Peninsula Kids Summer 2018/19

ENINSULA KID P S LOVING FAMILY LIFE ON THE PENINSULA

SUMMER 2018/19

FREE

silly sausage DAD

Xmas THINGS

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WE LOVEs

is pregnancy glow a myth?

is an

Aulife Pair for you?

from modelling to

motherhood

Interview with

Melbourne Transformers www.peninsulakids.com.au

1

ADVENTURE FARM

There's So Much To Do, So Much To See....

OPEN EVERY DAY IN THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!

The Big Goose, It's The Place To Be! Pony Rides Mini Golf Tractor Ride Wildlife Park Petting Barn Giant Jumping Pillow Sheep Dog Show Reptile Show Adventure Playground and More!

CAFE NOW OPEN All Day Breakfast ~ Lunch ~ Coffee

New Events: Upcoming Halloween @ The Big Goose Open for Summer!

October 27 & 28

Splashpark @thebiggoose_

@funatthebiggoose

WWW.THEBIGGOOSE.COM.AU

Free towel or swim bag

*

Enrol now and receive a FREE Kingswim towel or swim bag!

Find out more at kingswim.com.au and let us find the perfect time for your FREE introductory lesson*

2 St Catherines Court, Mornington Off Mornington Tyabb Road

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Cover Photo Peninsula kids: Jack & Koby Location: Main Street Mornington Photography: Melissa McCullough

Editor and Publisher Melissa McCullough melissa@mpnews.com.au

Editor

Melissa McCullough

ed’s letter...

Happy Christmas from the team at MPK! I’m feeling very festive this year, so behold, one of my favourite, gets me in the mood, Christmas songs, and this delectable Christmas picture of my babes, (taken at home with a big crinkly sheet hung over the TV as a back drop), from 2012.

Design Sam Loverso sam@mpnews.com.au

“It's the most wonderful time of the year

Advertising Miriam Doe 0421 085 974 miriam@mpnews.com.au

With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you be of good cheer It's the most wonderful time of the year It's the hap-happiest season of all

General Enquiries info@peninsulakids.com.au

With those holiday greetings And gay happy meetings when friends come to call

All material is copyright, and may not be reproduced without the express permission of Mornington Peninsula News Group, or the original copyright holder in the case of contributions. Copyright of contributed material rests with the contributor.

It's the hap-happiest season of all There'll be parties for hosting

Disclaimer: The authors and publisher do not assume any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause.

Marshmallows for toasting

This publication is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of physicians. The reader should regularly consult a physician in matters relating to health and particularly with respect to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.

Long long ago

And carolling out in the snow There'll be scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases

It's the most wonderful time of the year There be much miseltoeing

Peninsula Kids is produced quarterly.

15,000 copies distributed between Mordialloc and Portsea.

And hearts will be glowing When loved ones are near

Registered address: 2/1 Tyabb Road, Mornington 3931

It's the most wonderful time of the year” -Edward Pola and George Wyle, 1963 Advertising

Miriam Doe www.facebook.com/MorningtonPeninsulaKids

Proudly published by

May your days be Merry and bright,

Design

Sam Loverso

RITION INFORMATION

PHARMACY ONLY

s per package: 14.5 size: 55g + 200mL cold water Average Quantity per Serving

927kJ (222 Cal) 13.3g 3.7g 2.2g 33.1g 21.6g 108mg m 418mg um 160mg 400mg orus 300mg 10.2mg 4.8mg ese 0.85mg 0.5mg m 30µg 105µg TION um 20µg enum 42.5µg water A 400µg Average Quantity 1.0mg per 100ml n (when prepared 0.9mg 3 10mg as directed) enic Acid 4.0mg 398kJ (95 Cal) B12 2.0µg 5.7g C 40mg 1.6g D 6.0µg 0.9g E 4.0mg 14.2g B6 1.2mg 9.3g40µg K 46mg25µg 179mg d 500µg

l urated drate ars

Average Quantity per 100ml (when prepared as directed)

398kJ (95 Cal) 5.7g 1.6g 0.9g 14.2g 9.3g 46mg 179mg 50%* 69mg 50%* 172mg 30%* 129mg 85%* 4.4mg 40%* 2.1mg 17%** 0.4mg 17%** 0.2mg 43%* 13µg 70%* 45µg 10%** 6µg 17%** 18.2µg 53%* 172µg 91%* 0.4mg 53%* 0.4mg 100%* 4.3mg 80%** 1.7mg 100%* 0.9µg 100%* 17mg 60%* 2.6µg 40%* 1.7mg 75%* 0.5mg 50%** 17µg 83%** 11µg 250%* 215µg

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Premium

Pregnancy Supplement

Mix 55g (2 heaped scoops) of MamaCare pregnancy supplement with 200mL of water and consume immediately.

For best results, always add powder to water and use a shaker or blender. Delicious over ice.

One or two serves a day is great for a pregnant mother and her unborn baby.

Serving suggestion: In a blender, combine 3/4 cup of your favourite fresh fruit, like banana, mango or berries to 2 scoops of MamaCare to make a delicious, nutritious smoothie.

Healthy mum for a healthy baby

With Recommended by everyday demands, morning sickness doctors, pharmacists as well as common complaints of nausea, and nutritionists constipation and reflux – the sensitivity to

Pregnancy Supplement Visit Mamacare.com.au to see our all natural and luxurious range of pregnancy Body Care products.

tablet forms of pregnancy supplements Gentler alternative to tablets andcan make it difficult to meet the extra easily absorbed nutritional demands of pregnancy.

Made in Australia from at least 68% Australian ingredients

MamaCare is a delicious vanilla shake Delicious vanilla flavourthat is gentle on the stomach, readily

for before, during %* 69mg mmended Dietary Intake %* 172mg ated Safe and Adequate Daily Dietary Intakeand after pregnancy %* 129mg

%* 4.4mg EDIENTS %* 2.1mg Healthy mum LK POWDER, WHOLE MILK POWDER (MILK, EMULSIFIER (SOY LECITHIN)), MALTODEXTRIN, %** 0.4mg (CALCIUM CASEINATE, EMULSIFIER for(471) a healthy baby (MILK), MILK PROTEIN (SOY)), FLAVOUR %** 0.2mg OXIDE, FERRIC PYROPHOSPHATE, SELENOMETHIONINE, ZINC SULPHATE, LS (MAGNESIUM R MANGANESE SULPHATE, CHROMIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM %*SULPHATE, 13µg Recommended

by MOLYBDATE, IUM IODIDE), VEGETABLE GUM (415), VITAMINS (VITAMIN C, NIACIN, PANTOTHENIC ACID, %* 45µg doctors, pharmacists N E, PYRIDOXINE, THIAMIN, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN A, VITAMIN K, BIOTIN, %** 6µg N D, VITAMIN B12). CONTAINS MILK AND SOY. and nutritionists %** 18.2µg %* 172µg Gentler alternative %* 0.4mg to tablets and %* 0.4mg easily absorbed %* 4.3mg %** 1.7mg Delicious %* 0.9µg vanilla flavour %* 17mg %* 2.6µg %* 1.7mg Made in %* 0.5mg Australia from at %** 17µg least 68% %** 11µg Folic Acid | Protein | Iron Australian %* 215µg ingredients

y Dietary Intake

26

essential nutrients

26

essential nutrients

and effectively absorbed, containing 26 essential nutrients.

These include Folic Acid, which helps prevent Folicneural Acid | tube Protein | Iron defects and promotes maternal Iodine | Calcium tissue growth|†;Niacin Iodine, necessary for normal 800g Vitamins B, E, C &development D | Biotin in your unborn child†, neurological Vanilla flavour Iron, Vitamins A, C, D, E and K, all B group vitamins, a serve of Protein and more.

For peace of mind, MamaCare is made in Australia under very strict quality controlled conditions using the highest quality ingredients, and is classified as Food for Special Medical Purposes.

NEW

Iodine | Calcium | Niacin Vitamins B, E, C & D | Biotin

MamaCare is the gentler alternative.

Simple, Easy and Delicious.

With everyday demands, morning sickness as well as common complaints of nausea, constipation and reflux – the sensitivity to tablet forms of pregnancy supplements can make it difficult to meet the extra nutritional demands of pregnancy.

MamaCare is a delicious vanilla shake that is gentle on the stomach, readily and effectively absorbed, containing 26 essential nutrients.

for before, during and after pregnancy

Premium

We’re giving the pregnancy supplement market a really good shake.

Boosting your Maternal nutrition is essential for the health and wellbeing of both you and your unborn baby. MamaCare is formulated specifically for all stages of pregnancy, ideally 3 months before conceiving, during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.

WE GUARANTEE OUR PRODUCT IS AUSTRALIAN MADE WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND INGREDIENTS.

Please consult your doctor before taking MamaCare.

MamaCare is a formulated nutritional drink and must not be used as a total diet replacement.

Store in a dry cool place below 25°C. Keep product out of direct sunlight and well sealed to ensure maximum freshness. Use contents within 1 month of opening.

7 days’ supply / 7 serves 7 x 55g No measuring needed: JTM Global Pty Ltd Vanilla flavour 1, 12-16 President Avenue, Caringbah NSW Australia 2229 1 easyLevelserve per sachet No mess, perfect for on the go

† When consumed as directed and included as part of a healthy diet which includes at least 400ug of folic acid per day. Folic acid should be consumed at least the month before and 3 months after conception.

SACHET PACK

These include Folic Acid, which helps prevent neural tube defects and promotes maternal tissue growth†; Iodine, necessary for normal neurological development in your unborn child†, Iron, Vitamins A, C, D, E and K, all B group vitamins, a serve of Protein and more.

For peace of mind, MamaCare is made in Australia under very strict quality controlled conditions using the highest quality ingredients, and is classified as Food for Special Medical Purposes.

Please consult your doctor before taking MamaCare. MamaCare is a formulated nutritional drink and must not be used as a total diet replacement.

Store in a dry cool place below 25°C. Keep product out of direct sunlight and well sealed to ensure maximum freshness. Use contents within 1 month of opening.

† When consumed as directed and included as part of a healthy diet which includes at least 400ug of folic acid per day. Folic acid should be consumed at least the month before and 3 months after conception.

Pregnancy is both a wonderful and worrying time.

Nausea, morning sickness, body changes and food sensitivities can make it harder to maintain the extra nutritional requirements that you need to maintain a happy and healthy pregnancy.

JTM Global Pty Ltd Level 1, 12-16 President Avenue, Caringbah NSW Australia 2229

Many of the available supplements come in tablet form that may be hard to swallow and tolerate, and also have – let’s face it – a yucky flavour.

That’s why we created MamaCare.

9 350104 000200

MamaCare is a specially formulated, great tasting vanilla-flavoured shake mix, providing 26 of the minerals and vitamins that are essential both for your health and for your unborn baby.

Why should you take it?

Is it right for me?

MamaCare is a scientifically formulated and balanced mix of everything you and your baby need to stay healthy throughout all stages of pregnancy.

It certainly could be the right supplement for you if you are one of the 33% of women who hate or can’t take tablets, or if you loathe the nasty taste of pregnancy supplements in pill form.

Taken once or twice daily as a premium dietary supplement, it’s a delicious way to make sure you are getting the extra nutrition you and your baby need, in a form that you’ll enjoy – not endure.

And then continues to support Mum’s body throughout its transformation while pregnant, and into early motherhood and breastfeeding.

It helps prepare your body for pregnancy by boosting those crucial minerals while you are trying to conceive, giving your baby’s life a healthy start.

Why is MamaCare better?

MamaCare comes as a shake mix that is both delicious and easy to take.

It’s gentle on the tummy and easily absorbed.

It tastes particularly good over ice, or blended with fruit into a delicious, healthy smoothie.

MamaCare makes staying healthy a pleasure, not a chore.

Also, if you’re one of the 43% of women having your first child over 30 – then MamaCare could be exactly what you’re craving.

But most importantly, it’s right because we’ve taken great care to create a balanced nutritional supplement for all stages of pregnancy – ensuring both quality and efficacy.

Try it: you’ll love it.

Formulated with 26 essential minerals including Folic Acid, which helps prevent neural tube defects. Plus Iodine and Iron; Vitamins A, C, D, E, K; all B group vitamins, Protein and more.

MamaCare is made in Australia under strict quality-controlled conditions, and is distributed in Australia and New Zealand

by Bod Australia. Find out more about Bod Australia at bodaustralia.com.au See MamaCare.com.au for more information and clinical trial data.

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Contents

1016

28

26

229

Spotlight 10 From Modelling to Motherhood Former Miss Galaxy Australia Jessica Burgdorf moves from pageant life to mum life.

30 What Do You Need from Me? Sometimes we are the ones who need to change, and the children will respond positively.

14 #obsession How our Instagram-obsessed world is causing anxiety and a loss of self-esteem for women.

36 An Interview with Optimus Prime This Autobot is more than meets the eye.

18 Could Stay-at-Home Dad be Your New Role?

David Hawkins took over the ‘primary carer’ role when his elder son was 15 months old.

22 Tips to Get Your Kids Write into Summer There’s a great way to keep the kids entertained and engaged during those days at home.

26 Is an Au Paire Life for You? How to find the right fit to complement your family.

40 How to Break into the Peninsula Property Market It’s still possible to buy a home on the Peninsula if you have some know-how and determination.

44 Keeping Your Children Safe from Scald Injuries Hot water and liquid vapours can be very dangerous particularly to babies and young children.

48 Nutrition and Mental Health The brain and central nervous system require the right nutrients to perform at its best.

www.peninsulakids.com.au

7

CONTRIBUTORS Special thanks go to the gorgeous and talented group of contributors who breathe life into every issue by sharing their best with us.

54 ERICA LOUISE

melbourne.kidtown.com.au

SHERRIE MILLER

@sherriemillernutrition

91 YVETTE O’DOWD

www.facebook.com/groups/ SouthernNaturalParentingNetwork

Contents Local

54 Silly Sausage Dad 58 Le Mans Goes the Distance for Fun 68 Day Tripping on the Mornington Peninsula 103 Ride the Arthurs Seat Eagle

Celebrate

60 Strike Bowling Parties 66 Up Your Party Favour Game

Education

82 Building Confident Kids – Beating Back-to School Stress 84 Helping Your Teen Thrive Beyond Overwhelm 86 Finding the Balance in Early Years Education

Recipes

90 Recipes with Jodie Blight

32 100

16 Pregnancy & Baby

JO & CARL VIOLETA

98 Is Pregnancy Glow a Myth?

100 Granny’s Guide to…Choosing Toys 102 Crystals for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum

Health

108 Childhood Arthritis 114 Vital Nutrition for Both Mums and Bubs 116 Where to Seek Help for Unexpected Medical Symptoms 122 Tongue and Lip Ties, Are They Real?

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

OLIVIA WILSON

www.the wilsonsofoz.com

Creative

128 Popsicle Stick Chrissy Ornaments 130 Ceramic Tile Coasters

DEANNE ATKINSON

www.parentwithpassion.com

In Every

Issue 65 Party Planning 96 Little Bites 70 Things We Love 120 Ask the Experts 124 Book Reviews

8

www.violetafinance.com.au

DAVID HAWKINS

Early Learning at Toorak College We instil in our students a sense of excitement and curiosity, giving them the courage to explore, investigate, discover, create and grow.

A dynamic program, influenced

by Reggio Emilia Stimulating indoor and outdoor environments

This is possibility.

This is Toorak.

Supportive, caring Educators Access to a range of specialist classes including art, music & movement, library, science, PE and IT 2, 3, 4 and 5 day programs

Learn more about Early Learning at Toorak College

Download our prospectus at toorakcollege.vic.edu.au or book in for a personal tour www.peninsulakids.com.au

9

from modelling to

motherhood

By Melissa Walsh "A new phase in my life" is how peninsula born Jessica Martini (Burgdorf) describes her journey into motherhood.

The multi pageant winner, Miss Galaxy Australia, and advocate for youth on the Mornington Peninsula, is enjoying life and the challenges that come along with first time motherhood.

Jessica gave birth to beautiful Lara on 1 August this year and says it has completely changed her life.

“I feel like it was the right time for me to step into this new part of my life and am quite happy to be living the quiet life with my baby girl and husband, Aaron. It’s actually wonderful how everything slows down and I am more present than ever, able to enjoy looking after Lara,” said Jessica who quickly became pregnant after marrying her sweetheart of 11 years, Aaron.

“I actually got pregnant very quickly after getting married which was a thrill and surprise. I had been to a yoga and meditation class and during the meditation I visualized a flower coming out of my stomach and a beautiful baby coming out of the flower. continued next page...

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

www.peninsulakids.com.au

11

I went home and decided we needed to have a baby,” she said with a laugh. “One month later I found out I was pregnant. We wanted to start a family but just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly.”

Little Lara was born on August 1, two weeks before her due date, which came as a bit of a shock to the young couple.

It was so surreal.

I didn’t feel like I was about to have a baby and yet we were going to the birthing suite

“I had just seen my obstetrician and she asked how I was feeling. I said a bit off this week and so she did a check and said I was going to have this baby within the next 24 hours. I was in shock,” said Jessica. “It took me a long time to get my head around the birth anyhow. I said to myself ‘OK 40 weeks and I will be ready’ so when I was there and she “Everyone said once you met your baby you will fall in love but it took said I would have the baby within 24 hours it was quite a surprise.” me a little longer. I love her to pieces but it just took a while to get used Next morning Jess and Aaron went back to the hospital at 8am and to being a mum.” were taken straight to the birthing suite.

Motherhood has certainly kicked in now when you see Jessica so “It was so surreal. I didn’t feel like I was about to have a baby and yet comfortable with her little girl, naturally playing and looking after the we were going to the birthing suite,” she said.

15 week old.

“After six more hours of labouring they said I was dehydrated so put me on a drip. Very soon, I felt like pushing and sure enough the midwife said the baby was being born.”

Jess, with her husband in the room, soon delivered little Lara who was seven pounds exactly.

“Lara was born at 9.57pm but it did take me a little while to attach to her as I was in shock. The whole thing had happened so quickly and I was completely overwhelmed,” said Jessica, who had gone to calm birthing workshops which definitely helped ease her anxiety about the birth.

“I was nervous about the whole thing I didn’t know what to expect with the pain and so on but that workshop was amazing and gave me a 360 degree change.”

Like many first time mums, Jess’s experience was wonderful but strange.

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

“Our days now are just lovely. We go for walks and to the park. Life is different now I have stopped work. Everything slows down and we just take it at our own pace. It is lovely,” said Jessica. “She is an angel and sleeps all night now which has made a huge difference. The first months were tough but life is easier now she is older and more alert.”

Like all new mums, Jessica has gone from not knowing how to change a nappy to a confident, nurturing mother.

While little Lara might be the spitting image of her dad, she has Jessica’s relaxed and calm nature.

“This has been an insane transition completely different from the pageant days but I wouldn’t change a thing. I felt like it all came to an end at the right time and the next thing I knew I was given this whole new life. It is an amazing gift.”

Kindergarten at Peninsula Grammar DISCOVERING ME – THE KINDER YEARS Join us as we educate young minds to be curious, to collaborate and to create.

Book a school tour to experience our kindergarten program via enrolments@peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au or call 9788 7753.

For more information please visit our website:

www.peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au www.peninsulakids.com.au

13

obsession

How our Instagram-obsessed world is causing anxiety and a loss of self-esteem for women

By Imogen Bailey

H

ave you checked your Instagram or Facebook feed lately and felt a little flat? Perhaps all the breathless posts and sparkly photographs have given you a case of FOMO, (fear of missing out), or plain old anxiety.

In a recent British survey of 1,500 teens and young adults, Instagram was ranked the most anxiety-inducing platform followed by Snapchat and Facebook. Given our already pressure-laden world, social media platforms are now challenging many people’s sense of self-esteem on a daily basis.

Wellness commentator Imogen Bailey says it’s easy to become afraid of life and get competitive behind a computer screen. “This can really exacerbate anxiety and after a while you can find yourself stuck in your head, disconnecting from others in person,” she says.

“Whilst we’d all like to eliminate anxiety permanently, it’s probably more realistic to learn to manage it on an ongoing basis.” continued next page...

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

ADVENTUROUS

MINDS see things differently. They forge new paths, find new perspectives and unearth new possibilities.

Adventurous Minds take risks and find solid footing.

They test their boundaries, mastering challenges as they grow.

BOOK YOUR PLACE AT ONE OF OUR REGULAR INFORMATION SESSIONS OR CAMPUS TOURS www.woodleigh.school/enrol R E A L W O R L D . R E A L E X P E R I E N C E . R E A L U N D E R S TA N D I N G .

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woodleigh.vic.edu.au www.peninsulakids.com.au

15

Enrol now for 2019

MONTESSORI

The world renowned teaching methods of Maria Montessori – Montessori Cycle 1

Fostering creative play and gross motor skills

Focus on Education

Piccolos

During the most precious years when your child learns easily

Emphasis on Respect

Core values, manners, social and emotional skills

Highlighting the Love of Learning for the Future

By an environment that is stimulating and nurturing

24-26 Malcolm Road, 118 Overport Road, Langwarrin Frankston South Phone 03 9787 9494 Phone 03 9787 6730 to visit our school to visit our school altochildren@bigpond.com piccoloschildren@bigpond.com www.altochildren.com.au www.piccoloschildren.com.au Creating confidence

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The Centres are open from 7:30am – 6:30pm Ages 2.5 – 6 yrs

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Piccolos beautiful natural learning environment Developing life skills

Lasting friendships

Learning to read while learning to write Understanding numeracy

Expression through song and dance

Promoting nature and care for its inhabitants

16

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

As a former top model and Neighbours actress, Imogen’s no stranger to the pressures of the entertainment industry. One of her most anxious times was after her move to LA several years ago. “I attempted to crack the big time, but it’s a really tough town,” she says. “You have to network so hard and be prepared for knock back after knock back.” It was during this challenging period that Imogen discovered women’s circles.

“A women’s circle is a safe, sacred space for women to come together, share and listen so they can empower and nurture each other whilst enjoying a sense of belonging,” she says. “Circles date back thousands of years. Women would gather to cook, make, celebrate or mourn. Many cultures still centre their daily life around this ritual using it as a tool for unity, positive mental health and meaningful socialisation.”

Imogen says she found taking part in circles so life-affirming that she made it her life’s work on return to Australia. She now runs courses training other women to facilitate their own circles. Here she shares her thoughts and tips here for dealing with anxiety in the social media age.

Why do you think the rise of social media has contributed to anxiety for some women?

I think for many people social media’s become the new currency. Your stocks are high if you have more likes and followers, and there’s a feeling of scarcity if you don’t have that many. There’s endless pictures and posts people put onto their platforms. This can make you feel like others are achieving more and doing a better job. When it comes to following celebrities and “insta stars” the pictures they’ve chosen are carefully curated and photo shopped so they look “perfect”. Anyone in modelling knows the image you end up seeing is far from “perfect”!

We’re an already competitive culture and now it’s become hyper competitive. It’s no wonder these comparisons are contributing to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy.

How can we manage social media with less anxiety?

Obviously, it’s a good idea to check your social media feeds less often!

I’d also recommend following feeds and people that are uplifting and relatable. Don’t just follow perfect looking celebrities - that’s important for teens as well. Plus monitor your feelings. If looking at a person’s posts is making you uncomfortable in some way, don't follow them.

What are some good techniques for combatting anxiety?

Breathing – this is incredibly important for grounding yourself. If you’re having an anxious moment, take your shoes off and place your hands on your thighs. This will remind you to “get back into your body” instead of being stuck in your head. Take a few slow, deep breaths.

Focus on the breathing.

Reduce your caffeine intake – this was a big one for me. I used to drink two to three cups of coffee a day which I felt was contributing to feeling “on edge”. I decreased to decaf, then went off coffee entirely, switching to herbal tea. I also upped my water intake to three litres a day. It’s really made a difference and I’m calmer overall.

Change your environment for a moment – if you’re having a bad moment at work, just getting up and going to the bathroom, or else walking to your letterbox if you’re at home, can help shift your energy.

Often with anxiety we get “stuck in a moment” so changing things up can make you feel better.

Any tips for alleviating anxiety in children and teens?

Art, drawing and journaling are great for kids. There are kids in my extended family who’ve struggled with anxious moments and found it difficult to communicate what they were feeling. Giving them drawing journals helped release what was going on in their heads.

How do you go about improving self-esteem?

Think of developing your self-esteem like a muscle. The more you work on it, the bigger it will get. Identify your negative beliefs and then work on turning those thoughts around. At one point I was lacking confidence about growing my own business, so I’d go on walks and say to myself over and over again, “I’m smart, I’m fast and I’m a doer” which in time made me feel more empowered. You can try the same techniques with kids saying to them, “You’re confident, you’re smart” and encourage them to say the same to themselves. Of course, improving self-esteem can be more complicated than that, but words are powerful, so it’s a good place to start.

For more information about women’s circles and facilitating one yourself, log onto www. imogen-bailey.com

How does a women’s circle alleviate feelings of anxiety?

Firstly, a women’s circle is set up to be a stress-free environment.

Secondly, it’s about real connection. Humans crave personal connections which you can’t get from a computer. It can be more uplifting to hear other people’s stories first-hand rather than through social media. Thirdly, everyone is so busy nowadays it’s a great chance to relax. People tell me that they find circles very recharging. www.peninsulakids.com.au

17

Y A T S " D L U CO " D A D E M O H AT R U O Y BE

By David Hawkins

W

e live in a funny age when it comes to family. I have spoken to many parents who believe that gender equality in families is a given these days and that we are all forward-thinking when it comes to sharing the parenting of our children. Yet, very few have considered the possibility of becoming a stay-at-home-dad because, well, because men have to earn the money and women have the boobs.

It is important to acknowledge that every family is different and facing diverse circumstances, where stay-at-home-dadding cannot work. But there are also many families where it might. It’s just that we don’t talk about this as something we really could do.

And I get it.

I had never thought about staying at home when my first was born.

I was going to work and my wife was going to rear the child. No patriarchal dominance in sight; that’s just how things work, right?

These hairy man-nipples can’t breastfeed, so I needed to keep the roof overhead and the cupboard stocked with jaffa cakes. It was only when I had a bit of a career meltdown that the potential for our family shifted.

Stay-at-home-dads are not a new phenomenon, but we are a more visible one than previous generations due, I think, to left-wing and social media promoting us as the new postmodern men. It seems that people believe there are quite a lot of us SAHDs (not a great acronym, I know) in our enlightened 21st Century, although the actual numbers sit at only 4-5% of two-parent families, according to the Australian Institute of Family Studies. A little over 80,000 of us in this country.

And whilst that might seem like a heckuva lot of apron-wearing dudes, many of these number may not count themselves as house husbands, but as unemployed or students at the moment and looking after the kids until work comes along. When it comes to home-dads with very young children, the numbers plummet.

I took over the ‘primary carer’ role when my elder son was 15 months old. He was off the boob, already running and trying to injure himself at every opportunity. How hard could this be? All I’ve got to do is hang out with him and play games all day. Awesome!

Now, I wasn’t wrong, but I wasn’t right either. Getting to hang out with my boy was brilliant and we had so much fun at the park, at the pool and trying to teach him how to handle an original NES controller.

Everything a dad could dream of! Then there was all of the other stuff that comes with the territory. Household chores, poo, cooking, spew, doctors and MACH nurse appointments, more poo, teaching him letters and numbers, the terrible twos, even more poo…

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

April 2018

It’s a challenge for sure, but it is one that any man can take on. It’s no different to starting a new job and having to learn what to do. But this job isn’t paid and that might be where blokes struggle. Men are brought up with the subconscious pressure of attaining a job and having that, and your salary, as a badge of identity. I was a Cinematographer in my old life – people always “ooh”-ed when I explained my work and went slack-jawed when they discovered my daily rate, and I fed off the interest and envy. My job defined me, and I was proud of it.

Being a stay-at-home father gets the same responses, obviously without the money factor involved, and I have found a new way to identify myself. What’s more powerful is that my job literally changes lives; I am raising two little boys to become the most amazing men this world has seen. Men who know that they can do everything from work to family because they have seen me do it. My job defines me and I am proud of it.

I have been there to see first steps, first words, first everything.

When my boys get hurt or scared they come running for me to cuddle them. All those small, special connections that mums have with kids, us dads can have too. And don’t be phased by the whole breast-feeding issue because with some creative flexibility that can be surmounted as well. I became full-time parent for my second son when he was only 4 months old and still nipple-hungry, so we juggled between bottle-feeding and having to do mad dashes to Phenom-A-Mum’s (my wife’s superhero name) work for a breast top-up.

Just like any job, being a stay-at-home-dad has its crappy days but the highs are higher than any I ever experienced in normal work life. And a huge bonus – no boss.

Except, you know, THE boss but she’s pretty fair when I’ve whipped up a 6-hour pulled pork and horse-radish slaw burger for dinner!

I am a Stay-At-Home Dad. And I love it.

Could you be one too?

David Hawkins is a Peninsula based stay-at-home-dad who realised that he needed to improve his Dadding. So he set himself the simple task of being an Awesome Dad. He now challenges all dads to be awesome dads, by doing something out-of-theordinary with their kids.

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19

TOP WAYS TO OVERCOME mumma fatigue

1

By mynder.com.au

NYour old sleep routine is completely out the door and the othing can be more exhausting than being a new mum.

days of having a full night sleep seem so far.

But lets not forget being a mum is life's most rewarding gift, and even though it does come with its challenges such as mumma fatigue, there are ways around this.

Mynder was created by mums who understands how difficult it can be to juggle their work, family and social life.

The Mynder team understand the stresses mums go through and why they simply just need a break which is why they have put together top ways on how you can overcome mumma fatigue.

4

Get your husband to help out with the nightly routine. If your hubby can look after the kids after dinner and do bath time and bed without you, you can have a few hours to yourself or even get to sleep early in preparation for the midnight wakeup from your little one.

Take Vitamins.

Herbal supplements are a must in my household. If I’m feeling a bit tired, I take a multivitamin to boost my energy. If feel like I’m coming down with a cold, I take a vitamin C.

6 Meditate. You may think ‘I barely have time to have a shower as if I’m going to have the time to sit there and do nothing’… although I will admit that it can seem a little ‘back to front’, meditating for even 5 minutes a day allows us to really re-focus and overcome that feeling of utter exhaustion.

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

2

Join an exercise class with a crèche.

You get a break from your kids, get a workout to increase your energy and finally you get to be amongst other mums who are suffering from the same sleep deprivation as you. There is nothing better than knowing that others are in the same boat! Go Mummas!

5 Get a night off once in a while and do a stay-cation. Just one night away from the house/kids is all it takes to recharge your battery. So start locking down some dates in the diary for throughout the year.

3

Outsource or do online shopping when you can. You can get most things delivered these days so utilise sitting back and ordering whatever you need at your fingertips without lugging around your screaming toddlers!

7

Cut back on the alcohol. That 7’o’clock glass of wine may seem harmless but did you know it’s actually adding to your fatigue. Many people think that a little nightcap will help them sleep soundly through the night. However, alcohol's sedative effects can actually interfere with quality sleep (No thanks!).

Mynder.com.au is run by a mum Jenny, who understands how difficult it can be to juggle their work, family and social life. Ask any parent and they'll tell you that they've all been there when they have needed to find a babysitter for an unexpected last-minute work meeting, for a night off with their partners and friends or they have a job that doesn’t fit in with the formal child care system. Mynder was built to solve these problems, and more.

what’s new With the opening of our Bath House Amphitheatre, there are now more family-friendly areas than ever. Explore over 30 globally-inspired experiences, including nine new pools, a fire and ice area, café precinct and more.

cool pools In the summertime we lower the temperature of our pools slightly so you can continue to enjoy our mineral waters even as the weather warms up — or immerse yourself in one of our cold plunge pools.

clay and bathe The whole family can experience the wonder of play with our Body Clay Ritual and Bathe package. Have fun covering your whole body in Australian Earth Clay while learning about the use of clay across different cultures before rinsing off under our raw mineral showers.

pizza and bathe Pool-hopping is hungry work. Our Bath House café serves up a variety of delicious gourmet pizzas from morning until late, plus a range of other light meals and treats.

insider’s tip: bring a picnic Bring along your own picnic feast to enjoy as you relax among the moonah trees in our Bath House or Amphitheatre grassed picnic areas.

peninsulahotsprings.com/bath-house www.peninsulakids.com.au

21

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Tips to Get Your Kids

" Write Into"Summer

By Rebecca Fraser

S

ummer on the Mornington Peninsula – there’s nothing quite like it.

Long, balmy nights follow sunshine-filled days, perfect for exploring the multitude of attractions and experiences the Peninsula has to offer. Summer is the season for family outings, sightseeing, and discovery, especially with a six-week block of school holidays to fill.

But not every family has the time off work, budget, or energy to keep active young minds occupied and outdoors every day of the holidays.

On the days when you just want to call ‘time out’ and enjoy a lazy day at home, there’s a great way to keep the kids entertained and engaged, while encouraging reflection, planning skills, imagination and creativity.

Creative writing – bringing your outdoor Peninsula experiences to life.

We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to activities on the Peninsula.

From our twinkling bays, to our dramatic coastline, lush green pastures, rolling green hills, and numerous sites of historical merit, there are many ways for kids to capture what they’ve seen and engaged with, and translate their experiences into fun writing projects.

Whether your child’s natural style is crafty, visual, experimental, or artistic; whether they are storytellers, or prefer a fact-based narrative, the following ideas will get your kids ‘write into summer’ and bring their outdoor Peninsula experiences to life at home: Story Stones: Story Stones are smooth, flat stones or pebbles, that are painted or decorated with pictures of people and objects to represent symbolic elements of plot, setting, weather, and characters.

Cars, animals, spaceships, a castle, circus, forest, ice-cream, aeroplane, palm tree – when it comes to decorating your stones, you’re only limited by your imagination…

Add to the fun of your day at the beach by getting kids to collect their own stones to bring home and design. You can use felt tip pens, paint, or stickers to decorate your finds. Keep your story stones together in a bag or container.

A simple way to use the stones is to have budding writers draw a stone from the bag and use it to start their story, then another stone is added and joins the story … and so on. There are numerous ways the stones can be used for verbal and written storytelling, and kids get to flex their artistic muscles in the decoration process too.

continued next page.....

www.peninsulakids.com.au

23

Tuesday 5 March

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Thursday 7 March Tyabb Year 7-9 Campus from 4-7pm 1585 Frankston-Flinders Road T: 5978 2700

Thursday 14 March Mornington Year 7-9 Campus from 4-7pm Oakbank Road T: 5976 0100

Thursday 14 March Mornington Year 10-12 Campus from 4-7pm

2019 Twilight Open Days You’re invited to come and explore our Catholic co-educational offerings, contemporary junior campus facilities, and our new state-of-the-art Senior Learning Centre at Mornington

Oakbank Road T: 5976 0100 24

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Bookings via www.padua.vic.edu.au

Kids will hone their planning and composition skills as they work on the structure of their letter Step Back in Time: The history and heritage of the Mornington Peninsula makes for many fascinating family outings. With an abundance of sites to explore, story-rich with colourful real-life characters, kids’ imaginations will be ignited by tales of our early years.

Budding authors may wish to write a story set in a particular period and do their own research into how people lived. They might like to write about an object – real or imagined - found during a fictional archaeological dig. Perhaps their character goes back in time to meet someone from that era, or someone from the past ends up in our present. For inspiration, check out: The Briars, Coolart Homestead and Wetlands, Point Nepean and the Old Quarantine Station, Cape Schanck Lighthouse, McCrae Homestead, Beleura House and Sorrento.

Journaling: Journaling is massive with kids. It offers a great way to combine creativity with individualism, while chronicling daily thoughts and memories, and documenting events and outings. With simple tools of a notebook and pen, a journal makes a great record-keeper of summer outings and holiday experiences, as well as a place to record snippets of inspiration, write down achievements and aspirations, or list New Year resolutions and favourite things.

Write and Post a Letter: Old school style, that is! For many contemporary kids the simple act of putting pen to paper to write a letter to a friend or relative is completely foreign, as is the thrill of receiving a hand-addressed envelope in their letter box.

While digital communication is inarguably convenient – I’m looking at you, Facetime, email, and Skype – penning a personalised letter and posting it snail mail delivers multi-faceted benefits.

Kids will hone their planning and composition skills as they work on the structure of their letter. Encourage them to be as descriptive as possible when talking about their holiday adventures. What did they see? What did they hear? Taste? Touch? Smell? Make sure they ask questions of their recipient to tap into the reciprocity of letter writing, and to elicit a response.

Letter writing also helps kids glean an understanding of our postal system. Show them how to correctly address their envelope and look up post codes; give them money to purchase a stamp over the counter at the Post Office, and let them pop their letter in the mailbox themselves.

Receiving a letter puts a smile on anyone’s face. Grandparents, especially, will appreciate the gesture and family news. Perhaps this could be the start of an ongoing letter exchange?

Encourage kids to decorate their journal pages, drawing inspiration from their experiences – charcoal sketches, bright colours, craft items, or scrapbooking techniques to paste in movie tickets, photos, and brochures, or perhaps nature’s treasures: a brightly coloured leaf, flat shells, or pressed flowers. Top tip: diaries, notebooks, and journals make great Christmas presents and stocking fillers.

With summer in the air, there’s no better time to head outdoors and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Mornington Peninsula.

Everywhere you visit is an opportunity to fill creative buckets with writing inspiration. So, get the kids and get outdoors … and when it’s time for a change of pace, get writing!

Visual Prompts: Take photos of interesting finds on your Peninsula travels. It could be anything from a twisted tree trunk spotted on a bushwalk, an interestingly-shaped cloud, a colourful coral garden discovered in a rock pool ramble, graffiti-inspired artwork from a hip café wall, or a statue, decorative item, or landmark that has promoted an emotional response. Print your pictures out and use them as story prompts. Kids who prefer visual cues to tap into their creative side will really enjoy working with photographic prompts. Looking for inspiration? Head to one of the Peninsula’s fabulous sculpture displays. Try Point Leo Estate, Montalto, or check out McLelland Sculpture Park and Gallery just up the road at Langwarrin

Rebecca Fraser operates StoryCraft Creative Writing Workshops for aspiring authors of every age and ability.

For upcoming workshops – including a kid’s school holiday session on ‘Making and Using Your Own Story Stones’ on Thursday 17th January, visit www.storycraftworkshops.com.au www.peninsulakids.com.au

25

is an

Au Pair life for you?

By Olivia Wilson

I

’ve thought about hiring an au pair for a long time.

We work longer hours than we have before, and the children need to be taken here, there and everywhere.

Working, organising activities, school runs, sports, appointments and keeping the house clean, meant I was drained. Childfree time is non-existent for us, so to have someone at home who could babysit would be a godsend. With no family around to offer assistance, an au pair seemed like the perfect option. We had the room, and had agreed as a family that we should give it a go. I decided to bite the bullet and hire someone to help us out.

The only requests were: “She has to be like a big sister” and “She has to like Minecraft” … I, on the other hand was looking for someone to help with homework, do a few school drop offs and pick-ups, and possibly take over the afternoon trips to play parks. It was essential for me to find the right person for them, but also the right person for me too. Our au pair was going to be living in our home after all.

Hiring an au pair isn’t an easy task. We were lucky to know someone who has worked as an au pair in Sydney and she led us through the process. Interviews were setup via Facebook groups.

Doing it this way saved on agency fees, and we had someone who came personally recommended. continued next page.....

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

It was really important that the children liked the au pair. I really needed someone who could come in, make friends with them, be fun, but also have the strength to say “Enough! It’s bedtime!”

Here’s a few things I’ve learned from our experience: • Most au pairs have no formal childcare training but will have experience as a babysitter, or a role in which they have worked closely with children.

• Most au pairs have no formal childcare training but will have experience as a babysitter, or a role in which they have worked closely with children.

• You should expect your au pair to provide your children with attention, plan activities, and help with school work.

• Au pairs should also help with household tasks such as preparing lunches, laundry, cleaning and helping cook the family meals.

(This doesn’t mean that they should be doing everything around the home.)

• You must encourage your au pair to go and explore. Au pairs are usually from overseas and this is their chance to see Australia.

• It’s important for everyone that you set guidelines from the beginning. Provide your Au Pair with the hours that they will be working and what is expected of them. That way there is no misunderstanding.

• You must provide your au pair with regular time off.

How we found the perfect match for our family!

1. SO MANY WEBSITES!!

Making a decision about where you are going to look for your au pair is the first hurdle. It’s up to you to decide which avenue you will take to find the right person. There are plenty of au pair Agencies, websites, Facebook groups, Instagram Pages and even the seemingly old fashioned, word of mouth. Each option will give you a different experience, and only you will know what’s best for you. I suggest you do lots of research before choosing the route you’re going to take.

Ask friends with au pairs what they did. We went through Facebook groups which was easy and successful.

2. WHO IS SHE? I really wanted to chat to the potential au pair before the children spoke to her. It was important for me not to introduce umpteen people to the children before I was sure they would be a good fit. When you find an au pair to interview listen to how she talks about herself. Is she confident? Friendly? Why is she coming to Australia? Does she speak positively about past jobs and children she’s looked after? The way an au pair talks about herself is a real indication about the person she is. Nobody wants an au pair who is grumpy, negative and possibly running away from all her problems? Google searches may seem a bit “stalker” but you can tell a lot about a person by their social accounts. If you open her Facebook page and don’t like what you see, then your research has saved you hiring the wrong person for your family.

3. VIDEO CALLING We loved the video calls!! Interviewing your potential au pairs via video is a great way to introduce them to the family. My children loved chatting to the au pair, playing games via video and asking lots of questions. I loved being able to see how the au pair interacted with them before she moved in. It’s also a great tool for checking out the language barrier if you are looking to hire someone with English as a second language.

4. PERSONALITY BEATS EXPERIENCE! ALWAYS! We have fallen foul to the “oh her experience is amazing” only to find out she has completely the wrong personality to fit our family.

Hey! You don’t have to love everyone, and remember, your children are your most precious possession, so you need the right person!!

Keep looking!!! Someone who is kind, can be friends with the kids, and has heaps of common sense is always a much better option than the au pair with all sorts of certificates! Trust me on that one!

Ultimately, you are about to invite someone into your home, to share your family with. My advice is simply; if you feel good about someone from the outset, it’s usually a sign that they will become lifelong friends to your family. An au pair will not only be a huge help in the home, she will teach and love your children in a really special way that no one else can.

Olivia Wilson is a Melbourne based freelance writer who has created a campaign to raise awareness of and educate people about the severity of Childhood Anxiety after experiencing a lack of compassion for her own anxious daughter. Hanging Out With Mermaids offers support to parents of anxious children, and resources for anyone living or working with an anxious child. You can support Hanging out with mermaids on Facebook and Instagram 28

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

IEZZI I321-6 PK

www.peninsulakids.com.au

29

What do you need

By Deanne Atkinson

W

hat do you do when your parenting strategies and the tools you use to ensure a happy household no longer work? We all know that sinking feeling when you cook your child’s favourite meal then one day out of the blue he or she refuses to eat it and declares a new found dislike for it. Or when they start to protest against you and no longer cooperate in getting out the door each morning.

Parenting can feel like you are often navigating through life blindfolded and unprepared for the next hurdle. One minute the way you parent your children works; the next it doesn’t and you feel like you have really hit a brick wall. Frustration quickly creeps in and we can start to feel angry and resentful.

What’s going on? Children will show you through their behaviour that something is up with them or they are struggling with something under the surface. Just like when you are trying to process some difficult emotions and you might be short tempered during this time; a little more inpatient than normal or you might be someone who withdraws until you have moved through what was troubling you. Children will also behave differently if they are stuck emotionally or struggling with something.

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Parenting can feel like you are often navigating through life blindfolded and unprepared for the next hurdle..

from me?

It is important to see beyond the behaviour and spend some time talking to your child asking them what they are feeling. It may take a few attempts for children to open up, especially if they fear they are going to get into trouble, but keep encouraging them to express their feelings so you can then take the necessary action to help them.

Refusing to co operate could mean they are tired of being told what to do all the time. Children want to be heard and it is easy to fall into the pattern of just telling them what you want them to do. If this is constant, a child at some point will stop and turn their ears off and dig their heels in. Next time this happens pause for a moment instead of getting angry; is there an opportunity for you to change the way you parent? Have their needs changed? Has your parenting style been overpowering and demanding rather than giving them the opportunity to make choices and have a say in their environment?

What do you need from me? This is the question I asked my teenage son when for a few days he was irritated by me and had become curt and moody. Instead of putting it down as normal teenage behaviour I sat him down and asked what he needs from me. It was a powerful moment in time for our relationship and the way I parent him. I learnt what he no longer needed from me. We talked and talked about what he wanted, needed and what he felt capable of. I needed to adjust my parenting, pull away and give him more freedom and independence which he felt ready for.

I trusted his own judgment and gave him my support.

His irritation passed and he was back to his happy self.

The point I am trying to make is: look beyond your child’s behaviour to what the underlying cause could be. Be openminded; sometimes we are the ones who need to change and consequently the children will respond positively.

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Children love to have a say on what goes on in their lives and will often thrive if their independence is nurtured with age-related choices. We all want to feel heard and not made to obey others demands. Next time you feel resistance in the household, take a breath, find the cause and then you can move forward with a plan of action. It really is an opportunity for growth, usually for everyone involved.

swimschool@corehealth.com.au Deanne Atkinson is a Parent Coach and Spiritual Counsellor and founded Parent with Passion to help reduce the negative cycle which occurs in parenting. She has a spiritual approach to parenting which is all about supporting positive emotions and personal development. She helps mums and dads who are struggling with their role. Deanne runs parenting programs and private consultations in Mornington and Frankston. For enquiries Deanne can be contacted on 0413 316 079 or at www. parentwithpassion.com You can also join Deanne on Facebook or Instagram

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31

Tips on how to return after children

By Jenny Vanderhoek

T

this is going to work; who does pickups and drops off?

And don’t you dare put your hands up for everything!

Everyone returns to work at different times but the emotions you feel will be the similar across all mums.

I went to my work Christmas lunch and it was such a great way to connect with my co-workers in a informal environment after a year off. It actually made me excited about returning to work and helped relieve some of the guilt of leaving my child in childcare.

here is no easy way to return back to work. You will feel every emotion that you can possibly have all in one week. Guilt, sadness, freedom, excitement, uncertainty, nervousness and endless questions at every turn.

1 - Open communication with your partner When i returned to work,I just assumed that because i spent a whole year with my baby, that I’m her primary carer. But that is just simply not true. My husband was a willing and capable parent as well but I simply thought I’d make it easier for everyone if I did everything. So my first tip is to talk to your partner or your support person on how 32

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

2 - Stay involved and in touch with your workplace

3 - Complete a settling period at your childcare before you return to work You don't want to go back to work and take your child into daycare all on the same day. Take your child into childcare a week or two before and allow him/her to have the time with you there and

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familiarise themselves with the new environment. It's also a great way to find out what else you need to prepare or bring for them.

4 - Plan dinners for the week Cook batches of food on Sunday nights so you can just quickly heat something up after getting home. Then you can pair it with some veggies in the steamer and boil up some pasta.

5 - Pack the night before Pack your kids' bags and pack your bags the night before work.

Put out your outfit and your child's outfit the night before. Make all the necessary decisions the night before so your not rushing around finding your skirt in the morning.

6 - Prepare for adult conversation

continued next page.....

For enquiries call Jason 0406 691 231 or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/TalkingHens www.peninsulakids.com.au

33

"The reality is that your first day is going to be hectic" For the first time in a while, your topic of conversation will no longer be about your baby’s poo consistency. People are actually going to want your expertise on something completely different. Be inquisitive in those first few weeks, ask lots of questions (this does not make you look incompetent) and meet as many new people as possible to find out "who’s who in the zoo." Before long, you’ll find your groove again.

8 - Share your burden with your fellow mums

You can plan all you want and pack as much as you want the night before. The reality is that your first day is going to be hectic because for the first time in awhile, you have to catch a certain bus at a certain time. The bus unfortunately doesn't wait while you are trying to console your toddler who can't decide what he/she wants to wear.

Mynder.com.au is run by a mum Jenny, who understands how difficult it can be to juggle work, family and social life. Ask any parent and they'll tell you that they've all been there when they have needed to find a babysitter for an unexpected last-minute work meeting, for a night off with their partners and friends or they have a job that doesn’t fit in with the formal child care system. Mynder was built to solve these problems, and more.

Photo: Damian Tierney

7 - Don't be hard on yourself

You don't need to go through the ups and down on your own.

Understand that lots of fellow mums are doing this juggle with you and totally get everything you are feeling! I’ve been vomited on by my daughter on the way into work and had to continue the walk into work to grab my laptop so i could work from home. I’ve worn my dresses inside out and didn't realise until I went to my bathroom break.

A mum in my mums' group went to work with two different shoes on her feet. So have a laugh about it with your fellow mums!

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35

An Interview with Optimus Prime from the

By Erica Louise

D

Melbourne

o you hear it? The clank of heavy machinery tramping your streets?

Fear not civilians, it’s more than likely a couple of robotic friends, the Melbourne Transformers, protecting your neighbourhood from the Decepticons.

That’s right humans, the rumours are true. Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are living right here amongst us. Melbourne’s very own Autobots; the Melbourne Transformers are in Victoria to guard humanity from the demise of Megatron and his robotic army.

However, in-between the tough stuff our metallic human-like friends squeeze in a little downtime to entertain Melbourne kids with their crazy robotic dance moves and storytelling.

To tell us more, we’ve squeezed in a moment with the leader of the Autobots to answer some of our inquisitive questions. Without further ado, here is an interview with Optimus Prime, one half of the Melbourne Transformers: Book in the Melbourne Transformers to entertain at your next function! Your child’s next birthday party, work function, charity fundraiser or product launch. Alternatively, go all out and book a ride in Bumblebee, transformed into a Chevy Camaro stretch limousine.

Head to xlentevents.com.au to find out more.

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Transformers Transformers Transformers Transformers Transformers Transformers Transformers Transformers Transformers Transformers Transformers Transformers Transformers Q. Hi Optimus. Thanks for chatting to us. Our first important question to ask is why you chose Melbourne for your new base. Should we be worried?

YOU'RE WELCOME HUMAN. WHEN THE AUTOBOTS ARE AROUND THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY.

Q. Melbourne is famous for its volatile and sometimes wet weather. How do you stop yourself from rusting?

RUST IS NOT GOOD FOR A CYBERTRONIAN. OUR COLONIES SUCCUMBED TO THE DREADED RUST PLAGUE ON CYBERTRON. WE CORRODE, WE DIE. TO KEEP RUST AT BAY. WE MUST KEEP CLEAN OF ALL GRIME AND SALT – THE SAME WAY YOU STOP YOUR CAR FROM RUSTING.

Q. Do Magpies swoop at you in spring because they are attracted to your shiny metal?

YES! WE THOUGHT WE WERE UNDER ATTACK FROM THE DECEPTICONS. WE MUST HIDE FROM EARTH’S FEARLESS BLACK AND WHITE FEATHERED CREATURES. THEY INTERFERE WITH OUR SENSORS.

Q. Rumour has it that your solider Bumbleebee has his very own Hummer vehicle. Is this true and can you tell us more?

THE BUMBLEBEE LIMO IS BUMBLEBEE'S RIDE FOR WHEN HE DOESN'T FEEL LIKE TRANSFORMING. THE LIMO CAN SIT BUMBLEBEE IN THE FRONT AND 10 IN THE BACK. OUR PRIMARY FOCUS IS TO PROTECT YOUR SPECIES FROM THE DECEPTICONS. BUT WE ALSO LIKE TO SEE HUMANS, BIG AND SMALL, ENJOY PARTIES IN THE BUMBLEBEE LIMO.

Q. Optimus Prime you seem so busy. Bumblebee too. Do the Melbourne Transformers ever sleep?

IT IS POSSIBLE FOR US TO GO INTO HIBERNATION MODE, BUT NOT ON PLANET EARTH. WE OCCASIONALLY POWER DOWN WHEN LOW ON ENERGON BUT AN AUTOBOT MUST ALWAYS BE ALERT.

Q. Did you get council approval so that you can transform into a car?

WE HAVE A SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH EARTH’S AUTHORITY FIGURES. Q. Do Transformers pay rego?

UNFORTUNATELY, YES. THE AUTOBOTS ARE NOT VOID OF VICROADS FEES. Q. Have you mastered Melbourne’s hook turns yet?

WITH PRACTICE AND PERSISTENCE, YOU CAN MASTER ANY CRAFT FRIEND... SO WE WILL NEED MORE OF BOTH. Q. What do Transformers eat? Do you like human food like Tim Tams or Vegemite?

WE DON’T EAT FOOD LIKE HUMANS DO. ENERGON IS THE PREFERRED FUEL OF OUR SPECIES. VEGEMITE MAKES GOOD AXLE GREASE BUT IT SMELLS STRANGE. Q. We’ve seen your dance moves. Where did you learn to move like that?

FROM AN ELECTRONIC VIDEO GAME THAT I BELIEVE YOU HUMANS CALL “FORTNITE”.

Q. Where will we see you performing your special moves next?

KEEP AN EYE ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE @MELBOURNETRANSFORMERS AND YOU WILL SEE.

Q. Are we likely to see you perform to Mornington Peninsula kids any time soon?

WE COULD BE ANYWHERE HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT BECAUSE WE ARE THE MASTERS OF DISGUISE. WATCH THIS SPACE...

www.peninsulakids.com.au

37

Don't Don'twait waitto to find findout outwhat what you youare are capable capable of... of...

By Lisa Stephenson

I

often hear stories of people who discover they are stronger and smarter than they knew, as a result of a significant and life changing event. When trauma is experienced, people are required to develop new skills and must trust themselves to find their way to a solution.

Over the years I’ve seen people who were going about their life, doing their thing, only to have certainty and everything that they knew about themselves thrown out the window in a moment. It might be a shock redundancy, health scare or the end of a significant relationship. Regardless of the trigger, the impact can be significant.

Life throws all kinds of surprises at us. Some of those bring happiness and new opportunities, but others leave us spinning in circles, unsure of how we even begin to survive it. One thing I am certain of in my experience as a coach, is that people are nearly always more capable than they know. In fact, people can be amazing, resilient and inspiring in the middle of mess! What I am fascinated by though, is this question: ‘Why do we need to wait to find out what we are capable of?’

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Imagine what life could be like if we consciously paid attention to our strengths, passions and goals and made that stuff happen, rather than wait to be provoked into change by trauma. Over and over again coaching clients say to me: ‘I wish I had backed myself earlier… I just didn’t know I could do this.’ Whilst they would never have purposely invited the ‘mess’ into their life, once they come out the other side they are proud and regularly happier.

4. If I truly trusted myself, what would I start doing differently

Often we are consumed by the ‘busy’ - the tasks and to-do lists and we spread ourselves thin. Most of us have untapped potential so I encourage you to stop waiting for things to go wrong, doors to close or boredom to consume you before you seek out that potential. Proactively create the change you need to live a life that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning. Be prepared to take some risks, make some mistakes and learn some stuff about yourself that you didn’t know. On the other side of the mess, is a more resilient version of you; a version of you who can step up, take ownership and drive your own success, whatever that means for you.

7. If I was being brave what decisions would I make?

8. What opportunities can I leverage right now if I wasn’t waiting

These thought provoking questions will get you started:

1.

How would I define a successful life for me?

2. Who do I know who could support me with advice and tips to get me on my way?

tomorrow?

5. What are the consequences of living my current life and not exploring the possibilities of more?

6. Can I make a list of the attitudes, skills and experiences I have that really show my strengths?

for the perfect time?

9. How can I develop resilience in my career, relationships and mindset so that I am ready for what life throws at me?

10. If I stepped out of being ‘busy’ and paid attention to what I really want in life, what would I need to do?

Lisa Stephenson is a success coach and author of Read Me First (Major Street Publishing), a book filled with thought provoking coaching questions, strategies for success and life’s must-haves. She is also the founder of the global, Australian-based consulting firm, Who am I Projects, and has worked with some of the biggest global names, CEOs, elite athletes and entrepreneurs. For more information on Lisa go to www.lisastephensonconsulting.com.au

3. What beliefs do I have now that stop me from reaching my real potential?

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39

How to break into the Peninsula

By Carl & Jo Violeta

I

f world-class wineries, beautiful beaches and bushland, a caring community and access to Melbourne in under an hour are what you’re after, then the Mornington Peninsula is your place.

It’s no wonder then that the property market on the Peninsula is highly competitive. However, it’s still possible to buy a home on the Peninsula if you have some know how and determination.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR Tara Vandeligt, founder of "Building Dreams: Mornington Peninsula" the largest local peer to peer building and renovating firm in the community – gave us her insight into how to find property bargains on the Mornington Peninsula.

Tara is a serial renovator and is always on the lookout for the next best value buy, to achieve a dream home on a realistic budget.

For a competitive edge, Tara suggests a proactive approach. ‘Start your search six months in advance. Initially cast your net wide. Check out a variety of areas and property types to get a good idea of what the Peninsula has to offer. Visit at least six open-for-inspections every Saturday. Seeing properties back to back helps the ‘right one’ really stand out!’

We asked Tara which suburbs she would recommend for First Home Buyers: ‘You can secure a fabulous house under $600,000 in Rye. The median house price for a three bedroom home there is $665,000.

Other good options are Rosebud, Capel Sound and Dromana.’

If you have your heart set on one of the blue-chip locations (e.g.

Mount Eliza, Mornington, close to water) but your budget is tight, Tara suggests considering a well-appointed villa or an older townhouse.

She adds that these types of properties could prove to be a good first renovation ‘flip’ opportunity, because when finished they are likely to appeal to the wealthier downsizing market.

Be careful when you’re bargain-hunting to make sure you are in fact getting a good deal. ‘The cheapest house may not be the most affordable. If a home has major structural defects or is inhabitable you will need cash available to fix this immediately. Otherwise, you will be stuck paying a mortgage on an empty house. Obtaining lending for such homes can also be difficult, so always get a building and pest inspection before bidding at auction, or make it subject to the terms of purchase,’ Tara explains.

Once you’ve decided the Peninsula is definitely for you, you should secure your financing arrangements; houses move quickly in this area and you’ll need to be ready to buy when you find the one you want.

SORTING OUT THE FINANCE One of the biggest challenges for families looking to buy a home is coming up with the deposit.

If you already own a home or have a home-loan on your current property you may be able to use the equity in that property to help you secure a new home loan.

If you’re buying your first home, you may be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and the First Home Super Saver Scheme to help you get that deposit together.

Most banks prefer a 20% deposit. However, saving a 20% deposit isn’t realistic for everyone when they are paying rent and have a family to support. Some lenders will accept as little as 5% deposit but be mindful that for deposits under 20% Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) will apply.

LMI provides protection to the bank in case your home loan goes into default. It protects the bank; it doesn’t protect you.

D L SO 40

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Property Market Another option to consider is a Guarantor Loan. A Guarantor Loan is when someone else, usually a close relative such as a parent, uses the equity in their property to help you secure yours. This option isn’t right for everyone. There are some risks involved for the Guarantor. It’s smart to speak to a professional before applying for this type of loan.

It’s important to note that the deposit isn’t the only upfront cost you will need to prepare for. There are other costs associated with purchasing a property such as conveyancing and in some cases Stamp Duty.

Just as you shop-around to find the right property, you could potentially save money by researching different loan options.

A Mortgage Broker can help you shop around, or you can do it yourself. Just be mindful that if you take the DIY option, every time you enquire about a loan directly with the bank it may be recorded on your credit file, which could jeopardise your chances of securing a loan.

Entering the Mornington Peninsula property market might not be easy, but it is possible. Start by finding the perfect property that you can afford and then sort out the finances to purchase it.

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.

By Bronnie Masefau

preparing your home for the warmer weather

I

find that with the warmer, longer days my energy levels slow down… some days to a grinding halt! It is common knowledge that I am a lover of grey days – cloudy skies and a cool breeze make my heart sing.

In preparation for the warmer months I like to not only invest time in doing the ‘Spring clean’ but also de-cluttering the home making evening and weekend clean-ups fuss free. Blankets are washed and put away from the elements. We relocate the beach towels for easy access on swim days and I tweak the open shelves within the kitchen area to accommodate all the items we need handy for family dinnertime and entertaining summer style.

Along with the obvious above-mentioned housekeeping tips, I also like to move the furniture around, allowing more open spaces for flow-through areas. The oversized ottoman, come coffee table has been relocated off to the side so we can all sit on the large sofa and extend our legs. The scattering of occasional tables has also been repositioned to the outer areas, again increasing the general flow of the space.

Outside areas are next on the list. ALL cushions and upholstery get a brushing, followed by a wipe down and a fresh batch of outdoor candles are purchased and positioned ready for balmy summer evenings under the stars.

By making the time now, before the real heat sets in I find it allows me the time to ease into summer while enjoying my home.

In Bronnie Masefau’s fifth book, The Meaning of Home – A Place to Belong, readers are in for a treat. ‘Home’ is a word that holds much power and this new book takes us on an explorative journey of both ‘self’ and ‘style’.

The Meaning of Home – A Place to Belong is not merely a beautiful book; it is chock full of practical tips and advice and can be purchased from the Bronnie Masefau website for $55 (+ postage & handling).

www.peninsulakids.com.au

41

CHRISTMAS HACKS

By Dr Brooklyn Storme PhD

C

hristmas is such an exciting time for children! Not only are they on holiday but they also get the chance to spend extra time with family and loved ones doing things that really matter to them. But it can be overwhelming too and, with that in mind, I’ve put together a few Christmas Hacks that hopefully can make life a bit easier for you.

HACK ONE It’s not called the ‘silly’ season for nothing and it’s not unusual to find parents feeling at a loss as to how to tackle certain situations. I think there’s a sense of silliness perhaps due to the beautiful (?) disruption that holidays bring to kids' daily routines. No longer are they bound by the rules of waking at 7am, going to school, coming home, doing homework, going off to their after school activity, having a shower and dinner, rinse and repeat. In fact, in many homes along the Peninsula, it’s just the opposite.

The holidays bring a relaxing of rules and boundaries and, while most kids seem to love it, problems can arise. A simple hack to ensure your children cope with the holidays more effectively is to keep a routine in place. This can be something like the steps you want them take in the morning or before bed. Maybe it might be encouraging them to wake up at the same each morning. It doesn’t still need to be 7am, but maybe you ask them to be up by 8am.

Routines also have added benefits for any little ones that might be affected by nervousness or anxiety too. We know that when routines disappear, anxiety tends to increase. Having a simple structure can help your child feel calm because there is predictability in the day.

When they are calm and rested, they’ll be able to enjoy their break and return to school ready and eager to learn, play and develop.

HACK TWO It’s so good to be able to take time and catch up on Netflix though this needs to be mixed up with physical activity regularly. The children need to be outside and this is the time that they get to really do all the fun things with you! Take them on bike rides on Peninsula Link or go for a hike at Bushrangers’ Bay. Set aside time yourself to make a plan of activities, indoor and out, that you can do with them.

Maybe you create two jars. One says ‘indoor fun; the other says ‘outdoor fun’. Why not write out a bunch of activities, cut them up, fold them tightly and place them in the appropriate jar. Let the children take it in turns of picking one activity each day and follow through with it.

HACK THREE Release your expectations that the children will and should behave perfectly over the holidays. The steps above, like having a routine and planning indoor and outdoor activities, are great but there’ll still be times when they misbehave. It’s to be expected, especially depending on their age.

If you understand this and if you can accept that their behaviour will be less than ideal at times, it just makes it all the easier for you to respond in a less emotional way. We don’t want you being stressed on your 42

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

FOR PARENTS break as this is supposed to be your time to unwind and recharge too. By focussing on the bigger picture, you’ll be able to let some little things slide in the interest of having a peaceful break.

HACK FOUR Buddy up with your partner, your parents, friends or others to create opportunities for yourself to unwind and relax. Tag team with Dad and when you get an afternoon to yourself, use that time to really invest in activities that you find calming, soothing, relaxing or refreshing.

Perhaps you head to the Hot Springs, go for a walk on the beach at Capel Sound, have lunch in Mornington, or take your girlfriends out to the drive-in at Dromana. It doesn’t matter what you do; what matters is that you do it.

When you look after yourself, you are happier, healthier, calmer and you cope better with drama. It might be an afternoon away from the children and family but it’s something you are doing for them. Make sure both mum and dad get ample opportunities to take breaks and that they encourage and support each other in doing this.

Having the children see you both take breaks to look after yourselves is also a really great way to model self-care for them. Children are impressionable and curious and they’ll wonder what you are doing

and why. Explain why you are taking the time and relate it to how they have time too. When you return, they’ll be full of questions (perhaps) and that is another opportunity to reinforce the value of self-care by explaining all the benefits of the time away. You might inspire the children to find acts of self-care that they like too. Maybe you help your daughter create her own spa day and you both make bath bombs together in preparation, or grab some face masks and hair treatments? Maybe you ask your son what he likes to do and give him some suggestions and support in creating his own self-care ritual (even if that means he wants some alone time with his cricket bat in the back yard without sisters bothering him!). You get the idea.

I hope these Hacks help and I wish you the best, happiest, merriest Christmas ever!

Dr. Brooklyn Storme, PhD is the Director and head psychologist at All Psyched Up, a mindfulness-based allied health practice on the Mornington Peninsula.

When she’s not at work, she’s usually teaching Gabe new tricks or spiking up his purple Mohawk.

Facebook: allpsychedup Ph: 8765 2434

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43

By Australian Hot Water

M

ost people, when they think about severe burns, automatically imagine fire as the main cause of these devastating, lifechanging and sometimes fatal injuries.

Fire is more dangerous that hot water in many ways – hot water doesn’t stay hot, it doesn’t spread to clothes and other fabrics and materials in the same way as fire does. Once hot water has made contact with skin, it starts to cool almost immediately. However, hot water and liquid vapours can still be very dangerous and they present a particular danger to babies and young children in and around the home.

What is a scald?

Burns from hot liquids or vapours are known as scalds and, in the home, they can happen in a matter of seconds but have lifelong implications.

This is why you need to know about preventing them and, if an accident does happen, what to do to treat them rapidly and to lessen the severity.

Scalds in the home and why they’re serious The main cause of scald injuries in the home are hot drinks, particularly tea and coffee. If you tend to drink black coffee or herbal teas, then you don’t add cold milk to bring the temperature down a few degrees, 44

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

so these are especially risky to have around small children.

A scalding injury is often more dangerous to a baby or a child than an adult simply because if, for example, 200ml of boiling water falls onto your leg, it’ll scald only a relatively small area of your skin. If the same amount falls onto a baby’s leg, not only will it cover a larger proportion of the baby’s skin area, but a baby’s skin is also thinner than an adult’s. This means that damage to the lower layers of skin happens much faster and is more devastating.

How most scalding accidents happen As you can imagine, children are most likely to be scalded at home, particularly in the kitchen, although accidents with hot water also happen in bathrooms, especially if there’s no mixer tap or tempering valve. Tempering valves use a sensor to monitor the temperature of the hot water being drawn and automatically add enough cold water to reach a maximum of 50C for domestic hygiene outlets. If you’re having a tempering valve or another water safety device fitted then you should always use a licensed plumber. You can also install childresistant taps so that your children can’t operate the taps themselves, but these don’t control or reduce the temperature of the water.

Hot drinks Hot drinks are the most common cause of scalding injuries to children

Never use butter or oil on a burn as these oils effectively seal the heat into the burned tissue

as younger children can knock or pull cups onto themselves when cruising coffee past tables.

They can also pull on tablecloths when moving around, causing cups or jugs to fall on them. It’s best to avoid the use of tablecloths if you have young children, as they may also be injured by pulling knives or heavy plates onto themselves, too.

Another cause of drink-related scalds is when babies or children pull or knock a hot drink out of an adult’s hand when sitting on their knee.

If you’re nursing or you have a particularly clingy baby then you may have to forgo your cup of hot coffee for a while and drink iced coffee or tea or stick to water.

Hot foods and cooking oils Scalds from hot cooking oils are very nasty as the oils are typically much hotter than even boiling water and the oil tends to stick to the skin and clothes more. Younger children should really stay away from the cooking areas in the house until they’re old enough to be suitably wary of hazards.

Instant noodles are becoming a common cause of scald injuries, with the liquid – and the noodles themselves – falling from the cup or pot.

The water might no longer be boiling, but anything above 65C is enough to cause a serious burn in a couple of seconds.

When children are older and learning to cook for themselves, they may burn themselves by taking food out of a microwave or removing a pan from the hob. It’s vital that they know to run the burned area under a cool tap immediately – even before calling you for help.

Hot tap water in the kitchen and bathroom A common cause of scalds outside of the kitchen is the hot tap in the bathroom. Children can jump into a bath that’s too hot or they may turn on the hot tap while they’re in the bath or at the sink.

The dangers of hot tap water It’s not just boiling or very hot water that can cause serious burns.

Some domestic hot water is dangerously hot.

It takes less than a second for water at 65C to cause a deep burn, while at 60C it takes five seconds. It’s 30 seconds for 55C to cause serious burns and water at 50C takes five minutes.

If you’re worried about the water coming out of your taps – even mixer taps can release excessively hot water if they’re turned too far – then you need a reliable tempering valve from a supplier like Australian Hot Water. continued next page.....

www.peninsulakids.com.au

45

How many scalding injuries are there in Australia?

Between 2005 and 2013, there were 5,448 burns involving children aged 0-4 in New South Wales alone. More than half (57%) of these injuries happened in the kitchen and were mostly caused by hot soups, noodles, tea or coffee.

Is there an Australian Standard for hot water delivery systems?

still talk to them, but they can’t get under your feet.

Always make sure that your kettle, toaster, slow cooker and other appliances are pushed to the back of the work bench so they’re out of reach of small children.

Only boil as much water in your kettle as you need at the time and discard any unused hot water if you do overfill it.

Use a cordless kettle or one with a coiled wire so that it’s harder to pull the kettle off the bench.

Yes, there is – AS 3500.4 -1994 & AS/NZS 3500.4.2:1997, in fact.

This law in Australia says that newly-installed hot water systems that deliver water to outlets designated primarily for domestic personal hygiene utilities or purposes must be set to no higher to 50C. These utilities include baths, basins, sinks and showers.

Never pour water on burning oil as this can lead to burning oil spattering into the air and onto any nearby surfaces – including nearby people. Move away from the fire and dampen a cloth large enough to cover the burning area, then place the cloth over the flames.

If this doesn’t work, leave the house and call the emergency services.

While older homes might not have a tempering device installed, it’s quite easy to have one retrofitted to a bathroom or kitchen by a reputable plumber.

If you’re eating hot soup, stew or noodles, then make sure that children eat at a table rather than on their laps so that any spillage goes on the table rather than on their bodies. If possible, drain hot broth from noodles before serving, or, if the broth is an important part, leave it to cool for several minutes.

In 2012, New South Wales adopted the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and this code states that a temperature-control device – like a tempering valve – must be installed when a water heater is installed.

It doesn’t matter if the heater is entirely new or a replacement, it must feature this device.

Supervision is vital You should never leave young children alone in the bathroom or the kitchen, or with another young child. This is doubly important if they’re in the bath together.

If you’re running a bath for your children, then either ignore your phone or turn on the answering machine so that you’re not distracted while your children are in the bath.

If you have very young children then keep the bathroom door closed until you need to enter the room.

Running a bath safely A really good tip for running a bath for young children is to run cold water first. In this way, even if someone manages to climb in before they’re supposed to, the water will either be cold enough to provoke a sharp exit or it’ll be lukewarm or thereabouts. This is also a good idea for running showers, too.

Even with these measures, you should always check the temperature of a bath before putting young children in it. Using your elbow, or a floating bath thermometer, is a great way to gauge temperature – the maximum safe temperature for smaller children is 40C. Cooking safely Only use the back rings to cook on, especially if you’re simmering a stew for a while and you may have to leave the kitchen.

Make sure you turn pan handles so that they’re out of reach to young children and can’t be accidentally knocked by anyone passing by.

Install a safety gate to keep your children out of the kitchen – you can 46

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Using the microwave safely Don’t heat up baby formula in bottles in the microwave; this can create hotspots that can burn the baby’s mouth.

Don’t heat up food for longer than the instructions say as over-heated foods and sauces can explode once opened or removed from the microwave. Using full power isn’t always the best way to go – try microwaving on half power and stop and stir regularly.

If older children are starting to use the microwave to heat up food or drinks, then make sure it’s placed no higher than their waist height so that they’re not reaching upwards to get their food out.

Enjoying hot drinks safely Don’t try to hold a young child and a hot drink at the same time – small children and babies just love to grab and wriggle.

Keep hot drinks well out of the reach of younger children and don’t use tablecloths as these are often pulled on by toddlers, which can bring down cups or jugs containing hot liquids.

First aid for scalds and burns Run the burned area under a cool tap for at least 20 minutes – don’t use high-pressured water on a burn as it can cause more damage. The idea is to transfer the energy of the hot liquid or object into the water so all that’s needed is a steady supply of cool water. If there’s no running water, then a cold can or bottle held against the burn is better than nothing.

The actual process of a burn takes longer than you’d imagine, with the residual heat from the burn causing damage to the lower skin layers for up to three hours after the event, so keep that cool water running.

If the burn is more than two or three centimetres in diameter then seek medical advice. You should also call 000 if you’re not sure you’re doing the right thing or if you’re worried.

Never use butter or oil on a burn as these oils effectively seal the heat into the burned tissue, making things much worse. Similarly, cream and toothpaste should be avoided, too. It’s tempting to use an ice cube or iced water, but this is another extreme of temperature and so can cause tissue damage.

Avoid the use of burn creams for at least three hours – they don’t transfer the heat from the burn and so they’re no substitute for cool water.

Australian Hot Water have been servicing, installing and repairing hot water systems all over Sydney. We take hot water safety very seriously and all of our work is done with both children's and adults safety in mind Find out more on our website www. australianhotwater.com.au

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47

Nutrition & Mental Health.

By Sherrie Miller

M

ental health has become an increasing concern with today’s society and, even more concerning, the increase of mental health with our kids. Anxiety, depression, aggressive behaviour, learning disorders, ADHD and ASD the most common amongst our kids. There are many factors behind the causes of mental health issues which can include an unpleasant home life, stress, school pressure, bullying, excessive social media and gaming, impaired detoxification, and genetic influence. We are fortunate that there are many organisations available in helping kids manage and improve their mental health challenges through counselling services, Kids Help Line, The Resilience Project, Headspace, to name but a few. One area that appears not be addressed enough when it comes to managing and improving mental health, is nutrition.

The brain and central nervous system, like the rest of the body can suffer with nutrient deficiency and chronic inflammation and when it does, it will not perform optimally, and this can result in things like forgetfulness, foggy brain, moodiness, aggression and of course more debilitating mental health disorders. The brain and central nervous system require the right nutrients to perform at its best and this comes from a healthy diet.

But what causes chronic brain inflammation to begin with?

Inflammation occurs in your body when the cells of your immune system work together to fight an infection or foreign invader. We see inflammation on the outside of our body as heat, swelling and redness.

On the inside, the same irritations occur, and the body has the innate ability to get to work and heal the site of the inflammation. However, when the body is in a constant state of inflammation due to certain contributing factors, this then becomes chronic inflammation. Your body over time, gets tired of fighting the chronic inflammation and ultimately appears with other more serious symptoms reflecting ill health and disease.

Inflammation in the body can be caused by the following: Bacterial or viral infection Poor gut health and an unhealthy balance of microbiome Long-term stress Autoimmunity Trauma or injury Toxins from the environment, household or skin products 48

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

A highly processed diet If a diet is high in processed grains, artificial ingredients, refined sugars and trans fats, and lacks plant foods, protein, good fats and fibre, the body will become malnourished and won’t have the ability to perform proper biochemical functions. This also affects the brain.

There are certain nutrients essential for brain health and function, and are outlined below:

Essential Fatty Acids The brain is made up of 60% fat. In fact, the brain is the fattiest organ in our body, therefore it needs fat to function. Healthy fats which can include both saturated fats from butter, coconut and eggs, as well as omega 3’s from avocado, nuts and seeds, olive oil and fatty fish such as salmon and sardines, are crucial for brain health.

Fat reduces inflammation in the brain and is essential for developing and maintaining neurons (nerve cells). The myelin sheath which is the fatty insulating layer of the neurons, that controls the speed of transmission of neuron impulses along the pathways, also requires fat for proper function and transmission. Avoid trans fatty acids and high ratios of omega 6 fats, often found in processed seed oils and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and canola oil. These fats in high quantities contribute to inflammation.

Protein Protein is an essential macronutrient for general health and wellbeing.

Protein is broken down into amino acids when digested and there are 9 essential amino acids that the body needs and does not store in the body. Therefore, the essential amino acids need to be replenished through diet. Protein sources include meat, eggs, fish, dairy and plantbased options such as nuts and seeds, lentils, oats, quinoa, broccoli and peanuts.

Protein is required to make enzymes and hormones, to build and repair body tissue and is also essential in making antibodies that our immune system needs to protect us from illness and fight invaders in our system. When it comes to brain health and function, protein is needed for cell activity and multiplication. It is also required for the production and synthesis of our neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA. Low levels of these neurotransmitters are linked to depression, learning disorders and anxiety.

Zinc

Iron

Zinc plays an important role in synaptic transmission (communications of the neurons), and a lack of zinc in the diet contributes to impaired DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis during brain development. When it comes to babies and children and their rapid brain growth, zinc is essential for healthy general activity, emotional behaviour, memory and the ability to learn. Zinc also is required for the storage and release of neurotransmitters. Zinc is found in shellfish, red meat, pumpkins seeds, cashews, quinoa, chickpeas and beans.

An iron deficiency can affect cognition, language and motor development skills in babies and young children. Research has shown how a lack of iron in the diet can affect the white matter in the brain, as well as the production of myelin. Both important for neuron transmission. Iron is required for neurotransmitter development and functioning to assist in regulating moods. Iron deficiency can often present as anxiety, depression, irritability, poor concentration and general restlessness. One of irons' main roles is to ensure that oxygen in the blood is carried around the body, which of course includes the brain for clarity of mind. Foods rich in iron include red meat and liver as well as chicken, turkey and shellfish. Plant-based iron sources include green leafy vegetables, lentils, quinoa, pumpkin seeds and marine algae such as spirulina and chlorella.

Magnesium Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical actions within the body. Magnesium is critical in assisting detoxification and preventing inflammation. Magnesium is required for brain cognition and memory formation. This is particularly important for learning. Magnesium strengthens synapses function by strengthening the nerve endings of the synaptic nerve where transmission occurs. It is also needed for relaxing nerves, assisting digestion, relieving muscle tension, migraines and headaches and regulates moods and stress responses. All these helpful in minimising anxiety responses. Unhealthy nerve impulses can potentially be a catalyst in stimulating fear and anxiety. Magnesium also stimulates serotonin production – our happy neurotransmitter.

Magnesium is found in foods such as pumpkin seeds, nuts, cacao (dark chocolate), green leafy vegetables, avocado, fatty fish and bananas.

Vitamin D Vitamin D activates and deactivates enzymes in the brain and spinal fluid that are involved in nerve growth, synaptic processes and neurotransmitter synthesis. A lack of Vitamin D greatly affects cognition, memory and learning. Vitamin D boosts glutathione production protecting cells from oxidative stress damage. Vitamin D also helps to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation throughout the body and the brain. The best source of Vitamin D is through the sun, but small amounts can be found in liver, fatty fish, butter, egg yolks and sun-drenched mushrooms. continued next page.....

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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B-Vitamins B-Vitamins are crucial for energy production within our cells and being water soluble vitamins, the body doesn’t store it and so needs to be replenished daily. When it comes to brain function there are three stand out B-Vitamins – B6, Folate and B12.

Vitamin B6 is an important vitamin to help the body make serotonin - our mood regulator, norepinephrine - for coping with stress, and melatonin - regulates our sleep/wake cycle. Vitamin B6 also helps the body make haemoglobin, the part of your blood that carries oxygen to the brain and other organs. Foods rich in B6 include pork, chicken, fish, vegetables, eggs, and oats.

Folate is often referred to as Folic Acid. Folic Acid is a synthetic compound of B9, whereas folate is naturally derived from foods.

Folate is necessary for making DNA, neurotransmitters, and the proper formation of the nervous system during development. A folate deficiency is linked to cognitive decline. Folate is required to reduce inflammation and homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine is linked to degenerative brain disorders. Folate is found in green leafy vegetables, broccoli, peas, chickpeas and liver.

Vitamin B12 is found only in animal foods such as meat, chicken, liver, seafood, dairy and eggs. B12 supplementation is essential if vegan. B12 is required for the manufacturing of our mood-boosting neurotransmitters whereby low levels of B12 are linked to depression.

B12 is required for memory, focus and concentration. Brain fog and lack of concentration, as well as tingling in the arms and legs are signs of a B12 deficiency, and symptoms of B12 deficiency can often mimic that of ADHD symptoms. Vitamin B12 also plays a significant role in the synthesis and maintenance of myelin – the protective layer of brain neurons.

Antioxidants Antioxidant-rich foods include cacao, turmeric, berries, green tea, artichokes, green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach, pecans, beetroot and red and orange fruits and vegetables. Basically, the more colourful the food, the more antioxidants. This does not include Skittles!

Antioxidant compounds in these foods such as flavonoids and carotenes and Vitamins A, C and E, helps protect the brain from oxidative stress that damage our cells. Antioxidants are a crucial element in preventing mental decline by preventing calcification of the brain and brain cell degeneration.

The Gut-Brain Axis The Gut-Brain Axis is the link between the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) that surrounds the digestive tract and the Central Nervous System (CNS) which is the brain and nerves. These two systems are connected via the Vagus Nerve and communicate with each other.

Evidence is showing how the gut can interact and influence brain function. The microbiome which is a colony of bacteria and pathogens that reside in our gut, play an important role in many biochemical functions and this includes digestion, nutrient absorption, immunity and brain function.

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Serotonin, the mood regulator is mostly manufactured in the gut and sent up to the brain. The communication between the gut and brain is highly influenced by the microbiome. Therefore, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety can be impacted by poor gut function.

If the gut is chronically inflamed, it will not properly function, and this will have an impact on mental health. In fact, most people who suffer with a mental health disorder usually also suffer with digestive problems. Gut inflammation is generally caused by poor diet that lacks fibre. nutrients and a high sugar intake. Long-term stress, toxic overload from environmental sources and a lack of good bacteria in the gut can also cause gut inflammation. It’s important when addressing mental health issues, addressing gut health is also considered.

Mental health is a complex issue and there is not a one-size-fitsall approach in dealing with it. All the services available to us is in assisting our kids in combatting their mental health challenges must be accompanied with nutritional intervention. Diet plays an important role of the healthy function of the brain and nervous system, and if the brain is starved of essential nutrients, it simply will not function well.

Improve mood with food.

Sherrie Miller is a qualified Nutritionist with a special interest in gut health.

She is passionate about the way in which our digestive health can influence our mental health, skin health and immunity. Sherrie takes the concept of ‘Food is Medicine’ very seriously. You can find out more on instagram @sherriemillernutrition

A BRAIN BOOSTING SMOOTHIE KIDS WILL LOVE!

W

ith the warmer weather comes the sound of children playing and splashing at local beaches and in backyard pools.

It can also bring thoughts of swimming lessons and summer water safety, with many parents wondering if their children could have practised swimming more throughout the year.

“We are fortunate to have so many beautiful beaches here on the Mornington Peninsula. It is vital children know how to be safe around water,” said Julia Wood, PARC Swim Manager.

“Swimming is an important skill for children to learn and it helps them develop a love of water. Regular swimming lessons combined with periods of more frequent swimming – such as through summer intensive lessons or a school swimming program – help children learn faster,” said Julia.

“Basically, the more children can swim and practise their skills, the quicker they will learn and the safer they will be around water.”

The PARC Swim program is an innovative 44-week program that helps develop safer and more confident swimmers. Lessons are run by AUSTSWIM qualified teachers and are available seven days a week, for children from six months old.

PARC Swim members can enjoy the pools at PARC free of charge all year round when accompanied by a responsible adult, which helps ensure ongoing water exposure and fun with the family.

Julia also shared a timely reminder for parents and care givers.

“It’s crucial to remain vigilant and always keep your eyes on children around water. Put your phone or any mobile device down and avoid distractions. If you have a fenced pool, make sure you keep the pool gate closed at all times – don’t prop the gate open.”

PARC is offering one week free to all new PARC Swim members.

For details, call PARC on 9781 8444 or email membership@parcfrankston.com.au

First swim lesson FREE! Enrol your child in our PARC Swim program and work towards securing a safer summer for your family.

Call 9781 8444 to join.

*T&Cs apply. Offer valid from 1/12/2018 - 31/1/2019. www.peninsulakids.com.au

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6 ways to change negative habitual thinking

By Lisa Stephenson

2

018 was going to be your year! This was going to be the year that you made the necessary changes to create something different in your life. Perhaps you wanted to start a business, leave a relationship or develop the healthiest body you’ve ever had. It was Christmas only a short time ago, but today you woke up and realised life is pretty much the same months later. You might have started something on a Monday twenty times over, but by Thursday you were back to the same behaviours, ways of thinking and had the same attitude as before.

Here’s your reality check: no one is coming to fix anything for you. If you want things to be different, then you need to think differently. It really is up to you. We’ve never had access to more information and inspiration than we have today. You can find all kinds of solutions, ideas and strategies for change just by doing a quick Google search. Here is what’s important: you have to be prepared to do the work on you, to carve out time to make your future matter. Investing time in your own learning and development is the most important investment you will ever make.

Do you remember those New Year’s resolutions you made? If you haven’t yet achieved your aims for this year, there’s bad news and good news. The bad news is that if you don’t learn how to change your thinking now, you will blink and five years will have passed before you know it and the regrets will be felt. The good news is that you can absolutely unlearn the habitual thinking that has sabotaged your success so far, and you can start today!

Research tells us that 95% of our thinking is habitual and up to 80% of that thinking is negative. That’s not as dramatic as it reads.

It’s your brain’s way of keeping you safe. When you have a thought that something or someone is unsafe, for example, your brain looks for evidence to make you right so that you avoid that situation next time. If you have a belief that you are not ‘good enough’ your brain will look for evidence that you really aren’t so that you don’t risk your emotional or physical safety.

1 2 3 4 5 6

Identify the new beliefs. You need to be the best version of you. Write them down and say them out loud. Be committed to these beliefs and identify opportunities to practise your new thinking.

Tell your tribe. Share your new-found thinking, ideas and goals with your closest friends and family so that they can hold you accountable. Ask them to let you know when they see the old negative thinking creeping into your conversations.

Have a clear vision of your future success.

Spend time working out what your personal version of success is for the next two years and evolve your vision as your positive Pay attention. You are constantly receiving messages from your environment about what is and isn’t working in your life. Listen to your own intuition and take action.

The first step in changing your negative habitual thinking is to become aware of what is happening in your head right now.

Explore these questions: • What am I thinking that may not be true?

• What beliefs do I have that no longer serve me?

• When was the last time I had a brand-new thought?

What you think determines how you feel. How you feel determines the actions you take. The actions you take determine the results you get. So, are you ready to bust your own excuses and create new ways of thinking? See opposite, for the six strategies you can implement today As a coach, I am certain that the people who are most successful in life are those who have absolute clarity on what success will look like, have a positive mindset and are prepared to learn new ways of being. Bring your dreams, plans and changes to life by proactively working on you.

Get uncomfortable. The greatest learning really does happen in discomfort. To create new thinking, you need to have new experiences. That can be scary but it will be worth it.

Do what other people aren’t prepared to do.

The world is full of people who start stuff, but never follow through. Successful people do what’s required and keep going even when it’s hard. Don’t depend on motivation to get you through.

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Sun Fun FROM SWIM LESSONS TO THE BEACH, WE HAVE YOUR KIDS SWIMWEAR COVERED!

F STO REW IDE Sho w this ad in store to rec eive 10% OF che cko ut. or use the cod e SUN FUN onl ine at the Your local stores: Mornington 901 Nepean Hwy | Sorrento 131 Ocean Beach Rd Or shop at: Fitzroy | Malvern | Mentone | Greensborough | Geelong or shop online at www.swimweargalore.com.au One coupon per person. Cannot be used with any other offer or gift card purchase. Valid until 01-02-19. www.peninsulakids.com.au

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By Melissa Walsh

W

I just relate to kids on their level

hen you’ve worked in the corporate world and made the decision to be a full time children’s entertainer, it’s nothing short of a gutsy move. That’s exactly how it went for well-known children’s entertainer, and father of two, Charlie Silly pants who made the transition from marketing specialist to funny man six years ago. Peninsula Kids talks to Charlie about being a dad and making children laugh for a living.

“I was working in a job that eventually I didn’t enjoy and made the decision to leave as I didn’t want my girls to see a grumpy dad all the time,” said Charlie who began studying acting and has a natural flair for entertaining.

“I just relate to kids on their level,” said Charlie, who made the discovery particularly after his first daughter was born. “I found it easy to be silly and make kids laugh but didn’t want to do kids parties like the standard superhero so I became Charlie Silly pants.

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with her friends. I looked at how I acted with my own child and we just loved doing silly things together. I did dad gags, wore a nappy on my head instead of a hat, and said silly sausage things. There is nothing better than seeing a child falling over cackling with laughter when you go blurt, or speak gibberish or wiggle your bottom. The fact I was a parent gave me my unique style as I was able to relate as a parent. I look back now and think, "Wow, I wonder what I would do just performing off the bat without the experience of having children and being around children.

I made this career change because of my children to give them a happier dad and a happier life.”

For Charlie who has always related to kids, being a parent is the most rewarding experience.

“Everything I do is for the girls and they will probably never know what a difference they have made to my life. In my show it is important to engage the kids as that is the thing they love the most. continued next page.....

MAR Ventana Street Fiesta

2019

Saturday 2 March Saturday 12–8pm Frankston Arts Centre precinct, Frankston

December to March

Hotter than Hell Saturday 8 December

DEC 2018

Gates open at 2pm Frankston Park, Frankston

Lyrebird Community Christmas Festival and Carols

Stellar Short Film Festival

Sunday 16 December 2018

6–11.30pm McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery, Langwarrin

Saturday 2 March

5–9.30pm Belvedere Reserve, Seaford

Australian Beach Games Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 March 11am–10pm

FEB

Frankston Waterfront Frankston

2019

The Waterfront Festival Saturday 16 to Sunday 17 February Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–6pm Frankston Waterfront, Frankston

1300 322 842 visitfrankston.com #visitfrankston visitfrankston

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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12 types of Play Based Care & Learning

By Amber Greenwood

It is to be there and present with them to make them laugh and make them happy. It is a lesson I have learnt as a father and try to remind myself that the most important thing is to be available for my children and give them the time they need.”

Charlie says the children have also been amazing fodder for his shows as well.

“My own daughters have inspired me no end. I listen to them speak and find myself mimicking them with things like ‘Stop laughing’, ‘I didn’t mean that’, and ‘Don’t look at me’. It’s like I almost turn into a six year old,” he said with a laugh.

For Charlie and his wife, making this life choice meant going backwards before they could go forwards.

“I thought I would get work quickly but it took six months before it really got going. Now we are booked up for months in advance and it was the best decision we could have made,” said peninsula born Charlie.

“Coming from Rosebud, I decided that when I did start doing parties.

I would concentrate on the peninsula as there weren’t many performers who would travel down here. It was the best thing I did. Now I get to do gigs all over the place but the peninsula is my busiest. I got onto the MP Kids website and advertised and haven’t looked back. It has been incredible and everyone is so supportive.”

These days Charlie does educational kinder sessions, gigs at schools, pubs, clubs and private parties but his favourite gig is hanging out with his children.

“What I love about being a dad is just seeing them grow each day.

The most important thing is seeing them smile and be happy and doing little things like day trips, holidays and taking them out on a little adventure. My six year old knows that I don't usually work on Mondays so we might go for a ride through the wetlands and do a scavenger hunt or go to the drive-in. My oldest daughter is 14 and she studies singing, dancing and acting. She is amazing and just enjoys doing her own thing,” said Charlie.

For this father of two, the most important thing about being a parent is spending time together and being in the moment; a lesson it seems that being Charlie Silly pants has definitely taught him.

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

As children grow and develop, their play evolves.

Certain types of play are associated with, but not restricted to, specific ages.

1. Unoccupied - infant play, kicking, moving 2. Solitary - playing alone 3. Onlooker - watching other children 4. Cooperative - group play 5. Associative - children beginning to play together 6. Parallel - playing side by side 7. Constructive - building and creating 8. Physical - supports muscle development 9. Expressive - expressive feelings through play 10. Competitive - learning about fairness, rules, turns 11. Fantasy - imagining and thinking creatively 12. Digital - eye contact and attention Early Childhood Australia states that, "Young children’s play allows them to explore, identify, negotiate, take risks and create meaning. The intellectual and cognitive benefits of playing have been well documented. Children who engage in quality play experiences are more likely to have well-developed memory skills, language development, and are able to regulate their behaviour, leading to enhanced school adjustment and academic learning (Bodrova & Leong, 2005)."

Overall PLAY is an amazing and fun way for your children to grow and learn while they are feeling safe and supported.

Optima kids strives to provide a warm, caring, safe and nurturing environment with a play-based program of activities for children to explore while learning.

Optima run three different care sessions, Monday to Friday 9.10- 10.30, 10.35-12.05 or do both 9.10 – 12.05 and on a Monday and Wednesday 9.10 - 2pm.

Amber has been working in Children Services since beginning her Mothers Craft diploma in 1998. She has also completed a post graduated certificate in Social Science Pre and Post-natal support.

She now manages the occasional care at Optima. www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au References: Bodrova, E. & Leong, D. J. (2005). Uniquely preschool: What research tells us about the ways young children learn.

Educational Leadership, 63(1), 44-47.

CHILDCARE Optima Childcare Opeating Hours: Monday - Friday 9.10am - 10.35am & 10.35am - 12.05pm Occasional Care Monday & Wednesday 9.10am - 2.00pm Cost: from $35/$40, enquire within.

Try us out TODAY! 2 free crèche sessions* You don’t have to be a member! *standard creche visit

enroll now for Occasional Care 2019 limited numbers DON’T miss out!

36 Milgate Dr Mornington | Ph: 5976 4000 | www.peninsulakids.com.au

57

GO GO KARTSKARTS

JANUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS UNLIMITED $59 PASS GO KARTS | PAINTBALL | LASERZONE

(03) 8787 8741

LEMANSENTERTAINMENT.COM.AU 58

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

GO KARTS

Indoor Laser Skirmish

S

GoeS T he

distance

For Fun!

By Melissa McCullough

J

ust forty short minutes from the Mornington Peninsula, nestled in Dandenong South, is the largest go kart centre in Melbourne. And if Laseras Skirmish you could driveIndoor as fast some of their go karts go, you could be there in less time. Nah..not really. But there is something about being that close to the track combined with the sounds of the engines all around and the protective head gear that makes it all seem exceptionally fast. Our MPK family went to check out the 23 acres of outdoor space encompassing four tracks raced on by five different types of karts and found a little something for everybody.

My six-year-old hopped into an age-appropriate electric kart and did countless laps in his 10 minutes aboard. It was difficult to see his facial expression through the helmetedhead, but upon closer inspection, his eyes, squinty from smiles, and cheeks, bursting with excitement, could be seen brimming up and over the helmet’s visor.

Next, we moved over to the EPA (Engineering Products Australia) track for our nine-year-old. After getting kitted out with helmet, glasses and instructions she hopped into a mini kart and let loose on the open road..err, um, track. Having been built to give the young drivers an insight into driving in a controlled environment, the petrol powered go karts can reach speeds up to 20km/h which gave our girl a thrill of independence behind the wheel on her own.

The upstairs café and entertainment area was clean, brightly coloured, had some arcade games, pool table, and lots of seating for guests and parties. They offered classic kid’s favourites to munch on, coffee, and adult beverages. We relaxed on the undercover balcony with icecreams in hand overlooking the tracks.

After our rest-stop it was time for the adults to have a spin. Hubby and I chose to team up with a kiddo and take the twinkarts out onto the Phoenix Track. The rules are strict and clear; no bumping, slow down to a walk when the lights are yellow, stop when they’re red. When they’re green it’s time to go. And we did. Round and round, each lap being clocked so you could see your best time and who had the best time of the group you were ‘racing’ against. For me, it was only important to show my passenger a good time. And to get a better-timed lap than my husband.

Which I did.

On weekdays during school holidays they throw the doors open for children aged four - 15 offering their awesome unlimited pass for just $59. Buy tickets from www.lemansgokarts.com.au from December 1st.

They also have an indoor two-story Lazerzone and glow paintball complex.

A great gift for Christmas!

Le Mans Go Karts is located at 11 – 55 Waterview Close Dandenong South is open 7 days, including public holidays, (excluding Xmas day).

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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bowling parties ! e k Lets i r t S ! e t a r b e l Ce

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FUN!

YAY!

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Hip Hip !

Y A R O HO

!

W O W

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STRIKE BAYSIDE Bayside Entertainment Centre, 21 Wells St, Frankston 1300 787 453 Hours: Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 11pm Thursday: 10am - Midnight Friday - Saturday: 10am - 1am Sunday: 10am - Midnight Activities available at this venue: BOWLING LASER TAG  KARAOKE

Yowzer!

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Every child ist is an art so Pablo Picas

EXHIBITIONS FREE CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY SPACE YOUNG AT ART SESSIONS FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

mprg.mornpen.vic.gov.au Exhibition entry: adults $4 concession $2 children under 5 free Civic Reserve, Dunns Rd, Mornington ph 5950 1580

Mon-Fri 11am-4pm Wed Bonus sk8 4pm-6pm $14 entry + $3 sk8 hire

Fri night 7-10pm $12 entry + $3 sk8 hire

Sat & Sun as per normal schedule including learn to sk8 classes 64

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

party

PLANNING

#Dava KIDS PARTY

$12.95 per child

indoor & outdoor play area

EAT I DRINK I PLAY

Dava Parties

Party Packs are great value at just $12.95. Indoor and oudoor play area. Includes an individual food box, two food platters, unlimited soft drink, lolly bag & party decorations. Mon - Sat Ph: 5975 1555 davafunctions@taverns.com.au www.thedavahotel.com.au

Play At The Messy Shed

Need to invite the whole kinder group? Play At The Messy Shed have you covered in the most cost effective way! For bookings email themessyshed@hotmail.com or call 5975 2080

Charlie SillyPants Parties Melbourne Madness

The ultimatekids kids’ show! Come on an adventure The Ultimate show!

Come on an adventure full ofwith Magic and laughter full of magic and laughter Charlie SillyPants with Charlie friends!and childcare. and friends.SillyPants Parties, and preschool Parties, pre-school and childcare.

Call: 0411 957 185 or www.melbournemadness.net www.melbournemadness.net p: 0411 957 185

KIDZTOWN PARTY VENUES

Mornington & Seaford

Kidztown

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

P: 8759 1431 or M: 0403 795 562 www.facebook.com/kidztownmornington

Strike Bowling

My Dreamy Teepee

Mornington Hotel

Forever Flower Crowns

The best party ever for your child, the easiest party ever for you!

Bayside Entertainment Centre, 21 Wells St, Frankston, Victoria, 3199 1300 787 453 www.strikebowling.com.au

A unique and stylish experience.

Hiring out handmade teepee’s, 5 metre bell tent and outdoor cinema.

Contact Kylie 0437 437 803 www.mydreamyteepee.com.au

Advertise with us!

If you would like to promote your business on our party planning page...

Call Miriam on

0421 085 974

or email: miriam@mpnews.com.au

Let us take care of your child’s next birthday party at the Mornington Hotel 917 Nepean Hwy Mornington 5975 2015 www.morningtonhotel.com.au

Providing fun party workshops for your children to create beautiful forever flower crowns!

Head to the website for bookings www.foreverflowercrowns.com www.peninsulakids.com.au

65

UPYOUR UPYOUR UPYOUR UPYOUR

By Jo Power, Things By Bean

So, you’ve sent the invitations, baked the cake, decorated the house but have you thought about the party favours? Are they personalised? Do they team with the party’s theme?

‘Things by Bean’, birthday party cards, cakes and craft experts, are here to help with our top 10 kids birthday party favours which are sure to impress even the littlest of guests.

1. Sweets!

4. Cupcakes.

One of our favourite and most popular party favour blogs has been our DIY candy noodle boxes (thingsbybean.com/blog/party-favour-candynoodle-boxes) These sweet little boxes are packed full of yummy sweets and let guests take a little (yummy!) bit of the party home with them.

Just make a double batch of the birthday cake, ice them, pop on

2. Popcorn.

Popcorn has been given a makeover and with flavours like salted caramel rocky road, polka dot and hazelnut, these yummy treats will be a hit with the birthday guests! See thesweetestdigs.com/the-diyfiles-plant-pots-baby-shower-favours for yummy birthday inspired recipe options.

3. Potted plants.

Pop some seeds in a pot and let your little friends grow their own garden or deconstruct and let the birthday guests make their own.

A cute, eco party treat even the adults will love. See thesweetestdigs. com/the-diy-files-plant-pots-baby-shower-favours for some super cute plant ideas.

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some lollies and ta-da! Party favour treats you can eat! See thewhoot. com.au/whoot-news/crafty-corner/party-favours for some cupcake inspiration.

5. Play dough.

For the littlies there is no better take away treat than some homemade play dough. Pretty it up and pop it in some cute containers with some printed labels and give your little guests hours of post-party entertainment. See the perfect homemade play dough recipe at howdoesshe.com/perfect-stocking-stuffer.

6. Bird feeders.

These cute little DIY bird feeders (eighteen25.com/2011/08/birdfeeders) can be made a day or two ahead or you can get guests to make them at the party! A fun, environmentally friendly gift the guests (and birds!) will love.

PARTYF PARTYFAVOURG PWAIRTTHYDFIAVOURGAME PWAIRTTHYDFIA YVIN A M O E S U P R I G R WITHDIA YVIN A A M T O I E S U O P R I G WITHDIYINSPIRAAMTEIONN YINSPIRATION RATION 7. DIY Bracelets.

9. Themed party favours.

A cute take away present for the girls and boys are these handmade bracelets (yourdiyfamily.com/2016/11/celebrate-friendships-withthese-diy-personalised-bracelets). Make them ahead and personalise them with each guests name or initial or turn it into a party game and get guests to make it themselves on the day!

Think beach towels for a pool party, fairy wands for a princess party

8. DIY lace or flower crowns.

Jump on board this massive current trend and get your little princess (and prince!) guests to make their own crowns. From traditional flower crowns (kellimurray.com/2012/04/07/diy-flower-crown) to DIY lace crowns (thegirlinspired.com/lace-princess-crowns-diy), these are sure to be a hit and royally appreciated by the special guests.

or design your own teacup for an Alice in Wonderland inspired party.

Team your party favours around the party theme and you’ll look like a party planning professional.

10. Lego and/or matchbox cars.

These much loved favourites are the perfect additions for party favours for little (and big!) boys. Go all out and combine Lego, cars and lollies for a little boy’s party favour winner.

For more birthday party ideas, cards and gift wrap visit www.thingsbybean.com

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Day Tripping - Itinerary Two

By Julia Swift This Itinerary is a full day trip and takes place on the wonderful Mornington Peninsula.

We started our trip 9.30am at the beautiful Barmah Park, Moorooduc. It is a stunning, kid-friendly winery and was a perfect place to start our day with breakfast at its easy-toget-to location.

You are first welcomed by the view of the vines, before heading into the restaurant which has been beautifully and stylishly renovated earlier this year. On the lawn, in front of the restaurant under a shady tree, is a giant Jenga set and Connect Four board that the kids will just love.

A deck wraps around the large windows of the restaurant, again showcasing those lovely vines. A perfect place for an arvo sip in the sun on the lounge chairs.

To the end of the deck also lies a kids' sandpit and play area; an ideal area for the kids to play while you await breakfast.

The menu isn’t your typical eggs and bacon, although you can get that if you wish, but why would you when dishes like eggs benedict with pork shoulder, or olive crusted avocado are mentioned! Heaven!

They also offer a seasonal changing kids menu; when we were there it was eggs on toast, or granola. Both of which my kids gobbled up!

.

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Barmah Park - Baldrys Circuit - Sunny Ridge Hickinbotham of Dromana - Merricks Beach Barmah Park is currently open 5 days a week Thursday to Monday from 9am for breakfast and lunch. The winery also features a six course tasting menu on Friday and Saturday nights, alongside their a la carte menu for dinner. Make sure you also do a wine tasting.

10.40am – Drive 25 minutes down the Peninsula, along Moorooduc Highway and onto Old Moorooduc Road, and along the back roads of Red Hill to Greens Bush in Mornington Peninsula National Park on Baldrys Road. Here we walked the 1.6km walk, Baldrys Circuit, a lovely walk through native bushland. (We were here for about 1 hour walking at a slow pace of two kids) Here you can do one of two walks, the 1.6km short Baldry Circuit or the longer 3.4km circuit. Both return to the car park starting point.

Park your car in the small parking area opposite Greens Bush and head across the road to start your walk. A pretty easy walk, along sandy/dirt track, with a few up and down hills and a hand full of stairs.

It starts alongside a flowing creek and winds its way under a canopy of native bushland with a variety of birds (we saw lots of rosellas and lorikeets) and other wildlife (depending on how quiet your kids are).

12.00pm - We headed just down the road to Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm for morning tea and some strawberry picking. (We were here about one and a half hours) With plenty of outdoor tables in the front courtyard or inside caféstyle area, it’s a lovely family-friendly way to spend a summer’s day.

Treat the kids to an ice cream, or the family to some fondue. I had the devonshire tea with delicious scones! Make sure you look around the gift shop area and maybe take home some strawberry jam, before heading to our next stop for lunch.

Sunny Ridge is open 7 days a week 9-5, with strawberry picking available over the summer months only November to April . Make sure you maybe take a cooler bag and ice block to keep your strawberries cool in the car in conditions of a potentially hot summer’s day.

About 1.30pm we arrived at our lunch stop, Hickinbotham winery in Dromana. Hickinbotham is located on a lovely rustic-bushland-meetsBritish-pub-farm-house feel to it property. Firstly you are met with sweeping vines, before walking into a Tuscan-looking courtyard. To the left you have their new cellar door wine tasting/sales area and to the right their Mintaro restaurant. Inside are homely tables and outside picnic tables, both with the stunning views of the vines and the bay.

We set ourselves up on an outside table under a big shady umbrella.

The restaurant itself has a couple of different places to sit, including over the summer months tables set up on the grassed lawn areas; perfect for the kids to run around on.

Prior to lunch we jumped into the wine tasting for a quick taste to decide what we’d order with lunch.

(Tasting is free if having lunch in the restaurant). Their wines are grown and bottled on site by the family that established the winery back in 1988 and have wine-making in their blood. Hickinbotham also set up a microbrewery in 2006 and is now creating a stout with a hint of pinot!

For lunch I ordered a delicious pork salad that was super fresh and crunchy. The kids had dishes off the kids menu, Lachlan very much enjoyed his deluxe burger in a bag with a side of jam donut.

Now all that was left to do was kick back and enjoy the sun, food, music and a glass of wine.

Friday nights over summer they also have pizza nights, with pizzas cooked in an outside wood fire pizza oven. We were here on a Sunday afternoon, when they have live music which also takes place on a Saturday afternoon.

Hickinbotham is open 11am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday with some extended hours over summer. Check their facebook page or website for hours and what’s on.

Around 3 we jumped back in the car and headed 15mins down the road to Merricks Beach.

It’s a lovely little drive from the winery down to Merricks Beach.

The car park is located at the end of the road, with a short stroll down to the beach. It’s a really nice clean beach with beautiful waters.

The kids had fun jumping around on the sand and we strolled down the beach to a few little rock-pool areas to search for some crabs.

Depending on weather and energy levels of the kids, stay as long or as short at the beach as you’d like, before heading home.

Julia is a flight attendant and local Mornington Peninsula mum of two young kids.

Travelling is her passion, and now with the kids it's just a fine balancing act of travelling on age appropriate trips, the whole family can enjoy. Follow Julia’s travel adventures, tips and local findings at www.mumsgottatravel.com or on instagram @mumsgottatravel

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Scrabble 70th Anniversary Edition

The premium new edition features an elegant black game board, black tiles with gold foil print letters and gold-embossed packaging.

The 70th Anniversary limited-edition Scrabble is available at Big W and Myer while stocks last. RRP $49.99

Core Scrabble

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Scrabble™ is the classic board game that always spells F-U-N! Consisting of interlocking words, crossword fashion, onto a playing board, Scrabble™ game challenges players to spell out words using letter tiles with various score values. The object of the game is to get the highest score, and scores are given for letter values and boosted by premium squares on the grid. Words can read either across or down, and your word must use a letter tile already in play on the board. Each player competes by using their tiles in combinations and locations that take the best advantage of letter values and premium squares on the board. More than just a game, Scrabble™ actually improves your vocabulary as you’re introduced to new words each time you play!

RRP $40.00

LeapFrog Storytime Buddy

Go on a reading adventure with Buddy!

Storytime Buddy teaches early reading comprehension, vocabulary, opposites, emotions, shapes, colours, numbers and letters. Featuring a five-colour LED which lights up as Buddy talks, he comes with five books, and responds to buttons on his collar and paws, with music and ABCs. Buddy also has a nightlight feature to send little readers off to sleep. For children aged 2-4 years, Storytime Buddy is available from November from Big W, good toy stores and online retailers. RRP $59.95 www.leapfrog.com.au Facebook: LeapFrogAustralia Instagram @Leapfrogofficial

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UNO!

Easy to pick up, impossible to put down. Play by matching colour or number, or play an action card against your opponent.

When you're down to one card, don't forget to yell UNO! Contains 108 cards and instructions.

For 2 to 10 players. RRP $7.00

5.

Wahu Mermaid Cove Range

Cool off with the Wahu Mermaid Cove range this summer! These awesome new prints feature on the Swim Vest ($39.95), Heart Float ($24.95), Beach Ball ($9.95) & Hop N Splash ($29.95) and make for the perfect mermaid inspired summer accessories! Suitable for ages 6+

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Nightball Pro

Shoot and score with the Nightball Pro Soccer and Nightball Pro Footy! With super bright LED’s built into each ball, it will amaze you as it bounces and travels through the air!

Nightball allows you to play anytime, anywhere- Day or night!

Suitable for ages 6+ RRP $39.95

Hot Wheels

Die-cast (Hot pick!)

Hot Wheels die-cast cars have been igniting kid’s imaginations, creativity and fun since 1968.

With 400 new designs released each year, it’s no surprise that 50 years on Hot Wheels die-cast cars remain the number one selling toy in the world. The cars are segmented into 30 different mini collections, with each collection including themed vehicles ranging from muscle cars, sports cars, race cars, trucks, and trending roadsters.

RRP $2.99 Age: 3+ Available: Coles, Big W, Kmart, Target, Myer and Woolworths and leading retailers.

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Jelly Belly BeanBoozled

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Jelly Belly dares the bravest candy lovers, pop culture enthusiasts, and foodies to try their luck with look-alike pairs of jelly bean flavours. Each colour is either a delicious flavour or a wild one. Is it tasty Berry Blue, or Toothpaste flavour? Is that Tutti-Fruitti, or Stinky Socks? There’s only one way to find out! BeanBoozled 5th Edition includes 20 flavours of jelly beans: 10 are weird and wild flavours that look identical to 10 classic and delicious flavours. There is only one way to tell the twin beans apart – take a bite! Will it be delicious or vicious? BeanBoozled jelly beans are certified OU Kosher, and are free of gelatine, gluten, fat and dairy. Follow the brand on Instagram @beanboozled

Power Action Pikachu

Interact with Pikachu like never before! The Power Action Pikachu features Action Sensor Technology – which means you can squeeze Pikachu’s hands to interact with him; shake for Power Action; or throw to a friend! Pikachu really speaks with more than 15 different responses to your squeezing, tossing and tumbling. Power Action Pikachu has movement sensors, light up tail and cheeks but remains super dooper cuddly.

All the clever tech gizmos are tucked away in his middle to ensure as much soft huggable plush cuddles as possible.

Suitable for ages 3 years +, Pokémon Power Action Pikachu is available from Big W, Kmart, Myer and independent retailers. RRP $59 www.bigballoon.com.au

Competition closes 9th December 2018 www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Lil Gleemerz

Lil’ Gleemerz is a lemur that plays and interacts when you touch its head, nose and tail. Lil’ Gleemerz talks to you, plays games and even answers your questions.

Available in teal (Amiglow), pink (Adorbrite) and purple (Loomur), Lil’ Gleemerz is a hard toy (built for play and travel), with the exception being a fluffy tail, and the tuft of its head. RRP $39.95 Available from Big W and Myer while stocks last.

Chilly Towel

Chilly Towel is an instant cooling towel founded by cancer survivor Tara Lock. It’s great for treating heat-related illnesses, fevers, sports and heat stress, travelling in hot destinations and even for the gym!

Due to the unique hyper-evaporative fibres in the Chilly Towel, this unique towel becomes cooler than ambient air when wet, which enables the towel to maintain a temperature that feels cool to the skin. The fibres retain water, which provides cooling relief for hours. RRP $27.50 for adult size, $24.50 for bubs & tots size.

For every Pink Chilly Towel sold, $2 is donated to The National Breast Cancer Foundation. www.chillytowel.com.au

12.

The Science that Changed the World

In The Science That Changed The World, this visually exciting book describes the biggest breakthroughs in the chemistry, physics, biology and more—by the men and women who asked big questions and found exciting answers. The book provides a broad summary of science history, with a tone of language that is evocative, inspirational and inspiring.

Young readers will be swept away by the incredible achievements and unlimited possibilities of scientific discovery.

RRP $19.99 www.newhollandpublishers.com

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Banana Joe

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Banana Joe is too greedy and wants to keep all the bananas for himself! Roll the dice to see how many bananas you can pick and work to build up your banana stash. But stay focused, Joe could jump away at any time with the rest of the bananas. Catch Joe to get a super bonus and win the game!

RRP $25.00. Suitable for ages 4+ & available exclusively at Kmart

Australian made Travel Journal

Whether you enjoy occasional overnight stays or months of adventures on the road, weekends away or international adventures, or even sleepovers… – this TRAVEL JOURNAL is packed with 92 journal pages to document your daily experiences. Draw, write or attach a photo. The kids (and grown-ups) in your family will have a wonderful time documenting the highlights and happenings of each and every day (and looking back on the memories in the months and years to come – wire bound with a protective plastic sleeve).

RRP 24.95 Use MPK’s affiliate link to order your own! www.goo.gl/SVBw47

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Shark Bite

Shark Bite is the awesome new game with real bite! Snag the fish and be the winner, but if the shark jumps, you’ll be his dinner!

Place the sea creatures into the game and take turns rolling the die and fishing for the sea creatures. But watch out – you never know when the shark is going to bite! RRP $25.00.

Suitable for ages 4+ and available exclusively at Kmart

17.

All the Ways to be Smart

This stunning hardback picturebook book applauds the many different ways children can be smart; from being able to read or tell the time to being good at bubble blowing, building boats from boxes or knowing the names of dinosaurs. RRP $24.95 www.scribblekidsbooks.com

Zoom Hydro Ball

Zoom Ball Hydro provides H2-Oh so much summer fun! Hold on to one set of handles, while your friend holds the other. Open your arms quickly to send the Zoom Ball over to your friend. Be ready to send the Zoom Ball back- you never know when the balloons will pop and soak you in water! RRP $20.00.

Suitable for ages 8+ and available exclusively at Kmart

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Globber EVO Comfort

GLOBBER EVO COMFORT is the one and only scooter your child will need in the early years. This scooter converts from pushchair, to walking bike to a pre-schooler’s scooter, and eventually an older child’s scooter, saving you retail time and money.

Choose from four colours; sky blue, navy, pink and green for RRP $200. Optional light up wheels and other Globber accessories are available from independent retailers and www.globber.com.au

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Pass the Pen

for Christmas Polly Pocket

Australia’s most loved toy of the 90s, the original Polly Pocket is back, 30 years after the original launch.

Tiny Mighty™ takes on whole new meaning with Polly Pocket™ Tiny Pocket Places! Each compact Pocket Places opens to reveal a specific location, two additional secret reveals, three accessories and a micro figure. Each compact is small enough to take on the go for great Polly Pocket™ adventures, anytime, anywhere!

Eight to collect RRP: $8.99 The Polly Pocket™ Hidden Places Dance Par-taay!

Case and Beach Vibes Backpack each open to reveal a larger themed Polly™ world and are great to take on-the-go for Polly Pocket™ adventure play anytime, anywhere! Whether you are a Polly Pocket collector yourself, or want to introduce Polly to your children, this launch is a chance to get behind one of Australia’s most-loved toys and see Polly throughout the decades. Two to collect RRP: $39.99 Available from Kmart. www.play.pollypocket.com/en-us

Pass the Pen is the world’s fastest drawing game! With the pen tip disappearing as you play, you only have 10 seconds to draw while all the other players guess. Is that a hamburger? A snowman? A sumo wrestler? You earn points if someone gets it right; if not, you Pass the Pen to the next player, and they pick up where you left off! With over 500 objects to draw, it’s fast, fun and guaranteed to draw plenty of laughter from the whole family. RRP $39.95. 3 or more players ages 8+.

Available exclusively at Kmart

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Smiggle

Your favourite stationery store with more, Smiggle is bursting with games and toys, gadgets and gizmos that will surprise and delight on Christmas morning. This year Smiggle is making Christmas even merrier, with its usual touch of glitter, sparkle and fun, at prices that range from pocket money picks to big ticket items!

Glitzy Mirror Hardtop Pencil Case $29.95 Tri Barrel Markers 24pk $24.95 Bonbon Highlighters $12.95 Everything is available from Smiggle stores nationally (and internationally!) or online at www.smiggle.com

Wahu Surfer Dudes

Wahu Surfer Dudes are the world's first self-surfing, self-righting Surfer Dude toy!

Throw them into the surf and watch them shred some waves and then boomerang right back to you. They have an internal ballast system to keep them upright on the waves and combine hydro-boomerang technology with unsinkable foam boards.

Choose from the twelve individual little dudes with radical board graphics or collect them all! No batteries required! RRP $19.95 each. Suitable for ages 6+.

Available at all leading retailers.

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Wahu Pool Pets

Check out the Wahu Pool Pets all new Kitty Cat and Pool Pup Racers! Perfect for balancing on or racing up and down the pool against your mates! Measuring in at 90cm, these uber cool pool pets will be a hit all summer long! Also available in Koala, Cockatoo and Kangaroo. RRP $19.95 each. Suitable for ages 6+.

Available exclusively at Rebel Sport.

Wahu GLO

Light the night and enjoy time in the pool, at the beach or river with the new Wahu GLO range! Available in a variety of shapes, including Raft ($39.95), Tube ($29.95), Noodle ($26.95), Lounger ($49.95), Bubble Seat ($49.95) and Ball ($19.95); Each unique shape glows brightly and illuminates the water around it!

Suitable for ages 8+. Available at all leading retailers.

26.

Peppa Pig’s Peppa’s Secret Surprise

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Test Match Cricket

Test Match is the classic Aussie table-top cricket experience where you can play all forms of the game, including test match, one day, and 20/20. The ball has real bouncing action just like a real cricket game, with improved action figure players with batting actions; fast bowling, slow bowling, and a fielder that can be positioned to intercept the ball. Guaranteed not to get washed out!

RRP $49.95 and also available in Card Game format! RRP $14.95. Suitable for ages 6+.

Available at all leading retailers.

Peppa’s Secret Surprise has lots of secrets tucked inside. Unwrap it to reveal a surprise present box, with six different surprise presents hidden away.

Peppa’s Secret Surprise present box is reusable, so you can store everything neatly inside when you’re finished playing. There are six different figures to collect for super Peppa fans.

Suitable for children aged 3 years and over from Big W, Myer, Toyworld, Kidstuff and independent retailers.

RRP 20.00 www.bigballoon.com.au

Competition closes 9th December 2018 www.peninsulakids.com.au

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27.

Go Bananas, for Bananas!

Finally, a collectible that heroes not only fruit, but everybody’s favourite tropical fruit, the banana! Peel your Banana to reveal a unique and silly character hidden inside.

Each scented Banana contains the character plus seven gemstone stickers, two mini squishy friends, a vine hanger, and a collector’s sheet.

There are 96 characters to collect across four Banana Bunch families, including rare and ultrarare characters. Each character comes with their own bio, belongs to a family tree and has a BFF from a different family tree. Coming in lots of colours, all Bananas connect together to form a bunch! And Banana peels can be opened and resealed over and over again.

Suitable for ages 4 years +, Bananas are available from Kmart, Big W, Myer, Toyworld, Toymate and Kidstuff and independent retailers. RRP $8.00 www.bigballoon.com.au

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Zactiv Helix TLC Kritters

This adorable collection of baby animals is waiting for their forever home, with someone to give them lots of Tender, Loving, Care. TLC Kritters are so new to the world, they like to sleep in their warm and cosy incubators. And just like any baby, these precious animals need to be fed or given medicine, to keep them healthy and happy.

Suitable for ages 3+, TLC Kritters are available exclusively at Kmart. RRP 18.00 www.bigballoon.com.au

NEW! Boasting a unique spin on traditional bat and ball games the Zactiv Helix range IS the future of fun, interactive play. Helix Sling Stix will change the future of every ball game ever played! Grab a friend to play and aim the suction cap on the Sling Stix to catch the ball! To sling ball press trigger to release as you throw. Power Sling Play! for hours of fun. RRP $10.00 Available from Kmart and other selected retailers. Suitable for 6+ years. www.colorific.com.au facebook.comColorificToys | @colorifictoys

Chemists’ Own Dry Touch Sunscreen Lotion

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SPF 50 is one sunscreen to replace them all. The innovative ‘Dry Touch’ lotion glides on with a smooth, lightweight finish, and quickly absorbs into the skin like a moisturiser rather than a traditional, greasy sunscreen. The lotion offers full protection from the sun’s UV rays, whilst also working to hydrate the skin. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 4 hours – meaning you can swim, surf and sweat all you want, without constantly needing to reapply.

RRP 75mL $9.95, 200mL $12.95 Chemists’ Own Sport Moisturising Lip Balm SPF 50+ is the product you can’t afford not to have. Did you know your lips are one of the most vulnerable spots for sunburn on your face? Banish sunburnt, sore and blistered lips with its nourishing Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera Extract and Vitamin E, as well as broad spectrum UV protection. Lips feel plump, soft and protected – without the need for unsightly zinc cream. It’s also long-wearing and waterresistant for up to 4 hours, to keep your lips protected when you need it. RRP $4.40 Best of all, all of Chemists’ Own summer products are family friendly, and totally safe for use on the kiddos. www.chemistsown.com.au

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Build a Bot

The range is designed to advance your child’s educational journey with S.T.E.M learning and interactive play. Hands-on and activity focused, Build a Bot gives children the confidence to take apart and play with mechanical parts, to create a strong grasp of technology.

Reuse, reassemble and customise for added value and extended play!

Build a Bot includes cute characters: Scatter Ant (RRP $19.99), Sound Unicorn (RRP $39.99), Suction Dinosaur/Dragon (RRP $49.99) making it the perfect gift for children aged 4-12. Available from Big W, Kidstuff, Officeworks, Casey's Toys, Mr Toys, Toyworld and Toymate. www.colorific.com.au | facebook.com/ColorificToys | @colorifictoys

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Kids Projects

Nurture and ignite their creative flair with the Kids Projects range, inspiring kids to get artistic and design their very own masterpieces to keep or share. Be as colourful and original as you like with the Mug Makeover, the ultimate stocking filler for children 8-12 (RRP $19.99). Available from Spotlight, Bunnings, Officeworks, Mr Toys and Toyworld. And – perfect for making play time fun on those cool summer nights, the Funky Fridge Magnets and the DIY Magic Clay Plaster Moulding Kits will put those artistic skills to the test for hours. Ideal for ages. 5-12.

Available from Bunnings, Officeworks, Mr Toys and Toyworld. www.colorific.com.au | facebook.com/ColorificToys | @colorifictoys

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IFROGZ Little Rockerz

Costume headphones display features which enhance the listening experience. Due to a built-in volume limiter the headphone volume won’t go above 85 decibels. With options for boys and girls, kids can choose the costume that best fits their personality. RRP 29.95 Available from JB-Hi-Fi and Target www.zagg.com

Phlat Ball Flash

The next generation of Phlat Ball is tricked up with a light display fit for a sci-fi flick! The Phlat Ball Flash is fitted with bright LED modules that shine and shimmer. So squash it, toss it, watch it pop into a ball and be entranced by the light show. It’s made from soft, flexible plastic and comes in assorted colours!

Suitable for ages 6+, RRP $24.95

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PJ Masks Transforming Figure Set With the push of a button, watch your favourite character turn into the nighttime hero! The PJ Masks Transforming Figure Set includes two poseable figure, and one transforming play set. Just place the 3" figures on either side of the transforming figure set and press the button on top to watch the transformation! The perfect gift for little PJ Masks fans to play out their own imaginative hero adventures. Each Transforming Figure Set includes one transforming play stand and two figures: daytime kid persona and night time hero persona.

Each set sold separately.

Ages 3+ RRP $29.99 Available from Big W, Target, Kmart, Myer, Toyworld and Kidstuff.

InvisibleShield

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Glass+ VisionGuard for the Apple iPhone Xs/X Protect Your Eyes—and Your Phone As we use devices more, our exposure to high-energy visible blue light (HEV) increases. HEV blue light has been shown to contribute to digital eye strain which can cause dry and irritated eyes, sleep disruption and loss, blurred vision, and premature eye aging, especially in children. InvisibleShield has developed a new screen protector with Eyesafe® technology that not only protects your phone from scratches and impacts, but also filters harmful blue light from your device screen.

RRP 44.95 Available from www.invisibleshield.com www.zagg.com

37. littleBits Space Rover Inventor Kit

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GRIT Elite Scooter

Ridden by the world’s best freestyle scooter riders, Grit scooters are the most advanced pro scooters on the market. Combining precision design and the highest quality materials, Grit has the perfect scooter to suit your style, skill or discipline. Live to ride and show some true grit on the new Grit scooter range.

Durable and lightweight, it’s a good-looking ride with a solid skeletonized triple channel 4.5” wide and 19” long deck, integrated head tube, high-tensile fork, alloycore wheels, soft feel handlebar grips, and flex brake. Of course, it comes with battle bars too.

Grit complete scooters, parts and accessories are available leading scooter stores, specialty independent bike, skate and toy stores.

Grit Elite RRP $200. Choose from four awesome graphic designs and colour combos. www.gritscooters.com.au

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Over 30 activities in the free Inventor App guide kids through understanding the highly competitive space race. Kids can then build and control space vehicle inventions, like a space rock collector or an alien life detector. RRP $349.95 “littleBits is an activist company: we want to empower kids to invent the world they want to live in. We are inspired by this generation’s desire to help others, improve their communities, or break new barriers in art, design, and science.

Our newest line of products is designed to equip them with what they need to understand how technology around them works, get excited about STEM/STEAM and use invention methods to make their creative ideas happen.” - Ayah Bdeir, founder & CEO of littleBits Facebook - /littleBitselectronics Twitter - @littleBits Instagram - @littleBits

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Billie’s Book

The Space Race

– Everyone is Special The book is a labor of love for the author, Ranjeeta Mayanglambam, – writing it for her child and children everywhere.

"In times like these, it is more important than ever to remind children that they don’t need to act, think, or behave in a certain way just to stay in line with the majority. My daughter— and your children too—can decide how to live her life in her own way. More importantly, judging anyone about these choices is wrong!” This book guides young readers towards a more open and welcoming approach to the world while also providing an important moral compass, urging them not to steal, lie, or bully others. It’s never too early to teach our children about the fantastic diversity of our world.

Billie’s Book, New Holland Publishers, RRP $16.99, is available from all good book retailers or online www.newhollandpublishers.com

In The Space Race, author and teacher Angelina Masiello Yalda outlines the essential developments and achievements of that race, from the Cold War competition of the USA and USSR to man’s more recent co-operation in making the International Space Station such a success. In between, the development of the Space Shuttle, the unmanned exploration of the solar system and the planned colonisation of Mars are also featured. Featuring important facts, timelines and breakout stories, The Space Race also has many related activities that will inspire young readers to learn about their world and take responsibility for their own learning.

The Space Race, New Holland Publishers, RRP $19.99, is available from all good book retailers or online www.newhollandpublishers.com

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43.

Selma

By Jutta Bauer Selma is asked: What is happiness?

A witty, thoughtprovoking gift book about keeping life simple.

RRP $14.99 www.geckopress.com

Rivers

A visual history from river to sea give away next 4 all together

By Peter Goes This breathtaking journey on the world’s most important rivers, seas and oceans tells the story of our planet through cultures, myths, icons and history. It takes us from the Nile to the Amazon, the Mekong Delta to the Mississippi, the Murray to the Waikato.

As the life source of people, animals and the land itself, the world’s waterways tell a compelling story about our history and our lives today. This absorbing, playful book shows who we are, how we live and the myths we weave around our people and places.

A non fiction book for children and all ages. RRP $34.99 www.geckopress.com

42.

Sports Are Fantastic Fun

By Ole Könnecke Football is fantastic fun, except when your team keeps missing goals: that can make you cry. Horse-riding is also fantastic—so long as the horse goes where the rider wants. Running, cycling and swimming require fantastic agility and endurance. Billiards is quieter, but still fantastic fun!

Sports lovers small and big will find the one they love best—and some surprises—in this witty picture book, with funny animal characters trying out all the sports and a laconic commentary. A funny and informative children’s book for ages 3 and up. RRP $29.99 www.geckopress.com

44.

Detective Gordon: A Case for Buffy

By Ulf Nilsson Illustrated by Gitte Spee In the forest is a police station. If an animal has a problem, they go there for help. On this chilly day there is a lot of activity—kla-dunk, kla-dunk—quiet and peaceful stamp work is taking place. But some small figures are creeping around outside…The final story in this big-hearted series is A Case for Buffy, which takes on the most important case of all—the search for Buffy’s mother. RRP $15.99 www.geckopress.com

Competition closes 9th December 2018 www.peninsulakids.com.au

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A critical analysis of the circumstances around this heartbreaking event that tragically cost Tom his life has encouraged the foundation to develop and implement initiatives that ensure children recognise the differing roadway environments they interact with. They also aim to educate parents/carers of the potential dangers in their children’s “out of normal environment” interactions, which most often occur in Holiday Times, where the risk profile is raised significantly due to increased traffic and pedestrian activity.

T

om was a vibrant and loving young boy with a zest for Some of our findings are: life and an unforgettable smile, and he continues to be a powerful motivator of the foundation every day, with the drawing Speed of blue dinosaurs that he loved to do so much becoming the logo • If a pedestrian is hit at 40kph there is a 25% chance of death for his foundation. The tragic loss of Tom in a pedestrian road • If a pedestrian is hit at 50kph there is 55% chance of death accident on the Central Coast in 2014 was the motivation behind • If a pedestrian is hit at 60kph there is an 85% chance of death the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation (LBD), ensuring the promising And of course in the case of a small fragile child pedestrian the chances legacy we saw in Tom’s young life is realised through child road of death occurring in reality is almost a certainty. safety initiatives and education.

The Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation is a voice for children. It is Tom’s voice. A clear, determined and passionate voice that speaks to children, for children and their safety. Tom’s message “Slow down; kids around” is an essential one that must be heard in every street, city and town. The work of the Foundation is Tom's legacy and a single life saved through education and awareness raised in his name is an objective we are all very proud to strive for.

Children’s Limitations

At the age of 8, children start to recognise differing roadways and become more confident in coping with changes in the traffic environment.

Until then, they are incredibly vulnerable.

Children have physical, perceptual and cognitive limitations around roads.

Until age 10, kids have: • Limitation in their cognitive abilities to understand each element of the complex (and constantly changing) road environment • Trouble determining the origin of sound when a car is approaching • They take longer to react to sudden changes in the traffic environment • Generally lack the height to fully assess the scene • They are often absorbed in what the activities they are doing & whilst they might hear a message such as “stop!”, it will take their brain additional time to react. This could potentially place them in life threatening danger

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www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Education

uilding onfident ids

…Beating Back-to-School Stress

By Kim Norton

B

ack to school can be a stressful time for the whole family – not just the kids! Maybe your child is starting a new school and you are worried they won’t “fit in” or maybe your child is about to start High School. Excuse me but when did that happen? Letting go can be hard but there are strategies you can implement to help ensure a successful transition for all.

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Slowly bring the bedtime hour back. If you have been letting your kids stay up later over the holidays, bring their bed time back slowly.

Start about 5 days before the return of school: just make their bedtime 15-20 minutes earlier each night and their waking time by the same amount each morning until they are back to their normal school time sleep schedule.

Create (or return to) a calm and predictable bedtime routine. Let’s face it, a lot of routines go out the window over school holidays - it is part of the whole holiday experience! But when term-time looms, the bedtime routine needs to return. Kids thrive and suffer a lot less stress and anxiety when they can predict what is about to happen. Develop a routine for different nights of the week and then stick to it. Use a visual planner like a white-board or wall calendar that can easily be viewed by the whole family. A good bedtime routine starts about 3 hours before sleep so think about what your child is doing, watching and playing during this time and how it may be affecting their sleep.

Our older primary school kids, and most certainly our high school kids, would have had homework or books to read over the holidays that they probably did not tell you about. Don’t wait till the week before school returns but check in with them a few weeks prior and make sure that they are on track to complete all homework tasks.

Reduce screen time, especially at night. It is probable that restrictions around screen time have been relaxed over the holidays.

Studies suggest that screen time be restricted to 1-2 hours before bedtime as the light emissions from electronic devices can suppress the release of the hormone melatonin, which is important for regulating our sleep-wake cycle. Definitely consider this when constructing your bedtime routine.

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Introduce your children to some breath work and meditation. This will empower your child to self regulate and manage their own stress when you are not around. One simple breathing technique for the older kids and teens is a one-minute meditation. Simply stop what you are doing and just concentrate on your breath for one minute: breathe in 1, breathe out, breathe in 2, breathe out. Just breathe. If your mind starts to wander back to those stressful thoughts just return to your breath and count as you inhale. You should get about 16 breaths in one minute. Our younger kids can simply stop and count 4 or 5 breaths. Everyone can then return to the task at hand feeling a lot calmer.

Be prepared! Clean out the school bag (eek!) and ensure uniforms still fit and are in good condition. Try to have the school bag packed and uniform washed and ready to go a couple of days in advance. If your child has a study area or desk, make sure this is also clean and tidy and ready to go. (Bonus points if you can get them to clean their rooms!)

Have the school lunch and snack ingredients on hand. Watching you rush around and listening to you stress the day before will not ensure a calm transition to school for anyone.

There is no “one size fits all” or magic trick that will work for each and every individual or family as each situation is unique. However, the strategies listed below have been proven to work both in isolation and combination for many of my clients and for my own family.

Most of these strategies can also be used for our younger kids starting primary school. Just adapt to suit.

Sterling silver jewellery hand made with love.

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Make sure every person in the family knows what is expected of them and when. Visual timetables can be a great resource: outline household chores, appointments, sporting events, social events and downtime (this is so important!). Downtime allows us time to play catch up for unplanned occurrences like illnesses and it gives our kids a chance to just ‘be’. If you or your child suffers with high anxiety then I suggest using a planner or visual schedule that only extends a week or two in advance. Looking at a schedule any longer than this can cause our perfectionists and worriers a lot more stress than is needed.

If you have been able to implement the above strategies you will have time for one last stress-free fling before school returns, without having to stress about anything school-related. Plan a family fun day out 1-2 days prior to the start of school. Start the school year off on a positive note feeling relaxed, connected and ready. Bring it on!

Kim is the founder of Rainbow Light Therapies and is a Holistic Counsellor specialising in stress and anxiety management for kids, teens and adults. Kim provides a unique, intuitive and individualised therapy approach and is running a series of workshops at her studio in Langwarrin in late January for our kids that are starting/returning to school.

Also working with special needs kids, Kim is an NDIS registered provider. Please see www.rainbowlighttherapies.com.au for more information.

The perfect gift for someone you love.

Fabiola Curavic

Smallprint Mornington Peninsula m: 0420 971 324 e: fabiola.curavic@smallprint.com smallprint mornington peninsula smlp_mornington

www.smallprint.com www.peninsulakids.com.au

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overwhelm

Helping your teen thrive beyond

By Yasodhara Romero Fernandes

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

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t’s no secret that teens are feeling the combined pressure of educational achievement and social inclusion. In fact, a recent OECD survey of more than half a million teens in 72 countries revealed that high school students all over the world are struggling and feeling overwhelmed. Thankfully, according to the same report, teens are more able to cope if they have a connection with, and the support of, parents, teachers and adult mentors.

So how do we, the adults in the lives of teens, support and empower them?

As someone who also struggled in my teens with being different, I know first hand the experience of constantly feeling wrong and not capable of doing what was expected the way it was expected. I also recall that the adults who contributed positively to me were those who acknowledged that I had something to offer and encouraged me to explore and share it. When I became a teacher myself, I asked, “What can I be and do to bring each person's curiosity, creativity and capacities out to play?”

Rather than teach in a one-way manner, I became curious about my students and what they knew. By taking a different angle and asking some different questions, I was surprised at how quickly students became more engaged and empowered in class and in life.

Here are three questions I invite you to ask your teens to empower them to come out of doubt, struggle or overwhelm and begin to thrive:

‘What am I capable of that I have never considered?’

Teens that experience overwhelm are actually highly aware people. They are hyper-attuned to the judgments and expectations of others around them. They see their value as based upon doing ‘right’ and avoiding getting it ‘wrong,’ according to those expectations and can fall into the trap of thinking they are not capable or valuable, if they don’t align or adhere exactly.

If your teen is struggling in a mindset of, ‘Why can’t I be or do x,y,z?’, invite them to ask, ‘What am I capable of that I’ve never considered?’ instead.

When kids are encouraged to value themselves and discover what they are capable of that is different, rather than focus on what someone else has decided is right, good and correct, most will achieve far more than thought they could.

‘What is right about me that I am not getting?’

Constant self-judgment is a quick doorway into overwhelm and struggle. Judgment makes you contract into yourself and see yourself as less than you actually are. What if you could invite your teen to eliminate self-judgment and begin to see what is right about them instead? When you notice them wallowing in self-criticism or wondering, ‘What’s wrong with me?’ encourage them to ask: ‘What is right about me I am not getting?’ It will open a door to begin empowering them to see the greatness of who they are, instead of trying to achieve a perfect version of them, that is built upon external ideas of who and how they should be.

‘Who does it belong to?’

Most of us are never taught to question where our self-judgments come from when, in truth, most of the judgments we have of ourselves are points of view we learned or picked up from others. Highly aware teens can mistakenly buy into the judgments they pick up on and never question their validity or relevance; they just assume that because they are aware of it, it must belong to them! But what if they don’t? When your teen is anxious, upset or overwhelmed, ask, ‘Who does it belong to? Is it yours or someone else’s?’

This question allows them to recognise if they are in fact picking up on the opinions, emotions and upsets from their peers or friends, or elsewhere. How much of the overwhelm your teen is currently experiencing belongs to the people around them and that is why they can’t change it - because it’s not theirs to deal with in the first place?

When they acknowledge that they’re just aware of what is going on for others, it empowers them to know that they don’t have to buy into it or take it on for themselves if they don’t want to.

What if your teen is the truly capable one, and overwhelm is just a level of awareness, creativity and capacity they haven’t acknowledged?

As the adults in their lives, the greatest gift we can give them are the questions (and not the answers) that empower them to consider what they know and move themselves out of judgement and overwhelm and into joy and fulfillment.

Yasodhara Romero Fernandes is a professional performer, vocal coach, performance and communications expert, bodyworker, former teacher and certified Access Consciousness & Right Voice for You facilitator. www.rigthtvoiceforyou.co www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Finding the balance in early years education

By Melissa Schoorman

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t Toorak College, we understand that children are inquisitive and curious in nature; constantly seeking ways to make meaning of their world. We appreciate that the early years of schooling are the foundations on which children develop habits, participate without reservation and prosper in a breadth of experiences that serve them well for the rest of their lives. It is a unique stage where young minds learn and see things for the first time.

Research explores the importance of play for a child's overall wellbeing, maturation and imagination. Play is closely associated with the development of intellectual, social and emotional skill sets. Studies also show that children who can read, write and perform basic computational mathematics tasks by the time they reach Year 3 have helped to lay the foundations for success later in life.

So how do educators ensure that children in our early years program gain the right combination of play-based learning versus intentional, explicit teaching?

At Toorak College, we design our program at a holistic level as well as focus on the intricacies of what happens each week, each day and in each session.

Our educators plan a plethora of physical and non-physical play-based activities that pay homage to the needs and attention span of three and four-year-olds. These activities require children to explore, imagine, discover and create. Simple provocations are set up in our studios to engage our children.

Our educators also ensure a mix of independent play and group play sessions to develop a sense of identity as well as learn team spirit.

Perspective, empathy and emotional self-regulation are all key strategies

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that need to be addressed and scaffolded during play.

Engaging in play from an early age can also assist the development of literacy and numeracy skills. At Toorak College, we place importance on the explicit teaching of English and Mathematics alongside a series of play-based learning and guided instruction to develop these skills. Our goal for the children is to be confident when articulating their knowledge as well as having an in depth understanding of how to transfer their learning across range of contexts.

In 2019, we will be complementing our program by introducing a diverse range of specialist classes to assist each child’s academic and personal growth.

Children will be immersed in specialist subjects each week to challenge their current understandings and be a catalyst for questioning and discovery. These offerings include: Health and Wellbeing, Performing Arts, STEM-X, Language and Cultural Appreciation and Creative Arts.

These experiences are underpinned by the five Learning Outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (1) Children have a strong sense of identity, (2) Children are connected with and contribute to their world, (3) Children have a strong sense of wellbeing, (4) Children are confident and involved learners and (5) Children are effective communicators.

We believe the balance of play-based learning coupled with explicit teaching of skills offers the desired outcome; a culmination of outcomerich learning and aspirational young minds.

Melissa is head of Wardle House and deputy principal at Toorak College.

M A K E YO U R S A

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Peninsula Grammar Peninsula Grammar uses technology to transform education.

Director of Innovation and Learning Technology Dean Pearman and Junior Years Teacher Georgina Bishop have both recently been selected again as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts, joining more than 7600 educators in the MIE Expert program worldwide.

Each year, Microsoft selects innovative educators to share ideas, try new approaches and learn from each other as a global community dedicated to improving student outcomes through technology.

As MIE Experts, Dean for the third year and Georgina for the second year running continue to build their capacity to use technology in both the classroom and curriculum to improve student learning. They are both inspired by the opportunity to transform teaching and learning, harnessing technology to help students achieve their full potential.

Students at Peninsula Grammar learn by doing, engaging in various activities together that seek to develop the non-cognitive skills of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, communication, problem finding and solving. Peninsula Grammar seamlessly integrates technology into the classroom environment so students can continue to learn, grow and flourish.

To find out more about how students benefit from specialised teaching and holistic leading-edge curriculum, visit www.peninsulagrammar.vic. edu.au; for more information about how Peninsula Grammar is using technology to transform education.

Please email the School at: info@peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au

20 Wooralla Drive, Mount Eliza, VIC 3930 Phone: 9788 7777 Web: www.peninsulagrammar.vic.edu.au

Padua College Planning for the Future Established in 1898, Padua College is an innovative learning community, which seeks to acknowledge its students for their efforts and achievements while inspiring them with a lifelong love of learning.

The College is comprised of three junior campuses (Year 7-9) at Mornington, Rosebud and Tyabb, with a single senior campus (Year 10-12) at Mornington. Each campus offers generous grounds, a chapel, library, ovals, tennis courts, an indoor stadium as well as specialist rooms for STEAM, Performing and Visual Arts, Information Technology, Food Studies, Science, Agriculture and Horticultural Studies and Design Technologies. Extensive wetland areas are used for the subject of Biology and to encourage environmental awareness and support College Sustainability Programs. Underpinning the diverse curriculum offerings is an extensive social justice program in which all Mornington Year 7-9 Campus & Year 10-12 Campus 62 Oakbank Road Mornington VIC Phone: (03) 5976 0100

students are actively engaged, and a pastoral care program where Catholic values and spirit are shared and nurtured.

“Excellent staff, facilities, grounds and resources at each of our campuses provide ample opportunity for students to excel in areas of curriculum, leadership and the sporting, cultural and religious life of the College,” explains Principal Anthony Banks, “At Padua College we offer an education for life, one that values mind, body and spirit.”

Student engagement is a key priority for the College, which is increasing its curriculum offerings by re-structuring its campuses to offer Year 10 students the opportunity to complete a three-year VCE or threeyear VCAL Program, with far more options to accelerate learning in their area of interest.

the strategic change underway designed to better meet the future educational challenges of students.

Padua College seeks to develop entrepreneurial thinkers who foster a range of 21st century skills including innovation, collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity.

In 2019 the College will be opening a state-of-the-art learning centre at its senior campus. This exciting new development forms part of Rosebud Year 7-9 Campus 2 Inglewood Crescent Rosebud VIC Phone: (03) 5982 9500

Tyabb Year 7-9 Campus 1585 Frankston - Flinders Road Tyabb VIC Phone: (03) 5978 2700

Recipes

W

e’re all busy and want quick, healthy and delicious meals but sometimes just don’t have the time.

Summer TABLE will inspire you to put variety and zest back into your mealtimes and with a free APP to create a shopping list on your phone, dinner will be ready in no time! And – you learn how to use leftovers in innovative new ways.

After years working as a company director in the finance industry, starting a family and moving half way around the world, Jodie Blight discovered her passion – creating healthy, easy and delicious family meals.

“A fist pump from the kids is as good as a Michelin star in my books.”

To find out more about this revolutionary cookbook, please visit www.hellotable.com.au or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hellotable

Jodie Blight

www.hawkesvegetables.com.au | 661 Boneo Rd, Boneo | Ph 03 5988 6785 90

Peninsula Kids – Winter 2018

Farm Gate Open 7 Days

PORK AND ASIAN APPLE SLAW A slightly sweet, tangy and crunchy explosion of fresh flavours perfect for a warm summer’s night.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Serves: 4

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2 red apples, grated ¼ Chinese cabbage, finely sliced ¼ purple cabbage, finely sliced 1 carrot, grated 4 spring onions, finely sliced 400 g cooked pork, thickly sliced and warmed 1 handful coriander, chopped 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted Dressing 2 tablespoons lime juice 1 tablespoon fish sauce ½ tablespoon rice wine vinegar ½ tablespoon sesame oil ½ tablespoon honey

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To make dressing, shake ingredients in a jar until combined. Taste and adjust to your liking.

Add grated apple to a salad bowl, pour dressing over and toss to make sure apple is coated. This will stop the apple from going brown.

To the apple, add cabbage, carrot and spring onion, tossing to combine.

Place pork slices on individual plates and top with salad. Sprinkle with coriander and sesame seeds.

Allow to rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

Quick & er Easy Summ Meal !

Summer Open Day! Saturday January 19, 11am - 3pm

Vegetable picking, tractor rides and family entertainment!

www.hawkesvegetables.com.au | 661 Boneo Rd, Boneo | Ph 03 5988 6785

Farm Gate Open 7 Days www.peninsulakids.com.au

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SALMON NIÇOISE WITH WASABI DRESSING An unusual take on an old Parisian favourite and the perfect way to use up any leftover green beans. Don’t be put off by the wasabi – it is not very spicy. The dressing has more of a citrus flavour.

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10–15 minutes Total time: 15 minutes Serves: 4

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4 salmon fillets (skin removed) salt and pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 100 g green beans, cut into 2 cm lengths 4 handfuls mixed lettuce 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved 4 spring onions, thinly sliced 50 g kalamata olives, halved 1 handful coriander or basil leaves, chopped (optional) Wasabi Dressing 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice ½ tablespoon sesame oil ¼ tablespoon grated ginger ½ tablespoon wasabi paste 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

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Preheat oven to 2000C. Place salmon fillets in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, and cover with foil. Cook for 10–15 minutes It is ready when the salmon is slightly rare and a little pink inside, or cook to your liking.

Steam the green beans for 2 minutes or until just tender.

You want the beans to still have some crunch. Immediately remove from the stove and fill pot with cold water, drain and fill with cold water again.

This will stop the beans from cooking any further and helps to keep the bright green colour.

Arrange lettuce, tomato, spring onion, olives, beans and salmon on a platter or individual plates.

To make dressing, shake ingredients in a jar until combined.

Taste and adjust to your liking. Pour over salad and scatter with coriander or basil leaves.

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I prefer the soft flesh of oven-baked salmon with this salad, but to be quicker, you could fry the salmon in a pan for 2–3 minutes each side.

Or for a really quick meal, try an already cooked salmon portion from the supermarket.

www.hawkesvegetables.com.au | 661 Boneo Rd, Boneo | Ph 03 5988 6785 92

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Farm Gate Open 7 Days

VIETNAMESE SALAD A crisp, fresh summer salad that goes perfectly with pork, chicken or seafood. Add a chopped chilli or chilli sauce to spice it up a bit if you like.

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Serves: 4

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Âź Chinese cabbage, shredded Âź purple cabbage, shredded 1 Lebanese cucumber, ribbons 1 carrot, ribbons or grated 1 red capsicum, sliced 3 handfuls bean shoots 4 spring onions, thinly sliced 1 handful mint leaves, chopped 1 handful coriander, chopped 1 long red chilli, chopped (optional) Dressing 6 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 garlic cloves crushed 1 long red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped (optional)

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Combine cabbage, cucumber, carrot, capsicum, bean shoots, spring onion, mint and coriander leaves in a salad bowl and gently toss to combine.

To make dressing, shake ingredients in a jar until combined. Taste and adjust to your liking. Pour over salad and toss together.

Sprinkle with chilli and serve

Summer Open Day! Saturday January 19, 11am - 3pm

Vegetable picking, tractor rides and family entertainment!

www.hawkesvegetables.com.au | 661 Boneo Rd, Boneo | Ph 03 5988 6785

Farm Gate Open 7 Days www.peninsulakids.com.au

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TOMATO SALAD You will love this salad with a perfectly cooked steak.

Using a range of different coloured tomatoes creates striking interest. My favourites are the orange bomb tomatoes, as they taste like old fashioned tomatoes.

The garlic gives it a tiny bit of heat, but leave it out if you prefer.

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Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes Total time: 5 minutes Serves: 4 500 g cherry tomatoes salt and pepper 2 handfuls basil, chopped 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 6 tablespoons olive oil 1 garlic clove, finely chopped (optional)

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Cut tomatoes in half and add to a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and add basil and garlic. Pour in balsamic and olive oil and mix.

It is best if you can make it ahead of time and let it sit for a while to give the flavours time to blend.

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Should there be any leftovers, toss them with cooked pasta (hot or cold) and top with shavings of parmesan for a quick and tasty lunch. Make sure you use all of the delicious juices from the bowl to coat the pasta.

www.hawkesvegetables.com.au | 661 Boneo Rd, Boneo | Ph 03 5988 6785 94

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Farm Gate Open 7 Days

ICY POLES

So refreshing and healthy. Because these are so quick to prepare you can make a range of flavours, something to suit everyone. Be creative and come up with your own flavour combinations.

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Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes Total time: 2 minutes (+ freezing) Serves: 4

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Watermelon and mint Âź watermelon 4 mint leaves (optional) Blend watermelon and mint in a food processor or with a stick blender until liquid. Pour into icy pole moulds and freeze.

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Orange 1 cup orange juice Pour into icy pole moulds and freeze.

Banana and yoghurt 2 bananas 1 cup plain yoghurt 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)

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Blend banana, yoghurt and maple syrup in a food processor or with a stick blender until smooth.

Pour into icy pole moulds and freeze.

Strawberries and yoghurt 1 cup strawberry coulis 1 cup plain yoghurt Fold strawberry coulis into yoghurt and stir until smooth. Pour into icy pole moulds and freeze.

a Healthfory Treat le the whoy Famil

Summer Open Day! Saturday January 19, 11am - 3pm

Vegetable picking, tractor rides and family entertainment!

www.hawkesvegetables.com.au | 661 Boneo Rd, Boneo | Ph 03 5988 6785

Farm Gate Open 7 Days www.peninsulakids.com.au

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little FAMILY FRIENDLY

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CAFES & VENUES

Across the Mornington Peninsula.. and Beyond!

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

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Aspendale Gardens

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Springvale Rd & Wells Rd Aspendale Gardens P: 9773 4453 www.chelseaheightshotel.com.au

Hastings

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#dava kids Bittern

Dava Hotel also now offers a Teens Menu.

All dishes $14

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Merricks

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Exc. Festive days, W/ends & School hols.

Indoor & outdoor play-area. Open 7 days.

614 The Esplanade, Mount Martha www.thedavahotel.com.au Phone (03) 5975 1555

Stony Point

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Great Food Kids Activities Pony Rides 222 Marine Parade, Hastings P: 5906 5900 www.kidzshed.com.au www.peninsulakids.com.au www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Pregnancy & Baby

is PREGNANCY GLOW a myth?

By Cedar and Stone

W

hen you first got pregnant you pictured yourself swanning around in flowing summer dresses, with glowing skin and shiny hair. You were going to be a fertility goddess, the most radiant you had ever been.

Now, crouched by the toilet bowl, covered in pimples, oily hair and 10kg heavier, you wonder where that mysterious pregnancy glow is. Stretch marks, pigmentation, oily skin and dry patches - ah the bliss of womanhood. But, fear not - we are here to help.

Here are four of the most common pregnancy issues and their solutions as told by the team at Cedar + Stone:

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

1. Skin Tone Nightmares Your hormones are all over the shop. An increase of estrogen, progesterone and the melanocytestimulating hormone (MSH) during pregnancy can result in pigmentation of the skin. There’s also a very common condition called Melasma, or the ‘pregnancy mask’, which can bring frustrating discolouration to your nose, lips and forehead.

What can you do?

Be fussy about UV. Spend minimal time in the sun, don a big 'ol’ hat and don’t forget to slip, slop, slap with a 30+ natural facial sunscreen!

3. Dry Skin Disaster If your skin isn’t a puddle of oil, it might be a desert wasteland - not a drop of moisture in sight. Because your hormones fluctuate so much during pregnancy, dry and scaly skin on your face and body is common. Your skin’s hydrolipidic barrier - the protective layer of water, fat, and wax that forms on top of your skin - can weaken and form ‘holes’ in some places. Moisture evaporates more quickly through these ‘holes’ off the surface of your skin, leaving you dry, itchy and cracked.

The extreme drop in your bodies hormones after giving birth can also result in dry and flaky skin being a lovely parting gift.

What can you do?

Drink plenty of water. We know, we know - you’ve heard it before. But, seriously, we’re not kidding. The more water you drink, the better. Using a humidifier and taking a warm oatmeal bath are other top tips. You may also need to change your cleanser to a more gentle, non-drying option.

We recommend our Hemp + Rose foaming cleanser - it locks in moisture and is a little touch of luxury for your poor skin.

2. Oil Overdrive Unfortunately, extra-oily skin is very common during pregnancy.

Your hormones and extra stress on your body results in a permanent state of oiliness … not ideal.

What you can do?

A clay mask can do wonders. Get excess oil under control by adding a mask treatment to your weekly routine; Bentonite clay does a brilliant job sucking up oil and is super healing for the skin. Our Bentonite + Turmeric Mask can be mixed with apple cider vinegar instead of water to go the extra mile in zapping the bacteria responsible for breakouts. The mask also helps in the pigmentation department; the clay lifts away the darker dead cells on blemishes skin, revealing new healthy skin below.

Remember, with clay masks it's important not to let them fully dry to a hard cracked surface on your face as they will suck out too much moisture. Rinse off with warm water once the mask is about 50% dry so you get all the benefits and retain your skin's moisture. Also be sure to avoid oil-based makeup!

4. Stretch Mark Madness Stretch marks are almost inevitable as your body grows to accommodate another human. Your skin stretches in amazing ways during this process, leaving you with unwelcome reminders of this which can be semi-permanent. That’s why prevention is better than cure.

What you can do?

There are lots of ways you can lessen the appearance and amount of stretch marks. Massage your skin daily with a great body oil. Our Everything Oil is super nourishing with oils like avocado, almond, and olive and can be used all over the body and suits all skin types. Obviously pay attention to your bump, but don’t forget your hips, breast, butt and thighs.

The final big tip The best piece of advice we can give you is this: ditch the toxins! Nothing is more beneficial to your skin (and your babe!) than going natural. There are a lot of nasties which you should be careful to avoid while pregnant. These include: parabens, formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, aluminum chloride, chemical sunscreens and dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Instead, try natural, plant based versions. Safer and more effective.

You won’t regret it!

Cedar and Stone is a 100% Plant Based Skincare company with a firm ethos on minimising harsh chemicals onto ourselves and into our environment. Reduce, reuse and recycle.

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Granny’s Guide to …

Choosing Toys!

By Yvette O’Dowd

W

alk into the toy section of any store and you will be overwhelmed by an array of bright, shiny offerings, each promising to be everything you need to entertain a child for hours.

So why is it your child complains of boredom while being surrounded by discarded and unloved playthings?

W

hile some might think children are spoiled, over-indulged and don’t appreciate their belongings, the reality is very different. The majority of toys on offer provide short-term entertainment but little in the way of ongoing engagement in play.

Indeed, once removed from the elaborate packaging, batteries installed and buttons pushed, many toys have limited functions and it could be argued the designer had more fun creating them than children will gain from playing with it! Once the novelty wears off, the child moves on feeling bored and looking for more short-term amusement.

However, it doesn’t need to be this way. By choosing toys which offer open-ended play, a child can be stimulated to use them in unlimited ways, with minimal direction and multiple opportunities. They may not have the bells and whistles of the latest fad item but they will still be in action long after other toys have been discarded.

Here are my top choices: Constructive play: from traditional wooden blocks to classic Duplo and Lego, building your own world is always a favourite. Toddlers start out with stacking a few blocks and crashing them down, before moving on to building roads, towers and complex arrangements created by their own imagination. Build on the basics by bringing in additional sets to grow with the child and refresh interest as they grow.

Social play: children learn by imitation, and providing the props for them to recreate their every-day world is important. From tea-sets and play kitchens to doctor’s kits and dress-ups, pretend play grows alongside your child’s imagination – the simple tea party of a one-year old becoming a complex story line for a five-year-old. Boys and girls learn life skills and how the world works as they take on the roles they see in their community.

Fantasy play: creating a small world where they control what happens is an important part of childhood play. Toy animals, cars, trains, dolls, action figures and similar toys – provide endless opportunities.

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Sensory play: Yes, I know – mess! But sand pits, playdough, waterplay, slime and kinetic sand are all great opportunities to experience textures, practice pouring skills, learn about volume and area and have fun! Paints and other art mediums encourage creative skills and support pre-writing and writing skills. Provide materials as well as tools to use with them, set up play spaces where clean up is easy and remember – it all comes out in the wash!

Physical play: Gross and fine motor skills are both important for development. Children need lots of outdoor opportunities to use and develop their large muscles, to build tone and strength. Climbing, swinging, running and jumping all have important roles. Think climbing frames, ride-on toys/bikes/scooters etc, trampolines and swing sets.

But also allow imaginations to guide play by providing loose parts like boards to balance on, hoops to jump and hop over and open spaces to run in.

Play is children’s work and a key to mental, physical and emotional development. By choosing toys which engage – and continue to engage – interaction, you will not only entertain in the moment, but occupy them over time.

Yvette O’Dowd probably isn’t your typical grandmother.

This purple-haired mother of three and granny of one has been a breastfeeding counsellor for more than 20 years, runs breastfeeding education classes for parents expecting twins and more, facilitates local babywearing and natural parenting groups and writes for a popular parenting website.

Yvette lives in her Frankston home with her husband and son. Her daughters and their families live nearby.

In her spare time, Yvette is a keen photographer and scrapbooker and is keeper of a fairy garden. You can follow Yvette at www.bellybelly.com.au/author/yvette-odowd www.facebook.com/groups/SouthernNaturalParentingNetwork www.facebook.com/groups/SouthEasternBabywearing Yvette O’Dowd probably isn’t your typical grandmother.

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Crystals for Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum

By Yvette Julian-Arndt

T

hroughout pregnancy, birth and early motherhood women undergo some of the most dramatic transformations they will ever encounter in their life. During pregnancy we experience extreme physical changes, heightened senses and roller-coaster emotions. Birth can be an intense and challenging event for our mind and body and the postpartum period is a time of transition, when we often need the most support of all. So, it is not surprising that as childbearing women we often feel a deep connection to our spirituality.

Crystals are said to positively interact with our energy field to provide comfort, protection, balance and healing. They can be a gentle but powerful tool during the magical journey of bringing a new life into the world.

Always choose crystals that you feel drawn to or that resonate with your intention, however here are some popular choices to use during this incredible time: Moonstone: Supports and strengthens the feminine cycles and can aid you through fertility, conception, pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. It is said to balance the hormones, assist with fluid retention and allow acceptance of new beginnings.

Adventurine: Reduces morning sickness and eases heartburn and indigestion.

Unakite: Promotes a positive pregnancy and healthy growth for babies. It also creates a strong connection between a mother and her unborn child.

Amethyst: Calms mood swings, clears anxiety and helps to release birth related fears. It also promotes restful sleep and reduces pregnancy related insomnia.

Malachite: Known as The Midwife’s Stone it is said to stimulate contractions, ease labour pain and facilitate a safe birth.

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Peridot: Said to open the birth canal for an easier, smoother birth and aid the emotional transition into motherhood.

Pink Chalcedony: A wonderful stone to support the breastfeeding process, increase lactation and ease nursing problems.

Rose Quartz: Considered the stone of love, it is great for new mums as it promotes motherly instincts and bonding with your baby.

Citrine: Perfect for the postpartum period to re-balance hormones and encourage self-care. Known to promote joy and optimism with its bright colour and energy as well as strengthen courage and self-confidence.

A lovely stone for anyone suffering with postal depression.

Crystals can be worn as jewellery, held in your hand, placed in your pocket or bra, under your pillow, on specific body parts during meditation, used as a focal point in labour and even put in your drinking water. Make sure you purchase from a trusted source, so you know you are getting the real thing. Remember to set your intention with each crystal by concentrating on how you want it to help you.

As crystals absorb a lot of negative energy it is recommended to cleanse them by laying them out during a full moon or soaking them in sea water. Work with them regularly and you will soon experience the metaphysical properties of the earth’s energy that have grounded, balanced and healed humans through many civilizations.

Yvette Julian-Arndt is a mum to two gorgeous boys and with her husband loves living on the Mornington Peninsula. As the owner of Project Birth, she is passionate about educating and inspiring couples for this life changing event and runs The Positive Birth Course in Frankston. Find out more at www.projectbirth.com.au or join her on Facebook and Instagram for more great labour and birth tips.

RIDE THE ARTHURS SEAT EAGLE

By Erica Louise If you’ve yet to fly on the Arthurs Seat Eagle, what are you waiting for?

This is your opportunity to enjoy the best views of Port Phillip Bay from a bird’s eye perspective.

Two years ago, the Mornington Peninsula’s newest tourist attraction opened its sliding doors to 34 rotating gondolas for the very first time.

Eager locals and tourists flocked to the Arthurs Seat Eagle back in December 2016. They still do to this day and for a very good reason.

The Arthurs Seat Eagle is a gentle journey, taking up to 8 passengers at a time on a leisurely glide up to the Summit Station and down to the Base Station. A one-way journey on the Arthurs Seat Eagle in either direction takes approximately 14 minutes. Where you choose to board is up to you. Most visitors commence their Arthurs Seat Eagle ride at the Base Station in Dromana. Why? Because there’s more to do at the Summit.

The Eagle Café at the Arthurs Seat Eagle Summit is a good sized eatery, offering sweeping views from the highest vantage point on the Mornington Peninsula. Choose to dine inside or out, depending on the weather. Here you can purchase hot beverages, smoothies, sandwiches, salads, scones, pies and baked goods. The Eagle Café is also licensed, serving locally produced wine, beer and cider.

Once you’ve quelled your hunger, head outside for some fresh clean air. Enjoy a stroll in the beautiful State Park or the Seawinds Gardens

and spot a number of William Ricketts’ enchanting wooden sculptures.

Otherwise enjoy the panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay at the Arthurs Seat Lookout. Look far into the distance and you might catch a glimmer of the sun reflecting off Melbourne’s Eureka Tower.

Afraid of high places? You might be pleasantly surprised by the Arthurs Seat Eagle. Views appear much higher when you’re off the gondola than when you’re seated inside. Passengers of all ages enjoy the gondola’s smooth, safe and comfortable ride.

Top tip: wear suitable clothing for the occasion. Each gondola has clip-on windows that are removed in spring. The wind can still be a little chilly so it’s worth taking a jacket on cooler days.

Board one of Arthurs Seat Eagle’s 34 gondolas and fly high over the state forest to the highest point on the Mornington Peninsula. In the case of very extreme weather conditions rides will be cancelled, so it’s best to call ahead if the wind is picking up.

Erica hails from the United Kingdom, and has been living in Australia for 12 years.

She has two sons, 3 and 8 years. She writes, edits and runs the social media pages for KidTown Melbourne, a website showcasing all the fun things to do with kids in Melbourne.

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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M U S I C AC R O S S T H E W

ith access to an abundance of pre-school activities it can be a wearisome task for parents to decide which experiences offer their kids the most value. Focusing solely on motor skill development, language skills and emotional development can sometimes eclipse the need for fun and laughter. Let’s not forget a pre-schoolers' most important job: play!

the Rainbow. As Julie sang in her ethereal tones I took a moment to witness the residents and children transfixed. It may have been the hundredth time or the first time hearing that troubles melt like lemon drops, but their reactions were the same. Resonance.

Emily eventually farewelled her new friend and as we drove home I considered all the elements of the class. Gross motor development

I was delighted when I discovered the intergenerational music sessions being held at a local retirement village, facilitated by Julie Murray from Sounds Like This. My toddler, Emily, loves songs that involve hand actions and any music that requires me to provide bouncing knees. So, this style of activity is perfect for her; what I didn’t expect was just how much we would both get out of the sessions.

Julie says, "These hands-on music making sessions incorporate fun and multi-sensory activities designed to encourage positive interactions between the generations in a natural, nurturing and respectful environment. Watching the faces of the children, their parent's and the resident's faces light up is so joyful and special. I'm sure we're creating precious moments and lasting memories."

As we walked into the community room within the retirement village we were greeted by 15 smiling residents. One resident took a shine to Emily and it wasn’t long before my daughter was passing her shaker eggs, insisting that she shake them! "The children adore playing with the adults and love when the residents know the rhymes and songs. It's truly intergenerational connecting.”, noted Julie. Their pleasure in enjoying each other’s company was a gentle reminder to slow down and tune in to the moment.

We banged drums and we sang. The children danced under a parachute while parents and residents made it rise and fall over bobbing heads. Whether 95, 37 or 2-years-old…it didn’t matter. What mattered was that we were sharing it in that moment and connecting over something as simple as a song about a bunny hopping. "Give a grown-up a drum and watch them magically transport back in time to their own childhood.", says Julie.

The session was rounded off by facilitator Julie singing us a story book.

Everyone was invited to join in on a song that we all knew well, Over 104

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

music making FOR K IDS AG ED 0 - 8 Y EA RS

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while hopping like a bunny? Check. Language development through turn taking and singing? Check. Social development while sharing a drum? Check. But the most important element is the unmeasurable one; the association with other human beings of varying ages and the quiet instinct to pass a stranger a shaker egg so they can join in. Something that benefits us all.

Orthodontic Specialists of Melbourne delivers a range of orthodontic treatments including metal and ceramic braces, Invisalign aligners and plates. Dr Ravi Theja Kamisetty, specialist orthodontist, grew up on the peninsula and loves working with families and the community. He offers treatments to suit children, teenagers and adults. By providing individually customised treatment plans, he aims to create lasting, beautiful and healthy smiles.

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 Move your bed-time back: If you aren’t a ‘morning’ person, try shifting your own bedtime back half an hour or so (gradually), so you can ‘ease yourself awake’ (if your sanity depends on ‘me time’ late at night, skip this bit – just keep the alarm volume low so yours are the only ‘assaulted’ senses).

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 A special morning greeting: Gently welcome your child from the womb-like world of sleep with a special greeting. If you have a nice singing voice (or your child is more forgiving than mine!!), sing a morning song or play some calming, cheerful music.

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 Morning ‘me time’: Create a special place to greet the morning before your children wake – with a cuppa, and perhaps journaling or some yoga or meditation. If your children are up as early as you (or before) why not do some yoga or a meditation together, have cuddles and connect with some positive chatter in your bed or go outside and greet the day. Perhaps you could take a morning walk if you have pre -schoolers: children are more likely to play quietly after they have run off the ‘ants in their pants’.  A morning surprise: If you are a morning zombie and need to begin your day more gradually, why not set up an activity the night before so little ones can start playing with their ‘surprise’: a few dress-ups and a mirror; stickers and scrapbook; playdough with cutters and some dried noodles to use as ‘candles’; blocks and little people, animals or cars. If you are feeling creative, a pretend shop or hair salon will intrigue them for ages and a healthy snack and drink in a lidded cup could buy you a peaceful cuppa or uninterrupted time to make breakfast or feed the baby.  Screen Free: Please avoid dulling little senses by propping tiny tots in front of screens as soon as they wake or letting older kids play on tablets. This not only sets the scene for meltdowns when you switch off screens but can affect concentration and learning for school-aged children.

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

 Prepare the night before: Write the notes/ make the lunches/ fill the water bottles/ lay out the clothes/ sports gear etc. Plonk everything you need in a spot by the door; you can’t forget it, if it ‘s right where you will trip over it!  Create rituals: dressing, hair-brushing, teeth cleaning and parting for school or work are opportunities for creating your own special rituals.

Madness  Eat breakfast together: the connection of sharing a meal puts everyone in a positive mood and a healthy breakfast will keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the morning, improving moods (yours and the kids!), concentration and learning.  Top up their love tanks: give your kids special morning hugs and make eye contact as you tell them how much you love them. As you send them off to school, or head off to work yourself, tell them “have fun”, rather than, “be good” or “do well”; the confidence and

security they feel will fill their little love tanks and set them up for a positive day.

Pinky McKay is an internationally certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and bestselling author of Sleeping Like a Baby, Parenting By Heart and 100 Ways to Calm the Crying (Penguin Random House). She is also the creator of Boobie bikkies all natural and organic health food cookies for breastfeeding mums. www.pinkymckay.com

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Health

By Naomi Creek

A

s a parent, you naturally want the best life for your child. But just say, out of the blue, they developed a disease that would affect them for the rest of their life?

This is what happened to me, when I was a healthy 10-year old girl, then one day started getting sore feet and legs. These unusual symptoms for such a fit and flexible girl started getting in the way of my active life. For a number of years, the doctors dismissed my symptoms as ‘growing pains’, but they gradually became more frequent, until one day, I simply couldn’t stand up. My legs wouldn’t hold me.

I spent a week in hospital while they did lots of blood tests, x-rays and examinations before coming away with my diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). I was put on a regime of medications to help with the inflammation and pain and was told that I may grow out of it.

As I was so young, I really didn’t understand what I had and how it would end up shaping my life. It was also difficult for my family and friends to understand, as it seemed uncommon for a child to have arthritis. It was 1982 after all, with no internet or information readily available about how to cope or manage with such an illness. So, I struggled through high school with a great deal of pain and uncertainty but with the optimism that one day it would go away.

Unfortunately, that was not the case for me and now 36 years on, I still live with the condition. I’ve had a number of joint replacements on both knees and hips and my shoulder. These have given me back my mobility, however as my condition affects almost every joint in my body, I still need to take medications to prevent the RA from progressing and damaging my joints, and to help with daily pain. I also live a very healthy lifestyle of eating well, keeping fit with yoga and reducing stress, to keep my body in the best state possible.

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Today, it’s rare for anyone to have undergone double knee and hip replacements by the age of 25, as I did. Most people diagnosed with RA today will not need to fear that outcome because advanced treatments, such as biologics, can manage arthritis symptoms and reduce the risk of permanent joint damage and disability, if the disease is caught and treated early. In some instances, remission can be achieved.

Arthritis can strike at any age with no warning, as in my case. Some forms, particularly inflammatory types such as RA, can create long term pain and disability if not caught early. Therefore, learning what signs and symptoms to look out for, can help early diagnosis and ensure the best possible future for those of a younger age. If you or your child experience some or all of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your doctor for advice: - Joint stiffness (particularly in the morning) - Joint inflammation (visible swelling and possibly redness) - Tender and sore joints - Noticeable ongoing fatigue (not just general tiredness) - Loss of physical function (losing strength and the ability to move your body the way it normally should) My 5 Tips For Living Well With Arthritis

Dr Peter A. Scott is a specialist orthodontist offering orthodontic care for children, teens and adults alike in both the Mornington Peninsula and inner Melbourne areas. He is also a consultant orthodontist at the Royal Childrens Hospital.

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KEEP ACTIVE One of the things I didn’t do enough of in the early days of living with arthritis was keep active. I am now learning, after all these years, that doing regular exercise to strengthen muscles and retain flexible joints is vital. I took up yoga a couple of years ago and it has been the best thing for me as it’s gentle enough, yet builds enormous stability and strength in all parts of the body (including my mind). It’s important to find a type of exercise you enjoy and is safe for your particular needs. Setting some goals within your exercise regime can also help inspire you to keep going. For me, trying to get out of the house each day, even if it’s just for a short walk or some shopping, keeps the body moving and motivated.

Ideal Age Of Initial Assessment 7-9 Years Early Intervention Where Appropriate For Best Outcome No Referral Necessary

EAT WELL It sounds so common and “I’ve heard it all before” but eating healthy, wholesome food, is so important to be able to live with vitality. There is ample research to show that refined sugars create inflammation in the body and too much fat and junk food are not good for us. I for one know how awful I feel in my joints and pain levels if I steer off my healthy eating path. I became a vegetarian at the start of the year and this, in addition to already eating a nutrient rich diet, made an continued next page.....

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enormous difference to my inflammation levels. Another interesting thing I found was that after I started yoga and started noticing the benefits, I wanted to eat healthier. I was actually put off eating junk food.

BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE Ultimately, we are in charge of our own health, not our doctor, friends or family. They are there to support us but we are the ones who get to choose. Be open and honest with your healthcare team. There’s no point sugar coating anything with them – they are there to help you, so ask questions and speak up about your concerns and what else can be done if things aren’t going in the right direction. Also, I think for far too long I pinned all my hopes on what my doctor was prescribing me and didn’t really take charge of the other aspects of my life, such as what I ate and how I tried to keep active. I realised that for me to live in the best possible way, it was going to take more than the pills I was prescribed. Being well is a multi-disciplinary act.

REDUCE STRESS Stress is a known factor for exacerbating arthritis symptoms. It activates our body’s inflammatory response system and for someone living with inflammatory arthritis, this is not a good idea. So be mindful of what triggers you have in your life – working long hours and not getting enough sleep will inevitably cause the body stress and a flow-on effect into other aspects of your life. Spending time in nature and doing fun things with others always helps to reset our body and mind for another day.

SELF LOVE Living with a chronic condition like arthritis can affect us emotionally and sometimes cause self-esteem issues, making us retreat and become less engaged in the world. We can lose sight of who we are because pain and disease overtake the person we thought we once were. Some of the things I like to do to feel good about myself are: I try to look my best each day, even if I’m not going out; I keep well-groomed and put make up on; I make plans with friends and set goals to ensure I have some enjoyable things to look forward to; I use positive techniques such as mindfulness and meditation to remind myself that I am capable and strong; I volunteer with community groups and help others living with arthritis.

Giving your time and loving others selflessly reminds us that we are important and can make a difference – and that feels good.

Having lived with rheumatoid arthritis most of her life, Naomi Creek is the national coordinator for CreakyJoints Australia. A long-time advocate for the arthritis community, Naomi also co-leads the Young Women’s Arthritis Support Group (in Victoria) and previously was a community guest speaker, telephone helpline operator, and board member of Arthritis Victoria. Naomi lives in Victoria, Australia and is a graphic designer, artist and self-confessed volunteer junkie. www. creakyjoints.org.au

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We offer a one-day blitz of your home. Ideal for ‘spring cleaning’ as well as after party emergencies, before guests, during house moves or after builders. The myhome spring clean takes just one day to get your home looking immaculate.

Our regular cleaning service is perfect for your needs, whatever size home you have. This flexible service allows you to choose the frequency of your cleaning visits, whether that’s weekly, fortnightly, monthly or even more often if you require.

Mount Eliza

Why choose

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Mornington

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There areto so many cleaners market, one day get your home looking on the monthly or evenindependents, more often if agencies and professional companies. immaculate. you require.

There are many questions and concerns when hiring people to Why choose ? they qualified? How much experienced come into your home. Are do they have? Are they covered by insurance and most importantly ● Over 10 years experience ● Great customer service can we trust them? ● Fully trained full time staff ● Unique tri-colour system If these are concerns for you but don’t have the time or energy ● Our 48 point cleaning system ● Fully insured interviewing and trialling cleaners, then you should choose a ● Consistant results ● Guaranteed professional company that have their systems inresults place to ensure the quality, safety and security in your home is met.

MyHome Cleaning has all of this covered.

For a FREE estimate call They are a professional cleaning company that has been servicing the Mornington Peninsula for over seven years and MyHome itself has been established in Melbourne for over 15 years.

13 22 31

www.myhomeclean.com.au They provide our customer qualified staff, with regulated tools

and equipment arriving in company cars and in company uniform. standards, policies/procedures and experience means that MountTheir Martha | Frankston | Somerville we offer great security and safety of your home. Not to mention great results with our Unique Tri-Colour Cleaning Service.

Phone MyHome Cleaning Service on 13 22 31 www.myhomeclean.com.au

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● Over 10 years experience

● Great customer service

● Fully trained full time staff

● Unique tri-colour system

● Our 48 point cleaning system

● Fully insured

● Consistant results

● Guaranteed results

For a FREE estimate call

13 22 31

www.myhomeclean.com.au

• Mount Eliza Mount Martha |

• Mornington| • Mount Martha Frankston Somerville • Frankston • Somerville

Mount Eliza • Mornington • Mount Martha • Frankston • Somerville

E ssence

32 | PENINSULA

October 2017

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111

not to blame for common speech disorders in kids

By University of Sydney

A

new University of Sydney research shows bottles, dummies, and thumb sucking in the early years of life do not cause or worsen phonological impairment, the most common type of speech disorder in children.

For this study, parents were asked to complete a questionnaire detailing their child’s sucking habits and researchers directly assessed the children’s speech to allow a comparison between those with and without phonological impairment.

The study, published in Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica, examined the sucking behaviours of 199 Australian pre-schoolers to determine if a child’s history of dummy use, bottle use, breastfeeding or thumb sucking impacted the presence or severity of this common speech disorder.

Phonological impairment occurs when a child has difficulty with learning how to use speech sounds correctly and in the right context. A child with this disorder might use ‘s’ correctly at the end of a word like ‘bus’ but when faced with words starting with two consonants they might say ‘poon’ for ‘spoon’ and ‘tar’ for ‘star’.

Lead author Dr Elise Baker said while dummy (or pacifier) use is a controversial topic, the study suggests they are not associated with the majority of speech problems in children.

“There is a misconception that dummies impact children’s opportunities to learn or practise speech, however our study shows no connection between dummy use in the early years and the presence or severity of the most common type of childhood speech problem,” said speech pathologist Dr Baker from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

“The findings suggest that for the majority of children with speech delay, the problem is not to do with the mouth, but rather associated with how children learn the sound system of language.”

Dr Baker admits dummies are contentious, with research suggesting both pros and cons to their use.“Dummies may have benefits such as helping premature babies develop sucking skills, reducing pain during medical procedures, reduced risk of developing allergies and possibly even reduce SIDS risk.”

“On the flip side they have also been associated with gastrointestinal infections, more ear infections, incorrect bite, bowel obstruction and reduced breast-feeding duration among other issues.”

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The results of the study showed:

79.9%

of children had been breastfed (with 1 in 3 of these children breastfeed for more than 12 months);

58.3%

had used a dummy/pacifier (with 3 in 4 of these children using a dummy/pacifier for 12 months or more)

83.9%

percent had used a bottle (with 3 in 4 of these children using a dummy/ pacifier for more than 12 months)

15.1%

sucked their thumb/fingers

No significant association was found between nutritive or non-nutritive sucking habits and the presence or severity of phonological impairment.

Co-author Dr Sarah Masso said the study doesn’t discount other health and developmental impacts of the prolonged use of a pacifier, dummy or other sucking aid.

“Furthermore while we have ruled out a link with the most common form of speech disorder, more research is needed to determine if there is any relationship with less common problems such as a lisp,” said Dr Masso from the Faculty of Health Sciences.

How common are speech problems in children?

A recent Australian study identified 3.4 percent of children as having a speech sound disorder at four years of age.

When should parents seek help?

Research shows one in four parents of Australian children are concerned about their four to five-year-old child’s speech but the majority do not act on their concerns.

“Parents should be concerned when an 18-month-old isn’t starting to communicate and use words, or when a two-year-old has less than 50 words and is not putting two words together,” said Dr Baker.

“If a child is four and their speech is still difficult to understand I would certainly suggest parents seek help from a qualified speech pathologist.”

The study is a collaboration between the University of Sydney, Charles Sturt University and the University of Bristol (UK) and was supported by funding from the Australian Research Council.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics records approximately 340,000 four and five-years-olds attending a preschool program in 2017. The researchers estimate that around 11,560 of these children would have a speech disorder, with 10,404 likely having the most common type; phonological impairment.

“Without early treatment speech problems have been linked to difficulties with reading and writing, anxiety and mental health problems,” said Dr Masso.

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Vital nutrition for both mums & bubs

By Jessica Bauer

C

ongratulations! Your little one is here in this world! Now it’s time to think about how important it is to look after yourself so that you can look after your baby. Nutrition is one thing that you can control to give your baby the best available opportunity to continue to grow.

To start us off lets bust some myths about food and breastfeeding: 1. Whilst breastfeeding you must remove all dairy products and nuts to avoid an allergic reaction in your baby?  This is false!

Maternal dietary exclusion is not usually recommended to prevent anaphylaxis in infancy; such reactions almost always require the child to ingest the food 2. Mothers should be encouraged to breastfed if their infant has anaphylaxis?  This is true 3. Alcohol can be passed through to the breastmilk  This is true Why is nutrition important during breastfeeding?

Good nutrition is important for breastfeeding mothers as it helps ensure healthy milk production and composition. In addition it keeps your body healthy. Trying to crash diet to lose ”the baby weight” or restricting whole food groups during breastfeeding can lead to many health complications, including potentially reducing your milk supply.

In fact breastfeeding will help you get rid of the fat tissues that were stored during your pregnancy by using this fat as a source of energy to make the milk!!

What are the key nutrients during breastfeeding?

Calories. Yes calories are an important nutrient during breastfeeding.

The word calorie describes the energy that food provides our body to function properly (Think of it like fuelling your car with petrol; if you don’t fill your car with petrol then the car won’t run; so it’s the same if you don’t provide your body with calories then we won’t function.) During breastfeeding your calorie requirements increase by approximately 500cal per day.

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So what does an added 500cal look like in a typical day?

1. A large piece of fruit (apple or pears ) = 120cal 2. A tub of yogurt (Chobani or YoPro are the best types of yogurts) = 100cal 3. 2 tablespoon of light Philadelphia cheese with 2 Vitaweat (9 grains) crackers = 200cal Adding all three of these extra snacks you will add approx. 500cal in your day Protein isn’t generally increased during breastfeeding (except for mothers who are vegetarian). It is still important that you are meeting your general protein requirements. Protein will also provide you with iron which is important during breastfeeding. During your pregnancy and birth your iron stores were depleted so this is the time to rebuild them.

General requirements for women aged 19 – 50 are 2 ½ serves per day of lean protein. These are all one serve: 1. 65g of cooked lean red meat 2. 80g of cooked chicken 3. 100g of cooked fish fillet 4. 2 large eggs 5. 170g tofu Other key vitamin and minerals which are required in slightly higher amounts during breastfeeding includes; vitamin C, A, iron and folate.

Vitamin C food sources include: • Citrus fruits, berries, tropical fruit, tomatoes, capsicum and potatoes Vitamin A food sources include: • Dark green and yellow vegetables such as broccoli, carrots and pumpkin

Good nutrition is important for breastfeeding mothers as it helps ensure healthy milk production and composition, in addition it keeps your body healthy.

• 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.

Folate food sources include:

NO REFERRAL NEEDED. CONTACT US TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE THE SMILE YOU ALWAYS WANTED.

• Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts The key nutrition messages during breastfeeding are: 1. Don’t skip any meals – you are most likely going to miss out on vital nutrients 2. Don’t go on strict diets to lose weight – this could make you feel even more tired and run down!!

CALL US ON

9787 3849

“Lighte enjoy life n up, just , laugh m smile more, ore, get so w and don’t orked u p about th ings” -Kenneth Branagh

3. Limit any added sugars such as soft drinks, fruit juices, sweet biscuits, cakes, and lollies – this will again make you feel tired and run down and increase the likelihood of keeping the extra weight on 4. Make sure you are enjoying a wide variety of foods that will help you and your baby be healthy 5. Enjoy your special time as a family and don’t rush to get back to your pre-pregnancy body; remember it took 9 months to a grow a little human so it may take another 9 months or more to lose some of that weight !

If you think you need help with your diet seek help from an Accredited Practising Dietitian in your area. To find your nearest APD check out the Dietitians Association Australia website www. daa.asn.au/find-an-apd

Jessica Bauer is an Accredited Practising Dietitian. She has a passion for children’s health and well – being and loves working will all types of people – big or small, young or old using food to do good. In her spare time, she loves finding that perfectly brewed coffee, jumping out of airplanes and walking her puppies at Ballam Park.

CALL NOW FOR MT ELIZA, ROSEBUD & HASTINGS BOOKINGS

122 Mt Eliza Way, Mt Eliza & 1533 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud West 140 Salmon St, Hastings mteliza@hanksorthodontics.com.au www.peninsulakids.com.au

115

Where To Seek Help if your child has unexpected medical symptoms

W

hen we become parents, worrying is part of our Job Description – and late night rashes, fevers, coughs or headaches can sometimes have us rushing towards the nearest hospital. Fortunately, the majority of unexpected medical symptoms are non-life threatening, and can be safely treated at home by a qualified health professional.

If you need unexpected medical care on weekends, weeknights or during school holidays – it’s comforting to know that after-hours help is available. Today many services are accessible with the click of a button, with Australian qualified doctors and nurses available on the phone or online 24/7. Here are our top recommendations if your family needs medical care during the Christmas break: continued next page.....

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Health Direct Health Direct is a free national public information service, run by the Department of Health. The 24-hour Health Direct phone line provides Australians with reliable advice from a registered nurse. The website also offers an online Symptom Checker, allowing families to make an assessment on the type of medical care they may require – day or night.

Visit: www.healthdirect.gov.au

Phone: 1800 022 222

Late-night Pharmacies Australian pharmacies offer a trusted source of walk-in health information and advice. If you need to find a pharmacy afterhours, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia provides a helpful national list that can be searched based on location, opening hours or services. A range of online resources are also available from The Pharmacy Guild, detailing how your chemist can assist with asthma management, wound care or more common symptoms, such as coughs and colds.

Visit: www.findapharmacy.com.au

Instant Consult Instant Consult is a free smartphone app, which allows patients to video chat in real-time with an Australian registered and qualified GP – 24/7. An Instant Consult is very similar to an in-person consultation, and their GPs can provide a range of healthcare services – including prescriptions, referrals, medical certificates and treatment plans. Instant Consult provides families with peace of mind when they need unexpected medical care, can’t access their regular GP, or want to avoid lengthy Emergency queues for non-life threatening conditions.

Visit: www.instantconsult.com.au

Phone: 1300 003 310

After-hours home doctors A number of home-visiting doctors are available across Australia, administering after-hours medical care in the comfort of your own living room. The National Association of Medical Deputising (NAMDS) provide a list of accredited home-visiting doctor services – ensuring that your family can access treatments, prescriptions and medical certificates wherever you are this school holidays. Homevisiting doctors will also refer consultation notes to your regular GP, for continuity of care.

Visit: www.namds.com

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4 common reasons for seeking medical care after-hours: The reality is that children get sick any time of year, and the Christmas holidays are no exception. Whether it’s coughs, colds, headaches or fever – certain medical symptoms can develop rapidly and may require medical intervention. According to Dr Kenneth Moroney, an Instant Consult doctor with over 45 years’ clinical experience, common medical complaints among young families include:

• Headaches and earaches Your little one may be suffering from an ear infection if they’re in a poor mood, have low energy and appetite, or are frequently tugging on their ear. Headaches are also very common among children, although most stem from benign causes.

• Coughs and colds Unfortunately, coughs and colds are very easily passed from one family member to another. Coughs can require urgent medical investigation if they sound overly harsh, hoarse, wheezy or barking; or restrict breathing in any way.

• Fever and temperatures A fever is characterised by an abnormally high body temperature, shivering and headaches. In extreme cases, a fever can cause delirium.

Whilst fever is the body’s natural response to infection, it should be considered a visual sign that medical attention is required.

• Rashes and skin irritations Children’s skin is often exposed to new elements, including everything from the sun to bacteria. A ‘tumbler test’ can help separate skin irritations from more the more serious non-blanching type of rash. If in doubt, always seek medical opinion to diagnose a skin rash.

This article is general in nature, and does not take into consideration your family’s unique medical needs. In an Emergency, always phone Triple 0 (000) and ask for Ambulance, Police or Fire.

In Australia, the recent Sydney Myopia Study found 31% of 17-year-old children were myopic, double the prevalence reported just 18 years ago.

-MYOPIA-

THE GROWING EPIDEMIC “Evidence is mounting that myopia (short sightedness) is growing around the world, with a recent study estimating that on average, 30% of the world is currently myopic and by 2050, based on current trends, almost 50% will be myopic, that’s a staggering 5 billion people” At 20/20 Sight’n’Style, our aim is to use all scientifically validated methods to slow the rate of myopia progression. One effective option is Orthokeratology (ortho-k): The process of wearing a custom designed contact lens only while sleeping. The lens is removed each morning and the result is good vision all day with no contacts or glasses. Ortho-K also slows down the progression of myopia in most studies, by 50+ %.

Other options include Daytime Soft Ortho-K contact lenses, Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses, Atropine Eye Drops and Vision Therapy. Please contact our clinic to organise an assessment to see if we can help reduce Myopia progression for your child.

Myopia causes people to have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. Even low levels of myopia significantly increase the risk of serious eye disease as we age

High levels of Myopia increase the risk of developing Cataract by 5 x Glaucoma by 14 x Detached Retina by 22 x and Macular Disease by 41x

ORTHOKERATOLOGY: A revolutionary nonsurgical procedure that can eliminate the need to wear glasses during the day.

GEORGE & SUZANNE SAHELY - BEHAVIOURAL OPTOMETRISTS

161 Main St Mornington Ph 03 5973 5520 www.sightandstyle.com.au

www.peninsulakids.com.au

119

Ask The

Experts!

Supporting children 0-12 years with learning delays and disabilities and their families to thrive.

▪ All things NDIS ▪ Individual programs ▪ Small group sessions ▪ Flexible, quality services and support for children and families Open Monday - Saturday

Special January Programs (03) 5975 1820 www.bialapeninsula.org.au

How can we help children with special needs build confidence in the dental setting?

Any child may have difficulty adapting to the dentist at first, and this can be even more of a problem for special needs children. Each of these children brings their own challenges and require time to make them feel comfortable in the dental setting. The earlier your child visits the dentist to start building a relationship of trust, the easier the visits will become and hopefully also prevent many dental issues.

Some of the dental challenges special needs children face are: • Sensitivity around the oral cavity • Issues with jaw development • Missing teeth • Difficulty swallowing and brushing teeth • Anxiety with new environments and change • Speech difficulties These factors can increase the likelihood of developing gum disease, cavities and misalignment of teeth and jaws; as well as causing social and psychological issues.

Working with your dentist and orthodontist can often help parents get through oral structure changes and developmental problems, preparing parents and children for the progressive changes they may face in the future.

Tara Burrows Dip AppSci (Dental Therapy) Peninsula Orthodontics 134 Tanti Ave Mornington

1 Elizabeth Street ▪ Mornington ▪ 3931 120

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

\J

What actually is a “behavioural optometrist”?

“Behavioural Optometrist” is not a protected title, thus any optometrist can advertise themselves as one. However, those with formal Fellowships in Behavioural Optometry (denoted as FACBO or FCOVD) have undertaken extensive post. graduate studies in visual skills and development.

Whilst examining patients of all ages, Behavioural Optometry is best known for its role in children’s vision. A child may have 20/20 eyesight, though still have inefficient visual skills, or delayed visual development. Can the child see clearly and follow print? How hard are they working to keep print clear and single? Can they analyse and interpret what they see? 80% of learning involves processing visual data, thus efficient vision is essential to helping children reach their true potential.

We aim to improve the child’s visual functions through either prescribing specialised lenses or Vision Therapy. This involves training their brain to use their eyes more efficiently, not simply to strengthen eye muscles. Much like speech therapy, this relies upon the principals of neuroplasticity; recognising that the brain controls vision.

Equally this same philosophy can be extended to reducing eyestrain for patients with high workplace visual demands (eg. computer use), improving visual function following a stroke or head injury, and in controlling Myopic (short-sightedness) progression.

George Sahely 20/20 Sight’n’Style Behavioural Optometrists Mornington

Peninsula Orthodontics loves working with families. Our experienced team will provide you with an individual treatment plan to deliver only exceptional results.

Capture that perfect smile you will always treasure.

No referral required.

Specialist Orthodontists Dr Andrew Pepicelli Dr Andrea Phatouros

Dr Daniel Sable Dr Adam Leung

5975 5166

134 Tanti Ave Mornington peninsulaortho.com.au smile@peninsulaortho.com.au www.peninsulakids.com.au

121

Tongue and lip-ties, are they real ?

By James Lucas

T

ongue and lips ties are sometimes diagnosed when parents are having difficulty teaching their newborn to breastfeed or bottlefeed. Although this can be stressful, babies can adapt and there is help available for parents and babies struggling with a tongue or lip-tie to help ensure their baby is feeding well and growing.

surgery, these do not compare with the improvement seen in children who have had a good lactation consultant and no surgery over time.

There is no significant evidence that lip-tie release surgery will improve feeding.

How is surgery done?

In recent times there has been an increasing trend for the procedure known as a tongue-tie release and lip-tie release. The question that has to be asked; is it necessary?

The tongue or lip-tie can be cut with scissors, removed by laser therapy or surgically repositioned.

But what is a tongue-tie?

Are there complications?

First, it’s important to understand the normal anatomy of the child’s mouth at birth, specifically the frenulum. There are two types of frenulum that are relevant for the most common types of tongue and lip-ties:

Tongue-tie and lip-tie releases are not without complications.

• The lingual frenulum is a narrow band of fibrous tissue that is located underneath the tongue and usually extends from the middle of the under surface of the tongue to the floor of the mouth.

• The lip frenulum extends from the lip to the ridge where the teeth will erupt. This can vary in shape and initially it will be near the top of the ridge, but with growth will position higher and is rarely between the teeth.

There are many different criteria and definitions for a tongue-tie, but the simplest description is where the tip of the tongue cannot be protruded beyond the lower incisor (front) teeth because of a short frenulum.

The reported occurrence of tongue-ties vary but the speech pathology department at The Royal Children’s Hospital consider it to be in the range of 1.7% - 4.8% of newborns.

The incidence of lip-tie is not reported but every child is born with an upper lip frenulum. Similarly the other frenulum at the sides of the mouth are also not reported, as they are normal and do not compromise feeding or growth for a newborn.

What are the consequences of tongue-tie?

Tongue-tie has been has associated with poor breast feeding and other feeding difficulties in young children. However, the Journal of Paediatrics and Child health report that of all children with a tongue-tie, only four out of 10 have associated feeding difficulties.

Although there are studies that show an improvement with feeding after 122

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

First, bleeding from the floor of the mouth can occur, as it is very vascular. Children have been admitted to hospital with excessive bleeding particularly when open wounds are left.

Second, scarring can occur, particularly with laser therapy where an open wound remains and the post-operative sweeping process to reduce scarring, keeping the wound open by moving a finger across it, is inadequate. The tongue can heal with scarring, leaving it tethered to the floor of the mouth that can result in further complications.

Third, Oral Aversion can occur for some children, as the post-operative therapies can be painful. This can lead to them not wanting anything placed in their mouth, such as a toothbrush, which is known as oral aversion.

Myth!

Many believe that leaving lip ties and tongue-ties will affect facial growth. There is no evidence to show this at all!

Remember it is not as simple as it seems. Consideration of tongue-tie procedures should occur only after consultation with your Paediatrician and a supportive lactation consultant and when non-surgical interventions have been explored.

Associate Professor James Lucas, Lucas Dental Care (www.lucasdentalcare.com. au) - Associate Professor James Lucas is one of the leading paediatric dental specialists in Australia. With extensive experience in dental trauma and treating children with a range of medical special needs, Dr Lucas has lectured in Australia and internationally to share his knowledge and expertise. Dr Lucas is also the Deputy Director of the Dental Department of the Royal Children’s Hospital, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne and the President of the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry.

www.peninsulakids.com.au

123

Book Reviews

Pre School

THE HEART OF A WHALE

BY ANNA PIGNATARO

3+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $24.99 Whale’s song soothes the entire ocean, but nothing can fill his empty heart.

The tide begins to change once his sigh is carried by the sea to the furthest of faraways...

INCY WINCY SPIDER ILLUSTRATED

BY MATT SHANKS

1+yrs, Scholastic, h/b $15.99 Incy Wincy Spider climbed up the water spout, Down came the rain and washed poor Incy out!

Where will Incy Wincy Spider go next and who will she meet along the way?

Find out in this new Australian version of a favourite nursery rhyme.

HIDE AMD SEEK WITH GRANDPA

BY ED ALLEN

3+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $17.99 Ready or not, here I go! Come and find me, Grandpa!

Am I hiding high or low?

Where could I be?

Keep looking all around the park!

It is so much fun playing hide and seek with Grandpa!

MY DAD IS A ROBOT

BY MATT COSGROVE

3+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $17.99 Psssssst! Wanna hear something cool?

Don’t tell everyone, But my Dad is a...

ROBOT! Admittedly, this dad is an older model he doesn't have laser eyes or jet-powered feet and his batteries regularly run flat. But there’s one little boy who wouldn’t change a thing...

Early Reader

THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF COSENTINO #3: THE LOST TREASURE

BY COSENTINO WITH JACK HEATH

7+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $14.99 Cosentino, the Grand Illusionist, is in danger! He’s trapped in a glass ball hanging over the ocean, where dangerous beasts lurk. He’ll have to undo shackles, a straightjacket, and padlocks to escape!

The audience watching him from the pier is terrified, but not as much as when the evil two-headed King arrives on a mission to find his lost sunken treasure. Cos must stop the King from taking the treasure, but first he must avoid arrest AND escape from the glass ball... while underwater! But how long can he hold his breath? Can Cos pull off his greatest illusion ever?

124

OLIVIA’S SECRET SCRIBBLES: AMAZING ACROBATS

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED TO SIMON SIDEBOTTOM

6+yrs, Scholastic, p/b $9.99 I have so many super-amazing and IMPORTANT things to write about! I’ll tell you all about them: * Everyone at school is doing superamazing tricks on the play equipment * We are going to perform an UNBELIEVABLE acrobat show * An awesome Circus Skills Workshop has come to town! They will teach us wild gymnastics tricks * But there’s something wrong with my BFF Matilda. Why doesn’t she want to do the trapeze with me? * And how will we do our acrobat show if Matilda doesn’t want to be in it?

I have to work out a way to make this show the best show ever! Olivia x

7+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $9.99 Its the final day of school holidays and the only thing Simon Sidebottom wants to do is enjoy his last hours of freedom. But Simons mum has other plans, and they all involve shopping for school shoes with Simons snotty-faced little sister. And then a funny thing happens . . .

A hilarious, gross, laugh-out-loud, choose-your-own-adventure book.

BY MEREDITH COSTAIN

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

BY P. CRUMBLE

MIGHTY MITCH #3 CLASH OF THE KEEPERS

BY MITCHELL STARC

7+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $12.99 There’s a new kid in town and he wants Mitch's wicket-keeping spot. The gloves are on! Get ready for a mighty Clash of the Keepers!

Mitchell Starc and Marshall Spark have got loads in common. They both like keeping. They both like opening the batting. Even their names sound the same! So what's driving Mitch bananas?

TOM GATES #14: BISCUITS, BANDS AND VERY BIG PLANS

BY LIZ PICHON

7+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $16.99 Britain’s favourite doodle genius and caramel wafer-muncher is back!

Yup: Tom Gates and his band The DogZombies have some big plans that need to be actioned, like, NOW! First they need to catch a glimpse into Delia’s secret diary. But that’ll mean taking a BIG risk: snooping in her room!

Oh, and then they’re going to write a new smash-hit single. (Which means stocking up on essential snacks.)

Plus, Tom’s got to doodle as much as possible, especially when the peabrained Marcus is watching! It’s lucky Tom’s fuelled by biscuits, or he’d never have the energy for it all…

Win

PRIZE PACK OF THE REVIEWED BOOKS

ONE LUCKY PRESCHOOLER & ONE LUCKY www.peninsulakids.com.au/giveaways SCHOOL AGED READER WILL

MY OLD MAN HE PLAYED RUGBY

THE CAT WANTS KITTENS

3+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $17.99 You’ll laugh out loud at the outrageous antics of dads of all shapes and sizes in this ball game to beat them all!

GO, DAD, GO!

3+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $17.99 Kevin has some new playmates. They are cute and cuddly and they’re here to stay... but not if Kevin has anything to do with it!

See what happens when two adorable kittens barge into Kevin’s life and make themselves at home. How will this fussy feline cope?

BY PETER MILLETT

HOT DOG! #4 GAME TIME!

BY ANH DO

5+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $12.99 Hotdog, Lizzie and Kev are training for GAME DAY! They want to win the big prize–an awesome trip to Rainbow Island! That's where Kev's mum lives!

They'll need skill, speed and strength.

Do they have what it takes to win?

BY P. CRUMBLE

ELLA AND OLIVIA: A WILD ADVENTURE

BY YVETTE POSHOGLIAN

5+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $7.99 Ella and Olivia are going to a native animal park! But are they prepared for their own wild adventure?

BARNEY

BY CATHERINE JINKS

3+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $16.99 Barney the dog loves to eat. In fact, Barney not only loves every food he has ever encountered, but he also loves to eat all sorts of things that aren’t really food at all! themselves at home. How will this fussy feline cope?

ALPACAS WITH MARACAS

BY MATT COSGROVE

3+yrs, Scholastic, h/b, $17.99 Macca and pal Al are the best of friends so when there is an opportunity to enter a talent contest together, they just can't resist. Sure to be a performance to remember, in the process they learn a very valuable lesson! themselves at home. How will this fussy feline cope?

ELLA DIARIES: GOAL POWER

MELOWY #3: MELOWY #4: THE ICE THE NIGHT OF COURAGE ENCHANTMENT

7+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $12.99 Amethyst has started a SOCCER CLUB for GIRLS ONLY and Ella is super excited to be part of it! She is on the club committee and DREAMS of being a striker and scoring all the goals.

But then Ella discovers something that fills her with DESPERATING DESPAIR. She can’t dribble, she can’t pass and she can’t kick a goal. Will she even be chosen for a team? Are Ella’s soccer dreams over before they even began?

7+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $12.99 The Defence Techniques teacher tests the girls on their survival skills, leaving them in the Forest of Colors overnight.

They use a manual she has left them to build shelter and cook dinner. Electra wanders from the group in the night and gets lost, sending the rest of the Melowies on a mission to find her. They split up and use different skills to pass the test.

BY MEREDITH COSTAIN

BY DANIELLE STAR

BY DANIELLE STAR

7+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $12.99 Clio, having been left at Destino when she was born, does not know the realm she is from and does not know what her power is. She must take lessons in all of the realms in order to find out which she belongs to. Clio learns she is not the first Melowy to be unsure of her Realm.

Hidden in away in a book she finds a page that makes her jump: "Such a power will not appear for many years; not until the arrival of a Melowy whose realm will not be known, who will be found…" The rest of the book is destroyed. As motives shift and secrets emerge, both will have to decide what–and who–it is they're fighting for.

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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School Aged

GIRLTOPIA

BY HILARY ROGERS

11+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $14.99 Clara is the sort of girl who hates getting into trouble. She even hates it when others get into trouble. But when every single man and boy in the city are struck down by a mysterious illness, Clara realises this is no time to be worrying about being good.

It’s time for a daring rescue mission!

Maybe the boys and men will just wake up, Clara thinks. Maybe everything will go back to normal. Clara didn’t know how wrong she was. Only one thing is for sure–the girls are in charge!

THE THINGS THAT WILL NOT STAND

BY MICHAEL GERARD BAUER

12+yrs, Scholastic, p/b $18.99 Sebastian is at a university open day with his best friend Tolly when he meets a girl. Her name is Frida, and she’s edgy, caustic and funny. She’s also a storyteller, but the stories she tells about herself don’t ring true, and as their surprising and eventful day together unfolds, Sebastian struggles to sort the fact from the fiction.

But how much can he expect Frida to share in just one day? And how much of his own self and his own secrets will he be willing to reveal in return?

LIARS #1 THE TRUTH APP

BY JACK HEATH

10+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $9.99 THE TRUTH APP is the latest craze in the town of Kelton. It listens to everyone around you and tells you if they're lying.

When the app goes viral, its teenage creator, Jarli, becomes famous overnight. But being a celebrity can be dangerous. Especially when you've just exposed everyone's deepest, darkest secrets.

The TRUTH doesn't always set you free...

ENROL NOW FOR 2019

KINDER DANCE R.A.D. CLASSICAL JAZZ / HIP HOP

12+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $17.99 Tick's journey continues in Hunt for Dark Infinity!

A suspicious set of messages set Tick and Mistress Jane on a race to find the deadly Dark Infinity weapon. But who will destroy it–and who will become its master?

12+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $17.99 After the near catastrophe in the Fourth Reality, Tick’s being homeschooled in the fields of science, trying to master the mysterious Chi’karda.

But just as he begins to make progress, Mistress Jane reappears. Her vengeance knows no bounds and Tick and his friends are faced with their most dangerous task yet.

And they must not fail; for if they do, the entire universe could cease to exist.

BY JAMES DASHNER

BY JAMES DASHNER

SUMMER HOLIDAYS 26th Dec - 30th Jan 10am-5pm STORYTIME Daily at 11am & 3pm Pony/horse rides $2 & $5 “Hands on” with the animals Pony and Horse Rides Free Cuppas & Gas BBQs Special School Holiday Activities

www.mountmarthaschoolofdance.com.au  OFFICE: 5974 1498

Many Animals for “Hands on” Experiences Playground, Picnic Areas (BYO Food)

(see website rhsfarm.com.au)

With over 30 years experience 126

THE 13TH REALITY: THE BLADE OF SHATTERED HOPE

Rustic Farm Setting

ACROBATICS CONTEMPORARY VCE DANCE

instagram.com/mtmarthaschoolofdance

THE 13TH REALITY #2 HUNT FOR DARK INFINITY

facebook.com/mtmarthaschoolofdance

Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

490 Stumpy Gully Rd Balnarring Phone 5983 1691 Open 10am - 5pm

Win

PRIZE PACK OF THE REVIEWED BOOKS

ONE LUCKY PRESCHOOLER & ONE LUCKY www.peninsulakids.com.au/giveaways SCHOOL AGED READER WILL

NIGHT FLIGHTS

THE HAPPINESS QUEST

10-18yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $16.99 In a dangerous future world where gigantic, motorised cities attack and devour each other, London hunts where no other predator dares. But Anna Fang–pilot, adventurer, spy–isn’t afraid.

The three stories show gripping, moving, exciting moments in Anna Fang's life: her childhood as a slave aboard the moving city Arkangel, a showdown against a robotic Stalker that is terrifyingly out of control, and her free life as an intelligence agent for the Anti-Traction league that might not be quite as free as she hoped…

10+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $18.99 Tillie Bassett is sad, and she doesn’t understand why. Her parents and friends suggest very different, allegedly helpful, remedies. But it is the suggestion of her counsellor, Gilbert the Goldfish, that the answer may lie in finding the nature of happiness.

As Tillie embarks upon her project she discovers that, when it comes to family and friends, nothing is quite as it seems. Secrets are uncovered, old tensions resurface, relationships tangle and untangle, and Tillie realises that everyone struggles balancing sadness and happiness, and living truthfully.

BY PHILLIP REEVE

BY RICHARD YAXLEY

HOW I DIDN’T STRAIGHTEN MY HAIR..AND OTHER LIFE LESSONS

STORM-WAKE

THE TRAITOR’S GAME

BY LUCY CHRISTOPHER BY JENNIFER A. NIELSEN

14+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $16.99 Moss has lived with her pa on a remote 12+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $16.99 island for as long as she remembers.

Dora still hasn't found her 'thing'. It The Old World has disappeared definitely isn't Greek dancing. Although she is developing a bit of 'thing' for her beneath the waves – only Pa’s magic, friend Ethan. If only he didn't live next door harnessing the wondrous stormflowers to her Yaya and Popou, then he wouldn't on the island, can save the sunken witness the craziness that is Dora's life.

Her perfect older sister and her best friend continents. But a storm is brewing, seem to have their stuff worked out ... promising cataclysmic changes. Soon, while Dora can't even manage to tame her two strange boys wash up on the shore. frizzy hair! But with Dora's dad out of work, As the clouds swell and the ocean and strict budget cuts, a hair straightener churns, Moss learns to open her eyes to isn't exactly on the list of priorities. Dora just knows that taming her hair is the the truth about her isolated world … answer to everything ... Or is it?

BY ANGELA MAY GEORGE

12+yrs, Scholastic, p/b, $19.99 Nothing is as it seems in the kingdom of Antora. Kestra Dallisor has spent three years in exile in the Lava Fields, but that won't stop her from being drawn back into her father's palace politics. He's the right hand man of the cruel king, Lord Endrick, which makes Kestra a valuable bargaining chip.

A group of rebels knows this all too well–and they snatch Kestra from her carriage as she reluctantly travels home.

The kidnappers want her to retrieve the lost Olden Blade, the only object that can destroy the immortal king, but Kestra is not the obedient captive they expected.

Check out The Briars these holidays!

Here are just some of the great kids holiday activities on over summer at The Briars ICE sledding When: 11.30am – 2.30pm every Tue, Thu and Fri in January (starting 8 Jan) Hire one of our ice sleds for some cool fun on our sliding run.

Super Hero Adventurers!

When: 10 – 11am, Tue 10 and 17, Thu 15 and Fri 18 January.

Join us in the Wildlife Sanctuary and discover the super powers of our native wildlife.

Adventurers and Adventure-roos!

When: 9.30 – 11.30am, Tue 8, Wed 9 and 16 and Saturday 12 January.

Join our Rangers on a quest through the Wildlife Sanctuary!

Twilight Wildlife Adventure When: 8 – 9.30pm, Tue 8, Wed 9 and 16, Thu 10 and 17 and Fri 18 January.

Enjoy a bush adventure during the beautiful twilight hours.

View the full program of events or to book, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/thebriars

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Creative

popsicle stick chrissy ornaments

You’ll Need: Popsicle Sticks Paint Glue Decorations (googly eyes, glitter, pipe cleaners, pom poms) Yarn How to do it: These ornaments were super easy to put together.

The kids did a thin layer of paint on one side, then the other. Dry time was 10 minutes or so for each side.

I assembled the popsicle sticks with a hot glue gun, but PVA would work just as well with a little extra dry time.

Merry Christmas!

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

The kids decorated our creations and I affixed the yarn to allow our ornaments to hang.

Summer Days to Celebrate!

10

25

December

December

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

CHRISTMAS DAY

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December, which is the anniversary of the day that the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In 2018, Human Rights Day will mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The annual celebration of Christmas is a derivative of the Old English Crīstesmæsse which means Christ’s Mass. The Christian Feast celebrated around the world,

by Christians and non-Christians alike, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.

26

4

January

Did you Know? Charles Dickens published "A Christmas Carol" on December 19, 1843

14

January

February

AUSTRALIA DAY

SPAGHETTI DAY

VALENTINES DAY

Australia Day marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British ships at Port Jackson, New South Wales and the raising of the flag of Great Britain at Sydney Cove by Governor Arthur Phillip.

Today, celebrations reflect the diverse society and landscape of the nation and are marked by community and family events, reflections on Australian history, official community awards and citizenship ceremonies welcoming new members of the Australian community.

Spaghetti Day recognizes that long, thin cylindrical pasta of Italian and Sicilian origin. Usually made from semolina flour, this pasta has been a worldwide favourite for ages and loved by millions. The word spaghetti is plural for the Italian word spaghetto, which is a diminutive of spago, meaning “thin string” or “twine.”

Valentine’s Day began as St. Valentine’s Day, a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. February 14th, Valentine’s, Day first became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages as the tradition of courtly love was then flourishing.

During 18th century England, this day evolved into an occasion in which loved ones expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending Valentine cards.

Fresh and Artificial Flower Crown Parties - Flower Wands

Wildcats Gymnastics Club 2019 EXCITING New Programs

• Ninja Zone & Parkour • Team Gymnastics • Competitive Tumbling • Kinder Gym • Recreational & Competitive Gymnastics • Conditioning & Stretch - Mum’s & Daughters

- Bespoke Crowns - Items For Hire - Party Flower Crowns (Party Hats)

Call 0409 709 736

www.wildcatsgymnastics.com.au 1/24 Carbine Way, Mornington 3931

www.foreverflowercrowns.com Facebook.com/foreverflowercrowns Instagram.com/forever_flowercrowns www.peninsulakids.com.au

129

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ceramic tile coasters 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

What is

You’ll Need: 4 square tiles from your local hardware store (9.5cm x 9.5cm) 4 pieces of paper - we used scrapbook paper and wrapping paper felt, cork or rubber surface protectors Mod Podge Sponge brush Clear lacquer sealer

Mod Po Mod Pod ge is an a dge? ll-in-one sealer an glue, d finish u paper an sed to att d fabric to ach various su rfaces.

Don’t hav e any Mod Podge ?

MAKE Y O

Mix 1 cup UR OWN! of P 1/3 cup o VA glue and f wate well com r until bined.

How to do it: 1. Attach surface protectors to the bottom of each tile.

2. Brush one coat of Mod Podge onto back of paper to go on tile.

3. Place your square paper, picture or design onto tile and smooth out any bubbles.

Allow to dry.

4. Brush another coat of Mod Podge over paper and tile. Allow to dry 15 minutes and repeat 3 more times.

5. A fter Mod Podge is dry, take tiles outside and spray with clear lacquer to seal. This will make the coasters water-resistant.

6. Allow coasters to dry and grab a cup of tea!

Great Christmas gifts!

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Peninsula Kids – Summer 2018/19

Now taking

2019

enrolments for our Registered Kindergarten

With over 20 years experience, we are committed to continuous quality care and improvement to ensure a full balanced development for each child in our expansive natural learning environment.

look what’s here....

A brand new sister centre to the fabulous Mt Eliza House Sanctuary of Early Learning childcare centre

Open Now!

Frankston House Sanctuary of Early Learning 1-3 Vera Street Frankston 3199 Email: info@frankstonhouse.com.au Phone: (03) 9783 1117

Mt Eliza House Sanctuary of Early Learning 41 Baden Powell Place Mt Eliza, VIC, 3930, Email: info@mtelizahouse.com.au Phone: 03 9787 0788

www.mtelizahouse.com.au

www.peninsulakids.com.au

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Our primary goal at Gunnamatta is to make sure that each child loves and remembers their time spent horseback riding particularly if it is their very first time.

We create the opportunity for each child to feel the exhilaration of learning the basic fundamentals of horsemanship & riding, whilst they have the chance to create a bond with our beautiful gentle horses.