School holiday special issue
JULY 2013
FREE! Getting on top of your savings
Play parks in The hawkesbury Holiday Fun for the kids
Plus real life story “i had a caesarean without anaesthetic!� Your Free Parenting magazine in the hawkesbury
Contents July 2013
Regulars 5 Letter from the Editor 12 Ask a nurse - questions from readers 15 Monthly Recipe - Apple and Blueberry Yogurt Bars 18 Your Story - “I had a caesarean without anaesthetic!” 20 Make a change 29 Business Directory 30 Kid’s fun 32 Community Noticeboard
Articles 10 Getting on Top of Your Savings 13 The pressure to be perfect 16 For a Laugh 27 Healthy Eating Tips and Suggestions for Kids in the School Holidays 28 Avoiding colds and flu this winter
Special Features 7 A-Z of Holiday Fun 22 Draw and Tell with Simone Yuen 24 Hawkesbury Play Parks - Keeping the kids entertained for free during the school holidays 4
Letter from the Editors Dear Reader, Welcome to the very first edition of Small Steps. We started this magazine because we wanted to provide a community magazine for the families of the Hawkesbury. We know how amazing it is to be a parent and the amazing blessing that comes with having a child but we also know that at times it can be challenging and at times lonely. This magazine is our way of providing you with interesting articles, fun activities you can do with your children and a way to hopefully build community all for free! This month we have lots of interesting articles and activities relating to the school holidays. Check out our A-Z of holiday activities as well as our Hawkesbury park special, and how about having some family fun baking and try our delicious recipe on page 15. We would also love to hear from you. Please contact us through our web site or facebook and let us know what you would like to see in our magazine. This magazine is for you and your input is important to us. We hope you enjoy our very first issue. Please share it with your friends and family. We look forward to doing this season of life with you. Until next month‌.
Julie-Anne England and Lauren Cadet Small Steps Parenting Magazine www.smallstepsparenting.com www.facebook.com/smallstepsparenting 5
FREE help to save power and money Winter is here and inevitably as temperatures fall, our energy use behaviours change. The challenge is to keep warm without increasing electricity costs. The NSW Government’s Home Power Savings Program has already helped more than 178,000 eligible pensioners and families on a lower income to reduce their power use and save money on their power bills. This FREE program is available to NSW residents who have a Centrelink Pensioner Concession or Low Income Health Care card, a Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession or Repatriation Health (Gold or White) card, or who are on a hardship assistance plan with their energy retailer or who rent government or community housing. Participating households receive a: FREE In-Home Power Assessment by an energy expert
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For more information on the Home Power Savings Program, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/households
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of Holiday Fun!
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ABC Family Book Create a family photo ABC book by taking photos with things beginning with each letter. Put all the photos together for a great holiday keepsake. Bike rides What could be more fun than spending the day bike riding with the family? Ride around your street or neighbourhood or even find some bike trails. Camping in the backyard Pitch a tent, grab some sleeping bags and have a family camp out. Not only do you get to have a free holiday but the kids will love it don’t forget some camp stories and marshmellows. Do something for someone else These holidays take your mind off yourself for a bit and do something nice for someone else... perhaps a gift for an elderly neighbour or a meal for a new mum. Check out our Be the Change section on page 21 for more ideas. Exercise Nothing gets the kids going like some good exercise. Not only is it really good for them (and you) but it will help them expel some energy which will make for more peaceful nights. Try dancing, jump rope or chasing games.
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Feet painting What kid doesn’t like paint? Grab some non toxic kids paints, a roll of paper and a flat plastic tray. Get the kids outside and have them stand in the paint and walk up and down the paper. Okay, so maybe not the cleanest of activities but who can care when the kids are so happy? Gardening Pass on some gardening tips by letting the kids plant their own little garden. If you don’t have the room use some pots and maybe plant herbs that you can then cook with later on. Historic dig Get some small toys or even better some toy dinosaur bones and bury them in the sandpit. Have the kids find all the pieces again. Invent a Board Game Get some posterboard and coloured textas and get creative. Draw a path with a start and a finish and add some creative obstacles. Make some tokens and get playing! Jelly Desserts Kids love to cook and what is easier (and more fun) than making jelly? Mix it up a bit by making some different colours and creating layers or put pieces of fruit inside.
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Kite flying Need something to do on a windy day? Grab a kite (or better still - make one) and spend a few hours outside with the kids. Make sure you have a big enough area to run around. Lazy Days Everyone needs some time out from the busyness of everyday life. Have a lazy day at home - stay in your PJs, eat pancakes and play board games (and forget all about the chores). Movie night Grab a family movie, some popcorn, shut off the lights and enjoy some family time. Nature Walk Its important to teach the kids the beauty of the Australian outdoors. Pack some bottles of water, put on some sunscreen and enjoy a nature walk. Maybe collect some leaves or flowers for a collage and don’t forget your camera! Outdoor Time Fancy a walk along the beach or a picnic in the park? Get some fresh air and plan a day outside with the family.
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Photo Booth DIY Make a simple photo booth by using a large box and a camera on a tripod and take some fun snaps of the family. This is a great memory maker for the holidays. Quality Time Set aside some uninterrupted time for the kids - this means no phones, no emails and no social media. Kids grow so fast and special time with you will be something they will always remember. Rainy Day Fun What to do on those cold rainy days… If you don’t mind a mess why not collect all the pillows and blankets in the house and build a cubby. The kids will love it and it will keep them entertained for hours! Scavenger Hunt Hide items around the house and then have the kids find them all by following your handmade map with some fun clues. Toy Swap Kids getting bored of all their toys? How about do a toy swap with some of the neighbours or other friends. Something new to play with can be just like a holiday.
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Under the Sea Theme Day Use streamers to make “water� hanging from the ceiling and make paper plate fish. Volcanoes Kids love these colourful volcanoes - just fill small cups with vinegar, add food colouring and then add heaped teaspoons of baking soda. Water Play I know its cold outside and you may not want the kids getting wet so maybe turn this into a bath activity - add cup for pouring, spoons for mixing and maybe some bath crayons!
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XOXO Lots of cuddles and kisses with the kids. Maybe put them all in bed with you for some early morning snuggles before starting the day. Yarn Art Get a piece of wood, hammer in some nails and let the kids create some art by wrapping yarn around the nails. Wrap up the finished masterpiece for a gift for grandma and grandpa. Zero Stress Use this time to forget about daily chores, bills and deadlines. Take a deep breath and make a decision to enjoy this time.
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We would love to hear about some of the things you did over the school holidays. Go to our facebook page and tell us what your favourite holiday activity is. Maybe even post a photo.
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on g n i t t Ge s g n i v a s ur o y f o top These days we often struggle to save money. There seems to be a constant drain on our incomes and many women are forced back into the workforce purely because they cannot afford to stay at home with their children. In this financial climate it is often difficult just to stay on top of our bills so we put together a short list of things any family can do to boost their savings accounts. 1. Aim to pay off debts you have such as credit cards and car loans. Any extra money you can put into these loans will greatly decrease what you owe and save you lots in the long run. Did you know that with a $10,000 loan on your credit card you will be paying back a whopping $39, 200 if you only pay the minimum on a 18.5% interest card. However if you can pay just an extra 1% of the balance at each payment you will bring this amount down to just under $20,000! That is almost a $20,000 savings just by paying a little more each month. 2. Write out a budget and stick to it – it’s amazing how many things you buy each month that you don’t really need. If it isn’t in the budget, then don’t buy it. Allocating a certain amount of money for rent or mortgage, food, school expenses etc. will allow you to see how much is going out and how much you could potentially be saving. 3. When it comes to grocery shopping there are many ways you can save. Firstly have a weekly or fortnightly meal plan. Write out your shopping list according to this plan and stick to it. You will find that doing this helps you
eliminate purchases that don’t end up being eaten or you don’t really need. Secondly shop with the specials. If you see something on special, stock up. Now obviously only do this if it something you and the family will eat. It doesn’t matter how cheap fish is if you are the only one likely to eat it. Thirdly where you can, buy in bulk. It really does save
How much could you be saving?
a lot if you can remember to do this. Then when you get home separate your food into meal size portions ready for use – or cook in bulk and freeze ready cooked meals for those nights that you don’t feel like cooking. Lastly really make the most of discount grocery stores and use dollar shops for items such as toiletries and cleaning supplies.
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4. Collect any change that you have at the bottom of your purse and put it into a piggy bank. Now you won’t be tempted to buy that milkshake or donut and you will be pleasantly surprised at how a few gold coins will add up. Not only will you not miss them but you may be able to use the money after a month or so for a well deserved family outing. 5. Have a “spring clean” around the house and sell off items you don’t really need or use. Use the money to pay off credit cards quicker or save for a holiday. 6. Have a savings goal. Having a place to aim makes it easier to get there. Get the family involved by thinking of ways to reach that goal whether it is cutting back on something, doing some jobs for the neighbours for a little extra pocket money or selling used items on
the internet or at a garage sale. Have some small rewards as incentives such as taking the kids out for icecream when you have paid off the credit card. To make it even more fun you could even draw up a money thermometer and colour it in as your savings increase.
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Ask a Nurse... QUESTION: I am pregnant with my first child and I have the flu. Can this affect my baby? Pregnant women can become quite sick with the flu (influenza) virus and are at an increased risk of complications. Overall the symptoms such as coughing, aching and chills should not harm your baby, however, symptoms such as high fever can present a problem. If you think you may have the flu or are presenting flu-like symptoms is it always important to give your GP a call so they can assess you to make sure that you and your baby are otherwise well. For more information on the flu and colds you may like to have a look at our article on page 22 - Avoiding colds and flu this winter. This answer has been supplied by Ruth Bosanquet who is a registered midwife. If you would like one of your questions answered please send us an email or contact us on our facebook page.
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The Pressure to be Perfect As I drop by the shops to pick up some groceries with my week old baby I get stopped by other shoppers. Comments such as how cute my baby is make me feel happy, but why do people feel the need to give me piles of advice or make remarks on what I’m doing wrong? This is my first child but believe it or not I actually have some idea about what I’m doing. I have been caring for children since I was fourteen, I worked full-time as a nanny for more than eight years and I’m a trained childcare worker. Nevertheless people feel the need to tell me what I’m doing wrong. Apparently my child should be wrapped in a warm bunny rug - never mind the fact that is 35°C and most people are scrambling for the air-conditioning. I find that as soon as you hold your first child in your arms the advice begins: How to hold them, how to bath them, what temperature the bath should be, whether they should be given a dummy or not, when to toilet train…. The list goes on. There is such a strong pressure on parents to be “perfect”, only what is perfect? Anyone who has more than one child will know that no two children are the same. While one sleep routine may work for your first, your second may require something completely different. Then there are the debates on discipline… to smack or not to smack? How about sweets? Television watching? Circumcision? Bedtimes? The thing that people need to realise is that these are our children, not theirs. They may have some lovely stories about why something worked well for them or some horror story about what not to do but what they don’t focus on is
that as parents ultimately we are aiming to do our best for our children. We do what we feel is right but even at the best times parenting can be hard. There is no manual that comes along with the new baby. Now I am a mum of two and I’ve come to realise that there is no pleasing everyone. I need to let go of the pressure of being the “perfect” mother and spend my time enjoying the blessing that I have been given to parent a child. There is no such thing as perfect and I will continue to learn on this amazing journey of parenting and do what works for me and my children at the time, and if it doesn’t work? Well I’ll try again next time. Written by Julie-Anne England
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Have you heard about the new internet craze called Baby Mugging? It involves taking photos of your baby or child while holding a mug in front of them to look like they are sitting inside it. So cute! Small Steps wants to see your baby mugging photos. So grab a camera, your baby and a mug and get snapping! Email photos to info@smallstepsparenting.com Our favourites will be displayed in our August issue! 14
Monthly Recipe
Apple and Blueberry Yogurt Bars Ingredients (serves 12)
Method
1. Whisk flour, coconut and sugar in a bowl to
1 1/2 cups self raising flour 1/2 cup dessicated coconut 1/2 cup caster sugar 1 1/4 cups reduced fat vanilla yogurt 2 eggs 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon rind 1 granny smith apple roughly chopped 1 x200g punnet blueberries
2.
3.
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break up any lumps. Whisk yogurt, eggs, oil, vanilla and lemon together in a separate bowl and then fold into the dry ingredients until just combined, taking care not to over-mix. Spread mixture into a lightly greased and baking paper lined 28cm x 18cm slice tin. Press apples and blueberries into the top of the slice. Bake at 180°C for 30-35 minutes until golden and cooked through. Cool for 5 minutes in pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into 12 bars for serving and store in an airtight container until required.
Would you like to see your recipe featured here? Go to our webpage or facebook and share your favourite recipe with us.
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For A Laugh
Ever wonder what our children are being taught at school? These are real answers given by children on school tests. Q: Name the four seasons. A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar. Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink. A: Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists.
Q: What causes the tides in the oceans? A: The tides are a fight between the Earth and the Moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature hates a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins in this fight.
Q: How is dew formed? A: The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire.
Q: What are steroids? A: Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs.
Q: How can you delay milk turning sour? A: Keep it in the cow.
Q: What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty? A: He says good-bye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery
Q: What happens to your body as you age? A: When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental. 16
Q: Name a major disease associated with cigarettes. A: Premature death. Q: How are the main parts of the body categorized? (e.g., abdomen.) A: The body is consisted into three parts---the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain; the borax contains the heart and lungs, and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels, A, E, I, O, and U. Q: What is the fibula? A: A small lie. Q: What does "varicose" mean? A: Nearby. Q: Give the meaning of the term "Caesarean Section" A: The Caesarean Section is a district in Rome. Q: What does the word "benign" mean?' A: Benign is what you will be after you be eight."
? QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? Tell us what you think of Small Steps Parenting Magazine We would love to hear from you to answer your questions or hear about how we can make this a better magazine for you
info@smallstepsparenting.com www.facebook.com/ smallstepsparenting 17
Your Story “I had a caesarean without anaesthetic!” I was really excited when I found out I was pregnant. I already had a beautiful little girl who was 14 months old and now I was going to add to my family. This time around was going to be different too, I assured myself. I had had a difficult time with my first pregnancy and had nearly lost my daughter because the placenta died, resulting in an early emergency caesarean. The doctors told me it was unlikely to happen again this time around and I was looking forward to trying for a normal birth. As the pregnancy progressed I focused on my natural delivery and did a lot of research on successful VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean). I exercised to stay fit and spent plenty of time on the exercise ball at the end of my pregnancy to prepare my body for birth. Finally my pregnancy reached it’s due date and I excitedly awaited the labour process. A few days after my due date I awoke to strong contractions. I spent the night in bed sleeping between contractions, trying to get as much rest as I could, but when morning hit they stopped. The following night the same thing happened only more intense and more frequent, but once again stopped in the morning. A third night of this happened, way more intense than the first two nights and I spent some time in the shower to ease the discomfort in my lower back. Once again by morning they had stopped. I went in to the hospital to be reviewed a few days later. Unfortunately my scans showed that the same thing that happened with my first daughter was happening again. The doctor told me he was concerned for my baby’s safety and was confused as to why my labour was not progressing. He said I needed to go in for another emergency caesarean. I felt disappointed but agreed to the surgery, not wanting to risk this new baby’s life. Within minutes I was wheeled off to theatre. In theatre I told the anaesthetist of my medical history - I have a rare genetic disorder in which topical anaesthetics don’t work for me. He assured me that it would be fine and proceeded to place the needle in my back to numb me from the waist down. Immediately I started to tingle in my feet. “This is good,” I thought to myself, “It took a very long time to take effect last time (my first caesarean)”. Then they laid me on the operating table. I started to feel slightly concerned. I could still feel them arranging me and touching my legs. The feeling was slightly muted but definitely still there. The doctor placed ice on me and asked if I could feel it. I said yes but it was slightly less than when he touched my shoulder. He said that was good and told me they were going to start. They made the incision and I felt nothing 18
so I relaxed and waited for my baby to be born. My husband stood by my head with his hand resting on me. A few minutes later I began to get my feeling back. My husband was watching my strangely. “You’re in pain.” He said. I brushed him off and told him I was fine - I didn’t want him to worry and the pain wasn’t that bad - yet. As the operation continued I began to feel more and more. By the time they had nearly reached my baby to pull her out, I had full feeling back, I could feel exactly what they were doing. Tears filled my eyes but I focused on my newborn, just listening for that first cry. It was a girl! They had reached her just in time… the cord was tightly around her neck which is why my labour wasn’t progressing and there was meconium in the fluid (this means that the baby has had it’s first bowel movement and can mean that the baby is in distress). My husband left the room with my new daughter and I was now by myself. Once she was out the pain became unbearable. I told the anaesthetist that I was in a lot of pain but he wouldn’t believe me. I could now feel them inside me pulling my uterus back together and beginning to stitch. I told the anaesthetist what I could feel and he finally believed me. He gave me more pain relief but nothing was working. A nurse came and stood by my head and tried to coach me through my breathing. I tried but nothing could stop the searing pain through my stomach. After trying various pain relief the anaesthetist was stumped. “Sweetie, its only 15 more minutes and we will be finished,” he said to me. 15 minutes! “...nothing could stop I didn’t think I could handle even two more minutes of this agony. Eventually they finished closing me the searing pain up and wheeled me to recovery. I was still in agony through my stomach” and they tried once again to give me pain relief. Unfortunately I was allergic to the medication they gave me and began to vomit. This greatly increased the pain. I begged to see my new baby girl but they wouldn’t let me until the pain was under control. About two hours after my baby was born I was finally allowed to be with her. She was screaming from hunger but settled immediately as I put her to my breast. As I watched her quietly feeding I began to feel the trauma of her birth begin to melt away and I allowed myself to simply enjoy this moment. So I never got to experience my natural birth. The birth of my daughter was something I never thought I would go through, but when I look at the beautiful children I am blessed to call my own, I realise that their little lives are worth more than any birth experience. As mum’s we all have our stories of how our baby’s were born. I may never have given birth but no one can ever tell me I had my babies the easy way. Author’s name withheld to protect their privacy.
Your Story is a real life story from someone in our community. If you would like to share one of your own stories, please send us an email or message us on facebook. 19
Change
Make a
Here at Small Steps Parenting Magazine we believe that each one of us has the power to make a difference in our world. Make a change is about that. It is about doing one thing each month to make a difference in someone else’s life and create a change in the atmosphere in our own community. This month being about school holidays is to watch out for single mums and dads or families doing it tough financially. What can you do to show them you care? Here is a list of simple things that you can do to make a difference to someone this month. Imagine if we all did one thing on this list how many people we could impact. Have the kids draw some pictures for an older neighbour who doesn’t have family Cook a meal Mind the kids for an hour to give them a break Take over a new toy for the kids Invite them over for dinner Do a load of washing for a busy mum Pick up a few groceries
Do you have someone in your life who is doing it tough? Nominate them this month via email (info@smallstepsparenting.com) and we will be choosing one nominee to be blessed with the following gift package kindly donated by some of our local businesses:
A $50 Coles gift card from Angel Babes (see ad next page) A beautiful floral bouquet from McGraths Hill Florist
We would love to hear how you have helped someone in your community or hear how someone has made a difference to you. Please write to us and share your story. 20
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Drawing and telling a story is a great activity to make school holidays FUN for the whole family, writes Simone Yuen
School holidays are looming and you need to keep your children busy. Let me show you a fun activity to do with your children. Draw and Tell is a simple but effective way to tell a story using colours, lines, shapes and letters. It is particularly beneficial to visual learners and to those whose listening skill is yet to emerge. Children love watching and listening until the end of the story to find out what the picture is. Here’s how simple it is to do a Draw and Tell story: * you will need plastic cups, paints, paintbrushes, felt pens, smocks, butcher paper, pegs * get your children to help you pour paints into the plastic cups * let them help you peg a large piece of drawing paper to the fence, or lean a board towards the wall or fence to make an easel * go to www.rainbowballs.com.au and download your free eBook ‘Draw and Tell – Robin’ There is no right or wrong way to do a Draw and Tell story, just be creative as you go. The important thing is to involve and engage your children. Let me suggest a few fun things you can do with your children with ‘Draw and Tell – Robin’. You can sing a rainbow song; make chirping sound like a bird; make other sounds like ‘ribbit’ for a frog and ‘hoppit’ for a grasshopper. 22
You can ask your children what their favourite colour is; whether they know any names that start with the letters C and R. You can ask them where they think Robin lives. If one says “the tree”, you can draw a tree and ask him to colour it. If another says “the sky”, you can ask her to paint a sky. Remember, the purpose is to have fun and be creative. If your child says “a house”, you can ask him to draw a house for Robin and let him design it. Don’t be surprised if your children are inspired to create their own Draw and Tell stories after the experience. Invite one child at a time to present his Draw and Tell story whilst everyone else listens and cheer him on and you can also enjoy a cuppa at the same time! If you feel like a bit of exercise, why not play catch with your children afterward? After all, that’s one of the things that Robin loves doing with his friends and it is FUN too! To find out more about the benefits of reading with your children, visit www.rainbowballs.com.au and www.raisingchildren.net.au Simone holds a degree in Bachelor of Teaching (Birth to 5 Years) and is the author of fourteen ‘Draw and Tell’ eBooks. You can preview her Draw and Tell eBooks on www.rainbowballs.com.au
Are you a Mother? Small Steps Parenting Magazine is doing a study on birth experiences for an upcoming issue on pregnancy. We would love you to be involved… We are interested in discovering more about the emotional side behind birth and its importance to women. Please go to our Facebook page and click on the birth survey link and answer some questions. All answers remain completely anonymous. Survey results will be revealed in our August issue. 23
Hawkesbury Play Parks Its school holidays… the kids are bored, you need some time to relax, you don’t want to spend any more money and you really want to get out of the house. So Small Steps brings you this little gift…. Here is a list of 8 of our favourite playgrounds in the Hawkesbury. So get in your car, take a drive and go and check out some new places for your kids to play. Richmond Park March St, Richmond 2753 This park sits on the edge of a large field and provides a large play area for children. The play equipment spans a large area where children can swing, climb, slide and rock it is sure to keep your littlies busy for hours.
Colonial Reserve Neptune Cres, Bligh Park This quiet neighbourhood park sits on the edge of a field and provides play equipment that will keep the kids busy. Including two side by side slides the kids can race around to their hearts content. McQuade Park Tebbutt Street, Windsor What I like about this park is the little built in “rooms” where the kids can use their imagination. My little girl loves to play shops here and will sell her “goods” to the other children. Although it is located next to a toilet block there is no guarantee it will be unlocked for use.
Ham Common Bicentenary Park Hawkesbury Valley Way, Richmond (Opposite the RAAF Base) One of our top favourites, this park comes fully fenced and has plenty to keep the kids entertained. It covers a large area to allow for running around and is situated next door to the Hawkesbury Visitor Centre and Café.
The Fruit Bowl 2070 Old Bells Line of Road, Bilpin This park is one of my old favourites and I have memories of playing here with my siblings when I was a small child. Right next door is a market-like shop where you can buy fresh produce from the orchards, jams, sweets and crafty gifts.
Macquarie Park Bridge Street, Windsor This beautiful park is located high on the banks of the Hawkesbury River on the way to Freemans Reach. Quite new and well maintained it includes some fun for the older kids such as spinning equipment and a large web for climbing.
Memorial Park Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong This quaint little park is located near Kurrajong Village shops. Plenty of room to run around and offering picnic benches for the adults to sit while the children play.
Icely Park Clarendon Street, Richmond This neat little park is not far from the Richmond RAAF Base with plenty of room to throw or kick a ball in the accompanying oval. So take a picnic blanket and enjoy the sunshine. 24
Park Facilities Richmond Park
Ham Common
Macquarie Park
Icely Park
Colonial Reserve
McQuade Park
The Fruit Bowl
Memorial Park
KEY:
Room to kick a ball around
Toilet facilities
Fenced play area
Picnic tables and chairs
Swings
BBQ Facilities
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Healthy Eating Tips & Suggestions for Kids (and Adults!) in School Holidays School holidays can often be a busy and daunting time for parents. There are so many things going on, it can sometimes be easier to shop for convenience foods rather than healthy ones. Below are a list of tips and suggestions to keep your kids healthy and still have fun this school holidays.
1 To prevent overeating, encourage your child to continue eating as per their daily school routine - breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner.
2 If heading out for the day, pack morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea ahead of 3 4 5 6 7
time, this minimises trips to the takeaway store. When eating out, ask for lower fat alternatives to deep fried foods, instead choose foods such as wraps, sushi, smoothies and grilled chicken burgers. Easy and healthy snacks on the go can be diced fruit, nuts, cheese cubes, yoghurt and vegetable sticks. Drink plenty of water and if you must choose diet soft drinks and cordial. It is school holidays after all, so have fun and enjoy treats in moderation, spaced out over the duration of the break. For a quick, healthy, easy snack that can be eaten on the go, see the Apple and Blueberry Yoghurt Bars recipe (see page 13). Yum!
For more tips, or individual advice, contact your local health care professional.
Written by Abby Fleming - a nutritionist in the Hills District.
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Avoiding Colds and Flu this Winter When it comes to dealing with sickness in the winter months, prevention is always better than cure. To help avoid catching some of the nasties that are being passed around, here are some things you can do to prevent yourself from coming down with a cold or flu this winter. Firstly one of the most important things you can do is practice good hygiene, and that means proper handwashing. It is amazing how often hand washing is overlooked and yet it is one of the proven techniques that can stop you from getting sick. Covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing will help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the likelihood that your germs will be passed to your family and friends. Avoid public places where you are likely to come into contact with sick people, such as doctor’s surgeries. If you must see a doctor try and leave your children with a trusted family member so they don’t have to be exposed. Avoid touching your nose and mouth as the flu virus can be spread this way.
The flu vaccine is recommended for people with low immunities, parents of small children and pregnant women. It protects against common flu viruses. It is free for pregnant women and is available from your GP. If you do happen to get a cold or the flu stay away from public places to prevent any spread of the germs, especially being aware of areas where you might come into contact with pregnant women and small children. Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headaches, muscle ache, severe tiredness and loss of appetite. If you do have any concerns regarding the health and wellbeing of yourself or your family members contact your local GP. 28
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Shazam Photography
Commissions Welcome At Windsor Mall Markets every Sunday
www.shazamphotography.com.au Ph: 0416 957 592
Glitter, feather and coloured hair extensions
2 FREE Lessons!*
Parties Formals Weddings
324 Windsor St. Richmond NSW 2753
Ph: Louise or Denise TODAY 0419 447 773 or 0245 789 602
Austswim accredited swim school
See us at Windsor Mall Markets every Sunday Call Judy on 0431 975 123 www.facebook.com/myhairthatrocks
Aynsley’s Aquatics Swim School
* conditions apply
www.aynsleysaquatics.com.au
Advertise your business here for as little as $45 a month
Kids wear Gift ideas Cute accessories Baby Shower
www.angelbabes.com.au
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Kids Fun! A W D H J H P A L Y A A Y E T N I J M O E Y R A F A G M R E K O Rainbow Holiday Fun Running Winter
E O O I T S X H Q A A F M E L O
W C L I D A N T N A D K C I W D A S T R E A R G I L S S A X V X Toys Exciting Enjoy Cold Awe
V D N D L E T L F U R R Y Y I A
B H A Y S A T E P E G H I N A U O U N N F T U A N O O I N G C O Water Exploring Kids Relaxing Paint
E I W W H R G G N I E O R N L L
R E Y A E N I X C N P I B L M O O A W R G H I I T N N N G A R I T A N I Y N O G S N E K I D R F Laugh Playtime Messy Family Imagination
JOKES What did the big flower say to the small flower? What’s up Bud? What kind of hair do oceans have? Wavy When is the moon the heaviest? When it’s full. 30
Secret Messages What you will need: Blank pieces of white paper (two equal size pieces for each secret message you want to write) A tray big enough to hold the paper Water Lead pencil Instructions: 1. Put water in the tray so it is about 1.5cm deep 2. Completely submerge one piece of paper until it is thoroughly wet. 3. Stick the wet piece of paper to a window or mirror 4. Place a dry piece of paper over the wet piece and smooth over to remove air bubbles. 5. Use the lead pencil to write secret messages or draw a picture on the dry piece of paper. 6. When you are finished remove the dry piece of paper and throw it out. 7. Carefully remove the wet piece of paper and place in a flat place to dry out. Your message will disappear when the paper is completely dry. 8. To bring the message back simply place back in water.
Help the ladybug find it’s way to the flower
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Community Free Parenting Groups phone: 4560 5714 for details Walk & Talk: a pram walking group for Hawkesbury’s Parents & Grandparents Meet & Greet: an information and support group for first time parents with babies 0-12 weeks Sleep & Settling: sessions for babies 0-6 months Approaching Toddlerhood: including sleep, nutrition, behaviour, development, play, learning
Early Childhood Health Services for the Hawkesbury Community Free early childhood services are available throughout the district for families living in the Hawkesbury LGA & Londonderry.
(02) 4560 5714 www.hdhs.com.au
Our playgroup is open to all mums, dads and carers. Join us during the school term from 10am-12pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Lots of variety for parents and kids with some fun day trips now and then. Call us on 0414 377 266
Scribbles Playgroup is held at the Church Vineyard in the Sunbeams Room. Cnr Windsor and Brenan Dams Road, Vineyard. Check out our webpage: www.scribblesplaygroup.com
Noticeboard
Feeding, Immunisation and Early Childhood Development Clinics phone: 4560 5714 for details
(02) 4560 5714 www.hdhs.com.au
Rhyme Time @ Central Library Windsor Every Monday 10am (except during school holidays) Rhymes, songs and craft for 18 months to 3 years. Session runs for about 45 minutes, siblings welcome. FREE - No bookings required
2 Day St Windsor (02) 4560 5714 www.hdhs.com.au
Preschool Storytime Windsor every Tuesday @ 11am Richmond every Thursday @ 11am (except School Holidays) Themed stories, rhymes and craft for 3 to 5 years. Session runs for about 60 minutes, siblings welcome. FREE - No bookings required Central Library Windsor Richmond Branch Library
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Specialising in family outdoor photography Phone: 4577 9850 www.naturalfocus.com.au View our latest work on Facebook at www.facebook.com/naturalfocusphotography