MAY 2014
Our finalists for the cover star competition
FREE!
Kid friendly restaurants in the Hawkesbury Activities to break up the day
Your Free local Parenting magazine
Contents Regulars
Articles
5 Letter from the Editor 10 Ask a professional - questions from readers 11 Monthly Recipe - Tasty Chocolate Muffins 14 Your Story - My IVF struggle 16 Mum’s and the City 18 Make a change 26 Kids Fun 27 Business Directory 28 Community Noticeboard
7 8 19 22
May 2014
Showing Mum our love We all need support Kid friendly restaurants How children can affect your health 24 My 2014 Money Challenge
Special Features 12 Finalists for the cover star competition 20 Activities to break up the day
Letter from the Editor Dear Reader, Firstly, Happy Mother’s Day to all our lovely mother’s out there. Being a mother is such a huge blessing and a task like no other. I hope that you are spoilt this Mother’s Day and that you get to have some quality “me” time. As the mother of two little girls I understand the joy and sometimes stress that motherhood brings with it. This issue was a relief to finally get out to our readers as we have had a very crazy month with a big move and some unplanned hospital time with emergency surgery. All is now well and I am excited to give you our May issue. Our May issue has been much awaited by many people, most of all the family and friends of our gorgeous little cover star finalists. Don’t forget to send in your votes by the 31st of this month. See page 12 for our finalists. Lastly, take care of yourself over the coming winter season. With colds and flu’s going around, Mum’s and Dad’s often have to take on large workloads of caring for sick kids or each other. Plan some time to relax and stay warm.
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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Showing Mum our love Two days ago my Mum’s house went on the market. Yesterday it sold and reality hit me that the house I grew up in would no longer be a part of my life. I’m not really sad, more nostalgic as I think back to the past, the memories that I have cherished throughout my life and the memories that were created in my childhood home. I smile as I picture my brother accidently hitting himself in the face with his boogie board (he was trying to hit me), I remember all those long summer days spent in our backyard pool, the front yard games we spent hours playing with our neighbours and those really really early mornings waiting for Santa Claus to come. Although there were probably times of turmoil, I remember my childhood with a great fondness. Being a child was such a great gift and now as my own precious children slumber in their beds I get to look at life from a different perspective—that of a mum. I am so aware of how quickly the time passes, how each moment is gone often before you had the chance to fully enjoy it, but it is because of the gift of memory that we can go back and do it all over again. I love that there are so many things that can bring us back to those magical moments in life; a photograph, a song, a quote from a movie, a glimpse of a special place - these are the things we treasure. You have all heard the saying “Live as if it’s your last day on earth”. I understand the meaning behind it, however it is not practical to not think about the future at all. We
do have each day at a time to enjoy and to use for good but we also need to plan for the future and secure for ourselves some of those magical memories. Now I think about how I can create lasting memories for my own children. I think about how I would like them to remember their childhood. I think about how I would like them to remember me. I want to be around, I want them to remember spending hours playing inside the cubby house with me, having little tea parties and going on quiet nature walks. I don’t ever want them to think back and say I never had time for them. All my life I dreamed of growing up, marrying my prince and having two beautiful little girls. Now that my wish has been fulfilled I am going to do my absolute best to treasure my life, my family and my friends and continue to create the best memories that one could ever have.
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We all need support at times volunteer work because they want to. They have a love of children and a commitment to family values. Volunteers maintain a strict code of confidentiality, and have really good listening skills! A LINCS volunteer will visit you once a week for 2 hours providing support with family issues you may be experiencing – issues we may all experience in our families at some time or other. These may include feeling lonely new to the Hawkesbury and missing family and friends, bringing a new baby home, having a number children, feeling that you’re not coping Have you heard of LINCS? of and that you need someone to talk to, support with parenting, and wanting to be put in You may have seen the LINCS poster in the touch with social groups e.g. Mother’s February 2014 edition of ‘Small Steps’, so Group, Play Group, etc. this may give you some more information on LINCS volunteers may also be able to assist this fabulous program that is unique to the you with shopping, and medical appointHawkesbury. ments, but cannot assist you with babysitLINCS is a free, early intervention, volunting, respite, transport, or house cleaning. teer home-visiting support service celebrat- Give us a call. th ing its 17 birthday this year. LINCS is open to mothers, fathers, grandparents, and/or carers in a family with at least one child between 0-12 years of age. Although LINCS provides recognised benefits to the whole family, our focus is our client. To receive service, clients must live in the Hawkesbury LGA. LINCS volunteers are well trained, and have undergone both a Working with Children Check and a National Police Check. Just as The first person you will speak to will be the important however is the fact that our volun- LINCS Coordinator. She will listen to you, teers are caring, friendly people doing this assist you with any queries you may have
There is nothing wrong with asking for a little help!
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about our Service, and may make a time to pop out to see you. At this time a casual friendly chat takes place where you learn a little bit more about each other and steps will then be taken to support you (and your family) as best we can. Initially, you may like to take a look at our website: www.lincs-familysupport.com.au Then you can call us on (02) 4560 5747, or email us at lincs@chcs.com.au
We look forward to hearing from you.
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Ask a Professional... QUESTION: My two year old refuses to eat anything but chicken nuggets. Is there anything I can do to encourage her to eat other foods or break her of this habit? Start by offering a “do it yourself” type plate of food and allow them to choose the food they want to eat from it. Don’t offer chicken nuggets with the selection. Offer small pieces of cheese, pieces of fruit, yoghurt, sultanas, vege sticks, finger sandwiches and other nutritional foods. It may also help to make it a social occasion and join in with them setting it up as a tea party or picnic. Don’t push the issue but allow them to eat as they want. Another alternative is to make your own chicken nuggets when you do offer them but finely chop veges to mix through the chicken mince before crumbing. This will allow your child to feel like they are still having their favourite food but you are also providing a nutritional option. This answer has been supplied by Abby Fleming who is our qualified nutritionist. Learn more about Abby on our "About Us" page on our website.
KING EQUESTRIAN ACADEMY
Riding School
King Equestrian Academy is a unique riding school run by Specialist coaches. Students are shown the value of good horsemanship and given correct schooling from the beginning of their horse careers. King Equestrian Academy is the only riding School of its kind. We provide retired champion show horses as mounts for our pupils and trainers that are competing at top level to mentor the students . Come and have fun at King Equestrian Academy!
www.kingequestrianacademy.com.au 79 Sargents Road, Ebenezer NSW 2756
info@keahorsetraining.com Phone: 0425 807 792
Monthly Recipe
Tasty Chocolate muffins
Ingredients:
1. 2. 3. 4.
1 3/4 cups self raising flour 1/3 cup baking cocoa 1/2 cup caster sugar 125g butter or margarine, melted, cooled 2 eggs 185ml can Carnation light & creamy evaporated milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup dark chocolate bits cocoa, extra, to serve Preheat oven to 180°C. Line twelve 1/3-cup capacity muffin pans with large paper cases. Sift flour and cocoa into a bowl. Add sugar and stir until well combined. Whisk butter, eggs, evaporated milk and vanilla in a large jug. Add milk mixture to flour mixture and stir until just combined. Gently fold through chocolate bits. Spoon the mixture evenly into prepared paper cases. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Serve lightly dusted with cocoa. 11
Finalists for our cover star competition We are proud to announce the finalists of our very first Cover Star competition. We want to thank all the parents of the children who were entered, and to the gorgeous little models for being a part of this competition. Below you will see the photos of our finalists. Please help us to choose a winner by voting for your favourite little cover star. To vote please text your name and your cover star choice to 0406 191 116 by 31st May.
ANIKA
SIENNA
JADE
AMBER
XAVIER
DOMINIC
ARCHIE
ALEXIS
MIA
TATE
LOLA . * All votes must be in by 31st May 2014. Each person is entitled to one vote only.
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 13
Your Story Beth’s Story - My IVF struggle Like most young couples, after we got married, my husband Steve and I immediately discussed starting a family. I'd been on the pill and other contraception for many years, so I thought it may take a while to conceive....after nearly 2 years of trying and watching most of our friends fall pregnant so easily, we still hadn't had any results. We decided that it was time to consult a fertility specialist. IVF seemed like such a foreign concept to us both, we really had no idea what we were in for, financially, emotionally or physically! Our doctor advised us that due to Steve's low sperm count and my fertility issues, our chances weren't good for success. We both felt pretty devastated to hear this, as all we wanted was a baby of our own. After several blood tests, scans and other invasive tests for us both, we commenced our first ICSI treatment cycle (ICSI is a specialised form of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg). I had to take a nasal spray twice a day as well as inject hormones into my stomach daily for around 2 weeks, meanwhile the hormone levels and my ovaries were monitored by blood tests and pelvic ultrasound every few days. In some cases, this can result in overstimulation, which means the ovaries have responded too well to the drugs and the cycle is cancelled before any eggs are collected. This is what happened with us. I waited for another period, then we commenced treatment again on a lower dosage. Unfortunately, I understimulated and
also got very sick with a chest infection so we decided to take a break from IVF for a year or so. Last year we started a fresh cycle, and we successfully had 19 healthy eggs collected (the egg collection procedure is done under light sedation and is quite painful), but despite the pain, I was so happy to have a good number of eggs to hopefully fertilise with whatever sperm the scientists could use from Steve's sample. I was quite happy with this as the last thing I wanted was something else being "inserted" into my body! So we waited until 5 months later and after more hormone injections, blood tests and scans for me, we had our first frozen embryo transferred. A nervous 2 week wait to do a pregnancy test followed, and we were thrilled and excited when we got a positive result. I experienced some bleeding and cramping but didn't worry too much about it, as I thought this was normal for early pregnancy, but at our 7 week ultrasound, it was revealed that we had lost the baby a couple of weeks earlier. Words couldn't even describe how we were feeling, we'd been through so much to get this far, only to have nothing to show for it. I picked myself up, snapped myself out of 14
feeling devastated and prepared to try again. Fast forward to today when we can proudly but nervously see our 8 week old foetus on the ultrasound, it's tiny heart beating at 157bpm. Our excitement is definitely more reserved this time, knowing how precious these early weeks and months are, though we continue to hold onto hope and never giving up on our dream of having a child. Names have been changed for this couple’s privacy. We will follow along with Beth’s progress and hopefully do another article with her in the future. We would also love to hear from others who are going through the IVF process or have been through it.
Did you know…? Your child’s identity is not fixed but is shaped by experiences. Here’s a simple activity to help your child develop a strong sense of identity: Before bed every night, tell your child one specific thing you love about her. It could be a painting she has painted for you or the love she has for her baby brother. Children develop a strong sense of identity when they feel they belong. A small task to pack away toys after play will help them feel they belong. Here’s a simple activity to help encourage them to pack away: Let them colour in labels for the toy boxes and they will be motivated to use them to pack away their toys. FREE labels are available on www.rainbowballs.com.au (go to “eBooks”, “Free eBooks” and download “toy box labels”) Children often construct their own identities through the actions and responses of others. When your child helps you do a task at home, however small it is, let them know they are valued, e.g. “I love YOUR help in making OUR home tidy”. Written by Simone Yuen, children’s book author, www.rainbowballs.com.au
The Flab and the Furious Just when I thought the rate of body issues among women were slowing down, it has come to my attention that many us around the world couldn’t feel worse. It’s terrible to discover that 80% of women in these statistics said they felt insecure when seeing images of other women on television and what’s even more terrifying is 81% of 10-year-old girls are afraid of being fat. I don’t know about you, but when I was 10 the biggest thing I was frightened of was getting a good mark on my spelling test. Surly I’m not alone on this? After digesting these body image numbers, it reminded me of how much more awareness is still being put on being thinner instead of just being healthy and loving what you have. This leads me to another point – a time that is a significant milestone in a women’s life, where she will gain weight, is pregnancy. This should be celebrated not compared to others. I know I am no stranger to the addition of extra flab during this time. After I was given the green light of pregnancy, I took
the nod as the prime opportunity to kick my runners to the curb and overindulge in that extra block of chocolate, all the while 30kg popped up out of nowhere - on both occasions. My ‘so called bump’ was pretty much lost in a sea of stomach. It took my obstetrician reminding me that “13 kilos is the average weight gain” and about 24 hours post-birth to find a humble 20% of my weight gain was baby and 80% was just me. This realisation was hard to swallow especially when there was a mini army bouncing through the door bearing flowers and chocolates – how do you say no to that? In the end I did admit to taking the “eating for two” a little too far, but and even after losing weight after the birth, I did experience those horrible feelings of insecurity, especially when I would see fabulous pregnant women in magazines who just appeared to be born for pregnancy and had never even heard the words ‘bad water retention’. Even post birth, I met many other mothers at playgroups who also felt this hardship of weight and it dawned on me. When did having a baby become about flab? Instead of something truly
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fall pregnant, or have some extra kilos as a mum who adopted, remember what you do, It’s pretty clear that the beginning of the it’s not just part of life, it’s a pleasure in bulge issue doesn’t just start from preglife to be a mum (minus the tantrums) so nancy, but it’s a sad thought that during love the skin you’re in even if you do end this time many of us end up focusing on the up indulging just a little. Because really, in weight gain during this amazing journey. the end, if you are healthy and the doctor says so, will dropping 4 extra kilos make So as Mother’s Day approaches, whether or you a better mum? not you’ve gained weight from pregnancy, Celebrate who you are this Mother’s Day – gained weight from hormonal treatment to top to bottom! fabulous!
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Make a
Change You may have read our Make a Change section a few months back where we asked people to write in to make a difference to someone in their world who they believed needed to be pampered. A lovely lady in our community wrote in to tell a heartwrenching story about a young family she knew. Wanting to do their part to make a difference two local businesses donated their time and skills to make a change to the mum of this beautiful family. Sally Grieve Hair and Makeup Artist pampered the mum of this beautiful family by styling her hair and applying some gorgeous natural makeup. After that Kate Roberts of Big Fish Photography took the mother and her daughter out on location for a special photo shoot celebrating the coming birth of their third child. It is such an amazing thing to see people coming together to make a change to other’s in their community and give of themselves with out any ask of return. I wanted to give a big thank you to Kate Roberts and Sally Grieve for their contribution to making a change in this family's life.
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Kid-friendly restaurants As a mum of two I know the struggle of eating out with small children. Most restaurant experiences involve a couple of very bored young children, who sit quietly for the first minute or two then begin either running around the restaurant, tipping out the sugar packets or pushing the cutlery off the table. Once the food arrives they eat quietly for a couple of minutes before deciding they are not that interested and want to go out to play. This month I sought out restaurants based on how child friendly they were, how happy my children seemed at the venue and how the menu worked both for me and the kids. Here are my top three favourites for the month:
When we arrived we put our baby in a high chair and Arthur brought out colouring ins for the kids. Both of them were quite happy to colour their pictures until the meals arrived on child friendly plates. The food was delicious and the service
San Churros Chocolateria Shop 118a Westfield Penrith, Riley Street, Penrith. I really enjoyed taking my kids here. It is a rare treat for me to be able to sit and enjoy a meal or snack without my kids needing me to get up for some reason or other. Upon arrival we were greeted warmly by the San Churro staff and a high chair was brought out for my baby. The menu was very kid friendly and my kids were so delighted with the food that they were not only happy but quiet!
was great. Once again a successful outing!
Arturos Pizza 2/6 Colonial Drive, Bligh Park. As a treat my husband and I decided to have lunch out on a Saturday afternoon with the kids.. Arturo’s is a lovely small pizza place in a quiet neighbourhood.
Simon’s Café Shop 1, 100 George Street, Windsor From the minute we walked in we were greeted warmly by the staff at Simons. Our food was brought out quite quickly and the children’s food was served on plastic tableware which made me worry less about them dropping them off the table. After they ate the kids kept themselves amused by watching the fish in the large tank at the back of the café. A money mix-up on my behalf was handled by the staff in a way that made me feel respected as a customer and also trusted. My toddler rated them a 9 out of 10. 19
Activities to break up the day It’s one of those long days where you find yourself counting down the hours and minutes until bedtime. So what do you do to while away the time to that magic bedtime hour? We have compiled a list of things that you and the kids can do to make your day a bit more entertaining. So choose your favourites and start creating some memories! Make some edible jewellery - grab some cherrios or fruitloops and thread them onto some string or yarn for a tasty and portable treat. Save your creations for your movie night or just keeping the kids entertained while in the car or waiting in a line for something. Create some rock art - bake some large rocks in the oven for 5 minutes or so until quite hot. Use crayons to draw a pretty pattern or design onto the rock very carefully without touching the rock with your hands (make sure there is adult supervision). Allow the rock to cool for a fantastic artwork. Gather some friends for a fun game of handstands. On the count of three all go into a handstand. The person who can stay up the longest wins! Hide and seek - okay so this a long time favourite but who doesn’t like hide and seek? Twist it up a bit by adding water guns for when you find someone or make it a race from the hiding spot to a preselected area to choose who is next to count. Go climbing - find a nice park with some great climbing trees. Get climbing and take some pictures to savour the memories. Make some playdough and have some moulding competitions. See who can create the best horse, car, table etc. 20
You can find easy playdough recipes online if you don’t already have some. Have a fun battle - set up some protective points for each team and gather together for some play fighting. Use light plastic balls from a ball pit or scrumple up pieces of newspaper and throw them at the other team. Protect yourself behind furniture and try to protect your team members. Remember to have fun and not take this too seriously. Make a balance beam through the house with masking tape. Kids must walk on the balance beam without falling off. See if you can join them too. Go to the beach or riverside (or sandpit if you have one) and have a sand castle building competition. Dip bread sticks into melted chocolate and sprinkles for a fun afternoon treat. Let some of them set and wrap in plastic for a nice gift for a neighbour or friend. Spend some time at the park on the swings - I mean really who doesn’t like swings? Pull out your favourite board games and get playing. Create some bonding fun by making teams and competing against each other. Go out for ice cream!
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How children can affect your health As we discussed in last month’s article, it is important that we create energy for ourselves and part one of this article explained how (see our April issue). Now you have energy being created, how to burn it? “I don’t have the time to go to the gym!” “We don’t have the finances for me to get a gym membership.” “I need to lose a bit of weight before I go to the gym, I don’t want people looking at me.”
of 1-2 mins is great!). Why not find some like-minded mums via social networks, playgroups etc to create a walking club? As your child grows older, do not be afraid to get on the floor with them and roll and crawl around with them. You’ll find by laughing and crawling about with them, very quickly you will work up a sweat! For those with toddlers, pre-schoolers and young primary schoolers, become active in your story telling, things like “Going on a Even though our nutrition may be great, if Bear Hunt” can be great to get them to do we do not actively move our body, we are the physical actions with you with big never going to burn the energy we are cre- muscle movements! Even better, revel in ating. When this happens, it will convert the joy of re-living your childhood and to fat. Over time, if sedentary life sets in, engage with your kids in playtime of “tip the impact of gaining weight not only im- your it”, hide and seek, games of leap frog, pacts on your health but on your ability to hopscotch etc or as simple as high energy be active and move well with your family walking them around the block whilst they will also be affected. Yikes! are on their scooter/bike. Whatever you do, high energy and sweating it out with “Exercise” can come in many ways and them is the way to go! Not only are you not necessarily in form of gym memberkeeping them active, but they are giving ship! As a busy parent who values time you a perfect opportunity to burn energy spent with my young family, one of the whilst bonding with them too! best ways to get moving is with them! If you have been inactive for some time, start As they get older, keep involved in their off with small achievable targets. Maybe own exercise by way of helping them creyou are a first time Mum, trying to settle ate new games – volcanic explosions in with ever changing routines of a new (slamming a basketball to the pavement to bub – aim to get out for a high energy see whose ball bounces the highest). Oldwalk pushing the pram around the block ies but goodies: captain ball and tunnel for at least 30 minutes at least 3 times a ball (yes even with 3 people can be done week. The fresh air is great for your baby, and made fun!), family bike riding or the change of environment is stimulating walking track excursions can all be fun, for them and oxygen in-take is great for energetic and great family bonding. The them too! By pushing a pram around the more you invest your energy and time, the block with a growing child, you are creat- more you will burn and reap in the reing your own resistance training program! wards of creating great healthy family filled fun memories and super role modelAs you develop your walking routine, start ling. to increase your walking time and increase your heart rate whilst walking (in intervals If you are working part time or full time 22
and juggling family demands, fitting in exercise can be tricky. So think outside the square…park the car a distance from the train to get in a high heart rate walk, take the stairs not the lift (huge benefits can be reaped by doing this even twice a day!). During your lunch break, get into your runners and do even a 20 minute interval walk (jog for 1 minute and walk with high and strong arms for 2 minutes will having you burning calories in no time!). In the office, stand up and sit down a handful of times (aka chair squats) before sitting for a while. Try and keep your big muscles (legs and arms) moving as much as possible! Schedules will change and be determined by your children’s health, social and extra curricular activities. During which try not to be swept to the side, discuss with your partner how you both can schedule in “sanity” or “me” time at least 3 -4 times a week for at least 30 minutes exercise / session. Let the family know, so they understand the importance exercise has on your health, so it becomes a “normal” concept for them as they get older. By creating your own “extra curricular” schedule, form it as a routine like you do for the kids, make it achievable and any extra time you can grab becomes a bonus! Grab a friend to “work out” with…if you are unable to join a gym, local boot camp or employ a personal trainer, why not download some free workout apps to get you started! Keep
it simple and look to train the legs and arm muscles before anything fancy! Be kind to yourself and start with small achievable goals, to ensure you do not get disheartened. If you go in too fast and too hard core too soon, you may find you are too sore to try again! Remember an element of muscle tenderness is normal, and through rest then continued use, muscle adaptation will occur. If getting started is daunting, maybe seek a personal trainer who could
write you a home program at small cost, which you can do without supervision. Getting out and moving actively will not only stimulate endorphins making you feel great, your short term and long term health will improve along with the inner strength to deal with curve balls that come your way! This article has been written by Kirsten Mitchell, our talented personal trainer. Learn more about Kirsten on our website in the “About Us” section or send us an email to get in touch with her or have her answer a question. 23
01 My 2
4
Money Challenge
Month three of my 2014 Money Challenge. After sitting down and working out our spending habits for each week for the last month or so I can see the areas of our spending where we do well and the other areas where we need work. Our biggest area that needed work was our groceries, as I have mentioned in past issues, and now I am happy to report that I am keeping our weekly grocery shop under $150 per week (thank you Aldi). While looking through the rest of our spending habits I realised that I needed to have a nice easy budget that we could follow without writing down everything we spent. We decided on a set savings goal for each week that we could manage without starving ourselves and put that money aside before anything else. After that we paid our bills and bought groceries. Everything that remained we are happily allowed to spend on outings, clothing or other luxuries without feeling guilty because we have already put aside our savings. It appears to be working really well for us. Our weekly savings goal is $350 per week which means that in a four week month we will have already saved $1400! This month we are off to a good start. I know that there will be times when we have to dip into these savings but it is a great way to establish a savings plan. With your own savings plan, sit down with your families and work out what you could put aside each month. Then make this the first payment you do each paycheck. Then pay your bills, buy
your groceries and enjoy what’s left. If you leave your savings for what’s left after everything else you will find that you won’t have any leftover. It seems to be that we adjust our lifestyle to the amount of money we have. I know that this month I said I would discuss cheap ways to makeover your home but I decided to put that off till next month as I am still very busy with last minute packing as it is just days till we move to our new land. So this month I decided to give you a nice list of free or cheap activities to do with the kids to keep them entertained that won’t mess up your brand new savings plan. I would also love to hear your activity ideas. Please feel free to share your ideas on our Facebook page. Fun and free (or almost) activities to do with kids: Check out your local library for story times and other fun activities, or just go by with the kids to read some books together and borrow your favourites to take home. Make flowers with paper and crayons to give to the grandparents (see our kids section page 26) 24
Take your stale bread to the nearest river bank or pond to feed the ducks. Visit some of the play parks in your area that you haven’t been to before - our last July issue had a list of some of the best parks in the Hawkesbury - you can read the issue on ISSUU.com or send us an email if you would like a copy. Teach the kids about the value of money - choose some toys from around the house and make some play money. Have the children “buy” the toys from you for different amounts. Have them count out the money. Give the kids a cup of water and a paintbrush and let them paint the driveway and the brick work outside the home. Make some moon sand - mix 8 cups of plain flour, a small container of glitter and a cup of baby oil. Place in a large plastic tub and provide a few measuring cups or sand toys. Moon sand is very cheap to make, feels like sand and moulds like a dough. Go on a nature walk and collect items from a home made list - try leaves, rocks, dandelions, flowers, pieces of bark etc. Use some sidewalk chalks and draw a hopscotch to play with the kids on the back porch. Find some large stones when you are at the river bank next. Collect a few and
paint them to make “pet” rocks. Glue on googly eyes to complete them. Help the kids start their own mini business. Bake some muffins or cookies and sell them to family and friends to make some extra pocket money before a holiday or even give the money to charity. Get a large pile of pillows and blankets and make a “boat” in the middle of a room. Use newspaper sheets to fold pirate hats and use cardboard rolls for telescopes for a great pretend game. Make some paper aeroplanes and fly them together outside. Do an internet search to see what different folding patterns you can find and try them all out. Make a “feely box” - find various items from around the house and put them one by one inside a box. Have the children feel each item with their hands without looking and try to guess what it is.
Consider putting the money you save by not going out into a money box to add gradually to your overall savings. Julie-Anne England
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Kids Fun! Make your own flowers for Mother’s day! YOU WILL NEED: 2 pieces of A4 paper per flower Sticky tape or glue Crayons, textas or pencils Scissors
Start by colouring in a 6cm strip down the length of an A4 sheet of paper at the edge. This will be the stem of the flower so choose a colour that you think will suit this.
Draw six petal shapes on your second sheet of paper plus two leaves. You can trace the petals and leaves here if you like.
Petal
Leaf
Colour in the leaves and petals with your textas, crayons or pencils. You may choose to use lots of colours or only a few. Cut out the leaves and petals carefully. You may need to have an adult assist you with this. Roll up the other piece of paper tightly starting with the uncoloured side. This will form a tube and be your flower stem. Fasten with tape or glue. Carefully stick the flower petals on to the top of the stem with sticky tape or glue. Stick the leaves to side of the stem. Carefully fold down the petals so you can see the colours. Make several flower to form a bunch and give them to Mum for Mother’s Day. 26
Business Directory Mention this ad for a FREE 8x12 print with each package purchased
Shazam Photography
www.shazamphotography.com.au Ph: 0416 957 592
McGraths Hill Children’s Centre Inc
Open 6.30am-6.30pm From birth to 6 years Nutritious meals daily Community based Not for profit centre Preschool transition programs 69 Andrew Thompson Dr, McGraths Hill Ph: 4587 7141 or email: mhcc@westnet.com.au
Children aged 2-4 years
Save time! Soft, durable and machine washable!
Classes at Rouse Hill and Annagrove
Refer a friend for a FREE Trial *conditions apply Limited spaces!
www.jigglemusic.com.au
Call Rhiannon 0402 854 536
Kids wear Gift ideas Cute accessories Baby Shower
www.angelbabes.com.au
Tested by experts
High chair covers Car seat covers Pram liner Long bibs + more
www.grubbybubby.com
Advertise your business here for as little as $45 a month
Community Watch out for more exciting community activities here!
Do you have a free playgroup, event or program for families? List them here on our community noticeboard for FREE! Email us.
PRE-SCHOOL STORYTIME Central Library Windsor 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
Hawkesbury Regional Museum 8 Baker Street WINDSOR NSW 2756 Wednesday-Monday 10am-4pm Closed Tuesday (except by appointment for guided groups) Public holidays: Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday. Open 10am-4pm other public holidays FREE ENTRY (02) 4560 4655 www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/museum www.facebook.com/
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
Want to gain business exposure? Advertise with Small Steps Parenting Magazine to reach thousands of parents and families! Full page from only $260 per month
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Download our Media Kit from our website or request a copy on Facebook www.smallstepsparenting.com www.facebook.com/smallstepsparenting
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Grab your copy next month.. Online or in print!
Kids and music Where does your child fit? Interview with Melody Shakers ! All articles in Small Steps are for editorial purposes and not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. Small Steps does not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the information, content, or advertisements contained on, distributed through, or linked, downloaded, or accessed through this magazine or the corresponding website or facebook page, nor the quality of any products, information or other materials displayed, purchased, or obtained by you as a result of an advertisement or any other information. In no event shall Small Steps be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages of any kind whatsoever with respect to the service, the materials, and the products. You are encouraged to exercise discretion while browsing the Internet. No part of this publication or the corresponding website is to be copied or reproduced without permission.
Shazam Photography Come celebrate the opening of our bigger and better photography studio now located in the heart of Penrith
79-81 Union Road Penrith NSW 2750 By appointment only 0416 957 592 Email : shazamphotogrpahy@gmail.com Web: www.shazamphotography.com.au
For every session booked (with booking fee paid) in May you will receive a free 12 x 18 inch canvas in addition to your order when you mention this advert