Autumn 2012 by Cairns Parenting Companion

Autumn 2012

yours free!

Delayed Cord Clamping

What are the pros and cons?

Mothers from around the World

Do you know a Wonder Mum?

Why Cairns is now home

Lunchbox Planner!

WIN a family holiday to Kuranda!

Send us your recipes and win! PREGNANC Y

B A BY

TODDLER

Being Different and being ok with it

2012 Cairns Parenting Companion 1 P R I M A R Y S C H O OAutumn L

WORKING FROM HOME IS WITHIN YOUR REACH Build your own flexible business Determine your own income Assist in providing a warm and safe environment for children

Get $200 cash back* The right time to buy a Fujitsu inverter split system is right now.

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

*$200 cash back via redemption from fujitsugeneral.com.au for each Fujitsu inverter split system air conditioner purchased during the promotional period. Personal purchases only. Visit fujitsugeneral.com.au for full promotion details and terms and conditions. Offer valid from 1st March 2012 to July 31st 2012.

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

n m u t u a

2 012

this issue pregnancy

maternity wear essentials delayed cord clamping

The late st new s in Baby Wearing

baby baby wearing

editors’ note

bottle feeding

Can’t believe it’s already Autumn! Is it just

car seat safety

me or is time picking up speed?

toddler

In this edition we’re celebrating some of the wonderful cultures found in our city with five mothers from around the world sharing their stories and what they love about raising their families in Cairns. Speaking of mothers, it’s time to

night terrors adhd the magic of books

how much homework lunchbox planner

competition to win a getaway for Mum and

ok with being different

for her special day. Our midwife explains the benefits of

helicopter parents it takes a village

common practice, and we have some tips to

mother’s day indulgences

help with your little one’s night terrors.

babysitting friends

Facebook Mummy makeover competition and a big thank you to everyone who entered. And out of the nominations, an

30 37 65

financial adviser perception? e-newsletters

48 50 54 33 45 56 67

health 52 mothers wellbeing support 67 green smoothies

70 73 74

regular features holidays guide - easter date savers top 5 finds around town dear dave mum behaving badly

parents

delayed cord clamping and why it should be

Also, look out for the winner of our

22 24 34

finance your business on track

primary school

celebrate Mother’s Day with a fantastic the family in Kuranda, plus a few gift ideas

18 20

Mater nit y Wear

man about the house confession box

26 28 63 66 76 78 81 82

competitions little lifesavers mummy makeover baby brag board movie premiere wonder mum teacher feature recipe swap community photoboard

11 19 27 27 32 41 51 64

amazing team of educators has been chosen for our Teacher Feature. Happy Parenting!

Juanita and Bec contact us SALES:

about raising their families in Cairns a place they now call home.

EDITORIAL: Rebecca Waqanikalou

autumn cover

DESIGN:

Karolina and Pola enjoying all the

Sheryn Bewert

Botanic Gardens has to offer, even

PHONE: 0438 811 027 (Juanita)

with a little rain, everyone had a ball!

l Bayview Heights l Brinsmead l Cairns l Edmonton l Forest Gardens l Innisfail

EMAIL: info@parentingcompanion.com.au

cover shot taken onsite at the

l Kanimbla l Manoora l Manunda l Mooroobool l Mossman - Johnston Road

ADDRESS: PO Box 4620 Cairns QLD 4870

Botanic Gardens, by Mika from

l Mount Sheridan l South Innisfail l Trinity Beach l Woree - Toogood Road

www.parentingcompanion.com.au

Heaven on Earth Photography.

www.facebook.com/cairnsparentingcompanion

www.heavenonearthphotos.com

goodstart.org.au

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

1800 555 432

sharing their stories and what they love

engineroom.com.au

Drop in for a chat with your local Centre Director today. 4

Juanita Soper

mothers from other cultures

DISCLAIMER: No part of this magazine, including advertisements within it, may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at time of publishing, readers are advised to check details before visiting. Cairns Parenting Companion cannot accept responsibilities for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within the magazine are not necessarily the views of the Cairns Parenting Companion, of the Parenting individual writers. Autumn 2012but Cairns Companion 5

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Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

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inbox n f o cu s iphotographer

We value your feedback. Please email your comments to feedback@parentingcompanion.com.au

What got you talking on Facebook ...

We linked a trailer for an American documentary that explores how the

MIKA ERIKSSON from HEAVEN ON EARTH PHOTOGRAPHY

media’s misrepresentations of women

Mika has always had a passion for beautiful photos and loves to capture special moments between family, couples, children and friends. You can choose to have your photos taken at beautiful outdoor locations or enjoy the privacy and versatility of Heaven On Earth’s home studio in Bayview Heights. There’s a range of packages on offer and special promotions each month so there’s definitely something to suit any budget.

www.missrepresentation.org

Phone: 0428 496 487 www.heavenonearthphotos.com

Cat - I would just like to say how

have led to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence. To view, visit the website at

Jess - This is awful, I have 2 daughters, and this stuff scares me because it’s so real. This is the very place where negative body issues, low self esteem and self loathing can stem from. Thank you for sharing. It is a stark reminder of how it is so important

Kirsty - I have 2 daughters & I myself have self esteem issues that I am TRYING so hard not to pass on. I want my girls growing up to believe they can do or be WHATEVER they want! Thanks for sharing this- its made me realise how hard I still have to work to make sure they grow to love themselves no matter their weight or how they look.

to remind our children how special they are, to be proud of who they are and to love themselves no matter how much of this crap confronts them in life.

important it is to teach not only our daughters but maybe more important to teach our sons how important it is

“Parenthood: That state of being better chaperoned than you were before marriage.” Marcelene Cox

then maybe change will come. Yes it is great in Australia having females in the political arena but we need more women in higher education roles, Power positions in advertising and media and also CEO’s in the big businesses to ever make a change in the way women are portrayed media.

to value, treat and respect women. Unfortunately these men may still be the power houses of the future, however if we raise them to treat woman as equals

Phone 07 4036 8111 Po Box 110e, earlville Queensland 4870 email tas@tas.qld.edu.au | fax 07 4036 8222 tas White rock, Progress road tas Kewarra Beach, Poolwood road

Editor’s Pick Thank you so much for doing a story on VBAC! I am expecting again and after my emergency C-section with my first I really didn’t want to go back for another, but every family member and friend I seem to talk to tells me I should just have the scheduled C-section this time round. I really don’t want to do that again. I will be doing more research on it after reading your article. Baby on the Way - Whitfield

The lasT Time you were in school,

PluTo was a PlaneT.

It’s tIme to dIscover a tas educatIon. a lot has changed since the days of the ‘old school yard’. education continues to move forward at a great rate and since its foundation in 1983, tas has been setting the pace. tas has built a reputation for academic excellence, service to the community and leadership in technology, the arts and sport. this dedication to excellence ensures every tas student is given the tools to reach their potential. visit www.tas.qld.edu.au or email admissions@tas.qld.edu.au for more information on how a tas education will give your child every chance at success.

New Paediatric Doctor! Omega Health welcomes Paediatrician Dr Donna Gandini Specialising in behavioural difficulties, Autism and ADHD. Consultation is by appointment - see your GP for a referral.

OMEGA HEALTH MEDICAL CENTRE Open 7 Days for GP consultations. Same day appointments (call before noon). Skin Cancer Clinic – ALL SKIN CHECKS BULK BILLED. Easy access with ample parking.

OPEN

Open Late 7 Days

8am - 8pm Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays

Call 4053 7900

24/161 Pease Street, Manoora (opposite Piccone’s SupaIGA)

Relay For Life “Relay For Life is such a fantastic opportunity to get together with your community, family and friends to celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer.” Karen Prain, Team Captain

Cairns Relay For Life June 16 & 17, Barlow Park, Cairns Visit www.relayforlife.org.au or call your local relay on 1300 65 65 85 to register your team or for more information about an event near you.

Celebrate Remember Fight Back!

www.tas.qld.edu.au

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Our WEBSITE is undergoing a

Transformation What’s NEW?

s r e v a s e li f lit tle

Local parents share their favourite tips for making life just that little bit easier.

• Blogging by some of our favourite contributors. • Competitions - WIN! WIN! WIN!

Top Tip

• Recipe finder - great meal and snack ideas. • Revamped Garage Sale - find a bargain

Congratulations to the Stoker family for their Little Lifesaver Tip - they won a family pass to see the Cairns Taipans play at home.

• Forums - join in the discussion. • Baby Brag Board - great prizes to be won.

Monthly Photo

• Updated directory - find the business you need. • Events guide - what’s on! • School holiday guide - keep your kids busy! • Online shop - something great for all the family.

www.parentingcompanion.com.au

Take a photo of your child every month up till the age of say 2 (so if born on 15th for example the 15th day of every month) with a little sign beside them with the number of months they are. It is a great and easy way to look back and see how they developed over that time with easy reference to age my kids who are now older are fascinated to see how much they grew and changed over the first two years. Stocker Family

Playtime When it comes to play time, as a single parent I recommend to try to bring yourself down to your child’s level and play and act ‘like a child’. It not only entertains your child/ren, but it also helps you as a parent to understand that sometimes acting out and playing takes your mind off of the everyday stresses that single parents face. And you can both have fun, laugh and play together. Melissa

Bedtime Routine Getting my two and half year old to cooperate can sometimes be a challenge but the distraction method works a treat on him. At night I like my son to go to the toilet before bed but often he’s too busy reading or chatting to his sister so I use a ruse and whisper in his ear “let’s go find some geckos”. This works well even if we can’t find any because we discuss where they could be or are they asleep already or we say hello and have a chat if one is around. Before he knows it, he’s gone to the toilet and off to bed, thinking about the cute little geckos. Gitte Galea

Hot around the Collar My little one really struggles in the summer/warmer months in the car. I found the capsule was really hot and no matter how high the air-con was, he still sweltered. So I started putting a cool pack in the seat next to him - I simply got a non-toxic gel pack, kept it in the fridge overnight and each time we jumped into the car, I’d place it in an old pillow case (I cut it up to fit nicely) into the seat with him. It offered just enough cool that he was comfortable but not too cold to cause any ice burn or the like. Jane

WIN

f amily passes!

Email your little lifesavers (parenting) tips to win@parentingcompanion.com.au for your chance to win family passes to see Sesame Street Presents Elmo’s World Tour 10th and 11th April Cairns Civic Theatre. See the Sesame Street gang going on an adventure through imagination learning how people sing and dance and say hello in different places around the world.

For more information or to book phone Ticketlink: 4050 7750

Transform a Child’s Life. Become a foster carer.

We are currently looking for compassionate people to join our team as carers to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in our program receive culturally appropriate care.

Don't miss Elmo and the Sesame Street gang when they come to Cairns!

07) 4032 8300.

Tue 10 & Wed 11 April www.lwb.org.au

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

The Benevolent Society’s

Birth Story

Cairns

s n i w T different

Early Years Centre

with

! s y a d h B ir t WORDS

The Cairns Early Years Centre offers free services for all families with young children pre-birth to 8 years old, who live in the area from Balaclava south to Gordonvale.

PHOTOS L-R

Maddison and Zac

Virginia Kovacs

Some activities we are running are:

There were no coming and going of

commotion my epidural had come apart

Maddison and Zac, were quite eventful

‘contractions’ and no gushing of breaking

and, being a sterile piece, they couldn’t

considering I had a textbook pregnancy.

waters, just continuous pain like a really,

just plug it back in so a whole new one

No morning sickness, no back pain, no

really bad period cramp. I was admitted

was inserted.

high blood pressure.

straight away. The doctor came in and

I was about five centimetres dilated

went to do an internal exam using the

when Zac changed his mind and decided

Play & Grow playgroups—at the centre and at a number of parks.

2006 after I had just returned home from

trusty duckbill and after a couple of tries

he wasn’t ready. The doctor wanted me

buying the last of my things for hospital.

she asked if she could use her hand as the

Infant Massage

to have an emergency C-section straight

My lower back was a little achy and I had

bill wasn’t going in. She then bobbed her

away but we decided to wait and see if

Singing and Rhyming

a slight pain across my abdomen, so I

head up and said, “no wonder it was not

he would come back out on his own. As

went and had a lay down and felt better

working … there’s a head in the way!”

it turned out I had to have an emergency

Come Yarn and Play—activities in the park for indigenous families.

I took the easy way out and had an

C-section as Zac had started to stress-out

epidural, and almost six-hours after being

and I developed a fever. He was born on

Parenting Programs

ultrasound and doctors appointment

admitted Maddison was finally born via

Thursday morning at 1:30am. The twins

and everything was fine, but by the time

vaginal delivery at nine-pm. I cried as they

were sent to the SCBU and I finally got to

we got home at about two-pm the pain

lay her on my chest.

hold my babies on Friday afternoon I had

The ‘days’ we welcomed our twins,

It started on Tuesday the 23rd May

after that. The next day I had my 36-week

across my abdomen had returned. I went

fully recovered from surgery.

Then it was Zac’s turn. As there were

My angels were not even five kilograms

to have another lay down, but this time

no contractions, we tried to induce his

the pain was increasing in strength, not

labour. It seemed to work. I was feeling a

between the two of them, but they are

decreasing. My husband rang the hospital

bit of pain so they upped the epidural, but

now happy and healthy five-year-old

and they told us to come straight in. It

it was no better so they gave me gas. This

twins with birthdays on the 24th and 25th

hadn’t occurred to me that I was in labour.

just made me dizzy. Somehow during the

of May! OX

For all your Families Podiatry Needs Cairns | Innisfail | Tully | North Queensland

Shop 1, 157 Mulgrave Rd Showgrounds Shopping Centre Cairns, Q, Australia, 4870 info@insteppodiatry.com.au Ph: 1300 INSTEP (1300 467 837) shoe advice and gait (walking) analysis

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Drop-in Child Health Clinics

Play ideas and information for parents Kindergarten (at a very reasonable cost)

The Cairns Early Years Centre might be a standalone centre, but it’s certainly not a standalone service, according to Centre Manager, The Benevolent Soceity’s Damien Knight. “The Cairns Early Years Centre is so much more than an early childhood service. It is a true community hub that brings together everything local families need in the one place,” Mr Knight says. “We have a team of experts who can link families with everything from a parenting course, to a playgroup, a family support service or a child health nurse. “The centre is really geared around early childhood education – we help families teach their children the basic social and emotional skills they need in the lead-up to school. “As an added bonus, we also give local families somewhere they can go to meet other parents with children of a similar age, which makes it a real community asset.”

Please contact or drop into our centre for more info or support

CALL 07 4045 0003 Find us on

Facebook

Cairns Early Years Centre

Northern end of Bentley Park College Just off Borrowdale Close via McLaughlin Road Bentley Park Qld 4868

e ceyc@bensoc.org.au t 07 4045 0003 www.earlyyearscentre.org.au

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

l a r u t l u Multic

So, what is it that makes Cairns such an attractive destination for families with different cultural backgrounds?

Mums WORDS

With its blissful blend of beaches, rainforest, creeks and kid-friendly activities, there can be no doubt Cairns is an ideal place to raise a family.

has accounted for around half of the

A quick trip past Muddy’s playground on a Saturday morning can certainly back that up. And it seems this ever-growing Far North Queensland town has an appeal that stretches across a hugely diverse range of cultural backgrounds.

cultural marriages.

Cairns, much like the rest of the country, has experienced an enormous boost in migration levels over the past few years. This, in turn, has led to a significant growth in the amount of “multicultural mummies”. Over the last forty years immigration to Australia

country’s entire population growth. As a result there has been a dramatic shift in the dynamics of Australian families due to the increase in interThirty per cent of Australia’s overall annual intake of permanent migrants falls under the Family Migration Program which allows for separated families to be reunited with close relatives, children and spouses. So, what is it that makes Cairns such an attractive destination for families with different cultural backgrounds? Parenting Companion took some time to chat with five local “multicultural mums” to find out.

Matelita from Fiji

PHOTO

Heaven on earth photography

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

This year on 26 January 13,700 people across more than 125 local councils made the pledge to become Australian citizens. The Australian Bureau of Statistics states that almost 1 in 4 Australians are born overseas which equates to well over 20 per cent of the populace.

Nikki Taylor

Thirty-two year old mother-of-three Matelita Shaw moved to Cairns with her husband and three sons two years ago. Originally from Fiji, she describes her new home town as “ideal”. “I just love the weather, the food, the ocean and the lifestyle,” she said. She says her sons Moses

To ensure her children stay in touch with their cultural roots, Matelita and Julius speak Fijian at home and associate with others from the same background. “We try and get them adapted to their cultural roles by showing respect to others at all times,” she said. “Also we show them the importance of making time for

10 wks, Philip 5 and Semi 2, are benefiting

family.” Matelita says she and her family

from the high level of attention given to

are “continuously grateful” for the lifestyle

children in Australia. “I salute those that

Cairns has blessed them with. “My children

thought of the well being of children in

just love the Esplanade, the salt water,

this country,” she said. “It is with great

the parks and the people who live here,”

honour I say I prefer Australia and all the

she said. “So many of these factors make

opportunities it gives my children in terms

Cairns an ideal place to raise and live with

of welfare and happiness.”

your family.” Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Daniela from Brazil

Natasha from Sri Lanka

Daniela Fernandes Pacheco, 36, moved to

Mother-of-one Natasha Murray has a Sri Lankan background. She moved to Cairns from Melbourne with her husband in 2005 and says she could not ask for a better place to raise 14-month-old son, Jacob, than Cairns.

Cairns from Brazil and describes the town as “perfect” for a multicultural family. “Among all the cities in Australia, Cairns stood out because it had all the same opportunities as a big city but I was able to travel anywhere within ten minutes,” she said. In July 2007 she met husband Mario Catalano, a descendant of an Italian family who immigrated to North Queensland in the 1930s. They were married in a register office in Brazil in January 2009 and are now the proud parents of 18-month-old Pietro Salvatore Catalano, a healthy baby boy born in August 2010 at Cairns Private Hospital. “While my family could not come to the birth the magic of the Internet ensured they got to see him as a newborn,” Daniela recalls. When it comes to teaching her son values, Daniela identifies the Portuguese language, Catholic tradition, family and a passion for soccer as the most important. “We took Pietro to Brazil when he was just seven months old,” she

Anastazia from Rwanda Anastazia Mukankaka, 48, was born in Rwanda and is a mother-of -four. She moved to Cairns in 2007 after spending 6 years as a refugee in Uganda. She and her children Asumpta, Maxime, Richard and Roxanne were transferred by Migrant Settlement Services. She admits to finding the settling in period “complicated” due to the huge differences in culture. “My children were off doing things that were

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

said. “It was the first trip of many to come. “We intend to take him over once a year so he does not lose ties with the other part of his family and cultural history.” Daniela says her family are settled in Cairns and have no intention of leaving. “It is the perfect place for our family,” she said. “The climate is great, the people are friendly and the natural surroundings are beautiful. “We want our son to take advantage of the fact he has a mum and dad from two different cultures and I think the diversity of Cairns will allow him to do just that.”

“My father migrated to Australia with his parents when he was 20,” she said. “I was born here … it is the only home I have known but my parents made me very aware of how limited the opportunities were in Sri Lanka when it came to education, health care and community facilities. “I believe we are extremely fortunate to be living in a country with so many opportunities available for Jacob’s generation. The high level of education offered by schools and universities, the high quality health care system and community facilities all available at our fingertips. Not to mention the sheer beauty and diversity of the country itself.” Natasha hopes to pass on several aspects of the Sri Lankan culture onto to her son. “The Sri Lankan culture is very strong on the importance of respecting your elders,” she said. When reflecting on her life in Cairns Natasha says she and her husband wish

they had grown up here. “The beautiful and diverse landscape of Cairns offers such a wide range of outdoor activities available for children,” she said. “The relaxed, easy going attitude is also a bonus; it gives a real feel of community.” “Cairns is such a family friendly place because there is such a high standard of community facilities available for children, the playgrounds for example are fantastic. There is also a wide range of activities so easily accessible. And just to top it off - access to a great magazine such as Cairns Parenting Companion, what more could you need.”

not available where I come from,” she said. “For example when my son wanted to move out of home and live on his own I was sad, but soon realised it was not a bad thing. “It taught him be an independent young man.

baby boy due this month. Karolina considers

Anastazia is now very proud of everything her children have achieved living due to the opportunities available to them in Cairns. Asumpta, her eldest daughter is working in aged care and has been accepted to do her Nursing degree at James Cook University. Her second child Maxime works as a DJ at a local radio station and dreams of one day becoming a photographer. Third born Richard is about to study filming technology at TAFE in Brisbane but also dreams of becoming a professional soccer player for the Socceroos. Anastazia’s youngest Roxanne is currently in year 10 at Freshwater Christian College.

She said Poland was still trying to “catch up”

“I am so grateful to have moved to Cairns, the opportunities for myself and my children are endless,” she said.

Fun, Fitness & Friendship at YMCA Marlin Coast Recreation Centre

Queensland an ideal place to raise her family. “It is a very family orientated place,” she said. “Cairns especially has fantastic weather and endless outdoor facilities so we can raise our children in a friendly, healthy environment.” with Western Europe after many years of communism. “People have to work very hard to provide a good life for their families. “It means usually both parents have to work full time

Karolina from Poland Karolina knows firsthand how important family roots are. It was her husband’s search for his own cultural identity that brought them together in Poland. Konrad had grown

Fitness Classes Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Boot camp, Box fit, & more Creche available NO JOINING FEES

leaving very limited time for their kids. “The part time work system isn’t very common and it’s usually hard to make ends meet.” She said she was “extremely grateful” for the easy going lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere within Cairns. “Australia in general offers a trouble

up in Cairns and ventured to Warsaw at 23

and stress free way of life where a healthy

to get to know his Polish family. Years later,

balance between a career and family can

the couple were married at Ellis beach,

be kept,” she said. “I appreciate that my

had a baby girl, Pola, now 3 and made the

daughter is growing up in a multicultural

decision to move to Cairns permanently.

environment which builds a good outlook

They are now eagerly awaiting the birth of a

on life and develops an open frame of mind.”

YMCA Marlin Coast Recreation Centre Leisure Park Road Smithfield 4879 Ph: 4057 7507 E: cairns@ymca.org.au Autumn 2012www.cairns.ymca.org.au Cairns Parenting Companion 17

Hot Mummies offers a wide range of quality maternity wear including casual shorts, pants and skirts, breast feeding tops, lingerie and formal dresses. Their six way dress is pictured below. Corner of McLeod and Upward Streets Ph: 4041 0468

t er n i t y a M Wear Essentials CPC’S MUMMY PANELIST, ABBEY DAGG FROM BENTLEY PARK TELLS US ABOUT HER FAVOURITE MATERNITY THINGS.

As I sit here and think of my favourite

you’ve left the house for some reason!

maternity top 5’s, nostalgia has crept

After the birth I found that I needed a

up and sat right on my lap! Bittersweet

supportive full brief to accommodate

memories of the outfits (some hideous)

the necessary evil known as ‘the

that I actually left the house in, and the

maternity pad’!

realisation that as of January this year, (my son has decided no more breast feeds) this chapter of my life has come and gone! Here’s my survival checklist. A good fitted maternity bra Pregnancy one saw my ‘little ladies’ soar from a 12B to an excruciating 14DD in six weeks. I had to be fitted by a qualified fitter, which is very important as there are a lot of imitators, and I had no idea

PHOTO COURTESY

ROMY Photography

what I needed! There are a lot of choices;

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Breastfeeding tops For my first pregnancy I made a lot of my own tops. OMG - I couldn’t have been anymore ‘little house on the prairie’ if I’d tried! I looked for tops that would last during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and sometimes they didn’t come from the maternity rack at all! You can embrace your bump-o-licious body these days with a wide range of quirky maternity

WINNER!

mummy

makeover

Renae’s Stylist

Reds Salon & Spa proudly welcomes the return of Cassie Cygler to their team. Cassie’s 23 years extensive experience includes success as a salon owner, specialising in cut & colour make-over’s! A mother of 2 herself she can empathetically design a look to suit any busy lifestyle, to enhance your face shape and skin-tone.

Renae Before

tops now available.

frilly and pretty, sporty, and the everyday

Maternity swimwear

comfy ones, but the most important

This is a no-brainer! We live in Cairns and

thing to remember is to get a bra that a)

we swim pretty much all year round!

supports and b) gives you room to move.

Being pregnant in summer mostly, I

You need the room in the cup so that

found having maternity swimmers great

when your milk sets in (about three days

as I could also wear it as a top and didn’t

post partum) your breasts and pads will

have to negotiate the small change areas

fill the little space you have left. Trust me!

… thus leading to less of a bruised bump!

Comfy knickers

Shoes

During my first pregnancy I found Bonds

A pair of soft, comfy shoes is a must!

to have a great range of maternity

Let’s face it, after carrying around the

underwear that sat nice and low at the

extra 15 plus kilos all day, every day,

front and were quite comfy! Nothing is

your feet will probably swell and hurt

worse than having your undies roll down

so the more you can do to prevent

at the front, which only happens after

this the better.

thanks to Reds Salon & Spa and For your chance to win a mummy makeover arentingcompanion.com.au Shaz Spannenburg Digital images visit ww w.p

Bella Forma’s Cake Maternity Lingerie includes the very popular flexi-wire maternity bras. These bras are designed to provide superior shape, support and good overall breast health. Pictured is Turkish Delight with sizes 10-16, DD-FF Cup available. Bella Forma, The Pier at the Marina Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

elayed D CORD CLAMPING WORDS Helen Sweeney, Midwife for Appletree Medical Smithfield

CORD PHOTOS L-R Taken immediately after birth, 7 minutes after birth and 15 minutes after birth. Courtesy of Stephanie Soderblom - www.nurturingheartsbirthservices.com

birth when there is only a slim chance

iron deficiency from developing before a

of a problem occurring later in life? The

baby reaches six months of age.

most common reason for transplantation

Babies who get their full quota of

in childhood is for leukaemia but, sadly, a

cord blood will almost certainly develop

donor’s cord blood is unlikely to be used,

jaundice. Jaundice in the majority of

and a donor is more likely to be from

cases is a normal physiological process

another person or a family member.

which occurs as a result of the breakdown

While the aim of active management

bilirubin. Bilirubin is the pigment that

the risk of haemorrhage for the mother,

causes the yellow appearance in a baby’s

studies have shown that this practice

skin. There is, however, no evidence of

deprives newborn babies of a significant

any adverse effects from mild jaundice.

volume of blood. It is estimated that immediate clamping deprives the baby of between 54 to 160 millilitres of blood. In reality this represents up to half of a baby’s total blood volume at birth. Some women may rate a small personal risk of a haemorrhage of little importance over the benefits of delayed cord clamping, whereas others may wish to take all measures to reduce the risk of a postdelivery haemorrhage. Clamping the cord before the baby The medical approach to pregnancy

“actively managing the third stage of

and birth has sadly become ingrained

labour and the immediate clamping

benefit in delayed cord clamping,

in our culture and this interference and

of the cord” is in fact harmful and an

despite a plethora of studies

subsequent cascade of intervention

unnecessary intervention and that

suggesting the opposite.

has been well documented and

delayed cord clamping should be

researched. When labour comes to its

standard practice. The definition of

clamping can cause complications,

tumultuous end with the birth of your

“delay” is subjective and can range from

despite a large number of studies

precious baby, instead of peace and

30 seconds to several minutes, but

suggesting the opposite.

calm and that memorable moment of

essentially it is the time it takes for the

meeting your baby, women are exposed

cord to stop pulsating. Umbilical cord

to injections, examinations, clamping

blood is rich in stem cells, red blood cells

and pulling on the cord in the hope of

and white blood cells (including cancer-

a hasty delivery of the placenta and the

A more recent development is the

fighting T-cells) which help fight disease

lucrative business of storing cord blood,

carer’s mission of a quick clean up of the

and infection. However it is common

taken and stored for your baby in case

room, woman and baby.

practice to quickly cut off the source of

of future diseases. Theoretically it’s a

these precious cells at the moment of

wonderful concept, but why deprive

birth. Several reasons for these are:

your baby of these wonderful cells at

However, there is irrefutable evidence that this routine practice of

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

• Carers believe there is little or no

• Carers believe that delayed cord

• Carers are in a hurry to finish the birth. • Hospital protocol.

of a normal excess of blood producing

in the third stage of labour is to reduce

takes its first breath results in blood being sacrificed from other organs to establish

Delayed cord clamping is not standard practice so it’s important that you discuss your wishes with your care-giver prior to labour. If this is not possible you must talk to your care-giver when you are in labour. Once the cord has been cut, you’ll not get a second chance. Your care-giver should be able to offer you unbiased information regarding delayed cord clamping, which will enable you to reach an informed decision. It is important to understand how delayed cord clamping will be done. What

a blood supply to the lungs. The baby

are the benefits and what are the risks?

whose cord is clamped early also loses

It is also important to be aware that if

the iron contained within that blood,

emergency situations occur your wishes

exposing the baby to an extra risk of

may not be adhered to.

anaemia. A two-minute delay in clamping

A woman does have the authority

can significantly increase the baby’s iron

to decide about care that affects her

reserves equivalent to one-two months

and her baby; ‘informed consent’ is an

of an infant’s iron requirements. Delayed

ethical principal, even if it is not seen as

cord clamping could realistically prevent

‘routine practice’.

Did you know..? A baby can be deprived of up to half it’s blood volume by immediate cord clamping after birth. Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

B a by Wearing WHY IT CAN BE MORE THAN JUST CONVENIENCE WORDS

Suse Fewster

Now open at Mt Sheridan and Stockland Cairns. Manduca Baby Carrier

...another reason to smile!

Specialists in wraps, slings and Mei Tai carriers with on-going customer support also given. Shop 1, 72-74 Grafton Street

Baby Yeti Ph: 4031 6767 www.babyyeti.com.au

Medical professionals agree that infants

baby, but many researchers, Doctors and

thrive through touch; “wearing” your

parenting experts have found babies that

baby is another way to meet this need.

are ‘worn’ turn out to be more secure and

Babywearing, or carrying your baby

independent children overall.

in a sling or other form of carrier, has

With many types of carriers on the

been around for millions of years and

market it is important to use whichever

local Cairns mum and babywearing

you choose correctly and safely. Ensure

advocate, Suse Fewster, tells us a little

that your baby’s face is visible and not

about her experience.

covered by fabric and infants without head

Finely Woven Wrap Experts

control are well supported so that the chin

Local stockist of Oscha, Diva Milano, Colimacon + Cie and Dolcino woven wraps. Free consultation and wearing lesson provided to Cairns locals.

“Babywearing became a part of my life soon after the birth of my first child four

is not pressed down onto the chest which

years ago. I initially used the ubiquitous

may compromise breathing. A baby who

BabyBjorn, but found it uncomfortable.

is uncomfortable will usually cry, but a

I needed to carry my son as he became

baby with restricted airways will not, often

distressed when put down, so I sought

appearing passive and sleepy.

better solutions. There were few resources

In a lying down position, the baby

in Cairns at the time, so I embraced the

should be at the same height as if you were

online babywearing community and I

cradling in your arms; a sling that carries

discovered the freedom of being able to

the baby at waist height or in a slumped

keep my baby close and comfortable, and

position is too loose. In upright-carries, you

we both enjoyed a close bond.”

should be able to easily kiss the top of your

Suse also believes babywearing offers

baby’s head. If you are in doubt that you

more than just a convenient way to carry

are carrying your baby safely, stop

her children. “When my son was diagnosed

and seek help.

with autism, I realised that babywearing

Finely Woven www.finelywoven.com.au

wearers choose the right carrier and use

imagined, creating a safe haven in an

it correctly. ‘Cairns Babywearers’ meets

overwhelming world. Also, despite my

regularly and is active on Facebook, as

daughter being born by caesarean section,

Bubba Moe Sling

is Babywearing FNQ. Australia also has

she was worn comfortably and safely from

a newly developed babywearing forum,

the day she was born.”

Kanga Collective, which is growing to

Suitable for premmie babies right through to 3 yrs of age with 7 different carrying positions (1.5kg-17kg), 100% cotton Allergy free. RRP from: $74.95

be a wealth of information for new and

assumption that continually holding or

experienced wearers alike.

wearing their baby will result in a ‘spoilt’

http://forum.kangacollective.com

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

General Dentistry

Laser Dentistry

We provide all General Dentistry needs including general oral check-ups, cleaning, fluoride treatments and Digital X-rays make it easy for a detailed examination.

No more needles, no more drills! Lasers can be used to speed the process of fillings and teeth bleaching. Smartbleach Laser teeth whitening (the world’s most advanced) is also available.

Preventative care to ensure the health of your natural teeth - no drills or pills needed.

Babywearing groups can help new

had helped him more than I had ever

Many parents are under the false

Cosmetic Dentistry Cracked or missing teeth causing you woes? Achieve the smile you have always desired with simple treatment. With crowns and veneers in 1 visit treatments - we can make you smile.

Atherton Juniors Ph: 40912732 Free delivery to Cairns & Innisfail

Members’ Choice

CAIRNS FAMILY & COSMETIC

DENTAL GROUP OPEN: Mon - Fri 8am-5pm; Thurs 8am-8pm; Sat 8am-4pm

Crowns and porcelains inlanys in one visit!

www.cairnsdental.com.au

Autumn 2012Plaza Cairns Parenting Companion 23 Stockland Shopping Centre Ph: 4054 4338 • Mount Sheridan Ph: 4036 4391

WORDS

Rebecca Waqanikalou

Bottle

feeding Breast or bottle, it is important to be well informed and supported in your choice.

In Australia only 14 percent of babies are fully

PREPARING A BOTTLE

breastfed at six months and 56 percent are partially

• Boil fresh tap water in a jug or on the stove-top and allow to

breastfed with supplemented feeding, according to

cool to room temperature before pouring required amount.

statistics in the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy 2010 – 2015. Australia has a very low breastfeeding rate even though the World Heath Organisation recommends

• Secure the teat and cap and shake gently until all the powder is well dissolved. **Important note – it can be potentially harmful to add too much

old, and continued breastfeeding with the addition of

or too little powdered formula – follow the instructions closely**

nutritious complementary foods for up to two years or beyond”. There are many reasons mothers decide to move on from breastfeeding to bottle feeding expressed breast milk or formula. These can range from inadequate milk supply, problems with breastfeeding issues, lack of partner support, inconsistent advice, lack of community support or resuming work. A recent study from the Queensland University of Technology has indicated that mothers who choose to

STORING FORMULA • If you prepare a bottle use it within 24 hours. • Always keep prepared formula in the coldest part of the fridge. • If you are travelling, it is best to take the bottle of cooled boiled water and powered formula separately and mix when it is needed, or if you prepare it, ensure it is kept in a thermo cooler or with an ice pack (this also applies to expressed breast milk). • It is best to dispose of any partially drunk formula after about an hour of finishing as contamination is a risk. • Write the ‘opened’ date on the tin and use within four weeks.

bottle feed their babies may not be receiving adequate

WARMING FORMULA

information, support and education. “Teaching mums

• Standing bottles in warm to hot water is the safest way

the correct way to prepare and store infant formula is vital to avoid babies having adverse outcomes such as bacterial infections, diarrhoea and under-nutrition,” says nursing and midwifery lecturer Lisa Wirihana. “In most cases the bottle feeding education received in hospital by the women who took part in my study came in the form of a pamphlet or book they were advised to read,” and “all of the women said they had experienced a lack of post-natal education regarding bottle feeding.” It is important that women who make this sometimes difficult decision get the same level of education and feel they are as supported in their choice of feeding their babies as breastfeeding mums.

HERE ARE THE BASICS ON BOTTLE FEEDING EQUIPMENT • Only buy a small number of bottles and

to warm milk. • Microwaves are convenient but can produce ‘hot spots’ in the formula. Ensure you shake well and test. • Check the temperature by shaking a little milk on to the inside of your wrist. • Giving babies cold formula is not harmful but most babies seem to prefer formula warmed.

FEEDING BABY • Get comfortable and hold your baby close to you in the same position as if you were breastfeeding. • Talk to, smile and gaze at bub while she is feeding; this is a very important bonding time for both of you and it is important to connect with your baby.

SUCCESSFUL BREASTFEEDING We at CPC support mothers right to choice, whether it is bottlefeeding or breastfeeding. There are however, many instances

age-appropriate teats to start with - baby’s can be

where a lack of, or incorrect information is given to mothers when

particular about bottles.

making this decision, and it is important to be well informed.

Also look for BPA Free Bottles (for more info

If breastfeeding is your choice, we recommend getting a good

www.bpafree.com.au/what-is-bisphenol-a)

start on this by attending one of the Australian Breastfeeding

• A bottle-brush for washing bottles and teats after each use in warm soapy water. • Sterilising equipment or a pot of boiling water. It

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

level each measure and add to the bottle.

“exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months

such as cracked nipples, maternal or infant health

• Using the provided scoop and following the directions closely,

Associations’ Breastfeeding Education Classes whilst you are still pregnant. The next classes are 1st April, 3rd June and 12th August. The A.B.A. also have specially trained counsellors that are available to help and support women. You can Contact the A.B.A.

is important to sterilise new and borrowed bottles

on 1800 Mum 2 Mum (1800 686 268), www.breastfeeding.asn.au

before first use, but new information says sterilising

or www.aba-fnq.com. There is also support by way of Lactation

equipment every time may not be necessary. If in

Consultants at the local hospitals, community health centers and

doubt go ahead and do it.

also in private practice. Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Monday 2nd - Friday 13th April

The Young Company

Discover the magic of drama with The Young Company (TYC). Participants make lots of new friends and improve their self-confidence, communication and presentation skills, finishing with a performance. Holiday and term programs available.

All Weather Fun!

Running all April school holidays! From 8am till 5pm. Full and half day options available. Make Friends, Have Fun and Be Active!! With our fully qualified staff your child will have a day full of recreational games, activities and crafts. Each day is different to keep your child excited and ready to have some serious fun!

Baby Brag Board

$7 games for kids!

Go Bowling has games at $7 for kids and $9 for adults, per person including shoe hire! Fries ‘n’ Drink snack deals from $5 pp. And check out the new ‘cosmic laser light sessions’. Offers available 7 days a week from 30/3/12 - 23/4/12. OPEN from 9am till late.

We want to see your new arrivals! Head to Cairns Parenting Companion’s new website to share your photos. Look out in the next edition of Cairns Parenting Companion to see if your bub appears.

PrEVIEW SUNDAY 1 APrIL 2Pm S bErT m E m EE I S ST f Ir

ALL S TICKET

Check out the entries on our website. 169 Bunda St Cairns City Ph: 4041 4066 www.theyoungcompany.com.au

Art Classes for Children

Zebra Art Studio runs art classes for primary aged school children. Classes are offered after school, Saturdays and school holidays. Children can create and experiment using a wide variety of styles and mediums. Holiday sessions (Tues & Thur 1-4pm; Fri 14 April 9 -12pm & 1- 4pm) at Kewarra Beach Community Hall, Poolwood Rd, Kewarra Beach.

Ph: 4053 5353

Pease Street, Manoora Bookings Ph: 4053 3497

www.cairnsrecreationcentre.com.au

www.gobowling.com.au

Multi-sport madness!

Every School Holidays on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 1pm to 3pm. All ages catered for. Come and play Indoor Cricket, Netball, Soccer, Beach Volleyball and Dodgeball.

EASTER FUN at The Pier

a 8x10 framed sculpture valued at $120 thanks to Twinkle Toes, who now also specialise in photography!

Wonky Duck Pottery Easter Craft Painting: Tuesday 10 - Wednesday 11 April Sumphun Kidzcraft Sandart Classes: Thursday 12 - Friday 13 April

IN CINEMAS 5 APRIL

TICKETS ON SALE NOW NOT A mEmbEr? SIGN UP frEE TODAY AT ThE bOx OffICE *$1.10 online booking fee applies. Additional $1 for 3D glasses where required.

Preview showing at Cairns Central and Cairns Earlville cinemas

ALL eventkidsclub.com.au TICKETS

Daily activity from 10am to 2pm Zoo to You Wildlife Shows: Tuesday 3 - Thursday 5 April

PrEVIEW SUNDAY 1 APrIL 2Pm

Each month, every bragger is in the running to

WI N

We’ll help you to remember! r Twinkle Toes is unde Phone us on 4034 3131 is & P HI RS NE NEW OW www.twinkletoes.com.au Monthly winners announced on our facebook page.

* 12

EACh

* 12

EACh

2467

s y a d i l Easter Ho

S bErT m E m EE I S ST f Ir

Be one of the first 50 people to bring in this coupon into Zinc FM and receive a double pass to The Pirates! Band of Misfits! preview screening.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Proudly brought to you by

NOT A mEmbEr? SIGN UP frEE TODAY AT ThE bOx OffICE *$1.10 online booking fee applies. Additional $1 for 3D glasses where required.

zebraartcairns@gmail.com www.facebook.com/zebraartcairns

Ph: 4032 2844

Ph: 4052 7749

www.cairnsindoorsports.com.au

www.thepier.com.au

enter now at

www.parentingcompanion.com.au 26

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

eventkidsclub.com.au Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

2467

Ph: 0427 939 885

date

family_day_ad.pdf

Saturday 31st March 6pm-9pm

15-17 March

World’s Greatest Shave

Family Fun Breaky at the Salthouse

One Sunday a month, The Salthouse is dedicating breakfast to families and their friends, with activities like face painting, balloon blowing, jumping castles or sing-a-longs, free for the kids to enjoy. Breakfast is from 7am to 11am. Bookings are essential Ph: 4041 7733

Also happening 22nd April and 27th May

10th & 11th APRIL

Sesame Street Presents Elmo’s World Tour From 10am at Cairns Civic Theatre. He’s red; he’s furry; he’s larger than life; he’s Elmo! Everyone’s favourite red monster and all his Sesame Street friends are coming with a new musical show. All tickets $29.90. Bookings at Ticketlink Ph: 4050 7750

Sunday 13th May

playdate in

Paradise Hosted by Cairns Parenting Companion and Paradise Palms Resort & Country Club

EVERY 2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 9.30 - 11.30AM Tuesday 13th MARCH Tuesday 10th APRIL Tuesday 8th MAY

Ph: 4053 8333 for bookings www.brotherscairns.com.au

www.parentingcompanion.com.au/CALENDAR 28

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Face Painting Heaps Easter Bonnet making and parade of Prizes! Indoor Rockclimbing Jumping Castles Skating Soft Play Area C

$7.00 Entry $3.00 Skate Hire $5.00 Rockclimbing Purchase Tickets Online or at the Centre

CMY

$19 per adult (children FREE) includes morning tea, Adventure Playground entry and kids entertainment with Crazy Bron - facepainting, dancing & a little bit of craziness!

Bring your mothers group or meet some new people.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

phone: 0417 762 033 or email

playdate@parentingcompanion.com.au www.parentingcompanion.com.au

Happy MOTHER’S DAY Celebrate mother’s day with Troy Cassar-Daley live at Brothers World of Entertainment. Tickets $37 Adults and $17 children (7 - 16 years).

12:24 PM

CELEBRATE EASTER ON WHEELS

Happy Mothers’s Day - 13th May

Sunday 25th March

16/02/12

CAIRNS RECREATION CENTRE

S AV E R S

Thousands of people will get sponsored to shave, colour or wax their hair to help people with blood cancer. On Saturday 17th March come and join in at the following shopping centres. Stockland: 9am to 2pm Smithfield: 9am to 2pm Raintrees: 9am – 2pm Phone 4041 1454 for more info.

see you there!

PARADISE PALMS RESORT • KEWARRA BEACH

SKATE WITH THE EASTER BUNNY!! For more information please call the centre on 4053 5353 or email info@cairnsrecreationcentre.com.au 44 Behan Street Manunda, 4870

www.cairnsrecreationcentre.com.au

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

NIGHT terrors

Keran Thomas from Birdwing Therapies on what occurs, the differences and how you can help your child cope.

Most children experience good and bad dreams, and sometimes nightmares during their sleep. These most often occur in the latter part of sleep, which is known as Dream Sleep or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Sleep. Research suggests that a child who is worried about something, either from their day or their past, may ‘act it out’ in their sleep. It can be really difficult to encourage your child to go back to sleep as they may be scared they will go back to the nightmare. Comforting your child and (preferably) staying with them until they drop back off to sleep is very important. Leaving them at this time can cause sleep to become a major issue, so showing them love and care can reduce potential long-term sleep problems! If your child talks about the nightmare the next day it is a great opportunity to find out if he or she is worried or scared about anything, and you can then take the necessary steps to support your child.

Night terrors and nightmares are different. Night terrors usually occur in younger children (and are outgrown in middle to late childhood) in the first hour or two of sleep - when the child has commenced their deep state of sleep. A child becomes terrified, screams and acts out, is often inconsolable and will frequently not even recognise their parents. Many parents comment that their child looks awake during a night terror; their body may seem to be awake however the mind is actually asleep. The child may be unaware of their own safety and attempt to do things that are potentially harmful to themselves such as falling down or bumping into things. With night terrors it is vital that you make sure your home is safe and secure and you keep your child safe from harm. Attempting to wake your child may result in the night terror continuing, so patience, reassurance and care are the best methods in dealing with it.

embracing potential

A holistic approach to education, health and wellbeing during the early years. Equip your child with the skills to become a successful lifelong learner. • QLD Government approved Kindergarten program • Owned & operated by Montessori early childhood teacher/local mum • Whole/raw food focused program • Daily yoga sessions • Extended day operation 7am till 6pm (CCB available) • 15 months to 6 years

Preventing or reducing the impact of nightmares and night terrors include providing a regular routine at night time. Reducing stimuli prior to bedtime is essential for good quality sleep. This includes turning off the TV or video games at least an hour or two prior to their set bedtime and reducing active physical play. Creating a calm environment with a story can be really helpful in getting children ready for sleep. Many families use soothing music half an hour before lights out as the sign the routine is winding down – it can work a treat and helps parents keep calm too. With night terrors you may need to seek specialist advice from your GP or Paediatrician as exploration may be necessary to ensure that no underlying medical issues are present such as sleep apnoea or epilepsy (in extreme cases). If no medical problem is assessed your medical practitioner may consider referring your child to a Child Therapist or Counsellor for supportive techniques and assessment of progress and, most importantly, support for you the parent.

9 Brose Street White Rock QLD 4868 Contact us at cairnsmontessori@gmail.com • ph: (07) 4036 1055

www.cairnsmontessori.com.au

Growing responsibilities? Problem Solved

SOME QUICK TIPS ARE: • Nightmares are bad dreams often related to worries a young child may have. • Talking to your child to establish what they are worried about may help to reduce nightmares. • Night terrors can be very scary and usually occur within one or two hours of a child going to sleep. • Be caring and patient and gentle with your child. Keep them safe and ensure your home is safe and secure.

Night terrors are generally found in children between the ages of 3 and 12. Statistics show that up to 6.5% of children around the world experience night terrors, with boys and girls being equally affected American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Arbitration and mediation Children’s matters Ph: 07 4046 1111 De facto relationships E: cairns@wgc.com.au Separation and Divorce www.wgc.com.au Wills and Estates Planning 1a water st, cairns Binding Financial Agreements

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

y a D ’s r e h t o M a Kurand Prize Bonanza

r e t p o HPaerleincts CPC’s Mummy Panelist, Cheryl Britton from Freshwater, shares her thoughts on Helicopter Parenting We all care about our children’s wellbeing and like to guide them along a safe path. We have experience in life to help them along that path and hopefully help them not make some the same mistakes we made. But is ‘hovering’ and ‘helicopter parenting’ a benefit to our children, or a hindrance? Like most things in life and with parenting, it seems that balance and a good sense of humour (and a little bit of trust in our kids) is the key to avoid being labelled a ‘helicopter parent’ or as the lesser-known ‘lawnmower parent’, who smoothes the way for their bubblewrapped marshmallow children. Of course we all love our kids (especially

a m u M r e d n o W r u o Y Win a d n a r u K in d n e k e e w l ia c Spe If you know a Wonder Mum nominate them now to win a Kuranda weekend escape for the whole family! Simply visit our website for details. Nominations close Monday 30th April, winner announced 1st May, 2012.

This Mother’s Day why not visit the Kuranda village for breakfast, lunch, shopping and fabulous attractions!

Prizes include: • 1 night accommodation at Miju Rainforest Retreat (2a & 2c) • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway Family Pass • Kuranda Scenic Railway Family Pass • Kuranda Koala Gardens Family Pass • $250 Indigenous painting from Doongal Aboriginal Art & Artefacts • Birdworld Kuranda Family Pass

• Butterfly Sanctuary Family Pass • Lunch at Frogs Restaurant • Kuranda Candy Kitchen Gift Hamper • Emu Ridge Gallery / Fossil and Gemstone Museum $100 Gift Voucher • Honey House Gift pack • Just Gorgeous $20 Gift Voucher

www.parentingcompanion.com.au 32

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Hover: (verb) to keep lingering about; wait near at hand. To do this we must equip children with the

but unfortunately in doing this we are

skills and knowledge they need to assess,

simultaneously treating them like infants

when they’re sleeping) and of course we

navigate and avoid risky situations, rather

when it comes to making decisions.

don’t want anything bad to happen to

than demonstrating disproportionate

them. But in our current society, fear is

paranoia. Education is the key. Teach them

happy and healthy children grow into

what’s controlling many of us; fear that

to make good decisions and let them learn

well-balanced adults who are capable,

something bad will happen to them, fear

from mistakes.

dependent and self-assured. And for those

they won’t be successful, fear of judgment

Sometimes this can be difficult though

Surely our ultimate goal is to have our

who have more than one child you have

from other people. But all this fear does is

as the world is a very competitive place. As

probably figured out how different each

cause our children to be fearful, dependent

mothers it seems we are judged from the

child can be from one another … what

and to lack confidence in themselves.

moment our baby is born (even earlier);

works for one may not work for the other.

The other disadvantage of extreme

what age did they sleep-through, eat,

Fortunately as our children grow we

helicopter parenting is it can lead to

crawl, walk, talk, potty train and so on.

come to realise that we can’t control

resentment between the child and the

There’s a lot riding on this child and their

everything, but we can lay the foundations

parent. If the child is not allowed to live

achievements, or lack thereof, are seen as

the best we can and let them build on

the life he or she wants this can lead

a direct reflection of our parenting skills. In

them. Somehow we made it, so I’m sure

to rebellion!

a society where performance is paramount

they will too.

Keeping children safe is one of the most important things we can do as parents.

we feel the need to ‘ensure’ they live up to standards and reach all the milestones,

Check out our new website at www.parentingcompanion.com.au Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

t a e s r a c

Local Installers BABY EQUIPMENT HIRE

SAFETY WORDS Rebecca Waqanikalou with assistance from Susan Teerds, CEO Kidsafe Queensland Inc.

In Australia between 2004 and 2008, 38 children under the age of six were killed and 1,739 were seriously injured in crashes. Properly used and secured child restraints reduce the risk of death and injury in a motor vehicle crash by approximately 70%, yet research indicates that over 85% of restraints in Australia are not installed correctly. Changes to legislation, however, means that from the 11th of March 2010, all children under seven years of age must use a child restraint or booster seat when travelling in a car in Queensland.

Birth to Six months Must be rearward-facing. The restraint must be properly fitted to the vehicle using the restraint’s tether strap attached to the vehicle’s anchor bolt and the adult seatbelt thought the back of the restraint. The in-built harness must be adjusted to fit the child’s body correctly.

Six months to Four years Can be rearward-facing or forward-facing in a restraint with an in-built harness. The restraint must be attached to vehicle using the restraint’s tether strap attached to the anchor point, the adult seatbelt through the back of the restraint and the in-built harness has to be adjusted to fit the child’s body correctly. To be in a forward-facing restraint the child must be a minimum of six months, have a minimum eight-kilo body weight and be able to sit unassisted with good head control – that is a strong neck.

Baby Equipment Hire and Sales is an ACRI accredited car seat and capsule installer. Call for an appointment to have your restraint fitted or checked.

Four years to Seven years Must use a booster seat or approved child restraint with an in-built harness up to the recommended height and/or weight allowance. Children should only move into a booster seat when they are four years or if they have exceeded the height or weight limitations of the child restraint. For example, if your three-year-old weighs more than 18-kilograms (in restraints that are weight limited to 18-kilograms) they can move into a booster. A younger child may graduate to a booster when the highest harness shoulder position is more then 2.5 centimetres below the child’s shoulder, or the child’s eye level is at, or above the back of the child restraint. When your child is at least fouryears-old they must be a minimum of 14-kilograms (the minimum weight for weight-limited boosters) or have reached the minimum shoulder height of the booster before graduating into a booster seat. While 14-kilograms is around the average weight of a two-year-old, booster seats are not designed for children this young and the law says they must stay in a restraint with an in-built harness. All children are required to be restrained in a booster seat until they turn seven years of age unless their weight exceeds 26-kilograms (the maximum weight for weight-limited boosters) or the maximum shoulder height marking.

Corner McLeod & Upward Streets Ph: 4041 0468

HIRE FOR BABY With experience installing over 2000 child restraints, the Hire For Baby restraint fitters are fully trained and qualified by ACRI - Australian Child Restraint Initiative. Ph: 4032 1984 www.hireforbaby.com

QLD AMBULANCE SERVICE Each year, Queensland Ambulance Service fits over 10,000 baby capsules across Queensland through 61 locations. They also hire Safe-N-Sound Baby Safety Capsule Infant Restraints. For a baby capsule fitting you can book an appointment online at qld.gov.au/carbabyseats or you can call 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

Professional Restraint Fitters Long and short term hires available Car seats, Capsules, cots, prams and more For home or holiday

07 4032 1984 cairns@hireforbaby.com 34

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Choosing a Restraint • Check that the restraint has the AS/NZS 1754 “tick” sticker. • Choose a restraint that is suitable for the child’s age, weight, height. • Try the restraint in the vehicle to ensure it fits/sits correctly on the seat. • Choose a booster seat with a back and side wings and an antisubmarine clip to keep the adult seatbelt low on the child’s hip for additional safety. • There are now restraints and booster seats that are not weight limited which means that young, heavy children can stay in their restraints and boosters longer. These restraints have minimum and maximum shoulder height markings.

To Harness or not to Harness? Children who are in a booster seat should not require an additional harness, as they should be of an adequate height to only require a lap-sash seat belt. A harness should be used if you are using a booster where there is a lap only belt. Recent results

indicate that 90% of harnesses are not fitted correctly. Harnesses not fitted correctly can potentially create more injury during an impact!!!

Fitting a Restraint Always follow the manufacture’s installation instructions and also check the car owners manual for correct anchorage points (many cars have ‘luggage clips’ which are not strong enough for child restraints). Child restraints must not be used in the front seat of cars. If you can, use a qualified fitter to install your child restraint. For a small fee correct fitting can make a difference in an accident. Having your child in the wrong restraint could cost you 3 demerit points and a $300 fine, as it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers are properly restrained in a seat belt or approved child restraint. If you are even in doubt you can call Kidsafe Qld on (07) 3854 1829 or www.kidsafeqld.com.au or a local qualified fitter.

WORDS Dr Donna Gandini who specialises in behavioural paediatrics, assessing and diagnosing children with learning difficulties, behaviour problems, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. Donna is now working at the Omega Health Medical Centre at 24/161 Pease Street Manoora. Appointments can be made by calling 4053 7900.

ADHD

Did you know about 3 to 5 out of every 100 children in Australia have ADHD and it is found to be more common in boys than girls? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Impulsivity: Talking over the top of others,

(ADHD) is a developmental problem

losing control of emotions easily, being

Assessment by a doctor or psychologist

which results in poor concentration

accident prone.

involves putting together lots of pieces

and control of impulses. It can affect

Overactivity: Constant fidgeting and

of information to make a diagnosis.

children’s learning and social skills,

restlessness. It is important to remember

and also family functioning. It is not an illness. With medical treatment, understanding and care, a child with ADHD can live a normal life.

The following table is a easy reference guide, for parents and carers, to help select a suitable child restraint.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS

REMEMBER: The child restraint must be an approved child restraint that complies with Australian Standards (AS1754 or AS/NZS1754). An approved child restraint will display an Australian Standards tick logo.

The diagnosis of ADHD must be made

AGE 0 to 6 months 6 months to 1 year 6 months to 4 years 4 years to 7 years

NEW STANDARD AS/NZS 1754:2010 If your child has reached this age, they should still use the appropriate restraint until their shoulders reach the upper shoulder height marker.

by a trained and experienced health professional, using information from both

PREVIOUS STANDARD* (INDICATIVE WEIGHT)

Less than 8kgs

CHILD RESTRAINT

the family and the school. It is important to make sure the symptoms are not

Rearward facing baby capsule or infant restraint Rearward or forward facing infant restraint

need different treatment.

8 to 18kgs

Forward facing child restraint with built-in harness

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS ARE:

14 to 26kgs

Booster seat with Hharness or a booster seat with a secured adult seatbelt

*Previous Standards that child restraints may still comply with include: AS 1754:1991, AS/NZS 1754:1995, AS/NZS 1754:2000, AS/NZS 1754:2004

Inattention: Difficulty concentrating, forgetting instructions, moving from one task to another without completing anything.

strategies, school support and

attention span and sometimes do things

counselling can help most children with

without thinking. A diagnosis can only

ADHD and their families.

be made after a range of information is

WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU HAVE

collected - especially by parents.

A CHILD WITH ADHD

The symptoms must be obvious in most

• Acknowledge and reward achievements

areas of the child’s life. There is no single test. If you are concerned about your child, see your GP who can arrange psychiatrist to make the assessment.

8 to 12kgs

• Medication, positive parenting

that all young children have a limited

a referral to a paediatrician, or child

caused by something else, which may

• No single test can diagnose ADHD.

KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER • Children with ADHD need support and understanding from family and teachers. • Not all children who are inattentive, impulsive and overactive have ADHD.

and positive behaviour often. • Attend to learning difficulties as soon as possible. • A quiet place, without clutter is important for homework. • Talk with the child about the consequences of their actions. For more information visit: www.livingwithadhd.com.au www.adhd.com.au

BADMINTON || BASKETBALL || CIRCUS || STATE OF THE ART GYMNASIUM ZUMBA || CIRCUS SKILLS || ROBOTICS AND JUNIOR TAE KWON DO GYMNASTICS - RECREATION CLASSES LEVEL 1- 4 BOYS & GIRLS

McNAMARA STREET - MANUNDA - PH: 4053 1532 36

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Kids Parties Book your next Birthday Party at Tjapukai • • • •

Don’t just sit

on the siDeline! it’s fun for everyone

Safe & clean environment Venue suitable for all ages Unique cultural party theme Heaps of fun activities

A film about pregnancy, childbirth and the power of choice.

Cultural activities available for your Tjapukai Birthday Party: Rainbow Serpent Party Pack Boomerang Includes: party pies, chips, Throwing pizza slices, sauces, choice Hunting of 3 cultural activities and Tjapukai & Weapons Dance invitations. Cultural Talk Theatre $17.00 per Child Didgeridoo A Journey Show

Spear Throwing

Creation Theatre

Bush Foods & Medicine Show

Bundarra Dingal Party Pack Includes: party pies, chips, pizza slices, sausage rolls, sauces, jugs of cordial, all activities as listed and invitations. $21.50 per Child

Conditions: Minimum of 10 party guests (aged 4 to 14 years). One Adult receives free admission per booking. Initial booking must be made minimum 7 days prior. Party must be booked, numbers confirmed and prepaid 48 hours in advance.

How to Book (07) 4042 9922 l marketing@tjapukai.com.au

the face of birth

Book a FREE trial in Spring and you could

WIN A GOLD TRAINING PACKAGE* Includes: 6 months training, 4 belt tests, a uniform a T-shirt, hand protection and foot protection. * New members only -conditions apply.

choi kwang-do

Three years in the making and filmed across the globe from London to Alice Springs, ‘The Face Of Birth’ is a moving documentary with vital information for anyone considering giving birth in Australia today.

These are diverse heart-warming and sometimes heart-wrenching stories of a handful of homebirth mothers as they guide us through the plethora of information and opinions about where to give birth and with whom.

In 2009 it nearly became illegal in Australia to have a homebirth. Three years later the amount of women choosing a home birth has doubled!

The film helps sort out fact from fiction around the politics, risks, safety and fear in birth.

Who are these women and why is the government and medical establishment so against them?

21 Donaldson St, Manunda P: 0414 782 189

More than 25 of the world top birth experts were interviewed, including the famed Sheila Kitzinger, author of more than 26 books on pregnancy and

31st March at 6.30pm at JCU Amphitheatre

www.ckdcairns.com.au

Tickets are $20per person pre-sale or $25 on the night (including light refreshments) and are available at www.parentingcompanion.com.au go to ‘Community Events’ for details.

childbirth; and the founder of modern midwifery in the USA; Ina May Gaskin. We hear from Australian prohomebirth obstetricians Euan Wallace and Andrew Bisits; both doctors have started up hospital run homebirth pilot programs. And on the other side of the debate is Dr Rupert Sherwood, the president of RANZCOG (Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecology - the college to which they all belong) who doesn’t support homebirth. The diverse homebirth mothers include AFI award winning actress Noni Hazlehurst, mother and doctor Sarah Renwick Lau, and young Aboriginal mum, Tanya Kunoth, from the remote community Utopia in central Australia. Beautifully shot and openly revealing, ‘The Face of Birth’ explores all the things we never knew about birth and the power of choice. Hosted by Maternity Coalition www.maternitycoalition.org.au

Proudly supported by

THEY’LL LEarn THE ropEs, so THEY don’T HavE To Hang on To THEm TAS AQUATIC CENTRE LEARN TO SwIm

TAS AQUATIC CENTRE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Phone: 07 4036 8195 Email: aquatic@tas.qld.edu.au www.tas.qld.edu.au Progress Road, White Rock.

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

• • • • •

Held in a fun and friendly environment with experienced staff Class sizes that allow individualised instruction For ages six months to adults with classes to cater for all skill levels All new TAS Aquatic Development programmes Private ‘Learn to Swim’ classes available

To FinD ouT more, SPeAk To one oF our FrienDLy STAFF ToDAy by CALLing 4036 8195 or emAiL AQUATIC@TAS.QLd.EdU.AU

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Don’t worry mum, we’ve got your back!

cher Teafeature experience because my own children attended kindergarten here and their teachers definitely influenced my understandings about the importance of early childhood education.

At Axis Chiropractic our Chiro’ for Kids program can assist mums and their young ones with issues such as colic, reflux, breast-feeding difficulties, sleeping disturbances, recurrent ear infections, persistent sore throats, colds and bed wetting. We can also safely help pregnant women with low back, pain, sciatica, pelvic pain as well as reducing labour time and pain without drugs.

Call us today to discuss how we can help you feel your best.

4041 7020

Suite 13, 36 Grafton St, Cairns

FREE After Hours Venue for Charity Events! Nominate your charity, community organisation or school to hold a FREE fundraising event after hours at Gecko’s! That’s right! We are opening our doors FREE of charge for Charity events once a month. Visit us in store or check out our website for details. Conditions apply.

Proudly supported by

Smithfield Centre (next to Overflow) • Ph: 4038 1181 • www.geckosplay.com.au 40

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

n, Marga PHOTO L to R: Collee

ret and Dale

CPC caught up with Colleen Lovett from Bayview Heights Community Kindy. How did you get involved in Early Childhood Education? I am the eldest of five children so have probably always been an early childhood educator in some capacity! I have worked as a Registered Family Day Care Provider, part-time as a Kindergarten Assistant, completed a Diploma in Children’s Services, worked part time as a Teacher’s Aide and tutored students in literacy and numeracy. I found the work so rewarding and saw the positive results that early intervention could make, so decided to upgrade my training to a Bachelor of Education. Tell us a bit about your teaching career? Upon graduating from University I was lucky enough to be employed at Whitfield Community Kindergarten where I had worked part-time as an assistant and parttime at the primary school. In 2009 I started teaching at Bayview Heights Community Kindergarten where I have been the full-time teacher and Director in 2010 - a bit of a full circle

What would you say is the most rewarding thing about being a teacher? It is very rewarding to reflect on the growth and development of children within their kindergarten year - increased confidence, independence, negotiation skills, problem solving and perseverance are attributes that are important for future learning and happiness. What is the most challenging aspect of teaching? It’s a challenge to meet the individual needs of each child, extend the many different interest areas and remain flexible and ready to engage in spontaneous, teachable moments each day. Also, there are a number of changes within the early childhood education sector right now, such as the National Quality Framework and national curriculum which provides challenges. In addition to day-to-day teaching, working with a parent management committee, seeking funding, developing quality improvement plans and leading staff are challenging aspects of teaching in a kindergarten setting.

The Nominator! Thankyou Colleen, Dale and Margaret. The thought of sending our five-yearold son with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to kindergarten last year was very daunting. However from the very first moment we arrived, Colleen and the staff at Bayview did their very best to cater for our son and he simply blossomed. Thanks. From The Woodbridge Family

WI N

WHO WILL BE OUR NEXT

TEACHER FEATURE? They could be an educator, mentor, coach or day carer. Just by nominating you could win one of three $30 Itunes cards from Talk to the Mac. PLUS our ‘Teacher Feature’ receives a $50 Harleys Educational voucher and Cheesecake Shop morning tea delivered to their door!

Nominate them now! Email your nominations to

win@parentingcompanion.com.au THANKS TO:

If you weren’t a teacher what you would be and why? It’s hard to imagine because the career I have now allows me to use a variety of skills and I really love it. Maybe something that involved travel and experiencing new things.

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Autumn

TRADES AND SERVICES

Directory

When you buy from a small business, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mum put food on the table, a dad pay a mortgage, or a student pay for college. Our customers are our shareholders - and they are the ones we strive to make happy. Thank you for supporting small businesses!

Page

HEALTH SERVICES

Page

Cairns Complete Clean

info@cairnscompleteclean.com.au

www.cairnscompleteclean.com.au

0421 357 909

Amanda Gale Physiotherapy

17 Anderson St • Cairns

www.amandagalephysio.com.au

4041 7717

Joe Vella Insurance Brokers

108 Mulgrave Rd • Parramatta Park

www.jvib.com.au

1300 937 111

Appletree Medical

Draper St • Smithfield • Palm Cove

www.appetreemedical.com.au

4038 2777

Naked Energy

info@ nakedenergy.com.au

www.nakedenergy.com.au

0417 893 379

Axis Chiro

Suite 13,36 Grafton St • Cairns

axiscc@bigpond.net.au

4041 7020

WGC Law

1A Water St • Cairns City

www.wgc.com.au

4046 1111

Cairns City Dental

69 McLeod St • Cairns

www.cairnscitydental.com.au

4051 2500

Cns Family & Cosmetic Dental

Stockland and Mt Sheridan Plaza

www.cosmetic-dentist-cairns.com.au

4054 4338

Inform Chiropractic

120 Hoare St • Manunda

www.informchiropractic.com

4032 1218

Omega Health

Shop 24, 121 Pease St • Manoora

www.omegahealth.com.au

4053 7900

9 51

KIDS WELCOME

Page

Brother Leagues Club

99–105 Anderson St • Manunda

www.brotherscairns.com.au

4053 1053

Fuller Sports

24-26 Armstrong St • Edmonton

www.fullersports.com.au

4045 4757

Woree Medical Centre

600 Bruce Highway • Woree

reception@woreefmc.com.au

4033 2525

Go Bowling

93 Pease St • Manoora

www. gobowling.com.au

4053 3497

Spectrum Counselling

Room 9 • Calanna Medical Centre

www.spectrumlifestylecoach.com

0418 772 615

Leisure Island

Stockland Shopping Centre • Earlville

www.leisureisland.com.au

0488 553 743

The Deck @ The Red Beret

411 Kamerunga Rd • Redlynch

www.theredberet.com.au

4055 1249

KIDS DEVELOPMENT

Page

PHOTOGRAPHY AND KEEPSAKES

Page

Heaven on Earth Photography

10 Seaview Close • Bayview Heights

www.heavenonearthphotos.com

0428 496 487

Shaz - Digital Images

Lot 32 The Rocks Rd • Redlynch

www.digitalimages.com.au

4039 0442

185 Aumuller St • Westcourt

www.tropicalnorthframing.com.au

4031 7866

30 Trundle Terrace • Whitfield

www.twinkletoes.com.au

4034 3131

Aldon Tutoring

12-20 Toogood Rd • Woree

www.aldontutoring.com.au

0438 886 771

Tropical North Framing

Awesome Cheerleading

info@awesomecheerleading.com

www.awesomecheerleading.com

04022 5630

Twinkle Toes

Begin Bright

10/146 Anderson St • Manunda

www.beginbright.com.au

0407 536 587

Birdwing Therapies

PO Box 320 • Redlynch

www.birdwingtherapies.com.au

4039 0004

PARTY SERVICES

Cairns Early Years Centre

Northern End of Bentley Park College

www.earlyyearscentre.org.au

4045 0003

Cairns Rec Centre

44 Behan St • Manunda

www.cairnsrecreationcentre.com.au

4053 5353

Cairns PCYC

91-97 MacNamara St • Manunda

www.cairnspcyc.org

4053 1532

Cheeky Monkey Club

sian@ cheekymonkeyclub.com.au

www.cheekymonkeyclub.com.au

4057 5412

Choi Kwang Do

1/21 Donaldson St • Manunda

www.ckdcairns.com.au

0414 782 189

Crazy Bron

crazybron@ bigpond.com

www.crazybron.com.au

0439 535 518

C-Me Swim

70 Russell St • Edge Hill

www.cmeswim.com.au

4053 2549

Gecko’s Indoor Play Centre

Northern carpark • Smithfield Centre

www.geckosplay.com.au

4038 1181

Essential Skills

32 Fishburn St • Bentley Park

www.swimskills.com.au

4045 2782

Muddy’s Cafe

174 The Esplanade • Cairns

www.muddyscafe.com

4051 0388

FNQ Dance Academy

168 Draper St • Cairns

www.fnqdanceacademy.com.au

4051 4888

Paradise Palms

Paradise Palms Drive • Kewarra Beach

www.paradisepalms.com.au

4059 9999

Kids Moves

sheridan@ kidsmoves.com.au

www.kidsmoves.com.au

0408 772 590

Tjapakai Cultural Park

Cairns Western Arterial Rd • Smithfield

www.tjapukai.com.au

4042 9922

Little Snappers

1 Cumberland Avenue • Smithfield

www.littlesnappers.com.au

4038 1241

TAS Aquatic Centre

Progress Rd • Whiterock

www.tas.qld.edu.au

4036 8195

PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH AND POST NATAL

YMCA Smithfield

Leisure Park Rd • Smithfield”

www.cairns.ymca.org.au

4057 7507

Bella Forma

The Pier at the Marina • Pier Point Rd

www.bellaforma.com.au

4041 7308

Bubs N Bumps

nikki@ bubsnbumps.com.au

www.bubsnbumps.com.au

0409 641 176

Hire For Baby

cairns@ hireforbaby.com

www.hireforbaby.com

4032 1984

CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION

Page

A Good Start Child Care

Centres found from Innisfail to Mossman

www.goodstart.org.au

1800 555 432

Cairns Montessori

9 Brose St • White Rock

www.cairnsmontessori.com.au

4036 1055

FOR MUM

Candlenut Steiner School

46 Boyles Rd • Kuranda

www.candlenutsteinerschool.qld.edu.au

4093 8809

Cairns Beauty Academy

97 Spence St • Cairns

Community Kids Child Care

Brinsmead • Freshwater • Gordonvale

www.communitykids.com.au

see website

Reds Salon & Spa

The Lakes Resort • Edge Hill

www.redssalon.com.au

4032 0445

Sheridan Meadows

2-6 Fretwell Rd • White Rock

www.childcarecairns.com

4036 2777

The Chef’s Toolbox

sharon.mcwilliams@bigpond.com

www.chefstoolbox.com/my/sharonmcwilliams

0408 206 220

TAS

White Rock • Kewarra Beach

www.tas.qld.edu.au

4036 8111

The Wax Room

Cnr Pease & Anderson St • Manunda

www.waxroom.com.au

4032 5888

World Of Learning Child Care

Bayview Heights • Bentley Park

www.worldoflearning.com.au

see website

4 Page

www.beautyacademy.com.au

4051 3882

Cheeky Monkey Club Cairns

Brothers World Of Entertainment

Kindermusik With Nicole

Cairns Homeopathic Health

Fun performance dance classes for boys and girls aged two and up plus hip hop classes from age five and up.

Kids disco parties for 3 to 12 year olds with crazy hosts and disco DJ’s. Held every Sunday from 3.30 to 6pm.

Music & movement developmentally appropriate classes for children 0 - 7 years, held in airconditioned studio.

UK trained homeopaths in Cairns. Natural health care from conception to old age. Home-visits available.

sian@cheekymonkeyclub.com.au p: 4057 5412 www.cheekymonkeyclub.com.au

99 - 105 Anderson St • Manunda p: 40 531053 www.brotherscairns.com.au

9 Donnelly Close • Brinsmead p: 0418 772 258 www.kmusikcairns.com

Kewarra Beach Contact Christine or Emmlyn p: 0448 415 639 e: chhcairns@gmail.com

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Quick, Convenient and Satisfying...

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upgrade on any hot or cold drink!

Shoes from beginner to professional, all styles available Costumes secondhand & new

*mention this ad to redeem special offer

Tiaras and Crowns handmade and manufactured

Shop 2/506 Mulgrave Rd Earlville Phone 4033 1355 Email cairnsdance@hotmail.com

Muzz Buzz Drive-Thru Raintrees Shopping Centre Manunda

F F

amily eatures

Last November an eight year old girl was reportedly found dead in her Westcourt home. It is alleged that her death was caused by the culmination of on-going abuse and torture inflicted upon her by her mother who is in custody and awaiting trial.

SCULPTURES FROM $85.00 SUE GRIFFIN

P: 4096 8180 M: 0488 101 622 familyfeatures@activ8.net.au Web: www.familyfeaturesfnq.com

Personally I was devastated by this story. I wept randomly for two days until my husband said to me that my behaviour was not helping anyone, would not bring the child back and certainly wouldn’t prevent it from happening again. Finally I came to the conclusion that in fact, he was right; my grief wasn’t helping anyone so I decided to use my energy to turn a negative into a positive. I became determined to use the skills I have (media relations) to start a campaign to help prevent more children from suffering a similar fate.

Baby and Children’s Hands & Feet Stone Sculptures

Ilario & Glenda Pozzebon Cairns & Tablelands Ph: 0488 923 363

www.aussieskipbags.com.au

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT ADVERTISING IN CAIRNS PARENTING COMPANION MAG? With rates starting from as low as $55 per month and over 18,000 copies distributed every edition throughout FNQ, you won’t find a more cost effective way of reaching the right audience. Visit our website (www.parentingcompanion.com.au) to view our media kit or phone Juanita Soper on 0438 811 027 for more information.

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

to raise a child

You may recall hearing this story in the news last year, a tragic news headline that was broadcast across our nation and I’m sure touched many peoples hearts.

Studio available for private hire, parties and solo practices

e g a l l i V a s e It tak break-downs, pressure at work, and time or sleep deprivation. Adding drugs or alcohol to the mix can lead to more aggressive behaviour. The first step to preventing child abuse and neglect is to identify what is triggering this behaviour in a parent or carer and try to deal with the problem. So where can parents and carers turn for help if they need it? There are a number of organisations that offer assistance:

WORDS Fleur Warner

around us. Share a joke with the neighbour or take a moment to share a child-rearing moment with another parent or carer. It takes a village to raise a child … let’s create a village that can teach our children trust, love and compassion, a village that provides them with a rounded education, respect and boundaries. Let’s create a village that allows them to have a childhood, because every child deserves one.

• Parentline provides a confidential telephone counselling service to parents and carers of children aged from birth to 18 years: 1300 301 300 • LifeLine Family Support Service can be found at 98 Birch St, Manunda. Ph: 4032 6800 • Kids Count has a lot of helpful parenting information, visit their website at: www.kidscount.com.au • And of course, your doctor or GP are there to assist you, direct or refer you to further assistance if required.

After a little research on the net and a few phone calls to various national departments along the east coast, I found myself liaising with Brisbane based NAPCAN, National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. NAPCAN were very receptive and incredibly supportive of my intention to initiate a community awareness campaign with the assistance of my colleagues in the media industry. This article is step one in my campaign.

Evidence shows that one of the best ways to prevent child abuse and neglect is by building communities that are well connected, with adequate social support and mechanisms. Prevention requires involvement from families, neighbours, nurses, teachers, ‘everyone’ to help support families when things first start going wrong, when coping mechanisms are failing, and to help identify when parenting style or behaviours become inappropriate, negative and reactive.

There are any number of problems in just about every family situation. Some of the more common ones include; financial difficulties, relationship problems,

Although it’s not an ideal world that we live in, we can, as individuals, take ownership of our own local communities and start building networks with those

If you suspect child abuse is occurring, please contact the Cairns Police on 4030 7000 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Be sure to keep an eye out for these and many other great stall holders at our upcoming markets!

ENTERTAINMENT

ily!! for the WHOLE Fam Scotty’s Toy Factory

Online Toy Store offering great prices on Mega Bloks range including HALO, LEGO® Toys and other boys and girls toys.

www.scottystoyfactory.com.au

Pretties for a Princess

Handmade hairclip holders, soft and hard headband holders, hard plastic headbands and alligator clips. Just what every little princess needs!

www.facebook.com/Pretties4APrincess

Four Cow Farm

One of a kind designer nge handbags, which can cha r you If k. loo r you h wit ty interested in hosting a par t, tan or becoming a consul 504 contact me! Ph: 0466 053

www.facebook.com/TraceysM

iche

onalised and Unique, pers -made gifts practical hand bub. for mum and lise in other ia ec sp We also other’s day, occasions - M aster. Birthdays, E

irns.com lesomethingca

Blue Wing Gems From gorgeous home

décor string lights to amazing chi ldren’s mobiles and night lig hts.. These versatile LEDS are an inexpensive way to give any space a mood lift. Contact Cathy: 0409 324 685

www.bluewinggem

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/familymarkets

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Sunday 11th MARCH Sunday 8th APRIL Sunday 13th MAY (Mother’s Day)

Mamoo Children’s Wear

A Little Something

www.alitt

nth o m y r e v e f o Y A D N 2nd SU 8.30AM - 1.30PM

Why not bring mum down for a delicious breakfast on the waterfront and then spend some time wandering the stalls and letting us entertain the kids!

Baby Skincare range created from 100% Natural and Organic Ingredients right here in QLD. Four Cows, No Bull! Call anytime- 0435 613 075

mail@M2Tradingco.com.au

TRACEY’S MICHE HANDBAGS

at the Pier

s.com

Gorgeous gifts for kids! Selling high quality Modern cloth nappies, wet bags, reusable wipes, swimwear and educational toys

www.facebook.com/MamooChildrensWear

tures

Family Fea

ldren’s Baby and Chi sculptures. hand and feet , life-sized, Personalised hand-made! me to you. And we can co

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turesfnq.com

see you there!

ver 40 Now with o till stalls and s GROWING!!

ned Airconditio g Easy parkin , new, Hand-made goods & preloved

hing Find somet e truly uniqu

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IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A STALLHOLDER PLEASE CALL BECParenting 0417 Companion 762 03347 Autumn 2012 Cairns

how much

WORDS Hayley Griffin, Teacher Grade 4 at Freshwater State School

homework?

Many parents question why children, even from a young age, are given homework tasks, and wonder how much homework is appropriate for their child.

Homework not only provides an opportunity for students to practice and apply their knowledge independently, it also teaches children effective learning behaviours. As students progress throughout their learning journey, the need for independent and self-regulated study also increases. Throughout secondary schooling and tertiary education it is imperative that students have the ability to study independently. The process of scheduling, completing and transporting homework enables students to practice skills which are essential to independent study and effective learning. As a teacher of seven years, I have taught in a range of environments from large inner city schools to remote indigenous communities. I feel the process of completing the homework task provides learning that is equally as valuable as the homework itself. Through developing these effective learning behaviours, students are also better preparing themselves for life beyond

with responsible attitudes and effective learning behaviours. These valuable and practical skills have the potential to travel far beyond the confines of the school gate. Each State School develops their own Homework Policy based on Education Queensland’s guidelines, with consultation from the P&C (Parents and Citizens’ Association) and the school community. Each Principal is responsible for distributing, implementing and ensuring the homework policy is followed. Most private schools also set their own Homework Policies based on teacher, student and community input. You should be able to view and discuss your schools specific policy at any time.

RECOMMENDED DAILY LIMITS based on Education Qld’s recommendations PREP TO YEAR 3 Homework in Prep Year will generally not be given but in some circumstances is occasionally necessary. For Years 1, 2 and 3 it should generally only take no more than an hour a week. In these early years set homework tasks may include: Reading – daily is ideal. Reading to the family or caregiver,

There are ways in which parents can help develop their children’s homework skills:

or being read to.

Encourage children to read, whether this is ‘homework readers’, books they enjoy at home or even from the library, and newspaper or magazine articles that are age appropriate. If your child is not yet reading themselves, include them in conversations about current affairs and interesting articles you

presentation such as ‘Show and Tell’.

Oral presentations – preparation at home for an upcoming

Discussion and conversation about the school day and verbal review on what was learnt, achieved or accomplished. Opportunity to write with purpose.

have read or can read to them. Use everyday tasks like cooking, shopping, playing games and physical activity and incorporate learning opportunities. Have them read shopping lists or recipes, practice measuring ingredients and weighing grocery items. Always encourage them to take responsibility for their homework and time management. Teach them that there are consequences for not having met certain deadlines. Help them manage and balance their time spent overall. Extracurricular activities such as sport or the arts, screen time (TV, computer, games), other recreational activities or ‘play time’ and of course homework all need to be monitored – you need to ensure a suitable amount of time for each is allowed.

YEARS 4 TO 7 For Years 4 and 5 homework should not be more than two to three hours per week. For Years 6 and 7 no more than three to fours hours per week. Homework in these late primary years is generally completed daily and may include: Independent Reading - by fostering an early enjoyment of reading this task will be one easily completed. Review and extension of class work that happened during the week, to help promote comprehension and

Assist and teach your child to find the necessary information to complete their homework via a range of resources like books, encyclopaedias and of course the internet.

independent study.

Lastly, if ever you are concerned or have questions about your child’s homework or their attitude or lack of participation, contact your child’s teacher to discuss these concerns.

For more information on Education Queensland’s homework

Research and compilation of projects or assignments.

advice visit www.education.qld.gov.au/schools/about/homework

the context of school. As independents or adults, there will be times when gratification must be delayed and mundane tasks must be completed. There are many aspects of homework which correspond with essential life-skills including responsibility of possessions, due dates and caring for important documents. Homework does not need to be excessive and time consuming. By providing students with some further academic practise, and by modelling routine and commitment to learning, teachers are able to equip students

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

x o b h c n u L

Super Lunch Carriers!

Fabulous Friday

Terrific Thursday

keeping it fresh

Planner

Let us help you take the hard work out of packing a lunchbox with our weekly lunchbox planner. For other great ideas, recipes and tips for the lunchbox, visit our website www.parentingcompanion.com.au

Monday Munchies

Tuesday Treats

Wishful Wednesday

COOL BPA FREE LUNCHBOX Carrot and Celery sticks with Tzatiki dip Fruit Stacks* Sushi* Trail Mix*

Wrapper-free, airtight, BPA free lunch box including 2 liquid proof containers. Great for kids of all ages. RRP: $19.95

Yoghurt Fruit Kebabs Savoury Scones* Boiled Egg

BOXY DESIGNS Ph: 1300 884 871

www.boxydesign.com.au

TIP: Freeze yoghurt tubs, it keeps it TIP: Sushi can be made the day before, just keep moist by placing a damp paper towel over the top of the rolls in an air-tight container in the fridge.

super cold and it’s so yummy.

FRIDGE TO GO LUNCH BAGS

TIP: Thread left over ‘fruit salad’ and

Keep food and drink cool up to 8 hours and make life so much simpler. The bags grow with your child. So easy to use, just put the thin panel in the freezer overnight, then put back in the zipped pocket, pack your bag and go! Medium Lunch bag RRP $32.95. Small Lunch bag RRP $27.95

extra fruit onto a skewer with a Gummy Bear on the end to keep it all in place.

Recipe Swap & Win!

Do you have a favourite lunchbox treat or family meal? Head to our website to submit your recipe for your chance to WIN one of these three monthly prizes thanks to Robins Kitchen.

Yoghurt ‘Star Apples’ Asian Coleslaw with Chicken* Trail Mix*

Cheese and Crackers Fruit Salad Ham and Salad Pinwheels* Piece of Fruit

Fruit Salad Popcorn Mini Ploughman’s Lunch* Canned fruit in natural juices

TIP: Slice your apples through and

TIP: You can make enough ‘Fruit Salad’

TIP: You can make small, healthy

then using a small cookie cutter (star shaped, or another you have) cut out the core, restack as a ‘whole’ apple and wrap in cling film. Fun, funky and healthy.

to last a good couple days, use firm fruits, such as watermelon, rockmelon, grapes, pineapple and apples (dress in a little lemon juice to stop discolouration) and always buy fruit that’s in season.

portions of ‘microwave’ popcorn by adding popping corn into a brown paper bag, stapling once and placing into the microwave for 1 ½ to 2 ½ minutes. YUMMY!

Threehats Santoku Utility Knife Threehats Apple Slinky

FRIDGE TO GO

Sushezi- Sushi Maker

Ph: 02 9938 3580

www.parentingcompanion.com.au

www.fridge-to-go.net.au

Woree Family Medical Centre

ALL PATIENTS BULK BILLED

• CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH • FREE CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATIONS • VACCINATIONS • WOMEN’S HEALTH • MINOR SURGERY • SKIN CHECKS • MEN’S HEALTH (including vasectomies) • FEMALE NURSE (for pap smear clinic)

Woree Family Medical Centre

CONSULTATIONS: Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 12pm OUR DOCTORS: Dr Robert d’Hotman • Dr Deepa Gadhvi • Dr Matthew Warburton Continuing to Care for the Cairns Community

*Find the recipes on our website www.parentingcompanion.com.au 50

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

1/600 Bruce Hwy, Worree (behind Calanna Pharmacy) FOR MORE INFORMATION PHONE: 4033 2525 Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Green

s e i h t o o m S WORDS Janelle Twine (Naturopath) Amanda Gale Physiotherapy and Wellbeing Clinic

The most fantastic addition to everyone’s diet!

Do you suffer from any of the following symptoms? Acne,

Modern diets and lifestyles tend to promote acidity as we consume large amounts of high fat, high sugar foods, white foods (white flour, white sugar, etc), meat, alcohol and soft-drinks, and smaller amounts of living food (green leafy vegetables, coloured vegetables, fruits, sprouts, raw nuts, etc). Stress, too little sunshine, not enough fresh air and not enough clean water also contribute to increased acidity in our blood - we need to be mindful of this. Our bodies are intelligent. When our blood becomes too bones in order to buffer the acidity. Therefore, long-term acidity contributes to osteoporosis. One step you can take to begin alkalising your system is to drink one green smoothie each day! Green smoothies are also fantastic for kids! Have fun as a family and make it together in the morning for breakfast or to snack on throughout the day. You can also make them the night before so you are prepared with a healthy snack for the following day. With daily enjoyment of green smoothies your palate will

bronchitis, chemical sensitivities to odours, cold hands and

begin to change and there will be less desire for sweet foods.

feet, cold sores, constipation, cystitis, dark circles under eyes,

Some further alkalising steps to consider:

depression, diarrhoea, dizziness, ear aches, flu and colds, ‘foggy’

• Laugh daily

hyperactivity, impotence, indigestion, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, joint pains, lack of sex drive, low energy, memory loss, metallic taste in mouth, migraine headaches, mild headaches, muscular pain, pain attacks, PMT, psoriasis, rapid heartbeat, sinusitis or white-coated tongue (Baroody, 2008). If you have any of the above symptoms, you are showing signs of acidity, meaning the pH level in your blood is not at

ecialise p s s th a p ro tu a n r Ou e in Natural medicin

acidic it draws alkaline minerals, such as calcium, from our

agitation, asthma, bacterial and fungal infections, bloating,

head, food allergies, gastritis, hay fever, heartburn, hot urine,

Get healthy the healthy way

• Breathe in fresh air, mindfully, daily • Soak up the sun’s rays, mindfully, daily

At Amanda Gale we have a team of specialised paractioners who are experts in Natural Medicine, Sports and Wellbeing nutrition for ALL AGES. They want you to get healthy the healthy way. Our natural services include: • Raw Food workshops • Clinical Nutrition • Sports Nutrition • Iridology • Live blood analysis • Herbal Medicine and supplements

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

AND START FEELING HEALTHY TOMORROW

PHONE 4041 7717

• Filter your water and ensure you are adequately hydrated. Start your day off with one litre when you get out of bed. • Consider the portions of your meals - cover half or more of your plate with salad and/or vegetables. Overeating is another cause of acidity.

a healthy range. Green smoothies are a fantastic addition to everyone’s diet as they are a simple and delicious way to begin alkalising your body and addressing some of the above issues. Some of the benefits of green smoothies include: • Alkalising your body by balancing your blood pH, therefore

Green Smoothie Recipe There are so many green smoothie recipes to pick and

assisting with the above symptoms as well as enhancing the

choose from, however, a great base recipe to start with is:

strength of your bones

4 cups of greens (baby spinach, beetroot leaves,

• A nutrient-dense snack that leaves less room in your stomach for an extra piece of cake, bread, or biscuit • Protein (green leaves provide up to 30 percent protein) • Magnesium (a mineral commonly depleted through stress) • Calcium (yes that’s right - we don’t have to get it through milk) • Chlorophyll (improves body odour, bad breath and assists in detoxifying the liver) • With the addition of parsley it will purify the kidneys • With the addition of enzyme-rich sprouts your smoothie will enhance digestion.

dandelion leaves, cos lettuce, kale, watercress, bok choy, mint, parsley, basil, etc) 1 frozen banana 1 frozen mango 2 cups water (adjust to desired consistency) Blend together in a blender and enjoy! The texture of the smoothie is a lot nicer when the fruit is frozen, however ice cubes can be added instead. Additions that I commonly use are blueberries, paw paw, frozen watermelon, kiwi fruit, apple, half an avocado. You can also add green powders like wheatgrass powder or Vital Greens, as well as cacao powder, bee pollen, Acai berry powder, etc to make my smoothie as powerful and healthy as possible.

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

AMANDA GALE

17 andersOn st, cairns Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

“Don’t change because you think other people like it. If you are not liked for who you really are, you are not really liked at all.” Sandra Scholman

! t n e r e Diff Being ok with

WORDS Melanie Serafin

Cast your mind back ten, 15 or even 20

to show our children that being unique is to

years ago, when you were a wee year eight

be embraced.

student, with a smile full of silver braces,

We are fighting the ‘i’ Generation – iPods,

eager to learn and enter the realm of high

iPhones, iPad … even Wii doubles up on the

school dates and dances. High school life

letter! So why not embrace that little dash

was not easy all of the time.

and dot, and include being an ‘individual’

Let’s not forget, times and technologies

rather than a follower. Many famous and

may have transformed, but those feelings

wealthy people have done just that, and

remain the same. So imagine how hard it is

reached Forbes Top 100 list several times.

today, amongst the high school chaos, to

Bill Gates, Lady Gaga and Mark Zuckerberg

be an individual, and be okay with it. We as

are prime examples of individuals who got

parents and educators have a responsibility

their come-uppance on all those who teased

them, in spades. Perhaps taking a leaf out of their book will help validate the respect and self-satisfaction you receive from being, or becoming, your own person. Fair enough, high school is not an easy place to release that Gaga inside of you. “Mean Girls” are truly lurking in the school toilets, and their male equivalents are sizing up the opposition on the footy field. Teens have one thing in common though; they are struggling to work hard at, not only education, but at finding themselves. All too often we ask young people to fit into a mold but why should this be the case? Haven’t we seen enough trashy teen television and silly movies that evoke that message, pushing the objective that it’s not okay to be different? Alright, so some programs are attempting to go against the grain, but then wouldn’t the ratings suffer if the hot guy turned out to be (gasp) gay, or the babe really wanted to play football on muddy fields for the rest of her young career? What we need to do is turn off the television and think about how important it is for our young people to learn that it is essential to be who they want to be. We’ve come a long way with women’s rights so perhaps we should be embracing that and letting our teenage girls know how it came about and how lucky they are to have choices. And maybe their teenage male counterparts might like to know how happy a budding chef does a woman make! Stereotyping is harmful, and in no way do I mean that any young teen male cannot cook – in fact my 14-year-old nephew enjoys cooking so much that even his teacher reminds him to stick to the recipe! But we cannot deny that at times we are judging each sex upon what they should be into, or not into, just because it’s been ingrained in our human nature for so long. So how do we help combat the pressure of fitting into the crowd, when it really is worth gaining the respect for being an individual? • Children learn from your reactions and behaviour. If you see someone who walks, talks, or even chooses to wear attire different to your own, don’t gasp, comment or cross the street hurriedly. Rather, make eye contact and smile. You’ll be surprised as most times a warm smile will be returned. • Answer questions openly and non-judgmentally about those who look different. Most judgments are false and come from our own fears. Research together if you are not sure. • Practice what you preach. Know what it is to be an individual. Embrace being different. Like what you like. Express yourself. • Don’t get hung up on other people’s opinions. Allow yourself to relax into the safety of enjoying life your way and not caring about what other people think. • Be happy and confident. Be yourself, don’t pretend to be someone else, and offer your opinion as long as it doesn’t hurt someone else. Keep in mind too, that the pimple-faced kid in science class who ‘sticks out’ because they’re different, (or perhaps even better because they choose to be different), is possibly the next Bill Gates. Let’s not do our future leaders a disservice. We live in a multicultural society, so there’s plenty to choose from to coordinate a well-rounded, successful and compassionate young individual.

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

party & play 3 Themed Party Rooms • Coffee Shop • FREE wi-fi Relax while the kids play safely. Free coffee with entrance fee. See our website for regular educational activities for the kids & special events for the parents.

www.geckosplay.com.au

Available after hours.

Smithfield Centre (next to Overflow) • Ph: 4038 1181

We offer a comprehensive range of social work services by our team of highly qualified professional practitioners.

• Counselling for Children, Families, Parents and Carers • Children's Group Work

- Problem Solving - Social Skills - Calmer Children

• Women’s Life Balance - Self Esteem - Self Care - Relaxation Skills • Parent Workshops

- Tricky Kids! The Strategies that Actually Help Parents! Call us at 07 4041 3504 birdwingtherapies@bigpond.com www.birdwingtherapies.com.au Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Mother’s Day Indulgences Pampering

At Serenity at the Avenue, we aim to provide you with a tranquil haven where you can escape the outside world. We offer you the opportunity to enjoy the restorative sensations of massage, the delight of gentle body exfoliation and the renewing results of professional skin care. It is a pleasure to welcome you.

Every Mum likes to look & feel good in her Clothes & Accessories. Totem Clothing & Accessories in Smithfield Shopping Centre has a unique eclectic variety - you’ll find something different for any occasion.

Handbags Stunning Serenade Leather Rose & Butterfly Handbag $160, matching wallet from $60. Jewellery tree $65.

Hot Stone Massage

Pamper Princess

Absolute relaxation to warm the soul 60 minutes -includes foot and scalp massage $105

I love being a mum to my two young boys but I find it is important to remember that every now and then, it is okay to have time out and look after myself too - even if only for a leg wax! After my pamper session, I always leave feeling rejuvenated, recharged and ready for whatever action my boys have in store!

Sterling Silver Jewelry with or without semi- precious stones and Shell. Lovelinks silver Bracelets from $70 and beads from $20

Serenity Facial Dermalogica skin treatments are 100% customised to your skin’s needs with a thorough zone by zone face mapping skin analysis. 60 minutes $95

Spa Packages from 1.5 – 5.5 hrs Restoring Spa and Massage or Serenity Facial 90 minutes $150

Serenity at the Avenue  • Shop 1, Cnr Woodward and Pease Street Edge Hill Ph: 4032 3666 • info@serenitydayspa.com.au • www.serenitydayspa.com.au

Dining out

Want to save mum from cooking this Mothers Day? Head to La Fettuccina and treat her to an authentic Italian dining experience, either al fresco or a more intimate experience inside the restaurant. We offer a wide selection with fresh quality ingredients, our chefs make every dish a La Fettuccina classic. Now open Friday lunchtimes - bring along the whole family.

• Fresh home made pasta

Distinguished Diner It’s always nice to enjoy a night out, either with the family or someone special. Being mum to a little boy with a very healthy appetite its also a pleasure to be spoilt and let someone else do the cooking and the cleaning up! I love to have a special lunch with just the two of us sometimes as well he’s my favourite date!

Fashion

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

• Quality meats, steak, chicken, pork and veal • Fresh local seafood, from tried & trusted local suppliers • Daily specials • Allergy and vegetarian options • If we don’t have it, just ask.

La Fettuccina 41 Shields Street Ph: 4031 5959 info@lafettuccina.com www.lafettuccina.com

Orientique Cotton Dresses, Skirts & Tops - cool,

Fashion Lover Whilst pregnant, looking good and feeling good are so important. You don’t have to be ‘glammed up’ everyday, but when you do make it count! Pregnancy is a special time and I think every mum should look as good as they feel during this exciting nine months.

bright and comfortable.

Totem Clothing and Accessories   Smithfield Shopping Centre on the Captain Cook Highway • Ph: 4038 3222

Ho m e

Spoil your Mum on Mother’s day with a beautiful gift from Linda’s Loot. Located at the Showgrounds Shopping Centre, we specialise in unique homewares and furniture including scented oils and candles, cushions, frames, wall art and much more.

s ’ a d n i L • Prints • Ornamentals • Furniture • Pillows • Rugs

• Incents • Figurines • Candles • Lamps • Spiritual Items

Linda’s Loot Homewares and Furniture Showgrounds Shopping Centre   157 Mulgrave Road  • Ph: 4051 1466

Royal Renovator Having a home you can relax in, enjoy and be proud of means a lot to me. It’s my little piece of paradise, and when the renovations are done, it will be even more special. Home is my place to feel calm, and a place to spend time with my family.

Mother’s Day - 13th May 2012

How will you spoil your mum this mother’s day?

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

PERFORMANCE DANCE CLASSES Boys & Girls 2 years & up Hip Hop classes 5 years & up Fun with dancing, singing, costumes, props & performances City & Northern Beaches Also do Birthday Parties & Kids Club for Functions

ENROL ONLINE NOW!!! Phone: 40 575 412

sian@cheekymonkeyclub.com.au www.cheekymonkeyclub.com.au

Start your own business and earn extra cash! Spend more quality time with your children. Earn an income whilst having flexibility. Cut down on childcare expenses. Work the hours that suit you. The Chefs Toolbox is an Australian owned company which marries fast yet flavoursome recipes with clever kitchenware, to make cooking easier, healthier, faster and a lot more fun! Sharon McWilliams, mum of three, would like to introduce you to this exciting direct selling company. As a consultant you will run your own business, in one of the most enjoyable possible ways with flexible hours working from home or through running interactive cooking parties which are very social, informative and a fun way to demonstrate professional kitchenware. You don’t need to be a chef or a professional salesperson. Along with great income, training and support The Chefs Toolbox offers you working freedom!

For more info contact Sharon McWilliams on 0408 206 220 www.chefstoolbox.com/my/sharonmcwilliams

r e w o P r a l S The IN’s and OUT’s WORDS Wade Allen - Director of Naked Energy

Have you had an experience, like the first time I went scuba diving, where you find yourself saying; “Wow, this is amazing, why did it take me so long to do this?” That is the common reaction of households when they see the change in their energy bill after going Solar. But that’s just it. It works. And here’s how …

Solar panels are made up of solar cells connected together to generate Direct Current (DC) electricity through the absorption of energy from solar radiation. These panels are connected together to form an array; the DC power accumulates

GENTLE SAFE CARE FOR ADULTS, CHILDREN & BABIES

and is then converted into Alternate

Effective Chiropractic Adjustments for:

good clean solar energy that your house

• Headaches • Neck, Shoulder & Arm Pain • Back Pain & Sciatica • Tension & Tightness • Posture & Wellness • Energy & Organ Function

ie: Ergon. But wait there’s more, and here’s

Current (AC) electricity via an Inverter. This power is then available for use in your home, and here’s the good part, all that doesn’t use, gets fed back into the grid, which is bought by your energy provider the best part. Queensland has a buy-back rate of $0.44 per kilowatt (kW), that’s nearly double the current purchase rate on Tariff 11 of $0.2276 per kW.

This buy-back rate, or Feed-In Tariff, comes with a 20-year contract, from the inception of the program in 2008. So when you enter into this agreement with your energy provider, you’re locked in until 2028. All the other States have long since reduced or outright discontinued their Feed-In Tariff’s, but those with the foresight to grab hold of these incentives will still receive large buy-back rates. The good news doesn’t stop there either. We also have a Federal Rebate Program where small scale solar plants like those on houses and businesses can get an instant rebate from their solar provider. This is called the STC (small scale technology certificate) rebate program. Currently they are pretty high ($31 as I

write this), but as we get closer to July 1st, this rebate will start to drop like last year when the STC values went as low as $16. When a 3kW system generates 124 STC’s, you can see how a large reduction in the STC value can have a large impact on the size of your upfront rebate. The way the State and Federal government have designed the current rebate programs, along with a strong Australian dollar making imports cheaper, Solar is without a doubt one of the smartest moves you can make, both financially and for our planet. And if you are going to go Solar, get a few quotes and go local … keep our own city’s economy strong as we “go natural” together.

Linda COOPER

Delivering projects families can enjoy

Member Chiropra Association Aus

Jenny Kullas B.Chiro.Sc. Master of Chiropractic

Call 4032 1218

120 Hoare St, Manunda, Cairns info@informchiropratic.com | www.inforchiropractic.com

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Authorised by L. Cooper 5 Yvette Court, Brinsmead Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Finding the right

! u o y r o f e r a c Day For many families new to childcare, choosing the right facility can seem a daunting and overwhelming task. New research released by Goodstart Early Learning reveals that one in five parents often feel alone and overwhelmed when making decisions for their child - with new parents feeling the most anxious. Jane Harpley (Goodstart Area Manager) said when it comes to choosing childcare, it is completely normal for parents, especially those new to childcare, to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. “It is a big decision for families, and parents need to be comfortable with the choice they are making. Visiting a centre is the best way to decide. It’s impossible to get a sense of an early learning centre from a brochure or website. You really need to talk to the educators, see the rooms and facilities and experience the feel of the centre.  “We have an open-door policy in Cairns and parents are invited to visit their local centre at any time. They can drop in for a chat with their Centre Director and organise a tour, so they can get a feel for the place.” With more than 676,000 families using childcare in Australia this year

Goodstart has created an Eight-Point Plan to support families through this process. 1 Firstly, have a think about what your childcare needs are. Work out your schedule so you know exactly which days and times your child will need care. 2 Draw up a shortlist of centres based on location, opening hours and friend and family recommendations. 3 It is then time to do a bit of research. Ensure the centre is fully accredited and find out whether families are entitled to government benefits and rebates. Check out available information at mychild.gov.au 4 Pick your top two centres and organise a centre tour. Ask yourself whether you are comfortable with the vibe of the centre. Is it happy and lively? Does it feel safe and secure? 5 What are your first impressions of the staff? Are they passionate and friendly? You can also ask about their qualifications and experience. 6 It is good to know how the centre will

keep in touch with you about your child’s day, for example; providing an update on sleep, food, and activities. Clear communication is the number one reason parents overcome their initial feelings of uncertainty. 7 When you are at the centre check that they meet any dietary requirements and also how staff tailor their learning program to accommodate your child’s individual needs. Our little ones have their own personalities and requirements, and no-one knows them better than you do.

“the family dentist for all your dental needs” ALL DENTISTRY INCLUDING: Dental Implants (Surgical Placement & Restoration)

Cosmetic Procedures

Laser Dentistry (no more needles, no more drills)

Vet Affairs Patients Welcome

Wisdom Teeth

General Anaesthetic Facility on Premises

Orthodontics Crowns & Bridges Veneers Hygienists

PH 4051 2500

Fax: 4031 2363 dentists@cairnscitydental.com.au

69 McLeod Street, Cairns Steven England BDSc. Melb.

Michael Slatcher BDSc. Qld. M.Sc. London

8 Before you go, check if the centre has an open-door policy. Are parents welcome to drop in any time? Goodstart Early Learning is a not-for-profit organisation which champions the ‘First Five Years’ – a relatively new educational focus in Australia. Enrolments are now open, so feel free to make an appointment with your local Centre Director. To do so, or to find out more information visit: www.goodstart.org.au

Cairns Regional Council Elections 28th April 2012

Authorised by M. Cochrane - 23 Village Tce. Redlynch

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

NAME OUR MASCOTS

AND WIN!

Tranquil Touch

Businesses that come to You!

HOME MASSAGE

Cairns Regional Council has adopted two new animal friends to help spread the word about responsible pet ownership. Our adorable cat and doggy pals will visit local schools and community events, giving advice on caring for your family pets.

The new mascots need a name – and we need your help! Young people (under 18 years of age) from the Cairns Regional Council area are invited to suggest names, for the chance to win great prizes.

Name: ___________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name: _________________

Age: _________

Indulgence at an affordable price

Some of our best local mobile businesses for time poor parents.

We provide a massage service for ladies at an affordable price. Treat yourself, or someone you love to a relaxing massage in the comfort of your own home. Gift Vouchers available. 1 and 1/2 hours - $55; 45 min - Back, neck, shoulders - $35 Ph: 0419 785 812 or www.facebook.com/tranquiltouchincairns

Ph: ______________

Suggested name for Cat: ____________________________________ (Maximum 2 words)

Suggested name for Dog: ____________________________________ (Maximum 2 words)

Meaning behind the names (if applicable): _______________________ _________________________________________________________ Entries close 5.30pm Friday 27 April 2012. Submit your entry by post to: Mascot Naming Competition, Cairns Regional Council, PO Box 359, Cairns Q 4870 or by email to marketing@cairns.qld.gov.au. For competition Terms and Conditions, please see Council’s website.

NQ Mobile Law Service

Phone 4044 3044 (Cairns), 4099 9444 (Mossman) or 1800 070 444 (STD callers) | www.cairns.qld.gov.au

If you are buying or selling a house or business, leasing business premises or simply need to update your will, Tricia Townsend will come to you to discuss your legal requirements. An exceptional legal service that is convenient and cost effective. Ph: 40 577201 www.nqmobilelawservice.com.au

Fruit and Veg at Home Fruitandvegathome.com delivers the freshest fruit and vegetables anywhere from Gordonvale to Palm Cove, 5 days a week. Save time and money as the produce is delivered direct to your door and stays fresher longer. www.fruitandvegathome.com

G$G\ \

Gavin’s Mobile Auto Care For stress free car servicing and repairs at a competitive price, give Gavin a go! He can fit in with you, at your home, workplace or at his workshop. All work is guaranteed. Ph: 0418 156 253 • www.gavinsmobileautocare.com.au

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Honey Natural Spray Tans

Experience a beautiful, natural, long lasting spray tan in the comfort of your own home or in the convenience of our inner city studio. Our professional spa formulas will provide you with a deep, honeydipped glow with potent age fighting, skin firming & cell rejuvenation properties including natural and organic ingredients. Studio: 76 Shield Street, Cairns • Ph: 0427 552490 • www.honeyspraytans.com.au Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

y t i n u m Copm ho tob oar d Tropical Nor th Fram

ing Gallery

WINNER

magic

Rediscover the

A mother holds her children’s hands for a while ... their hearts forever.

Kumi Schnell and he r daughter Maya, CONGRATULATIONS!! !

of books! WORDS Lee Finkelstein - Cairns Libraries

Australian libraries and Library

Cairns Libraries celebrated the launch

Associations have established a

of National Year of Reading with an open

campaign to celebrate 2012 as the

day at all branch libraries on Tuesday 14

National Year of Reading in order

February which was Library Lovers’ Day,

to boost literacy levels and a love of

a fitting commencement to a year of

reading across the country.

celebration of reading across the nation.

It is concerning to note that 46 percent

Many well-known local identities have

of Australians lack the reading and literacy

lent their support to National Year of

skills to cope with the basic demands of

Reading by signing up as Cairns Libraries

daily life (Adult Literacy and Life Skills

Reading Champions. From sports teams

Survey, 2006). This means that they are

and radio personalities to local artists and

unable to read newspaper articles, follow

writers, these champions will be taking

a recipe, make sense of timetables or

part in library events held throughout the

follow instructions on a medicine bottle.

year, as well as a multi-media campaign.

The National Year of Reading 2012

Early literacy specialists have

Parents often ask librarians for recommendations on how to encourage children to read. Children learn more readily when modelling parental behaviour. One of the best things you can do is to read together and let them see that you enjoy reading. Libraries have undergone massive changes over the last few decades. Did you know that your public library allows you to reserve books online for easy pickup; download digital audio books; access premium children’s literacy sites; learn how to use computers; research your family history; even borrow Dvd’s, all for free?

is about encouraging everyone in the

acknowledged that the most active period

community to read and support reading

of brain growth and development is

initiatives while respecting the oral

from birth to three years. Sharing books

tradition of storytelling. It’s about helping

with young children before they go to

the community discover and rediscover

school greatly improves their chances of

the magic of books. Most importantly

developing good literacy skills. Reading

it’s about Australia becoming a nation

together is also a wonderful bonding

As Jacqueline Kennedy once said, “There are many ways to enlarge your child’s world; love of books is the best of all.” To stay up to date with events at Cairns Libraries during the National Year of Reading, like us on Facebook and bookmark our website

of avid readers.

experience and great fun too!

www.cairnslibrary.com.au

Send us your Messy Child pic and WIN! Phone: 4031 7866 www.tropicalnorthframing.com.au

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

For your chance to win a professionally framed 8x12 family photo of your choice with thanks to Cairns Tropical North Framing Gallery, send us your favourite ‘messy child’ pic. Email your picture to win@parentingcompanion.com.au

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

AroundTown

CPC’s wrap up on what’s new and available to you!

CRAZY BRON CAN NOW TRAVEL TO YOU!!

FNQ DANCE ACADEMY SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

You might know Crazybron as the host of Brothers Leagues Clubs Children’s Disco held on Sunday afternoons. Well now Crazybron can travel to you! Sporting a high energy act, Crazybron is bound to keep your children and their guests entertained. Take the hassle out of your child’s party and give Crazybron control of all the fun and games. Its child’s play and Crazybron is the biggest kid of them all. Crazy Bron Ph: 0439 535 518

FAMILY FUN ... A LITTLE LIKE THE AMAZING RACE!

LET’S GO SHOPPING - NEW REWARDS FOR YOU!

FNQ Dance Academy has opened its doors to the dancing community! Featuring four purpose-built studios under one roof; there are live feeds of the classes to plasmas in the waiting room, a homework and warm-up area, plus full

Proudly supports the following community organizations, events and charities: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

YAPS Cairns RSPCA Cairns and Townsville Halifax Animal Refuge Innisfail Animal Refuge Charters Towers Animal Refuge Relay for Life Cairns (Qld Cancer Council) FNQ Bulls Festival Cairns Cardiac Challenge Immune Deﬁciency Foundation Dalrymple Country Music Club World Festival of Magic for special children Cairns Burdekin Community Association Tableland Folk Festival Royal Flying Doctors

We also donate various goods Join in the family fun and games hour regularly to numerous kindergartens, daycare centres and primary schools on Saturday 31st ofthrough March at Fretwell out far north Queensland for fundraising purposes. Park, Bentley Park. Bring a friend, family member or join a team. Minimum of one adult and one child (0 - 8 years) per team. Then follow the clues to find your way to victory! There’s staggered start times between 8am and 11am and for more information or to rsvp phone the Cairns Early Years Centre on 4045 0003. And don’t forget to check out their Facebook page for more clues. www.facebook.com/CairnsEYC

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Have you heard Overflow has a new rewards scheme and it’s free to join? As a new member you receive 50 points and then 2 points for every dollar you Become a member of spend at any local store. You can start Overflow’s new reward redeemingprogram your points once you have and save! reached 100 points ($10). Redeem Be rewarded just them as either afor discount on a purchase joining! or as a gift voucher. Join on-line at Earn points every www.overflowfnq.com or complete an time you shop at any application form in store! Overflow FNQ store!

toilet and shower amenities in addition to off-road car parking. The academy is offering classes in playdance, ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, tap, hiphop, pilates and zumba – there is something for everyone, whether you are 2 or 72! Email sarah@fnqdanceacademy.com.au or phone (07) 4051 4888 for further information, or check out the website

Babysitting clubs have been around for a while, moving in and out of fashion with current social trends. In Grandma’s day, they were the best way to ensure you had access to friends interested in swapping babysitting with each other and were often managed in a very casual way. As a result of recent economic times, bartering clubs such as these have found their place again and many have realised that they can offer much more than just babysitting connections. In 2006, Babysitting Friends was created as a free community service to help bridge the gap that modern families face when distanced from family and close friends. The club is primarily a group of ‘friendship’, where new members are encouraged to join, meet others at regular club gatherings, make new friends independently and continually develop and build these friendships. Once comfortable with your new club friends, you can use the babysitting service which is a bartering system of time for points, where one hour of babysitting time is equal to one

point. All new members are given ten free points when joining, which you can spend at any time. You also have the ability to earn more points by babysitting for other members. All of the administration is done online via email and a members login area to the website. Babysitting Friends is now in Cairns and the Far North Region, is run completely voluntarily by Heather and Geoff Denslow. “We both volunteer our time to administrate and support the club and are dedicated to keeping it as a free service to members, while also choosing not to include any advertising on our website. The group is more than just a babysitting club. It’s a true support network where we all help each other with anything and everything. From sharing kids gear and equipment, to swapping recipes and offering recommendations or advice when asked.” When we unite in friendship magical things happen and our Babysitting Friends are proof of that! New members are invited to join the club in Far North Queensland.

www.fnqdanceacademy.com.au

Tuesdays ... Available at their Manunda salon each Tuesday between 8am and 12 noon you can now book an extra set of hands to hold and entertain your little one while they it wont cost you any extra! Book today at Manunda 4032 5888 and Woree 4033 0929

WORDS Colleen Price from Maternal Health & Wellbeing Most mums have been to a ‘mothers group’, where they talk about the joys of being a mum, how well their baby is sleeping, how easy they have found breast feeding etc. These mums appear relaxed, organised and in control ... or are they? But what if your experience is different? What if you’re a new mum to the area, and lack family and social support? What if you have Postnatal Depression (PND) or issues with anxiety or you are just simply struggling to cope? Well then you are not alone. Colleen Price has been working in the area of women’s mental health, and is very aware of just how many women struggle with the transition to motherhood, with many of these women feeling isolated and alone. “My motivation for starting such a group comes firstly from my experience working in women’s mental health care. Secondly, I have seen the supportive friendships and sense of trust that has developed between the women who attend my weekly health classes and believe that given the right setting, resources and support I could replicate this nurturing, educational and supportive environment for mothers and mums-to-be.” ‘The Mother’s Wellbeing Support Group’ will allow women to meet others with similar experiences, in a friendly, welcoming and non-judgemental environment. Mothers will be able to share ideas, talk about their experiences and at the same time, be provided with professional advice and information.

There is no expectation of participation when you attend, you may prefer to just come, listen and have a coffee. Women can bring a friend or family member for support and the group is baby friendly.

and their Woree salon between 1 and 5pm,

attend to your waxing. And the good news is,

Support Group

The coffee group will commence once enough interested mums have been in contact to form the group. They will run for one hour and there will be a small cost to attend the group. The first half hour will be set aside for a discussion topic ranging from emotional wellbeing and skills, expectations of parenthood, myths of motherhood, postnatal depression and balancing work and family.

Let’s go LOCAL! MAKING BEAUTY Let’s go for VALUE!NOT JUST AFFORDABLE BUT MORE Let’s go for VARIETY! ACHIEVABLE TOO - WITH TOT FRIENDLY TUESDAYS! Let’s go for REWARDS! The Wax Room has introduced Tot Friendly

www.overﬂowfnq.com

Mother’s Wellbeing

For more Babysit ting Frien

ds info

on upcoming event dates or to sign up please visit the club website ww w.babysitt ing friends.com

If you are interested in attending or would like more information please contact Colleen on 0417 198 710 or email maternalhealthandwellbeing@hotmail.com

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Rockin’ Cruising with Kids An adventure the whole family can enjoy!

WORDS Vyvyen Wong - BLT Family Holidays

at Adagio, is that you can pre-book “My

In the April book release New Age Nanas, authors (and Nanas) Doreen Rosenthal and Susan Moore surveyed over 1000 Australian women on what it means to be a grandmother.

• Dreamworks Experience – characters from the movies of Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, Shrek and Puss In Boots will pop up throughout the cruise

Family Time Dining” – it is the expedited

• Character Parades and photo opportunities with the various Dreamworks characters

enjoy the rest of your meal. Shrek and

The survey covered topics such as feelings towards grandchildren, managing changing relationships as grandchildren get older, negotiating conflicts and special

Princess Fiona have been known to turn

issues faced by grandmothers.

• AquaTheatre - where the characters from Madagascar perform a show along with the Olympic-standard high divers and acrobats • Outdoor new-release movies are held here at night and some old classics too • Rock-Climbing walls • FlowRider® surf simulators where the children and the ‘big children’ can enjoy surfing or boogie-boarding under the careful eyes of the attendants • Mini-Golf • Ice Skating and shows – ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ currently running • Broadway-style shows such as Hairspray. FAMILY MEAL OPTIONS • Windjammer Restaurant (buffet-style) • Sorrento’s which does great pizza

dining service where children (ages 3-11) are served their meals then picked up by the Adventure Ocean staff so you can

up for dinner as well! Cost for Kids club, entertainment or dining? No extra cost as it’s included in your fare. BLT TIPS FOR CRUISING WITH CHILDREN 1. Plan well in advance – the less expensive

Bernadette Lawson is one North Queenslander hoping to re-inspire the world, one book at a time.

overcome our personal fears and discover our humanity in banding together against adversity.”

Her website, Life Love Laughter Ink encourages people to share their stories, some of which will make the pages of her books.

Mother of four, Sharon Oakley of Tully, recounted for the book those horrible hours as the cyclone tormented her family. “I’d been in many cyclones but the noise was different. It was like a helicopter on the roof getting ready for take-off. One of my sons began to shake uncontrollably and couldn’t stop. We calmed him by reassuring him everything was going to be OK and by getting him to concentrate on taking deep breathes. He was so frightened and unsuspecting of what was happening. We just kept reassuring him as he lay in the bathtub and the rest of us on the floor.”

In the wake of Cyclone Yasi, which devastated Far North Queensland’s beautiful coastline on Wednesday the 2nd of February, 2011, Bernadette decided to create a book of inspiring stories to raise money for those who are still struggling one year down the track. The True Spirit of Cyclone Yasi is an inspiring compilation of personal stories, journal entries, poems, quotes, photos, and drawings from contributors of all ages as they reflect on the impact Yasi had on their lives – laughter as well as pain – fear as well as courage.

The True Spirit of Cyclone Yasi is a 192 page full-colour book and 10% of sales will go directly to families in the Yasi affected area. Pick up your copy at The Family Markets (2nd Sunday of every month 8.30am 1.30pm) at the Pier or visit

Their stories touch the human spirit. They show how strong we can be when asked to deal with pain and loss, disaster and devastation. And how we can

cabins always get sold first! 2. Involve your children with your research of what’s available on the ship on what

www.lifelovelaughterink.com

there is to do for the destinations you visit on your cruise – this will help to

DENISE

TACKLING TEENS

engage them and make them feel that this is their cruise too.

Parenting a teenager can be a complex and demanding task. What can you do to prepare for a successful journey through the teenage years? What can you do to help your child make the right choices when it comes to issues such as the ready access to drugs, underage sex and alcohol abuse? ™

3. Pre-book as much as you can as the

Parenting a teenager is

for a successful journey through the teenage years?

What can you do to help your child make the right choices when it comes to issues such as the ready access to drugs, underage sex and alcohol abuse?

seeing disappointed faces!

You have more power than

4. Pre-book your beverage packages – this

• Johnny Rockets, an American-style diner

Guide which is an excellent reference

• Boardwalk Dog House - everything Hot Dog

detailing all cruise-ships. Ph: 4080 4000

get yourself a free copy of the BLT Cruise

you may think to influenc

e your child’s choices.

Tackling Teens shows parents

how they can help choices and guide them successfully through these often difficult times of physical , social and emotional change. their child make the right

is a big cost-saver. If you want to know more about cruising

task.

What can you do to prepare

shows are popular – saves you from

• Sportz Zone café has burgers, fries, nachos and more

a complex and demanding

For your chance to WIN a copy of New Age Nanas, tell us what you love most about being a grandmother. Email your answers to win@parentingcompanion.com.au

BEWERT

Denise Bewert

What’s on for the kids? Well, we all know that your teenager won’t be keen on hanging out with your eightyear-old or similarly, your five-year-old won’t understand the patience required with your toddler. Onboard, there are different ‘kids clubs’ for various ages and the activities are age-appropriate. For example, the Youth Staff have developed age-appropriate curriculums to engage and entertain kids of all ages, along with partners such as Crayola® and Fisher-Price®.

• Adagio – The best thing about dining

The grandparent-grandchild relationship is often a deeply special connection. But what if you’re not ready for the role? How do you manage any arising conflicts? What do you do when relationships change? How do you, quite simply, enjoy being Nana?

TRUE SPIRIT OF CYCLONE YASI

pre-teens and teenagers

One ship, however, caters for a diverse range of travellers, The Allure of the Seas. Owned by Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines it is classed as one of the largest cruise-ships in the world. A new terminal had to be built specifically for it in Fort Lauderdale (Florida, USA). This purpose-built terminal allows for embarking and disembarking of passengers in a timeframe between 15 to 25 minutes!

WHAT’S THE ENTERTAINMENT OR ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY?

NEW AGE NANAS

Strategies for parenting

pre-teens and teenagers

™

Strategies for parenting

There is truly something for everyone, from the young to the young-at-heart. Some ships are specifically designed for people travelling as young families, some are designed for the mature adults, some for the party set and some ships are aimed at luxury travellers. Needless to say, there are so many different types of cruises available that we could not list them all here.

Reads

Tackling Teens shows parents how they can help their child make the right choices and guide them successfully through these often difficult times of physical, social and emotional change. AUS NZ UK US

$ 19.95 $ 22.95 £ 8.95 $ 16.95

To order your copy email: denise.bewert@bigpond.com 1208 DB Tackling Teens

ISBN 978 0 9803803 0 9

www.engineroom.com.au

2012 COVER.indd 1

23/01/12 1:02 PM

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

WORDS Aileen Jones - BDO Private Wealth PHOTO Aileen with Eowyn and Tiana

What is your perception of a Financial Adviser? If I was asked this question ten years ago, I would smile nervously and string a sentence together about not having enough money to think about those sorts of things, so why would I take the time out of my day? Now, ten years down the track I look at the financial planning industry (and life) in a completely different way. Whenever I am asked what I do, I reply that I work as a Paraplanner for BDO in the Private Wealth department. From those small words, I seem to receive the biggest reactions that fall into three main categories: 1. People give me a vague far-away look with mumbled words that sound like “yes, I should really look into that sometime and see one of you’” 2. A defensive look as if I am involved in an organised crime syndicate or, 3. A blank look (most common). As I’ve mentioned, I too fell into these categories and if I came across ‘one of

them’ I would always hope that ‘they’ would not ask me any personal questions about my finances because I didn’t know the answers and it all seemed too hard to understand. I thought it was a personal topic back then and I continue to think it is personal now, because seeing the right Financial Planner is personal. Now that I work within the industry, I’ve realised that it is not a scary topic nor does it house people/advisers that come from another planet. We are just normal people who are most likely in similar situations to you. The difference is that we are qualified and have the knowledge to analyse your situation and design a strategy that will give you optimum results. You don’t have to have a million dollars to see a Financial Planner. If you have some savings, superannuation accounts, a mortgage or other debts, insurances or, if you think you may need any of these, meeting with us will provide a valuable benefit to yourself and your family.

AchIeVe financial success

It won’t cost you the earth to see us either. Modern advisers do not charge fees that are linked to the volume of sales of investments or commissions with products. We prefer to charge for the provision of quality advice. Being a good role model parent is the most important goal in my life (and most likely yours) and providing for the needs of my children and family, in order for them to learn and grow to become the best individual they can be, is always on my mind. To do this I must be prepared to support my family through good and bad times and this boils down to organisation of your lifestyle and future wealth. We challenge you to come in for a noobligation appointment and see that we are real people who will help you organise your financial portfolio for the future – now I ask you – has your perception changed?

Take the first step towards your financial security by joining us for dinner at Whitfield House in Edge Hill to start planning your financial goals and strategies for the year ahead and beyond. Our Private Wealth team will discuss topics such as: • investment philosophy • Decision making • Risk • Gearing • Market updates. The entire evening, including dinner and drinks will be fRee Of cHaRGe with no obligation.

RSVP ESSENTIAL

Whitfield House, Edge Hill, Cairns 5.45pm for a 6.00pm start Tuesday 3 april 2012 Thursday 3 May 2012 Cairns 25 – 27 Aplin St 4046 0000

Distinctively different - it’s how we see you AUDIT • TAX • ADVISORY bdo.com.au 70

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Take the first step towards your financial security by joining us for din er atWhitfield House in Edge Hil to start plan ing your financial goals and strategies for the year ahead and beyond.

Our Private Wealth team wil discus topics uch as: • investment philosophy • Decis on making • Risk • Gearing • Market updates.

The entire evening, including din er and drinks wil be fRe Of cHaRGe with no obligation.

for more information or to make a bo king kindly contact Courtney on 4046 0 06 or email courtney.smal wo d@bdo.com.au

RSVP ES ENTIAL

Whitfield House, Edge Hil , Cairns 5.45pmfor a 6.0 pm start Tuesday 3april 2012 Thursday 3 May 2012

Cairns 25 – 27Aplin St 4046 0 0

Distinctively dif erent - it’s how we se you AUDIT •TAX •ADVISORY bdo.com.au

for more information or to make a booking kindly contact Courtney on 4046 0006 or email courtney.smallwood@bdo.com.au

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

WORDS

G et ting your

IPL underarm and bikini just $60

Business on track

A BrAnd new dAnce School openS in cAirnS!

ents m l o r n e g takin

now!

Come and join this exciting new Dance School. For ages 2 to 72. Playdance and adult classes available. Check out our website or call Sarah for more information.

4051 4888

www.fnqdanceacademy.com.au 72

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Kim Kelly -Advance Cairns

The start of the year always goes so fast as it’s full of public holidays, a long Easter break and what seems like too many school holidays. But by the time we’ve got through these holidays, the year is halfway gone and we are left wondering where it went.

So before mid-year is upon us, take some time to reflect and revisit my Top Five New Year’s Resolutions for Small Business. With some planning it’s never too late to set yourself up for a great ‘rest of the year’. 1. Prepare a Financial Forecast This is a must for any sized business and is as easy as writing down your income, less your expenses, to determine what kind of ‘profit’ you can expect to generate from your business. Review last year’s financial performance and your performance year to date. Look for ways income can be increased, processes can be improved and expenses managed to ensure the financial forecasts are set in line with your expectations. Remember it’s your efforts that drive your financial rewards.

2. Prepare a Business Plan

A Business Plan can be as long or as short as you require and will provide clarity around the direction of your business. It’s amazing how things can either come together or change when you write them down. As a minimum, consider your businesses Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats and then think of the strategies you can implement for each one. If you like to plan, write down the tasks or actions you will need to do to achieve the financial forecasts set. Then ask yourself, are they achievable? Are they realistic? If not, refine your plan until both the financial forecasts and the business plan are achievable for you. 3. Implement change Often a busy start to the year means that those good ideas you wanted to implement have been put on a list for later. So set aside some time and get them done. It will make improve your year and will help you achieve your financial forecasts.

advice. This could be your friend, accountant or a business advisor. For a low cost option, why not consider the services of a local business advisor. At the Advance Cairns Business Enterprise Centre (ACBEC) all initial consultations are provided free of charge with lowcost business programs offered for those seeking more advice. 5. Consider yourself With every small business there is an enormous amount of juggling required to get everything done. So don’t forget to consider yourself and your needs. Plan around the time you want to make for yourself, or to exercise, pick up the kids, or to work on your business Contact: Kim Kelly or Amanda Hinrichsen on 4080 2913 or request an appointment by visiting their website www.advancecairnsbec.com.au

4. Get advice Seek confirmation of your plans with someone who can give you honest Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

E-newsletters WORDS

Renèe Veldman-Tentori

Why locals love him... “My partner and I have been with Gus now for five years. He helped set up our initial home loan and organised all the changes we have made along the way. We love that’s he’s always contactable and it’s never a problem with Gus.”

Love them or hate them there are a lot of very good reasons you should consider using an e-newsletter for your business.

Your inbox may be overflowing with them. Here are just a few good reasons why you should make an e-newsletter part of your regular marketing activity: • Build a database of past, current and potential customers • Communicate regularly to build relationships and keep you “front of mind” • Increase regularity of purchases from current customers • Share your messages with a lot of people quickly and easily • Highlight and summarise important business information for the month, • Capture valuable customer data • Monitor how interested people are in your business. There are many options when it comes to deciding how to manage your e-newsletter. Simply sending emails from a mail programme (such as Microsoft Outlook) is fine for communicating with individual customers, but not recommended for larger groups. Using a service such as www.mailchimp.com or www.madmimi.com gives you the ability to present a professional image for a business of any size. It’s also important to research the anti-spam laws to make sure you comply. Basically these mean you can only add

subscribers with their consent and it must be simple for them to unsubscribe whenever they wish to. Here are five tips to help you make your e-newsletter a success. 1. Encourage signups online and offline: use other social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter as well as your website to let people know that you issue an e-newsletter. Mail Chimp have an app which allows you to link it with your Facebook business page so you can have a sign up tab (see www.facebook.com/professionalparents for an example). If you attend markets or networking events, you could have a sign up sheet which you can then input afterwards. 2. Include quality content: remember the golden rule of “what’s it in for me” for your readers. Offer specials, exclusives, competitions or interesting information relevant to your target market. You could look at cross promoting with complimentary businesses – include them in your e-newsletter and ask for the same in return. 3. Keep it short and sweet: few people have the time or attention span to read lengthy stories. If you do have a lot

Renèe Veldman-Tentori is owner of Zestee Concepts www.zestee.com.au, founder of Professional Parents www.professionalparents.com.au and mum of two. Check out the free 12 week social media class via the Zestee Facebook page www.facebook.com/zesteeconcepts

Kath Treacy Earlville

For all your finance needs, give Gus Soper a call 0400 636 953

of information to share, include just a summary in your e-newsletter with a link to the full article on your website for those who would like to read more. 4. Use images: Most people scan their inboxes and emails. Using eye-catching images will help grab their attention. Remember copyright issues. For a personal touch, you may like to use your own photos or use sites such as www.istockphoto.com, www.dreamstime.com or even clipart. 5. Monitor statistics: such as subscribers, opens and unsubscribe. Don’t get discouraged if not everyone opens your e-newsletter – in fact around 25% can be considered a “good” open rate.

e: gus@cairnshomeloans.com.au www.cairnshomeloans.com.au

Happy Children

Happy C

... nurtured in a safe, caring and respectful environment ... by dedicated teachers ... in partnership with parents ... to reach their potential ... and be the best that they can be!

It’s what every parent wants. Consider a Catholic education

Affordable, faith filled and welcoming to all

www.cns.catholic.edu.au 74

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012

Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Dear Dave

How do I stop my five-year-old from

Having been told that ‘Dadda’ is one of

expecting a toy every time we visit the

the easiest words to say and, despite

shops? I am running out of excuses!

constantly reciting it to my now

Cheers Nikki Taylor - Journalist,

13-month old daughter, I get nothing

Tableland Newspapers

but mumma and bye bye. Please help!

G’day Nikki, I have a five-year-old myself so I

Hey there Mark,

they place on a simple excursion to

I think you’re on the right track.

the shops … unless it’s the pool shop.

Repetition is the key, but being a DJ you

Chlorine, salt and acid aren’t high on her

already know that.

I don’t like pointing fingers and

Dave warner

Try monopolising her time a bit more by drastically reducing your daughter’s

playing the blame game because it’s

contact with pretty much everyone.

usually counter-productive but, in

Except you. And by drastically I mean

your case, I thinks it’s pretty clear that

maybe it’s time you packed up the

someone’s been assisting your child’s

Technics 1200’s and took your daughter

sense of entitlement whilst out and

on a round-Australia working road trip.

about shopping. And I think you’ve got

Just the two of you, scratching it up at

a pretty fair idea of who that is Nikki,

weddings and 21st’s all over the country.

don’t you?

It’ll give you good bonding time and a

That’s right, the grandparents! It’s

chance for her to get the ‘Dadda thing

what they do. They take the kids off

down pat. Alternatively, use your skills

your hands for a while, load them up

and the Technics 1200’s to speak to

with more sugar than the Mossman

her through your music. And by speak

Mill and fill trolley after trolley with

I mean brainwash. Think of the most

stuff the kids are going to forget about

annoyingly repetitive song to have ever

in five minutes. I know they probably

soiled our charts. Bingo! Barbie Girl.

mean well and that they only have their

Take inspiration from that little brain-

grandchild’s best interests at heart but,

drainer and put together a mix that

you know what Nikki, it’s in your best

has no other lyrics but ‘Dadda’. Try and

interests that your child no longer has

make it catchy, but brutally annoying.

any contact with the grandparents.

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You need to cut them off - at least until

have to accept the fact that she’s not

they stop spending most of what little

going to call you Dadda, maybe she

pension or super they have on everyone

knows something you don’t?! Just

but themselves. Grandparents can be so

putting it all out on the (turn)table

selfish. Dave

my friend.

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Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

g n i v a h e B m u M The curse of the Easter Bunny!

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Definitely NOT to be taken seriously!

Of all the traditions and fairyland characters that humans have invented, I can’t think of any more absurd than the Easter Bunny. The thought of a rabbit delivering chocolates is as realistic as Lindsay Lohan keeping her clothes on. I can understand Santa because the thought of a bloke using presents as bribery to get what he wants is not that abnormal and I get the Tooth Fairy because at least the word ‘fairy’ implies something a little bit magical. I can understand the bogey-man because any shadow at 3am can be misconstrued as anything you damn well like, particularly after a couple of glasses of wine. But I cannot understand the Easter Bunny. The thought of a furry, white rabbit wearing clothes and carrying a basket in it’s front paw whilst hopping is beyond belief. But lets put the Easter Bunny aside for a moment and question why we eat chocolate at Easter. I’m not religious and

I love chocolate. But even I feel there is a moral dilemma in eating chocolate because a bloke died. Worse still, I hate the fact that I buy my kids chocolate at Easter, purely in the hope that they will forget about it and it will slide to the back of the fridge where I will discover it 2 weeks later.

for this year. The kids won’t know … they

So this is what I did last year. The kids got their obligatory Smarties and Dinosaur box from yours truly, and then about ten other Easter eggs from various aunts, uncles and childless friends, who use Easter as an opportunity to pour sugar down their little necks, wait for them to rev up to ninth gear and then take their leave … laughing! But I let the tikes open the Smarties and Dinosaur ones and then discreetly pushed the others to the back of the fridge. A couple of them may have been eaten due to collateral damage (Bold and the Beautiful is so much better with chocolate) but the others were relegated to the bar fridge and have been rewrapped

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None of the following is representative of the views of Cairns Parenting Companion and for reasons of personal safety the author wishes to remain anonymous. Yep! He’s a bloke and he’s confused. One of the joys of my life is my grandchildren. I am completely in love with them. Unlike my own glorious offspring, grandbabies don’t come with all the complications; such as corporal discipline, dirty nappies, the various seepages associated with sickness and colds etc. Typical grandfather I hear you say? You bet! My grandchildren (one-year-old girl and four-year-old boy) love it when their “Pardie” acts like a goat, or a monkey, or a pirate, or a demented game-show contestant.

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Unfortunately, and possibly inevitably, the “bad behaviour grand-beast” has recently been unleashed. The four-yearold male, fruit of the fruit of my loins, has taken to testing the status of our relationship. As kids do! So now; “Pardie the endlessly tolerant” and “Pardie the purveyor of lollies and all things ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ … ” has had to turn into “Pardie the non-taker of any more of your crap kiddo!” On every occasion; in person, on the phone and on Skype, the boundaries are being tested. Withholding affection is a popular technique used by him and involves a sophisticated level of disdainful nonchalance. My guess is that it’s an attempt to make me try even harder to maximise my material input into the

relationship; to be the “best Pardie in the whole wide world” and buy his attention with a packet of Sherbies or the latest red and blue model steam train from the Island of Sodor. It’s a simple matter of the ‘law of least resistance’. Kids aren’t intrinsically evil; it’s just that they naturally take the shortest distance between two points to get what they want. Heaven knows I still do the same. So if bulldozing over their grandparent’s emotions gets the results, they sometimes do! So what we should to do? I have a battle plan that seems to be working and can apply to your children as well as grandchildren. I’m taking advantage of some of my experience working with horses … this will make sense in a moment. Firstly; let’s note the comparisons; I love horses, just like I absolutely adore my grandson. Horses have a huge depth to their personality. For the most part they are intelligent, individual and unique, just like ‘you know who’. Sometimes you’ll “read” a horse and you know there’s no way you’re going to get anywhere on this particular day. And finally; Most horses hate being ignored! Bingo! I’m not talking about playing wicked mind games with the precious little buggers, I’m just identifying that

when stubbornness or tantrums start to become a regular occurrence and, whatever your doing doesn’t have any effect on their behaviour; then change your behaviour. Ignore them, for a while anyway. When “Mr Cranky Pants” starts to act like a rock star (google Liam Gallagher from Oasis) and doesn’t want to chat with me on Skype, then I’ll ask him to put his sister on, “ ... she’s always up for a chat”, even if I can’t understand what the chat is about. Or I’ll tell him to hold the line while I go and make a cup of tea and basically ignore him until his behaviour improves. At other times when he screams and flips out in a full-blown, category seven hissy fit; then I’ll stare at him blankly or show disinterest by pretending to read the newspaper, or feign exaggerated interest in some random object to distract his attention. And guess what? Just like with horses, it works! Most of the time when ‘grandbeastie’ doesn’t get the desired result from his unsociable behaviour, he usually comes good, we get over the behaviour speed-hump and end up having more fun together. So give the old horse whisperer technique a go. Failing that, just do the time-honoured grandparent thing; and hand ‘em back.

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Confession mum’s

BOX

Your Opportunity Is RUNNING OUT

Where you can bare it all ...

Proudly brought to you by

I confess ... after being spoilt with a

medicine, an extra 30-minutes, morning

time to do the things I can not achieve

husband at home for three weeks over

and night dressing and obsessing over

with them around! Anonymous

Christmas, I am now in my final week of

pus and sores, I have taken to hand-

I confess ... Are our children loosing

the first “FIFO (fly in/fly out) wife” cycle of

washing with the passion of an OCD

important self help skills due to the

the year.

patient, and am doing (on average) three

convenient pouch packaging of yogurts,

loads of washing a day. My nose tingles

mash veg and other baby foods? It is

with the prickly aroma of Pineocleen.

scary watching so many children slurping

I start off each cycle full of determination to be superwoman/ earthmother (worthy of Jolie-Pitt-esque

Needless to say, my parenting skills

away at their food pouches day after day.

praise)! I merge into an undergraduate of

this week have been exceptionally poor

When do these children get to

the “Britney Spears School of Parenting”

- worse than that of other “final weeks”! I

develop their hand eye coordination

in the second week and the final week,

am doing pretty much anything needed

and other important skills which are

I fear I am rather “Joan Crawford /

each day to get the kids to bedtime

involved in using a spoon and bowl. Not

Mommie Dearest”.

without a “Department of Communities”

to mention that they are not learning to

moment. And that, your Honour, is my

chew food properly and become familiar

Defense! Anonymous

with different textures.

This particular cycle has been highlighted by Cletus the Foetus practising tap-dancing at the exit door,

I confess ... I admit it, I am one of those

project managing our house renovations

mum’s, who really, really LOVES Daycare

I understand the convenience of these

in this heat (ugggh ... hand me a drink!)

days. I find a real sense of peace once

meals – especially when you are on the

and both kids coming down with Staph

I have done the daycare drop off and

go. But please, don’t rely on these foods

(no - not at the same time ... that would

jumped back in the car CHILDFREE! Don’t

all the time, it is so important for your

have been too convenient!). I’ve spent

get me wrong I absolutely, 100% LOVE

child to still use a fork and spoon and to

more than $400 on disinfectant and

MY KIDS, but I also really love to have that

eat lumpy meals! Anonymous

As a mother to my 18 month old son,

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Autumn 2012 Cairns Parenting Companion

Cairns Parenting Companion Autumn 2012