% in secondary, with more than 13,000 students now enrolled across 33 schools and colleges.

“Catholic education has a long tradition of contributing to communities by establishing schools which not only offer the best possible education, but have a particular ethos and

“Central to my life and work as Bishop of

prepare young people for life in the accord with

Townsville are our Catholic schools,” Bishop

their Christian values” Bishop Michael said.

Michael said.

“It is these values and the quality of education

“I visit them each year to show my support for

that have made Catholic schools a much sought-

the staff and to meet our students whom the

after educational choice by Australian families for

Diocese is delighted to be able to educate in a

generations.”

www.pakmag.com.au

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13

Women & finance Main story thanks to Fiona Mountford

savings switch

During these trying economic times many people are turning towards bank accounts and term deposits to protect their money.

Term deposits traditionally offer the reward

understandable, but it shouldn’t stop you

RateCity and Mozo are useful for comparing

of a higher interest rate than a normal bank

getting a top rate for your savings. Some

the current interest rates across a variety of

account, in return for locking your money

smaller financial institutions may have an

institutions, for both term deposits and online

away for a fixed period of time. As always it

affiliation with one of the major banks, so you

savings accounts. However, always remember

pays to shop around. Currently there is very

can open a deposit account at the local branch

to check for any fees or ongoing costs, as these

little difference in the interest rates being

of another institution. Websites like Canstar,

will eat into your returns.

offered by some 1-year term deposits and many online savings accounts. But online savings accounts have the benefit of ‘at call’

1, 2, 3 Magic

access to your funds.

If you are comfortable using online or phone banking it pays to look outside of the major banks. Online financial institutions like ING Direct, Bankwest and Citibank don’t have

• Payday is Sunday (to remind them about

introduce their kids to the concept of money

behaving on Monday!)

whilst using it to manage their behaviour!

Here are some tips:

the high overheads associated with having

• Give them a list of five or six simple tasks

a branch network so in many cases they can

they are responsible for accomplishing

offer higher interest rates.

That being said, industry research shows around 67% of people still want face-to-

largest range - best price

Some may call it bribery but parents can

face contact when they open a new term

every morning (eg. putting their lunchbox in their bag).

• For each task completed on time and without fuss, they earn 10 cents (ie. 50-60

• If they misbehave they lose the money • If you have to do the task for them deduct the 10 cents from their earnings • Open a bank account and double whatever they decide to deposit • Set savings targets for things they really want to buy

cents per day/$3 per week).

deposit or new savings account. This is

can’t make it into the store?

Shop online at www.cowboysleagues.com.au OFFICIAL NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS APPAREL SPONSOR

cowboys leagues club

335 Flinders street mall 12

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PakHealth feature

IVF necessary?

Story thanks to Nyssa Skilton

More than 40% of women who are thought to be infertile go on to give birth without medical treatment, research finds. A study of 7300 Australian women found almost 20% reported a history of infertility, with more than 40% of these women pursuing IVF or ovulation induction.

However, 44% of women who received no

encouraging for women with secondary

The study involved survey data from women

fertility treatment gave birth over nine years of

infertility to persevere for spontaneous

aged 28-36 who were enrolled in the Australian

follow-up, compared with 53% of women who

conception,” they said.

Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health.

received treatment, the study found.

“More than 90% of truly fertile couples would be

Participants identified themselves as infertile if

Writing in the journal Fertility and Sterility, the

expected to achieve spontaneous conception

they had tried unsuccessfully to get pregnant for

University of Queensland researchers said their

within 12 months. Achieving spontaneous

12 months or more.

findings suggested women commonly thought

conception may take longer for subfertile

to be infertile were in fact most likely “subfertile”.

couples, but most have a good prognosis for

“Despite the lower incidence of spontaneous conception births, these findings are

spontaneous conception during the second 12 months of trying to conceive.”

This article is taken from It’s My Health, an independent health website for Australian’s: www.itsmyhealth.com.au

Whooping Cough...the 100 day cough Whooping Cough, or pertussis, is a bacterial respiratory tract infection caused by Bordatella Pertussis. It starts with cold like symptoms but is characterised by bouts of severe coughing that can end with a gasping “whoop” or vomiting. The infection is somewhat susceptible to antibiotics. It is less contagious when treated but the cough may continue on for 3 months.

The immunity which vaccination offers wears

Vaccinations keep the incidence of disease low.

hospitalised, 500 had serious brain damage

off after a period of time but it at least confers

Every adult should get a booster but especially

and 3 died.

partial immunity and does result in people

those who work with young children, parents

getting less sick.

of newborns and intending parents. It is

Whooping Cough is of particular concern to little babies and toddlers under 18 months because they can’t cope with the violent coughing and 1 in 250 die, others suffer from brain damage from lack of oxygen. It takes at least 3 doses of the vaccine for their immunity to develop.

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recommended that children are vaccinated at 2,4,6 months of age again at 18 months and before starting school. The side effects are less

All affected people should receive a specific antibiotic and be quarantined for at least five days or for 21 days after the onset of the cough if not treated with antibiotics.

with an acellular vaccine and include some

The incubation period is 7 – 10 days which may

redness, a little bit of swelling and a mild fever

include a runny nose and sneezing.

up to 38 degrees may develop or else the person may be side effect free.

Dr Julia Driscoll is a doctor and she is also the author of “My Story”, an interactive children’s

Preventing Whooping Cough

Interestingly, in Sweden they stopped

book to reduce sibling rivalry. For info go to

vaccination against Pertussis in 1979 for

www.juliaschildrensbooks.com

The usual things such as good sleep and eating

two years while they investigated the

well are great for helping any sort of infection.

vaccine. During that time, 2000 babies were

www.pakmag.com.au

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Family nutrition Story thanks to Cynthia Xu

food sensitivities There can be a lot of confusion about the terms ‘food allergy’ and ‘food intolerance’, and they are often used interchangeably even by health professionals. However, the differences are significant with major implications for treatment.

Food allergies

The most common chemicals that cause

A food allergy is caused by the body’s immune

nuts, and chocolate), salicylates (found in fruit,

system reacting to proteins in food. Symptoms

vegetables, nuts, spices, jams and flavourings)

of food allergies include skin rashes, severe

and monosodium glutamate or MSG (found in

respiratory distress, abdominal pain and/

foods such as Asian sauces, vegemite, snack food

or diarrhea. Allergic reactions to food occur

flavourings, stock cubes, sauces and take away

immediately after eating the foods, and are more

foods).

serious and life threatening than intolerances.

intolerances include amines (found in cheese,

Kirwan aquatic Centre

holiday Program

Despite all the hype over different types of

The most common foods that cause allergies

‘intolerance-testing’ such as hair testing or even

in young children include eggs, cow’s milk and

blood tests for intolerances; none are actually

peanuts. There is often a family history of these

scientifically proven and have been classified

allergies and most children grow out of them by

as inappropriate by the Australasian Society of

about five years of age.

Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).

If your child is suspected to have a food allergy

The only real proof lies in methodical elimination

your doctor can order both skin prick tests and

diets and food challenges. Once food

blood tests but be aware that the wrong blood

intolerances are identified, most people are still

test is often ordered and the interpretation of

able to consume small amounts of the problem

these results can be difficult.

foods; though there are always the few who are

Food intolerances

snack ideas

unable to tolerate any.

To accurately identify whether someone

If you’re looking for a healthy

By contrast, food intolerances don’t involve the

has a food allergy or food intolerance, it is

savoury snack to replace potato

immune system. They are reactions to natural

recommended that you work with your doctor

crisps, try Chic Nuts. They are

or added chemicals in food. They can be hard

and dietitian to methodically eliminate potential

to diagnose because the reaction may not be

causes for your symptoms through accurate

Australian chickpeas that are slow

immediate and it may depend on the amount

laboratory testing and/or dietary investigations.

actually eaten. Symptoms of food intolerances can include minor respiratory problems, eczema, headaches, stomach pains or even difficult behaviour in children.

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Cynthia Xu is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who has struggled with food intolerances for much of her life. For more info on how to contact her, visit www.healthmanagement.com.au

roasted and seasoned. Importantly they’re free of additives whilst being packed full of nutrients.

Perfect for mid-afternoon snacks.

a BBQ lunch, $35/day aIncludes drInk and Ice-cream

Plus activities include Swimming, Inflatable Castles, Water Slides, Kayaking, Snorkelling, Big Games, Art and Crafts all with qualified Austswim Staff. BookIngs are essentIal.

Love2Swim phone 4723 3447 Open tO public • learn tO Swim • birthday partieS/FunctiOnS water SlideS & Fun park • www.love2swimschool.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

17

pakclub

fun for parents & kids FREE monthly club

pakfood

with TROY WILLIAMS

parents in the pantry Choc Coconut Rough Slice

THE GOOD GUYS

kids in the kitchen Recipe thanks to: Jenny Page

Banana Choc Chip Cookies

• 1 cup self raising flour

• 1 cup all purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons cocoa

• 1/2 cup of whole weat flour

• 2 tablespoons caster sugar

• 1 teaspoon course salt

• 1/4 cup coconut

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 110 grams melted butter

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter

• pinch salt

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 can condensed milk

• 1/2 cup lite brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon cocoa

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup coconut

• 1+1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter

• 1/2 cup mashed banana

• 1 cup icing sugar

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup milk choclate chips

Recipe thanks to: shaun yehbud

• 1/2 chopped walnuts

Easter party!

Come and join us for this FREE Family EvEnt • Easter bonnet parade • Easter Hunt • Easter Bunny visit

Method

Method

Line a standard slice tin with baking paper and preheat the oven to 180

Preheat oven to 200oC whisk together both flours,salt,and baking soda in

degrees. To make the base in a bowl sift the flour, cocoa and salt and stir in the

a bowl. Put butter and both sugars into bowl and mix with mixer until pale

sugar and coconut. Add the melted butter and mix well. Press into the tin and

and fluffy. Reduce speed to low. Add eggs and vanilla mixed until combined.

bake for 20 minutes. For the topping, combine all the ingredients and mix well.

Mix in mashed banana add flour mixture mix until just combined, stir in oats,

When the case has cooled slightly, add the icing and spread well. Cut into slices

chocolate and walnuts. Scoop mix on baking sheets spacing about 2 inches

when cold.

apart. Bake cookies until golden brown then let cool on wire rack.

WIN a good guys prize!

WIN a good guys prize!

Send in a recipe to pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au for your chance to win! Entries close: 18/03/2012

Send in a recipe to pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au for your chance to win! Entries close: 18/03/2012

• Great prizes for the best dressed Easter theme • Loads of Easter themed games and prizes to be won • Spin and you could win on the Good Guys Wheel of Fortune

Sunday 18 maRch 4pm-6pm Stockland north Shore

more information visit our facebook page 18 Forwww.pakmag.com.au

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19

what’s on march

pink = family

FreeYOga 5th March at 12pm at Women’s Centre

For more information: (07) 4775 7555

DATE 1/03/12 1/03/12 1/03/12 1/03/12 2/03/12 2/03/12 2/03/12 2/03/12 3/03/12 3/03/12 3/03/12 3/03/12 3/03/12 3/03/12 3/03/12 3/03/12 3/03/12 4/03/12 4/03/12 4/03/12 4/03/12 4/03/12 4/03/12 5/03/12 5/03/12 5/03/12 5/03/12 5/03/12 5/03/12 5/03/12 6/03/12 6/03/12 6/03/12 6/03/12 6/03/12 6/03/12 7/03/12 7/03/12 7/03/12 7/03/12 8/03/12 8/03/12

20

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VENUE The Women's Centre Thuringowa Central Library Pinnacles Gallery HOTEL ALLEN Aitkenvale Library Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Townsville Civic Theatre Upper Ross PCYC CitiLife Church Building Wulguru Primary School Rydges Southbank Rhonda's Final Touch Rhonda's Final Touch Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Pinnacles Gallery Townsville Civic Theatre Dairy Farmers Stadium Perc Tucker Regional Gallery National Event Cinemas CitiLife Church Building Walter Nesbit Park Entertainment Centre Townsville Civic Theatre The Women's Centre PCYC Wellington Street Aitkenvale Library Rasmussen Primary school Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Townsville Civic Theatre Flinders St Mt Louisa House of Praise Upper Ross Community Centre Flinders Street Library St Matthew's Anglican Church Event Cinemas Event Cinemas Thuringowa Central Library The Women's Centre INTERNATIONAL The Women's Centre

green = kids

PakClub

Easter Hunt Party @ 4pm 18th March For more info: admin@pakmag.com.au

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME Balancing Life workshop Baby Rhyme Time Machinima till 31/03/12 Australian Psychic Expo Cairns till 11th March Storytime Contemporary Miniatures: from Queensland Arts Gallery Townsville Arts Awards Blue Light Disco presents Hawaiian Disco Volunteer Pyjama Angel Training Wulguru Athletics Association Come and Try Day Camp Quality Charity Ball Professional Model Course Personal Development and Grooming Course Play Art: Art Classes for Kids STOP MOTION WORKSHOP Petula Clark Encore – Once More, With Love Round 1 - North Queensland Toyota Cowboys v Titans Go Figure! the Xstrata Kids and Teens Exhibition• Body Imprint Clean Up Australia Day 2012 Sunday Family Flicks - Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked Volunteer Pyjama Angel Training Celebrate the Sea Festival Townsville Crocs vs Melbourne Tigers The Gruffalo's Child Free yoga Tiny Tappers Dance Group Baby Rhyme Time Rhee International Tae Kwon-Do- OPEN DAY Junior Art Classes: Arts Classes for Teens Art Tasters: Art Classes for Adults The Gruffalo's Child Community Coffee - Community Networking Event

Australian Breastfeeding Association - Breastfeeding and the Environment

PLAYGROUPS Storytime Rhee International Tae Kwon-Do- OPEN DAY Chicks at The Flicks - 'Pretty Women' Babes In Arms - One for the Money Storytime Playgroup International Women's Day Balancing Life workshop

TIME 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 6:00 PM 10:00 AM 2:00 PM 6:30 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 8:00 PM 6:30 PM 11:00 AM

blue = adults

Basketball Crocs Vs Tigers 4th March at 4pm

For info: www.nbl.com.au/crocodiles

FOR MORE INFO

Free Free Free

4773 8819 www.townsville.qld.gov.au www.townsville.qld.gov.au 4789 2145 0409 059 714 www.wulguruathletics.org

Free Free $10.00 Cost

www.campquality.org.au/laughalot

7:30 AM 9:30 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 4:30 PM 6:00 PM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:30 AM

www.rftmodels.com.au www.rftmodels.com.au www.townsville.qld.gov.au www.townsville.qld.gov.au www.ticketshop.com.au www.ticket.com.au www.townsville.qld.gov.au cleanupaustraliaday.org.au eventcinemas.com.au 0409 059 714 4722 5732 www.nbl.com.au/crocodiles/ 4727 9797 4775 7555 0409 893 743 4773 8819 0401 491 773 www.townsville,qld.gov.au www.townsville,qld.gov.au 4727 9797 4771 4230 4775 6984 4774 0144 4773 8819 0401 491 773 eventcinemas.com.au www.eventcinemas.com.au 4773 8819 4775 7555

10:00 AM

4775 7555

10:00 AM 10:00 AM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 10:00 AM 4:30 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM

COST

4775 7555 4773 8819 www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Cost Cost Cost Cost Cost Cost Cost Free Free $6 Cost Cost Free Cost Free Free Cost Cost Cost

Free Free Cost Cost Free Free Free

www.pakmag.com.au

21

DATE 8/03/12 9/03/12 9/03/12 9/03/12 9/03/12 9/03/12 10/03/12 10/03/12 10/03/12 10/03/12 10/03/12 10/03/12 11/03/12 11/03/12 11/03/12 11/03/12 12/03/12 12/03/12 12/03/12 12/03/12 12/03/12 13/03/12 13/03/12 13/03/12 13/03/12 14/03/12 14/03/12 14/03/12 14/03/12 14/03/12 15/03/12 15/03/12 15/03/12 15/03/12 16/03/12 16/03/12 16/03/12 16/03/12 17/03/12 17/03/12 17/03/12 18/03/12 18/03/12 18/03/12 18/03/12 19/03/12 19/03/12 19/03/12 19/03/12 19/03/12 19/03/12 20/03/12 20/03/12 20/03/12

VENUE Thuringowa Central Library Mt. Louisa House of Praise Aitkenvale library The Women's Centre Bluewater Community Centre Aitkenvale Library Ignatius Park College Racecourse Entertainment Centre Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Pinnacles Gallery

pink = family

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME

Baby Rhyme Time Mothers of Preschoolers - MOPS The Groovey Crafters Free Singing/guitar tuition Townsville Thuringowa Country Music Night Storytime NORTH QLD BABIES & KIDS MARKET Towers Jockey Club Inc. Races Townsville Crocs vs Gold Coast Blaze Play Art: Art Classes for Kids Cosplay Edmund Rice Hall at Ignatius Park College North Queensland Babies & Kids Markets Event Cinemas Sunday Family Flicks - Hugo Sheriff Park BIKE WEEK cycling safety family day in the park St Josephs School Townsville and Thuringowa Country music Funday TENNIS TOWNSVILLE TENNIS START UP PROGRAM The Women's Centre Free yoga PCYC Wellington Street Tiny Tappers Dance Group Aitkenvale Library Baby Rhyme Time Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Junior Art Classes: Arts Classes for Teens Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Art Tasters: Art Classes for Adults Upper Ross Community Centre PLAYGROUPS Flinders Street Library Storytime Townsville Civic Theatre Shaolin Kung Fu Wellington St, Aitkenvale Bridge Lessons Event Cinemas Babes In Arms - Gone Thuringowa Central Library Storytime Rockhampton Showgrounds Central QLD Transport Trades & Mining Expo Townsville Civic Theatre Shaolin Kung Fu The Women's Centre Playgroup Regional World's Greatest Shave The Women's Centre Balancing Life workshop Thuringowa Central Library Baby Rhyme Time Rockhampton Showgrounds Central QLD Transport Trades & Mining Expo The Women's Centre Free Singing/guitar tuition Charters Towers RSL Beach Party at Charters Towers RSL Aitkenvale Library Storytime Innisfail Feast of the Senses, till 25th National St. Patrick’s Day Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Play Art: Art Classes for Kids Dairy Farmers Stadium Round 3 - North Queensland Toyota Cowboys v Eels Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Go Figure! the Xstrata Kids and Teens Exhibition• Techno-Human Stockland Northshore Pakclub - "Easter" Event Cinemas Sunday Family Flicks - The Muppets TENNIS TOWNSVILLE TENNIS START UP PROGRAM A Taste of Harmony Week 19th - 25th The Women's Centre Free yoga PCYC Wellington Street Tiny Tappers Dance Group Aitkenvale Library Baby Rhyme Time Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Junior Art Classes: Arts Classes for Teens Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Art Tasters: Art Classes for Adults Flinders St Community Coffee - Community Networking Event Upper Ross Community Centre PLAYGROUPS Flinders Street Library Storytime

green = kids

TIME

blue = adults

FOR MORE INFO 4773 8819 0411 056 483 0400 796 372 4775 7555 4788 6333 4773 8819

COST

10:00 AM 9:30 AM 5:00 PM 12:30 PM 5:30 PM 10:00 AM 9:00 AM 1:30 PM 7:30 PM 10:30 AM 2:00 PM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 8:00 AM 2:00 PM 3:00 PM 12:00 PM 3:30 PM 10:00 AM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 8:00 PM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:00 AM 8:00 PM 9:30 AM

Free $2 4787 2480 Cost www.nbl.com.au/crocodiles/ Cost www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost www.townsville.qld.gov.au Free www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com $2 eventcinemas.com.au $6 www.townsvillebug.com Free 4725 4756 $3 www.tennistownsville.org Cost 4775 7555 Free 0409 893 743 Cost 4773 8819 Free www.townsville,qld.gov.au Cost www.townsville,qld.gov.au Cost 4774 0144 4773 8819 Free www.ticketshop.com.au Cost 4778 2835 Cost www.eventcinemas.com.au Cost 4773 8819 Free www.cqexpo.com.au Free www.ticketshop.com.au Cost 4775 7555 Free

10:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:00 AM 12:30 PM 6:00 PM 10:00 AM

4775 7555 4773 8819 www.cqexpo.com.au 4775 7555 4787 2484 4773 8819

Free Free Free Free Cost Free

10:30 AM 6:30 PM 11:00 AM 4:00 PM 10:00 AM 3:00 PM

www.townsville.qld.gov.au www.ticket.com.au www.townsville.qld.gov.au

Cost Cost Free Free $6 Cost

12:00 PM 3:30 PM 10:00 AM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:30 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM

LL U T P OU

what’s on march

Free $8 Free Free

www.nthqldbabiesandkidsmarket.com

kids

mag

www.worldsgreatestshave.com

eventcinemas.com.au www.tennistownsville.org www.tasteofharmony.org.au 4775 7555 0409 893 743 4773 8819 www.townsville,qld.gov.au www.townsville,qld.gov.au 4771 4230 4774 0144 4773 8819

Free Cost Free Cost Cost Free

2 1 0 2 h c r a M ld win! u o c u o y & Colour it in ds! r o w n e d d i Find the h es! r u t c i p & s d r Match the wo

In Cinemas

29 march 22

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www.pakmag.com.au

23

Colour-it-in & win

24

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

Name:

PAKMAG, Colour-it-in March 2012

Parent/Guardian:

PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812

Address:

and you could WIN a mystery prize!

Phone:

Closing Date: 18 March 2011

Email:

www.pakmag.com.au

Age:

pakmag

mini mag prize page

Competitions close: 18 March 2012

Word scramble

Dot to dot

Unscramble these words and you could win!!!

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

[1] rvoelc

_ _ _ _ _ _

[2] pheo

_ _ _ _

[3] sshhroeeo

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[4] phceerlnua

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[5] ipep

_ _ _ _

[6] tha

_ _ _

[7] isnsnueg

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[8] top fo dlgo

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

[9] dgoo cklu

_ _ _ _

[10] hpeo

_ _ _ _

_ _ _ _

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

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

Four Leaf Clover word search

Match the words & pictures

Find all of the words & when complete circle the remaining letters left to right, top to bottom to learn an interesting fact about four leaf clover & you could win!

Match the word with the right picture and win!!!

WORDS Aberration Clover Environmental Fairies Faith Garden of Eden Good Luck Hope Love Magical Mutation Mystique Rare Recessive Gene Search Sprites Trifolium Repens Uncommon Variation White Clover

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

Guinness Horseshoe Hat Leprechaun Clover Pipe

Send in your entry and you could win a mystery prize!

Send to: Competitions, PO Box 761, Hyde Park QLD 4812 Name:

Phone: www.pakmag.com.au

25

what’s on march DATE 20/03/12 21/03/12 21/03/12 21/03/12 21/03/12 22/03/12 22/03/12 23/03/12 23/03/12 23/03/12 23/03/12 23/03/12 23/03/12 23/03/12 23/03/12 24/03/12 24/03/12 24/03/12 24/03/12 25/03/12 25/03/12 25/03/12 25/03/12 25/03/12 25/03/12 26/03/12 26/03/12 26/03/12 26/03/12 26/03/12 26/03/12 26/03/12 27/03/12 27/03/12 27/03/12 27/03/12 28/03/12 28/03/12 28/03/12 28/03/12 28/03/12 29/03/12 29/03/12 29/03/12 29/03/12 30/03/12 30/03/12 30/03/12 30/03/12 31/03/12 31/03/12 31/03/12 31/03/12 31/03/12

26

www.pakmag.com.au

VENUE Wellington St, Aitkenvale Event Cinemas National Thuringowa Central Library The Women's Centre The Women's Centre Thuringowa Central Library Mt. Louisa House of Praise Coutts Commercial Hotel, Ayr NATIONAL The Women's Centre Bluewater Community Centre Entertainment Centre Aitkenvale Library Riverway Arts Centre Museum of Tropical Qld Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Dairy Farmers Stadium Jupiter's Townsville Event Cinemas NATIONAL Rhonda's Final Touch Thuringowa Soundshell TENNIS TOWNSVILLE NATIONAL The Women's Centre PCYC Wellington Street Aitkenvale Library Aitkenvale Library Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Upper Ross Community Centre Flinders Street Library Perc Tucker Gallery City Wellington St, Aitkenvale Event Cinemas Thuringowa Central Library Riverways Arts Centre The Women's Centre Townsville Civic Theatre The Women's Centre Thuringowa Central Library Townsville Cultural Centre, City Townsville Civic Theatre The Women's Centre Aitkenvale Library PCYC Wellington St Aitkenvale Townsville Civic Theatre INTERNATIONAL Rhonda's Final Touch Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Picnic Bay Mall, Magnetic Island Townsville Civic Theatre

pink = family

ENTERTAINMENT/EVENT NAME Bridge Lessons Babes In Arms - John Carter of Mars Harmony Day Storytime Playgroup Balancing Life workshop Baby Rhyme Time Mothers of Preschoolers - MOPS Manpower Australia Ride 2 School Day Free Singing/guitar tuition Townsville Thuringowa Country Music Night Townsville Crocs vs New Zealand Breakers Storytime Charmaine Wilson - Spirit Whispers QLD State Government Election day Harmony Day - Performance by Capoeira Brasil Play Art: Art Classes for Kids Round 4 - North Queensland Toyota Cowboys v Sharks Manpower Australia Sunday Family Flicks - Journey 2: The mysterious Islands National Playgroup Week Promotional Hostessing Workshop Toad Day Out TENNIS START UP PROGRAM Purple Day - Epilepsy Awareness™ Free yoga Tiny Tappers Dance Group Baby Rhyme Time Playgroup QLD National PG Week - Multicultrual stories, music etc Junior Art Classes: Arts Classes for Teens Art Tasters: Art Classes for Adults PLAYGROUPS Storytime Playgroup QLD National PG Week -Art for Children 0-5 Celebration Hats

Bridge Lessons Babes In Arms - Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Storytime Playgroup Qld National PG Week - World's Biggest Playgroup Playgroup Hair - The Musical Balancing Life workshop Baby Rhyme Time Playgroup QLD National PG Week - Traditional story telling, dance and weaving

Hair - The Musical Free Singing/guitar tuition Storytime Playgroup QLD National PG Week - Drumming Circle Hair - The Musical EARTH HOUR 2012 Junior Model Course Play Art: Art Classes for Kids Magnetic Island Adventurethon Festival Hair - The Musical

green = kids

TIME 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:30 AM 7:30 PM

blue = adults

FOR MORE INFO 4778 2835 www.eventcinemas.com.au www.harmony.gov.au 4773 8819 4775 7555 4775 7555 4773 8819 0411 056 483 www.couttscommercialhotel.com.au

COST Cost Cost Free Free Free Free $8 Cost

www.bv.com.au/general/ride2school/

12:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 10:00 AM 7:30 PM

4775 7555 4788 6333 www.nbl.com.au/crocodiles/ 4773 8819 www.ticketshop.com.au

Free

9:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:30 PM 7:30 PM 10:00 AM

www.capoeiraschool.com.au Free www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost www.ticket.com.au Cost www.jupiterstownsville.com.au Cost eventcinemas.com.au $6

12:00 PM 8:30 AM 3:00 PM

www.rftmodels.com.au www.townsville.qld.gov.au www.tennistownsville.org

12:00 PM 3:30 PM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:30 AM 9:30 AM 8:00 PM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 9:30 AM 8:00 PM 12:30 PM 10:00 AM 9:30 AM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 12:00 PM 10:30 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 PM

4775 7555 0409 893 743 4773 8819 4721 2304 www.townsville,qld.gov.au www.townsville,qld.gov.au 4774 0144 4773 8819

Cost Free Cost

www.nationalplaygroupweek.com.au

Cost Free Cost

www.epilepsyaustralia.net/purple_day

Free Cost Free Free Cost Cost

Free Free 4778 2835 Cost www.eventcinemas.com.au Cost 4773 8819 Free tchadwick@playgroupqld.com.au Free 4775 7555 Free www.ticketshop.com.au Cost 4775 7555 Free 4773 8819 Free tchadwick@playgroupqld.com.au Free www.ticketshop.com.au Cost 4775 7555 Free 4773 8819 Free tchadwick@playgroupqld.com.au Free www.ticketshop.com.au Cost http://www.earthhour.org/ www.rftmodels.com.au Cost www.townsville.qld.gov.au Cost www.adventurehton.com.au www.ticketshop.com.au Cost tchadwick@playgroupqld.com.au

www.pakmag.com.au

27

what’s on march

pink = family

green = kids

blue = adults

regular weekly events Strand Water Park & Rock Pool The Rock Pool and Water Park are free swimming and water play venues located on The Strand. The Rock Pool is located at the Kissing Point end of The Strand, while the Water Park is located adjacent to Tobruk Pool.

Rock Pool: The Rockpool is closed every Thursday for

picnic tables, grassy recreation area, plenty of on-site parking.

Townsville Mini Golf Fun Park For info 4771 3999

Riverways Lagoon

Opening Hours:

rooms with toilets and showers (disability access), BBQ and

Fri 10 Dec to Wed 26 Jan (excluding Fri 31 Dec) Friday 31 December Monday to Sunday – 9am to 9pm For more info visit: www.townsville.qld.gov.au

and Wednesday for cleaning and maintenance (except it

Sunday 9am - 5pm • Monday - Thursday Closed OR by Appointment for groups of 10 or more ADULTS - $12 ea • CHILDREN (12 & under) - $8 ea

cleaning and maintenance.

Water Park: The Water Park is closed every Tuesday

Friday 5pm - 9pm • Saturday 9am - 9pm

Townsville Strand For info 4727 9000

STUDENTS (High School, Uni) - $10 ea Unlimited Mini Golf - Play as many times as you like on our 18 hole course

is open daily on Queensland Public Holidays, and during

The Townsville Strand has played large a part of Townsville’s

Queensland and New South Wales State School Holidays).

history since the city was founded. Today, the Strand is

Operating hours: 10am to 6pm April & May, 10am to 5pm

a beautifully landscaped waterfront parkland that has

June to August, 10am to 6pm September to November; and

been tastefully designed with a unique mixture of hotel

OUR NEW LOOK FRIDAY NIGHT SESSION

10am to 8pm December to March. Lifeguard: A lifeguard is

accommodation, apartments, boutique retail shops and some

EVERY FRIDAY 6.30pm to 11.30pm

provided during weekends, Queensland Public Holidays and

of Townsville’s finest restaurants and bars.

Skating - 6.30pm to 9.30pm

Queensland and New South Wales State School Holidays.

For visitors, the Strand is a great spot to get out an see the

BEACHES: Stinger Resistant Enclosure Nets are currently

very best of Townsville and the region. The Strand is withing

operating. Operating hours: Currently open and patrolled

walking distance of the Townsville CBD and is surrounded

by Surf Life Saving Queensland from 10am to 6pm until end

by lush gardens, swimming and wading pools, Townsville

Queensland State School Easter holidays; then 9am to 5pm

Beach and many old historical buildings dating back to early

until 30 November. Stinger Resistant Enclosures are currently

colonisation.

installed from November until May, pending drags by Surf Life Saving Queensland.

On the fourth Friday of each month, the Strand Park hosts the Nightmarkets, which is a very popular festivity among the

Willows on Wheels Roller Skating

Dancing - 9.30pm to 11.30pm Skating only - must leave the building at 9.30pm Dancing only - no entry before 9pm ADMISSION: Skating - $10 > Dancing - $10 > Both - $15 > Skate/Blade Hire - $3 Hosted by: DJ SLIM LET’S CELEBRATE THAT BIRTHDAY OR SPECIAL OCCASION WITH A ROLLER SKATING PARTY!!!

Northern Beaches Leisure Centre

local residents. Other events include the annual Townsville

Booking Enquiries: For all Party and Function Bookings, please

City Council Run Christmas events, Carols by Candlelight

contact Willows on Wheels Phone: (07) 4723 0936

Monday 23 January to Sunday 1 April

and Stable on the Strand, as well as a fireworks display and

Email: bookings@willowsonwheels.com.au

Monday to Friday 6am-7pm

gathering on New Year’s Eve. The Townsville Strand is perfect

Saturday 7.30am-6pm

for your next wedding, function or conference.

Sunday 9am-6pm

Features: • Ocean Way Pavement • Rockpool • BBQ areas

Facilities: 4 pools with plenty of shade,50m, eight lane pool,

• Lifesaving Club • Strand Park • Waterpark

Beach pool with play features, fenced Toddler pool, Kiosk

• Tobruk Memorial Pool

with swimming merchandise and food and beverage, change

• 9 metre high ‘Space Net’ on the beach fronting Strand Park

Functions & Group Bookings Willows on Wheels is the perfect location for a function, such as birthday party, company function, social club outing or networking session.

It is a licensed venue with barbeque facilities or a choice of food platters. Contact the Centre Manager for a quote.

regular markets COTTERS MARKETS 8.30am-1pm every Sun at Flinders Mall STRAND NIGHT MARKETS 5-9pm 1st Fri of the month (May-Dec) at Strand Park SHOWGROUND MARKETS 6.30am-1pm every Sun at Townsville Showgrounds WILLOWS MARKETS 8am-12.30pm every Sun at Willows Shopping Centre SUNDAY MARKETS – CASTLE HILL PCYC

28

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BALGAL BEACH MARKET 3.30pm-7pm 1st Sat of the month Fisherman’s Landing Café

CHARTERS TOWERS STOCK EXCHANGE MARKETS 8am-12.00 noon 1st & 3rd Sun every month on Mosman Street

MOUNT VIEW PLAZA MARKETS 8am-2pm every Saturday

CHARTERS TOWERS SHOWGROUND MARKETS 7.30am-11.30am 2nd Sun every month

THURINGOWA COMMUNITY MARKETS 8am-1pm 1st Sunday of each month

INGHAM MARKETS 3rd Sun every month at Rotary Park

HORSESHOE BAY MARKETS (MAGGIE ISLAND) 9.30am-1.30pm last Sun of every month at Horseshoe Bay Foreshore

AYR MARKETS 8.30am-12.00 noon 1st & 3rd Sun every month at Plantation Park

www.pakmag.com.au

29

31

PakBaby feature Story thanks to Amanda Cranston

what’s in a name?

Choosing your baby’s name is a very personal thing and one that will stick with your child for life, so how do you go about choosing?

It seems that there is a real mix between

For anyone still undecided on name choice, the

the market, the hardest part is choosing the right

traditional and unusual names these days, just

website www.nameberry.com lists name trends

name for your baby.

listen to the range of names at school, kinder or

and everything in between, with listings for

playgroup. Yet it seems traditional names were

cool names, uncool names, vintage names, royal

still the most popular last year both in Australia

names, names that are colonial, antique, ancient,

and around the world. Isabelle, Olivia, Emma,

historical and biblical. You name it; they’ve got

Emily, Chloe and Lily for instance, were ranked

it. There are supermodel names, jazz names, tree

within the top 30 names in Australia as well as

names, fruit names, author names, poet names,

ranking in the top 10 most popular names in

heroine names and Disney channel names. If you

many countries around the world including

like country and western names there’s Wyatt,

America, England, France and Canada.

Weston, Boone, Colt and Maverick to choose

other people with these names!)

Australia’s top 30 baby names 2011 • Isabella

• Ava

• Ruby

and Story! At the other end of the spectrum,

• Lucas

• Sophie

there is also the resurgence in ‘old lady names’

• Amelia

• Riley

like Maude, Millicent, Agnes, Myrtle, Clara, Harriet

• Noah

• Lily

or Elsie.

• Chloe

• Jack

popular names thanks to the Twilight series

Some parents simply opt for a popular name but

• Ella

• Xavier

and Ariel a favourite after The Little Mermaid.

put their own spin on it by changing the spelling.

• Sienna

• Liam

And, it seems that at least two of our readers on

This is becoming very popular and it certainly

Facebook are such fans of Hugh Jackman that

makes your child a little different although you

• Lachlan

• Emily

they named their sons Logan after his character

may be condemning them to a life of mis-spelled

• Oliver

• James

in the X-Men. People also love to follow the

birthday and Christmas cards.

• Ethan

• Charlie

• Cooper

• Harrison

• Olivia

• Blake

• Mia

• Max

expectant parents choose names of heroines from their favourite books such as Scarlett after Scarlett O’Hara in Gone with the Wind, Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web or Max from Where the Wild Things Are. Movies can influence name choice too with Bella, Edward and Jacob all being

trends of celebrities, with many celebs choosing baby names like Monroe, Harlow, Ava, Adelaide, Beau, Mason, Piper, Roman, Jackson, Zahara, Willow and Romeo.

www.pakmag.com.au

Harley and doesn’t expect to meet too many

• Charlotte

So where do parents get their inspiration? Many

30

from. Or, why not go for a werewolf name, a

(Amanda Cranston is mum to Cleopatra and

mermaid name or a rocker and rapper name like Fire, Happy, Puma, Ickett, Bamboo, Ace, Seven

These days it seems that anything and everything goes when choosing baby names. With the internet and a plethora of baby name books on

• Grace

• William www.pakmag.com.au

*Source: Huggies

31

pakbaby

pakbaby

New Doula’s book

‘No-Cry’ Sleeping

Having a Doula throughout your pregnancy has been shown to result in a number of benefits including a 50% reduction in the caesarean rate. This

MumMoodBooster

new book by Susan Ross provides the most up to date information about Doula’s with

MumMoodBooster is an internet treatment

assessments at three time points over six

program from The Parent Infant Research Institute at Austin Health provided at no cost to women with postnatal depression. The internet program is based on successful faceto-face programs for Perinatal Depression and consists of six, weekly, sequentialinteractive sessions. Because this program is researching the effectiveness of the treatment on-line, participants will be asked to complete phone

months and will be reimbursed for their time.

an emphasis on Australia. Ross has been a midwife for 30 years and is a HypnoBirthing Practitioner and childbirth educator. She

Participants must be over 18 years of age, have a baby 9 months or less, have broadband internet access at home, use email and not currently receiving other treatment, including medication for depression.

is a strong believer in trusting the power

For more information call 03 9496 4496 or email charlene.schembri@austin.org.au

of the mind-body connection. As she says

Baby’s brains grow from movement. Whilst

• It causes the neck and back to extend (the

them be ‘in control’. We are not meant to be

you’re rocking them to sleep you are always

same as tummy time) which turns on the

consciously ‘in control’ of our birthing. What

help their brain develop. According to

neck muscles and stimulates the

is important is for you to be healthy and

Chiropractor Nathan Bridge, you can enhance

cerebellum (the part of the brain which

happy so your body can do its job”.

this process by laying babies on their tummy

controls our movement and learning

on an exercise ball and rocking the ball

development). This will improve the way

forward and backwards.

our kids sit up, roll over, crawl and walk,

This exercise has two benefits for your baby:

bookstores (RRP $24.99)

For your chance to win this book email us

in their inner ears which stimulates the

their tummy on the ball and placing one

at pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au

brain whilst improving head control, neck

hand on their lower back. Use your other

movement, eye control and balance.

hand to guide the ball and roll it forwards and

E

VEday SAver y

OPEN 7 DAYS • www.calannapharmacy.com.au

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If you’ve got an exercise ball at home you can do this yourself by laying your baby on

and tell us where the word ‘doula’ originates?

FEEL HEALTHY

FEEL GOOD

the night: the hotly debated ‘cry it out’ technique or the ‘grin and bear it’ solution of getting up every time your child cries. If you’re desperate for a good nights sleep but can’t cope with the crying, check out wellknown parenting author Elizabeth Pantley who suggests a third option in her book ‘The No Cry Sleep Solution’.

and learning ability.

• It stimulates the movement receptors

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and improve their balance, coordination

WIN this Book!

There’s a store near you

FEEL ALIVE

for encouraging babies to sleep through

education during pregnancy that will help

Deserves One is available at all good

The Queensland Centre for Mothers & Babies (QCMB) website www.havingababy.org.au/ provides mums-to-be with valuable information and support and has recently launched a new online and interactive tool, Birthplace: Your Guide to Birthing Facilities in Queensland (www. havingababy.org.au/birthplace). Birthplace is a comprehensive online directory of all 62 birth facilities in Queensland (including public hospitals, public birth centres, and private hospitals).

The directory allows women to view the profiles and contains information such as contact details, models of care offered, care practices and policies, available services, and the experiences of other women who have had a baby in the facility.

There are generally two schools of thought

“Many women search for information and

Doula’s: Why Every Pregnant Woman

Birthplace: New online tool

rocking & rolling

backwards for two minutes twice a day.

WIN this Book!

For your chance to win this book email us at pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au and tell us when was the last time you had a good nights sleep?

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

check out what we can do for your business Call us now on 4034 3331 or email sales@pakmag.com.au to see how we can help your biz in the family market - FREE opportunities exist

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35

Rainbow Childcare Story thanks to Elaine Seager

happy families Townsville’s newest babysitting and nanny agency promises to ease the pressure on local working parents.

Picture this…you’ve just finished a long, arduous

nearby. Her business model is focused on

show ordinary families that having a nanny

day at work handling piles of paperwork and

providing carers that are dedicated to doing

really is possible. While nannies may have been

snooty customers. You then come home to calm,

what’s in the best interests of children and who

reserved for the ‘rich and famous’ in the past

relaxed children who have been fed and bathed

are committed to personal and professional

Bryant believes all families deserve a nanny and

and are ready to spend quality time with mum

development (they all attend compulsory

wants families to be able to access nannies at an

and dad. All the hard work is done and you’re free

training on a regular basis). One of the biggest

affordable price.

to enjoy your evening spending quality time with

factors she is focused on is making sure her

your family.

carers are capable of having conscious and

Sound like a pipedream? Not according to

helping families achieve a relaxed and properly

So what does this mean to parents and what can

managed home. She believes this is key to happy

Agency, Rainbow Childcare Solutions. They are

they expect from this service?

parents and happy families. Most importantly,

families as possible.

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the heart is’ and her business is committed to

Townsville’s newest Babysitting and Nanny determined to make this a reality for as many

34

effective communication with families.

Bryant strongly believes that ‘home is where

Rainbow Childcare Solutions provides a babysitting service that allows parents to

she believes a relaxing home environment allows children to step out in to the world with a sense of confidence and peace.

With years of experience in the industry as a

access to babysitters with as little as two hours

nanny, owner/operator Emily Bryant, knows what

notice. They also help families find the perfect

So Townsville, help is on its way! If you require

it takes to provide quality in-home childcare

nanny to help take care of their children. Given

a babysitter or if you’re in need of a nanny call

that takes the pressure off busy working parents

Bryant’s background, she is especially keen to

Rainbow Childcare Solutions on 4721 3915.

who may not have family or a support network

dispel the stigma associated with nannies and

www.pakmag.com.au

35

36

Developing Children Story thanks to Amanda Cranston

Lego has recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and kids construction toys continue to be popular. Amanda Cranston takes a look at how they help a child’s development.

Building and construction toys are not only good

frustration for small hands. It helps develop

Chaos Fighter won Best New Construction Toy at

fun for kids but are also incredibly beneficial

hand and eye co-ordination and stimulates

the London Toy Fair last year.

for their learning. They’ve been shown to help

imagination.

develop fine motor skills which are a precursor to handwriting, spatial awareness and an understanding of early mathematical concepts

and there are many variations of Magz sets

primarily made up of rods and connection pieces.

available. They are great for kids who get easily

Through creative innovation kids can build

frustrated with building and construction sets

robots, cars, ferris wheels and anything they set

that require them to snap pieces together, and

their minds to, inspired by imagination, creativity

with Magz they can create lots of different shapes

and logical thinking.

and constructions easily.

ZOOB

ROKENBOK

that you could make toys yourself and not having

This fantastic building set comprises bulk

These building and construction sets are good

ones already designed [for you] was a very

quantities of five different styled pieces that

for encouraging problem solving skills as kids

profound thing,”

snap, click and pop together ‘to form joints that

become junior engineers creating mechanical

rotate, limbs that extend and axles that spin’.

constructions like garages, conveyors and

Kids can make almost anything from crowns and

elevators. Suits age six and up.

And. whilst it seems obvious to think that they would help develop logical thinking, building toys also challenge children’s imagination. Actor Matthew Broderick has even been quoted as saying that wooden building blocks were the foundation of this creativity. As he says “The idea

Unstructured playtime spent designing and building towers, knocking them down and then finding better ways to build them is helping your child develop innovative thinking so don’t underestimate the power of these simple basic toys.

There are so many great building toys on the market. Here are just some of them:

LEGO AND DUPLO BLOCKS These have always been a favourite with kids and adults and are good for strengthening motor skills. Lego and Duplo also have extra accessories like trees, cars, people, animals and other Lego accessories. You can build endless combinations

necklaces through to dinosaurs and aliens. Easy to follow instruction books provide examples of things to make, and tips on how to connect pieces. Suits kids of all ages.

CONNECTAGONS Kids learn spatial reasoning skills and the basic principles of balance by connecting brightly

JAW BONES

coloured wooden circles to each other. Kids are

Although targeted at age seven and up, kids

Connectagons.

as young as four can play Jaw Bones easily and have fun creating innovative sculptures. With a combination of building materials including jaws, ratchets, swivels, connectors, rotors, axles, wheels and balls, kids can create buildable art. This is great for creative kids.

able to create great free-form sculptures with

KAPLA STACKS Kapla Stacks are flat planks of wood, all the same shape and size that can be combined and stacked in a variety of ways. Kids learn about balance and architecture by snapping

MECCANO

or screwing interlocking pieces together and

Book: You Can Build Anything! (Penguin Books,

This is a popular construction system with

is a great building set for kids interested in

RRP $39.95)

reusable nuts, bolts, axles, gears, wheels, angle

architecture and design.

but if you need inspiration, Lego have just launched a new book called The LEGO Ideas

WOODEN BLOCKS These are great for young children because the blocks fit smoothly together which eliminates

www.pakmag.com.au

Magnets hold these construction pieces together

Good for kids aged six and above, K’NEX is

such as patterning and geometric shapes.

36

K’NEX

MAGZ MAGNETIC TOYS

can make castles, creatures or cityscapes. This

girders, plates and metal strips to connect together. Perfect for budding engineers and kids who like the challenge of building their own mechanical inventions. The Meccano’s new Space

www.pakmag.com.au

37

a sweeter alternative to chocolate this Easter

39

Anger Management Story thanks to Jutta Dempsey

BooK your child in for a Kids Easter Decorating Workshop

taming the dragon • Kids Holiday Decorating Workshops • Excellent Coffee • Cake Toppers & Decorating Supplies • Edible gifts for the whole family • Unique custom made cakes that taste as good as they look 169 CHarTErS ToWErS roaD (opposite Mitre 10) • PHonE 0401 346 952 • VISIT www.sweeterthansugar.com.au Follow us on Facebook for more info: www.facebook.com/sweeterthansugar

Children often feel confused, anxious, hurt, disappointed, frustrated and angry in their efforts to deal with the world around them. Their age, temperament and emotional maturity will largely dictate how they handle these intense emotions but other influences include how anger has been role modelled in the home.

Children’s anger becomes a problem when it is

identify a list of things they can do in different

perfectionist ‘in control’ young person whereas

too intense, too frequent or too disruptive. When

settings to reduce frustration. This may include

the family sees the dragon.

children know they can regulate their emotion

both physical and non-physical activities. When

they gain a sense of self-control, self-esteem, and

your child uses one of these techniques, use

mastery.

praise to motivate them to use them again.

Here are some tips on how to teach your child to manage their emotions:

[1] Triggers Tantrums in pre-schoolers may be caused by frustration that they can’t do it or have it “now”, an inability to coordinate a new skill, difficulty in expressing their needs, pain, hurt, disappointment or because they are just too tired or little to do what they want.

[4] Language

• Language Difficulties: A child with

often write or draw out their frustration to ensure

thinking patterns. Often this child also has

that they are heard.

organisation and planning problems as well as

[5] Problem solving strategies Once emotions are back in control, look at what’s

regular family meeting will ensure that your child

is a great start.

gains the valuable skills of flexibility, compromise and conflict resolution.

[6] Underlying causes

with 1 being ‘perfect calm’ and 10 being an

Anger in children can often be a symptom of a

‘explosion’. This usually engages children as they

deeper issue. This will need to be identified and

love an easy to use rating system. Drawings and

remedied for a child to achieve more balanced

messages combining actions with thoughts,

emotional reactions. For example:

with their emotions on their own. Help them

are often followed by guilt and remorse.

processing difficulty coupled with inflexible

down or drawing all the things that upset them

Older children need to develop ways to cope

viewing the world negatively. Angry outbursts

explosive violent rages can have a language

solving worksheet or white board is useful, or a

[3] Soothing techniques

can be the basis of an underlying sadness and

helps regulate emotions. Older children can

but communicating with your child and writing

words and feelings make it more fun and helpful.

and fatigued mood on more days than not,

Giving pre-schoolers appropriate words to use

causing your child’s anger. A family problem-

Start using a rating system for your child’s anger

www.pakmag.com.au

relaxation strategies.

In older children triggers are harder to identify,

[2] Emotional responses

38

Parents can also help by role modelling their own

• Depression: An irritable, agitated, cranky

• Anxiety: When the child has underlying anxiety, often the inappropriate anger responses are limited to the home and family environment.

Consequently their teachers and friends see a

social difficulties caused by their ‘it’s my way or the highway’ approach to their friends.

• Learning: Children who are experiencing learning difficulties at school will often react in anger in many situations as their self-esteem is battered for six hours a day in the classroom.

• Social: Being bullied or having poor peer relations can result in angry explosions due to an underlying frustration in their social life.

• Family: Instability in the family causes children to feel a loss of control and insecurity and often leads to anger. Separated families, particularly those in conflict, may cause children to be angry and defiant.

Jutta Dempsey is the principal psychologist at Directions Learning & Behaviour Guidance

www.pakmag.com.au

39

HAVE FUN

GET FIT

41

BUILD UP YOUR CONFIDENCE

Join for only $45 & practice FREE FoR a month Contact Table Tennis Townsville before January 30 to register on 0458 905 949 or email bdm@ttta.org.au

Tackling Teens

the price of being social

Story thanks to Elaine Seager

Mounting evidence shows that social networking affects childrens’ school and exam performances.

As children enter High School the expectations

A 2010 study by Paul A. Kirschner, an eminent

with 75% of Facebook users saying they didn’t

placed upon them increase and so too do their

professor of Educational Psychology at the Open

believe spending time on the site affected their

stress levels. Recent Australian studies have

University in Holland, found that students who

academic performance.

revealed that one in five Year 12 students have

use social networking sites like Facebook while

thought about killing or hurting themselves

doing their homework receive much lower

because of exam or homework pressures which

grades. It makes no difference if the site is on in

has lead to leading Australian psychologist

the background: exam results were 20 percent

Michael Carr-Gregg urging students and parents

lower than for non-users.

to put things in perspective.

Teenagers can feel like their whole life depends

of students with near perfect ATAR scores in

upon exam results so its important for parents

2010 found that the one thing they all had in

to help them keep perspective and realise that

common was that they deleted their social

there are many different paths to get you where

networking accounts for the year. While deleting

you want to go. Life goes on and is worth living

their accounts might seem completely over the

no matter your score.

top to some school students it clearly shows that

One way to ensure that students do their best in High School is to encourage them to limit

40

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Just to add further fuel to the fire, a NSW study

being disciplined about the time spent social networking is crucial to school success.

their time spent social networking. Whilst many

The evidence shows that non-users of Facebook

students claim they can easily multi-task and have

spend an average of 88% longer studying outside

Facebook, Twitter and other social networking

the classroom! Perhaps not very surprisingly,

sites on in the background while studying, there

Paul Kirschner’s study also showed that those

is mounting evidence to the contrary.

addicted to social networking were in denial,

As Carr-Gregg says “Whether they like it or not, there is growing evidence that spending time on social networking sites can torpedo the final year student.”

Surviving Year 12 by Michael Carr-Gregg is available at all good book stores (RRP $24.99)

Win a copy of This Book!

For your chance to win a copy of this book please email us at competitions@pakmag.com.au and tell us why your Year 12’er deserves this book?

www.pakmag.com.au

41

Imperfect mum the

Spurred on by the tragic loss of her first baby, Kristy Vallely found a way to reach out to other mums who might be struggling, through her successful new blog ‘The Imperfect Mum’

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was a deep dark feeling of anxiousness. I was

Of course there are some parents who don’t

has felt lonely, isolating and less than perfect.

completely and utterly overwhelmed; it was

struggle and I’m genuinely very happy for

These experiences made me realise there

like the walls were caving in.

them, but that’s not me and I wasn’t going

was a need for a safe place where mums could talk, engage and relate to each other, because I don’t believe I’m the only mum that struggles. I believe many mums silently fear they might not be ‘good enough’ so I created The Imperfect Mum - a place where mums can express their fears without feeling judged and talk about anything from the real heavy stuff right down to toilet training.

The focus of The Imperfect Mum blog is to lift the lid on the ‘real stuff’, both good and the bad. I want mothers to know they are not

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At times my journey through motherhood

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alone. I want there to be a safe place for them to go if they need to.

That was a very scary time for me and I will NEVER forget that moment. I also never wanted anyone else to go through that kind of

to pretend it is. I think the more people talk about parenting and the effects it has on them the less isolating it will be.

experience alone so, after I finally got through

It wasn’t until June this year that I finally

that period, I wanted to set up some sort of

worked out how to help other mums. I started

advice line for other struggling mothers to

‘The Imperfect Mum’ blog and Facebook page.

call. Since I was busy juggling motherhood

It fitted me ‘perfectly’.

and work it took a while, but the nagging voice in my head still kept telling me I had to do ‘something’.

I didn’t anticipate such an overwhelmingly positive response. The Facebook page already has over 3000 fans and the blog was recently

I used to often and (sometimes still do)

listed as one of the top 5 blogs in Queensland

compare myself to other mothers but the

by Dr. Harmon from The Modern Family. It

funny thing about the whole ‘comparing’

seems to have really connected with people

thing is that I think we all compare ourselves

and I think its because it allows people to be

My own start to motherhood was a very

to each other and think, “wow she’s really got

truthful without the fear of judgment. There

confronting one with the loss of my first baby

it together”, when in actual fact ‘she’ probably

seems to be a big sense of relief amongst

– he was born prematurely and only lived for

goes home and silently cries because

those who joined.

half an hour. When I finally got to take my

‘she’ doesn’t feel quite adequate herself.

daughter home I recall one day sitting on my

Comparing ourselves to others actually

lounge room floor holding this absolutely

prevents us from really connecting and

perfect baby in my arms. Unfortunately it was

helping each other.

For more information you can find The Imperfect Mum on Facebook or follow the blog at www.theimperfectmum.com.au

a far from perfect moment -all I could feel

42

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43

out & about

submit your photos

email to: photos@pakmag.com.au

Faith at TAPA Tiny Tots Song & Dance

Class

dcare

Cookie Monster visit at Willows Chil

Macy at TAPA Tiny Tots Song & Dan

Cookie Monster visit at Willows Chi

ce Class

Amelia at TAPA Tiny Tots Class

Violet at TAPA Tiny Tots Class

Willow at TAPA Tiny Tots Class

Taimana at TAPA Tiny Tots Class

ldcare

Fun at the Cookie Monster visit

Fun at the Cookie Monster visit

Fun at the Cookie Monster visit

Fun at the Cookie Monster visit

Out & About photos thanks to the team at insight creative > www.insightcreative.com.au

School holiday & Weekend courSeS & WorkShopS For information visit our website www.rftmodels.com.au Find us on facebook rftmodelling Tiny ToT To maTure age models available for adverTising campaigns

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Enrol with a friend & get

15%oFF www.pakmag.com.au

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fav pet shots Fav pet shot of the month wins a mystery prize to the value of $30!

this month’s entries

Rachelle and her best friend

Pumpkin loved by Braxtyn

Snake loved by Scarlot

Wicket loved by Errol

February winner!

Email your photo, name/s & address to: pakcompetitions@pakmag.com.au • Deadline is 18 February 2012 for the March edition of Pakmag.

prize winners

Congratulations to our Feb prize winners!

To claim your prize drop into the 4TO/HOTFM office, 9 Martinez Ave The Lakes, Hyde Park, between 9-5pm Mon to Fri & collect your prize from reception.

Colour in to Win:

Word Scramble:

• Tahlia King – Rasmussen

• Georgia Anderson

• Bradley Stuart – Mt Louisa

Dot to Dot:

• Chrissy Calder – Belgian Gardens

• Ruby Barlow

• Teegan Jons – Railway Estate

Word Search:

• Miah McDermid – Idalia

• Charlie Haslock

46

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Match the Words and Pictures: • Ben Forde

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47

48

Smile with a local Thanks to 4TO and Minty

smile with a local This month on facebook we’ve been talking about the funniest comment you have ever received about your child from a teacher or daycarer?

From: Kristie Love

Prize

Winner

“I am a swim teacher and I told one of my kids to practise putting their eyes in the bath tonight to search for treasure. He told me the man on the TV said that it was going to be showers today so he wouldn’t be having a bath!”

From: Carolyn Nolan “She’s an angel when she’s with us!”

From: Elisabeth Crichton “My 3 year old son Xavier’s Kindy teacher asked me nicely if I have ever had my son’s ears checked because he tends to shout when he speaks. Overhearing this, her assistant (who also happens to be my neighbour) responded with a

smile and said “Oh that’s just normal for Xavier.

sheet down and putting her pillow case on her. I

We hear him singing the ‘Our Father prayer’

tried to explain that she got it wrong and that the

everyday in the bathroom and, in fact, any other

sheet goes over her not the pillowcase to which

conversation he’s having!” Needless to say we got

she replied “No Mum, I fit IN the pillow case!!!”

his ears checked out just in case but there are no issues, he’s just loud and proud!”

From: Tegan Hart “My 2 year old son Hudson’s Kindy class was being read a book and each page said I WENT WALKING. He stopped the teacher on each page and said “NO, HUDSON WENT WALKING - NOT YOU!”

From: Carolyn Nolan “My grade four son’s teacher told me “he tries to talk without actually using his mouth and jaws!”

From: Kellie Mashford “We used to live on a cattle property and my daughter spent a lot of time around adults.

From: Jo Pallante

In daycare one day they were learning about

“This was something my daughter told me herself

her what the emu was she replied “bung chook”.

but it’s funny anyway…she was telling me how

Not exactly ‘pc’ for this day and age and I wished

she makes her bed at preschool by putting her

the ground would’ve opened up”

Australian animals and when her teacher asked

Next month’s question: What strange or funny trips to the doctors or dentists have you had with your kids?

Email your answers to “Smile With A Local” with your contact name, suburb and number to pakinfo@pakmag.com.au by March 18 and you could win!

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