JULY 2014
First Birthday Special issue
FREE!
Winter crafts
Parents Why we do what we do
Bathroom reno On a budget! Your Free local Parenting magazine
July 2014
Contents Regulars 5 Letter from the Editor 8 Ask a professional - questions from readers 9 Monthly Recipe - Rainbow cake 10 Your Story - My happily ever after 14 Mums and the City - with Alexis Galloway 20 Something Extra - by Carolyn Galbraith 21 Make a change 25 Kid’s fun 27 Business Directory 28 Community Noticeboard 30 Magazine feedback
Articles 7 Parents - why we do what we do 16 Hope 18 More than just story time - Pt 2 22 My 2014 money challenge the bathroom reno 24 The cost of raising children
Special Features 12 Date time in the school holidays 26 Money saving coupons
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Letter from the Editor Dear Reader, A big welcome to Small Steps Parenting Magazine. We hit a very exciting milestone this month with our first birthday! It has been a rewarding and challenging first year and we have many more things to come as we enter into year two of Small Steps. With the success of Small Steps we aim to be branching into new areas in the coming year and want to thank all our readers for your support. We would also like to invite you to vote for us in the 2014 Local Business Awards for the Hawkesbury. Your vote will help us to gain exposure so we can continue to produce a free quality magazine and will also put you in the running for some great prizes. (See page three for details of how to vote). As a gift to you on our birthday we wanted to give back. Page 26 has coupons that allow you to access some great savings and freebies. Please use these coupons and support local business. Until next month,
Julie-Anne England
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info@smallstepsparenting.com www.smallstepsparenting.com www.facebook.com/smallstepsparenting
Our Contributors Lynne-McKensey Hall completed an accredited course in lactation management in Sydney where she obtained internationally-recognised certification as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Prior to caring for mothers and babies, she worked as a registered nurse, registered midwife and completed a Masters in Nursing (Education), as a nurse educator. She is author of the book series Breast feeding and Baby Matters. RN, RCM, MN (Ed), IBCLC Michael Voss is a Certified Financial Planner. He has been working as a financial planner for 23 years. He is self employed and specialises in Superannuation, Insurance and Investment. His clients include individuals, families and small to medium sized businesses throughout Western Sydney. www.arrowfa.com.au Abby Fleming has been in the nutrition industry for over 10 years and is a qualified nutritionist. She spent 8 years in the weight loss industry helping a variety of clients achieve their weight goals and now currently works in the area of medical nutrition. Abby writes for Small Steps regarding issues of child nutrition and healthy eating for families. Kirsten Mitchell is a fully qualified Fitness Professional with Fitness Australia, holding Certificate IV in Fitness and additionally Pre & Post Natal Pilates and Exercise Prescription. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping others to move well, feel well and look well! As a mum of two, she is also highly aware of the strains and joys her clients experience in juggling family, work and the importance of finding “me time�. Alexis Galloway is a mother of two and chocolate lover. For the last seven years Alexis has been a Journalist and Editor for magazines/newspapers around the nation. Alexis joins us by writing our new feature article Mums and the City bringing humour and reality to the life of a mother.
Ruth Bosanquet is a registered nurse, midwife and has qualification in special care nursery. She has been working with pregnant women and premature and sick infants for over 25 years. She is also a mum of three.
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Parents - why we do what we do It’s the hardest job in the world, yet the most rewarding. It gives you less sleep than you had even in your partying days but it’s worth it. You spend more time playing in the sand and building blocks than you do doing real work yet you wouldn’t have it any other way. Nothing prepares you for what is to come after you get that exciting news that you are expecting. Our job as parents is a job like no other. Anyone who doesn’t have children of their own will never fully understand why we do what we do. So lets just have a quick look at what is really involved in being a parent in the terms of an actual job…
t Job Va:can
Sounds appealing, no? Yet so many of us from the moment we are old enough we start planning children. So why do we put ourselves through it? Well when I think back to the days when my children were newborn, I rarely recount the sleepless nights, the hours of screaming and the stinky nappies instead I remember those precious moments where my baby is sleeping peacefully in my arms. I take myself back to that first moment when I first laid eyes on my precious newborn, when I heard that first laugh, or when their tiny fingers wrapped around mine. It is moments like these that make everything else worthwhile. Yes, of course you have days where you feel like pulling your hair out or hiding in a cupboard, but you are a parent. You have the responsibility of a life, a real human life, to care for and nurture. No responsibility is greater than this. And on those days where you wonder why you are still awake just go and look at those precious framed memories on your wall or take out you child’s baby album. Nothing compares to this….
to co b function Primary jo ort, assistance and care p r p e p su Provide ers in pro rain co -work d. -workers. T fulfil their every nee d n a r u io behav ills: mult itask Required sk the abilit y to nd cooin t n ie c fi ro n tio a P ing, prepara bilit y to n n la p l a e ea M lo ng with th created to ing skills a ve a h u o y eal “sell” any m rs e your cowork ent skills em g a n a m Time gotiate e n to y gile en Abilit st-paced, a fa a in l e c g and x Must e t where critical thinkin n e ir requ ed vironm g skills are in lv so m le prob for success conflict se to aid in n o sp re k ic e day Qu roughout th th ut n o ti lu so re rkers witho ndle co-wo a h to y it il Ab cool losing your
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Education and experi ence: learn on the job Work statu s: Travel: Mu (Very) full time st be willing to travel Wage: Zip po, nada, no thing Job term: 1 8 years+ Holidays: n on Sick leave: e not available Company car: not pro vided Chance of promotion : none Perks: cud dle play with le s, love, the abilit y to go without being questioned.
Ask a Professional... QUESTION: Should I give my baby a dummy? Whether to give your baby a dummy or not depends on your baby’s behavior and whether a dummy is helpful in settling your little one. Some babies are very placid and settle easily while others may need more comfort and a dummy can provide this. A dummy can also be useful if your baby is not hungry but just wants to suck. If you choose to use a dummy, it is important not to give it to your baby if he/she is hungry– it is not a substitute for feeding. It is also vital to sterilize dummies and to keep them in a covered container when not in use. Many babies become very attached to their dummy and insist on keeping it well past the age that they really need it for sucking and discontinuing it’s use can be a challenge for parentsthere are quite a few inventive ways to do this– ask a parent who has been there and done that! Overall, the answer to this question is, if you feel a dummy will make life easier for you and your child then dummies are safe providing they are used correctly. If you have any concerns regarding your baby’s behavior always talk with your healthcare provider. This answer has been supplied by Ruth Bosanquet who is our qualified midwife. Learn more about Ruth on our "About Us" page on our website.
Did you know?..... According to neuroscientist Dr Caroline Leaf, FUN is one of the most powerful antidotes to stress. It makes us feel good; improves our health; makes us clever to beat and bring perspective into our lives. So mums and dads, have lots of FUN during this School Holidays with your children! A box of old toys can become a box of ‘new’ toys. Let’s go shopping! Invite a few mum friends and ask them to bring their children’s preloved toys. Count the number of toys. If there are 5 children and there are 50 toys give each child 10 coupons, 1 coupon for 1 toy. Children to take turn to choose 1 toy from each section and move on to next section before they can go back for another turn. Have a fashion parade swapping children’s clothes with other mums. Invite a few mum friends. Use 2 ribbons to make a runway for the models. Create an atmosphere with children’s dance songs. Children take turn to try on ‘new’ clothes and model it on the runway. Clap and cheer for the models. At the end of the activity mums will have ‘new’ clothes to bring home with their children. Written by Simone Yuen - children’s book author www.rainbowballs.com.au 8
Monthly Recipe
Rainbow cake Ingredients: 3 cups self raising flour 1 cup plain flour 2 cups castor sugar 300g butter (room temperature) 1¼ cups milk 6 eggs 3 teaspoons vanilla essence Four different colour food colouring Icing: 3 cups icing sugar mixture 2 tablespoons milk 250g butter softened
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins. 2. Sift the flours into a bowl and add the sugar, butter, milk, eggs and vanilla essence. 3. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until well combined. Then beat on high for two minutes. 4. Divide the mixture equally into four bowls. Using the food colouring tint each bowl with a different colour. Use limited colouring for pale colours and up to a teaspoon for brighter colours. Mix thoroughly. 5. Pour the first colour into the first cake tin. Top it with a second colour. Place the remaining two colours, one on top of the other, into the second cake tin. 6. Bake in oven for 45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. 7. Allow to cool completely before icing. 8. To make icing beat the butter until fluffy and light in colour. Gradually add the icing mixture and milk and continue to beat. 9. Spread a layer of icing onto the first cake and top with the second. Ice around the sides and top of the cake using swirling motions. Decorate with sprinkles. Serve. 9
Your Story Cathy’s story - My happily ever after I was one of those girls who always wanted to be married. I thought the perfect life would be living with the man of your dreams, having a home and raising children. When I was a teenager I had my whole life planned out. I would meet my husband-to-be around 19 or 20 years of age. We would marry around 21 in a gorgeous ceremony with my dad walking me down the aisle. Kids would come next - I would be one of those women who loved being pregnant, I wouldn’t have morning sickness and I would have easy births. We would live in a beautiful home and my husband would bring in enough money that we could live comfortably without any financial stress….. That was the dream.
didn’t feel the same. At 22 I was sexually abused at a party. It took me a long time to come to grips with what had happened and to not blame my-
self. I began to lose trust in guys. At 24 my world was rocked when my father died. He was my biggest supporter. We had become closer than ever in the At 21 the proposal came. It wasn’t like I years leading to his death and now he was thought it would be. Sure the guy was gone. My life plans seemed to be slipping great, the location was acceptable but I away. Nothing seemed to be going to just didn’t feel it. I decided that it wasn’t plan. the right time and that I would wait until Finally I decided it was time for a fresh it was. start. I got a new job and started making I met guys and I dated occasionally but I new friends. The realisation that life didn’t run according to your plans had hit me never found that feeling I was searching and I decided to just go with the flow. I for. I wasn’t even sure I knew what that feeling was supposed to be but I wanted it made peace with the fact that I would to be like on the movies…. That moment probably never get married and decided that I would move to South America to where music played and the girl would look into the guys eyes and be complete. I teach English. That week I met James. James was the wanted the feeling of butterflies going through me when he said my name. It just most gorgeous man that had ever spoken to me. I have to admit it was his looks never seemed to happen. Every time I liked a guy he didn’t seem to notice I ex- that first drew my attention - it wasn’t his looks that kept it. isted… every time a guy liked me I just I guess as a child that seemed reasonable. The reality was far different. This is my story…
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I found him fascinating. He was quiet, yet friendly, attractive but not aware of it. I told myself we were only going to be friends. I didn’t need the complication of a relationship that wouldn’t go anywhere, but after hanging out together a few times we decided to try dating. Our relationship grew quickly and unknown to me he confessed to his mother a week later that he was going to marry me. After 8 short blissful weeks of dating he proposed and I accepted. I couldn’t believe that my fairytale was finally coming true! We married two months later in a castle, making me feel like a real princess. It wasn’t like I had imagined as a young girl, my father wasn’t there to give me away, but it was one of the happiest days of my life. That was the day I married my best friend. I finally felt like my dreams were
starting to come true. Next step was a home and children. Both did not come nearly as easily as I had expected but I cannot express how blessed I feel with what I now have. I do not live in a mansion, my dreams came at a price but the person I have become through the trials and the pain have made me realise how precious life is and to take the joy where you can and grow through the challenges. We would love to hear your story. Send us an email to tell us about your experiences, joys or disappointments. If your story is selected for publishing you will receive a prize and a keepsake copy of the magazine for that month.
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Date time in the school holidays Our couple relationships often take a backseat ride when we have children, especially during the school holidays. Studies show that couples that make time for each other and plan a date into their schedule regularly will be happier and have a stronger relationship than those that don’t. Planning some time out for yourselves around the holiday activities, sports, outings and kids parties can make this a rather difficult task. It’s even more difficult if you don’t have a baby sitter. So we have created a list of at-home dates you can have with your partner. No babysitter needed. Games date— Bring out your competitive side and challenge each other in some of your favourite games. Try Monopoly, Battleships, Yahtzee, cards or even Connect Four. Make it even more interesting by creating some wagers to reward the winner. Prizes could include dessert, cooking dinner one night or something of your own imagination.
Wine and Cheese night— Grab some cracker biscuits, a few types of cheese and some wine. Curl up in front of the fire (if you have one) and chat while you sit close together just like you did when you were actually dating. Order in— For those nights you don’t feel like cooking why not order in. Check out what restaurants you have in your local area that deliver. Make sure the kids are tucked up warm in bed and plan for the meals to arrive once they are asleep so you don’t get interrupted. Candlelight dinner— Set up your own restaurant style meal by setting the table, lighting some candles and sharing dinner. Use the time to talk, preferably not about the kids and try to learn something you didn’t know.
Indoor (or backyard) picnic— Spread out a blanket, set up a feast for two and enjoy a peaceful picnic. On a cold night you may choose to do it indoors or just add some blankets to make it an outdoor event.
Star gazing— What could be more romantic than laying outside looking at the stars with your partner? On a clear night you may be amazed at how many stars you can actually see. You could even take it a step further and get a book on constellations to learn something together. Massage time— Get out your massage oils, warm the room, put on some quiet music and get comfy. Take turns massaging each other. Take your time and use long slow strokes. Take cues from your partner as to what they enjoy and go from there.
Kiss (a lot)
Movie Marathon— Choose a theme such as romance, comedy or horror and have a movie marathon. Rent two or three movies in your chosen theme and pull out the popcorn and snacks. Curl up together on the lounge and enjoy. 12
20 Questions— A great way to learn more about your partner is to ask questions. Try to think of questions that aren’t typical such as “if you could travel to any country for a week which one would it be?” or “What was your most memorable birthday in your childhood?”. You can find lists of questions on the internet to get you started.
Cook together— Making a meal together is a fun way to bond. Choose something you both enjoy and make the time in the kitchen fun by putting on some music and pouring a glass of wine. Try to include a main meal and a dessert and work together to make a meal you will both remember. Build a memory book— Go through your photos from a favourite time such as your honeymoon, your first year together or a special outing and create photo book to celebrate. Do a puzzle— Grab out your jigsaw puzzles or go shopping and choose one together. Then sit down at the table or on the carpet and start piecing it together. Work with each other by doing large sections together and use the time to talk.
Photo booth— Set up a small couch in front of a blank wall and point your camera on a tripod at the couch. Set the timer and jump in for some great photo booth style images. Kiss, pull faces and maybe even throw in some dress up props to make it more fun. If you have any knowledge of photo editing software, put your photos into film strips and print them out for a great keepsake.
Plant a garden— For those of you who are nature lovers, why not plant a garden together. You could plant some things that are meaningful to you both, such as your wedding flowers or the flowers from your first date. Plus you may get quite dirty from the soil and the remainder of your date can be getting clean together :) Nerf wars— For those of you who aren’t anti-gun and like to be a little more lively, why not try a shooting game with Nerf guns. Guns be purchased quite cheaply at most toy stores and provide quite a bit of amusement running around the house (or outside) trying to shoot each other. 13
Current Position: Mum Duration: 5+ years Last weekend I had a call from a friend of mine who had decided it was time to go back into the workforce after her last little one started school this year. It had been 5 years since stepping foot into an office and she was in some need of writing assistance. So, it was time to dust of her CV and get the red pen out for some serial updates. Interestingly enough my first question to my good friend was; “What new skills do you think you have developed over the past 5 years?” and the response I got was; “They don’t count, do they?” Now, I am sure many of you probably feel the same. But the breaking news on this is - they actually do. Now I’m not saying it’s time to put ‘Proven track record of breastfeeding’ on your CV, but let’s take a more generalised view of some new or improved skills sets for mums and carers who have been out of the workforce. Understanding of the parenting product market. This also includes popular branding and competitors – How many times have you seen the words AVENT vs TOMMY TIPPIE, this week? Understanding of the child product market , as above – Should I buy the Boori cot or the Target cot for about $1000 less? Negotiating – I’ve been a witness to arguing in the playground and it wasn’t just the toddlers. Skilled at dealing with stressful situations – Tired and worn out, baby and/or toddler yelling in tow? You can’t tell me the trip to the shops was easy. A multi-tasker – the trip to the bank, organising the older children to school, getting everyone fed, dressed, lunches packed all by 9am. Cleaning – Need I say more. Attention to detail – One word. Swaddle
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History of being organised – We can’t deny that having an organized nappy bag is our saviour. Communication skills – whether you’re talking in baby language, to the doctor, parents at playgroup, the mother in-law on the phone or the parking inspector. It never stops.
Now, some of these may be a stretch, but some of them are relevant. So, when you decide it’s time to head back to work, don’t feel alienated from an office, because you really have been working all this time, it’s just that your job was also your passion – being a mum!
Combos Slides Obstacle Castles Slushie Machines Phone: (02) 4571 1240 or 0402 100 681 Email: tomcatjim1@bigpond.com Birthdays/Corporate Events/Preschools/Fetes/Christmas/New Years 15
Hope
Firstly I’d like to say a big ‘Congratulations’ to Julie-Anne England for the 1st Anniversary of Small Steps Parenting Magazine – her vision has become her reality. This courageous step of Julie-Anne’s gives me Hope (yes, with a capital H)… that my vision can also become a reality. What is my vision you ask? I suspect it’s something like yours actually. Where do I start? I have two gorgeous grandchildren, a 3-year-old boy who has a newborn baby sister - and I get really scared when I wonder if they will experience bullying at school or at another stage in their lives, whether it be cyber-bullying in high school – or will it be earlier, or later in life? If they are lucky enough to escape bullying at school they may experience it at work like so many of their parents. It seems that bullying is experienced by everyone at some stage of our lives. Recently I spoke to a local community worker who advised me that parents are having problems with their children at a younger age these days – please don’t for a moment assume that parents are always at fault. Today I spoke with a mother who has a daughter being bullied in pre-
school. This concerned mother stated that she did not expect to have to deal with this issue for many years to come. Although I had total trust in what the community worker told me about children having issues younger and younger I was still saddened to hear about this gorgeous child being bullied. Naturally I wonder if my grandchildren will be a bully or be bullied – either way I won’t be happy. I want my grandchildren to go to school, be happy, be healthy, feel safe, learn about responsibility, understand that justice means there are consequences to actions – theirs and others. I would like them to be kind and generous in sharing toys when playing with friends. Yes, sure there will be fights – hopefully just over toys –not physical fights. Nor about who is whose friend – can’t we all be friends? Or friendly at least? A short time ago I approached two local primary schools to share information with them regarding character development. What a joy it was to have one principal, who although he wasn’t available to see me when I dropped in unexpectedly, still took the time to quickly introduce himself while he was walking through the office. What thankfulness I felt when the office administrator advised me this principal would be very open to anything that helps develop a child’s character and selfesteem. Later that same day I dropped into another primary school. This was the second time I dropped into this primary school as the principal was unavailable when I first dropped in. My original drop in was at the request of a parent, although the school wasn’t aware of that, additionally I had heard a couple of negative reports about 16
recent incidents at the school and thought I’d be able to offer some helpful information and resources they would find most useful. Unfortunately I was advised they weren’t interested in what I had to share. This was disheartening as I want to help create caring environments in our community, places that I would be happy for my grandchildren to be in. I immediately felt thankful that my grandchildren didn’t live near this school. Then I felt ashamed for thinking that. I then hoped that they have other strategies in place that benefit the children – but then again why did a parent suggest to me I specifically go there and why did I hear about these incidents from parents in the community whose children don’t even attend this school? Bad news travels fast they say. Maybe that’s why. What virtue do I need to cope with this? Acceptance. I realize this doesn’t drive away my hope, it was just a frustrating experience because I didn’t get to share useful resources before they were rejected. I need to be more understanding. If this school has problems then this principal has enough to deal with. There’s always a gift in our challenges – these challenges have enabled me to document my frustrations as although I was asked to write an article for this magazine I wasn’t sure which virtue to focus on. Hope became very clear today. And the gift I envisage is that you also share my vision and support the goal of creating a safer, caring and united community through your participation. One way of doing this is that I’m going to implement a ‘Virtue of the Week’ on my website that people can opt in – and out of – when they wish to participate. Can you imagine communities uniting to create a safer, kinder environment? By all focusing on the same behaviour, such as a particular virtue each week we will have
unity of thought and action. For example if we were all to practice ‘cleanliness’ our actions would be different according to our age groups yet it would have the same underlying virtues-based behaviour. If a virtue is practiced at child care centres and schools then it would spill over into the family and community – or vice versa. The following week it may be ‘respect’ which also encourages positive behaviour. We could all start to think of new ways to practice these virtues – and share our creative ideas with others in order to keep each other inspired and connected in a positive way. They say when you practice one virtue you find that you’re practicing more than one. I suspect by now you know what my vision is and what I hope for. I can’t do it without you so I hope it’s your vision too. I want positive generational change. There are too many bad news stories these days and they are becoming more and more common – and closer to home – and more people are talking about the need for change. I want our children, when they grow up, to make decisions based on virtues such as caring, compassion and consideration. I want them to vote in politicians who are elected due to their positive characters – truthfulness, service, idealism and humility. After all Mahatma Gandi said ‘If we are to teach real peace in this world, and if we are to carry on a real war again war, we shall have to begin with the children’. Am I alone in thinking we need to proactively create positive behavioural change in ourselves, our families, our communities and our world for the sake of our children’s future - is action required or am I being idealistic? What do you think? Written by Trish Corbett from Ethical Foundations
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More than just story time...part 2 I personally believe that our children will become more interested in reading and their skills will develop and become stronger by exposing them to an array of genres and types of books. Why? Because they are going to become familiar with a variety of vocabulary words, thoughts and ideas, as well as writing styles. This increases the likelihood that they will find a style that interests them and draws them into the world of books. I have another theory I would like to share. I am going against the grain when I say that I believe that we should not alter our vocabulary when we are speaking with our children/students. In my opinion, adults tend to discredit how truly intelligent children really are. I came to this conclusion after observing one of my closest friends with her children, as well as some of my students' parents over the years. My girlfriend never changed her vocabulary when speaking with her children. Unfortunately, I did with my children in the beginning. I was amazed to discover that my girlfriend's children communicated with their mother using such advanced vocabulary, and they used it correctly because their mother used it correctly. At first I thought this was just an anomaly; however, after I began teaching, I occasionally witnessed some of my parents exercising the same practice with their children and sure enough, the results were the same. I eventually jumped on this bandwagon with my own children and the results were well worth it. Think about it for a minute. A child is born into this wonderful world. What 20
language are they going to learn and comprehend? The language their family speaks to them. An English-only family does not raise a child who speaks only French, right? Our children learn from us and what they learn depends on what we teach them. Another very embarrassing example is one with my son. When Casey was just a little over a year old, he overheard me use a notso-appropriate four-letter word. At first I was afraid that he was going to start running around the house repeating this word over and over again to my complete mortification. Thankfully this was not the case. However, one day my parents took him out to eat. While Casey was enjoying his special day with Grandma and Grandpa, his vanilla shake, which he happened to think was the best thing in the world, spilled. Oh yes, you know what I am about to say next. That lovely four-letter word that I let slip in his presence – on just one occasion – came spilling from his lips. He was not even 2 years old, yet he knew exactly that this was the type of scenario where such a word would fit the situation. And yes, it was the first thing I heard about as my parents returned my precious little angel to me. I would have rather that he ran around my empty home repeating the word where no one else would have overheard him, but no ‌ he waited until he had a situation that matched the situation I had when I had regrettably used the word. I am sure that there are a few of you out there who could
relate to my shame. My daughter provides a less embarrassing example for me to share. My mother and I had worked with Alissa, helping her learn her ABCs and other relevant information, before she started prekindergarten. Because she was now spending quite a lot of her day in school, I decided to give our educational time together a break. When she had just started first grade, her teacher informed me that she was struggling with reading, so I immediately began to teach her on my own after school every day. You can probably imagine how thrilled she was with this new arrangement. I went to the teacher supply store and purchased games, books and other assorted supplies. After introducing my daughter to learn how to read by using the phonetic system, her reading abilities quickly took off. If she liked a book in the library or book store, I never
discouraged her from reading it. One day, we were all snuggled up on my bed together and she was reading me a book she had just checked out from her school library. After she had proficiently read the entire story to me, I happened to notice on the back of the book that the librarian had labeled the book for fourth grade reading. Alissa was in the last few weeks of first grade. She was able to phonetically break down and read every word in the story. No one had told her that she was too young to read this story, and obviously she wasn't. This is one reason why I really believe that we should read stories to our children that they are not able to read to themselves, and the earlier the better. It is all about exposure, exposure, exposure. Written by C.L.Peck, author of award winning “A Midnight Song”.
Win a signed copy of “A Midnight Song” Cynthia is the author of the award winning book “A Midnight Song”. We have one autographed copy to give away. To enter Cynthia would like to know your thoughts for her next book where the main character, Sam will be travelling to Australia. Please answer the following questions and email them to info@smallstepsparenting.com to go in the draw to win. Winner will be notified by email. Entries close 15th August 2014.
What do you think Sam should experience when he is in Australia? What do you think he should eat that represents the Australian culture? What area do you think he should visit?
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Language is something we hear, isn't it - not see? Or is it? My son is just beginning to put words together now - he's in his second year of life. "Stuck!" he'll call, putting on an anxious face, and then, when I go to him, he'll smile. "Hooray!" he'll say, showing me he isn't stuck at all. He just wanted me close.
Another way of communicating is through pictures. You'll find babies pointing at pictures in books, to share what they understand, what they recognise. My daughter found a picture of a mother breastfeeding in a brochure and brought it to Daddy when I was away to tell him she wanted her milk!
Making up picture cards for children, especially children who might have a language Babies communicate through facial expres- delay, is a good exercise. Clear photos are sions and through gestures long before best, and many good pictures can be found they're able to talk. Waving 'bye', clapping, online, on google images for example. Havpointing all come long before sentences. I ing pictures of favourite toys or activities taught both my son and daughter sign lanaround the house can give children another guage so that they could share their thoughts way to communicate. Add a written word, to when words were too difficult to say. At age increase pre-reading skills. one, both only had a few words, but dozens of signs. Language is more than words, it's also facial expression and body language, tone of voice Sign language is a great way for young chil- and context. For some children, picking up dren to communicate, especially if language words is easy but understanding facial exmight be delayed due to developmental ispression is difficult. Having lots of face to sues. It's not hard to pick up a few signs (try face time is important for all children, and www.auslan.org for an easy online diction- playing face to face games like peekaboo ary). It's also lots of fun and a great bonding and row-the-boat is not only great bonding exercise. My kids have far better hearing but great language practice. Try having a than I, and would tell me the phone was 'silent' afternoon, where you only communiringing or the dog barking long before I cate through facial expression and body lanpicked it up! guage - saves your voice, too! 20
Thinking of language as something we see might initially seem strange, but it really is more than spoken sounds. For children with something extra, being aware of 'seeing language' just as much as hearing language can be vitally important. Look around - what language can you see right now?
Make a
Change Ever stop to have a look at what you have? Wonder what life would be like without a TV, a warm bed or food? It is easy to get carried away with what we want in life, always striving for the next best thing, the most up-to-date technology, the biggest TV, the fanciest car. This month can I encourage you to think about those less fortunate than you? I just recently heard a story about a little 10 year old boy who lives in the slums in India. Not only does his house have a sheet for a door, and dirt for a floor but he has to go to work each day to support his family. He makes approximately $1.80 per day and spends half of that on more stock to sell. It really brings thing into perspective doesn’t it? Maybe this month, do something for someone less fortunate, however small you feel it is, I can guarantee it will make an impact to them. We would love to hear what you are or someone you know is doing to make a change. We would love to feature the story in Small Steps. Please email us. 21
01 My 2
4
Money Challenge The bathroom reno
As I mentioned in a previous article, we have recently moved. We bought gorgeous block of land and are living in a temporary home until our dream home is built. The place we moved into was not in good condition but as it is only a temporary home for us I didn’t want to spend a great deal of money on it. I looked at the rooms that needed the most work and started planning to create an environment for my kids that was clean and welcoming. My first priority was the bathroom. I didn’t feel you could feel clean even after a shower if the bathroom wasn’t fresh and inviting. At first glance of our bathroom I noticed the following - the shower had a large hole in the wall at the bottom on one side, the ceiling was covered in mould as were some of the walls, the floor was grubby and unappealing, the toilet was old and stained and the window covering needed replacing. So my work was really cut out for me. I set a budget of $1500 and started planning. I chose a colour scheme and began searching for cheap materials. I had a brand new shower installed (by my lovely brother-in-law) using three shower panels bought from Bunnings. They usually cost $180 per sheet but I was able to get one sheet for only $30 as it was a discontinued line. I used that sheet for the back of the shower as it had a tile pattern in it and then used the plain more expensive
walls for the two sides. As the colour is exactly the same you can barely tell one is patterned. The base was fine so I just gave it a good clean. We found a new toilet suite for $99, high gloss anti mould paint for the walls and self stick lino tiles for the floor all from Bunnings. I had to get a plumber to put in the new toilet but the painting and flooring I did myself. I started by cleaning the ceiling and giving it two good coats of ceiling paint with paint I found in the garage = FREE. I patched the holes in the walls and painted them with three coats of anti-mould bathroom paint. My next job was the floor. I was amazed at how easy the self stick lino tiles are to use. You simply start from the centre laying the tiles next to each other and then cut the tiles that are too big around the walls. I started by using a Stanley knife but found that a strong pair of scissors ended up being easier especially on rounded cuts. The toilet was the most difficult and I wanted the tiles to fit nicely around it, so I used a paper pattern I made by tracing around the toilet on several pieces of paper and then cutting around it. I was really pleased with the result. Not only did it look amazing but it was quite cheap and fully waterproof. Lastly I did some shopping around to accessorise. I used a frosted film that I found 22
in my garage to stick over the clear glass windows for privacy (this obviously didn’t mess with my budget as I already had this item which I purchased years ago on eBay). I found a gorgeous mirror, a new shower curtain and three drawer white cabinet from Kmart and I bought towels, a vase and a (fake) orchid from The Reject Shop that went with my colour scheme and finished off the window with a matchstick blind which I found on clearance at Bunnings. Then I simply put it all together for my complete bathroom makeover. This was what it cost all together (I rounded the numbers to make it easier) ~
Items Ceiling paint Wall paint Shower walls Toilet suite Plumber Flooring Matchstick blind Mirror Three drawer cabinet Shower curtain Towels Vase and orchid Window frosting
free $200 $390 $99 $200 $80 $6 $19 $35 $10 $20 $15 free $1,074
As you can see I came out well under budget and now I have moved onto other areas of our home. Next month I will show you the makeovers of two bedrooms. Julie-Anne England 23
BEFORE
AFTER
The cost of raising children Having children are often the purpose of a married couples life. Children are central to having a family but often the question couples face before they have a family is, how many children can we afford. Assuming having them isn't goand $1.1 million for a high income faming to be an issue. ily. The biggest expense, not surprisAMP did a comprehensive report on ingly, was education costs which are the costs of having children in 2012. also likely to rise the most in future What the Report found was that the years. So those costs are likely to be cost of a child can be broadly divided greater in today's dollars when the exbetween two categories: 'household' costs (such as food, transport, clothing, pense is actually incurred. So how can a couple prepare themhealth, etc) and 'education' costs. selves for the expense of having a famHousehold costs are largely staple ily? The best way to prepare for the costs. In other words they are largely future education costs that you chose essential costs to the family having a for your children is to have a child and may vary depending on the family budget and the number of mem- budget. There are software programs bers of the family. Whereas education available that can help you with this task. These programs allow you to costs can be discretionary beyond a minimum cost. The parents can chose chose the type of education that you plan for your children, the period of that the type of education they chose for education and when the cost will be their children, such as in the early incurred. You then need to have a fiyears child care and pre-school nancial plan to meet that expense. That care, through to private verses public plan will be based on your capacity to education during primary and secondary school, and then university costs. generate excess income to your current expenditure and your ability to For low to middle income families the cost of raising a child, or children, takes save for the future. There is no secret up a larger percentage of their house- that the more you put away now, the easier it will be later to meet those exhold income than for higher income penses. families. The question often comes down to whether it is a two income or single income family as to what they can afford for their children. The estimated costs for a couple to raise two children to age 18 ranged from $473,000 for a low income family, to $812,000 for a middle income family
If you have any questions on the above please contact me at michael.voss@arrowfa.com.au. Best wishes Michael Voss CFP Disclaimer: This is general advice only 24
Bored? Try
Kids Fun!
these two fun winter crafts... Snowflakes
Using a square piece of white paper, fold it in half to make a triangle, then fold it in half again and again. Cut the tips off the triangles and cut some small snips out of the edges. Unfold to see your snowflake. Fold in different ways and make different cuts to create various designs.
Rainbow squares
Use three trays with water and add food colouring to each to make different colours. Fold pieces of paper towel into smaller squares and dip the corners in the coloured liquid. Unfold the paper towel and hang until dry. 25
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Community Do you have a free playgroup, event or program for families? List them here on our community noticeboard for FREE! Email us.
Meet & Greet Tuesday 1.00pm – 2.30pm Informal group for mums & bubs birth – 18 months Bookings phone 4577 9804
PRE-SCHOOL STORYTIME every Tuesday 11am-12noon Richmond Branch every Thursday 11am-12noon (except during school holidays) Themed stories, rhymes & craft for 3 - 5 years Siblings welcome FREE - All welcome Central Library Windsor Deerubbin Centre, 300 George Street, Windsor (02) 4560 4460
Playgroups During school term South Windsor Tuesday, 0-5 year olds, 9:30 –11am Hobartville Tuesday, 0-5 Year olds, 9:15 - 11am Windsor South Thursdays, 0-5 year olds 9:15-10:45am Bookings phone 4577 9804
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RHYME TIME Every Monday 10-11am (except school holidays) Rhymes, songs and craft for 18 months to 3 years. Siblings welcome. FREE - no need to book. Central Library Windsor Deerubbin Centre, 300 George Street, Windsor (02) 4560 4460
Twins and More The playgroup is for families/carers of twins or parents expecting multiple births. Hawkesbury Twins and More is a free Playgroup providing an informal welcoming setting to socialize, interact & share experiences with others who have Twins and More. Bring a rug for babies to lie on & anything else you may need! For more information please call Thursdays—Fortnightly 9.30am—11.00am South Windsor Family Centre Greenhills Way, South Windsor 4577 9804
Noticeboard
Playtime@HVBC Are you looking for a safe, fun, secure environment where your child 05 years can meet together with other children? Do you need some adult talk time? Come to Playtime at HVBC! Where: Hawkesbury Valley Baptist Church, 14/26 Terrace Rd North Richmond When: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30-11.30am during school term
Hawkesbury Humbugs Playgroup Join a relaxed group with babies and preschoolers and meet for a coffee, morning tea and a play. First two visits free, just bring a drink and a piece of fruit. All welcome. Thursdays Glossodia Community Centre 9.30am-11.30am For more info call Alana 0403354364
Contact: Ph 4571 4963, txt or call Deanna 0438 668 259 or check out our website www.hvbc.org.au
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