PalmyParent Magazine Issue 311 Feb Mar 2023

PALMY PARENT

PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE

SUMMER FUN IN PALMY

BENEFITS OF A TOY LIBRARY

SUMMER FUN AND LEARNING

Welcome to 2023 everyone and to the first issue of the Palmy Parent for the year! We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and with luck, managed to nab some time to relax amidst the chaos of the season!

We are back in the swing of things with this issue with some great info on Summer activities (weather allowing of course!) with children, the benefits of joining with your local toy library, and an informative piece on breastfeeding from a local chiropractor.

May you all have a fabulous year with your families - and let’s all keep our fingers crossed for some decent Summer weather soon!

We are always on the lookout for new contributors - for our birth stories, local interest, motherhood, health - anything goes! If you or anyone you know might be interested send us an email to palmyparenteditor@gmail. com - we would love to hear from you!

Tara, Jess and Palmerston North Parents Centre

Advertise in Palmy Parent

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

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Got Something to Share?

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!

Committee News

Tena koutou katoa

Our three children have thoroughly enjoyed the summer holidays and are getting ready to begin their school routine again, catching up with friends and settling in with their new kaiako (teacher).

I have loved being the Music and Movement Facilitator, meeting whānau, watching the tamariki grow and development. A special mihi to all of those who have welcomed me into the role, who have allowed me to share the love I have for music and seeing tamariki experience new sounds and movement. Our new Music & Movement Facilitator will be introduced in the next coming mag, so watch this space!

Here at Palmy Parents Centre, we are gearing up for another busy year of Preggy to Preschool Garage sales, seminars, Music & Movement classes, antenatal classes and of course our annual Expo! Be sure to tap into our website to book your space and keep an eye on our Facebook page for dates.

We are looking for potential new Committee Members who are interested in volunteering in some fabulous roles. These roles include:

• Fundraising and Events coordinator

• Post-natal Seminar Coordinator

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact us by email info@ palmyparentscentre.org.nz

Kia pai te wiki

Jessie & Palmy Parents Centre Team

Mission statement

Positive birth experiences and informed parenting in a community where parents are supported and highly valued in their role.

Disclaimer: Opinions and articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect Parents Centre NZ policy. Advertising in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Parents Centre.

Explore Esplanade Day

SUNDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2023 FROM

10:00-15:00

Explore the Esplanade with your family and friends! It’s home to Palmy’s biggest playground, the popular paddling pool, accessible bushwalks and the beautiful rose gardens, as well as family favourites like the Esplanade Scenic Railway, Junior Road Safety Park, and Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery. There’s always so much to do! But on this one special day each year, there’s even more! We’ll have live music and dance performances, food and craft stalls, and plenty of free activities for the whole whānau to enjoy. Bring your hats, sunscreen, and come on down and connect with your community.

Festival of Cultures - Lantern Parade

Friday 24 February 2023 5:00pm –9:30pm | The Square, The Square, Palmerston North

Te Marae o Hine - The Square will light up on Friday 24th February as we celebrate the Festival of Cultures’ Lantern parade. There will be live music and food, a lantern making workshop, and plenty of activities for the kids. Come along to this iconic event and celebrate the diversity in our community through the sharing of art, culture and food.

Central Districts Field Days 2023

16 MAR AT 09:30 – 18 MAR AT 17:00

59 South Street, Feilding 4702

From farmers and foodies, to techheads and townies, New Zealand’s largest regional field days has something for everyone.

Marton Harvest Festival

Sunday 26th March 10am - 3pm

Sir James Wilson Park, Marton

The Marton Harvest Festival is a day to let your hair down, picnic with friends and family, enjoy the music and celebrate the harvest season in true country fashion.

PNPC Seminars & Events

February, March & April

To book any of our seminars head to : www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz/Calendar/

Newborn Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, come along and learn techniques for an enjoyable, successful, and sustainable breastfeeding journey

18 Feb 2023 10:00 AM

Cost from: NZ $0.00

Infant CPR

This short course will cover baby and Infant CPR, choking, burns, convulsion, fevers, illness warning signs, and accidental ingestion of toxins.

17 Mar 2023 10:00 AM

Cost from: NZ $10.00

Starting Solids

Learn the signs that your baby is ready for complementary feeding, what to introduce when and other topics to ensure you are confident and ready for this next step.

2 Apr 2023 10:00 AM

Cost from: NZ $10.00

Pelvic Health

Presented By Nichole Cobham, - Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. This workshop will help you learn tips and tricks for a healthy pelvic floor.

3 Apr 2023 10:00 AM

Cost from: NZ $10.00

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

The Cool Bean

Written by Jory John

Illustrated by Pete Oswald

Book review written by Julia Pratt

Price: Available from Bruce McKenzie booksellers on George Street, Palmerston North for $19.99

Such a ‘cool’ story aimed at children aged 4-8 years, written with funny puns and in language that children can relate to. The story alludes to social changes that can occur over time with peer groups, or in this case a pod of beans. The story starts with beans who are all friends from the same pod. As their friendship changes, the pod spends less and less time with one particular bean who feels less cool than the other beans. As this bean loses touch with his friends, he tries desperately to fit in again. He dresses up to be cool and acts cool with a swagger but fails miserably. When he is feeling like he will never be ‘cool,’ his peers reach out through small gestures and acts.

Bean soon learns that, underneath their cool persona, his mates are the same underneath and that it is not about how cool you look, the clothes you wear, the way you walk, where you sit, or what order you are picked, but it is about how you treat others with kindness. A small gesture at the right moment can mean everything to someone. Bean sees that he may look uncool, but his actions are anything but, and that is what makes the coolness stand out.

Check out the other ‘cool’ books written and illustrated respectively by Jory John and Pete Oswald: “The Bad Seed,” “The Good Egg,” and “The Great Escape.”

The children’s book reviewed above has been generously donated by Bruce McKenzie Booksellers on George Street, Palmerston North to give away to a lucky Parents Centre Member.

Jennifer Ellis

who has won a copy of ‘Tulip and Doug’

Summer fun (... & learning)

By Jena Ivamy

The early Summer months during the new year are a fabulous time to enjoy the outdoors, comforted by a warm breeze and bright sunny skies. Water, sand, and elements of active play are wonderful accompaniments to these hot days and are super easy to organise.

WATER PLAY

Wherever you use water, – in the bath, a tuff tray, containers on the lawn, paddling pool, beach, river - incorporating some resources (containers, jugs, blocks of ice, scoops, bubbles, dolls, animal figurines,

spinning wheels) into the environment can add a tonne of fun, as well as further learning.

• Water play is a sensory, creative, social experience that often feels therapeutic, allowing for exploration of new learning concepts.

• It builds strength, balance, and coordination as we splash, fill objects, pour and lift, adding resilience to our play.

• When exploring alongside others, water play promotes sharing, interacting, and turn taking, engaging our social and communication skills.

• During water play, we experiment with cause-and-effect processes, learning about volume, measurement, capacity, and movement.

• Water play encourages use of our imaginations – we engage our creative skills to construct our play, adding our own choice of objects to the water and deciding how we engage with these.

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SAND PLAY

Access to sand (be it at the beach or river, at home or a friend’s sandpit) with both new and familiar resources is likely to be a hit with little ones. Favourite resources often include water, other liquids (food colouring, bubble mixture, dishwashing liquid) to create exciting potions(!), toy vehicles, buckets, containers, scooping tools, sticks, shells, leaves – whatever treasures you can find in your environment.

FEATURE

language skills to socialise, play, and create.

• Sand, as an open-ended resource, allows us freedom to use our imaginations to create our own play; through this we often feel a sense of self confidence, and pride in what we’ve created.

• We engage our senses as we explore the beauty in the natural elements of our environment.

• Playing with sand is a fantastic introduction to mathematical concepts (size, volume, space).

• As we experiment with building, digging, and creating, we naturally use strategies such as trial-anderror, engage with cause-and-effect processes, and utilise our problemsolving skills.

• Being in an open space, such as a sandpit, offers great social experiences where extension of learning takes place when communicating with others, working cooperatively, and using

ACTIVE PLAY

Being active allows for oodles of learning and skill extension. Many every-day activities support this - meeting up for playdates with friends, attending playgym and playgroup sessions, exploring in new and challenging environments (beaches, parks, playgrounds, friend’s yards, bike tracks, on trampolines, bush walks, swimming pools etc), as well as playing in familiar spaces (home or care settings).

• Active play encourages physical

movement - essential for the health of our heart, mind, and body.

• It allows us to further develop our gross motor, balance, and coordination skills.

• It encourages social play, communication skills, builds our confidence and self-esteem.

• Through being active, we gain control of our bodies and awareness of our abilities.

• Active play is a positive outlet in which we can disperse energy and allows us to release emotions, including anger and frustration, in a safe and healthy way.

• Active play is generally enjoyable! Through this play, we experience a boost of endorphins.

• Active play enhances our overall fitness, health, happiness, and wellbeing.

Welcome to the World

Welcome to all the new babies born to our wonderful Parent Centre members! If there are any corrections to the list below, please email palmyparenteditor@gmail.com

Class: Due October / November 2022

CBE: Saritta Burney

Hostess: Rhianne Fee

Margot Frances Olsen born to Mark & Johanna Olsen

14 September 2022

Thomas Andrew Day born to Callum & Rebecca Day

11 October 2022

Eli Trevor Norman Jensen born to Vance Jensen & Amy Jenkins

17 October 2022

Riley Walker Mepham born to

Tyla Mepham & Tayla Ward

27 October 2022

Edward Aufrere Alan Baker born to Jonathon Baker & Ester Dawbin

7 November 2022

BENEFITS OF A TOY LIBRARY

Imagine if toys could talk about what fun they have had, the chatter and laughter they experience as they get passed from kid to kid around Palmy. If you’re like me as a parent you never imagined how many toys you would accumulate with having kids and also how quickly they get bored of a toy. Honestly some weeks my kids play with a toy every day and by the next week they’re over it and it sits lonely on a shelf or on the floor to be stood on during the day.

Joining a toy library has been such a game changer for us the past 2 years. Now instead of hundreds of toys, we have 3 new toys each week or two and we have some key toys that we own. I also keep a few toys out in our garage which I rotate to keep them interested.

Not only will joining a toy library help your kids have a regular variety of toys, it helps you save money by spending less money buying your kids toys. There’s many subscription options at the Manawatu Toy Library for people who just want to try it out for a few months to a year.

The toy library is like a regular library but with toys instead of books. Members pay a subscription and some

of them volunteer, although this is not a requirement.

The toy-lending movement was born during the Great Depression — a Californian discount-store operator saw a way children could play with toys their parents couldn’t afford. The concept took off in Europe over the next century and, in 1976, the idea came to the Manawatū and a toy library was established in Palmerston North. Today, New Zealand has more than 220 toy libraries.

Toy libraries give kids the opportunity to progress through different developmental stages and interests in a financially and environmentally friendly way. Families can choose and borrow a new selection of toys every week or fortnight, as frequently as you wish, and for a very reasonable membership fee.

Here’s a bit from the Manawatu Toy Library’s facebook page:

“We are an environmentally friendly, money saving, community building way to make sure you always have new and engaging toys for your whānau / tamariki. We rely on volunteers, grants, donations and our membership fees to

PARENT CENTRE PARTNERS:

continue to operate. Membership is designed for families, caregivers, and community groups as an affordable subscription fee.

Our opening hours are Mon., Thurs., and Sat., 9:30-12:30. As a bonus we are open during the school holidays! But unfortunately closed on public holidays.”

SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS:

• $120 for 1 year

• $70 for 6 months

• $45 for 6 months, for Community Services Card holders

• $40 for 3 month trial membership

Breastfeeding & Baby Chiropractor

Dr Caroline van Lingen (M.Tech: Chiropractic)

Wellkids | 0204229355

Struggling with Breastfeeding?...

4 Signs that could indicate your baby needs to be checked out by a chiropractor.

If you are struggling with painful breastfeeding, including damaged nipples, a chiropractic assessment for your baby may help significantly.

Breastfeeding is hard! It is much harder than new Mums ever expect. Having a multidisciplinary

team involved to get breastfeeding issues ironed out is essential before reaching a point of giving up. Mothers often blame themselves when feeding challenges seem insurmountable, but often the issues lie with the baby not being able to suckle well. The reasons for difficulties vary and seeking prompt help is the quickest route to resolution. While the reasons for breastfeeding challenges are vast and technical, here are a few common signs to keep an eye out for in healthy and thriving babies. Various joint restrictions in babies can result in pain and dysfunction while trying to feed and getting them resolved can be straightforward.

These are some signs to consider a chiropractic assessment:

1) YOUR NEW-BORN BABY IS REFUSING TO FEED AT ONE OR BOTH BREASTS - this could indicate that your baby has pain preventing a comfortable feeding position.

Reasons for infant pain can be multifactorial - i.e position in the womb, birth and post birth interventions, mother’s analgesia during labour.

KindHea ts

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

As part of the Kind Hearts Movement

Rebecca Dale

Inutero position - babies positions in the womb are space restricted by the end of pregnancy, and their bodies can adopt these positions as the “new normal” which can prevent normal, symmetrical movement and function of the baby’s head and neck.

Babies are designed to accommodate the natural birth process but some babies experience difficult, traumatic births; instrumental birth in particular can affect your newborn’s head, neck, and face . The forces exerted on the baby’s head, neck, and the jaw during the birth process can cause subtle interference of the neurological supply to the components of the baby’s feeding structures which can impair normal mechanical function of the jaw and soft palate and result in a poor vacuum during feeding. Added mechanical stressors during birth like vacuum or forceps to aid delivery can exacerbate the mechanical forces experienced during birth.

Evidence of pain in your newborn can show when you cuddle them, pick them up, while dressing, particularly when their arms are pulled through sleeves. These babies are happiest being left to lie flat on their backs and can refuse to lie on one side because of pain on that side, making it difficult to feed. They can be especially difficult to calm once upset.

2) FUSSY FEEDING

If your baby latches on and feeds well only to pull off promptly, crying in a distressed way, pain may be the cause. This can look like “fighting” at the breast and switching to a pain free position can make feeding possible short term. If your baby will only happily feed with their head/ neck facing the same direction (cradle hold one side and football hold other side) chances are there are joint restrictions causing pain which is distracting your baby during feeds. This behaviour is always more noticeable at the end of the day when baby is more tired.

A give- away sign of trouble to come is when newborns have an abnormally strong neck from birth. This appearance of a strong neck is a result of dural tension and not a sign your baby is advanced. The dura attaches at the upper part of the neck and in the lower back at the sacrum. Rotation in the newborn’s pelvis will cause tension in the neck but taking out the dural “slack” which makes it appear as if the new-born has an extraordinarily strong neck. This type of tension will also manifest as a baby that just

wants to be held all the time, as this reduces the tension compared to when positioned with a straight spine. Typically, these babies fall asleep in your arms and then wake up the instant you try to lie them down to sleep in their cot.

Shortly after birth babies often favour a head position or gaze to one side, causing a flat spot on the back of the head from the continuous pressure. This flat spot becomes what is called plagiocephaly where the cranial plates shift resulting in an asymmetrical head shape. The internal structures of the skull like the cranial nerves and the eustachian tubes of the inner ear are not designed to elongate to accommodate asymmetrical and shifting cranial plates. It is imperative that babies get treatment within the critical first four- month window period while their skulls are still soft and pliable, or the skull asymmetry can require baby to wear a helmet for correction later. There are three typical shape presentations of plagiocephaly, which have been noted in the new literature to be associated with a developmental delay, increasing the urgency to get the issue addressed sooner rather than later.

3) SORE AND DAMAGED NIPPLES

There are many potential causes of nipple pain and damage, most of which are outside the scope of this article. If the damage is caused by your baby finding a deep latch painful, then chiropractic adjustment can help.

Collaborating with a supportive multidisciplinary team is important and sometimes it takes a little bit of everything to get the feeding right. When babies have had their tongue tie snipped and are still struggling to feed, some pain free rehabilitation and chiropractic care can be beneficial to get those neurological pathways to the brain firing more effectively.

4) CLICKING WHILE SUCKLING

Babies can present with dribbling of milk or making clicking noises while latched and suckling. This is most commonly due to neuromusculoskeletal impairment causing weak vacuum, or a floppy soft palate. Impaired temporomandibular joint (TMJ) range of motion and muscle imbalances can limit or impair the baby’s ability to latch effectively and create a vacuum.

There are 3 cranial nerves which govern the muscles of the pharynx, palate, and tongue;

all of which facilitate the complex mechanism of sucking, swallowing and breathing in young infants. A 4th cranial nerve that contains all the sensory fibres supplying the mouth and tongue also supplies some muscles of mastication. It is thought that cranial and upper cervical restrictions (which can influence the cranial nerves through the upper cervical ganglia and can lead to neurological dysfunction) results in motor imbalance in these muscles; or in the case of the sensory nerve, the baby could experience facial pain while sucking.

Chiropractic adjustments treat joint dysfunctions which improve overall communication between the central and peripheral nervous system, thereby optimising function of the nervous system. It is thought that the regulation has influence on somato-autonomic reflexes and can switch the nervous system from a stressed, sympathetic state to a rest and digest, parasympathetic state which is why babies are always much calmer after being adjusted.

The best course of action is to get babies assessed while they are still young, as the problems are easier to fix. Get on top of any pressing issues and make use of all the professionals available to get through the difficult periods more quickly and with greater ease. Breastfeeding struggles don’t need to become insurmountable and in many cases can be resolved.

KID’S CAMPING

Summer camping in Aotearoa, when done right, can be a ton of fun. It creates great memories for children and is one of the best ways to spend time together as a family or with family friends.

For the last four years, my husband and I have joined some of our closest friends on a week-long camping trip to the crystal-clear shores of Whananaki, on a DOC campsite. It is beach camping at its best, and we camp pretty comfortably with a couple of BBQs, pantry units, stove tops, a fairly equipped kitchen and even the kitchen sink! You could say we go glamping...of sorts.

In the years we have done this, we have seen our friends come to camp pregnant, with a newborn, and eventually see them grow year by year, with their children learning to crawl, walk, and talk from one year to the next. Being together in such close quarters with candid children, we have seen most of it (we think!)— the good, the great, and the reality of children. We have seen beautiful family moments of building sandcastles (which we have been a part of), snorkelling in the shallows for fish, flexi bin baths and bedtime stories in their tents.

8 TIPS WHEN CAMPING WITH CHILDREN

1. From what I have experienced looking from the outside and spending time with our friends’ children, here are some things I have found helpful to note. You might find this useful for your next camping trip: You don’t need all the toys— nature is children’s best playground when you’re camping. The water, sand, grass, trees, rocks, shells, and little water creatures are all excellent opportunities for discovery and exploration. But pack some books, craft supplies, and board games in case you encounter rainy days. Check out our previous post about what Papatūānuku has to offer for play.

2. If you’re camping with family friends, try not to have a large group and make sure you and your children all get along. We’ve found 5 families (2-3 children per family) is a sweet spot, if you need an indication.

3. Good beds are important if you’re camping for more than just a couple of nights. We used airbeds in the past, but this year we upgraded to a double stretcher so we didn’t have to reinflate the bed every two days.

4. Plan a couple of experiences for the children but allow for plenty of free play because that’s when curiosity and discovery happens.

5. Don’t pack glassware and make sure your camping

gear isn’t fragile. If you’re camping for more than a couple of nights, take a portable BBQ— you won’t regret it. Also invest in a good chilly bin because one of these will keep your frozen food solid for the better part of a week if packed well. For a few more camping essentials, Kidspot has you covered with some great tips.

6. If you’re camping with an infant or toddler, bring a stroller— really helpful for nap times when you can wheel them around the campgrounds till they go to sleep. A baby carrier or a front pack is also a good alternative to keep them close and build that sense of security in an unknown place.

7. If you’re tenting, be sure to use a tent that has plenty of headroom when you stand. Crouching around in a tent is not fun in the middle of the night when your child needs you. When children are really young, you’ll want to be in the same tent with them so something that has partitions is helpful. You might decide they could sleep in a pup tent a little later on and use that extra space you now have in your tent for a wet-weather activities room.

8. Make outdoor dining fun! All your meals need not come from a tin or a packet. You can have wellbalanced and nutritional meals while camping. How? Frozen meals are the answer— make them the week before you go camping to allow them to freeze nicely. And when you get to camp, all you have to do is defrost your meal of choice and add veggies fresh off the grill or salads. Further, if all the families are having the same thing for dinner, you’ll cut down on prep time, which means more time around the dinner table. Pro tip: meals that freeze well include nachos, curry, and mac n’ cheese.

If you’re camping and tramping, you’ll want to pack a little lighter than you would if you were to drive to a spot. Tots to Teens provide some practical help in this area. But however you do it, remember, this is meant to be fun and adventure filled. So arm yourself with a good knowledge of the basics and the above tips, then add a few little extras but don’t go overboard. Start by picking a campsite of your choice— DOC sites are a helpful starting point. Then, figure out what’s there to do and pack accordingly. Throw in a couple of comfort items or a few things that might help your children with familiarity and settling, get the family excited and get on the road!

Finally here’s a shout out to our friends who have prepared us over the years, painting a great picture of camping with family. The only difference between us and them to date is that my husband and I have been the only ones without children...but all that is about to change very soon.

Happy camping this Summer and noho ora mai!

Republished with permission from Kindercare - https:// www.kindercare.co.nz/blog/2020/camping-with-childrenand-family-friends-what-to-know-before-you-go

LUNCHBOX REVIEW

Whether you need a lunchbox for your baby or toddler starting daycare or are looking for a lunchbox for your school kid, there are so many options out there. It can be hard to choose one, and depending on the brand and size they can vary in cost. When deciding which lunchbox is best for your little one, here’s a few things you may want to consider: Will the box be easy for my toddler / pre-schooler / school-age child to open? What type of food will it fit? For example, will it hold a sandwich or an apple? Will it hold a liquid like soup or a thick liquid like yoghurt without leaking? Is it easy to clean? Here’s some popular lunchbox options.

YUM BOX

I have had one of these for both my kids since they were about 1 and love them! Whilst the Yumbox can be expensive, I’ve found it an amazing size lunchbox for my baby and toddler. I find it keeps food fresh all day, because each lunchbox has compartments that seal individually. It’s also great for keeping food separate if you have a child that does not like different foods touching as there are many different compartments. There are various sized Yumboxes and I’ve had the 6 compartment Yumbox for both kids. They are so durable and have survived being thrown multiple times onto concrete by my toddler. You can’t fit a whole yoghurt pot or apple in these, but you can cut up fruit and pour yoghurt into the compartments and these don’t leak.

B.BOX LUNCHBOX

I have just bought one of these for both my toddlers starting daycare soon. The main thing I like is the size; it can fit a lot of food and has room for a whole banana or apple and a whole sandwich. It’s better for bigger eaters or over 3’s due to its size and will be good for my little ones’ whole day at daycare. The quality of the plastic is superb and long-lasting. It will be used by my kids for several years. The waterproof/spill-proof compartments are true to their claim and are leakproof. It’s very easy to clean, with no small crevices for food to hide. It also has a handy wee slicker pad to keep it cool. It is a medium range lunchbox in terms of cost, but is worth the price.

SISTEMA BENTO BOX

These lunchboxes are a great affordable option for a lunchbox and can be found at many supermarkets or the Warehouse. The highlights of this lunchbox are its price point and that you can fit a yoghurt pottle in as well as whole fruit. The Sistema lunch boxes are easy for kids to open, a handy thing to encourage independence.These lunchboxes sadly are not the most durable and often the clips will break or if dropped the lunchbox will crack.

PLANET BOX ROVER

This is a fantastic lunchbox and I would highly recommend it. I haven’t bought one yet for my kids, but I will be buying one for them when they start school. As it’s stainless steel, it is highly durable and will last many years. It is an eco-friendly option which I quite like, as there’s no plastic, and it does fit more food in than a Yumbox. It is extremely pricey and that can put a lot of people off. However if you are investing in a lunchbox and want your toddler to use it at preschool and school, then this is the lunchbox for you.

GOODBYN LUNCH BOX

The Goodbyn lunchbox series is another good choice and is fairly affordable. The size of the lunchbox is generous and can fit in all the food your child might need for the day. Each compartment seals individually which is handy for keeping foods like yoghurt separate and contained. The Goodbyn lunchboxes are extremely durable and last well, they can also handle being thrown. This lunchbox can be a little tricky to clean, but is much easier than some like the Yumbox, which is so fiddly.

Hire a TENS MACHINE

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.

www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz

Sunflower Handprint Craft

YOU WILL NEED:

• Green card

• Yellow card

• Brown Card

(If you don’t have any card, don’t panic. This can be easily made using paint on paper!)

• Brown felt pen

• Scissors

• Pencil

• Some plain paper for your background

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Step One: Cut out the stem and leaves, then stick them to your background.

2. Step Two: Trace around each child’s hands between 4-6 times onto yellow card, then cut out & stick onto the background above the stem.

3. Step Three: Cut a circle of brown card and stick in the middle of your flower, then have fun drawing seeds on with your brown felt pen.

CONFLICTING

Poem by Tamra Pettersen

I love you, my son, I really do, But sometimes I feel like I don’t like you. There are such conflicting feelings inside. Some that are great and some I want to hide. I feel such joy, a warm glow in my chest. I also feel sad, alone and depressed. I don’t know how or why I’m this way. I’d love a break, but I’m sad when you’re away.

I like being wanted, and when you chose Dad, I often am jealous, lonely and mad. Yet when I’ve had a long, demanding day, You’ll cry for “mum” and you want me to stay. I should just enjoy it. I should be so rapt. But instead I am bitter because I feel trapped.

I work hard at cleaning day in and day out. At times I am tempted to throw your toys out. I cook healthy food that you’re supposed to eat, But you’d rather have lollies or another treat. Your emotions are high, and I try to stay calm. But often I think I’m a terrible mom. I get so frustrated and don’t always do right. Especially when you wake in the night.

It hurts to see the tears in your eyes And often I have to apologise. I didn’t know a child could hurt me so much By rejecting me and withholding your touch. Yet you also fill me with such joy and awe That I wonder how I could complain at all.

The years are short; the days are long. I can’t give up; I have to be strong. Though some days I want to just walk away Others are grand and we laugh and we play. And I have to hold on to those good feels Because I never know what tomorrow yields. It’s hard, this job I now have for life, Of being a mum and being a wife.

But you don’t give me advice or make me feel shame For speaking my truth and expressing my pain. Being a child can be tough, too. We’ll do this together, and we’ll make it through.

I open my heart to you, even though it’s hard. Each day I must choose to let down my guard. Some days you treat it with such tender care. Other days you tear it apart, unaware.

My conflicting feelings are part of the deal If I want to give you a love that is real. I hope you know that I’m doing my best. That’s all I can do; I’ll leave God to the rest.

STAGLANDS

By Stephanie Harrod

Introducing…Staglands Wildlife reserve & cafe!

2362 Akatarawa Road, Akatarawa Valley, Upper Hutt 5372

Located only 1.5 hours from Palmerston North - this is the perfect day trip for the whole family. But before I move on to all of the great things about Staglands, I will add a small disclaimer here: the road that Staglands is on (Akatarawa Road) is not for the faint of heart (I may or may not have shed a tear or two on the road). It’s windy, and narrow, suitable for confident (and competent) drivers only.

Alright, moving on - road aside, Staglands is a MUST visit. It is nestled in the scenic Akatarawa Valley and has so much to offer. Their tagline is “connect with nature” and it definitely delivers. It’s reasonably priced, and Three & under are free! Majority of the reserve is pram friendly and accessible, except for one steep hill aka “Staglands Lookout” that is by foot only, however climbing to the top is optional.

The toilet facilities are at the entrance, including a change area for little ones so utilise this before setting off on your adventure (but never fear you can head back to the toilets at any stage). If you are feeling like you need a break, there is a fully licensed, reasonably priced cafe on site with a decent selection or you can pack your own food and drink and sit in the large open dining area that has both indoor and outdoor seating options.

There is so much to explore. From wetlands, barnyard animals, a trout pool, to a little red train for the kids to climb in and play on. There is a recreation of an old bush settlement

which gives insight into the life led by pioneers during early settlement and is an interactive area. Not far from here, there is also an open area where you can access the river, for a little play or to throw rocks. Although they were a bit elusive the day we visited, apparently there are slider turtles that spend sunny days sunbathing down here too. We did see a few ducks and swans down there though. If you are visiting on the weekend, school holidays or public holidays they offer fun tractor trailer rides at certain times (weather permitting). Depending on the time of year you go, you may see some adorable baby animals too - when we visited there were adorable kunekune piglets, and a cheeky kid goat. In a few areas there are free range animals too, so be prepared for them to come up and say hi!

I hope you enjoy your visit to Staglands Wildlife reserve as much as we did!

COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS

Across Te Kotahitanga O Te Wairua

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

Allergy New Zealand

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

Babywearers Manawatu

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/

Brain Injury Association Central Districts

We provide advocacy information and support for people with brain injury, their families, whanau and carers. For more information call (06) 354 3540.

Breastfeeding Help

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.

HOPE

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

Itchy Kids

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

Manawatu Toy Library

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

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.

Palmerston North Breastfeeding support group

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/

Parent to Parent

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.

Plunket Education Services

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.

Reflux Support

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 Charitable Trust

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.

PLAYGROUPS IN YOUR AREA

Please bring your own morning tea and a donation of $2 per child.