Peninsula Kids Winter 2023

PENINSULA KIDS

At Cornish College we believe education goes hand in hand with exploration. Beginning with our 3 Year Old Early Learning program and continuing through to Year 12, our students are encouraged to identify problems and seek out solutions, cultivating their creativity as well as their entrepreneurial spirit.

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Editor and Publisher

Melissa McCullough melissa@mpnews.com.au

Design Sam Loverso sam@mpnews.com.au

Advertising Andy Jukes 0431 950 685 andy@mpnews.com.au

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Proudly published by

Editor Melissa McCullough

Hello from the winter 2023 edition of Peninsula Kids magazine.

As I pen this ed’s letter from the temperature-controlled, dry confines of my car parked at the footy oval watching my daughter practise in the rain, I can’t help but think – better her than me! Ha!

Seriously, I must hand it to these kids. All of them! As witnessed by parents worldwide, our children go out there and give it their all week after week mostly without complaint. Maybe it’s the coaching, maybe it’s the team, or maybe it’s the promise of a warm bubble bath upon returning home. Whichever it is, (I think it’s a combination of all those things), it fills my bucket right up to the top. Ok if we keep the early Saturday morning indoor basketball, though? (See pic below.)

“No animal, according to the rules of animal-etiquette, is ever expected to do anything strenuous, or heroic, or even moderately active during the off-season of winter.”

—Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

Congratulations to the winner of our autumn colouring in comp. Kristina has won a ferry travel aboard Searoad Ferries between Sorrento and Queenscliff. Thanks to Searoad Ferries for this awesome prize. (www. searoad.com.au) Enjoy!

Check out the colouring comp on page 58 for your chance to win a Family Whale Watching pass valued at $460 RRP courtesy of the Island Whale Festival Phillip Island. www.islandwhales.com.au

Why did the whale cross the ocean?

To get to the other tide!

You’re whale-come, PS – If you’re looking for me, I’ll be over here praying to the weather gods for clear skies on Sundays!

AUTUMN 2021

Kristina- age 11

Design Sam Loverso

Digital Anne-Marie Tunks

Cover Photo Amelia

Advertising Andy Jukes

2023

AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION AWARDS

Looking

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Kids of all ages will be entertained for hours with our range of fun activities, including:

Our award winning Aquatic Playground Leisure pools, including a toddler pool

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Learn

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We offer classes from 6 months old to adults. Enrolments for new memberships are now open. To learn more about swimming lesson memberships at PARC, visit our website.

Spotlight

Kidfluencers Culture

An increasing number of parents are 'managing' their kids as paid social media influencers despite the risk of child exploitation.

Building a Business, Raising a Family: Practical Tips for Parent Entrepreneurs

Starting a small business while juggling parenthood can be quite the adventure, but it is possible. The key is to discover the strategies that help you balance the two.

Myth Busters:

Unpacking Common Misconceptions About Our Furry Companions

PETstock experts have compiled an owner’s guide of things you should learn, or perhaps unlearn, about your pets.

16 Why Social Media is so Important to Young People

Social media is here to stay. So how do we help our young people use it in a positive way?

20 3 Ways to Free Yourself of Stress and Worry

Long term stress and worry can activate your fight or flight response. If ignored or pushed away it can damage your health by invoking stress hormones to flood your body.

22 Is My Child an Empath

Is your child intuitive and compassionate? Do they have frequent stomach complaints and have trouble sleeping? Chances are they might be an empath.

kidfluencers

By Dr Catherine Archer

An increasing number of parents are 'managing' their kids as paid social media influencers despite the risk of child exploitation, new Edith Cowan University (ECU) research has found. Dr Catherine Archer’s recent paper published in M/C Journal has shed light on the concerns related to the rising popularity of ‘kidfluencers’ and calls for more frameworks and potential legislation in this mostly unregulated environment.

Dr Archer said toy marketing had evolved and children were now being used to persuade other children and their parents to buy toys via social media. “These are often children of celebrities who develop lucrative partnerships with brands to maximise engagement and ‘selling power’,” she said. “Our study has highlighted key concerns regarding privacy issues, commodification, and gendered and ‘stealth’ marketing of toys to children through ‘advertorials’.”

Toys are big business

The global toy market is projected to grow from $141.08 billion in 2021 to $230.64 billion by 2028. Dr Archer said the rise of the internet, alongside media and digital technologies, had given toy marketers new opportunities to reach children directly, with marketers potentially having access to children 24/7. “Where children’s television once reigned supreme as a vehicle for sales of kids’ brands, the marketing of children’s toys now often hinges on having the right social media influencer, many of them children themselves,” she said.

And Dr Archer explained the expectations and idea of toys themselves may be changing. “’Kidfluencers’ are blurring the lines between what we consider traditional toys with adult objects of desire,” she said. “Highend adult products such as make-up, cars and clothes for ‘dressing-up’ are being promoted by stealth, alongside more traditional toys.”

YouTube – the world’s most popular babysitter?

YouTube is now the medium of choice for most children, even more so than television, with data from the e-Safety commission in 2018 showing that 80 per cent of children aged 8-12, and 86 per cent of teens use the site. Dr Archer said the use of children as influencers on YouTube to market toys through toy review videos is now common, but she was concerned about advertising disguised as entertainment for children. “Toy review videos have become an important force in children’s media, in terms of economics, culture and for brands,” Dr Archer said. “However, these reviews are not critical in the traditional sense of reviews; they can be a combination of review, branded content and entertainment.”

The most popular toy review channels have millions of subscribers, and their hosts constitute some of YouTube’s top earners. “Ryan’s World is probably the most well-known, with conservative estimates putting 10-year-old Ryan Kanji’s family earnings at $25 million annually,” Dr Archer said.

Insta-’kidfluencers’ on the rise

Although YouTube is the most popular social media platform for most children, Instagram is also a site where many children and teens spend time. A report from US-based Business Insider in 2021 indicated that 40 per cent of children under 13 already use Instagram, despite the platform only being for people aged 13 and over.

Given the rise of Instagram as a site for the marketing of toys to children by children, and the lack of academic research on this, Dr Archer’s research paper looked at two case studies of prominent child social media influencers on Instagram in Australia (Pixie and Hunter Curtis), who are managed by their mother (Roxy Jacenko), and who regularly promote toys.

Dr Archer said analysis of these children’s Instagram pages showed highly gendered promotion of toys and posts that regularly blur the lines between adult and child items of desire. “The children promote a variety of high-end, aspirational tween, teen, and adult ‘toys’, including clothes, make-up, skincare and expensive cars,” she said. “Gender stereotyping has been found in adult influencer content and researchers have also pointed to sexualisation of young girl influencers on Instagram. Our research with these case studies potentially echoes these findings.”

Protection is needed

Though France introduced laws regarding children working as ‘kidfluencers’ last year, few regulations to protect children are in place in the rest of the world, including Australia. Dr Archer said more frameworks and, potentially, laws are needed, but acknowledged the pleasure children gain from engaging with social media and believes introducing regulation won’t be easy. “Children gain playful enjoyment and entertainment from their time on social media, following and watching other children and adults,” she said. “However, gendered marketing of toys and increased focus on appearance for girls through Instagram can be harmful to children’s self-esteem, and there are concerns regarding the continued commodification of childhood.

“More research is needed, and perhaps a good place to start would be to talk to children about their views on the content they consume; often commercially focused advertorials masquerading as cute content.”

Dr Catherine Archer is a researcher and senior lecturer specialising in strategic communication at Edith Cowan University. Catherine’s current research interests include social media, particularly related to families, health, influencers and ethics. Catherine has published in academic journals and presented at many international conferences.

Building a Business, Raising a Family:

By Jo Violeta

Starting a small business while juggling parenthood can be quite the adventure. As a mum who owns a small business with my husband, Carl, I understand the challenges and rewards. When my youngest was still a baby, I attend networking events with him strapped to my chest in a carrier, and I worked when he napped.

It can sometimes feel like you don't have enough time or energy to do parenting and business as well. But it is possible. The key is to discover the strategies that help you balance the two.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Kate Toon, an awardwinning entrepreneur, business mentor, and author of "Six Figures in School Hours - How to run a successful business and still be a good

LET GO OF GUILT

Kate emphasises banishing parent guilt and accepting that there's no one 'right' way to be a parent. "Remember, there's no perfect way to be a parent but a million ways to be a good one. And remember that until around the 1680s, there was no real notion of either parenting or childhood! Working and earning money is just a part of life. Cut yourself some slack; if your kids are clean, fed, loved and relatively happy most of the time, that has to be enough."

Instead of holding onto guilt in your business, prioritise progress and connection over perfection. Do the best you can with the resources and time you have right now. You've got to start somewhere, and your business will evolve. When we launched Violeta Finance, we didn't have beautifully branded photography, a gorgeous website, and

Practical Tips for Parent Entrepreneurs

MANAGE TIME EFFECTIVELY

Being realistic about available time is crucial. Kate suggests being honest about the hours you can devote to work after factoring in various commitments and productivity levels. Setting achievable goals and avoiding overcommitment will lead to a healthier work-life balance.

"For me, the biggest shift in creating balance between parenting and business was to be more honest with myself about time. I may like to think I have 30 hours a week between pick up and drop off to work, but when I factor in sick days, tradies, life admin and my productivity levels, I really only have 15 billable hours a week."

AVOID COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS

Comparing yourself to others can be detrimental. Everyone's circumstances are unique, and focusing on others' advantages won't benefit you. Remember, your journey is your own, and it's important to be patient, take time for yourself, and prioritise what you need.

"I think it's important as a parent and a business owner not to compare yourself with others. You don't know their circumstances, supportive partner, generational wealth, easy to manage kids, lots of help around the house or in the office. This is your adventure, your experience. Yes, you can have it all, but maybe not all today. Be patient, take the time YOU need and remember the world will wait," Kate explains.

FIND A SUPPORT NETWORK

Establishing boundaries between work and family life is vital. Delegate tasks when necessary and foster a supportive work environment. Building a reliable support network and seeking help can improve a healthy work-life balance.

In the first few years of our business, Carl and I did everything ourselves, from marketing to bookkeeping, customer service and data entry. This is common in the start-up phase of a business. A business can take a while to generate a decent income, so outsourcing or hiring staff isn't an option for many businesses initially.

The first task we outsourced was bookkeeping, followed by data entry. Later, we built an in-house team. We also joined business networking groups to find support from a community of like-minded people.

Parenthood and entrepreneurship can coexist with the right balance. Remember that there is no perfect way to be a parent or run a business, but there are countless ways to be successful at both. By acknowledging your limitations, staying focused on your own journey, and building a support system, you can navigate the adventure of parenthood and small business ownership with confidence and fulfilment.

To learn more, you can purchase Kate Toon's book, "Six Figures in School Hours - How to run a successful business and still be a good parent," vist the website: www.sixfiguresinschoolhours.com.au

Jo and Carl Violeta are self-confessed numbers nerds, parents of an energetic toddler and a super switched-on teenager, and co-founders of the awardwinning business, Violeta Finance. They are a husband and wife team who are passionate about empowering their community with financial education, love the odd glass of wine, and get a kick out of helping families achieve their homeownership and financial dreams.

Myth yth BUSTERS

Can you really teach an old dog new tricks? We’ve all heard some classic stereotypes about our furry fourlegged friends and whilst most of them are harmless, there are some common myths that should be debunked.

To help everyone know the difference between fact and fiction, PETstock experts have compiled an owner’s guide of things you should learn, or perhaps unlearn, about your pets.

Myth yth 1

Dogs eat grass because they feel sick and need to induce vomiting

Seeing your pet eat grass might seem alarming at first, but it can actually be beneficial.

“Sometimes dogs eat grass to pass stool,” says PETstock Vet, Dr Tara Morris. “Grass is filled with dietary fibre, and a lack of it means that your dog might not be able to relieve itself properly. Eating grass can help them do just that.”

So whilst eating grass is not bad news, like all things, eating in large amounts is not recommended, nor is consuming grass treated with pesticides and chemicals.

“If you do find your dog throwing up after eating grass, they may have some other underlying medical problems, like gastric reflux. In these situations, make sure to visit your local vet so that they can diagnose the issue and administer appropriate treatment.”

Myth yth 2

Cats won’t socialise with any other animals, especially dogs

It's a common misconception that cats and dogs can’t get along at home. In fact, when socialized appropriately, they can actually become the best of friends.

“Cats are often seen as independent animals, and dogs usually make for more social house pets, so it’s easy to see how their personalities might clash,” says PETstock Ambassador and Dog Behaviourist, Lara Shannon.

When introducing the two species, there are some tips to assist their first few interactions.

“Introduce them in baby steps,” says Lara. “First let them settle in separate rooms to take in new stimuli and let them know of each other’s presence.”

On their first face-to-face meet up let them gently approach each other, whilst controlling your dog with a lead as needed, and rewarding calm behaviour. Never force interactions between any animals.

After several days of increased interactions and rewards, you’ll sense that both animals are trusting each other’s presence. But like all training, it won’t happen overnight.

“This whole process can take up to weeks, or months even. So be patient, don’t rush it and let the full process run its course. Plus, be mindful that some dogs with certain instinctual needs and traits may never be suitable to leave alone with a cat,” Lara says.

Unpacking common misconceptions about our furry companions

Myth yth 3

Dogs who have dry noses are sick

Dogs tend to have naturally wet noses. However having a dry nose does not necessarily mean any cause for alarm.

“There are many reasons why dogs have dry noses which aren’t related to overall health,” says Dr Tara. “For example, dogs can have dry noses because they’ve been outside.”

A dry nose is generally not a sign of concern. But if you see other physical changes alongside a dry nose, like lethargy, loss of appetite or general restlessness, then it’s best to address these concerns with your local vet.

Myth yth 5

Myth yth 4

Dogs age seven 7 for every human year

This calculation in converting animal years to human years has been used for decades to convey how much faster dogs age comparatively to a human.

“Our buddies do age quicker than us because their lifespans are shorter, but we know now that it's not simply by multiplying their age by seven,” says Dr Tara.

Rather, the more accurate conversion is that 15 human years roughly equal their first year of life, their second year equates to approximately nine human years, whilst each year after that is equated to approximately five human years.

However, since different species have different average lifespans, it shouldn’t be used as a be-all or end-all calculation.

“We can use these numbers to roughly estimate our pets' real age and take better care of them as they get to their ‘older years’, but it should really be used as more of a guide. You should try to have yearly check-ups regardless of their ‘human’ age.”

Dogs only see black and white

“Actually, dogs have the receptor cells to see colours on the blue and yellow spectrum, meaning that they see most things in muted variations of blue and yellow,” says Dr Tara.

Though they can’t see colours like humans, there is one thing that they do beat humans at.

“Canines have more of the cells to detect light than we do, so whilst they can’t see a rainbow, they’re able to see in the dark much better than us.”

social media is so

Arguably the biggest difference between our own teenage years and those of our children, social media is here to stay. So how do we help our young people use it in a positive way?

Things aren't so different today as you might think

If the world of social media seems daunting, it might help to think back to when you were growing up yourself.

Remember how you loved chatting to your friends on the bus and at recess? Or the hours when you’d hog your family’s one phone (probably in the hallway) and keep your voice low in the hope that your secrets weren’t overheard?

How about when you’d buy new clothes – and spend hours trying them on in front of the mirror in your room, practising different ‘looks’? And how important it was, when your friends saw your new outfit, that they’d think it was ‘cool’?

Girls, no matter what generation, love to spend time with their girlfriends, sharing secrets and talking about fashions and heartthrobs. One benefit of social media is its capacity to amplify a young person’s ability to share, care and compare. It allows them to focus on the things that have always been important to young people: their secrets, image, looks and insecurities. No wonder teenage girls have been shown to be some of the heaviest users of social media.

The positive and negative effects of social media

There's a growing body of evidence about the pros and cons of social media use. Research in June 2012 at the University of Georgia found that the millions of people who log on to social networking sites daily may well be boosting their self-esteem in the process. Feeling connected to others and being in control of how you’re seen by others may have a positive effect on how you see yourself.

On the downside, a study in June 2013 at the University of Michigan found it was students with narcissistic tendencies who posted most often, using social media to boost their egos and control other people’s perceptions of them – something that could have a dangerous impact on young girls.

important to young people

Another study, from Flinders University in Australia, found a correlation between the amount of time teenage girls spend online and low selfesteem and dissatisfaction with their body image (although cause and effect cannot be proven). In interviewing more than 1,000 high-school girls, researchers also found social media intensified conversations about appearance.

Almost half (46%) of the girls in the survey, including those who fit in with societal expectations of a 'normal weight', were dissatisfied with their body size. This suggests worries about body image are prevalent among girls no matter what their body size is, over and above societal factors.

Research from Stanford University linked too much screen-time and constant social media juggling with negative feelings and experiences. Girls who were social media multi-taskers were less socially adequate and more likely to have friends whom their parents considered bad influences.

Parents need to be aware of social media's positive potential, as well as its dangers, and approach it in a realistic, rather than fearful, way. This means asking appropriate questions, helping our children navigate their social networks, and trusting our instincts about when things might be going wrong.

The importance of digital downtime

FOMO – ‘Fear of Missing Out’ – is a big worry for young people. Some check their social media almost constantly to make sure they're always up to speed with what's happening in their circle.

However essential your child feels their social networks are, you can, and should, keep a check on their use of social media and set some house rules. For example, discourage them from logging-on late at night or using their smartphone after lights-out, so that they can 'switch off' before bedtime and get enough sleep.

Try to understand the importance of technology in your child’s life, but also remind them of the benefits of switching off sometimes. Why not suggest you have family time that's device-free – for ALL of you?

Encourage them to spend time on other activities, such as hobbies, sports and face-to-face interactions with friends. This will remind them that feelings of satisfaction, wellbeing and achievement can come from things outside social media, strengthening their sense of self and confidence in their inner qualities.

Action checklist How to avoid the negative effects of social networking among young people

• Encourage your child to value what’s real and what really matters

Remind them that social media is often like a showreel of life’s best bits –attention-grabbing and carefully edited. Real life isn't like that

• Talk to your child about the difference between real-life friendships and 'friends' on social media

Ask them:

What would a true friend do for you?

How many truly close friends do you have?

What makes a friendship work?

What are the hallmarks of true friendship?

What's the difference between a friend and an acquaintance – and how many of the people you 'know' through social media are the latter, not the former?

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• Encourage them to think carefully about what they share on social networks

Help your child recognise that social media ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ aren’t necessarily true friends or even acquaintances, and therefore they should be careful about what they post

• Prioritise good friendships in your own life

Be positive about the place your friends have in your life. Make sure your child knows how much you value your own closest friends – a wider network is great, but not the same as a dependable inner circle

• Periodically review your child’s internet safety

As well as checking the privacy settings on all her social networking profiles. Remind them not to share her name and address, nor any provocative photos, school details, parents’ contact information, or anything else that might help strangers identify them. Why not create a home social networking contract that you both sign?

• Discuss the long-term nature of the internet with them

Help them realise that online means forever – they can’t change something once it's been shared even if it appears like it has been erased at the time

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to Free Yourself of Stress and Worry 3Ways

CHANGEYOUR PERSPECTIVE

By Inna Segal

Long term stress and worry can activate your fight or flight response. Whilst this reaction can be useful when you need to deal with immediate danger, if ignored or pushed away it can damage your health by invoking stress hormones like cortisol to flood your body. If you’re looking for ways to free yourself from stress, here are three suggestions:

If worry is taking over your life, then you need to change your point of view. Become aware of how you are dramatising the situation, buying into fear and letting it control you and look for a different option.

You can ask yourself, ‘What is a more empowered way to relate to this situation?’. Fear can be a wonderful servant that keeps you alive or a cunning master that sabotages your growth. For instance, when you cross the road perhaps fear of an accident makes you stop and look at where you are going. However, to live your life from a perspective of fear is dangerous, limiting and stressful.

CLARIFYYOUR INTENTION

1 2

It is important to recognise that you have a choice to worry about something or not. To make a choice not to worry, you need to learn how to clarify your intention, communicate it to Divine Intelligence and the people around you and then be willing to let go and trust.

For example, you may say, ‘Divine Intelligence, please give me practical ways to increase my income,’ or ‘Please bring people into my life who will assist me with my workload so that I can spend more time with my children.’ Your requests can be simple or elaborate. The important thing is to be willing to ask for help, let go of worry and trust that help is on its way.

This does not mean that help will arrive the second you ask. This is one of the steps that allow you to recognise that you need to ask for support. The next step is to look for or talk to the appropriate people who might be able to offer you assistance or advice. Then apply this advice and take appropriate action.

The only way out of worry is to shift your focus from a problem to a possible solution. Once you shift your focus from a limited point of view to an expanded point of view, your own wisdom, Divine Intelligence and other people can give you new insights on how you can do things differently.

Sometimes the only thing you need to change is how you perceive a challenge and your reaction to it. Discovering a balanced perspective can make a tremendous difference to your thinking, emotional and energetic state and can help you to relax. Other times you may need to move, talk to appropriate people, ask for help, learn something new, make a decision, take action, rest, meditate etc.

Worry makes people feel helpless, hopeless and victimised. When you change your perspective from stress to strength you begin to feel stronger, more confident and capable of creating real change in your life. You also become more courageous, daring and creative, willing to use your skills to contribute to others and thus become more fulfilled and happy.

Inna Segal is a bestselling, award winning author of several books and cards on wellness and healing. Her new book, Understanding Modern Spirituality (Rockpool Publishing $29.99), is now available where all books are sold and online at www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au

Dr Peter Scott and Associates are specialist orthodontists offering orthodontic care for children, teens and adults alike in both the Mornington Peninsula and inner Melbourne.

Dr Peter Scott is also a consultant at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Creating

By Kim Norton

empath

Is your child constantly told that they are too sensitive or too emotional? Are you finding yourself or others telling them to just “Get over it You’ll be right”? Are they intuitive and compassionate? Do they have frequent stomach complaints and have trouble sleeping? Chances are they might be an empath but what is the difference between our child showing empathy (as most kids will do) and them being an empath?

HERE ARE MY TOP 13 SIGNS:

They are sensitive to the feelings and emotions of those around them. They often feel overwhelmed or anxious in crowded or noisy environments.

They are intuitive, meaning they can pick up on subtle cues and body language to read emotions. They can tell when you're lying.

They will often have a maturity beyond their years.

They will typically avoid conflict and may have a challenging time standing up for themselves. (Often the target of bullying).

They are compassionate and natural helpers and may go out of their way to assist others, even if it means sacrificing their own needs. As such they will be the first one to help in the classroom or schoolyard and usually play the role of “counsellor” in their friendship group.

They are intense thinkers and have a vivid imagination.

7. They may become drained or overwhelmed when engaging with intense emotions. They will have strong reactions to sad or scary scenes in movies and books.

8. They will often have a strong connection to nature and may find peace spending time outdoors and/or with their pets.

9 They require a lot of alone time to recharge and process their emotions. They will want to withdraw to their room or another quiet place to recharge and need to do this on a regular basis to escape any sensory input.

10. They will react to sensory symptoms: Loud noises, sudden moves, bright lights, different fabrics, and smells can do more than just annoy our empathic kids; they can actually prohibit them from performing everyday tasks.

11. They will display physical symptoms: May experience physical symptoms in response to others' emotions, such as a sore throat, ear infections and headaches. Stomach aches and nausea are particularly common with our empathic kids as this is the area (think Solar Plexus Chakra) where we feel and process the emotions of others. Food allergies are also common.

12. They will display emotional symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, outbursts of anger and quick to anger “she goes from 0-100 in a flash” can all be signs of emotional dysregulation in our empathic kids. Poor quality of sleep and/or lack of sleep is also common.

13 Our Empath Kids are often labelled as Autistic, having Sensory Processing Disorder, Depression, Anxiety and/or ADHD.

SO HOW CAN I HELP MY LITTLE EMPATH TO MANAGE THEIR EMPATHY OVERLOAD?

1 Teach them to manage their stress using breathing exercises like belly breathing or 4 count breathing.

2 Practise mindfulness and meditation with them.

3 Develop a good bedtime routine allowing ample time to wind down before sleep.

4 Help them identify and manage their emotions through journaling.

5 Set up a calm down space for them where they can retreat and relax. Include a list of calming activities they can do here along with the resources to complete the activities.

6 Encourage and validate their interests and passions, such as art or music, to help them express and process their emotions.

7 Communicate. Sit down at the dinner table and ask open ended questions like “Tell me something that made you happy today.” Get them out of their heads and communicating.

8 Encourage them to get outside in the fresh air and to go barefoot when and where appropriate.

9 Get them to exercise daily even if for just 10-15 minutes.

10 Help them develop further techniques for managing stress and anxiety, such as reframing negative thinking and the use of “I am” affirmations to assert who they are and who they want to be.

11 Use crystals. What kid does not love crystals. These can be used for grounding, increasing confidence and in a spray form to clear their environment.

Whether your child proves to be an empath or “just” a sensitive kid, the way we parent them to ensure that their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing needs are being met, remains the same. Follow the advice above and most importantly, validate them, show them how to love and accept themselves for who they are and how to embrace and work with their sensitivities.

Kim is the founder of Rainbow Light Therapies and is a Holistic and Spiritual Counsellor specialising in stress and anxiety management for kids, teens, and adults. Kim provides a unique, intuitive, and individualised therapy approachthrough individual, small group, and family counselling sessions bothonline and at her studio in Langwarrin. Also working with special needs kids, Kim runs sessions and workshops for people of all abilities on assorted topics throughout the year. www.rainbowlighttherapies.com.au

Julie Fisher

Julie Fisher is a local mum who, in 2019, realised a dream of writing her first book titled The Unexpected Journey.

In this book, Julie shares her family’s journey with their youngest son Darcy who lives with Down syndrome. She talks about the prenatal diagnosis they received, support, schooling for their son and embracing the beauty of disability.

In 2021, Julie published her second book The Magic of Inclusion where she shares their experiences with inclusion and acceptance in everyday community access like shopping. She shares the strategies she uses with her son to deal with some of the judgement they have faced.

At the end of her second book, Julie includes views from some of her friends on the topic of inclusion and acceptance. The feedback she has received from her books are of thanks for sharing an insight into her world as well as other families thanking her for sharing their experiences.

Since writing her books, Julie has hosted a local disability expo in Langwarrin and will be hosting the second this year on 28 October. She is also now working with families, hosting workshops, and hosts a radio show titled The Unexpected Journey on local radio station RPPFM.

Julie has also begun to build a community where she can further support families and help them by having service and support providers come along to talk to the group in the hope that they will also be able to help and support these families.

Through Julie’s connections during Covid, and hearing others’ stories, she thought it would be good to share their journeys and that is when From the Hearts of Mums was created.

Julie has put together a beautiful book of 13 stories from Mums around the world who care for children with Down syndrome. The stories in this book are honest, raw and filled with love.

Julie shares a little from her third book…

Since the publication of my previous books, The Unexpected Journey and The Magic of Inclusion I have received many comments from people who enjoyed reading about our journey and learning how important it is for our son Darcy to be treated as any other person would like to be treated.

Many also expressed how they didn’t realise that inclusion and acceptance, even though things are much better than many years ago, is still often lacking. People are genuinely surprised when I share stories of what we and our friends have experienced and have had to deal with from people.

The feedback from my books is overwhelmingly one of gratitude for sharing and providing an insight into our world. Many people say they really enjoy hearing about the world we live in and getting to know our son Darcy a little more.

Sharing our story gives an insight into our experiences. However, everyone’s stories are different. I decided it was important to also share the stories of other families, and the idea for this book was born.

Inside, you will hear from 13 families, and you will see their stories are different from ours, even though we all travel along the same road. You will also see that each and every one of us has the same wants for our loved ones.

We want them to be accepted for who they are. We want them to have the opportunity to shine and try all the things in life they would like to try. We want them to be part of all the things that most of us take for granted.

Our children and those we care for deserve to live life as everyone else does, even though there may be some obstacles and challenges in the way. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable in whatever it is they choose to do.

You will see that all of the families in this book have had to advocate for their loved ones in many different ways and you will notice how experiences can vary depending on where they live.

I am honoured these beautiful families have shared their journeys with me in this book.

I hope you enjoy hearing their stories from all over the world as much as I did.

Julie is very passionate about raising awareness for inclusion and acceptance as well as Down syndrome. She wants people to understand that her son and others with disability are people and they deserve to be able to live their lives like everyone else.

In this book, From the Hearts of Mums, you will hear that the mums who share their stories want the same for their children.

• Providing Specialist Orthodontic Services to the Mornington Peninsula with three locations in Rosebud, Mount Eliza and Hastings.

• The very best in Orthodontic care and technology

- clear braces, Invisalign, lingual (hidden) braces.

• Treatment provided in a relaxed environment.

• Highest quality care provided by our Orthodontist. 9787

You can follow Julie at www.facebook.com/theunexpectedjourneybook www.facebook.com/JulieFisherFamilySupportServices

-Kenneth Branagh

WinterDays to celebrate

4 JUNE

Hug Your Cat Day

A day for people to let their cats know that they are loved by embracing them in a warm hug. Hugging cats can also have health benefits. Studies have shown that giving your cat a cuddle can reduce stress and help you relax.

Did You Know…

Pucker up and give everyone you can a big kiss today! Theory suggests that kissing is an instinct that humans have had throughout the history of humankind! Kissing can be a sign of respect, greeting, friendship or love.

Did You Know…

…that two-thirds of people tilt their heads to the right while kissing?

National Cheesecake Day

Cheesecakes are believed to have originated in ancient Greece. Whether baked or chilled, they have become a restaurant and bakery staple around the world. Treat yourself to a slice or two today!

Did You Know…

AUG

World Photo Day

Photography dates back to around 1827 when people found a way to permanently capture a scene on a surface using chemicals that reacted to light. Digital technology has made it easier than ever to take a "snapshot".

Did You Know…

…that 12 Hasselblad cameras were left on the Moon by various missions, to compensate for the weight of the moon rocks brought back to earth?

Source: www.timeanddate.com

other

6 JULY Children are supported to freely immerse themselves in a variety of art & craft activities. Unique programs allow children to imagine,explore, see things differently and experiment with new ways of doing. Build self - esteem, grow confidence and discover and value their robynsroom.com.au 0404 848 226 Fun,Creative after school Art and Craft Programs for children 5 yrs+ Come and join the fun! Our multi-award winning classes will introduce you and your baby (or babies) to a world of sensory delights, where you can learn about your baby's development, spend quality time with each other and enjoy meeting

Nodiee Sleep Assistant Smart Pro

The Nodiee Sleep Assist Smart Pro delivers sleep support and seamless app control - for sweet dreams. Portability, user-friendly functionality, the ability to customise preferred daily sleep programs, as well as 34 unique sounds and frequencies to choose and 9 light colours, including two rainbow settings, makes Nodiee unique.

Nodiee Sleep Assist Smart Pro

RRP: $119.95 nodiee.com

SmidgeCo

Created by husband-and-wife team Stuart and Shannon Nixon, SmidgeCo sells sustainable oral hygiene products, with ranges for both the young and young at heart that not only look good but do good for the planet.

SmidgeCo’s products include monster themed bamboo toothbrushes, bubblegum flavoured toothpaste (without SLS and other nasties) in biodegradable tubes, and biodegradable charcoal dental floss.

The round natural rubber latex nipple is designed to resemble the shape and size of the mother’s soft nipple and promotes a similar tongue placement and sucking technique when breastfeeding. Designed to support natural breastfeeding. Available in two sizes – size 1 for 0+ months and size 2 for 6+ months. Shield made of 100% safe food-grade natural rubber latex. Nipple Valve - lets out air when the baby closes, flattening the nipple to naturally shape the baby's oral cavity. Shield –round & lightweight and slightly fits the mouth to ensure minimum contact with the baby's nose and mouth

RRP: 2-pack $22.99 kollektivestore.com.au

Squishy Squad Dolls

From Headstart International it’s time to join the Squishy Squad for stretchy, squidgy fun!

Choose your favourite member of the Squishy Squad - or collect them ALL! They’re available NOW at Kmart stores across Australia.

These collectible, tactile toys are perfect to touch - PLUS their stretchy, squeezable, stress-relieving benefits are SO satisfying, for both adults and children alike!

Squishy Squad Dolls RRP: $15

Squishy Squad Pals RRP: $10.00 headstartint.com

AND KIDS STUFF

Kids Warehouse consignment store celebrating 23 years

GAIA

It’s not everyday you come across a brand that has helped support mums and millions of babies during their infancy stage across the country. Here in Australia, that’s the reality for GAIA Natural Baby, Australian-owned and Australian-made, for 21 years. Each product is carefully considered, ensuring its ingredients benefit the skin’s structure as babies’ skin is extremely sensitive in its early developmental stages as well as mum's pre and post natal. Wherever possible, GAIA skincare contains pure, natural and organic ingredients.

E45

The one million Australians who suffer from skin conditions such as dry and itchy skin now have better access to expert skincare from British brand E45 which is dominating Australian pharmacies.

Condition-prone skin sufferers can put their trust in E45, who for over 70 years has been the proven dermatological expert in dry and itchy skin, and has treated millions of individuals’ skin conditions globally.

E45 is stocked at Chemist Warehouse, TerryWhite Chemist, Priceline and other leading pharmacies.

Monday-Friday: 9.30am-5pm

Saturday:-10am-3pm

Sunday: CLOSED 4/2 Amayla Cres Carrum Downs

Kin Fertility’s ‘The Prenatal’

Kin Fertility is dedicated to empowering women and their health journeys by providing accessible healthcare on their terms. By providing trusted resources to inform suitable decision-making based on your needs, Kin aims to boost women’s daily routines with small changes but big impacts.

Kin has created The Prenatal, an essential for pre-conception and pregnancy, to give you and bub the best possible start. Kin’s Prenatal has been formulated with 12 bioavailable ingredients, and unlike other pregnancy vitamins, it includes low-constipation iron for blood health, omega-3 for brain growth, and choline for brain function.

RRP: $45.00 kinfertility.com.au

The Alphabet of Awesome Science at the FAC

Join professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science Freak) for a thrilling voyage through the alphabet – where great big chewy sesquipedalian words inspire mind-blowing scientific surprises.

Presented by: Frankston Arts Centre and That Science Gang as part of the 2023 FAC Season Suitable for ages 5-12 years and their families. Friday, 07 July 2023 | 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Family (4 tickets) $100 thefac.com.au

kidswarehouse.com.au

Dove Kidscare

Created with the expert knowledge of dermatologists, Dove Kids Care products contain 100% skin-natural nutrients that are identical to those found naturally in the skin. Made specially for kids with tear-free, hypoallergenic formulas and fun colours and fragrances, the new body washes are free from harmful preservatives and synthetic ingredients such as parabens, sulfates and phthalates.

The new Dove Kids Care Foaming Body Wash range is a part of the Dove Self-Esteem Project, aiming to help ¼ of a billion young people build self-esteem from 2004 to 2030 by championing a healthy and positive sense of wellness.

400ml Berry Smoothie and Cotton Candy scents. Available at Woolworths stores nationally and online.

RRP: $13.00

woolworths.com.au

IZIMINI

Got a little one who won't sit still? Maybe it's because... they're sitting on the wrong seat! Introducing the coolest, comfiest baby chair in Australia: the IZIMINI Baby Chair. This sweet little seat doesn't just do its best work at the beach. It’s also perfect for picnics, campsites, backyard barbies, and just chilling out at home (it’s even high-chair adaptable).

Izimini’s Signature Baby Chairs are suited for 6 months old to 15 kilos and cutest, lightweight mini chairs that are ideal for camping trips, days at the beach or picnics at the park, or simply in the backyard!

RRP: $85.00

izimini.com

School is even better with a Buddy

Positive and healthy relationships are a priority at Balcombe Grammar School. Our values of Optimism, Inclusion, Curiosity, Compassion, and Confidence underpin all we do, and our evidence-based wellbeing programs support our students through their schooling journey.

One program that exemplifies this, is our Buddy Program. Balcombe began in 2007, with 34 students from Years 4-7. It was then that Balcombe Buddies were born. Each Foundation student is carefully matched with a Year 5 student who has undergone Better Buddy Training (Alannah & Madelaine Foundation). The students are based in the same building and connect regularly.

Year 5 student Savannah says “I especially love when she asks me to watch her new trick on the monkey bars" and Lila “loves helping them grow up to be a kind and considerate person”.

The Balcombe Buddy Program allows students to continue to be buddies all the way through to Year 12, forging positive relationships. Year 12 student, Matilda, is “immensely happy that I am still connected with my little buddy, now that I am in Year 12" and Emily, says, “having three ‘generations’ of buddies in the school is an opportunity not many get, and I feel grateful to have the buddy program, as I recognise that we can all learn from each other, regardless of age”.

Buddies catch-up periodically and are involved in cherished activities that have become rites of passage, such as Year 10 students leading Year 5s for a day of their City Camp. Year 10 student Leah said, “it was an experience I will never forget.”

Having both an older and younger buddy at school has many benefits. It gives the students

the opportunity to lead and to seek advice. It builds connection, confidence and resilience and enhances social and emotional skills. The tradition of Year 2, 7 and 12 students working together on creating ANZAC Poppies for the ANZAC service demonstrates this well.

Students develop social skills, which helps to reduce issues. Year 12 student Mischa feels “so grateful that I can be someone that the Year 7s feel comfortable to come and talk to and I love that I get to be a small part of their journey here at Balcombe.”

W:

balcombegrammar.vic.edu.au

John Paul College Frankston has opened its brand new senior learning building, the Chaminade Centre. The Centre is part of the Stage 1 Building Works of the College's ten year Masterplan.

The Chaminade Centre is a double storey building comprising of 11 classrooms, break out spaces, study nooks, a large presentation space, meeting rooms, common areas, staff offices, accessible bathrooms, complemented by covered outdoor spaces for learning and relaxing. The light-filled, open plan design features glass walls, state-of-the-art technology, and modern furniture and lighting.

The building was designed in collaboration with ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects, Cortese Consultants and by leading builders Melbcon Pty Ltd. The building reflects tertiary learning environments, preparing senior students for further education.

Michael O'Keeffe, Deputy Principal of Learning and Teaching said the new building will inspire students

to take an active role in their own learning, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

"The real highlight of the building is the collaborative spaces," Mr. O'Keeffe said. "Scattered throughout the building, these spaces will provide students with areas to explore and create. For our senior students having smaller spaces that they can work in is vital as it complements the structure of collaborative and independent learning that the VCE requires.

"This new building is setting a high standard for what contemporary education should look like."

Student Wellbeing was also an integral part of the College's vision for the building. The indoor and outdoor spaces were designed to promote connection during class and provide a social hub during break times. The breakout spaces allow students to work in smaller groups, giving them opportunities to find their voice and build confidence

and leadership skills. Senior school coordinators' offices are located in the building, giving students easy access to support from staff.

"The Chaminade Centre will provide students now and into the future with more collaborative and specialised learning spaces within a modern learning environment," said Principal, John Visentin. "It is an exciting time to be a part of the next stage of growth at John Paul College."

The College Masterplan ensures that as a community, JPC continues to deliver the highest quality learning conditions to current students, and those students who will join in the years to come.

To view the Chaminade Centre register for an upcoming Tour on the College website.

Applications for Year 7 2025 are due on 18 August 2023.

the found

By Janelle Curry

Oral language skills are necessary to follow instructions, understand and respond to questions, retell an event, follow story lines in books, problem solve, express thoughts and ideas, engage in social interactions AND be a great reader and writer. If your child cannot understand words orally, they will not understand them written down. Similarly, if your child cannot tell you a wonderful sentence, they may be unable to write a wonderful sentence.

Learning to understand and use language is biologically natural, although children still need frequent exposure to language-rich activities and conversations. Children may hear many words from TVs, iPads, computers, but they do not learn these as readily. Children learn through live interaction; they say something, you say something, they say something and so on. This is what we call ‘serve and return’.

Some tips when interacting with children:

Model language.

Talk out loud about what you are seeing, hearing, doing, or feeling. Describe what your child is doing, seeing, or hearing. This provides great language exposure for your child. They do not need to repeat or imitate what you say.

Model language while playing with your child. Talk about the toys, discuss how to play with them, narrate what you are doing together with the toys. Pretend play is a wonderful way to expose your child to language and develop their imagination.

Model correct word order, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

Expand on their message.

Add extra words or phrases to what your child has said when responding to them. This allows you to add new words and information to their thoughts by making your sentences slightly more complex than theirs. Keep the conversation going.

The quality of the conversations you have with your child counts. Aim for at least five conversation turns to encourage positive and engaging experiences with language.

Everyday experiences.

Rich language experiences happen every day. Sometimes we need a reminder to be more intentional with our language. The same experience can be adapted to the different ages of your children by changing the vocabulary’s complexity. For example, with your 4-year-old you could use other words to describe ‘big’ such as ‘huge’ and ‘large’. For your Grade 2 child, you could say it’s ‘colossal’ or ‘gigantic’.

Sing songs and nursery rhymes.

Read to your child.

This is the most important thing parents/carers can do to help develop their child’s oral language. Book reading encourages a child’s imagination and introduces new vocabulary, grammar, and narratives, while assisting with learning about the world around them.

eracy

Children also learn about story structure and print knowledge; that “squiggly lines” makeup words, and that print is read from left to right and from top to bottom of the page.

Book reading tips:

•Ensure reading time is interactive and fun. Don’t just read at your child, read with them. You can simplify the book or make up stories about characters or pictures in the book.

•Make connections between the book you are reading and your child’s life. For example, when reading about a family at the beach, remind them of a time when you were at the beach together and what happened.

•Predict what might happen next in the story and what the character may do.

•Discuss why characters feel the way they do. Compare these feelings to a time your child felt that way. These types of conversations whilst reading will help your child understand the world, use their imagination, and encourage them to think, predict and solve problems.

•Read with expression and pause at dramatic moments. This will engage your child with the story and teach them about reading with fluency. Stop at full stops, pause at commas, read questions with rising intonation, emphasise words that are in capitals or with exclamation marks.

•Encourage your child to tell the book’s story using the pictures. This will enable you to use modelling to increase their language.

•It is fine if your child wants to read the same book over and over. Repetition helps children reinforce new vocabulary and sentence structures in books.

•Explain the meaning of new words. Use pictures to support their understanding of new words and give examples from everyday life they can relate to.

For example: If reading a book and a character is walking too close to the edge of the pool, ask “Do you know what edge means?” If they don’t know, explain by showing them with pictures or objects.

“It’s the outside of something– edge of a paper, edge of the table.

“Arrrggghhh, I’m falling off the edge of the couch!”

Even with amazing interactive language experiences, some children still struggle with oral language. This may impact their ability to learn to read and write at school. If this is the case for your child, please have them assessed by a speech pathologist.

Janelle Curry is speech pathologist and has worked with children and their families for over 20 years. As much as she loves helping each individual child, Janelle wanted to make a bigger impact for children, so Educatable was born. Educatable’s mission is to help parents support their children in reading, spelling, talking, and writing with books and online courses that are easy to understand and follow. www.educatable.com.au

By Marion Cape

For many schools, Term 2 signals the start of open days and school tours for prospective 2024 enrolments. This means that families across Australia will be attending open day; and school tours in an effort to learn more about the school their child will attend or to further explore the educational opportunities available to them. While the questions families might ask on an open day will vary based on their personal needs and priorities, being prepared will ensure parents ask for the right information in an effort to set their child up for success.

To make the most of a school open day or campus tour, and to learn more about the school your child may potentially attend, here’s what you should keep in mind.

ST MACARTAN’S PARISH PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLMENTS 2024

NOW OPEN

Please call 5979 9200

To book in a tour or enrol, please visit www.smmornington.catholic.edu.au

LEARN MORE THROUGH STUDENT CONVERSATION.

While an open day is a great opportunity to see the school campus and facilities, one of the best ways to learn about a school is to speak to a current student and their family. Teachers and staff are of course valuable sources of information, but only a student can offer an indepth and accurate perspective of what it’s like to attend and learn at the school. Speaking to a current student can reveal more about the teachers, classes, and the school’s curriculum and culture. Some schools offer tours given by students or make current students available on open days to speak with visiting families. Alternatively, reaching out to families in your own network who already attend the school can offer candid insight on what it’s like to be a member of the school community.

SLOW DOWN AND EXPLORE.

Open days are a great opportunity to explore a school’s grounds and immerse yourself in the environment where your child will spend a significant portion of their time. Take your time on the day to get the most out of the occasion and ask to see facilities that are important to you even if they’re not on the official tour route. Spend a little time in the library, perusing the titles on hand, visit the school canteen or snack bar, and take a walk through the school yards to see the outdoor spaces.

By taking a slower approach, you’ll likely get more out of the day and be able to better compare schools later on if you’re visiting several schools.

THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK.

To get the most out of your school visit, preparation is key. Start by reviewing the school website, social media and any materials you might have received. You can usually find Annual Reports, Strategic Plans and Masterplanning on the school website, which provide critical information on the culture, vision and future direction of the school. Even a small amount of research will provide a better understanding of the school’s values and ethos, and will likely prompt further questions along the way. Of course, conversations and insightful questions will enable you to determine a school’s priorities around academics, wellbeing, extracurricular activities and how they support individual learning and needs. To help you get started, here are some questions to ask on the day:

1. What do you believe to be the school’s greatest strength?

2. How does the school support individual learning during a group lesson or activity? continued next page...

3. What is the process and timelines for enrolment?

4. What language(s) are offered?

5. How does the school deal with challenging behaviour?

6. What does the school do to support student wellbeing and engagement, both on a community and an individual basis?

7. What extracurricular activities does the school offer? Do these activities occur during the school day or take place out of school hours?

8. What technology do parents need to provide for students at this school? Beyond school fees and uniforms (if required) what other events or activities should parents expect to pay for?

9. What transition/orientation programs does the school provide?

MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES ARE BETTER THAN ONE.

If you’re visiting a number of schools, it can be helpful to initially narrow down your selection by completing school tours on your own as parents or guardians. This allows you to ask questions freely and at

a deeper level. Once you’ve selected your preferred schools or a short list, consider bringing your child along to gain their perspective and thoughts. A school might seem like a good fit on paper, but offering your child the opportunity to experience the space in-person can confirm they too view it as a positive learning environment. It’s likely your child will notice different things to you, so this will give you an even greater outlook.

Open days and mornings are an invaluable opportunity to learn more about the school where your child will attend, learn and grow. By following these tips you’ll be well prepared for the day and one step further in selecting their future school and investment in their learning and care. You will know when you step foot on the campus which best fits your child. You’ll feel the magic in the classrooms, in the grounds, and you will know you are there.

Marion Cape is Director of Advancement at Strathcona Girls Grammar.

Backyard hens key to increasing self-sustainability

Manypeople either own backyard hens or know of someone who does. The growing popularity has largely been due to families wanting to become more self-sustainable. So why is keeping backyard hens so good for your family?

Well, hens make for fantastic pets! Our breed of hens are Hy-line Browns which are extremely friendly and placid. They love company and like nothing more than to spend time interacting with their owners. We hear lots of entertaining stories from our customers such as their hens going on school runs, on swings with the kids, and happily jumping up onto their laps.

Good egg-laying breeds like our Hy-Line’s also quickly pay for themselves by providing your family with highly nutritious and delicious eggs throughout the year. Their eggs are high in protein and minerals but low in calories. You also have peace of mind knowing exactly how your hens are treated and what food they have eaten.

Of course, you can’t get more “local” food than what you get from your own backyard! When combined with a vegetable garden, your family becomes far more self-sufficient and able to live more sustainably. If you really had to avoid social contact, your hens and vegetables could keep your household well fed over the long-term.

Hen ownership also teaches children some important, practical lessons about life. Not only do they need to be responsible for feeding and providing water for their hens but they must collect eggs daily and keep the coop clean and safe. Excess eggs can also be sold or given away to friends and neighbours which is a great way of benefiting others in your local community.

Visit our farm: 3590 Frankston-Flinders Rd, Merricks

For enquiries call 0406 691 231

Open: Daily 10am to 4pm (Closed Wednesday)

www.TalkingHens.com.au

THE SWADDLEDOK

By Josh Szeps $19.99 Hardback

The swaddledok was tiny and cute when Stella got it. She'd wished for one for so long, and now it was here ... Can Stella look after her swaddledok? Or is this going to be the worst decision she's ever made?she forgets all the rules? Will she be the next netball star?

DEADLY WATERS (Australia’s Second World War)

By Helen Chapman $17.99 Paperback

As a teenager, Cliff dreams that one day he will play cricket for Australia, but when war comes he changes cricket whites for a navy uniform. Leaving everything he knows behind he faces new horrors every day, from exploding mines and submarine attacks to deliberate suicide attacks by kamikaze pilots, never knowing if he will see his sweetheart, Marie, again. But amongst all the tragedy of war, Cliff finds something he never thought possible amidst all the fear and devastation ... hope.

BLUEBERRY FARM

By Stephen Michael King $18.99 Hardback

Welcome to Blueberry Farm. The sun is shining, and the trees are filled with song. It's going to be another beautiful day. From the award-winning author and illustrator who brought you Three, Rainbow Bear and Koala Ark.

THE KANGAROO OF HUMPTY DOO

By

Marcia Vaughan $18.99 Hardback

Join the kangaroo from Humpty Doo on a wild ride across Australia as she grabs one unsuspecting animal after another. Can she squeeze them all in her pouch? Or will she go too far with explosive results? One surprising character enjoys the jolting journey. Can you guess who it will be?

SUNSHINE

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka $22.99 Paperback

When Jarrett was in high school, he was part of a program that sent students to be counselors at a camp for seriously ill kids and their families. Going into it, Jarrett was worried: Wouldn't it be depressing, to be around kids facing such a serious struggle? Wouldn't it be grim?

In his follow-up to the National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo, Jarrett brings readers back to Camp Sunshine so we can meet the campers and fellow counselors who changed the course of his life.

SWIM TEAM

By Johnnie Christmas $19.99 Paperback

Bree can't wait for her first day at her new middle school, Enith Brigitha, home to the Mighty Manatees, until she's stuck with the only elective that fits her schedule, the dreaded Swim 101. Lucky for her, Etta, an elderly occupant of her apartment building and former swim team captain, is willing to help. Can Bree defy the odds and guide her team to a state championship, or have the Manatees swum their last lap for good?

POSSUM MAGIC (40th Anniversary Edition)

By Mem Fox $26.99 Hardback

For 40 magical years Possum Magic has captivated and enchanted children and adults alike. Mem Fox's lovable characters, little Hush and Grandma Poss, together with Julie Vivas' exquisite illustrations, weave a story of pure magic. Continuously in print since it was first published by Omnibus Books in 1983, Possum Magic has been embraced as a timeless Australian tale.?

THE 39 CLUES: A MAZE OF BONES

By

Rick Riordan, Ethan Young $18.99 Paperback

Grace is the last matriarch of the Cahills, the world's most powerful family. Everyone from Marie Curie to Harry Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family power is lost. 39 Clues hidden around the world will reveal the family's secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now the clues race is on, and young Amy and Dan must decide what's important: hunting clues or uncovering what REALLY happened to their parents.

DIARY OF A NETBALL STAR

By

Fiona Harris, Liz Watson $14.99 Paperback

Liz Watson loves reading, baking, and hanging out with her BFF, Katie. But there's one thing she loves the most ... netball. Read all about it in her diary! Liz's best friend, Katie, has signed up to a try-out day at the local netball club, and Liz decides to give it a go too! But she's never played netball before. What if the rest of the team don't like her? What if she can't shoot a goal? What if she forgets all the rules? Will she be the next netball star?

InvestiGATORS

By John Patrick Green $14.99 Paperback

When rare paintings go missing, the InvestiGators are called to the scene . . . the ART SCENE! Mango and Brash have to go undercover as famous painters to expose a crook who has truly mastered the art of crime! Can they recover the missing masterpieces and save the art museum’s fundraising gala before it's too late. . . and they run out of appetizers?

THE BOWERBIRD

By Julia Donaldson

$26.99 Hardback

Bert the bowerbird is looking for love. He has made the most perfect nest, complete with a pretty purple flower, and is hoping it will help him to meet the bird of his dreams. But when the demanding Nanette comes along, she is far from impressed. Poor Bert is hurt, and flies off to bring her presents a-plenty. But will it ever be enough, and is Nanette really worthy of sweet Bert's love?

THE QUIET AND THE LOUD

By Helena Fox $19.99 Paperback

A novel about the contours of friendship, family, forgiveness, trauma and love that explores the stories we suppress and the stories we speak - and the healing that comes when we voice the things we've kept quiet for so long.

HOW TO DRAW THE GRUFFALO AND FRIENDS

By by Axel Scheffler, Julia Donaldson $19.99 Paperback

Have fun learning to draw the Gruffalo, the Witch or even George the Smartest Giant in the step-by-step guides. Then put the finishing touches on your art as you follow the tips for drawing expressions, creating movement and even using colour in your illustrations. With never-before-seen character sketches and step-by-step guides, plus top tips from Axel Scheffler on everything from character development to cover design, How to Draw the Gruffalo and Friends is the perfect gift for budding artists of all ages.

AGENTS OF S.U.I.T.

By John Patrick Green $14.99 Paperback

Meet Cilantro the Chameleon! Newly appointed Agent of S.U.I.T!*

Cilantro finally has a chance to prove herself . . . but her first big case is OUT OF THIS WORLD. As she begins to uncover a sheep-led worker’s rights revolt and an alien invasion conspiracy, can Cilantro earn her V.E.S.T.** and catch the bad guys?

THE PRINCE AND THE APOCALYPSE

By Kara McDowell $26.99 Paperback

Wren Wheeler has flown eight thousand kilometres across the ocean to discover she's the worst kind of tourist: the kind who just wants to go home. Her senior-year trip to London was supposed to be life-changing, but Wren's perfectly-planned itinerary is in tatters. Then she meets a very cute boy with a posh accent who looks remarkably like Prince Theo, the British Crown Prince. With news of a catastrophic comet hurtling towards Earth, Wren and the Prince are forced into the highest-stakes journey of them all as Wren tries to race home - before the end of the world.

EAT SLEEP PLAY LOVE

By Dr Preeya Alexander $34.99 Paperback

A practical, non-judgmental and honest guide to the first two years of a child’s life for a new generation of Australian parents.

Practising GP, mother of two and Instagram’s popular doctor Preeya Alexander is a refreshing new voice in the parenting space. Her hands-on, inclusive and down-to-earth advice, combined with a big dose of fun, is the ultimate survival guide for the first two years of parenting.

UNDERSTANDING MODERN SPIRITUALITY

By Inna Segal $29.99 Paperback

How can

Higher Truth be simple? Inna looks at the physical body, our energy bodies, our soul and spirit to recognise how complex we are, and help us come to the understanding of where we came from, where we are now in the evolution of humanity and where we are going.

Helping make your switch to a real food diet easy

All our products are:

*Sugar free

*Gluten free

*Low-carb/Keto

*Dairy free

By Linda Martinucci

*Nothing artificial

*No seed oils or starches

*Super moist and taste amazing

*Really easy to prepare

*Created with love on the Mornington Peninsula

Unlocking Health and Wellness: The power of embracing a Low Carb Real Food lifestyle Are you feeling tired and lacking in energy?

Are you struggling to shift excess weight and constantly feeling hungry?

People swap to low carb real food eating for many reasons. Our customers consistently share stories of remarkable improvements in their overall health since adopting this approach. Making the change is surprisingly easy – begin by eliminating ultra-processed foods (pretty much anything in the middle aisles of the supermarket with over 6 ingredients) then focus on eating quality protein, nutrient rich above ground vegetables and incorporate healthy fats such as butter, ghee or coconut oil into every meal. This process will kickstart your transformative journey towards enhanced health and vitality.

So what are the main benefits of eating low carb?

1. Increased energy –without blood sugar spikes from high carb meals the 3pm energy slump will be a thing of the past.

2. Mental clarity - a real food diet eliminates the brain fog and you’ll have improved focus throughout the entire day.

3. No more aches and pains – chronic inflammation which is often the cause of pain can reduce on this eating style.

4. Weight loss – eating real food with good quality protein and fat at each meal will regulate your appetite and you may only feel hungry for one or two meals each day.

Be aware that the words “low carb” and “keto” on a food product doesn’t mean it’s good for your health. There are many ultra processed foods in the marketplace with these claims often containing inflammatory ingredients such as seed oils (eg. vegetable, canola, soy), inferior sweeteners (eg. sucralose, maltitol, aspartame) or artificial ingredients (emulsifiers, lecithins or preservatives). Look for true clean products with less than six wholefood ingredients on the label.

(As always seek the advice of a qualified health professional before changing your diet. Check out www.rlmedicine.com and www.lowcarbdownunder.com.au for quality information from the professionals)

With a background as a food writer and cookbook author, Linda Martinucci has spent the last 15 years following nutrition studies and medical research aimed at the best way to fuel our bodies for optimal health.

In 2017, Linda made the decision to overhaul her eating style and was amazed at how much better she felt by simply reducing carbohydrates and increasing healthy fats. Taking her husband, David, on the journey with her, he not only experienced weight loss, but had energy he never thought possible, and all inflammatory aches and pains disappeared.

One key to successfully transitioning to this new lifestyle was being able to indulge in favourite desserts from time to time, particularly at family celebrations. Every Simply Swap Foods ingredient has been carefully selected for good nutrition and health benefits; Linda doesn't compromise when it comes to your health. With these products and recipes, you really can indulge yourself and feel great too!

Deliciously Fast Fry Up

Method

1. Slice each hot dog into 10-12 thick pieces.

This easy weeknight meal is super fast and perfect for using up any remnants of veges that you have in your fridge. Much quicker than ordering takeaway, you’ll feel so much better filling up on real food ingredients!

Ingredients

½ red or green cabbage, chopped (400-500g)

275g pack Cleavers organic beef hot dogs (available at Coles and Woolworths)

½ tblsp onion flakes

1 tsp chicken stock powder (San Elk brand is great)

Pinch salt and pepper

3 spring onions, chopped (green parts only)

1 tblsp extra virgin olive oil

Ghee or butter for frying

2. Heat large frypan and melt butter or ghee then stir-fry hot dog pieces until brown and slightly crisp on each side. Remove from pan.

3. Add shredded cabbage to pan along with some more ghee/butter and fry until wilted (can also add extra veges at this point eg. grated zucchini, chopped mushrooms, chopped celery etc)

4. Once vegetables are soft, add hot dog pieces back to pan along with onion flakes, stock powder and salt/pepper to taste.

5. Fry together for a few minutes while turning well then remove from heat.

6. Mix through olive oil and sprinkle top with chopped green spring onions before serving.

Cheesy Herb Dinner Rolls

We’re so excited to have an easy low carb bread roll solution for everyone to try! Here is a variation you can use to make deliciously tasty rolls for your next dinner party.

Ingredients

1 pack “Get on a Roll” Low Carb Bread Roll Mix

¼ cup grated tasty cheese

1 tsp Italian herbs

1 tblsp apple cider vinegar (or similar vinegar)

2 egg whites (from large 60g eggs, room temp)

125ml boiling water

Preheat oven to 175°C fan forced.

Method

1. Empty contents of bread roll mix pack into medium size bowl.

2. Add grated cheese and herbs and mix well.

3. Add vinegar and egg whites to dry mix then stir together with a large spoon until dry mix ingredients are absorbed into wet ingredients.

4. Add boiling water and gently mix with a large spoon until water is totally incorporated into mix and a soft dough forms.

5. Using wet hands, divide dough into 6 equal pieces and smooth into round balls.

6. Place dough balls on lined baking tray and flatten with palm of hand until size is around 7cm wide and 1cm high.

7. Bake for 45 minutes, remove and cool completely on wire rack before enjoying with lashings of butter. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Choc Walnut Fudge

A decadent treat, perfect to keep those sweet cravings under control. Add as much or as little sweetener as desired according to your taste.

Ingredients

100g dark 85% Lindt chocolate

50g smooth peanut butter

1 tblsp pouring cream

1½ tblsp Lakanto monkfruit sweetener (or more to taste)

½ cup walnuts, chopped

Shredded coconut and extra chopped walnuts for decorating top

Method

Line a small slice tray with non-stick baking paper.

1. Break chocolate into large pieces and place in heatproof bowl with peanut butter and cream.

2. Microwave for 60 seconds then remove and stir. If mixture is not fully melted, microwave for bursts of 20 seconds until all ingredients are melted and combined together.

3. Keep stirring while adding sweetener and chopped walnuts.

4. Spread thick mix into lined tray then place in fridge or freezer to cool until firm.

5. Remove from fridge and rest on bench for a few minutes to soften before slicing into squares.

6. Fudge stores well in airtight container in fridge for up to a week (if it lasts that long!).

Weekendsare the perfect time to tackle building or renovating projects around the home, but it can also result in exposure to dust mites, mould and hidden chemicals which can be a nasty trigger for those with asthma or allergies.

National Asthma Council’s Sensitive Choice Program Manager, Adele Taylor, says before starting a home building or renovation project it is important to consider how it might impact the overall health of your home.

“Many people are aware that some bedding or cleaning products can contain triggers for people with asthma and allergies. However, they are now starting to realise that certain building products can also pose risks.

“Whether you are doing a small renovation yourself or working with a builder, architect or tradie, there are steps you can take to create a healthier environment to help you live better with asthma and allergies.

“It is important to do your research to help to identify products and services that are asthma and allergy aware,” she said.

Ms Taylor said there is increased demand for building products suitable for those with sensitivities which includes everything from paint, plasterboard, carpet and glue, to heating and cooling.

“Less-irritating products often feature reduced allergens, fragrance and chemical content, so they are good not only for any family members with asthma and allergies, but every member of the household.

“It is important to understand your asthma and allergy triggers to help you make the right decision in terms of building design and product selection. So, if you don’t know what your triggers are, ask your doctor about being tested,” she said.

Ms Taylor said that the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice program helps educate and empower consumers to identify asthma and allergy-aware products and services through the trusted blue butterfly.

“Products and services that carry the Sensitive Choice blue butterfly have been reviewed and approved by an independent expert panel and includes hundreds of products - everything from building products, cleaning agents, air purifiers and vacuum cleaners. The program also encourages manufacturers and suppliers to produce products and services that are asthma and allergy friendly.

“Importantly, funds raised by the Sensitive Choice program contribute to research and education led by the National Asthma Council Australia to reduce the health, social and economic impacts of asthma and allergies both in Australia and overseas,” she said.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS)

Many people have heard about VOCs, but what are they and where do you find them?

VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are carbon-based organic chemicals which evaporate (off-gas) at room temperature.

VOCs are common and can be found both indoors and outdoors, particularly in polluted air. They can be man-made or naturally occurring.

VOCs are a broad group and while some should be avoided, others are not known to cause any issues for most people. But some people may be allergic or sensitised to some VOCs.

People with respiratory problems such as asthma, young children, older people, and those with heightened sensitivity to chemicals may be more susceptible to irritation and symptoms.

There is a threshold level of VOCs above which health symptoms usually occur in people. In addition, longer term exposure to VOCs may be more likely to trigger asthma or allergy flare-ups or other respiratory symptoms in some people.

There are VOCs in aerosols, cleaning products, paints, cosmetics, adhesives, pressed wood products, foam, tobacco smoke, upholstery, carpets, textiles, plastics, detergents – and more.

WHAT YOU CAN DO?

You can influence the level of VOCs in your home.

• Buy no or low-VOC products and reduce the number of products in your home that give off VOCs.

• If you do buy new products that may off-gas, consider allowing them to in a spare room or outside.

• Increase ventilation by opening doors and windows or use air purifiers with activated carbon filters or other means to filter VOCs.

• Air fresheners are most likely emitters of VOCs through their fragrances. Although they help mask unpleasant odours, it’s probably best to avoid using them if fragrances or odours trigger your symptoms.

VOCS CAN EMANATE FROM:

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND USES

FORMALDEHYDE

Used in the manufacture of resins and plastics, mostly in the wood-products industry and adhesives. Also released from tobacco smoke.

• Keep both the temperature and relative humidity lower. Chemicals will off-gas more under warmer conditions with high humidity.

• If you can, paint and renovate your home when it is unoccupied or during seasons that will allow for additional ventilation.

For more information visit sensitivechoice.com

POTENTIAL HEALTH CONCERN

Exposure to low levels irritates the eyes, nose and throat, and can cause allergies affecting the skin and lungs. Higher exposure can cause significant damage, even death. It is also known to trigger or increase asthma including childhood asthma and is a human carcinogen.

ETHYLBENZENE

Primarily used in the production of styrene and synthetic polymers as well as a number of other uses, such as paints and inks.

BENZENE

Used in manufacturing and industrial applications. Other sources include petrol stations and tobacco smoke.

FRAGRANCES

Fragrances may consist of a complex mixture of chemicals and are added to a range of products including cosmetics, cleaning products, air fresheners, and detergents.

TOLUENE

Toluene is a common solvent, used in paints, paint thinners, sealants and adhesives. Also found in tobacco smoke.

XYLENE

A solvent used to manufacture petrol, chemicals, polyester fibre, and to make dyes, paints and insecticides. Also found in tobacco smoke.

Eye, throat and respiratory sensitivity can occur at higher levels.

A number of health concerns, particularly when inhaled, which include skin or eye irritation and aspiration hazard.

Fragrances may trigger symptoms in some people with asthma or allergies.

Inhaling low levels can cause tiredness, confusion and a range of other symptoms such as skin or eye irritation and aspiration hazard.

When inhaled or absorbed through the skin symptoms can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Can also cause skin or eye irritation and aspiration hazard.

LUCAS DENTAL CARE

What is concussion?

Concussion is a minor traumatic brain injury usually caused by a blow to the head. Concussion happens when the brain hits the inside of the skull. Concussion can also result from a sudden change in motion. This is why concussion is a common sporting injury, especially in contact sports, such as boxing, Australian rules football, rugby league and rugby. Activities with a high risk of falls, such as horse riding, cycling, and skiing, are also common causes of concussion. Most people who have concussion will recover on their own within 2 weeks, but complications can occur. It is important that people with concussion rest and that their recovery is monitored with follow-up visits to a health professional. The most common symptoms of concussion are confusion and/or memory loss about the event that led to the head injury, but other common early symptoms of concussion include headache, dizziness, vertigo, nausea and/or vomiting, lack of awareness of your surroundings, vision, and speech difficulties.

Concussion does not always cause a person to become unconscious. More subtle signs of concussion may include difficulty concentrating, sensitivity to noise or light, behavioural or emotional changes, feeling dazed, fatigue.

What is laryngitis?

Laryngitis occurs when the voice box (larynx) becomes inflamed and the vocal cords become swollen and can't vibrate properly. This causes someone to sound hoarse or to lose their voice. Normally people recover from laryngitis without treatment. It is commonly caused by a viral infection, such as a cold or flu. Bacterial infection may also cause laryngitis, although this is rare. You can also get laryngitis if you strain or overuse your voice by yelling or after long periods of talking, shouting or singing.

Who are all the people caring for my kid’s teeth at the orthodontic clinic?

The orthodontic clinic is a busy place and there is a highly trained team of staff working together to create time efficient personalized patient care. Our staff consists of:

• Reception and administration staff

• Treatment coordinator

• Dental nurse/ assistant

• Oral health therapist

• Orthodontist

• Oral maxillofacial surgeon

The orthodontist is a specialist dentist, they have completed a Master’s degree, specifically in orthodontics, after spending at least a few years practicing general dentistry. Orthodontists have studied at university for a minimum of 8 years. They diagnose and treatment plan each patient. Also seen working with the orthodontist is an oral health therapist who are university and clinically trained with a Bachelor of oral health. An oral health therapist is commonly seen in a general dental clinic’s doing checkups, cleans, x-rays, fillings, etc. In orthodontic clinics they are carefully trained by the orthodontist to work alongside them to complete the treatment.

Dental assistants (DAs) primarily assist the orthodontists and oral health therapists to ensure our appointments run smoothly. Many dental assistants complete additional training so that they are qualified to do more than chairside assisting including clinical photography and x-rays.

If you or your child needs dental surgery, they can be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a Paediatric dentist. They are highly qualified professionals with degrees in both general dentistry as well as in their specialist fields. Other additional roles within the clinic include treatment coordinators, receptionists, and lab and administration staff. We recommend that all our patients continue regular dental visits with their general dentist throughout orthodontic treatment.

Catherine Bradbrook

Oral Health Therapist

Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH)

Peninsula Orthodontics

134 Tanti Avenue, Mornington

CAN YOU SALVAGE A CATNAPPER? Tips for Winning the DayNap Battle!

By Kristy Griffiths

If you are a parent, you will more than likely be familiar with the term catnapping, and equally familiar with just how frustrating it can be!

Just because your baby loves power naps instead of long stretches, doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. There are things we can do to get those unicorn two-hour naps happening, and it doesn’t have to be as stressful as you think.

Before we discuss how to fix those pesky 40-minute naps, it's good to understand why catnapping occurs. From around 12 weeks, babies start to produce their own sleep hormones and their sleep cycles change to reflect more adult-like cycles. This means they will transition between deep and light phases of sleep roughly every 40mins during day sleeps and every two to four hours during the night. While you’re probably not as aware of the night cycles, the 40-minute cycles during the day can start to wreak havoc with your sanity once bub hits the four-month mark.

So why do they wake at the end of a sleep cycle?

Well, there are three reasons.

1. You are more than likely assisting your little one to sleep, by rocking, feeding etc. (which is absolutely ok by the way) then placing them down in their bed to nap. At the end of their sleep cycle (around the 40-minute mark) when they start to reach the light phase of sleep, they will have a partial wake and look for this same prop again to assist them back to sleep. But most parents can find it tricky to resettle again as the drive to sleep isn’t as high off the back of the nap compared to when initially settling.

2. The second reason we commonly see catnapping is when a baby can 100% self-settle, but still hasn’t developed the ability to resettle. As mentioned before, it is much harder to resettle after already having some sleep under your belt, but also because the resettle is a completely different skill to self-settling.

3. The third reason you may be finding cat napping occurring is if your baby's awake windows aren’t quite right. You may need to tweak them to ensure they are age appropriate and there is enough sleep pressure for your little one to clock up a lengthy nap.

Now the million - dollar question: how do we fix a catnapper?

Whilst catnapping works for some families, for most it can become unsustainable, and many families notice their babies are much happier (and so are they) when they are getting consolidated sleep. It also makes it much easier to achieve a consistent routine when bub isn’t having sporadic naps, so parents find this works better for them.

So, how do we encourage these two-hour naps that parents dream of? First off, we want to teach our little ones the skill of falling asleep independently, a.k.a. self-settling. This can take some time, but it is only normally a couple of days and is so worth it.

1. Understand age-appropriate awake windows. This means understanding when your little one is ready for sleep and getting them down before they become overtired.

2. Create a conducive calm and relaxing sleep environment by removing any stimulation. You can do this by using white noise and ensuring the windows do not allow any natural light in.

3. Remove any sleep associations with a settling method by removing any exterior methods that involve yourself, such as shooshing and patting, and replace them with comforters such as blankets or music that indicates to your baby that it’s time for rest.

With these three factors in place, you should be well on your way to ensuring your little one can master the skill of self-settling. Once bub can confidently self-settle, we are going to want to teach them how to resettle which is what babies learn to do when they wake from the initial sleep cycle. This takes a little more time and a lot more patience than teaching them self-settling.

Tips for resettling:

1. Be consistent (and patient). It won’t happen immediately, but with time it will get easier. Once your baby is self-settling, you’re halfway there to resettling.

2. Pick up and put down ensuring your little one is resettled before trying to leave the room or sit quietly, without making eye contact, with your hand gently on their chest.

3. Follow through for at least 30 minutes. If crying escalates, pick them up and try again at the next nap; there is absolutely no reason to stress yourself or your little one through this process.

As sleep consultants we do find it much easier to work on resettling after five months of age. Before this time it is a little tricky as sleep cycles are still maturing so you may feel like you are banging your head up against a wall trying to lengthen those naps.

When teaching your little one to resettle, you want to use a similar settling method to the one that you used when teaching the self-settle method as your baby will be familiar with this. Keep in mind that this time, they will already know how to sleep independently so they may require a less hands-on approach and a little more space than they did before.

I recommend using a video baby monitor like the CuboAi. This will allow you to confidently watch on and see if your little one does need some assistance to resettle or if they are just rolling around and trying to get comfy, transitioning into another sleep cycle. If we offer that little bit of space and don’t rush in and stimulate them, this is often where the magic happens!

Teaching a little one to resettle and consolidate sleep cycles can take around two to three weeks of consistency. Try for 30 minutes once a day. We recommend working on the lunch nap.

Over this period, you will start to notice the resettle time get shorter and shorter as your baby is given the opportunity to try and resettle and is learning the behavioural pattern of going back to sleep as opposed to getting up.

Become a change maker!

Did you know more than 120 dedicated local volunteers deliver around 75,000 meals across the Mornington Peninsula every year?

•

•

Become a Meals on Wheels volunteer today: 5950 1600 mornpen.vic.gov.au/mealsonwheels volunteermanagement@mornpen.vic.gov.au

Mother to three girls, Kristy is a certified child and infant sleep expert and CuboAi ambassador.

Distraction and Breastfed

By Yvette O'Dowd

In the beginning, it is enough for the newborn brain to channel reflexes and instincts into seeking and finding the breast. Latching successfully and effectively removing milk takes all their focus. They commonly close their eyes while feeding, with occasional deep gazes into their mother's eyes. With all that going on, their mother is also fully engaged by the act of breastfeeding, with little headspace to do anything else at the same time!

Over the early months, as milk removal and supply synchronise and everyone involved can relax a bit more, feed times can become a mix of engagement between mother and child when the baby is in an alert state, or downtime for mum as baby relaxes at the breast during long, leisurely breastfeeds. This is the season of binge-watching series, devouring books or enjoying a nap as you lie down in bed to feed. But change is coming.

As babies evolve out of the fourth trimester, the first three months of life outside the womb, they quite literally broaden their horizons. The world beyond the bubble of breast and mother begins to intrude. With new brain development comes new awareness and the age of distraction begins. Usually around the four-month mark, early signs can appear from around 12 weeks. Fussiness while attaching, shorter feeds and coming off and on a bit more often during a feed. The peak of the first distracted stage is four to five months.

The maturing brain appears to at first accept all sensory input as relevant before reaching the stage of filtering out what doesn't require their attention. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) kicks in and every sound and movement needs to be checked out. Even the silent swipe on your phone will be noticed.

If you try to eat, have a conversation or take advantage of your spare hand, your baby will stop to watch. Or even grumble! Feeding in busy environments or around the rest of your family becomes a challenge.

This disruption also affects sleep as the slightest disturbance can lead to full waking. And when it comes to putting the baby down to play while you do some essential task? Well, now is a great time to embrace babywearing, because you will probably only get a few moments at best!

Often these changes in behaviour are blamed on other things: Teething, signs of needing solids or that the breastmilk supply has decreased. Infant development is not always considered, yet is nearly always related. Babies are always working on future projects, way before we see the results.

A four-month-old baby has a central nervous system hard-wiring for walking and downloading updates for sitting and crawling. All this is running in the background and disrupting regular patterns that you have become used to.

Babies in the first year are developing at a rate never seen again in their lifetime. Beginning in a completely helpless state, within one year they progress towards walking and talking. Although another period of disruption occurs as the final quarter kicks in.

Around 9-10 months, many familiar signs of distraction appear again. This time, the cause is an inner drive to move. By this age, typical development has seen crawling, sitting up and standing which are taking up a lot of a baby's focus. Working on these is physically and mentally demanding and babies once again are fussier, wakeful and distracted. They will even disturb their own sleep by practising movement, to the point of standing up in their sleep and waking up because they can't sit down! Research has shown sleep disturbance increases in the month before crawling and for the three months following. We can assume the more complex skills of standing and walking are a factor here, too. Speech development will have its turn in the spotlight during the second year, with 21 months typically the time of a vocabulary explosion almost overnight!

The lack of interest in breastfeeding which often comes around 9 months can be mistaken for self-weaning although there is no evidence to support this. More likely it is a period of breast refusal, potentially related to discomfort from teeth moving in the gums and erupting. Similar behaviour can be seen around 15 months. So the common ages for breast refusal are 4, 9 and 15 months.

It is important to note that babies who are not breastfed also go through all these developmental stages. Changing what or how you feed your baby won't make any difference!

Yvette O’Dowd is not your typical grandmother! This mother of three and 'Granny' of three has been a breastfeeding counsellor since 1992. In 2014, Yvette established the Southern Natural Parenting Network, incorporating South Eastern Babywearing Group. With 11,000 members world-wide, the group supports parents interested in breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, baby-led weaning and modern cloth nappies and other aspects of gentle, natural parenting.

www.facebook.com/SouthernNaturalParentingNetwork

Purrrty Party Princess

partyPLANNING

OUTDOOR

BOOK

Kidzshed

Kidzshed

The Science Shed

Charlie SillyPants Parties

Book your next kids themed party with us!

Book your next kids themed party with us!

Amazing packages including use of the party room, hot & cold food, host, invites & more.

Amazing packages including use of the party room, hot & cold food, host, invites & more.

Venue also available for private hire.

Venue also available for private hire.

A: 222 Marine pde Hastings

P: 5906 5900

A: 222 Marine Pde Hastings

The Science Shed comes to your home for your next birthday party! Children can dress up in real lab coats and safety glasses and experience their own hands on experiments. Science, slime and much more.

E: info@thescienceshed.com.au

E: kidzshed@gmail.com

M: 0409 875 944 E: kidzshed@gmail.com

P: 5906 5900

M: 0409 875 944

M: 0419 882 765

W: thescienceshed.com.au

KIDZTOWN PARTY VENUES

Mornington & Seaford

Kidztown

The biggest and most exciting themed kids party venue to hit the Mornington Peninsula.

FB: facebook.com/kidztownpartyvenues

P: 8759 1431

M: 0403 795 562

Mad Scientist Escape Room

An escape room experience for kids. Can you help Alex the laboratory assistant stop the evil Professor Prism from destroying the world? Perfect for birthdays.

2/2a Carbine Way Mornington

W: lockedinescaperooms.com.au

Have a “Very Silly Christmas” by having the silliest magician in Magicland

The ultimate kids’ show! Come on an adventure full of magic and laughter with Charlie SillyPants and friends. Parties, preschool and childcare. M. 0411 957 185

W: melbournemadness.net

Charlie SillyPants at the kids’ next party!

You receive $50 off a 1 hour party/show or it’s only $100 for a 30 minute live ZOOM party.

Robyn’s Room

Seeking something different?

A quality art and craft pARTy takes birthday fun to a whole new level.

It's just not a pARTy without ART! Book today!

M: 0404 848 226

W: robynsroom.com.au/creative-parties

COLOUR ME IN FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Winning entry will receive a Family Whale Watching pass: 2 adults and 2 children (ages 4-15 years) valued at $460 RRP

Email entries to info@peninsulakids.com.au or PM your artwork to facebook.com/MorningtonPeninsulaKids.

Drawn on 18/08/2023. Winner notified by email. Prize must be collected from Peninsula Kids offices during office hours, 9am-5pm located at 63 Watt Road, Mornington VIC.

Name

Woodleigh School’s Minimbah campus is the vchoice for families who want a small school environment where every student is known and valued. With our focus on individual attention and personalized learning, our expert teachers can provide the support and guidance that every child needs to reach their full potential.

To learn more about Woodleigh School, scan the QR code below, or email our Enrolments Team –enrol@woodleigh.vic.edu.au