August 2011
Welcome to the August issue of the Alphabet Street Mini Mag ! What a busy July we have had! The months are flying and soon the next school holidays and dare I say Christmas will be among us!
I have definitely been enjoying the lovely Spring like weather we have been experiencing in August. Spring will also bring a number of fabulous activities you will love and perhaps enjoy a little bit sunshine in the process. This month we have some great articles by Amy Finnegan from Travel with Tots, Nathalie Brown from Easy Peasy Kids and a fabulous book review by We Heart Books! Another month brings another monthly competition with some gorgeous prizes by Kidsagogo, Little People’s Linen, Piggywinkles and Little Living. We hope you enjoy the August issue of the Alphabet Street Mini Mag and stay tuned for another fabulous issue for September. Penny Price OWNER 3
“I am a modern lifestyle portrait photographer with a passion for people and photography which really is perfect for what I do! I love capturing the soul and spirit of you and your family and creating those memories that last a lifetime. I love capturing those candid moments you never knew were taken.” Newcastle Photographer Kylie Mitchell is owner of two fabulous photography Businesses; Heart in Motion Photography for kids and families and Spice Photography for women.
Nathalie Brown is a Childhood Behaviour Consultant, Teenage Mentor Parent Counsellor and owner of Easy Peasy Kids. For more information go to www.easypeasykids.com.au
Amy, the founder of Travel with Tots is an ex travel agent with a background in journalism and mum to an active 1 year old boy named Luka. She is also the founder of www.travelwithtots.com.au , a comprehensive website that details handy tips and advice when travelling with kids. We Heart Books is owned and operated by Katie and Lou, two Melbourne mums with a great passion for children’s literature. Books were an essential part of our childhoods and we enjoy passing on a love of literature to our children too. www.weheartbooks.com.au
Mini Mag Editorial: Penny Price All editorial and advertising enquiries e:info@alphabetstreet.com.au ABN: 89826197104 Photography: Alexandrena Parker
COVER: Our Model Zac wears Guess Summer Tee, Guess Tan shorts and Fred Bare Navy zip up cardigan from Kids R Kool at Warners Bay.
Alphabet Street Privacy Statement: This issue of the Alphabet Street Mini Mag may contain offers or competitions that require you to provide information about yourself if you choose to take part in. If you provide information about yourself including email address, Alphabet Street will use this information to provide you will the products and services you have requested. We will not onsell you details to a third party and will used for our publication only. 4
Baby Ballet-Silver Sparkle Available from www.cheekylittlesoles.com.au RRP-$35.95
Chilli Kids Available from www.chillikids.com.au RRP-$69
White & Navy Spot Mary Janes Available from www.walnutmelbourne.com.au RRP-$29.95
Chook Leaf Embden-Red Available from www.starfishkidsonline.com.au RRP-$75.95
Trainer Navy Walkers Available from www.cheekylittlesoles.com.au RRP-$54.95
Saltwater Sandals Pink Available from www.littlepinwheel.com.au RRP-$69
Lydia -White Available from www.chillikids.com.au RRP-$59.95
Apple Cruise Shoes Available from www.walnutmelbourne.com.au RP-$29.95
Gwen Available from www.seekairun.coml.au RRP-$64.95 5
It’s All About..... littlelki boutique is the beautiful collaboration of two sisters, Emma & Georgina, whom share the desire to design and create beautiful clothing, homewares & accessories. Influenced from days gone by, the finest fabrics are sought to combine with Liberty of London™ prints.
1. Pantaloon – Betsy-RRP $35.95, 2.Linen Dress with Bow-RRP $59.95 & Sleeveless Dress -RRP $79.95, 3. Ra-ra skirt with belt -RRP-$49.95 4. Voile Dress with Ruffle Sleeve RRP $59.95 5. Dress with Yoke + Sleeve -RRP $79.956. Cotton Camisole-RRP $49.95 7. Rompersuit-Wiltshire- RRP $59.95 8. Tailored Linen Boys Shorts –RRP$54.95 9. Unisex Shirts-RRP $49.95
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WHAT: Dungog’s Rail Centenary-Be part of Dungogs Centenary Celebrations. There will be something for all ages; watch a reenactment of the first train arriving at Dungog, historic train rides, model train displays, horse & carriage rides, sweet stalls and vintage car displays plus much more. WHEN: Saturday 13th August from 9am
WHERE: Dowling Street Dungog COST: FREE-Click HERE for more info
WHAT: Wallsend Winter Carnival-. A fun, family day filled with excitement enjoy the colour and vibrancy of a traditional circus as well as local businesses cooking up a storm, holding fashion shows, hair shows and business special offers on the day all mixed in with a select group of quality market stalls offering arts, craft and fine foods. WHEN:Sunday 14th August 9am-5pm WHERE:Wallsend Town COST: FREE WHAT: Bunnings Fathers Day Night Thursday -Come down to Bunnings Kotara with the children & make a fathers day for dad. A lite meal will be served with refreshments. We have Croc Stars Reptile show booked in for some entertainment for you to enjoy. WHEN: 1st of September 6pm – 8pm WHERE: Bunnings Kotara COST: FREE but bookings are essential-49410600 WHAT: Hokus Pokus- Watch Joel as he amazes audiences with his new show Holus Pokus. AS SEEN ON TV AND ON STAGE IN LAS VEGAS! WHEN: September 24th 2pm & 7.30pm WHERE: DAPA Theatre-Beaumont St Hamilton COST: $12 per person Bookings essential Please phone 02 49423593 8
WHAT:Dora the Explorer Live Show-Join Dora, Boots the monkey, Diego and their friends as they embark on an exciting journey through the number pyramid, the mixed-up jungle and more.
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WHEN: Saturday 10th September at 10.30am WHERE: Civic Theatre Newcastle COST:Tickets $29.50-$39.50 WHAT: Come along to Richmond Vale's "Family Fun Fest". Carnival rides will be a feature at this years' event. Dodgem cars, giant slide, bumper boats, jumping castle and more will be available to keep the whole family entertained. Thomas the Tank Engine and friend will be visiting and providing regular miniature train rides. Camel rides will also be available. All rides will incur additional fees and for this reason entry to this event is FREE. There will be plenty of attractions and face painting for all to enjoy. WHEN: 17th-18th September 10am-4pm WHERE:Richmond Vale Railway COST:CLICK HERE WHAT: Dorothy the Dinosaur's Travelling Show comes to Maitland in 2011. You won't believe your eyes! For the first time ever, Dorothy will have her own plane to travel around the world in search of the perfect rose! Dorothy wants to find the perfect rose to make the best ever rosy-posy cake. You'll see the fairies castle live on stage and of course, you'll sing and dance along with Fairy Clare, Fairy Larissa, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus. WHEN:Thu 27 Oct 2011 9:45AM for 10:00AM WHERE: Maitland City Bowls, Sports & Rec Club COST: $19.50 WHAT: Australia’s most loved children’s entertainers, The Wiggles are celebrating their birthday and Australia, you’re invited to the party! Due to unprecedented demand from Wiggles fans around Australia, as a major part of the Birthday Celebrations of ‘The Wiggles Big Birthday Tour’ the super group will perform their shows in cities and towns they have not visited in many years. WHEN: December 13th at 10am & 1pm WHERE: Newcastle Entertainment Centre COST:
$37.50 Hot Potato, $32.50 A Reserve .Tickets on sale to public 15° August 9am
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Introducing...
Julia Whitney Fabulous Mama & Owner of Rudy and the Dodo Established in 2007,our online store was born around the same time as our second son, Rudy and is continually inspired by him, his older brother Hugo, who has pronounced his name as "Dodo" from a very young age and now baby Jonty who has recently joined our tribe. We specialise in terribly fabulous toys, gifts, decor and accessories for little individuals aged 0-5 years, with an expanding range for older kids (6yrs +) and mamas.
Q & A with Julia What was the inspiration behind opening Rudy and the Dodo? JULIA: As a serious shopaholic in days gone by (ie pre-baby) I was constantly frustrated by a lack of childfree shopping time and energy when searching for fabulous goodies for my own children and gifts for family and friends. I had also left a management position to have my babies and felt I needed an interest to stimulate my mind in between pureeing pumpkin! What do you look for when selecting products for your online store? JULIA: I literally search the globe for unique and quirky items not found in the mainstream stores. We stock wooden toys, tin toys, felt, knitted and handmade toys, artworks and original decor ideas. We don’t stock anything plastic. What is the hardest thing about being a work from home mum? JULIA: Good old Mother Guilt. Guilty I am not giving the kids enough time and attention, or conversely, that I am not giving the business enough! I rarely get a chance to switch off altogether. Once the kids are in bed, I start work again. What is one item from Rudy and The Dodo that you would send Harper Seven Beckham and why? JULIA: Oh, it would have to be the set of three French suitcases. She could use them on all those international jaunts that lay ahead, or just to carry her designer dollies around at home. Every girl must have a fabulous suitcase and if it’s French, even better! 10
Happy Birthday Mr Men! On the 10th August, Mr Men will celebrate 40 years of publishing! So how did it all begin?.... There are a total of 46 Mr. Men books and "What does a tickle look like?“ This was the question asked by a six yearold boy of his father, one morning in 1971 that inspired Roger Hargreaves to create a little orange man with a big toothy grin, a blue hat and extraordinarily long arms. And so, Mr. Tickle, the first of the Mr. Men, was born!
On August 10th 1971, six Mr. Men books were published: Mr Tickle, Mr Greedy. Mr Nosey, Mr Happy, Mr Bump and Mr Sneeze. These first six Mr. Men books were published in United Kingdom in 1971, priced at 20 pence each.
33 Little Miss books. From 1981, an accompanying series of 42 Little Miss books by the same author, but with female characters, were published, although nine of them were not published in English.
After Hargreaves death in 1988 (he was only 53 years of age), his son Adam continued writing and illustrating new stories, including four characters his father had developed before his death. The Mr Men and Little Miss books continue to entertain children across the world delivering sales of over 100 million worldwide across 28 countries. Roger Hargreaves sold over 85 million books worldwide in 20 different languages. 12
Did you Know? •On what would have been his 76th birthday, 9 May 2011, Google celebrated it with a special Google Doodle on its global homepage. •The most popular Mr Men book is Mr Tickle and the most popular Little Miss book is Little Miss Naughty •The series was originally called the "Mister" series. •The Little Miss Twins was written for Roger Hargreaves‘ twin daughters - Amelia and Sophie. •Roger Hargreaves' favourite Mr Man was Mr Silly - for his silly sense of humour. •In October 2006, Adam Hargreaves created the first Little Miss character based on a real person, Stella McCartney, which he named Little Miss Stella. This was published as a limited edition of 1,000 copies for use as fashion show invitations.
See and Do
What little boy isn’t obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine from a young age? If your little one knows every “steamie” or diesel on the Island of Sodor, then flying thousands of kilometres to Thomas World in Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire UK might have to be on the travel agenda. Families can experience the magic of Sodor and interact with their favourite
characters as never before. Set in 6,000 square metres of beautiful parkland, Thomas Land is a multimillion pound attraction promising fun and adventure for the young and young at heart. It boasts 12 wonderful themed rides, a spectacular indoor play area and a shop filled with fantastic Thomas & Friends merchandise. Your little one will love getting up close to the
Sodor Characters on each of the rides. Fly High with Jeremy and control your flight over Sodor, ride on the 220 metre roller coaster that runs up and over Thomas Land, drop and bounce from the 8 metre high Cranky the Crane Drop Tower plus so much more. Drayton Manor Park opens on the 19th March-30th October 2011. http://www.draytonmanor. co.uk/
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There are many Apps available to parents for iphones and ipads to entertain and educate their children. Some of our Alphabet Street readers share some of their favourites below...
Reviewer: Megan-Mum to Joel (4)and Noah (6 months) App reviewed: Cake Doodle Cake Doodle is a great little app for budding bakers of all ages. You can choose from 18 cakes to cook, ranging from chocolate to peanut butter. Once you've chosen your cake, you make it. Add ingredients to the bowl by dragging them to it. Tap on eggs to crack them, scroll the screen to sift flour and lots of other fun actions. Agree mixing your ingredients, choose your cake shape and then put it in the oven. Then it's time to decorate. Choose frosting colours, decorations, toppers, even writing. So many fun options to choose from. then the cake is ready to eat This fun little app keeps my 4 year old entertained for a nice chunk of time. Very handy when I'm a line at the bank, grocery shopping etc.. as it's not noisy but still lots of fun.
Reviewer: Megan-Mum to Tashi (4)and Luka (2) App reviewed: Old McDonald Listen to an extended version of Old Macdonald in English, 4 other languages, or even record yourself singing the verses for future play. Each page of the app has a different verse and fun activities to do associated with the farm, E.G making the cows do tricks, driving the tractor, and making the frogs hop. Your little one will love hearing the same versus over and over again and making the characters play out the scene! Available from itunes and costs $1.99 to download
Available from itunes and costs 99 cents to download
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Reviewer: Jacinta-Mum to Zac(3)and Isabella (6) App reviewed: I Hear Ewe Animal Sounds for Toddlers
This is one of the first free Apps I downloaded for my 3-year old son, and even though he now enjoys more difficult games, he always comes back to have a play with this one. I Hear Ewe is a simple game, best suited for 2-3 year olds, that lets your toddler select from 24 animals sounds or 12 different vehicle sounds by tapping on the animal or vehicle icon. The game will announce what animal or vehicle has been selected and then play a recording of the sound it makes. A cute free App that is both educational and entertaining. Available from itunes and is a FREE APP
Reviewer: Charlotte (10) -Daughter of Shannon from Minifashionista App reviewed: Talking Gina the Giraffe Features •You can give her food •You can play games with her •You can give her a drink •You can pat her •You can poke her •She copies everything you say in a funny baby voice What I like about it •You can record videos •It gives you information if you get stuck What I don’t like about it •The hand clapping games •How you can’t change the voices Overall score: 8/10 Available from itunes and is a FREE APP
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Reviewer: Clara-Mum to Xavier(4) App reviewed:Talking Dinosaur
Reviewer: Kim- (10) Mum to Riley (6) and Zac(3) App reviewed: Shape Puzzle
'Taking Dinosaur' was the answer I got when I asked Xavier which was his favourite iphone game. He continued..."because he talks and sings to me" "oooh and I can feed him too!" Xavier gets a lot of pleasure out of talking with his friend, and has now discovered dinosaur can recite songs from the radio, as well as his own voice. He can also take photos and record videos of the dinosaur singing. If you have 2 phones, he has worked out that the dinosaurs will even talk to each other...which is quite amusing. But parents beware.......Always turn off the in app store purchases, as you can be charged up to $50 for buying new scenes and food for dinosaur to eat! Xavier has now discovered pass codes and how to change the settings and restrictions in the main menu(to turn security off) and he is only 4......Apple we need even more security! these kids are way too savvy with these modern gadgets! Available from itunes and is costs 99cents to download.
A puzzle game for toddlers. On the light version you get an animal scene to complete. The full version comes with nine different scenes. Each scene is in a theme like Christmas, playground, musical instruments, bedroom, underwater, transport etc Each scene has between 10 and 12 puzzles to do to complete the scene. Each puzzle has 6 to 8 pieces approximately. You just touch the puzzle piece you want to use and drag it onto the picture. If you have the sound on when the piece slots into place you will hear a ding noise. When you have completed the puzzle the word flashes up to correspond to the picture and the name of the object is also said out loud. I like it as these two features at the completion of the puzzle is a great learning tool for toddlers. Available from itunes and is FREE to download for ipads.
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Featured Event WHAT: Parents, Grandparents, Carers, Teachers and Professionals working with children are invited to attend the 'Expo for Childhood'. The theme of the Expo is: Reclaiming Childhood for a Healthy Future and is all about supporting the right to childhood for all our children, through 'Real Food, Real Play & Real Life'. Seminars, workshops and exhibitors will provide advice and resources on various aspects of child health and well-being. The programme will include: Parent/Carer and Professional Development seminars and workshops, Exhibitor Stalls , Free talks and demonstrations ,Film Screenings , Children's Charity Fundraising , Hourly Prizes ... and more .*Sunday is Children's Day- bring the kids along for free entry for under 12's, free activities and entertainment. The first 300 attendees each day will receive a complimentary 'Expo bag' containing information resources, product samples, magazines and discount coupons! WHEN: 12th-14th August WHERE: Cardiff Panthers For more information CLICK HERE
Travel with Tots! By Amy Finnegan Travel with your little ones is often a daunting prospect so, Travel with Tots have put together some of our favourite tips to help your holiday with little ones go smoothly. Our number one tip no matter how you plan on getting to your destination is to relax and enjoy yourself. Hints for all travellers; Take your babies fitted cot sheet with you; not a clean one but one he /she has slept on for at least a night so it smells like them, their bed and home. For toddlers you may like to take their pillow case, neither take up too much space in your luggage. situation.
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Get babies and kids used to sleeping in a number of ways and places, will your baby sleep in your arms? Or on a bed? When travelling it is a huge advantage to have adaptable kids that will sleep in any situation. Go shopping before you leave home; buy a couple of small new toys and keep them hidden. Don’t bring them out until you are on the flight or in the car and the kids are getting frustrated and really bored, for older kids you may like to wrap them to increase the excitement Tips for flying with children Change your baby right before boarding; it is much easier to change a nappy at the airport airport than it is in the plane toilets so give yourself the maximum amount of time between in-flight nappy changes. 20
If your child has only recently been potty trained, you may want to consider putting them in pull ups or a nappy for the flight in case turbulence or delays stop them from being able to leave their seat. Take plenty of snacks; children’s appetites may vary to the timing of the dinner cart plus, snacking fills in some time. Breast or bottle feed on take-off and landing, or offer a dummy if your baby uses one; this will help them deal with the changes in cabin pressure. Older children can be given a chewy sweet or a lollipop to help pop their ears. Managing long car trips with kids In the car make sure a bag of essentials is easily reachable with extra nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, a face cloth, paracetamol, spare dummies and a couple of plastic bags in case of wet or messy accidents. Where possible, pack the car so that one parent can move to the back seat to keep an unhappy baby company if required. Pack food for yourself so that if the kids are happily sleeping at meal times, you can keep driving until babies or kids are awake and sick of the car. If your baby doesn’t like to be in the car in the dark, try switching on the overhead reading light or if that is too distracting for the driver, bring a battery operated night light and put it in the back seat with bub.
Travel with Tots is a comprehensive web resource for anyone travelling with children. The site features travel tips; product, hotel and airline reviews; destination details; travel tales written by parents and a travel ideas and inspiration section. Travel with Tots covers a huge range of topics from travel with Asthma and Autism to tips for solo parent travel. The site also has expert articles on topics such as travel health and vaccinations, finding a babysitter abroad and breastfeeding during travel. For your complete resource when travelling with children visit www.travelwithtots.com.au.
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Holiday Favourites It’s quite difficult to find holiday destinations the whole family will enjoy. We’ve asked Jemma from Little Eats to share her favourite family friendly holiday experience with us!
Bali We LOVE Bali, the beautiful island of the Gods in Indonesia and have been many, many times over the years (we are in double digits now!). We loved it before kids, and love it even more now that we have kids - it's the perfect spot for a relaxing family holiday complete with shopping, pampering, culture and cuisine and a healthy dose of sunshine! We usually stay in the Seminyak/Canggu area in a private villa, as we prefer that style of accommodation to a hotel, as we are in our own house with a kitchen, lounge area with TV and DVD, separate air conditioned bedrooms, our own private swimming pool and... wait for it... they are fully staffed with cooks, maids and this one even came with a driver! It really is a perfect option when you are travelling with little ones as it means that you can put them down for a nap in the bedroom, while you can still read, swim and relax right next to them. It also means that in the evening once the baby is tucked up asleep in their port-a-cot in the cool bedroom, you can still hang out in the lounge area, have a nightcap, watch a DVD or even have a midnight swim. It sure beats being stuck in a hotel room. 22
Travel Bingo Available from Entropy RRP $26.95
Tiger Tribe Magna Play Case - Garden Available from Peanut Gallery RRP $34.95
100 things for little children to do on a journey Available from Ickle Kids RRP $14.99
Alex Toys Desk to Go - Portable Drawing Board Available from Haggus & Stookles RRP $29.95
Travel Doodles Available from Little Gulliver RRP $14.99
Spot It Travel Game Available from Ickle Kids RRP $7.99
Tiger Tribe Wipe Away Kids Activity Book - On The Move Available from Haggus & Stookles RRP $19.95
Travel Sticker Book Available from Little Gulliver RRP $12.99
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Def: Felt is a non-woven cloth that is produced by matting, condensing and pressing woollen fibres. (Wikipedia)
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Down to the Woods Pixel Ottoman RRP-$280 BUY NOW
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Rudy & the Dodo Felt House Bag RRP-$79.95 BUY NOW Tumblemonkey Pink & Teal felt ball garland RRP $20USD BUY NOW
Mulberry Road Babushka Finger Puppets RRP-$13.50 BUY NOW
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More and more children’s brands are utilising felt to create gorgeous children’s toys and accessories! Here are our top felt picks! 5.
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7. Ecotoys Pretend Play Felt Corn RRP-$12.95 BUY NOW
Puddlebeach Babushka Doll in Handmade Wool Felt from Papoose RRP-$73.92 BUY NOW
Life’s a Stitch Roll Up Roll Up Sushi Pack RRP-$20.00 BUY NOW 25
Recommended Reading
Me...Jane Patrick McDonnell RRP- $29.99
At We Heart Books, we love to make beautiful books a part of every day! A trip to the zoo can provide the inspiration for reading lots of favourite animal books, but a new book about legendary conservationist, Dr Jane Goodall, is the ultimate companion read - combining an inspiring message with a heartfelt true story. ‘Me… Jane’ is written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell, perhaps most famous for his ‘Mutts’ comic strip. Himself an avid animal lover, he has created a wonderful picture book celebrating the childhood of Jane. From the very first page, children will relate to the little girl Jane, who is inseparable from her stuffed toy chimp, Jubilee. Jane and Jubilee discover elements of the natural world, including the miracle of where eggs come from! Real photos of Jane sprinkled throughout the book, as well as a message on the final pages from Jane herself will prompt lots of discussion with littlies. As well as a biography, this book carries an inspiring message of the power of making childhood dreams a reality. Priceless! Me… Jane is available from We Heart Books for $29.99. 26
Retro Toys Do you remember?...
Then: Strawberry Shortcake The original design of Strawberry Shortcake and her cat, Custard was launched in 1977 by Muriel Fahrion. The first doll had a rag doll appearance. The Strawberry Shortcake line of characters each had their own fruity or dessert-themed name with clothing to match, and they each had a dessert- or fruit-named pet. Like the Strawberry Shortcake doll, all the other characters' dolls had hair scented to match their dessert theme. The characters lived and played in a magical world known as Strawberryland.
Now: Strawberry Shortcake has since had a couple of re-vamps with two re-designs of the original Strawberry Shortcake character since 1977. Her current look has lost the corn-rolled red hair is now long flowing strawberry locks .The cheeks dotted with rouge and freckles are scrubbed clean for a fresh-faced look. Her green eyes now made more prominent with her less shy and more friendly outgoing smile. Strawberry Shortcake now prefers fresh fruit to gumdrops, and chatting on her cellphone (although she still has time for her calico cat named Custard).
Parenting Styles– What’s Yours? Becoming a parent changes your life in many ways, that there really is no genuine preparation we can do. We can read about it, there are certainly plenty of books, experts and opinions on parenting. But until you are living in the world of parenthood, nothing can really prepare you 100 % for the ups and the downs and the emotional ride we step on once we become a parent. As a parent we are also bombarded with what we should be doing, how we should be doing it and how often we should do it and what style of parenting is the best and right way.
By Nathalie Brown
These are just some parenting styles; •Authoritarian Parenting •Permissive Parenting •Tiger Parenting •Uninvolved Parenting •Authoritative Parenting •Equalitarian Parenting •Attachment Parenting •Helicopter Parenting •Positive Parenting Through my behavioural studies, research and work, I read what feels like every book out there on parenting and child behaviour, on my book shelf alone there are over fifty books on this topic, not counting the pile by my bed, the dining table and yes the bathroom too. Yet, all these books and all my studying has taught me one thing and helped me to answer one question that I am asked daily by parents “What type of parenting style should I use”. My answer is simple “Each child is an individual, there is no fool proof parenting style”. 28
I am sure we all as parents know this, but we do still search for the illusive answer, that doesn’t really exist in just one simple style or technique. Parenting is an individual as you are and as unique as your child. There will be times when you feel that it is all too much and this is totally normal, I can assure you that all other parents feel this too. Even the most perfect family imaginable feels this way at times. We all have moments which a great and not so great. We can have off days where everything is just too overwhelming and so can our children. Yes, you are the biggest influence in your child’s life, you are helping create who they will be as an adult, that alone is a lot of pressure, but as long as there are more ups than downs, you are on the right path. Loving your child, with all your heart is what parenting is, being prepared to bring up your child to the best of your ability that is what parenting is.
Parenting styles and child behaviour are interlinked in that again there is no guaranteed formula that works. Parenting styles are not the latest fashion on the catwalk –‘this is the newest style of parenting.’ Parenting is a continuous learning curve, we learn from our children and they learn from us. Parents with more than one child, will admit that what worked for one child, does not work for the other due to different personalities, likes and dislikes, it is human nature. One child’s behaviour will thrive with a reward chart; another will not give two hoots about a reward chart. One child will eat whatever is served in front of them; another will refuse everything bar milk, cheese and pasta. This is not dependant on your parenting style, this is a child exerting their choice and of course testing the world around them and causing havoc in their parents’ mind. 29
This is what children do; children want to be independent, they want to know what everything does, they want to touch everything, they want to see what happens if they pour paint on the cat, shove a button up their nose and laugh hilariously at the words poo and fart. This is what being a child is.
Parenting is becoming inundated with styles and techniques, adding yet more pressures to parenthood. Our parents and grandparents, parented their way, whether it was the best way, I do not know the answer to that, but I know my parents did quite a good job, without any particular parenting style label or specific techniques. As a child behaviour consultant, I am an avid observer of children and of course their parents. I have been observing and studying children for years, from their developmental stages through to their behaviour, which has enabled me to learn from them, how they see the world and why they behave like they do. This is what I have learnt about parenting and children;
•Parents and I really mean Mothers need to stop stressing, drop the guilt and anxiety; this has a detrimental affect on you and your child. •Parents don’t read too many parenting books; there is no parenting style that offers a guaranteed happy well rounded child. •Parents, children need to understand what you are saying at a level they can comprehend. Do not expect young children to internalize everything you say. •Children respond amazingly well to visual aids: books, posters, drawings, and puppets. •Parenting does have so many fantastic moments; try not to miss them, worrying because you have not folded the laundry. •Children rarely do anything with thought-out intention or malice. •Parents are as unique as their children. There is no style involved in teaching life skills and values: respect, trust and honesty. Throw in kindness and manners and love them to bits. •Do not let the bad days make you feel like it’s the end of the world - it’s day that will pass and your children love you, you are their world. "Parenting isn't taught by reading books, parenting is taught through reading your child“ Nathalie Brown is a Childhood Behaviour Consultant, Teenage Mentor Parent Counsellor and owner of Easy Peasy Kids. For more information go to www.easypeasykids.com.au 30
Monthly Competition
Kidsagogo, a children’s clothing and lifestyle brand. Crisp colours and fresh contemporary designs define the Kidsagogo style. Designed and created in Indonesia, the Kidsagogo label also includes accessories, home wares and toys. Every piece shares the same beautiful simplicity and attention to detail that set this label ahead of the rest. Already established internationally, Kidsagogo is a premier line for babies and kids from 3months to 8years. This month one lucky winner will have the choice of either; • Melissa dress in tangerine, also available in lavender and red $69.95. Hair clip rose available to match $12.95 and a summer hat to go (not pictured) $19.95. OR • Boys stripe T in blue also available in green and red $32.95. Mac shorts in denim with stripe feature $44.95 and a summer hat to go (not pictured) $19.95. Made from 100% natural cottons and voiles. To get a taste of what’s to come in children’s fashion this summer got to www.kidsagogo.com or contact Melanie on 0416196902 or melanie@kidsagogo.com.au 31
Monthly Competition
Little People's Linen is an entire kids decorating/interior store catering for children from birth to 15 years of age. My love for fabrics and soft furnishings and of course all things beautiful for children has inspired my store! We are passionate about customer service and finding you exclusive baby bedding, childrens bedding, chidren's furniture and chidren's decorating accessories so your little ones room will stand out from the rest. This month one lucky reader will have the opportunity to win a Patersonrose Mariner Single Bed Quilt and Pillowcase value at $125.00 A versatile design, the Mariner Collection fits so many different bedroom situations ‌ from cot, to the king size bed linen, a bunkroom, or the sophisticated teenager's bedroom, this is the ultimate boys design. So classic in Navy, red and white. Little People's Linen stock a range of cot linen through to King Size Bedding all for children. To see the full range of gorgeous bed linen and accessories, go to www.littlelinen.com.au
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Monthly Competition
piggywinkles creates original wall art and wall decals that are as unique as that special little person in your life. Whether it is an original piece of wall art for a special birthday, christening or baby shower, a personalized name to complement their nursery or bedroom or accessories to celebrate a new arrival you will not be disappointed. At piggywinkles we LOVE all things vintage and retro and I try to incorporate this love into my wall art designs by using funky retro fabrics. Most designs are handcrafted from a range of textiles including fabrics, buttons, wood, wallpaper & resin. Designs include gorgeous owls, birds, babushka dolls and retro robots ......just to name a few and many more. piggywinkles is great for gift shopping for mums and dads, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers, grandmothers and grandfathers, godparents and friends who haven't yet found that original gift for that special little person in their lives. This month one lucky readers will have the opportunity to win a set of wooden wall owl decals covered in fabric. It is a set of 3 owls the largest is 30 cm, middle is 20cm and smallest 10 cm. For more information go to www.piggywinkles.com.au 33
Monthly Competition
Little Living is an online boutique featuring a unique range of children's furniture, homewares, decor, gifts and accessories sourced from Europe, America and from right here in Australia. We aim to provide exquisite products for children aged from birth to young teens. Our product range caters across all major aspects of a child's life - from eating and sleeping to playing and living. Our products are high quality and we know our customers will love to play with, look at, touch or display them in their homes. We provide prompt, personal service, quick turnaround of orders and gorgeous gift wrapping. Looking or shopping, you are always welcome at Little Living. This month one lucky reader will have the opportunity of winning a Hand-Made Origami Mobile (bright colour-way) valued at $80. These beautiful mobiles are lovingly constructed by hand in Australia; the cranes are folded from custom made printed paper so each one is unique. Suspend from the ceiling for stunning effect in a nursery or child's bedroom or playroom, it would suit both boys or girls spaces. This mobile will come beautifully packaged for one lucky winner! To see the full range of gorgeous products available go to www.littleliving.com.au 34
Monthly Competition Terms and Conditions •Entrant can only enter once •Winners will be notified by email •Winners will need to respond to email within 7 days to collect their prize •Alphabet Street will determine what prize is issued to winning entrants •Entrants must be 18 years and over •Entrants must be from within Australia •Competition will close midnight on the 31st August 2011
Would you like your little one to be the next cover star of the Alphabet Street mini mag? Each month we will email our
subscribers the theme of the
Is your child the next
cover star of the Alphabet Street mini mag?
month. This theme will need to be incorporated into any photos you send us and will need to be somehow included in the photo. It may be pets, toothbrushes, food etc. The most creative entry will have a chance of being the cover star of our mini mag for that month as well as being shot by by children’s portrait photographer Kylie Mitchell from Heart in Motion Photography.. If you are a subscriber to Alphabet Street....stay tuned for more information 35