Hello again everyone!
Hope you are all keeping well! The days are getting longer and fingers crossed the days are getting WARMER!
Although Palmy has its fair share of sunshowers (and storms) it’s nice to finally get some sunny days in.
In this issue we have a lot of great variety - How to prepare your pets for a new baby, tips on how to save money on your weekly groceries, gardening with kids, craft, a sunhat review, and much more. Are there any topics or areas you would like us to cover in the next issues? Send us an email to palmyparenteditor@ gmail.com Thanks!
Rowena and the Parents Centre Team palmyparenteditor@gmail. com
Palmerston North Parents Centre has a circulation of over 250 magazines per issue. These are sent to all current members as well as Plunket, midwives and other community groups.
Our rates are extremely competitive and we would love your support by way of an advertisement.
Also, in addition to our outstanding rates, we offer you a FREE advertorial on your business if you commit to either four or six adverts per annum.
For more information contact our Business Relations Officer by email at: palmyparent@hotmail.com
One-off price 4 per year 6 per year
Quarter page $50 4 x $40 6 x $35
Half page $80 4 x $60 6 x $55
Full page $120 4 x $90 6 x $80
Insert or flyer $130 $390 $510
In addition to our outstanding rates, we offer you a FREE advertorial on your business if you commit to either four or six half or full-page adverts per annum
Editor’s Note
PNPC Seminars & Events
Book Review: Road to the Future
What’s On
Preparing Your Pets For A New Baby’s Arrival
Our Palmy Parent’s Centre Group
The Weekly Shop - Tips to Help Save on Groceries
Brainwave: Everyday Opportunities
Top 10 Plants to Grow with Kids
Craft - Coloured Pasta for Play
Product Review: Best baby sun hats
What About Me?
Family Friendly Outing: Kowhai Park
Enter our every issue
Want to share some helpful advice or a great book you’ve read? Let us know and we’ll share it with our members. Or, if you would like to have your baby’s photos printed, write about your birth experience, review a book or a family friendly venue you have visited recently, we’d love to hear from you! Email the Editor at: palmyparenteditor@gmail.com
draws, find out
Bruce McKenzie Book Draw
The Hair Company Hair Cut
Kind Hearts, Streetwise Coffee
you were our
Contributors
Rowena Dorn, Tara Parkes, Brainwave, Ella Diprose, Jessie Osland, Tamra Petterson, AHA Parenting, Amie Brown, SPCA NZ, Stephanie Harrod, Julia Pratt, Pinky McKay, Laura Wenden Green
By Tara Parkes - Oliver and his broccoli
At home, we are thoroughly enjoying the warmer weather, preparing our summer fruit and vegetable gardens, and loving the longer sunlight hours.
Positive birth experiences and informed parenting in a community where parents are supported and highly valued in their role.
At Palmy Parents Centre, we are looking forward to our next Preggy to Preschool Garage sale 15th October!! Such a great event to come along to; please be sure to bring plenty of cash so you don’t miss out on those preloved bargains. We welcome Jennifer Ellis to our committee and appreciate her taking on the E-Comms Role - ngā mihi nui!
We are looking for potential new Committee Members who are interested in volunteering in some fabulous roles, supported by our awesome Committee. These roles include:
• Fundraising and Events coordinator
• Post-natal Seminar Coordinator
• Magazine sub-committee members
If you are interested, please contact us by email info@palmyparentscentre.org. nz
To book any of our seminars head to : www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz/Calendar/
Saturday October 15th 9am - 11am
Come along and grab some bargains on everything from pregnancy through to preschool! Gold coin entry on the day with all profits going to your local Parents Centre.
Held at Central Baptist Church - 190 Church Street.
9am - 11am Gold coin entry
Friday 21st October 10am
This short course will cover baby and infant CPR , choking, burns, convulsion, fevers, illness warning signs and accidental ingestion of toxins.
• Small class sizes
• Qualified Facilitator
• Baby friendly
$6 per person for Parents Centre members and $12 per person for non members
Saturday the 29th October 10am - 11.30am
If you are pregnant, come along and learn techniques for an enjoyable, successful and sustainable breastfeeding journey.
Presented by Cheryl Benn Midwife and IBCLC (Lactation Consultant)
• SMALL CLASS SIZES
• ALL EXPERIENCE LEVELS
• PARTNER FRIENDLY
This seminar is free to attend, however registration is essential
Monday 14th November 10am - 11:30am
Pelvic Health and You, with Nichole Cobham
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist
If you have had a baby or are pregnant, come along and learn tips and tricks for a healthy pelvic floor.
This workshop will cover:
• The role of the Pelvic Health Physio
• Pelvic floor muscle training/relaxation
• Reducing pelvic and back pain
• Recovery for cesarean or vaginal birth
Free to attend however registration is essential Book online at http://www.palmyparentscentre. org.nz/Calendar
To register please see our website: http://www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz/ All seminars and events can be found in our calendar on the website.
For any queries please email: info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz
Reviewed by Julia Pratt
Written and Illustrated by Viv Walker
Available at Bruce McKenzie Booksellers on George Street St for $22.99 https://bmbooks.co.nz/product/road-to-the-future-anelectric-pioneer-and-his-magnificent-battery-cars/
Step back in time and join Arthur as he witnesses the arrival of the first motorcars in Wellington, New Zealand and then twenty years later, the arrival of the first electric vehicles in Christchurch.
Along the way there will be a friendly competition, likened to the race of the tortoise and the hare, where Mr O’Hare with his petrol engine truck wagers a cold drink and hot pie that he can beat Mr Harris’s electric vehicle. Who will take the lead?
The Road to the Future is based on the true story of Ambrose Reeves Harris, a New Zealander who imported the country’s largest fleet of electric vehicles over a hundred years ago. Beautifully illustrated with descriptive language that will transport you back in time to imagine the smells, tastes, and sounds of yesteryear. A fun book that incorporates car facts throughout, and facts pages with a QR code for further information on electric vehicles.
The
reviewed above has been generously donated by Bruce McKenzie Booksellers on George Street, Palmerston North
give away to a lucky Parents Centre Member.
has won
copy of ‘The Cats of Pāia Street’
Children’s Zone, first floor Central Library
• Tuesday, 4 October 2022, 2:00pm –3:00pm
• Tuesday, 11 October 2022, 2:00pm –3:00pm
Come and say hello to our dog pals from Canine Friends Pet Therapy.
From 2pm-3pm in the Children’s Zone, first floor.
• Friday, 23 September 2022, 10:30am – 11:00am
• Friday, 21 October 2022, 10:30am –11:00am
• Friday, 4 November 2022, 10:30am –11:00am
• Friday, 18 November 2022, 10:30am –11:00am
Come and join us for crafts, stories and songs!
Fun, free sessions for preschoolers and their caregivers.
The start time is 10.30am, fortnightly on Fridays during term time only.
Te Pātikitiki Library is at the end of the Monrad Park carpark, 157 Highbury Avenue, Palmerston North.
We have a fantastic warm place with lots of things to do. We’ve got all of the PN City Libraries resources available to us (tell us what you need and we’ll get it for you).
And we also a great playground outside, a huge free car park, free tea and coffee for adults, cold water for the kids, a microwave to heat things up, toilets, a baby changing area, and free computers, scanning to email, and printing/photocopying.
Veterinary behaviourist and resident Animals’ Voice columnist Dr Jess Beer gives us her tried and tested tips on how to prepare your pets for a baby joining the family.
As you prepare for big changes in your life, remember all the joys that having a pet can bring to your family.
There are proven benefits to raising children with pets.
Pets provide companionship, teach children how to be nurturing and caring, and there are health benefits such as lower levels of obesity, allergies, and anxiety in children raised with pets.
Picture the future of your family with safe and happy children and pets. Starting that relationship right and valuing what your pet needs before the arrival of a baby is an important part of a long and happy relationship.
Preparing to avoid nasty surprises also means addressing your pet’s health concerns before your baby arrives. This means ensuring your pets are up to date with their vaccinations, flea treatment, worming treatment, and medication for any other health conditions that may be ongoing.
I encourage all parents-to-be to book a vet check to cover all these concerns before the baby arrives. This will avoid any unnecessary urgent trips to the vet to get medication or food that has run out, or suddenly realising their vaccinations have lapsed and you need to get them in to a boarding facility. This is not easy to juggle when you simply want to be home and focusing on your newborn.
Up-to-date worming is especially important as there are internal parasites such as roundworms that can be passed to humans, and young babies and children would be especially vulnerable.
This is easy to avoid with regular worming treatment of your pets. Some of the topical combined flea and worm products are the easiest option for cats who resent worming tablets. This vet check is the perfect opportunity to ensure there are no underlying painful conditions that need to be addressed.
If you’re worried about your pet’s anxiety with the upcoming changes in their home, take the opportunity to talk to your veterinarian about Feliway or Adaptil pheromones.
These are species-specific pheromones that work on your pet’s brain to increase feelings
of contentment. This is particularly important as pets with painful conditions are more likely to be stressed or even aggressive, which can be a dangerous mix with babies in the house.
Before your new baby arrives, it’s a good idea to refresh your training with your dog – and to work on some unwanted behaviours that could become problematic with a newborn in the house.
For example, does your dog jump up to greet you when you get home? This could be unsafe if you are arriving home with a precious baby in your arms. Or does your dog pull on the leash when they are being walked? Walking your dog alongside your pram is great, but only possible if your dog has good leash manners. I suggest training your dog to walk next to the pram at least a month before your baby arrives.
The more practice you have, the easier it will be when you have to walk both baby and dog. If you have a pet who is used to always being on the couch with you, now is the time to teach them a good response to getting off the
couch when asked politely and having a comfy place to settle instead.
Seek out a qualified, positive dog trainer who will give you some practical tips and your dog the manners they need. The key is starting that training now, not after your baby has arrived and everyone is a bit tired.
When preparing for your baby, there is a lot of thought that goes into preparing your home, but it can be just as important to ensure the environment is set up to keep your cats and dogs happy and safe too.
One of the main concerns pets have when a baby arrives is the sudden change to where they are allowed to be. If your cat loves to sleep in the sunroom, or your dog naps in the guest room, and suddenly those areas are off-limits, it can be very distressing. So a few months before the baby arrives, plan which areas your pets will and won’t have access to. At the same time you need to be sure there is a safe and happy place where these pets can go to when they need to be separated for baby feeding or bathing time. This can also be somewhere they can choose to hide away if the crying gets too much! Pet pens that separate a corner of the room, or a large crate for your dog with their bed, along with some toys and treats, is a good idea.
The alternative later on is to have a pen for the baby, where the dog is not allowed, giving you and bubs floor space for changing nappies, tummy time, and games.
Providing treats and feeding your cats up high will give them a sense of calm in a place away from the baby-related activities. Ensuring they still have a comfortable and secure place will minimise the chance they move out of home altogether!
In my house the pet-specific places are mostly set up in the living area away from the bedroom and the nursery. My three cats need their own places and don’t want to compete with each other for a nice safe place away from the baby. Intermittent food rewards are given to the cats when they choose to settle in either of the two cat trees or the beds. I have also put a food bowl on the cat wall perches. One thing many people forget is to introduce
the pets to any new baby furniture in the house – allow them to sniff, explore and recognise it as part of the home.
Fear of new objects, like a cot, rocking chair or even chest of drawers, can lead to scratching, chewing or urinating on the furniture. Just remember that if you don’t want your pets in or on the baby’s furniture, after the introduction you need to dissuade them and prevent access to the new items.
If your pets have been living in a quiet home, the noise of a newborn can quickly be overwhelming.
In my pregnancy I did some training to desensitise my dog and cats to baby sounds and movements. I followed a training programme involving sessions where I played baby sounds and moved around the room. This behaviour ensured the cats would be happy on their beds and cat trees in the same room.
This is simple counterconditioning, where you pair the scary baby sounds with a positive emotive state. However, I recommend anyone interested in introducing baby sounds to follow a behaviour plan where you continue to assess your pets’ responses to the sounds. Simply playing a YouTube clip of a baby crying to your pets won’t work – and could make things worse!
Adjust your dog’s activity requirements to life with a newborn as it is entirely likely you may not have the time you used to have to invest in exercise and entertainment for your pet. Obviously we must strive to provide the best level of enrichment for our pets to ensure their mental and physical wellbeing, but let’s be realistic with our plans!
A few months before your baby arrives, start decreasing the level and intensity of physical activity. You could consider replacing some of those long walks with easier at-home training, or enrichment and puzzle toys. As you sit at home waiting for the big day, do some research into enrichment ideas that will be easy to incorporate at home. Puzzles and brain games will keep your dog amused and stimulated as you lounge around the house in your PJs while nursing a hungry baby. If your dog is really energetic, consider other options for exercise.
Just be sure to thoroughly check them out and ensure they have qualified staff with appropriate canine care. Be aware that most day-cares have a trial day to ensure your pet is suited to their environment and may not be able to book your dog in at short notice, so organise this before your baby arrives.
Bringing your baby home for the first time is so exciting for your family – and a couple of easy steps can make it a pleasant experience for your pets too. Before you bring your baby home from the hospital, have your partner or friend take home something with the baby’s scent (such as a blanket) for your pet to investigate.
When you return from the hospital, your pet may be eager to greet you and receive your attention. Have someone else take the baby into another room while you give your pet a warm, but calm, welcome. Keep some treats handy so you can distract your pet, and reward them with treats for appropriate behaviour. Remember to supervise every interaction between your pet and baby, and never allow
face-to-face contact. It’s also a good idea to improve your understanding of canine body language so you don’t misinterpret dog behaviour. Too many people think dogs are happy with the baby, but in fact they are showing signs of stress and anxiety, such as lip licking, panting or a tense face and ears.
Dr Sophia Yin has a handy chart showing body language of fear in dogs – this is a great resource to read.
1. Ask someone to take your dog out for a long adventure walk, at least once a week. This gives your dog a good run around to burn off their energy and enjoy time outside, and gives you a break to focus on your baby for a few hours.
2. Have plenty of food for yourself and your pets stored in the house to allow easy inhouse enrichment for them and nutritious ready-made meals for you.
3. Spend 5–10 minutes cuddling your cat each day. They appreciate your attention and it is a good way to calm yourself if struggling with the demands of a baby.
4. Invest in a baby wrap or sling to allow you to move around the house and interact with your pets with free hands, making it easy to toss treats and hand out toys to them without balancing a baby.
5. Play music and audio books for everyone to relax to every day. Bonus extra – make sure you have a secure covered bin for those dirty nappies to keep nosy noses out of those discarded poops!
article has been shared with
by SPCA New Zealand and
be read in its entirety: https://www.
By Tara Parkes
Spring is here, bringing with it warmer (and wilder) weather, daffodils, and increasingly rampant weeds.
My 6 year old Oliver has been celebrating the change of the seasons with his carefully planted (and
impatiently monitored) Spring flower bulbs that are beginning to flower just outside our front door.
Every morning Oliver checks in on his flowers to see if anything new and exciting has taken place overnight. Then there’s another check in after school ... and another before bed time. Who knows what marvels may go unobserved if he doesn’t keep a constant vigil?
Oliver’s love for the garden and all the things that grow started when he was around 2 years old.
I’ve always grown fruit, veggies, and flowers to some degree (and varying success) for as long as I can remember and had my own herb and vegetable garden as a child too.
Oliver naturally began to participate in the various jobs around the garden without any real encouragement needed from my end of things.
Peas were the first crop that were sown, watched, cared for, and eventually harvested by Oliver himself.
They’re a perfect starting plant in my opinionvery easy to grow, growth is fast (an important attribute for an eager toddler) and when the time comes to harvest - your child can enjoy the fruits of their labour right then and there. Kids love bursting the pods open and eating the raw peas inside!
Swan plants are another common and appealing option for children to grow - the prospect of
caterpillars, chrysalises and butterflies is very exciting! One thing to note - make sure you have enough plants to satisfy the hunger of those ravenous caterpillars, they will eat so much more than you expect and can demolish your plants overnight and still require more in order to reach the chrysalis stage.
One plant we have recently introduced that I’ve found kids have been quite taken withPineapple Sage.
A prolific plant, the small red flowers attract bees and all sorts of other curious insects to investigate. Plus if you crush the leaves they smell almost exactly like pineapple! FYI - it does not taste like pineapple in the least. Yes we tried it.
The benefits of getting kids outside and involved in the garden aren’t limited to the fresh air, interests piqued, skills gained, or the time occupied. One of my favourite things that always makes me stop and think is Oliver’s never ending wonder and fascination with an unfolding flower or an insect he has never
seen before. The care he takes when popping a seedling into the ground or hearing him explain to his Nana what a seed needs in order to grow.
Or that fact that every ant, snail or worm that he encounters is a friend to be observed and treasured.
I believe that his being so involved in the garden
from such a young age, along with his own natural inclination and need to be outdoors, has helped to foster his growing love and respect for all parts of nature.
If only he wouldn’t raid the strawberries before they’re ready and could accept the fact that snails really shouldn’t be brought inside to live.
On a cold winter evening in early June 1988 seven expectant couples met at the Park Road Playcentre in Palmerston North for their first Parents’ Centre antenatal class, little knowing that the core of the group would still be meeting up nearly 34 years later!
Eight weekly antenatal classes, including a visit to the delivery suite at PN Hospital had us all focused very much on the birth of our babies as we assembled prams, cots, and clothing and continued to meet weekly to provide support for each other. The babies arrived mid-August to midSeptember and five of the mothers (Nicki, Margaret, Andrea, Pam and Jane) met regularly for coffee afternoons with babies Hayden, James, Sarah, Grant and Andy during that first year till Pam and Brian Perry relocated to the Auckland region. The Chapman, Lye, Tamatea, and Barnes families continued to meet regularly, with monthly Sunday gatherings for everyone, and frequent coffee afternoons for the mothers and babies. Just before the Chapmans moved back to Canterbury in 1994 their friends the MacGillivrays joined the group with their oldest child a similar age to the 2nd siblings of the original
group babies. As the children aged, gatherings became less frequent but the parents have continued to meet and an annual late summer weekend in Hawkes Bay is always eagerly anticipated. The whole group did reassemble for the 18th birthdays of the firstborns – celebrated by dinner at Lone Star and a night on the town for the birthday teens! The parents also had an extended weekend in Auckland in honour of our 25th anniversary of meeting, a happy celebration marked by our usual wining, dining and shopping and attending the production of Wicked at the Civic Theatre.
In those early days back in the late 1980s, before the advent of mobile phones and social media, it was very much about meeting together in person using our landline phones to organise get-togethers or seek advice/support! Now of course, we stay in touch loosely via Facebook photos and posts and the odd email and text message, watching children and grandchildren grow and planning our weekend away.
We’ve shared much over the past 34 years including the sadness of divorce and death (our much-loved
Dawson Tamatea died unexpectedly some years ago), and the usual ups and downs of family life. The birth of more children for all of us has brought much joy and there is now another generation of our extended Parents’ Centre whānau with grandchildren for the Chapmans and Tamateas. We’ve had the recent pleasure of Andrea’s new partner Richard joining our trips away and catching up with a year’s worth of photos is one of the first things we do when reunited.
We may not now all live in the Manawatū (Nicki and Steve have been in Christchurch for nearly 30 years and Jane moved to Wellington nearly 10 years ago) and our children are as far away as Sweden and the United States, but we have an enduring friendship and connection. We’re all so thankful that chance threw us together via Palmerston North Parents’ Centre.
The price of food has increased significantly in the past year, and I’m sure everyone’s grocery budget has increased as well in order to compensate. If you are looking for ways to save money on your weekly grocery shopping trip here are some tips and tricks that I use to help reduce costs.
Now I know this takes time. I often spend at least 2 hours a week planning out our meals and looking up what the specials are, but I know it is worth it in the end because it saves my family so much money! If meal planning is new for you, start by writing down a list of your family’s favorite meals and go from there. I usually have a combination of meals that we rotate through every few weeks, and then I usually try a new recipe at least once a month to keep things interesting. It also helps to have a nightly theme. For example, for each week in our family, we have a vegetarian night, a Mexican night, a pasta night, a stir fry/curry night, a fish night, and a takeaway inspired night such as homemade fish n chips, burgers or pizza. This not only helps me keep variety in our meals, but it means I have a template each week to start my meal planning. Then I think about where I’m going to get what I need for these meals, which leads me to the next tip.
This goes without saying, but if you want to save money, you may need to switch from shopping at New World to going to Pak n Save. Numerous people have compared grocery store prices, and Pak N Save is always significantly cheaper and often has the same items as its competitors. You can also go to meat stores and fruit and veggie stores for weekly deals and specials.
Just make sure you go to stores in your area to save on fuel and that you factor the money you spend at these stores into your budget as it can be harder to track your spending when you go to several different stores.
When it comes to the more expensive items you need to buy such as meat, vegetables, and baby supplies like nappies, it can pay to have a look at the weekly specials online. I shop at Pak N Save, but before my weekly shop I look online at Countdown, New World, the Mad Butcher & T Market Fresh to see if there are any deals on these items that are worth me going out specifically to buy. I’ve also recently been told about the website grocer.nz where you can pick your stores to add to a list and then search for an item such as Huggies nappies, and it will show you all the prices of that item at each of your selected stores.
It sounds so easy, but we all know this can be a hard one! It is so tempting to go into the store and see all the specials and add them to your cart, but this often can put you over budget. It’s okay to buy a few things you didn’t anticipate,
but I find the best thing to do is to remind myself that I only need what’s on my list. Although it can be a good idea to swap things out if an alternative veggie is cheaper than the one on your list. If you’re meal planning, be open to using broccoli or spinach in a recipe if it is cheaper than the courgette the recipe calls for. But don’t be tempted to overbuy just because you spot a deal.
Everyone may not agree with me here, but I personally have found that if I buy a lot of something just because it is on special, it usually doesn’t end up saving me that much money. It’s tempting to bulk buy all the time when there is a deal, but if the food is going to end up being wasted or thrown away or sitting in your freezer untouched, it’s not worth buying it. Enjoy the fact that something is on special by buying what you think your family will eat within a fortnight. I find this rule works well for me. Another rule I generally follow is:
Most of the time name brands are more expensive because of the packaging and not necessarily because of the quality of the product. A friend of mine who works for Fronterra admitted that the same block of colby cheese is sold by Pams, Rolling Meadow, and Anchor.
The cheese is the same, it is just given a different label. This is true of a lot of packaged products. So opt for the cheaper brands such as Pams, Value, and Countdown’s home brand when you can. It will save you money on the same everyday products you buy, especially when money is tight.
I have struggled with this one in the past because I think fresh veggies taste so much nicer than frozen ones. But I have had to incorporate frozen veggies and meat into our diet because the savings are undeniable. I’ve found that putting the frozen veggies into a big meal rather than serving them on the side has helped make this change easier.
I almost always use frozen mixed veggies if I am cooking a soup, casserole, quiche, or a pie. This is because frozen vegetables contain more water than fresh vegetables, so they taste very watery when cooked on their own.
When cooked in something saucy like a pie or
a pasta dish or even a risotto, the extra water is absorbed by the other ingredients and the veggies taste nicer. I also advise steam cooking things like frozen green beans and adding a bit of butter and garlic to make them taste delicious! Health experts agree that snap frozen veggies are just as nutritious as fresh veggies, so make the switch if you can. Even if it’s just replacing two meals a week with frozen veggies like peas and corn, it will save you a lot.
When I buy meat on special such as chicken breast, I cook it all in the slow cooker and then shred it and portion it out into airtight containers and put most of it in the freezer. Then when I need chicken for a meal, I simply take the container out the night before to defrost in the fridge, and I don’t have to cook the chicken but can simply add it to the pasta dish or stir fry.
This helps reduce the meat content in a meal (more on that later!) plus it saves me so much time in cooking meat! I also freeze half of whatever baking I do during the week such as muffins. This often saves me having to bake the following week while also ensuring the baked goods do not spoil. I do the same with bread. I leave out what bread my family will eat within 2- 3 days and freeze the rest. Then I check our bread supply each night before bed and simply
get out what we will need the following day, and it is defrosted and ready to eat by the morning. And if you hate throwing out spoiled food as much as I do:
I was so frustrated about having to throw out carrots as I just couldn’t seem to use them fast enough. I learned that if you store carrots in water, they last weeks without changing their crunchy texture! This one tip alone has saved me so much money as it has reduced my waste. You can look online to find the best ways to store your fruit and veggies so that they last, and I also encourage you to learn what area of your fridge you should be storing your dairy products and meat in order to prolong their freshness.
Meat has become so expensive (along with everything else!), so why not try a vegetarian night or try bulking up your recipes with things such as canned tomatoes or veggies like grated carrot or courgette or adding things such as lentils, chickpeas or beans? If a recipe calls for 500g of meat such as beef mince, I will often use 250g and add a can of chickpeas that you can whiz in the food processor or grate a carrot and a courgette or add some mushrooms instead. I also do not often have meat as the main dish in my house as my boys are not big meat eaters anyway. We often put meat in dishes where it is mixed in with the veggies such as pasta meals, risottos, or pies so that even a small amount of meat goes further. You’d be surprised how much cash this will save you, and so will the following tip:
On Friday nights, we often have homemade pizza, burgers or fish n chips. It’s still a treat, but it is often cheaper and healthier than ordering out. I know this has saved us money, and to be honest, I now prefer our homemade pizza to Pizza Hut! Plus, there are often yummy leftovers afterwards, which comes in handy when following the next tip:
In my house, we have a leftover night every Sunday night. It’s the end of the week for us and time to get rid of what’s left in the fridge before the grocery shop on Monday. This has reduced our waste and saved us money, and we often always have plenty of yummy leftovers for
everyone to have a good meal. As a mum, it is also nice to not have to cook or to clean up much afterwards! Especially when you are short of time. But if you do happen to have time to spare, you can:
I do not have a green thumb, but if you do, growing some food for your family is a great way to save money. One thing I can do is regrow my green onions. My tummy cannot tolerate white onions, so we go through a lot of green onions in my house since we use them as an onion substitute. When I come home from the store, I cut the green onions and chop them, divide them into portions for each meal and then put the green onions stems together in a glass with water and leave it on my kitchen windowsill. Within 3 days, the stem has regrown more green onion, and I cut it up once there is another meal’s worth, and it saves me having to go buy more. I often get 2-3 more rounds of green onions by doing this, and I know there are other vegetables you can grow on your windowsill as well, so give it a go! Every little bit helps, which takes me to our last tip:
This is a little thing you can do that can make a big difference on its own. I put this one last because even if these other tips seem too overwhelming for you or you just want to start small, being aware of how much of your money is going towards food is a great place to start. If you get nothing out of this except to see how much you are spending and to sit down with your partner and make a budget, that is going to help you tremendously.
I hope that some of these tips and ideas will be useful for you. Remember to be gracious towards yourself and your budget. We all want to feed our families great meals for a good price, but there are times when we overspend but get to eat amazing foods and then there are times when money is tight and we don’t get to eat as healthy or fancy as we would like. This is reality and we have to remember that some seasons are harder when it comes to staying under budget than others. I by no means am within my grocery budget 100% of the time, but it’s something to strive for, and it is doable. I wish you all the best and hope your shopping trips are as peaceful and kid free as possible
The best plants for kids are the ones they want to grow. For most of us at Yates we’ve been gardening with our kids since they were 2 years old. From our experience the more hands on they are in the garden and picking their own plants or seed packets to grow from, reaps the best rewards. However, in saying this not all plants are as easy to grow and it doesn’t hurt to try to steer them in the right direction.
CARROTS: seeds will need a bit of care while they’re germinating, but when the kids finally get to pull them out of the ground, the look on their faces will be pure awe. It’s like digging up buried treasure!
PEAS: so easy to grow and so delicious to eat straight from the garden.
CORN: Kids love it when the stalks grow taller than their heads. To grow corn you will need a bit of space in a sunny vegie patch.
POTATOES: Harvesting them is like a treasure hunt. Plant in a container, so kids can dump it out and really dig in to find the potatoes.
ELEPHANT’S EAR PLANTS:
These just sound cool, don’t they. These giant leaves have a big name to live up to, and they certainly do. The leaves get up to 3 feet long, and they’re a good choice for shady areas. Most people treat elephant’s ears as an annual, though you can dig them up at the end of the season and replant them again in spring. Kid appeal: Digging a hole big enough for some of the giant varieties is a fun job all by itself.
ZINNIAS: vibrantly coloured flowers that make a lovely posy. A packet of zinnia seeds goes a long way. All you need is a sunny spot out in the garden, scatter the seed and mix gently into the soil. Kids can water their zinnia patch and watch as the seedlings emerge and grow.
SUNFLOWERS: a traditional favourite, with their beautiful big sunshine yellow flowers. Kids can start the seeds off indoors, watch them sprout and then transplant them out into the garden. Kids can measure how tall their sunflowers get!
LAMB’S EARS: Lambs’ ears often fly under the radar, but they’re a wonderful addition to any garden. Tolerating sun, shade and even drought, they’re very forgiving. Plus they bloom from early summer to frost, so you can enjoy them for months. Kid appeal: The soft, woolly leaves make them a must-touch plant.
SNAPDRAGONS: super fun plants for kids as when you squeeze the flowers it looks like the mouth of a dragon opening and closing.
CHERRY TOMATOES: sweet bite sized tomatoes that kids will love to eat! Compact varieties are perfect for pots and can be ready to pick in as little as 10 weeks.
Printed with permission from: https://www.yates.co.nz/ideas-plans/projectguides-articles/all/top-10-plants-to-grow-with-kids/
STEP 1: Measure 1 Cup of pasta (we like these mini pasta best!) into a container.
You can do more if desired just adjust the measurements or you can do several colors of pasta in different containers and mix them together for a rainbow pasta theme!
STEP 2: Next add 1 Teaspoon of Vinegar.
STEP 3: Now add as much food coloring as desired (deeper color= more food coloring).
You could also make several shades of the same color for a fun effect.
STEP 4: Cover the container and SHAKE vigorously for a minute or two. Check to see if the pasta is evenly coated!
STEP 5: Spread on paper towel or plate to dry in an even layer.
STEP 6: Once the colored pasta is dry transfer to a bin for sensory play.
What will you add? Sea creatures, dinosaurs, unicorns, and mini-figures all make great additions to any sensory play activity.
The pasta should be dry in an hour if you stick to the one cup per paper towel. I find the color is distributed the best this way too.
For some sensory bins, I have made graded shades of colored pasta for a fun twist. This has also allowed me to experiment with how much food coloring to use per cup of pasta to achieve desired shades!
Store your dyed pasta in zip lock bags when finished and reuse often!
By Ella Diprose
In New Zealand where the UV rays are so strong, having a sun hat for your baby or pēpi is so important. While sunscreen can do alot and is a great way to shield your baby’s skin from the harmful effects of the sun, sunscreen isn’t recommended for babies under 6 months old. That’s why when your baby is so young, protective clothing like a sunhat is one of the best ways to keep your little one safe from the
This is a very popular and practical style of sun hat for babies and toddlers. These sun hats are one of my go to favourites. This hat has everything: it’s light and comfortable, but its broad brim and neck flap provide lots of sun protection. The hat is made with the finest quality cotton knit. It has straps that tie under your baby’s chin and has a head tie at the back to adjust the sizing further. They come in 4 sizes to fit from newborn to 2+ years. They are on the more expensive range, so I
out for these second hand.
Bumkins make this cute range of matching swim hats and swim nappies which are perfect for summer fun. Made from certified UPF 50+ fabric, this sun hat offers great sun protection at the pool, beach, or splash pad. These sets are durable and machine washable so can be used from the backyard pool to the beach all summer long. The hat has a wide brim to provide shade for their face and has an adjustable drawstring for the best fit. Because these hats aren’t made with cotton, they aren’t as breathable. So they’re best just used when your little one is in or near the water, but not ideal for everyday wear in the sun.
This is the very first sun hat I ever bought for my kids and I love them. I have used them for both my kids and highly recommend them. They are made with super stretchy and lightweight cotton jersey and feel so soft on your child’s head. They are an amazing design, my kids hate wearing hats but were never able to pull this hat off. The chin strap keeps the hat snug on their head but is soft and doesn’t dig in. They come in solid colours or have pretty patterns too. The reason we got this hat is because of the soft back flap which sits flat under babies neck and head while lying in a pram or in a baby carrier. It has a handy name label tucked inside, great for naming for daycare. This sun hat is even tested in accordance with Australia & New Zealand Standards 4399 and meets the safety standards.
https://sleepytot.co.nz/products/bedhead-babylegionnaire-hat-spring-2022
If you’re looking for a classic simple sun hat then this is a great option. My kids have worn these for summer and all year round in the sun. These hats are super cute and have a soft flexible brim all around. They are stretchy and will grow with your child and fit for a long time. They’re perfect for a slightly older baby who’s starting to be on the move. The toggle on the chin strap is handy so your little one can’t pull it off like they can with a velcro tab. They’re also great for older kids who want a bit more independence; my toddler can easily put it on herself. They are rated UPF50+ and provide excellent protection and are tested in accordance with Australia & New Zealand Standards 4399. This style is also awesome for using when your baby is in a front pack or carrier as the soft material sits flat around your baby’s head. The only downside I’ve found to this hat is it can sit a bit low on your baby’s face and my toddler would often try to pull it up higher so she could see more.
https://sleepytot.co.nz/products/bedhead-toddler-buckethat
As part of the Kind Hearts Movement
has bestowed a random act of kindness upon
You will each receive a free coffee voucher! Don’t forget to pay it forward!
Streetwise Coffee Cart, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North
“I have realised lately that I have lost myself. All I am now is a mum and a worker (in my job) and the ‘me’ that was once there is long gone. I spend all of my time focused on my family and I don’t take time for myself, participate in hobbies or even really see many of my friends any more.”
Jane, a mum of two littlies, isn’t alone in feeling she is ‘losing’ herself. Being everything to your baby and watching them grow into a unique little person is exciting and wondrous and while there are moments of absolute joy, the intensity of meeting everyone else’s needs can ever so sneakily overtake your own needs for self-care. Then, almost suddenly it seems, feelings of being overwhelmed and ‘lost’ can hit. Sonia says, “I was zoning out on the couch thinking “I can’t do this. I’m a half assed mother, friend, wife. Am I horrible to want a hot cup of coffee once a week? Eat a sandwich without children crawling on me? Pee when I need to?”
But for Sonia, this moment of despair was also a wake-up call. She says, “the TV was on the documentary channel, it was about a lioness and her cub who hadn’t eaten in two days and it was getting critical for both. She made a kill, the mother, and ate it. She didn’t give any to the cub. At first I was revolted. Then the narrator said, “She must or else she won’t be able to hunt for bigger game to share with her cub and they will surely both perish” and sure enough, she made a bigger kill for the both of them. It was like a sign for me.”
It’s easy to be ‘swallowed up’ by motherhood. Babies and small children need to be taken
care of – that’s what we sign up for; some little ones need more care than others and we don’t always have the support that would make things easier. We know that if we don’t stay on top of things and pre-empt the tougher times (think, arsenic hour when you don’t have dinner planned), it can all go to hell in a hand basket in no time flat. And crawling back out of that hellish handbasket can take more energy than if we didn’t let things go there in the first place. So, we become the cog that keeps the wheels turning. Until one day we realize we are on autopilot, putting one foot in front of the other hoping that when we look up there isn’t a wall in front of us. Or, like Jane, we realise we have lost our own sense of self.
Ideally, we would look up before we hit that proverbial wall, we would realise it isn’t selfish to take care of ourselves, that you can be a good mother without completely sacrificing your own needs for even basic self-care – I would be a millionaire by now if I had just one dollar for the number of women who have told me, “I don’t even have time for a shower every day.” But the all consuming nature of caring for babies and children and running a home means that self neglect happens so slowly, over time, that we shrink into a smaller and smaller space until there is no ‘me’ left.
The thing is, it’s like the announcements in planes: if you don’t put your own oxygen mask on first, you can’t take care of your family. Or, like the lioness, if you don’t nourish yourself, you won’t be able to sustain your own energy or health.
CARVING OUT ‘ME TIME’ - Although nurturing yourself will probably mean very simple things at first and, if you have a newborn, it will probably include your baby. It is absolutely essential that you exercise, that you nourish your body with fresh, healthy foods, and that you surround yourself with positive support. It’s also important to speak up about your needs, especially with your partner to work out how you can carve out some ‘me’ time otherwise it looks as though you are doing just fine.
SCHEDULE ONE ACTIVITY A WEEK –what did you enjoy before you had a baby? Sport? Craft? Cooking? Try a class at a community house that offers babysitting or join a gym with childcare. Or, join your partner up at a gym and get him/her to take the kids to the crèche there so you can have some quiet time at home alone –and don’t spend that time cleaning!
MEET UP WITH A FRIEND WHO ALSO HAS KIDS – laugh together, vent together, and take turns watching the little ones so you each get to sip a hot cuppa. Or do something useful like cooking some meals together (see www.mamabake.com). Then you can have more ‘me time’ because
you will go home with meals ready for the next few days.
START A GRATITUDE LIST – and share with friends (text your lists to each other). Before you go to bed each night, list the things you are grateful for today. This will help you release negative thoughts and interrupt the cycle of despair as it sets you up for a positive mind-set to start the next day.
DITCH THE STEREOTYPES OF A ‘GOOD MOTHER’ – your little ones are the most accurate barometers of your own stress and discontent. They deserve a happy, healthy mum and you can achieve this without neglecting their needs, or your own.
A Mum of five and Grandmother, Pinky McKay is an IBCLC Lactation Consultant, TEDx speaker and best-selling author of Sleeping Like a Baby, Parenting By Heart, Toddler Tactics and 100 Ways to Calm the Crying. Check out Pinky’s books at her website www.pinkymckay.com https://www.pinkymckay.com/whatabout-me-losing-yourself-to-motherhood/
Introducing Kowhai Park in Feilding! Only a short 15–20-minute drive from Palmy, Kowhai Park definitely needs to be put on your “must visit” list. It is located next to Manfield Park, at 21 South Street, Feilding. There are plenty of parking options; a carpark near the duck pond, another by the playground which is accessed by heading down the long driveway adjacent to the Manfield entrance, and more parking at the rear on Rata Street.
Sitting on a beautiful 10.2ha, there is something for everyone here. Here’s a little breakdown of some of the many features:
The walk: One of my FAVE features about Kowhai Park is the walk that connects it to Awahuri Forest Kitchener Park reserve walk. The walk is approx 90 minutes return and is a relatively easy/flat walkperfect for little legs. If you follow the path by the playground to the very back of Kowhai Park you’ll end up on Rata Street. Cross the road, and follow this path and you’ll walk along the Makino Stream, through a farm, and see all sorts of flora and fauna on your journey. What’s better is that the walk is now completely pram friendly! A fun way to get out and explore nature!
The playground: The playground has recently undergone a major upgrade and it is amazing. There are two different ‘main’ playgrounds – one for the littlies, and one for the bigger kids. The smaller playground is completely fenced off with safety gates to give you peace of mind while your little ones run amuck! The larger playground has a small flying fox, a large tunnel slide, and plenty of climbing experiences. Recently there has been a swing area added too. The only thing worth mentioning is that the rope bridges are quite high and not suitable for smaller children unless very closely supervised by an adult.
The Fairy Forest: You’ll find this behind the main playground, and it has a few different entrances and exits. Unfortunately, due
to a fair amount of vandalism over the last few years, the fairy forest is a bit rundown compared to how it once was, however it is still a fun adventure for little ones! Follow the paths through the forest behind the playground, over the bridges, and explore all the different little fairy houses, including a Spiderman themed one! There are often Feilding Rocks hidden behind the little doors too – great fun!
The stream: The Makino Stream runs along the length of the park, and has ample places to access it for some stone throwing!
The reserve: There is a large reserve area at the front of the park which is a fantastic spot for a fun game of cricket, football, or tag! You might even catch an official cricket game in the weekends over summer!
The pond: There is a small duck pond at the South Street end of the park. A path follows along one side of it, leading to some paved steps that take you to a small
waterfall pond that overlooks the rest of the pond. You might even catch a remotecontrol ship or two racing around! If you keep following the path, you can find yourself at the bird aviary, or the Camelia walk beside the Makino stream!
The aviary: There is a small aviary for the bird lovers, which is home to a few different species including a chatty cockatoo!
Facilities: There are free to use BBQ’s which will be very popular especially as we head into the warmer months! There are plenty of picnic tables around the park, and quite a few are under shade sails near the playgrounds –perfect picnic set up! There are public toilets at the South Street end of the park near the duck pond. They are a decent size and pretty tidy however there is no change table for nappy changes – so bring your own change mat if you are in that season! If you feel like a cup of coffee, there is a coffee cart which opens on weekdays, located at 80 South Street – just a very short walk from the park.
You won’t regret making the trip to Kowhai Park in Feilding! Something new to explore every time you visit.
Hire a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine to help reduce your pain during labour and childbirth. Palmerston North Parents Centre (PNPC) have 5 TENS machines available to hire with reduced hire rates for PNPC members.
Only $30 for up to 4 weeks of hire (plus a $40.00 refundable bond) for PNPC members. $50 for up to 4 weeks of hire (plus a $40.00 refundable bond) for non members. We recommend that you book a machine for the two weeks prior to your due date until two weeks post due date.
Book your TENS machine from Palmerston North Parents Centre by emailing us at info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz Please pay in cash and full terms and conditions will be provided upon inquiry. Note : TENS pads are reusable, however you can purchase new TENS pads for $40 if you wish.
We can provide a range of social services which include: Counselling, Family support (including respite care for children), Parenting advice/information and programmes, Advice on other services available for parents and families.
Contact: Graeme on (06) 356 7486 or visit www. across.org.nz
Support groups are a great way to meet others in a similar situation to you. They are very relaxed, informal sessions to share ideas, discuss your concerns, and get information and resources. Our regional support group is there to help put you in contact with others, to provide you with information such as those all important recipes, and to listen when you need someone to talk to. They are not medically qualified but can refer your queries on and seek information on your behalf. For further information phone 0800 34 0800 or visit www.allergy.org.nz
This is a great way to try different carriers while finding a carrier that suits you and your baby. Babywearers Manawatu Sling Library is on most Wednesdays 12 pm - 1 pm (check FB for up to date info) at Palmerston North Parents Centre, 30 Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North. Membership is one off payment of $10 and carrier hire costs $5 for one week.https://www.facebook.com/groups/ babywearersmanawatu/
We provide advocacy information and support for people with brain injury, their families, whanau and carers. For more information call (06) 354 3540.
An IBCLC (often called lactation consultant) is a breastfeeding specialist qualified to prevent, recognise, and resolve breastfeeding problems. All members of NZCLA hold the professional qualification of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Any mother, family member or health professional interested in obtaining the contact details of an IBCLC can phone 0800 4 LACTATION (0800 452 282) during daytime hours.
An opportunity for parents of premature babies to meet and chat and to offer hope and support to those who currently have babies in the Neo-Natal Unit. Graduates welcome. Held at: Plunket Family Centre, 42 Albert Street, Palmerston North. Monday 1pm – 2.30pm. Contact: Karlyn Sullivan-Jones (06) 353 0663 or karlynandmark@xnet.co.nz
A national support group for parents and whanau who care for children with eczema and allergies.
For more information contact Sarah Hartley 027 333 7385 or email hartleyfamilynz@gmail.com or visit itchykids.org.nz
Now located at 200 Church Street, Palmerston North, this fabulous toy library has a collection of over 2000 toys. Our members include families, carers, and educational groups. We have toys suitable for babies 5+ months through to school age children.
Membership costs $95 per annum or $60 for six months. You are welcome to visit to see what we offer. To find out more, including opening hours: manawatutoylibrary.nz, or call 027 364 6911.
Manawatu Down Syndrome Association
Regional contact is Andrea Wales (06) 356 1767.
Manawatu Home Birth Association
Offering information, advice and support to women and their families seeking to birth their babies at home. Birth pools and other equipment available for hire. Library, sibling kits, and bimonthly newsletters also available. Call (06) 356 BABY (06 356 2229) for more information.
Manline services are unique in that we are the only “men helping men” organisation in the Manawatu and Tararua region offering services for men to explore issues within their lives. Our programs are designed to be educational, developmental, rehabilitative, and preventative. http://www. manline.co.nz/home or 06 358 1211
Miscarriage Support
Miscarriage can be a very lonely experience and is often not talked about. Miscarriage support groups have produced quality information and pamphlets for women/couples who may need information and support. These invaluable resources can be downloaded from miscarriage.org.nz
Methodist Social Services
Offering free programmes for primary/intermediate aged children and their parents/caregivers, around the areas of anger management, grief loss and change, and confidence building. We also offer family, couple, and individual counselling, and have both male and female counsellors available. Advocacy and social work support services are provided along with an emergency food service. For all enquiries, please call 06 350 0307, 663 Main Street, Palmerston North.
We provide a relaxed place to come and ask questions about breastfeeding and parenting , we hold regular meeting on the first Monday of the month at Palmy Parents Centre, Ruahine St, 10am. We have a library with a wide range of books relating to breastfeeding and parenting. www.lalecheleague.org.nz/palmerstonnorth or www.facebook.com/PNbreastfeedingsupport/
Supporting families of children with a special need, health impairment, or disability. For more information please phone (06) 355 0787or email manawatu@parent2parent.org.nz
Parentline 24 Hour Crisis Line. Offering help and support for parents 24 hours a day. Phone 0800 4 FAMILY.
For parent education classes please contact the Plunket family centre in Albert Street, Palmerston North, (06) 356 7248 for more information regarding classes in 2016.
Contact: Sharon 354 7280
Sands
A voluntary group who have lost babies before, during or after birth. They can provide first hand support, guidance, and information on miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death. Further information and support can be found by contacting Shaun and Gaylene Vivian (06) 356 9715 or visiting sands.org.nz
Supergrans Manawatu is all about helping people help themselves. A service to all to brush up on the basic skills needed to provide for oneself or for a family. Our motto is not a ‘do it for you today’ it is a ‘help you to do it tomorrow’ concept. This is a free service. It is concerned with encouraging better skills in those everyday tasks around the home that sustain life. We work with you in your own home. Phone (06) 354 3804 or 021 0669 442 for further information.
FREE! Address labels with any birthannouncement, thank you cards
168 Albert Street, Palmerston North Ph: 06 357 8782
Link Arcade, Broadway Avenue Palmerston North Ph: 06 358 1309
Contact palmyparent@hotmail.com
Ground Floor, TSB Building 12-19, Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North 06 358 8549
10% off for all massages over $40 to PC members
Receive a free tea or coffee with the purchase of food. 95 the Square, Palmerston North
Plunket Family Centre Playgroup 42 Albert Street 021-808-340 Mondays & Fridays 10am to 12noon
Ashhurst Playcentre 118 Standford Street 326 9270 Mon to Thurs 9am - 12pm
Kingston St Chapel Kingston St 358 0716 Tues & Thurs 9am- 11:30am
Palmy Playgroup
Awapuni Community Centre, 22 Newbury St Tues & Fri 9.30am to 11.30am
Facebook: Palmy Playgroup
Please bring your own morning tea and a donation of $2 per child.
Crossroads Early Childhood 220 Church St 358 0669 Mon to Fri 9am to 12noon
Salvation Army cnr Church & Princess Sts 358 7455 Thurs 9:30am to 11am Rudolf Steiner 187 Ruahine St 354 4514 Tues 9:30am - 12noon & Thu 2pm -3:30pm
Seventh Day Adventist Church 257 Ferguson St Wed 9:30 to 11:00am
Playgroup with Hope 282 Cuba Street (opposite Briscoes) Tuesday 9.30-11.30am
Feilding Playcentre
Contact: Heather 027 334 9981 playgroup@hopevineyard.nz
254A Kimbolton Rd 323 6100 Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm
Community Fielding Playcentre 42 North St 323 1918 Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm Doodlebugs
Knox Hall, North St 323 7240 Thurs 9am to 11:30am
SPACE 22 Bowen St 323 7221 Contact for more details
Bright Sparks Preschool Programme
Feilding Library 323 5373 Wed 10:30am to 11:30am
Te Aroha Noa Community Services 12-32 Brentwood Ave 358 2255 Fri 8:30am to 12noon
St Albans Church 339 Albert St 357 9411 Wed 9:30am to 10:30am Park Road Playcentre Huia St extn 357 0791 Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9am - 12noon
Linton Playgroup Linton Camp (Community Centre) 3519970 Mon & Wed 9am to 11:30am
Milson Playcentre
1a Seaforth Ave 356 9824 Mon, Wed & Fri 9am-12noon
Opiki Playgroup St Andrews Church, Main Road Tues 10am to 12noon
Kelvin Grove Salvation Army 99-103 Kaimanawa St 353 0917 Wed 9:30am to 11:30am Church on Vogel 127 Vogel St 357 7336 Wed 9:30am to 12noon Plunket Roslyn Over 1’s Coffee Group 177 Vogel Street 021-808-340 Wednesdays 9.30am to 11am
Te Kawau Playcentre Medway St 324 8246 Mon to Thurs 9:15am to 12:15pm, Fri 11:45am to 2:45pm
Sanson Playcentre 2 Philipps St 329 3503 Tues and Fri 9am to 12noon
St David‘s Presbyterian Church
Cnr Main & Rainforth 358 3246 Tues 10:00am to 11:30am Terrace End Playcentre 77 Ruamahanga Cres 0221400610 Wed, Thu, Fri 9.30am to 12.30 school term
La Leche League 355 3104 Contact for more details Manawatu Multiple Birth Club Kingston St Church 357 9773 Every 2nd Wed,10am Parent 2 Parent Special Needs Matipo St 355 0787 1st and 3rd Tues each month, 1-3pm ABCD early intervention group 9 Woburn Place 0800 693 724
Once a month on Thurs 10am to 12noon - Down Syndrome
1st floor, 47 the Square 021 207 0114 Fri 3.30pm to 4.30pm Spanish Class – 2 yrs and up 355 8257 Contact for further details Plunket Bhutanese Playgroup 25 Franklin Ave 3574844 Mon 12.30 – 2.30pm Book Bubs baby book club PN Library Thursday 10.30 – 11 am fortnightly.
French for Preschoolers
