WINTER 2022
Together we are better with
STEVE BIDDULPH Empowering girls through
FASHION How to help your teen
GET ORGANISED www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Winter 2022 1
About Us
Warming up for that winter glow AHH the crisp air of winter has arrived. As we brace for the rain and winds of winter we realise the cold weather doesn’t mean we need to stay cooped up indoors. There are many benefits of getting outside and lettings the cold air into your lungs and exploring what the local area has to offer. Doctors say there are many positives of getting outdoors and breathing in the cold air and getting some sunlight increases circulation, vitamin D and can boost your immune system.
And that’s something all families need as we approach our first winter without a lockdown in some years.
or for those winter rashes, author Charlotte Rassmussen has got you covered with natural remedies.
There are so many great places to explore, restaurants that will warm those winter bellies and places to take the kids to explore.
You’ll love what Surrey Hills mum Nicole Avery has to say about helping teens get organised and how a single mum of three was able to start her own fashion brand in peak lockdown. I can’t wait to take the kids outside to splash in muddy puddles and play in the rain.
So rug up and get outside, the kids will love it and you can support so many local businesses who have spent the last few years doing it tough.
Stay healthy and have fun,
And for those of you wanting to stay inside with the kids, mum Erica Carew has you covered with 365 days of play
Bayside Glen Eira Kids magazine is a Star News Group publication. Bayside Glen Eira Kids will be published quarterly prior to each of the school holidays. Bayside Glen Eira Kids Cnr Princes Hwy and Army Road, Pakenham, 3810 PO Box 9, Pakenham, Victoria 3810 Phone: 5945 0666 Fax: 5945 0777 Editorial Melissa Meehan melissa.meehan @starnewsgroup.com.au Photography Rob Carew
CONTENTS
Advertising Clare Vane-Tempest clare.vane-tempest @starnewsgroup.com.au
IT’S YOUR LIFE
EDUCATION
BOOKS
The key to delegating to your teens
Making kids feel at home
Get ready, Mama!
PAGE 3
PAGE 12
PAGE 22
You can’t do it alone
Fostering a love of learning
Discover new children’s books
PAGE 4
PAGE 12
PAGE 22
Prepare to hit the road
Education for life
PAGE 4
PAGE 13
KIDS CALENDAR
Support for active girls
Firbank’s $5.5m arts precinct
What’s on this winter
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PAGE 15
PAGE 23
Avoiding winter burns
Supporting students with disability
PAGE 6
PAGE 15
Munch time musings
Piggy in the middle
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PAGE 17
Phone: 0404 288 948 Published by Star News Group Pty Ltd ACN 005 848 108. Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas. All material is copyright to Star News Group Pty Ltd. All significant errors will be corrected as soon as possible.
WINTER 2022
Together we are better with
Beetroot red velvet cakes
STEVE BIDDULPH
PAGE 7
ACTIVITIES
Throw out expectations
Island’s whale of a time
PAGE 8
PAGE 10
Diabetes and motherhood
Paint your own pottery
PAGE 20
PAGE 18
Empowering girls through
FASHION How to help your teen
GET ORGANISED www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
HEALTH
PET CORNER
Hearing loss at any age
Holiday fun for animal-lovers
PAGE 9
PAGE 19
Winter 2022 1
Cover Arion, Eris and Skyla talk a walk in the park. Picture: Rob Carew
Teeth grinding on the rise PAGE 9 Nitty gritty of the titty PAGE 10
baysidegleneirakids.com.au 2 Winter 2022
facebook.com/baysidegleneirakids
instagram.com/baysidegleneirakids www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life
Getting your teens involved in a weekly routine, including chores, is a great start.
Creating routine for teens By Melissa Meehan
you can start to delegate some of the easy tasks to the kids,” she said.
WITH five kids, Surrey Hills mum Nicole Avery has to be organised.
“At the start it feels like it takes double the time, but it frees up alot of time in the long run and give the kids a sense of purpose.”
Her kids range from 12 to 22-yearsold – her youngest started high school this year and her eldest began his first post-graduate job. Planning was not always something she’d been good at or focused on, she still doesn’t claim to be an expert. She’s just had a lot of practice. She’s been working online, working with Planning with Kids since 2008. They key to success? Learn to delegate. It not only benefits you, but it sets your teens up for success too. “For me, it was pure basics,” Ms Avery told Kids Today. “That included making lunches at night - it only takes 15 minutes in the evening, but in the morning it takes so much longer because you’re directing traffic.” She said she’d often get frazzled and stressed by making the lunches in the morning, but it was no problem at all in the calm of the night - and even better when the kids are old enough to make their own. If you are already planned, organised about what needs to happen
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Once they’ve handled the lunch box, Ms Avery then gets them involved in the whole process of going to the shops and understanding where it comes from. Then they are asked to put the shopping away. Which at the start can be a chaos that those of us with perfectly manicured pantries have nightmares about. But soon enough they learn that when they go to make their lunch or snack and the items they want aren’t where they should be. And they’ll start understanding why everything has its place. It takes a little time to get going, but creating simple systems like this are a great foundation for letting your young teens understand why routines and planning are so important. “It’s the whole education process and now they know what do,” she says. “There’s some huge things you can do in terms of getting kids to do stuff for themselves and for the family.” Find out more at www.planningwithkids.com
Nicole Avery is a mum of five.
Winter 2022 3
It’s Your Life
We all need each other to feel okay We all need each other to feel okay, writes STEVE BIDDULPH ONE of my biggest heroes is a psychiatrist called Dr. Gabor Mate. He works in Vancouver, Canada, with street people and especially drug addicts. He is well into his 80’s, and on you can find him on YouTube. He looks like a kindly turtle with scrawny neck and big soft eyes. My family tell me I am slowly turning into him! Gabor had a rough childhood. He was born in Hungary just as the Nazis were invading. And he was Jewish. Baby Gabor wasn’t sleeping very well, and his mum rang their family paediatrician. The old doctor told her - yes my dear, (and these words still send a chill down my spine) none of my Jewish babies are sleeping. The message of this story, which he often shares, is that when the parents are worried, then the kids are worried too. To use a not very scientific term - “they pick up on it”. Coming back to the present day, this puts every one of us who is bringing up children - of any age, into a difficult position. We know, almost instinctively, that our kids really do best if we ourselves are calm and happy. But you can’t fake those things. And all around us are reasons to be very very stressed. This is not a family friendly world that our politicians or employers have created, and just buying or renting a house and feeding everyone is getting
harder. Every family feels it. I am hearing this every day from families on my Facebook community for parents of boys. Each month I award a Comment of the Month prize for the best comment, and this month’s was to a nurse and mother, who had three special needs children, and a partner who was on deployment in the army! She made such great comments about how impossible life was becoming with the dual expectations of school and work. Others were coming onboard, with supportive or agreeing comments. We couldn’t do much practical, but it was good just to share stories. For a brief half hour, we all felt like we were a tribe, in the same boat, and caring about each other. Social media is a two edged sword, it can turn nasty in a matter of seconds and leave you feeling worse. But the point is true. We really need connection
every single day with people who have time for us, and listen to us, and don’t shame us for the pain we are in.
the evening is often the only time we have to really be a family, this mini break can get it off to a better start.
So this is the message I want to give you (sorry, it was a slow way to get around to it). - you can’t handle life on your own, we just aren’t made that way. Human beings are needed to make other human beings feel okay. A baby cries and we soothe it. A child comes home from school ratty, and we hug them and let them chill, or sit and listen to what has gone wrong today. Parents getting back together at the end of a long day might need to stop the headlong rush to make dinner, and first thing have a quiet drink, some nourishing snacks, and just get into rhythm with each other to make the evening go well. Not too much talking. Not “who had the worst day” competitions. Just smiling at each other and breathing a deep breath in. Since
If you are parenting alone, then a caring friend is absolutely essential. You can feel your body letting go of stress when someone who loves you meets your eye, gives you a hug, is clearly happy to see you. We can do this for each other, we parents. Us oldies with our scrawny necks and big soft eyes can look out for the young struggling parents in our street or family circle. When parents feel loved, then they can love their children more. Together we make the world get better. Steve’s new online talk THE FULLY HUMAN PARENT is being offered by Manningham City Council on June 7th - booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/BZAAB
Be prepared before you hit the road THE following is a message from VACC Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Gwilym:
and a portable phone charger. Take cash, a torch and spare batteries, blankets and water. Carrying jumper leads is also essential.
We are approaching school holiday time and for many families that may mean the first road trip in a long while.
■ Importantly, tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Driving is an economical and fun way to create a memorable holiday but, whether you’re going off-road or glamping, things won’t always turn out how you plan them. When it comes to road safety, the two most important things you can influence are the condition of your vehicle and your ability to drive it with care and concentration. So, here are some tips to get you there safely. ■ You should regularly conduct both internal and external visual checks of your vehicle: check whether your seatbelts, lights (including indicators and brake lights) are functioning correctly, and if there is any dangerous body or windscreen damage. Inspect all tyres for wear and ensure they’re inflated to the recommended pressure – that goes 4 Winter 2022
■ There will be lots of people on the roads during the holidays. Be patient, be courteous, and take regular rest breaks.
Make sure you and your family make it to your destination and back safely these school holidays. Picture: Supplied
for trailers and caravans, too. ■ Before heading off, check you have a roadworthy spare tyre and wheel on board, and you know how to change it. ■ Never change a tyre on the side of the road if there’s traffic close to your vehicle. Call a breakdown service instead. ■ If towing a caravan, trailer or boat, connect it properly, checking all
lights work, and you have correctly positioned the driving mirrors. ■ It is also important to make sure you know how to safely manoeuvre your vehicle and the load behind. If your skills need brushing up, be sure to practice before you leave home. ■ Fill up your tank and carry spare fuel in a safe container if you visit remote areas. ■ Keep a first aid kit in your vehicle
Maintaining your vehicle in optimum condition is a partnership involving you and your local repairer. Keeping your vehicle serviced and maintained by a trusted automotive technician is crucial. A thorough professional inspection using up-to-date specialist equipment can detect dangerous deficiencies, like worn brake pads and leaking brake lines, degraded suspension components, and misaligned wheels. Importantly, never stop learning. Road safety is not everyone else’s responsibility. It is yours. So, make sure you and your vehicle are fit for the road, and that way, we can all have a fun and safe holiday. www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life
Mum Melissa Neilson (left) with Sisters, from left, Eva, Elle, Milana.
Mum Melissa Neilson (front, middle) with Sisters, from left, Elle, Milana, Eva.
Uplifting and empowering girls through fashion By Melissa Meehan MELISSA Neilson knows how important it is to be a part of her daughters lives. Since lockdown she’s made the decision to make life work for her, instead of working to live. Stuck at home, the single mum of three realised she wanted to be there for all the important moments. And used the time to find a way. She had always been interested in the fashion industry, she’d always loved fitness and often found it hard to find her girls active wear that hit the mark. “I was always looking for quality products and was spending so much money, being kids they grow so quickly, but they just weren’t hitting the mark,” she said.
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
“It was dance wear or gym wear and it wasn’t stuff they could wear out and about.” So with no real fashion experience, Melissa started her own activewear line for girls. And Etoil Active was born. She wanted to start a brand that embodied everything they believed in within their family unit. It needed to uplift and empower females and had to celebrate being active, which is important for mental health. And most of all, it had to show the ebb and flow of life. “So I sat the girls down and we spoke about how we wanted to be able to donate money to charity through the brand,” she said. “And my daughter asked if there was
something we could do that supports women and young people who had experienced family violence and keeps kids safe. “So Berry Street came to mind and that’s where we donate and we also sponsor Beyond Dance.” Once those concepts were in play, Melissa and her daughters started on the designs. Melissa was a little off the mark, but her girls were sure to pull her into line. They had a strong vision, they wanted something simple, with colours that went with everything and clothing they could throw a pair of nice sneakers on and wear out. “It was a long process,” Melissa said. “I threw all of my money into this idea, which was scary at the time and
we made the first order and I said to the girls we are all in. “But it has been a positive experience. “If I can teach my daughters anything in life - it’s that we can overcome anything, you can make something from a dream and always stay true to your values.” Eva, 12, helps manage the social media and Ellie and Milana are hands on too. Their mum is so proud of them, and attributes her success to them. “After my separation I have finally found my way, I’m finding my voice some seven years later, and my girls have given me alot of strength along the way.” Find @etoil_active on instagram
Winter 2022 5
It’s Your Life
Keeping your little one safe from burns and scalds this winter WINTER is here, and the cold weather has definitely set in! It’s the season where a lot of us look towards hot drinks, hot food, a nice warm bath, or cosying up by an open fire to help keep warm and dry. While all of these bring a sense of comfort, they can also pose a risk of burns and scalds, particularly to those who are most vulnerable children.
help you identify and reduce the risks posed by a range of common household burn and scald hazards. If a burn does occur, it is important to remember to: ■ Remove - remove yourself from danger. Remove any clothing and jewellery from the burn area unless well stuck to the skin ■ Cool - place the burn under cool running water for twenty minutes. Never use items like ice, oil or butter on a burn as these can make it worse
Common causes of burns and scalds The home is the most common location for childhood burn injuries, with the majority occurring in the kitchen particularly when a child is near someone cooking. Common burn and scald hazards for children include hot drinks and food, hot water, household heaters and fires, and appliances such as irons and hair straighteners. It may be surprising, however, items such as treadmills and vehicle exhausts are also common causes of burn and scald injuries.
■ Cover the burn with a clean dressing ■ Seek medical attention if the burn or scald is on the face, hands, feet, genitals or buttocks, is larger than a 20-cent coin or blistered
It’s important to watch kids in the kitchen.
Prevention and treatment There are some practical things we can all do to reduce the risk of burns and scalds, including keeping hot food, drinks and appliances out of children’s
reach and restricting their access to the kitchen when meals are being prepared. Kidsafe have developed a free Burns Safety Checklist with practical tips to
Research has shown that giving school children an extra five minutes to eat their lunch before play is likely to benefit them in a variety of ways.
For more information about the prevention and correct first aid treatment of minor burns and scalds, please visit https://www.kidsafevic. com.au/home-safety/fire-safety-burnsand-scalds/.
Picture: iStock
Do kids have enough munch time at lunch? DO kids have enough munch time at lunch time? Recent research conducted by Deakin University’s Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) and School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (SENS) has revealed some interesting information about kids and their lunchtimes. Most primary-aged kids only receive around 10 minutes to eat their lunch at school, despite the fact that many parents and teachers agree that this is not enough time. The Deakin University study showed that most parents believed children needed at least 15 minutes to each their lunch before being permitted to go outside to play. “Our research found that some parents also believe that limiting eating 6 Winter 2022
times influences the types of food their children wanted to take for lunch,” says Dr Melissa Burton from SENS. “For example, with less time to eat, children are more likely to prioritise the most appealing foods in their lunchbox, such as the treats, which are often nutrient poor,” she says. “These findings not only have implications for children’s health but also their ability to learn, as research tells us that good nutrition is necessary to help children thrive academically.” Dr Claire Margerison from IPAN said that though research revealed parents reporting their children would be more likely to finish the contents of their lunch box with more time, there are mixed views on whose responsibility it is to encourage healthy eating, among other things.
“About half of the parents and teachers surveyed said only parents and children should choose what food they eat at school, while one quarter of parents and one third of teachers believed that schools should have a responsibility to monitor food brought from home,” says Dr Margerison. “Criticising individual children’s lunchboxes was generally viewed as inappropriate among both parents and teachers,” she says. However, the study also showed that parents were open to general suggestions and feedback about the contents of kids’ lunchboxes. “Many parents thought teachers should eat their own lunch with the children, believing this would be a good opportunity to role model healthy eating to children,” says Dr Margerison.
This sentiment wasn’t as popular with teachers as it was with parents. “Children spend so much of their time at school, the lines between what is the parent’s responsibility and what is the teacher’s responsibility is often blurred, and these research findings certainly highlight some of those grey areas,” Dr Margerison says. The study clearly shows that giving children an extra five minutes to eat their lunch will be beneficial and has the potential to increase children’s ability to focus and learn. “How we find that extra five minutes is what we want to look at next,” says Dr Margerison. “Do we take it from play time or class time, or could we have an educational lunch and teach about nutrition at the same time?” www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life
Beetroot Red Velvet Cupcakes
Beetroot is a superfood, according to Lucy.
IF you ask me, beetroots are a proper superfood for kids. They’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A, E, C & K, and B vitamins, all of which help kids brains to function optimally and keep their heart and blood vessels happy. If you’re child suffers from low iron – a common condition I see in kids today, especially among picky eaters – then beetroots may help them to beet it (get it?) thanks to the plant-based iron they contain too. Beetroots are an excellent source of fibre that supports healthy digestion, gut function and elimination. The naturally occurring nitrates in beetroots can help improve the efficiency of our energyproducing cells making them a great energy-boosting food for active kids too. Beetroots are also considered a ‘good mood food’ because they contain
in the kitchen with Lucy Stewart compounds that help to calm and relax the mind and contribute to a sense of well-being and happiness. Let’s not forget about the beauty of beetroots ruby red hue either that make for a wonderful sensory experience for kids. When veggies look this good, there’s no need to hide them and beetroot’s earthy sweetness works perfectly with a hint of chocolate in these cupcakes. Getting kids involved in the kitchen is fun for all.
Ingredients: Cupcakes: ■ 2 medium beetroots, washed, peeled and grated
Topping: ■ 2 cups thick Greek or coconut yoghurt ■ Zest of 1 lemon
■ 1 cup almond meal
■ 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
■ ½ cup brown rice flour
Instructions: 1. Preheat oven to 180’C and line 6 muffin pans with muffin cases or use a silicone muffin pan.
■ 1/3 cup cacao powder ■ 1/3 cup pure maple syrup ■ ¼ cup olive oil ■ 2 free-range eggs ■ 1 tsp baking powder ■ 1 tsp vanilla extract ■ ½ tsp cinnamon ■ Pinch of sea salt
Pictures: Studio 74 Photography
2. Add all ingredients to a highpowered blender and process until you have a smooth batter. 3. Divide the mixture evenly between muffin cases and cook for 40-minutes. 4. To make the topping, mix all ingredients together until combined and spread over the top of your cooled cupcakes. Beetroots are an excellent source of fibre
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Winter 2022 7
It’s Your Life Georgie and Brett Timmins with sons Joshua and William. Picture: Rob Carew
Throw out your expectations By Casey Neill GEORGIE and Brett Timmins always wanted to be parents. “It was really about knowing that the time was right,” Georgie said. “We had done travel and were financially stable. There was no other reason that meant now wasn’t the right time.” ‘Now’ was nearly four years ago, when the Malvern East couple was living in London. “We fell pregnant with William so we decided to plan our trip home, which encompassed nine weeks around Europe,” she said. After enduring morning sickness, sea sickness and food poisoning that landed her in hospital, Georgie landed home in Melbourne, four months pregnant - and eager to surprise family and friends with the good news. “We said ‘we’re really glad that the three of us are home’ - my mum was overjoyed,” she said. When we spoke, William had just turned 3 and Joshua was 18 months old. “I had an idealised perception of what motherhood was going to be like,” Georgie said.
for me to let that guilt go,” she said. “I reckon it probably hit around the eight or nine week mark. “It was just taking time to just adore him and hold him, bath with him - all of those things.”
During the Covid-19 lockdowns Brett worked from home and relished spending special moments with Josh that he felt he’d missed with William.
Feeling a pull to return to work as a teacher was another unexpected challenge.
“Moving forward, my company’s happy for me to work a day or two a week from home,” he said.
“I always thought I wanted to be a stay at home mum,” Georgie said.
“That flexibility really helps with childcare drop-off or when Geogie’s working late.”
“I thought if you could financially do it, it would be the ultimate dream. “Six weeks after having William, I knew I had to get back to work. “Returning from London, I didn’t have a job to come back to. I didn’t have a 12-month maternity leave. I didn’t have a timeline. “I returned to work in a casual capacity, because I didn’t want to have expectations. I didn’t want to let myself down. “My work really is part of my identity and I found that going to work was ‘my time’. “Now the boys are in childcare full time because I’m working in a new role and studying special needs on the side.
“It wasn’t the case and it wasn’t instantaneous.
“I wish I could just be happy with a low-stress job, but I have ambition and drive and I want to do well not only for myself, but I want to provide for the children and be a good role model for them.”
“When I reached out to family and friends and told them how I was feeling a couple of weeks postpartum, I found out it was really normal.”
When William was five months old, Brett accessed parental leave to work two days a week at full pay for six months.
“I thought I’d look into William’s eyes and fall madly in love.
But she still felt guilty. “I think the stark reality of Brett having an instantaneous connection with William, that made it more difficult
8 Winter 2022
“I’d really only see him on weekends. It was awful.”
“It was awesome. I used to go to work, William would still be in bed, I’d get home and he’d already be in bed,” he said.
Brett said adding a second baby to their family was a challenge. “It’s more than double the work, it’s more like 2.5 times,” he said. “But particularly because we had them pretty close together - they’re 17 months apart - William was very much still like a baby when Joshy came along.” Georgie said it was “the most difficult thing we’ve ever done”. William had slept well, eaten well, but Josh… “We ended up at sleep school twice,” Brett said. A milk protein allergy played a role in his irritability, but the two boys still had different personalities. “William, he was such a resilient, happy-go-lucky kid,” Georgie said. “But Joshua needed more nurturing.” She draws on her experience in the primary school classroom to adapt to their needs more than she likes to admit. “I am always conscious of wanting to be their mother and not their teacher,” she said. “Teaching has taught me the importance of routine. “We try to make sure that the boys
have meals at similar times each day, nap at the same time, bath and story time at the end of the day before bed. “Teaching has also taught me that not everything goes to plan. “It’s taught me to be flexible and adapt to what the kids need. “I think something I am good at is letting them be in that area of challenge so they have the opportunity to grow.” And Brett and Georgie love watching their boys grow together. “It’s constantly putting out fires,” Georgie laughed. “But it’s lovely that when William goes in to see his brother at daycare at the end of the day, he’ll run up and give him a big hug and say ‘I love you’. “Joshua won’t leave the house until he’s knocked on William’s door and woken him up. “We really foster that relationship as well. “When we go to bed at night we kiss each other goodnight and kiss the children, and they say goodnight to one another. “I couldn’t care less if they get messy in the garden or if the car looks like a bomb’s gone off. “But what we are really big on is kindness and respect for each other and for us. “They’re the best thing I’ve ever done and I’d do it all over again a million times. “I actually think that having children unlocks a part of your heart. “You love your partner but it’s something bigger - you can’t describe it.”
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Health
Teeth grinding on the rise Do you grind your teeth? AN increasing number of Victorians are suffering problems arising from teeth grinding - including broken teeth - since the beginning of the Covid pandemic. Stress is among the reasons for teeth grinding, and lockdowns and restrictions have caused stress for many across the state over the past two years. Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB) president Dr Jeremy Sternson says the number of patients grinding their teeth has “easily” increased by 30 to 50 per cent. “Grinding and consequences of grinding have increased since the pandemic,” he explained. “One of the major causes of grinding is stress and a considerable amount of our patients have experienced a lot of
stress in the past two years.” Teeth grinding is a repetitive jawmuscle activity that involves clenching or grinding of the teeth or thrusting of the jaw. It can happen when we are awake or sleeping. So, how do you know if you have been grinding your teeth? You may notice that you have worn down or shorter teeth, chipped and cracked teeth, or pain and tenderness in the facial and neck muscles in the morning. If you have a significant other they may notice grinding noises during the night. Dr Sternson says there has been a dramatic increase in the number of patients at his practice who have cracked teeth from grinding.
“Cracked tooth syndrome has always been steady in the practice, but it seems nearly every toothache that has come through the doors in the pandemic has been that,” he said.
presenting with teeth grinding problems are aged in their 20s and 30s.
Compounding the problem is the fact that dentists have been off limits at times during the pandemic, and now more people are fearful of seeing their dentist.
When it comes to teeth grinding, Dr Sternson says it is important to identify the cause of the problem. So if it is stress, you will need to look at ways to reduce the stress you are experiencing.
“They are too scared to come into the dentistry or leave their houses for fear of catching Covid,” Dr Sternson said.
He says heatpacks on the face and putting your hand under your chin while yawning also helps.
“Preventative care has gone out the window.
If the problem persists, you can have a custom mouthguard made to wear at night.
“People who I used to see every three or six months haven’t been in for two years.” Dr Sternson says most patients
Children also grind their teeth but usually when they are losing their baby teeth or their mouths are growing.
Early treatment is important, so contact your dentist if teeth grinding is a problem.
Ear we go again IT is a common misconception that hearing loss is an issue that is usually only faced by older people. However, hearing loss is certainly a huge issue for younger people. The World Health Organisation reported that half of 12-35 year olds on the planet – over a billion people – are at risk of hearing loss because of over-exposure to loud sounds. In Australia, there were about 3.6 million young people with hearing loss in 2017. According to Deloitte Access Economics, this figure will double in 40 years. Many people included in this startling figure are going to be today’s kids, teens and young adults who spend extended time on headphones, listening to loud music or playing games. Once hearing is gone, it’s really gone. However, steps can be taken to prevent hearing from getting worse.
Steps can be taken to prevent hearing loss in young people.
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Picture: iStock
To give context to just how loud we can unwittingly turn up a device’s volume when they’re already in a noisy environment such as a train,
construction site, or loud crowd, try listening to the same volume level in a quiet room. It’s very, very loud, and that noise is literally hurting your ears. Try to limit the volume that you and your kids listen to music, watch television or play games at, whether it be through headphones or speakers. Reducing background noise will make it easier for you to hear the audio you wish to listen to without needing to crank up the volume. Noise-induced hearing loss is accumulative, so it can creep up on someone before they either notice or acknowledge it. People around will notice a young person’s ‘deafness’, often attributing it to inattention or just a quirk. But it’s very real and it may be happening right now. Check your own volume or have a chat with kids and friends, otherwise they might wind up with hearing aids long before their senior years. For more information, visit www. hearing.com.au. Winter 2022 9
Health
Nitty gritty of the titty By Casey Neill “I think it’s helpful for all young people to know about boobs, whether they own a pair or not!” So Dr Melissa Kang partnered with Yumi Stynes to pen Welcome to Your Boobs. It’s the third instalment in the ‘Welcome to’ series from the awardwinning duo, following Welcome to Consent and Welcome to Your Period. Dr Kang responded to hundreds of boob-related questions from teens as the Dolly Doctor for more than 23 years, and from patients in her clinical work. “Breasts have so much symbolic meaning in our culture - about gender, sex appeal, attractiveness - which can create a lot of layers of anxiety or misunderstanding,” she said. “They also appear out of nowhere when an adolescent goes through puberty - and that change in one’s body can be enough to generate concerns.” Dr Kang said breasts also received public attention due to the prevalence of breast cancer. “So there can be worries about lumps,
Doctor Melissa Kang.
tenderness, discharge etcetera that appear during the teen years that need to be addressed,” she said. “And boys going through puberty often grow boobs, too! “This is something I’ve seen plenty of, but is not talked about much. “It causes no end of distress for some young men.” She said understanding was growing about the distress puberty could cause for trans and gender diverse teens, and this was also covered in the book. Dr Kang hoped the book would alleviate some of the anxiety she’d seen over the years about breast growth and development. “Breasts are the first sign of puberty in girls and can first appear as young as 8,” she said. “So this book is aimed at those early adolescents - somewhere between 8 and 10 - right through to a teen who has finished all their growing.” The book covers the biology of breast development and answers common questions about size, shape, nipples, nipple hair, stretchmarks, tenderness, lumps and more.
The book answers many common questions.
There’s also practical information about bras, and discussions about boobs as symbols around femininity and sex appeal. Dr Kang hoped parents would also find the book useful. “It can help them have conversations with their teens but might also address myths and misunderstandings parents have, too,” she said.
Activities See humpback and southern right whales at Phillip Island.
Have a whale of a time on Phillip Island WHAT’S so special about being on Phillip Island during winter? Witnessing the arrival of humpback and southern right whales into our coastal waters. Pack up the family and explore the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Whale Discovery Trail, featuring some of the finest vantage points in the region. Grab some warm clothing and a pair of binoculars, head out to one of the fantastic lookouts and trails from Phillip Island to Inverloch, and marvel at the area’s stunning landscapes along the way. Those wanting to get closer to the 10 Winter 2022
marine giants can join one of the Wildlife Coast Cruises whale and dolphin boat tours that circumnavigate the island in search of whales. Join in the local celebrations of the arrival of these majestic creatures with a range of special events happening at Island Whale Festival weekend, 1 to 3 July, at various venues across Phillip Island. Local community and visitors alike have the opportunity to engage with a range of activities that will not only entertain but also allow you to appreciate the wildlife and natural habitats of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region.
During the festival, choose from various activities and events, including talks, workshops, whale spotting, whale cruises, kids activities and more. Stay up to date with the latest announcements, including program and booking information, at Islandwhales.com.au and follow @ islandwhales on Facebook and Instagram. Book your winter whale escape and explore more things to see and do this winter at visitphillipisland.com.au. Remember to look after the coastal environment by watching out for wildlife on the roads and by keeping to the designated tracks.
Island Whale Festival runs on the first weekend in July. www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Explore the WHALE DISCOVERY TRAIL’S iconic bays, headlands and beaches as you search for whales from spectacular coastal viewing points.
Western Port GROSSARD POINT The site of Captain Grossard’s 1868 burial after a tragic accident. Watch for whales entering the bay close to shore.
Cowes PHILLIP ISLAND
WESTERN PORT Humpbacks have been spotted from this jetty, and bottlenose dolphins can be seen in the bay all year round.
San Remo
PUNCHBOWL Follow the spectacular George Bass Coastal Walk and look out for whales from the high cliffs overlooking the wild waters of Bass Strait.
CAPE PATERSON
SUMMERLANDS Home to great surf and the world’s largest Little Penguin colony. Shorttailed shearwaters and hooded plovers live here too.
PYRAMID ROCK A dramatic basalt outcrop, home to short-tailed shearwaters, black-faced cormorants and sooty oystercatchers.
CAPE WOOLAMAI A large colony of shorttailed shearwaters return from Alaska annually to breed here. Look out for albatross and sea eagles soaring above.
In 1826 Captain William Hovell discovered coal here and in 1901 the Artisan ran aground at nearby Wreck Beach.
Bass Strait
Wonthaggi
EAGLES NEST Site of Australia’s first dinosaur bone discovery, the Cape Paterson Claw, in 1903. The sedimentary rocks are 115 millions years old.
Inverloch 12547798-DL24-22
HARMERS HAVEN
Bunurong Marine Park encompasses rock platforms and underwater reefs. This is a great spot for whale spotting and snorkelling.
To find out more visit visitphillipisland.com.au
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Winter 2022 11
Education
This campus has an interactive fruit and vegetable garden where the chef and children have access to organic produce for their meals and to further their learning. The Ormond campus has a huge basement carpark with a lift, bathrooms, nappy change facilities, a separate sleep (cot) room, a mindfulness room, an art room, and five modern purpose-built age-appropriate classrooms. Each classroom caters to specific age groups that are no more than a one-year span. We go above the legislative standards and staff above ratio, plus we ensure all our staff are first aid, anaphylaxis and asthma trained.
In-house turtles Crush and Squirt. Zeina with one of the children.
Making kids feel at home LOCATED at 730 North Road Ormond, Elles Belles Early Learning has its own curriculum directly linked to the Early Years Learning Framework. We focus on learning through play and allow room for intentional teaching.
We offer incursions, excursions, extracurricular activities, a three-yearold kinder program, and a four-year-old kinder program at no extra cost to your family. At our Ormond campus, we supply
all meals, nappies, sunscreen, sun hats, and bedding. On a daily basis, we have set routines with flexibility based on the children’s needs and wants. Together we create natural play areas inside and outside allowing educators, families, and children’s input into what they like to see and develop with us. Our commercial kitchen, run by our chef, provides a nutritionally-balanced breakfast, lunch, progressive morning tea, afternoon tea, and a late-night snack. The Ormond campus has a spacious dining room with a huge built-in servery and fish tank for your children.
Greek lessons: At the Elles Belles Ormond campus, we have introduced Greek culture to you and your children through literacy and numeracy as well as music, food, and language. Cooking classes: Our cooking classes are hands-on, teaching children about measuring, stirring, pouring, and assisting in developing early science and mathematical concepts. Outdoor sleeping program: We promote the children’s connection to the natural environment through a voluntary outdoor sleeping program. Fitness and movement: This program enables children to take considered risks in their play through the indoor and outdoor environment, promoting gross motor skills and social interactions. Art lessons: Through our creative art studio, the children learn through a Reggio Emilia-inspired environment. Call now and book a tour.
Fostering a love of learning AT Glendalough, St Kevin’s College Junior School, the love of learning and the learning itself are not left to chance. Teachers recognise that students learn at different rates and in different ways. In order to engage students, teachers of Glendalough provide opportunities for students to make informed choices for their learning.
Students learn very early that persistence through challenge is a key component of success. Challenge permeates everywhere; whether it is on the sporting field, on the stage or in the classroom. Challenge is also about having high expectations for all students and for all staff. Creativity is also a hallmark of a Glendalough education.
Creativity can be expressed across the curriculum, whether it be inquiring about numbers in mathematics or developing skills in music and art. Glendalough continues to develop a strong academic tradition where each boy is encouraged to take responsibility for his own learning in an environment that values knowledge and the individual in the context of our Catholic tradition.
Students learn very early that persistence through challenge is a key component of success.
ST KEVIN’S COLLEGE JUNIOR SCHOOL GLENDALOUGH St Kevin’s College, ELC to Year 12 St Kevin’s College Glendalough promotes excellence in learning as an essential means of facilitating human growth and liberation. We encourage our students to pursue the truth, to discern a meaning and purpose for their existence and to enrich their spiritual lives. Respect, truth, freedom, justice, love and service are the guiding principles of all relationships and social activities. We welcome you to visit our website for more information www.stkevins.vic.edu.au 12549355-AV24-22
12 Winter 2022
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Education
A life-long love of learning AS an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Wesley College offers enormous opportunities for students to find their voice, develop their talents, ignite their passions and inspire meaning in their lives. This begins in the Early Childhood Learning Centre (ECLC), which offers a nurturing environment for early learners aged three to four within a larger school setting. The ECLC at Wesley College’s Elsternwick Campus has been awarded the highest rating of ‘Exceeding’ national standards by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). We are immensely proud to achieve an ‘exceeding’ result in all seven quality areas, reflecting the depth and quality of our program across all three Wesley College campuses. Combining the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme with the Reggio Emilia approach of guided learning through play, our 3- and 4-year-old ECLC builds your child’s confidence and a lifelong love of learning. Our highly qualified ECLC teachers create individual learning plans for every child.
These are regularly refined in consultation with families, based on progress, interests, abilities and needs.
To learn more about the exceptional opportunities available to students in the Wesley College Junior
Your child will learn through exploring the things they love – from STEM skills through coding bee-bots through to numeracy and developing social and emotional skills.
School, join us at a forthcoming Campus tour and meet staff, students and teachers.
Wesley is immensely proud to achieve an ‘exceeding’ result in all seven quality areas.
Your child will feel confident about ‘big school’ with a guaranteed Prep place in our highly sought-after Junior School. The International Baccalaureate (IB) learning pathway continues throughout the Junior School with students encouraged to explore ‘big ideas,’ and the world around them with cross-disciplinary inquiry. Whether problem-solving through experimentation and investigation, creating in music, visual arts, dance and drama, or learning a new language, your child will enjoy many opportunities to develop their talents, discover their passions and try new things.
It takes opportunity for talent to emerge. True.
Providing your child with the best start to their educational journey. • • • • •
• • •
High teacher-to-student ratios Purpose-built learning spaces Newly renovated playground Chinese language program Specialist offerings in Visual Arts, Dance, Drama, Music and Physical Education Strong focus on student wellbeing Leading VCE and IB World School All ECLCs at Wesley awarded the highest rating of ‘Exceeding’ by ACECQA
Limited places in Prep available for 2023 at our Elsternwick and St Kilda Road Campuses. Scan here to book a tour or enquire today.
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www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Winter 2022 13
NEED EARLY LEARNING, CHILDCARE AND KINDER IN ORMOND?
A little more about us: We offer incursions, excursions, extracurricular activities, a three-year-old kinder program and a four-year-old kinder program at no extra cost to your family. What makes us special? At Elles Belles Early Learning we are reimagining education to empower children to thrive in and build the world of the future. Our world is changing faster than ever before, and our children will live vastly different lives to the ones we know today. We focus on learning through play and allow room for intentional teaching lead by our fully qualified educators and teachers.
With healthy, organic meals that children are encouraged to watch being prepared. A fantastic outdoor play space and even an aquarium. Your child will love every day at Elles Belles. All meals, snacks, nappies, sunscreen and hats provided. Either book online or call for a tour. Hours of operation: 7.00am – 6.30pm (52 weeks per year)
12548464-SN24-22
730-734 North Road Ormond, VIC 3204, Australia Phone: 03 9056 5477 | www.ellesbellesearlylearning.com ormond@ellesbellesearlylearning.com 14 Winter 2022
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Education
Art exhibition at Firbank an Australian first FIRBANK Grammar School has unveiled its cutting-edge new $5.5 million arts precinct, which it says aims to promote young women’s participation in the arts.
“It is required for well-rounded educational offerings with additional elements enhancing cultural life and well-being.
Bright Nights – a multisensory art and light show extravaganza open to the public - launched in May.
“The new precinct is a breath of fresh air and bright light in the arts community that has suffered greatly during the economic crisis of the pandemic and received no additional government budget funding.”
Principal Jenny Williams said the concept was central to ‘Making Space for Culture’, one of many ideas outlined in the school’s vision and extended strategic plan. “Creating specialist learning spaces equivalent to the best red-brick and Ivy League universities is essential,” she said. “The transformation of older, traditional learning spaces and new expectations from educators and parents in the post-pandemic world have driven us to focus on all aspects of STEAM (science, mathematics, engineering, arts and technology).
Jenny said this situation threatened the viability of live music venues, small theatres, galleries and rehearsal spaces, and the affordability of studios, workshops and warehouses. “But we want Melbourne and Firbank Grammar School to be known for its world-class cultural offerings – a city that dares to lead in curiosity and experimentation and invests in big ideas and new talent,” she said. “The centre will specifically provide a basis for students to launch or explore
The centre will specifically provide a basis for students to launch or explore arts careers.
arts careers and backed by the school’s business studies offerings, makes the pursuit of the arts a career a viable future for all to benefit from. “Protecting and creating cultural infrastructure such as this historic building will take innovative partnerships and financing models developed by the school, advancing such spaces to a new level. “We need to ensure that culture is recognised as an integral component of education. “Firbank Grammar School values artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, and designers, and we stand ready to ensure they can live and work here, now and into the future.” Firbank Grammar School’s original hall (1909), named after Melbourne architect Louis Williams who redesigned the hall in 1918 and 1922, has been transformed into a significant cultural and creative arts precinct. It’s dedicated to all forms of creativity, including performance, dance, digital and studio arts, with the
latest technology installed. The building fund donors, MPs, mayors, councillors, art aficionados, education experts and other VIPs opened the three-level, 1555 m2 building on 27 May. The exhibition featured curated artists’ works from significant Victorian female artists – past and present – student work and specialist pieces loaned to the school for the event from private collections. These works include those of Moya Dyring, Lynn Miller, Seven Sisters, and other Archibald nominees and valuable modern art from the collections of prominent Firbank Grammar School community members. This exhibition was the first for an Australian Senior School. Anyone interested in applying for the Co-Ed Junior School at Sandringham, the Girls Junior school in Brighton or the Girls Senior School in Brighton, including via scholarship, should contact the school’s admissions team on 95915188, or via www.firbank.vic.edu.au or admissions@firbank.vic.edu.au.
Supporting students with disability VICTORIAN students with disability will be supported by their teachers and peers through a new partnership with Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott AO and Get Skilled Access. The new partnership will design and deliver a series of Abilities Awareness in Schools resources to promote disability awareness among students and staff as part of the state governments landmark Disability Inclusion reforms. The resources will include videos featuring Dylan Alcott and others with lived experience of disability – exploring topics to build students’ understanding of disability and improve their
confidence to interact with classmates with disability. It will target students of all ages in mainstream primary and secondary schools. The resources, which will start to roll-out from Term 3 this year, will also see the delivery of workshops and new evidence-based resources for teachers and staff, helping them foster school environments inclusive for all students. The Government’s Australian-first $1.6 billion Disability Inclusion reform has started rolling out in classrooms across Victoria – putting the needs of each individual student at the heart of our response and shifting the focus
towards what a child can achieve, rather than what they can’t. As part of this new approach, new facilitators are helping schools and families work together to identify each student’s unique strengths and how to best support their learning and participation – meaning schools will be able to better plan and adjust support for students throughout all stages of their education. The record investment is also doubling the number of students receiving extra support in the classroom to 55,000 – and is expected to create up to 1,730 jobs across the state by 2025.
All government schools across the Barwon, Loddon Campaspe and Bayside Peninsula areas are already benefitting from the reform, with Outer Eastern Melbourne, Central Highlands and Mallee to join the program this year with more regions will be added each year until the reform is complete across Victoria in 2025. The Victorian Budget 22/23 also included $326 million to deliver upgrades for 36 special schools – meaning every government special school will have had a major upgrade since we were elected in 2014.
St Peter’s is a vibrant primary school with 600 children, a dedicated staff and an active and supportive community. It is my privilege to be a member of this community where students, families and staff are committed to our vision of being a Catholic community where our love of God, self and others is central to our learning and all that we do. We are inclusive and committed to developing the full potential of each child in our care. We have a safe and nurturing learning environment focusing on the dignity of every person with an aim of developing lifelong learners that have a love of learning. I am proud to be the principal and to be responsible for ensuring the teaching and learning within our school gives our children the best opportunity possible to become successful learners and confident and informed citizens. I can make this my main focus as I am supported by an outstanding leadership team who ensure that we can make the learning of every student at St Peter’s our number one priority. With 25 years of experience as a principal in four different schools I still begin each day excited to be part of such a vibrant and passionate learning community. I would welcome the opportunity to walk with you on a tour of our school answering any questions you may have. Michael Hanney - Principal
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St Peter’s Primary School
842 Centre Road, Bentleigh East VIC 3165 Phone 03 9575 0909 | www.spbentleigheast.catholic.edu.au www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Winter 2022 15
Firbank Grammar School is Ranked In The Top Ten Schools Book a tour to find out why
TIME TO BREATHE A DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL COMMITTED TO WELLBEING, EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AND GROWTH
Open Mornings Sandringham Co - Ed Tuesday, 7 June 2022 Tuesday, 2 August 2022 Open Mornings Brighton (Senior School and Turner House) Thursday, 28July 2022 www.firbank.vic.edu.au 16 Winter 2022
12549359-SG24-22
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
It’s Your Life Ollie always looks forward to his ilume deliveries.
Nutritionally complete and balanced meals using fresh, locally-sourced, human-quality ingredients, gently cooked to preserve the nutrients.
Give your dog a longer life TODAY, dogs are family. They eat and exercise with us, play together with our kids, binge watch that TV series, accompany us on weekend breaks, and some lucky ones get to sleep on our beds. But when it comes to their food, most of us still feed them kibble. Most kibble is made from off-cuts and is ultra-processed, frequently containing fillers and artificial preservatives. They can sit in an unopened bag for months, sometimes years.
Look on the back, and some list up to 40 ingredients.
breast and topside steak – and poached in water baths.
and the duration and quality of their sleep at night.
We’d never feed this to our own family.
Our breakfasts are gently roasted overnight to preserve natural flavours and maximum nutrients.
It uses this, and other health information, to recommend each dog’s meal portions, helping maintain their ideal body weight.
As dog-lovers, we wanted better. At ilume, we have one goal: to give dogs longer and healthier lives. When we say “stay” we mean something deeper.
Serving our food is easy, and they look and smell like human meals.
Gary, our head chef, and his team make fresh meals in our Melbourne kitchen.
But that’s just the start. We also provide insight into what our dogs are up to. Our activity tracker and companion app measures our dog’s steps and calories used during the day,
Our dinners are made from highquality cuts of meat – like chicken
Our customers say their dogs eat better than they do!
Keeping our dogs healthy means there’s less risk of complications from obesity or chronic diseases later on. Our tech is optional, but it’s a great discovery tool. Visit our website to arrange a home-delivered box. It’s time for change. Let’s ilume.
Education
Piggy in the middle The perfect spot for morning coffee, all-day breakfast and delicious lunches. Itʼs love at first bite!
WITH the cost of living increasing, now is a better time than ever to teach children about the importance of saving money effectively. With that in mind, financial experts from money.co. uk have compiled a list of their top ten tips for teaching your children about money.
deck food
Start with the basics of money and finance How you introduce money to your children will partly depend on their age. A good place to start is getting children comfortable handling cash and coins. Explain to them how money is used to buy things and that it must be earned before it can be spent.
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Speak openly about small financial decisions Start getting your child involved with minor financial decisions, such as which brands and items to buy when shopping. This way your child is able to understand the decisions you make while also feeling in control of certain financial choices. Older children could also help with budgeting while shopping if you ask them to keep a running total of the items you buy. Not only will this help their maths skills, but it can also help them to understand
how small items can still add up in price and not everything is affordable on a budget. Set a good example with your own finances There are no two ways about it, children learn money habits from their parents. Showing them small activities, such as checking the receipt after your shop or putting money into savings can start developing positive habits from a young age. Encourage your child to ask questions without repercussion in this setting. While you might not necessarily have all the answers, opening up a dialogue is a healthy way for your child to learn more about finance. Use pocket money as an incentive for small tasks Using pocket money as an incentive to do chores around the house not only helps you, but it also helps your child learn more about the value of money and what it takes to earn it. Creating a simple plan with a set amount of money for different tasks, along with caps per week or month, is a great way to help your child start understanding where money comes from.
The relationship between work and money, household chores and pocket money is also a great opportunity to show children how to save. If your child has shown interest in a more expensive purchase, you could set them up with an old-fashioned piggy bank where they can ‘deposit’ their earnings or create a chart for them to fill out so they can track how much money they have. James Andrews from money. co.uk encourages parents to teach children how to handle money from a young age. “Creating an environment where you can speak more openly with your children about financial decisions is key to them gaining an understanding of the value of money,” Mr Andrews says. “It’s important to make sure your lessons are age-appropriate and that you continue to involve and teach your children about money as they grow - a healthy relationship with finances starts at a young age, and children learn most of their habits from their parents.” Originally published on www.money.co.uk/.
Winter 2022 17
Entertainment
Get creative at Robert Gordon ANYONE can get creative at Robert Gordon, with workshops for all ages. If you’ve never worked with ceramics before you needn’t worry. Friendly staff are on-hand to show you how. Robert Gordon offers workshops in wheel throwing, hand building and painting your own pottery. The paint your own pottery workshop is popular with families. All you have to do is choose your pot, decorate with paint and collect your masterpiece 14 days later. If you’re after something more extensive, you should check out Robert Gordon’s six-week pottery course. The course covers hand building, wheel throwing, moulding, sculpture and painting in a friendly atmosphere. The workshops take place in a new studio space at Robert Gordon Pottery factory outlet. Located in the heart of Pakenham, the outlet is a great place to visit with the family.
Online bookings for the paint your own pottery and workshops are essential. Call 5941 3302 or visit www. robertgordonaustralia.com.
Robert Gordon is a great place to visit with the family.
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They have a large selection of homewares, baskets and textiles. There’s also the Nancy Eatery, which serves up relaxed, homestyle meals with coffee.
Robert Gordon is located at 114 Mulcahy Road, Pakenham and is open seven days, 9am to 5pm.
18 Winter 2022
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
PET CORNER
RSPCA offers holiday fun LEARNING what is involved in having a pony, connecting with Australian wildlife, playing games with pets and farm animals, or meeting a real RSPCA Inspector – these are just some of the experiences your child could enjoy these school holidays as part of RSPCA Victoria’s school holiday program. Run at RSPCA Burwood East, the program includes a range of fun, engaging and educational opportunities suitable for animal lovers of all ages. RSPCA Victoria education and training manager Belinda Marchbank said the classes, taught by professional educators at RSPCA Victoria, offer something for any child with an interest in or love of animals. “Our school holiday program offers great variety and choice for kids, providing the opportunity to learn about animal welfare while nurturing their love of all living creatures,” she said. “There are also programs that you can do as a family for some special holiday time for adults and kids together.” Children will have an opportunity to meet RSPCA Victoria’s farm animals and playful pets at its working education barn, right here in Melbourne. Think horses, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits and
ever-entertaining guinea pigs. Special guest animal experts also drop into live sessions. “After a difficult couple of years for both students and parents, we all need to reconnect,” Ms Marchbank said. “Studies on human-animal interactions show that animals have the potential to promote healthy emotional development in children in many ways, including alleviating stress and providing emotional support. “We’ve seen this amazing dynamic between children and animals firsthand and believe all children should have access to this experience. “For those who can’t make a session in person, some of the programs will be offered virtually for those who prefer to participate from the comfort of their home or from regional areas.” RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, community-based charity that works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection. The education team contributes to prevention strategies by influencing more than 3600 young people each year about the value and importance of animals in our lives. To find out more about the school holiday program or to book, visit rspcavic.org/services/education-andlearning/holiday-programs. Children can meet RSPCA Victoria’s farm animals and playful pets at its working education barn.
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Kids can learn about animal welfare while nurturing their love of all living creatures.
• In-home training • Instructional sessions • Dog walking • Training • Gentle integration • Exercise • Socialisation • Science Based Methods Certified NDTF Dog trainer
Call Josh: 0435 179 200 www.dogtime.com.au www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Young animal lovers can enjoy the RSPCA school holiday program. Winter 2022 19
It’s Your Life
The juggle is real Ashley with her daughter.
By Casey Neill
Ashley also counted herself lucky to be “in this generation of women who have access to tech and devices that can help monitor my blood sugars more closely”.
FEARS and concerns are often front of mind during pregnancy. For most, diabetes doesn’t need to be one of them, but it topped the list for Cranbourne mum Ashley Ng.
During pregnancy, she was adjusting to physical and hormonal changes while also managing her food intake.
“We tried as much as we could to plan things ahead so we wouldn’t have any unexpected surprises,” the type one diabetic said.
“Food is the main contributor to fluctuating blood sugars - it was always at the forefront of my mind,” Ashley said.
“It was one of my biggest worries: how was diabetes going to play out.”
“At the start it was actually quite nice. In the first trimester when everything’s growing and developing, that’s when we often get low blood sugars.
Everyone labelled her daughter, who was 15 months old when we spoke in March, a ‘lockdown baby’. “But it was planned, in that we’d got married, got a house, and the next logical step was to have kids,” she said. “I knew my biological clock was ticking, especially with a chronic condition like diabetes.”
She climbed back into bed and lay awake for the next two hours, before getting up to double check those two blue lines had really appeared. “That’s when I woke my husband up,” she said. “It’s such a mixed bag of emotions.” Ashley’s diabetes is atypical, so no one could tell her how pregnancy was going to affect the condition or vice versa. But she had the support of a health care team, including a referral to a specialist. “Being an automatic high-risk 20 Winter 2022
pregnancy sounds daunting, but it was comforting that extra things were put in place to make sure things were going well,” she said. “It was a really good safety net for me. “My first pregnancy was actually really chilled because we were in lockdown most of the time.
“A part of me is still really nervous. That is probably the biggest thing I’m nervous about,” she said. Juggling work has also been a challenge, especially when Covid restrictions closed childcare centres.
“I think post-pregnancy was probably where I struggled most.
“You’re expected to work like you don’t have a kid.
Fellow mums with diabetes told Ashley to have snacks on hand and to always sit somewhere low while feeding in case she passed out.Her mum made her a caddy packed with snacks, wipes and nappies to carry around the house.
She’d woken at 4am to use the toilet, so decided to take a test.
Ashley’s second daughter is due in June. She’ll speak to a midwife for advice on preparing for a smoother breastfeeding journey.
“I was keen to go back to work, but I really struggled in terms of trying to balance it all,” she said.
“You can see your blood sugars plummeting as you’re breastfeeding.”
“It wasn’t a surprise, but it was also a surprise and an ‘oh crap’ moment - this is actually happening,” she laughed.
“I chose one day when I was in an OK mood and pushed through it. Something just clicked for both of us, and we just got it.”
“I could think ‘I’m going to have that ice cream’ and I wouldn’t have to worry so much.
“When you’re trying to breastfeed, it sucks the energy out of you.
Ashley and her husband conceived within a couple of months.
breastfeeding could help with the clog.
Adding to the challenge, her daughter was born with a tongue tie and struggled to latch. “Breastfeeding was really painful. I wasn’t sure if I was doing something wrong,” Ashley said. “I ended up exclusively pumping for a little bit because I found it way easier.
“I was working from home. There was no pressure to go anywhere or be super busy.
“There was a lot of pressure from everyone in terms of ‘you really should be just breastfeeding off the boob rather than using a machine’.
“So I think that was a blessing in disguise.”
“I ended up getting mastitis a couple of weeks in. Even the GP said
“You have two jobs.” And both cause guilt. That built up recently when her husband had to work extra hours. “It broke me. I had to make an appointment with the GP and make a mental health care plan,” Ashley said. “The GP said ‘you need to start to let things go, understand that pre-baby you were a high achiever, you were probably a perfectionist, you did a lot of things with your life, but now priorities have changed’. “It’s about adjusting your expectations. “But I really don’t want to adjust my expectations. I want to be able to do it all. “A few friends said to me ‘being able to do everything is a myth, there’s a time and place for everything’. “Sometimes you have to pause things and come back to them.” www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
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Winter 2022 21
Books
Turning the tables in the morning By Casey Neill
special moments in the day, even during challenging times.”
WAKING up her ‘reluctant riser’ daughter every morning inspired author Sharon Giltrow to pen a humorous and heartfelt picture book.
She hopes both parents and children will see themselves in the book’s pages.
She said Get Ready, Mama! also came from her personal experience as a teacher. “I see parents arriving at school a little frazzled. I can see that they have had a challenging morning,” Sharon said. “I wanted to write a sympathetic story for them. “We are not alone in trying to get reluctant risers up, ready for the day and at school on time. “My favourite line in the book ‘you’re never too late for cuddles’ - will remind parents to take time for those
“Children will think it is funny seeing a parent playing the role of a child and the child playing the role of a parent,” she said. “As a parent I wish someone would help me get ready for the day.” Sharon said the book was also filled with heart, thanks to the child and parent bond portrayed through Arielle Li’s illustrations. “The book also offers a practical tip - The ‘Get Your Mama Ready Pack’,” she said. “This is a pack that could be kept in the car for those times when a child hasn’t brushed their hair or teeth. She said the book would also help
Author Sharon Giltrow.
children to develop empathy. “Children can literally see a child who has swapped places with a parent,” she said. “Throughout the story there are great opportunities to discuss how the characters are feeling. “More importantly how the reader would feel if they were trying to get their mama ready for the day.”
Get Ready, Mama! followed Sharon’s debut picture book Bedtime, Daddy. “I have two more picture books coming out this year and next year,” she said. “One is about taking a grandma shopping and the other is about taking a grandpa to the beach. “So, once these books are released my ‘how to’ picture book family will be complete.”
Children’s books...
WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY From the award-winning author of All the Ways to Be Smart, comes a warm and whimsical guide to negotiating new experiences and big emotions with empathy, kindness and words from the heart. I’m not brave enough today. Maybe next time. You’re hurting my feelings right now. Want to join in? A warm and whimsical guide to negotiating life’s little moments and big emotions with empathy, kindness and words from the heart. From award-winning and much-loved author Davina Bell and exciting new illustrator, Hilary Jean Tapper. $21.99 Hachette Australia
Bluey: Perfect Based on the hit ABC KIDS TV show! It’s Father’s Day! As Bluey and Bingo make cards for Dad, will Bluey learn that sometimes perfect doesn’t have to be . . . perfect? A gorgeous hardback book with a special wipe-clean card for drawing. This will make the perfect Father’s Day gift. Bluey is an award-winning preschool show about Bluey, a blue heeler pup, and her family. Airing on ABC KIDS, the show has amassed legions of dedicated fans and hugely popular ranges of books, toys, clothes, games and more. $16.99 Penguin
Willa and Woof 1: Mimi is Missing Adventure, imagination and loads of fun. From the bestselling author of Alice-Miranda comes this humorous and heartfelt series about eight-year-old Willa and her best four-legged friend, Woof! Willa’s in trouble. Mimi – the famous racing pigeon owned by Frank, her neighbour and best old-aged friend – is missing. And Willa is pretty sure she’s the one who left the cage door open . . . She’ll need her most creative ideas (along with the help of Tae, her best same-age friend, and her trusty sidekick Woof, the albino Irish Wolfhound) to track Mimi down before Frank finds out! Can Willa find Mimi before it’s too late?
Cop and Robber
L PLATERS
A new nailbiter from the bestselling author of Two Wolves.
A must-read guide for parents of teenage girls that explores what our girls need us to know in order to support them through the unprecedented pressures of growing up in today’s world.
If your mum was a cop and your dad was a crim who needed your help to commit a crime, would you do it to save him? At what cost? Nash Hall’s dad is a criminal who just can’t seem to go straight. He wants Nash to help him commit a robbery. A big one. The trouble is, Nash’s mum is a cop. And the robbery is at Nash’s school. But Dad owes a lot of money to some very dangerous people and if Nash doesn’t help him do the job, it could cost both their lives. From the bestselling author of Two Wolves, The Fall and Detention. $16.99 Penguin
To support our girls, we need to understand the pressures this generation is under by listening to what worries them and what they need – and journalist and social commentator Madonna King has done just that. Having consulted 1000 young women, along with parents, senior educators and health care professionals in her research for this book, L Platers delivers the answers we need as parents to help our girls on the road to adulthood. $16.99 Hachette Australia
$12.99 Penguin 22 Winter 2022
www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Kids Calendar
What's on this Winter UNTIL 12 JUNE
23 JUNE - 10 JULY
25 JUNE
28 & 30 JUNE, 5 & 7 JULY
TOORAK VILLAGE SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
WINTER GLOW
FIREFLY NIGHT MARKET
TRASH PUPPETS
Adventure Park Geelong will host a glowing winter wonderland of snow, lights, fire and ice these school holidays.
This fusion of street food, artisan stalls, cultural activities and live performances will run from 4pm to 9pm at Penrose Park, Tarneit.
These free puppet making workshops run from noon to 2.30pm at The Mezz in Prahran.
Toorak Village links the arts with business to exhibit contemporary sculptural works in the shop windows and on the sidewalks of Toorak Road. Visit www.toorakvillage.com.au/ sculpture for more information.
Entry is free for people under 90cm tall, $29.50 for 90cm to 120cm, and $34.50 for over 120cm. Visit www.adventurepark.com.au.
There is fun for the whole family with roving performers, interactive art and more. Visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au for more information.
5 JUNE
They empower children to get creative using clean recycled and reused materials. They’re recommended for ages 6 to 12 years. Find more at www.stonnington.vic.gov.au.
COMMUNITY PLANTING DAY Help Melbourne Water and NatureWest to revegetate the reserve next to Skeleton Creek at Hoppers Crossing.
4 JULY
The holes will be dug, the plants will be ready from 9.45am to noon. Wear sturdy shoes and gardening gloves.
Family friendly group The Kazoos brings its dress-up fun to the Knox Community Arts Centre from 11am.
Register via www.wyndham.vic.gov. au/greenlivingseries
Musical comedy Dress Up Box explores character, gender-identity and role play. Children are invited to the stage to select items out of the box. What they choose directs where the show goes next!
THE KAZOOS
25 JUNE 5, 12, 19, 26 & 29 JUNE, 3 & 6 JULY MINIATURE RAILWAY This passenger-carrying miniature railway within the Portarlington Bayside Family Park grounds runs on the first and third Sundays of the month from 11am to 3pm from June to September, plus special school holiday services. Trains run at frequent intervals, takes about 10 minutes, costs $4 and is free for children aged under 2 years.
ASHBURTON-A-FAIR
25 JUNE - 10 JULY
Ashburton Community Centre will host this free market with fun for all ages from 9.30am to 2.30pm.
LUNA PARK
Visit ashburtoncc.org.au for more information.
Winter school holiday fun at Luna Park will feature heart-pumping thrill rides, family rides, and gentle rides for the little ones. There’s something for everyone.
25 JUNE
Visit lunapark.com.au for all the details.
BANTU AFRICAN FEST
Visit miniaturerailway.com.au for more information.
From noon to 5pm at Barwon Valley Activity Centre, Geelong, enjoy live music, drum and dancing performances, food, market stalls and kids’ entertainment.
18 JUNE
Visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au for more information.
Does your daughter love to sing, dance and perform? The choir offers fun and dynamic classes to transform a love of music into a rich educational experience. Register at ausgirlschoir.com.au.
Visit www.knox.vic.gov.au for more.
10 JULY WINTER CONCERT SERIES Clayton Theatrette will host free kids’ show Cosmic Cats, a cover band for kids and adults alike, from 2pm to 3pm. Book at www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/891571.
15 JULY
AUSTRALIAN GIRLS CHOIR OPEN DAY This free event in Balwyn will run from noon to 2.30pm.
Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for kids and $45 for a family of four.
REGROWTH FESTIVAL
28-30 JUNE, 1 & 2 JULY PLAYABLE STREETS - REFLECTION This interactive installation in Prahran Square features artworks from artists of all ages, as part of the Roola Boola Children’s Arts Festival.
Hills Creative Alliance and the Kalorama Collective will host a Regrowth festival at Kalorama Memorial Reserve, including a smoking ceremony, indigenous dances, children’s activities, and tea and cake, from noon to 8pm. Find more at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au.
It runs 10am to 5pm. Find more at www.stonnington.vic.gov.au. www.BaysideGlenEiraKids.com.au
Winter 2022 23
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