Your child in hume july 2016

in

Hume Your Local Family Magazine

e e r F

Volume 1

July 2016

editor’sletter Welcome to the first edition of Your Child in Hume. We are a monthly magazine for families in the City of Hume and our aim is to support the community through highlighting local events, encouraging local businesses and keeping you informed about current parenting issues.

There is always so much going on in the City of Hume, especially during the school holidays.

Read about activities you can take your child to on our What’s On In Hume page. You can visit the Bulla Hill Railway in Bulla on the first and third Sundays of the month if your child loves trains. Toddlers and babies can enjoy choosing exciting toys at the Toy Library in Sunbury. Older children can have a real adventure hiking on the wonderful trails in the Mt Ridley Conservation Reserve on Mt Ridley Road, Craigieburn. There are barbeques and shelters as well as a playground for younger children.

My granddaughter, Aaliyah enjoyed a playtime at Lollipop’s play centre in Roxburgh Park while I had a coffee. She is looking forward to returning with a friend and using her free entry offer.

It is never too early to enrol your child in swimming lessons so look out for the special offer for lessons at the Airport West Swimming Academy.

Save the 15th of July to attend the special 3rd Birthday Celebration and Open Day at Mulberry Childcare Centre on the Upper level at Gladstone Park Shopping Centre. You might win a Golden Ticket!

A day out with the family for lunch at the Kinglake Pub is always a winter winner. Enjoy their cosy fire, a great meal and relax while the little ones enjoy the playroom.

I hope you enjoy this magazine and I look forward to sharing more terrific local businesses with you next month. Alison Stephens Thank you for taking Your Child into your home and please support local business. www.facebook.com/YourChildinHume p: 0407 875 273 e: info@yourchildinhume.com.au w: www.yourchildinhume.com.au

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Lily-pads and Dragonflies

by Dave Edgren Each of our children are a lot like a frog in a pond. I don't mean a yummy Freddo frog in a bowl of jelly! I mean real frogs in a real pond.

By the time our children are in school they have matured past a few early stages. Frogs protect their youngest offspring in all kinds of creative ways – in their mouth, under the skin on their back, behind rocks. Likewise, when our kids were little they were coddled – in a pram, playpen and baby carriers on our front, back or hip! Then they grew legs.

Now, no longer living under the water as tadpoles – they have moved to the surface, where all the other little frogs are living, breathing and growing – at school. And there are all kinds of new things they encounter. In this new environment outside of home – where our children will spend 12 years of their lives – there are two important factors that we, as understanding parents, can help with. Lily-pads and dragonflies.

Lily-pads cover the surface of the pond. Each one is a small environment in which we live for a time – temporary environmental factors.

Afternoon is a Lily-pad. Some people accomplish more in the afternoon. Others, during the morning. Being tired is a lily-pad. We all do our best thinking and behaving when we are rested. Then there are situational lily-pads – like having a cold, or a death of a loved one, or a family situation. These lily-pads come with our kids to school. These are where they are living, right now. Understanding concentration, attitude and behaviour are related to our emotional environment helps us plan accordingly – and treat ourselves kindly when we do something out of character due to one of the lily-pads we are resting on. Helping our kids understand the environmental factors in their 4

lives will help them make sense of who they are in the big world and why they feel the way they do.

Dragonflies dive in from the sky. They cause us to react suddenly and unpredictably. Someone touching my hair might be a dragonfly.

Someone picking up the toy I wanted might be one. Being told to sit down and be quiet might be one. Everyone has their own unique dragonflies based on our physical, emotional and intellectual identity. Personal dragonflies cannot be seen by others. And, most of the time, we don't see them coming ourselves. They just strike and we react. Each time we meet one of our dragonflies, it helps to give it a name and define it. Then we know that dragonfly and may be able to prepare for it or avoid it next time.

Lily-pads and dragonflies is one way to teach emotional awareness. It is useful to develop daily habits of choosing good lily-pads – and skills in how to live through rough times. It is also a great life-skill to learn to face your dragonflies by naming them and learning how to prepare for next time.

I hope lily-pads and dragonflies is helpful for you. If it is, put a Freddo in a jelly cup and let your little tadpole eat it while you teach them all about the big frog in a pond world out there!

Dave Edgren is a storyteller, author & trainer. Dave writes from a primary school in Melbourne where he spends his days playing games with kids and talking about things that matter. Learn more about Dave: valuesinstory.blogspot.com.au

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KINGLAKE PUB Open 7 Days The Kinglake Hotel has been operating for over 90 years and is situated just 50kms out of Melbourne CBD.

Play Area

Mention this ad and receive a FREE soft drink

Dining Room Bookings are recommended please call (03) 5786 1230 or info@kinglakepub.com.au

We are a family friendly pub with plenty to offer from hotel rooms, live music, karaoke nights and of course our kids room – which is open every night of the week and Friday to Sunday lunchtimes and public holidays. It is also available mid week for group bookings.

The indoor play area features play stations, chalk boards, games and a movie for the kids to watch ‌ not to forget our goldfish to peer at and much more.

Meals run 7 days a week and offer a range of choices for most dietary requirements including vegetarian and gluten free dishes, our kids meals are only $9.50 and include a free dessert .

Wednesday night kids eat free!!

So if you are local or just up for a day trip Kinglake hotel is the place to visit.

Come and enjoy our country hospitality whilst the kids have hours of fun in our newly opened play room.

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If you want your child to be a stellar student:

Don't limit learning to the walls of his classroom. Although the skills he's learning there are crucial to his intellectual and social growth, your child needs your help to open up the world of ideas. His renewed joy in discovery will transfer to his schoolwork, so you'll boost his academic achievement too!

1. Fill your child's world with reading. Take turns reading with your older child, or establish a family reading time when everyone reads her own book. Demonstrate how important reading is to you by filling your home with printed materials: novels, newspapers, even posters and placemats with words on them.

2. Encourage him to express his opinion, talk about his feelings, and make choices. He can pick out a side dish to go with dinner and select his own extracurricular activities. Ask for his input on family decisions, and show that you value it.

3. Show enthusiasm for your child's interests and encourage her to explore subjects that fascinate her. If she's a horse nut, offer her stories about riding or challenge her to find five facts about horses in the encyclopaedia.

4. Provide him with play opportunities that support different kinds of learning styles — from listening and visual learning to sorting and sequencing. Supplies that encourage openended play, such as blocks, will develop your child’s creative expression and problem-solving skills as he builds. He'll need lots of unstructured play time to explore them.

5. Point out the new things you learn with enthusiasm. Discuss the different ways you find 6

new information, whether you're looking for gardening tips on the Internet or taking a night class in American literature.

6. Ask about what he's learning in school, not about his grades or test scores. Have him teach you what he learned in school today — putting the lesson into his own words will help him retain what he learned.

by Ken Lo

7. Help your child organize her school papers and assignments so she feels in control of her work. If her task seems too daunting, she'll spend more time worrying than learning. Check in with her regularly to make sure she's not feeling overloaded.

8. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small. Completing a book report calls for a special treat; finishing a book allows your child an hour of video games. You'll offer positive reinforcement that will inspire him to keep learning and challenging himself.

9. Focus on strengths, encouraging developing talents. Even if she didn't ace her math test, she may have written a good poem in English class.

In addition to a workbook for math practice, give her a writing journal.

10. Turn everyday events into learning opportunities. Encourage him to explore the world around him, asking questions and making connections.

Ken Lo General Manager

Eye Level Learning Centre – Bulleen www.myeyelevel.com

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Just a thought‌

Some days you're the bug; some days you're the windshield.

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Great photos of your When it's cold outside and the sky is grey, it can seem like a less than ideal time to take photos of your family. Sure, it may need a bit of planning with dressing warmly and making sure the kids have their coats and hats on, but let me tell you a secret – it's a perfect time to take portraits! Why? When the sun is hidden behind clouds and the sky is either pale grey or white, the shadows are all softened and faces look beautiful. It's nature's giant lightbox in the sky at work!

If you want all of your family members to look lovely and soften the look of their pimples, wrinkles and lines use this light to your advantage. In the sun, you'll get harsh shadows which accentuate every bump, but winter light flatters.

Melisa's tips for taking portraits in winter Planning – Dress your kids (and adults) in warm clothing, making sure they have hats, scarves and gloves if the day is cold and windy. Kids won't tolerate wind on their ears for long, so pick some bright clothes to poke out from their coats and add pops of colour to the photos. If it's raining, bring colourful umbrellas and use them as a special feature in the photos.

Keep an extra set of clothes and shoes and socks in the car, incase they get dirty or wet. Bring snacks for kids and warm drinks in a thermos to keep people warm and hydrated if you're going to be outside for a longer period. If you have little ones, you will need to be realistic about quick visit times to keep them happy, warm and cosy.

Places to go – Visit a local park with established 8

trees and gardens to capture the changing seasons and then let the kids play on the slides and swings. Take the kids to the Melbourne Zoo or Healesville Sanctuary to visit the animals. Go to the beach and explore the coastline with spade and bucket for the little ones. Sand can quickly damage camera gear so be careful on windy days. If you show your kids interesting things to see and do, wherever you are during cooler weather, your kids will have fun and it will show in the photos you take.

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kids in winter

Little details – Try to take photos at eye level of the small children. Move in close to concentrate on the child and their immediate surroundings to give you the child's perspective. Ask Grandpa to pick up your daughter to show her animals at the zoo - this insight into her excitement is a great record of new experiences! If you're on the beach, try to get down to your child's height and photograph their whole body in action from head to toe. You need to be careful not to 'cut off' the tops of heads and kids' feet in photos to make sure the images are complete. Little kids look even more tiny and sweet in their toddler shoes. If your kids are in the playground, position yourself so you are low down on the ground, looking up at the children or directly at them, and eliminate as much background clutter as you can (rubbish bins, parked cars,

by Melisa Savickas

other kids) and shoot from there. Think about what you'd like to remember in years to come and photograph that.

Remember – the younger your kids are, the less time they will want to spend in the cold, windy weather. If you're driving, try to park close to your desired location and be well organised before you get out of the car. Combine fun activities with taking photos in winter and you'll record some great life events of your kids that are worth remembering in years to come.

Melisa Savickas has been a Photographer more than 20 Years.

She loves photographing small children enjoying themselves in any weather. She is a mother to twins aged 2 and loves to show them new places and give them new and creative things to do.

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How to answer THE Why?

I

have a new 'thing'. It's called “the rules of the world”. It's a bit of a throwback to my mum's “because I said so” in response to my endless childhood questioning “why? why?”. I suppose Karma has a way of finding us and boy has Karma found me. I have a three and a half year old who is determined to get to the bottom of EVERYTHING! SHE DOES NOT MISS A THING! And in desperation on the weekend when my answers for why we can't go in the pool at 7.20 am or why we can't eat icy poles at 7.30 am (“it's too early” didn't suffice FYI), I devised “the rules of the world”. “It's just the rules of the world sweetheart” I responded to question upon question. And it worked! For about half a day.

Until she started questioning the “rules of the world” and then we were back at square one.

But it got me thinking about childhood cognitive development and the inevitable “why” questioning that pops up around 2 or 3 years of age. Granted, it has been going on for a year or so at my place so I'm either getting sick of it or the questions are getting harder! As kiddos' brains develop, they start to make meaningful connections between things. They start to develop a 'cause-and-effect' style of thinking that leads them to want to know “why” things happen or “why” we do things – it's their inquisitive nature and interest in the world around them emerging. But don't be too quick to assume that a 2 or 3 year old's definition of “why?” means the same as ours. Sometimes it can be more of a “tell me more about this interesting topic”.

So how to answer “why?” questions? Each child is different, but I am now finding with my own kiddo that replacing “the rules of the world” with some expanded information about the 10

by Amanda Abel topic is helping. This morning, to answer “why does daddy go to work?” I explained that he goes to work because it's fun and he gets to talk to lots of people and that makes him happy. I explained that he also earns money at work which means we can buy a train ticket on the weekend to go to the city. Through my work I am mindful of not giving long-winded explanations and trying to keep things simple so I find that offering a small chunk of information, like my explanation above, gives a child time to process and understand what I've said.

why? why? why?

why?

why? why? why?

Why?

No magic cures here for the seemingly endless stream of “why” questions, but rest assured it is a positive sign of on-track language and cognitive development.

Amanda Abel is a paediatric psychologist at the Northern Centre for Child Development in Preston. Amanda and her team have extensive experience working with children and their families to provide counselling, early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders, parenting support and behaviour management. www.centreforchilddevelopment.com

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CHILDREN'S SERVICES IN SUNBURY OCCASIONAL CHILDCARE CHILDREN AGED 0-6 *Government subsidies available for eligible families

Enjoy a break whilst your child is cared for in a happy and safe environment Goonawarra Neighbourhood House also has Playgroups, Movement to Music for 2 to 4 year olds plus Ballet & Jazz Class for 4 to 9 year olds.

Call 9740 6627 8 Gullane Drive Sunbury www.goonawarraneighbourhoodhouse.com.au www.facebook.com/goonawarra.neighbourhoodhouse To advertise in Your Child in Hume call 0407 875 273

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Roam the How Far, How Young?

I was having coffee with a good friend the other day, and we got talking about our kids and their growing independence. It seems like they are suddenly itching to take on some risks and responsibilities. My friend's son, at the age of 9, is desperate to be able to walk to and from the local footy oval on his own. Another friend's daughter wants to ride her bike to the bakery to meet her friends. So how do we know when it is time to let our children “go it alone”?

Here are 6 ways that we can help our children make safer decisions and roam the neighbourhood with peace of mind. u Set rules and expectations. Before children are allowed to roam the neighbourhood there must be a set of rules and expectations decided on by the children and the parents, that both must follow. These rules are there to help the child stay safe, feel safe and keep them in contact with their parents. Have a family meeting to roll out some rules. Set specific neighbourhood boundaries, outline which homes they can and cannot visit and be clear about areas they should avoid.

Teach children to “never go anywhere with anyone without asking permission first”. v Look for signs of maturity.

The answer depends on your child, and there are many things to think about. Experts agree that kids younger than 10 don't yet have the street smarts to respond to an emergency or sniff out danger by themselves. Often by age 10 our children are asking for more freedom and responsibility. I was horrified the other day when my almost 10 year old asked if she and her friend could wander around the shopping mall of their own free will! They feel they are ready to spread their wings, yet I feel reluctant to let them. Somewhere in between, it becomes necessary to find the balance for both of us.

Where does it say in the rule book how old they should be to rove responsibly? There is no law on when kids can be free to roam, however as parents we are responsible for our child's safety.

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Is your child generally responsible with things like homework and chores? Do they react well to surprises, follow the rules and avoid unnecessary risks? Chances are if you find yourself answering “yes” to these questions it is time to let them spread their wings and go a bit further a field without you. If your child is initiating the request for greater independence it is a sure sign that they are ready to take on further responsibilities.

Often it is our peace of mind as a parent that restricts our child's growing independence.

Remind kids that with rights also comes responsibilities. If they feel they are ready to roam, then remind them, this freedom comes with sticking to the rules that were laid down.

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Neighbourhood

by Catherine Gerhardt about safety issues; share newspaper articles and talk about issues which arise on the evening news, or even experiences you had as a child. Talking will not put your child in danger; it actually increases their awareness and gives them clues about how to assess situations for safety.

y Take a friend. Teach your child to always take a friend or sibling with them on walks and bike rides. Educate them to stay in plain view, and avoid shortcuts through dark or isolated areas. After all, safety in numbers is a rule that works, and it's almost always more fun to go with your friends.

Clear guidelines and consequences need to be enforced if these rules are broken

w Consider your neighbourhood. Does your child know lots of friendly, trustworthy neighbours who they would be willing to ask for help him if they needed it? Are you near major roads and is there much crime in the area? It takes a community to keep a child safe. Let neighbours know that your child may come to them if they need help. x Talk safety with your child. What kids really need to develop before they can be truly safe either in the real or online world is their critical thinking skills. Classic “What if...� scenarios are perfect for teaching kids about basic safety skills. Keep conversations going

z Be an active parent. Know where your child is, and who they are with. If they are visiting a friend's house, have them send you a quick text message or phone call when they get there, when they are heading home, or if there has been a change of plans. Enforce all rules, ask them how their day went, and get to know their friends and their families.

Model good behaviour by letting them know where you are, and when you're running late.

As parents we may perceive the world out there as a big, scary place for our kids, and be inclined to overprotect them. However, empowering ourselves and our children with some basic safety rules and guidelines, we can watch them soar and grow into independent young adults.

Catherine Gerhardt is the Director of Kidproof Melbourne www.kidproofsafety.com.au

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Seasons

T

here is always something beautiful with each season that comes and goes.

Whether it's admiring the beautiful flowers that blossom in spring or feeling the sand between your toes and cool water around your feet as you walk along the beach on a summer's night. Maybe it's watching the leaves turn so many shades of orange and hearing them crunch in the autumn months.

Even the winter is beautiful as you snuggle under the blankets early in the evening drinking a hot drink before bed. Did you know that our relationship with our partner also goes through the seasons? And just like nature, there is something beautiful to look forward to in each season.

What season are you in?

Have you just entered a new season?

Do you need to move to the next season?

Knowing and understanding what happens in each season will allow you to grow and maintain a loving and completely fulfilling relationship for years and years. When two people commit to each other they are saying, 'I want to spend my life with you and I want to see us grow old together.' But how do you keep that spark, that enjoyment? Only a select few can have that, right? The answer is 'no'. If you have the foundations of a great relationship you can also be one of those lucky ones to have that everlasting love. The key is knowledge; knowing where you are together and where you are heading. Knowing how to create the next level

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of your relationship and move to the next season is vital. In nature everything is either growing or dying. It is the same with relationships. It should never be stagnate.

Spring has Sprung 3 to 12 months Spring is the time of new life. The flowers are blooming, birds are tweeting, you start getting the first hints of the warmer weather. Spring, in a relationship is a time of incredible passion. It is the time of dating. It can last anywhere between three and twelve months. Spring is the starting point in a new relationship. You begin to find out if you have enough in common with your new partner. You begin new interests and activities together. You have fun, laughter and enjoyment. You may begin to feel comfortable enough to introduce your new partner to friends and family. Spring is really about new love and the excitement that it brings.

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Growing together through the seasons

by Alison Valenti

Sun, Surf & Fun = Summer Time 6 to 18 months Inevitably spring turns into summer. Summer, in a relationship, can last for about six to eighteen months. It's a time where you as a couple will start getting into some routines. It's also a time to sort out the purpose of the relationship.

Women are actually testing and saying, 'Can this man create the certainty I need? Can this man provide the safety I need?' The man is saying, 'Well, we are getting into some routines now, but is there still excitement and is she loyal?' A key component for men is loyalty in the relationship. It's possible the relationship might become shakey in the summer months for a number of reasons. Firstly, family and friends may reject your partner and you begin to question the fit yourself. Or a couple may stay in the years of summer and never move to the next level and if this happens, eventually it will end. The purpose is to move to the next level, to grow.

The Amazing Colours of Autumn 18 months to 3 years Then comes autumn; a time for change. Couples need to give birth, grow and nurture something outside of themselves. This is the real purpose of the relationship. Contributing towards something together brings you closer and results in a deeper connection. We all have the need to contribute, and as a couple you need to give your focus to something or someone. This may be parenting of children, caring for a pet, setting up a home or a business together.

Crackling Fires, Snowflakes and Hot Chocolate.....

Winter is here – 3 to 7 Years Winter begins, and this, for the couple, is a time of completion and reflection. The next chapter is really beginning to unfold. The children may have grown up and are shaping their own lives.

They are now no longer as dependant on mum and dad as they were. It may be a difficult thing, for mothers especially, to accept and adjust to.

As a couple you may be feeling you are losing your identity as parents. So this is the time for the two of you to dream. You need to dream together and plan what your life will look like.

What's next for you? What's going to be your next adventure? Maybe you want to travel together, plan some renovations to your home, perhaps learning to salsa together or a new language?

The whole cycle of the seasons lasts for about seven years. The 'seven-year-itch' has been proven to be true. Successful couples will continue through the cycle again at a new level.

Spring will create a new energy, renewed passion and a new love of each other.

So where are you now? Are you in winter and not sure how to get to spring again? Maybe the answer is in your dreams!

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Article supplied by Alison Valenti of ICCT – Inspired Coaching & Corporate Training www.icct.com.au

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Just Tell Stories

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chef friend of mine wants to write a cookbook called “Just Cook!” I think this title is great, simple and to the point. Likewise, I would like to introduce this article with the heading “Just tell stories!”

by Lou Harvey-Zahra

something from the natural world, such as an animal. This connects your children to the earth and its many wonders. A dog is a trusted companion. In my family, our story character is a dog called 'Bingo' as my children had sung the song at school.

Story telling is a huge gift for childhood; I have never heard a young child say 'No', when asked 'Shall I tell you a story?' Try some storytelling these holidays…

For children, the best stories are the ones that you make up yourself. These made-up stories are truly alive with imagination. Please do not worry, you need no previous experience. Just give it a go, that's all. The telling of stories is an ancient daily art, and began around campfires!

Stories can be spontaneous: if a little bird appears in a tree in your garden, make up a story of his home and life. If your cat comes in after a day outside, wonder what has he been doing? Tell stories when the mood and inspiration takes you. With older children, taking it in turns to say a line of a story, as it is being made up is fun, especially camping, around a camp fire!

With younger children, it is fun to have a family theme - one that is unique to your family. It may be a rabbit, or a cheeky bird from your garden. Choose a theme that inspires your child. My son had stories about a rubbish truck for a while - this inspired him!

He was frightened of them, so it did help to give rubbish trucks a friendly face. In general, do not create scary stories, and try to choose 20

‘Bi ngo' dog entertains my children on long car journeys and tiring walks (and prevents many a tired moan!). He helps to heal their hearts when they are upset or scared. He makes them laugh, helps them to count (there are lots of things to plant on a farm) and he displays the lovely qualities of good manners and respect for all people and the earth. He walks alongside their childhood, making it magical. He is a lifelong friend.

And yes, he is a story.

Lou Harvey-Zahra is a parent, teacher and author, her book 'Turning Tears into Laughter: Creative Discipline for the Toddler and Preschool Years' is published by Five Mile Press and is available from bookstores, libraries and her website (along with many free parenting tips) www.skiptomylouparenting.com

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Processed v Natural Sugar

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here has been a lot of conversation lately about the effect of sugar on our long term health. As a practicing Naturopath and Nutritionist I often get asked whether there is a difference between the sugar found in lollies and cakes etc. and the fruit found in fruit. The answer is yes and no!

Sugar is a carbohydrate that occurs in all plant foods. It is the energy source that allows plants to grow and reproduce i.e. produce fruit. These sugars have many different names – sucrose, fructose, dextrose, in fact any ingredient ending in “-ose” is a form of sugar. But all of these sugars have different chemical structures and are utilized in different ways by the body.

The main type of sugar which we need to be concerned about is processed sugar which is derived from sugar cane. This doesn't mean that all cane sugar is bad either, I grew up on a sugarcane farm in Queensland and can remember chewing on sugar cane; it was very hard work to get the sugar out of the cane. The problem with sugar from cane comes with the processing.

Once the sugar is extracted from the cane it is bleached and refined until it bears very little resemblance to its original state. The refining process results in the stripping of all nutrients from the sugar and the removal of the fibre; this is what causes problems when it is included in our food. The production of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is even more processed and really does not resemble its original state at all. HFCS is not fructose!

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Sugar & Stevia Leaf

The biggest concern with processed sugar is that it is added to so many packaged foods.

Because of our long term fear of fats (a very clever marketing campaign) many people are eating a lot of 'low fat' foods. When fat is removed from foods, the food generally doesn't taste very good so high levels of processed sugar are added to make the food palatable.

So where does fruit sit in the sugar equation?

All fruits and vegetables contain some level of sugar, in many cases the form of sugar is fructose. With the exception of people who suffer from Fructose Malabsorption conditions, a moderate amount of fructose in a balanced diet is okay. The reason being is that fruit and vegetables also include fibre and the fibre slows down the absorption of sugar in the gut. This is what we call a low Glycaemic Load (which is not the same is low GI). Fruit and vegetable juices are not low glycaemic load, unless you keep the pulp in the juice. So eating 2 pieces of fruit and approx. 6 handfuls of vegetables/salads per day is a good level for a balanced diet.

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Is there a difference?

by Angela Counsel As you can see there are some differences in natural sugars and processed sugars and to live a happy and healthy life it is important to keep the sugar intake under control. No one, especially children, do not need high levels of sugar in their diet. The key to a healthy diet is moderation and balance.

So what's good, bad or half way in between?

As mentioned above fruit is okay in moderate amounts, but if your child craves fruit all day long – it is likely that they have an overgrowth of candida in their gut. A maximum of 2-3 pieces/serves of fruit a day would be considered okay, anything more than that may require further investigation especially if they have other symptoms such as skin rashes.

Fruit juice, is whole fruit with the fibre removed, which leaves the sugar and water. To make a glass of orange juice it takes 4-6 oranges, your child couldn't eat that many oranges in a sitting.

If you must give them juice, then dilute Ÿ cup of juice to ž cup of water.

Dried fruit, once again is the whole fruit, this time with the water removed. Your child will eat more dried fruit than they would whole fruit, so they are getting more sugar. Be very

careful of how much dried fruit your child eats, keep it to small amounts only.

Fruit straps/bars, unless you are making them yourself, they are generally high in sugar. Avoid them.

Honey does have sugar in it, but raw honey (not the processed stuff in the plastic bottles) actually has an anti-bacterial effect so it does help to kill off some of the bad bacteria. Honey is okay in small amounts on occasions.

Stevia is a sweet herb, it isn't sugar, it has no sugar in it, it is not an artificial sweetener and it is 70 times sweeter than sugar so you don't need to use very much of it at all. Excellent sugar substitute for the sweet tooth.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, too much can cause liver damage, but used to sweeten cooking on occasions is fine. A good side effect of xylitol is that it actually helps to get rid of candida in the digestive system. Sold under the name of Perfect Sweet.

Agave Syrup is a form of sugar (from Agave plant) but doesn't have all of the negative effects of processed sugars. Agave is okay to use as a sweetener, once again in moderation.

Rapadura Sugar is a form of sugar (raw cane juice) but it is unprocessed and doesn't have the same negative effects of processed sugar, contains additional nutrients not found in processed sugars. Use in moderation.

It is possible for your child to have a low sugar diet; it just takes a bit of effort and planning.

Angela Counsel is a Snr Naturopath, Speaker and Educator in Brookvale NSW www.ambaatree.com.au

To advertise in Your Child in Hume call 0407 875 273

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Making Music a Natural Nearly every activity we do each day can be made more pleasant and in most cases more effective with music.

Specialised music programs focus on developing skills and the understanding of musical concepts in a structured environment.

A regular music program is really only the first step and there is a great deal we can do each day to support and supplement the formal music program.

Get down on the floor and join in!

First of all the most important thing we as parents, or carers of children, need to do is participate. I cannot stress this point too highly.

When we take an active role in the music program (by joining in the activities on the same level as the children), the children are more attentive, enjoy the program more and overall the program is far more effective.

Get used to singing spontaneously Don't be afraid to sing. Many people are selfconscious about their singing voice and are reluctant to sing unaccompanied to the children. The most important thing to remember here is that the children don't care what you sound like – merely that you are doing something with them.

Let them know no-one can make a mistake Even though there is always a more correct way of doing something - singing,and dancing included, it is important that the children know that they can join in an activity without fear of being corrected. Using Puppets and props are a good way of introducing a new activity. It takes the emphasis off the individual and adds another sensory experience.

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Pick songs and dances that are special for them At the moment Hi 5 are a big hit with most children up to about 6 years of age. It's sort of their music. The Wiggles are also still popular and their songs are easy to sing. Both the Wiggles and Hi 5 are great examples of men being part of music. (The boy/girl thing is another issue altogether.)

Most children will have listened to the music that their parents play and I think it is nice to pick songs that the I. parents can sing along with and II. that the children perceive to be “cool” or “grown up” – just be careful of the lyrics.

Don't be afraid to change things Slow things down, change the key, change the words just pick out a catchy part and repeat it over and over. There are no rules.

Take a simple familiar song and watch it grow Twinkle, twinkle – this will always be a favourite.

Babies – sing slowly and do the actions. This song can be good on the change table or at sleep time. As an activity, the babies will copy your movements before singing the words.

Toddlers – sing slowly and do the actions. This age group will sing the song if it is not too fast for them. It really needs to be twice as slow as you think. Most times they will give up if they can't fit the words in.

Kinder kids – sing by themselves with no help make the song a full body action song Shop Local and mention Your Child In Hume

Part of Every Day

by Sonja Olsen Bananas in Pyjamas ¬ pat the rhythm on the knees (all ages) ¬ change the speed depending on the age ¬ stand up and act out the song for the older group – don't run – just use small quick steps almost on the spot. ¬ Sit on the floor and stamp feet on the beat

Use puppets or a toy to give instructions or try new concepts–

¬ Teddy says it's lunch time now let's all pack up ¬ Can your caterpillar sing this note for me? ¬ My dog is going to sing his name now let me hear your dog say hello John

Old Macdonald ¬ use puppets ¬ draw the animals ¬ imitate the sounds of the animals ¬ pretend to be the animals ¬ try changing the pitch of the animal sounds and get them to echo you ¬ introduce musical instruments for the kinder kids – let them choose an instrument for each animal

Use songs to get things done 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Sitting on my bottom get you moving Simon says Pack up time hello/goodbye

Listening ¬ Try an echo activity – sing this note or word after me ¬ Hum a song and get the children to guess what it is then get them to take turns at doing the same thing ¬ Chinese Whispers – sit in a circle and whisper a phrase into a child's ear and get them to pass it on

Use music in stories – add a little music to your voice when reading a story. This is a good way to talk about high and low pitched notes or soft and loud sounds.

To advertise in Your Child in Hume call 0407 875 273

Sonja Olsen runs Hey dee ho in Whitehorse and Manningham Vic. www.heydeehomusic.com.au

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Handy Phone Numbers Emergency Numbers Ambulance Fire Police

}

DIAL 000

Hospitals Austin Hospital......................................................

Royal Children’s Hospital (Parkville).

Sunshine Hospital ......................

9496 5000 9345 5522 8345 1333

Poisons....................................................................

Kids Help Line..........................................................

Lifeline.....................................................................

Suicide Helpline - (Victoria only).............................

Nurse-on-Call..........................................................

Child Protection - (After Hours Service)..................

Domestic Violence Crisis Centre.............................

Sexual Assault Service (After Hours).......................

Centres Against Sexual Assault................................

Victims of Crime Helpline.......................................

LifeCircle - HOPELINE..............................................

SANDS* Vic...*Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Support Australian Breastfeeding Association Helpline Compassionate Friends Helpline

13 11 26 1800 551 800 13 11 14 1300 651 251 1300 606 024 13 12 78 1800 015 188 or 9373 0123 9349 1766 1800 806 272 1800 819 817 1300 364 673 13 000 SANDS/13 000 2673 1800 686 268 1800 641 091

Crisis Centres

Your Local Police Station Broadmeadows.......................................................

Craigieburn..............................................................

Hume (CIU)..............................................................

Sunbury...................................................................

9302 8222 9303 4433 9302 8211 9744 8111

Other Hume City Council ...........................................

9205 2200

If you provide a free essential service to our community and would like your phone number included on this page please call 0407 875 273

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Shop Local and mention Your Child In Hume

Kids Corner Making a Miniature Secret Garden If it's too chilly where you live to do too much gardening at the moment, remember that it's great weather for reading.

A book that you would enjoy is "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Maybe someone (Grandma or Grandad perhaps) can read it to you. It will give you lots of wonderful ideas for making your own miniature secret garden.

You will need: a shallow plastic or metal tray with holes in the bottom (The trays that nurseries use to hold their punnets of seedlings are perfect.), potting mix, small stones, pebbles, a jar lid, aluminium foil, a selection of small plants What you do: 1. Almost fill the tray with potting mix (or make your own mixture of compost, sand and peat moss.)

2. A jar lid covered in aluminium foil makes a good pond. Make a hole in the potting mix and press the lid down so the sides cannot be seen. Put some little flat stones around the edge.

(Let them poke over the sides into the "pond" a bit.)

3. Your garden will look best if it is not all flat. Mound the potting mix up in a couple of places, make little raised beds surrounded by stones, group some bigger stones to look like boulders, make a winding little path with flat pebbles, sand or fine mulch. You can use pieces of gutter-guard to make screens and trellises. Satay sticks will help to keep it upright.

4. Plants with tiny leaves will look best. Baby's Tears, Pratia, Kennilworth Ivy, thyme, moss and tiny tree or shrub seedlings will all look great. Succulents are really terrific.

5. The garden will dry out quickly, so you must water it every day. A sprayer bottle filled with water will help you keep the garden moist. Keep it in a brightly-lit place where the water can drain through easily. www.global-garden.com.au Hey Kids you can be a ‘Your Child STAR’ share your jokes, recipes, puzzles, fun facts or photos with other Kids in Hume Write to us at: Kids Corner PO Box 66 Doreen 3754 email: info@yourchildinhume.com.au ph: 0407 875 273 To advertise in Your Child in Hume call 0407 875 273

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What’s On in Hume...

Homework Clubs at Hume Global Learning Centre- Craigieburn Library Mondays, 4-6pm Aiming High VCE Support Program Available to VCE students.

Wednesdays, 4–6pm Available to secondary students. Maths and Science subjects.

Thursdays, 3.45–5.30pm Available to primary and secondary school students. All subjects Contact Mandy Ellis 9309 8531

Homework Club at Meadow Heights Education Centre Monday- Friday 3:30-7pm Available to primary and secondary school students.

All subjects.

Contact Funda Kara 9302 2472

Multi Cultural EID Festival Sunday July 10th 10am to 9pm 93 Daley Street GLENROY

Holiday Activity Footy Handball Competition at Gladstone Park Shopping Centre Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th July 11am to 2 pm Centre Stage Cost: FREE

Sunbury Lawn Tennis Why not have a hit of tennis with the kids.

With 10 excellent lawn courts, spend a day making your own fun. There are BBQ facilities as well as outdoor tables and chairs.

Corner of Cornish and Ligar Streets, Sunbury

Plane Spotting - Aircraft Viewing Areas Watch the jumbos as they fly overhead and onto the runway at Tullamarine Airport.

Locations: Parking areas on Operations Road, Melway Ref: Map 4 J7 and on the corner of Sunbury Road and Oaklands Road, Melway Ref: Map 177 H9 28

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Bulla Hill Railway Homework Club at Hume Global Learning Centre- Broadmeadows Tuesdays, 4–6pm Aiming High VCE Support Program Available to VCE students.

Contact Mandy Ellis 9309 8531

Operating the first and third Sunday of every month 12pm - 4pm. The Bulla Hill Railway is operated as a family tourist attraction.

The railway is a non-profit organisation.

The scenic track runs for 1.5 kilometres through cuttings, over bridges and embankments with views over deep creek and to Mt Macedon. Facilities include a fully equipped station with kiosk, toilets, picnic area, BBQ and an adjacent playground.

Location: Green Street, Bulla.

Melway Ref: Map 177 A7.

Phone 9740 6737

Sunbury Aquatic Centre A state of the art fitness complex with both indoor and outdoor pools, spa, sauna and gymnasium.

Located at 20 Ligar Street, Sunbury

Sunbury Toy Library 35 Dobell Avenue, Sunbury Ph 0449 109 717 $30 for 6 months , $15 for 10 weeks, Babies under 6 months FREE

Animal Land Children's Farm This is great place for children to see animals of all shapes and sizes.

Meet Oscar the pig, milk Lucy the cow or ride Goldie the pony! Nurse baby animals, collect eggs and take a tractor ride in the paddock.

Animal Land gives children the opportunity to have real hands on farming experience. They get to scratch, feel, smell and hear all the experiences of life on a farm.

They cater for schools, kinders, playgroups, social groups, birthday parties, Christmas break ups.

Located at 190 Duncans Lane, Diggers Rest (Mel Ref: 352 H6).

Phone 9740 1345.

Tel. (03) 9740 9766

To advertise in Your Child in Hume call 0407 875 273

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Contents & Index of Advertisers Your quick guide to everyone and everything in Your Child...

Features

Baby & Kids 16 La La Kids 17 Lulu and Milly

Articles 4 Lily Pads & Dragonflies 6 If You Want Your Child to be a Stellar Student 8 Great Photos of Kids in Winter 10 How to Answer THE Why 14 Roam the Neighbourhood 18 Seasons 20 Just Tell Stories 22 Processed V Natural Sugar 24 Making Music

Childcare 11 Goonawarra Neighbourhood House 32 Mulberry Early Learning Centre

Hotels

5 Kinglake Pub

Photographers 7 IBK Photos

School Holidays 12 Hume City Council

Play Centres 3 Lollipop’s

Regulars 2 Editor’s letter 26 Handy Phone Numbers 27 Kids Corner

Community 28 What’s On

Swimming 3 Airport West Swimming Academy

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Book a quarter page ad from only $135 per month Call 0407 875 273

Visit our Website: www.yourchildinhume.com.au Your Child in Hume takes no responsibility for any statements or claims made by advertisers or authors.

All material in Your Child Magazines is Copyright and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher.

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