Family Times - Christchurch - Autumn 2016

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Special needs education Can NZ fund its full inclusion policy?

08

What do you want to be when you grow up?

How to prepare your kids for career choices.

New Zealand's leading parenting resource

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Active kids It’s possible to parent them without exhausting yourself.

www.familytimes.co.nz

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Win Win Win Competitions, giveaways and kids’ games

Win with Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/familytimesnewzealand

ISSN 2324-450X (Print) ISSN 2324-4518 (Online)

CHRISTCHURCH / ISSUE 81 / Autumn 2016

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Contents

Autumn 2016

29

06 0 4 Kids say the funniest things

We’ve got a few funnies from your littlies to tickle your sense of humour.

5 Parenting together

John Cowan talks about how to successfully parent as a team.

6 Special needs education

Where policy and funding diverge: why kids aren’t getting the help they need.

8 What do you want to be when you grow up?

How to encourage good career decisions from a young age.

9 Science at home

Go batty learning about these creatures of the night.

10 Dealing with eczema

Soothe your child’s sensitive skin with these tips.

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25 11 How not to spoil your kids

How to get Master and Miss Entitled into line.

12 Parenting active kids

You deplete me: how to manage super-busy kids.

13 Home holiday fun

Beat the boredom with these creative and exciting activities.

14 Preteen corner

Eva-Maria talks about preteens and career choices.

15 The first three months with baby

What to expect when you are no longer expecting.

Special features Family dining 26 We’ve got the top spots for a childfriendly dining experience.

Birthdays 26 Throw the coolest Star Wars party ever, on a budget.

Kids’ activities Kids’ corner 16 Fun kids’ activities and competitions

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Resource information 14 Help is at Hand 18 Calendar of events 20 Holiday programmes 21 Entertainment 22 After school care 22 School term dates 23 Top reads 25 Going places

29 Easy lunchbox ideas

We’ve got tips to ensure your kids’ lunchboxes come home empty.

Parenting John Cowan PUBLISHER Robyn Willis Pre-teen Eva-Maria DESIGN & PRODUCTION Sally Travis DIGITAL MANAGER Diane George ADVERT PRODUCTION Target Press MEDIA EXECUTIVES Nicky Barnett, Production Office Amy Pawson, Vanessa Callaghan, EDITOR Vanessa O’Brien Lynda Strowger, Gail Cropp, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kerry-Anne Buckley Food Michelle Kitney, Munch OFFICE MANAGER Raelyn Hay Parenting Marci Johnson EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Corrin Prebble Parenting Karyn Riley Reach us at: Family Publishers (NZ) P.O. Box 36-004, Christchurch 8146.

Ph 03 355 9186 Freephone 0800 285 510 Mobile 0274 359 414 admin@familytimes.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz Distribution: Printed and distributed quarterly approximately two weeks before each major school holiday.

41,547 are distributed through early childhood centres, primary and intermediate schools, Christchurch City Council offices, recreational facilities, libraries and service centres, selected medical and midwifery premises and McDonalds restaurants.The opinions expressed in this publication are not those of the publisher unless indicated otherwise. No part of this publication may be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Family Times is not responsible for unsolicited material. Family Times is funded and published solely through the support of its advertisers. They support us, please support them.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome!

few years ago now I remember sitting down with Family Times’ publisher and having an animated discussion about what we believe the editorial priorities of this magazine are.

One key criterion that we both felt strongly about was diversity; we really wanted to hold up a mirror to families and cover issues right across the board – different ethnicities, cultures, abilities and needs. At the same time, we wanted to cover diversity not because people are “outside the square,” but because interesting people have an interesting story to tell. We don’t want insincere, token platitudes, but real, meaningful, insights into the kaleidoscope of our society.

When I started researching about special needs learning, I got the gutfeeling that I was onto a diversity story that met the brief. It quickly became clear that our country’s ideals don’t line up with its funding streams when it comes to including kids with special needs into mainstream education. It’s just a fact, not a criticism. But it’s a fact with a very human face.

I listened to a mother hold in the tears, voice breaking as she described the opposition she encountered while advocating for her son with Down syndrome, dyspraxia and medical conditions to go to his local school. I

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KIDS SAY THE

talked with teachers about kids on the autism spectrum who don’t get any help, and others with speech delays who wait six-months or more to see a language therapist.

For every day these kids wait, their education falls behind that of their peers.

Once again, that’s not intended as a criticism. The Ministry of Education, other government departments, NGOs and schools themselves help fund special needs education. That funding has increased significantly over time.

But it’s simply not enough to meet the right that every child is entitled to, which is to learn to their full potential.

It’s also not enough to effectively meet the government’s policy of inclusion of special needs children into mainstream education.

It could be that some of those funds are not allocated in the best way, and that’s what a select committee is trying to ascertain now. But whichever way they wangle the books, a dollar only stretches so far. I encourage you to read all about it on page 6.

Meanwhile, we’ve got plenty of other content to keep you peeled this edition: from managing active kids, lunchbox ideas and Star Wars’ parties to kids’ activities, competitions and events, we’ve got it covered at Family Times.

Enjoy!

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FUNNIEST things

Just when you’re not expecting it, kids say the funniest things! We asked our Family Times Facebook members what their kids have cracked them up with. We’re still laughing. Here’s a snapshot: Sharlene O’Donnell

“My nephew, when he was about 5-years-old, was looking intently at his nana and poppa when he, in a very serious voice, asked his nana, “Nan, why do you have a moustache and Poppa doesn’t?”

Out of the mouths of babes.”

Jill Hanna

“I was out gardening and over the fence floated the sound of the neighbours’ two wee boys playing war games. Then came a plaintive cry from the younger, “Stop the war, I’ve run out of bullets!” If only it were that easy!”

Donna Macefield

“Swimming at local pool with 3-year-old nephew and he sees a heavily tattooed man.”His mum will be grumpy, Aunty.”

“Why?” I ask. “’Cos he’s drawn all over his body. You only draw on paper.”

Ashleigh Jarden

“When my wee girl was 3-years-old, her kindy was taking a trip to Larnach castle.

Her reaction was “Cool, will there be a dragon?”

Dairne Woods

When my son was 5-years-old, he was telling his wee friend all the names of the different fingers - “This is the pinky, this is the pointer finger, this is the ring finger and the middle one is the naughty finger!”

Shannon Williams

“I had just finished making all the beds after changing the sheets and sat down and said “Man I’m pooped after making all those beds,” and my little boy Jude replied with “Mum that’s scusting (disgusting) to poop in all the beds!”

Sarah Weber

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FEATURE STORY

HOW TO PARENT

AS A TEAM

Parenting as a mum-and-dad team, you need to realise that the health of your relationship really impacts your kids. In fact, when I was recently asked for a list of my top parenting tips, I placed “put your spouse first” right near the top. hat? Love your partner ahead of your kids!?”

It’s not a competition. It does not mean taking love away from your children to give it to your partner; instead, more love between the parents usually means there is a lot more love in the home and that “spills” onto the children. It was advice I received early on in my parenting and I think it has worked well: as a dad, the best thing I could do for my kids was to love their mum, and I am sure the advice works the other way around too.

But however much you love the other, you will still have differences of opinion. I guess if my wife and I did not have arguments I would not have the opportunity of knowing how wrong I am about so many things. It also gives me a lot of opportunity to practise apologising, which is a good skill, and I actually enjoy the flowers around the place which I seem to have to buy quite often.

Let’s face it, most couples fight and most get over it and move on. Two people

“W

are always going to have different ideas about all sorts of things - including how to parent - but let your kids see that you are “working from the same page” as much as possible. Support and cheer for each other. This is not just an ego-stroking exercise: if kids detect disparities between parents’ rules and standards they will often try to exploit that gap, playing off the differences between you with amazing political skill!

The best way to harmonise your approach to parenting is to actually talk about it. You already agree that you want the best for your children, so that’s a good starting point. Doing a parenting course together has proven to be very useful for many couples: it gives you even more common ground to start your discussion from.

If your kids come to you and say something like, “You always let us climb the tree but Mum says we’re not allowed to,” then back each other up. Say something like, “Well, you better not do it

Something for the whole family

but I’ll have a talk with Mum and see what her reasons are.”

What should we do if we disagree with how our partner is dealing with a situation?

It is sometimes tempting to “cross the floor” and side with your kids against your partner but, unless it is something truly crazy or dangerous, wait for a good moment when the kids are out of earshot to raise your objections. Be especially cautious of showing contempt in front of the kids: we all deserve to be respected, especially in our home, and I can think of few things more toxic to the happiness of the family than encouraging derision from children for their parent.

In general, parents compromise and naturally tend to alternate in their concessions to each other around parenting but one rule is important: the more “tender conscience” should prevail.

If your parenting style shocks, offends or scares your partner – even though in your mind it is reasonable – then, out of deference to your partner’s peaceof-mind, you need to find a new way of doing things. And this is an encouraging fact: there are always other ways of doing things, and some of them will work even better than the current method.

Naomi and I always tried to stick to an old rule: do not fight in front of the

children. I still think it is not a bad rule.

It really upsets them when mum and dad bicker. Kids (even unborn children) are very sensitive to stress around them – they do need a peaceful environment. But I would add to that rule: disagreement does not have to mean fighting, and I believe it is good for kids to see their parents having differences of opinion and resolving them in a friendly, mature way. If you can debate an issue in a way that is calm and respectful, then that is modelling something very positive.

BY JOHN COWAN JOHN COWAN IS A SENIOR PRESENTER FOR THE PARENTING PLACE, WWW.THEPARENTINGPLACE.COM.

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FEATURE STORY

Imagine being told that your child won’t receive the education they need.

Special needs education in the spotlight ou know they’re going to struggle in a classroom in which they can’t understand, communicate or relate to others on the same level and that their educational experience will be severely impacted.

It’s a scenario reminiscent of Soviet–era orphanages, but we’re talking about New Zealand schools and Kiwi families who have kids struggling with special needs – especially dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism.

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Anna’s story

Palmerston North mum and teacher Anna Wilder’s 8-year-old son Evan* has Down syndrome, dyspraxia and medical needs that make his condition complex.

“For me, having a child with special needs is quite an adventure. It’s a wonderful journey on many levels. The difficult thing is not the fact that he has a special need or the fact that he has medical problems or learning difficulties; it’s often navigating the hospital system or the education system and accessing support for his needs.”

Anna’s local kindergarten and school discouraged her from enrolling Evan, but she believed the best thing was for him

to attend the same school as his older brother and two sisters. However, Evan was six-and-a-half before he got full-time school hours because the school didn’t have enough funding to supply a full-time teacher aide.

Anna and the school lobbied the Ministry of Education and eventually got an increase in hours, but the school has to top-up the shortfall.

“I’m an advocate for my son, but it’s a disheartening feeling that other people are looking at him as draining money that could be used on other things, that other children who need help but not necessarily to the same level as him could be missing out.”

Anna said that as a teacher she understood why others would view her son as a burden, but she still believed inclusion was important for Evan and the rest of his class.

“The ideal of inclusion is a great one but if the resources aren’t filtered in, how do you actually manage it? “

Right to education

Evan’s case is acute, but not unusual. The Dyslexia Foundation of New Zealand estimates that 70,000 Kiwi primary and secondary school kids, or one in every 10, have dyslexia. The World Health Organisation estimates that 6 per cent of children worldwide have dyspraxia, and the Ministry of Health attributes Autism Spectrum Disorder to 1% of the population.

No New Zealand school is allowed to decline a child an education, whatever their needs. But the concern is that a significant amount of these kids are falling through the cracks according to Gisbourne-based Awapuni school principal David Langford.

“More often than not they don’t fit in with the precise frameworks that the Ministry of Education or the government plan. Those frameworks are set and they don’t often fit with specific needs either in the duration of the intervention, the intensity of the intervention, the timing of the intervention. It never, ever hits the sweet spot with someone ever.”

For example, Langford says children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder don’t receive funding at all unless their behaviour is extreme and dangerous.

Awapuni School has in the past had up to 25 kids on their roll of 300 that fit that description. The situation was so extreme that the school’s Board of Trustees opted to self-fund a full-time specialist teacher of special needs at a cost of more than $70,000 a year.

“I’m an advocate for my son, but it’s a disheartening feeling that other people are looking at him as draining money...”

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FEATURE STORY 535 submissions and 179 attended the hearing in Wellington in December. The submissions make grim reading.

Karori West School principal Janice Shramka and deputy principal Janice Jones attended the hearing to speak in support of New Zealand Educational What are we doing for Institute Te Riu Roa’s (NZEI) submission. special needs education?

They told the Committee that there That’s not to say that New Zealand isn’t are huge waiting lists for students with doing anything. special needs and in many cases schools A quick search of the Ministry of are left to cope with little or no support.

Education’s website shows established In one case at Karori West, a 5-yearpathways for requesting assistance from old boy with severe needs languished early intervention services right through to individual education plans and ongoing for six months on a wait list for speech language therapy because the Ministry of resources.

Education did not have enough staff.

The government’s $10.8 billion It was only through extreme pressure education fund for the 2015-2016 year on the Ministry, they said, that the boy includes an extra $62.9 million over eventually got the help he needed by the next four years to better assist queue jumping. children with special education needs.

An 11-year-old boy with severely It also includes $39.5 million to provide Ongoing Resource Scheme (ORS) support disruptive behaviour wasn’t as fortunate.

The school strongly advocated for him, (specialists such as psychologists and but at the time of the hearing he had speech-language therapists) and $23.3 yet to have a visit from an educational million for extra in-class teacher aide psychologist. support for those who don’t qualify for ORS support.

But schools are still struggling to cope Where the investment’s and now the government is taking notice. needed The Science and Education Select NZEI’s submission to the Committee Committee last October commissioned outlined the need for more investment an inquiry into support and services for in trained experts such as education primary and secondary students with psychologists and speech language dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism spectrum therapists. On top of that, in-house disorders. It’s examining where the gaps special education needs coordinators are, whether there is enough funding and need more investment into their role: it’s whether that funding is being distributed usually undertaken by a senior teacher in the best way. The Committee received who doesn’t receive extra training or time

Langford believes that schools have an ethical responsibility of inclusion, but that the under-resourcing of special needs education put an unrealistic burden onto schools.

GONDOLA

“There are huge waiting lists for students with special needs and in many cases schools are left to cope with little or no support.”

to advocate on behalf of children with special needs.

Additionally, they’re recommending investment in secure, ongoing employment for teachers’ aides and Ministry-employed support workers, coupled with better pay rates and more secure employment conditions .

Moving forward

But all of that depends on money.

Science and Education Select Committee chairman Dr Jian Yang told Family Times that spending on special needs education has already increased by about 26 percent since 2008. About twothirds of that funding is spent directly by schools. He said the government wanted to ensure the best use of current funds to obtain the highest return on investment.

The Select Committee is now waiting on a Ministry of Education report summarising the submissions, suggestions and recommendations at the time of writing this article. Following that, the Committee will draft its own report to

present to the House of Parliament, which the government has to respond to. There is no deadline for any of those actions.

The Human Rights Commission has cautioned the Select Committee, reminding it that failure to provide adequate educational support for children and young people with learning difficulties can result in lifelong disadvantage. That includes barriers to entering the workforce and obtaining well remunerated employment as well as disproportionately high rates of contact with the criminal justice system and incarceration.

That’s a sobering thought when it’s your child says Anna.

“It’s a human right for each child to be educated to their full potential, so while I see other people looking at my son and thinking that he is possibly not going to learn to the level of another child, he has every right to learn to his potential.”

*Real names not used to protect privacy.

More articles online

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FEATURE STORY

What do you want to be

when you grow up?

It’s a fine line between parental pressure and parental influence what it comes to your child’s future career. f you could go back in time, what would you say to a 5-year-old you?

After all – All Black, fireman, ballerina, doctor, homemaker, prime minister, pop star or chef extraordinaire – your ideal career when you were a child is often different from what you end up doing.

The reasons are varied. Firstly, your ideal childhood career goal may not be realistic. There aren’t too many ads for well-paid superhero jobs. Secondly, it may be that someone told you that you couldn’t or weren’t suited to it, and you believed them. Thirdly, it could be that you had a totally unrealistic idea of what the career involved. Being a doctor may sound like a romantic idea, but if you can’t stand the sight of blood, you’re in trouble.

Fourthly, you may have been coerced into the career your parents wanted for you, and lastly – and this is the worst – you were afraid to try.

It’s true – 5-years-old is a bit young to have a firm career goal. But parents serve as a major influence in their child’s career development and career decision-making from an early age. Parents want their

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8 www.familytimes.co.nz

children to find happiness and success in life, and a career is a big part of that.

If there’s one problem with that, it’s that parents often believe that they know what’s best for their child and unwittingly push them towards it.

But the good news is that research shows that when kids feel supported and loved by their parents, they have more confidence in their own ability to research and choose a career. That’s important because adolescents who feel competent regarding career decision-making tend to make more satisfying career choices later in life.

Where parents can really help is by giving kids the tools they need to be able to make a career choice with confidence.

That includes their education, their knowledge-base about work and different occupations; the beliefs and attitudes they have towards working; and their motivation to succeed. Experts say that most of this is learned unconsciously – children and teenagers absorb their parents’ attitudes and expectations of them as they grow up.

Some key influencers are:

•

• • • •

The expectations parents have for their children’s education and career.

The example they set for their children.

The values they show to their family, friends and to society.

The opportunities they offer their children to learn and develop.

The kind of parent-child relationship they develop.

Tips to help your child’s career development: • • • • • •

•

Encourage your children to get as much education as possible.

Help them to discover their innate talents and skills.

Develop their knowledge of the world of work.

Teach them decision-making skills.

Value gender equity and cultural diversity.

Become aware of career resources/ education and training opportunities.

Observe the effects of work experience.

Psychologists Bregan and Killen examined the influence that parents have on their children’s career development and concluded that it’s best to start exploring career choices with your kids early on, rather than waiting until they have to make important course decisions in high school. If the process is started early, they said, there was less chance of kids making unwise decisions.

In the event that kids sound off unwise career ideas, parents should guard against shooting down their kids' ideas completely.

A negative reaction may shut down the whole exploration process. Instead, keep the lines of communication open and encourage your child to research as much as possible.

“Parents serve as a major influence in their child’s career development and career decision-making from an early age.”

SCIENCE AT HOME

GOING BATTY!

Bats are extraordinary mammals, and Science Alive has been teaching all about them in its Science Snippets in The Library outreach programme. Read on to find out all about the super powers of bats, some interesting factoids and how you can make your very own bat wings...

WHERE ARE BATS FOUND?

Bats live all over the world except the continent of Antarctica.

Where winters are cold, bats have two choices: One choice is to find a safe place to hibernate or sleep through the winter. Another choice is to migrate or fly to a cave.

WHERE BATS LIVE

Bats like to live in dark places like caves, holes in trees and even buildings. Bats are nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day and are active at night.

Many bats find trees to be the perfect place to roost and spend time taking care of their bat babies. They can find a way into some houses and live in attics.

They might also find a home in a barn on a farm.

HOW BATS HELP US

FACTOIDS

1 2 3

Did you know that bats are the only mammal to use “true flight” rather than just gliding?

Did you know that not all bats have poor eyesight; the fruit bat has big eyes that work perfectly for spotting food!

Echolocation is another very clever skill of the bat - by using their ears, they listen to sound bounce off objects, their prey and their environment to see at night (they’re nocturnal so they like to sleep in the day and stay up all night).

Bats keep the insect population down and help control pests that eat farm crops. This means that farmers do not have to use a lot of pesticides on fruit.

Also, bats drop seeds and spread pollen and this helps more fruit and trees to grow.

WHAT DO BATS EAT?

Fruit bats - as their name suggests - eat ripe fruit. They are the biggest bats and they live in rainforests. Some bats eat nectar from flowers. Some bats eat fish, which they catch with their claws. Others eat frogs and other small animals. Vampire bats lick blood from animals such as birds and cattle. But most bats eat insects. The little brown bat can eat more than one thousand insects an hour!

Make your own bat-wing headpiece If you’ve got some scissors, felts, sellotape, a piece of A3 cardboard and time for a little craft, then you’ve got your own personal batwings.

To download the template, visit www.sciencealive. co.nz/sites/default/files/template_0.pdf If you need a bit of extra help, visit the video tutorial at .www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xYELEDEHzU

SCIENCE ALIVE ARE EXCLUSIVELY PROVIDING AT-HOME SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS TO FAMILY TIMES. FOR MORE INFO, VISIT WWW.SCIENCEALIVE.CO.NZ

www.familytimes.co.nz 9

FEATURE STORY

SALVING SKIN czema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic itchy skin condition. The word “atopic” describes conditions that happen when someone is overly sensitive to allergens in the environment, and “dermatitis” means that the skin is inflamed, or red and sore.

Eczema tends to be more common in kids who have a family history of eczema, hay fever and asthma. It tends to show itself within the first six months of life and typically lasts into childhood and adolescence. It comes and goes, and can fluctuate between mild discomfort to severe affectation.

As with most skin irritations, scratching only makes it worse. However, there are some things that you can do to help prevent and manage eczema and keep it under control.

1. Eczema can be triggered by allergens in the environment – pollens, moulds, dust and certain foods. A healthy, clean-air environment can help prevent flareups.

2. Avoid frequent hot baths. Hot water dries out skin, so instead use warm water with mild soaps or a nonsoap cleanser when bathing your child. Avoid scented soaps. Oatmeal

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WITH LITTLIES

soaking products in the bath can help control the itching.

3. After bath time, gently pat your child’s skin dry rather than rubbing a towel around their body.

4. Apply moisturising ointments to your child’s skin within a few minutes of bathing, once you have patted their skin dry. Depending on the severity of the rash, this could be anything from petroleum jelly, lotions or creams to a doctorprescribed steroid cream. Ideally, apply moisturisers/creams two or three times a day. Check supermarket products to make sure they don’t contain alcohol, as this will dry out the skin further.

“Eczema tends to be more common in kids who have a family history of eczema, hay fever and asthma.”

5. Avoid harsh fabrics close to the skin – instead of wool or coarsely woven materials, dress your child in soft, breathable fabrics such as cotton.

6. When your child is experiencing a flare-up of eczema, you can apply a wet, cool washcloth on the irritated areas of skin to help ease itching.

7. Make sure that you keep your child’s fingernails short to minimise any skin damage caused by scratching. A great tip with babies it to put on mittens at bed time so that they can’t scratch in the night.

8. Keep your child hydrated by having them drink lots of water. Water adds moisture to the skin, which helps alleviate dryness.

9. Over-heating can lead to flare ups, so try to keep the temperature in

Skin irritations are common in kids, but some are more persistent than others.

Eczema is one of them.

your home moderate and prevent your child from over-exertion if they are experiencing eczema.

When to call the doctor

Kids with eczema are prone to skin infections, so see your doctor if you notice any of the early signs of skin infection, including: • Increased fever.

• Redness and warmth on or around the affected areas.

• Pus-filled bumps on or around the affected areas.

• Areas on the skin that look like cold sores or fever blisters.

Also call your doctor if prescribed medications don’t appear to be working or if you notice a sudden change or worsening of the eczema.

New Orthodontist for Chch Christchurch Orthodontics are proud

Dr Christine Bailey

10 www.familytimes.co.nz

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For more information visit www.pegasus.org.nz Contacts: Joy Olson 022 657 3258 or Melissa McCreanor P: 021 868-491 or 353-9924

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> Assist people to attend appointments > Support people with other needs that impact on their health > Help people navigate and link with the supports and resources they need > Provide cultural support and interpreter services

FEATURE STORY

HOW TO NOT spoil

your kids et, as the old adage goes, the road to (parenting) hell is paved with good intentions.

The best of intentions can land any wellmeaning parent in the difficult position of dealing with an entitled child. After all, we want our kids to be happy right? We want them to have it better than we did when we were kids. We remember the heartache that consumed us when we were the only kid who didn’t have the latest toy. Of course we wouldn’t want our own children to feel that devastation.

Boom! Before you know it your sweet angel - who was once content with a stuffed teddy and a cuddle - now expects the latest model of smart phone, lap top, iPod, expensive shoes... how did that happen?

While kids pressure their parents to buy them all the latest gadgets, marketing companies pressure kids into believing they need them. Advertising saturates our daily lives in all forms of media – of which our kids are avid consumers. One study shows the average young person views more than 3000 ads per day.

Has marketing influence and a propensity to say “yes” too often resulted

Y

Spoiled – the word makes most parents cringe. It’s taboo in the realm of what most consider “good parenting.”

in an entitled generation? How can parents raise grounded kids who don’t need the latest gadget to be happy?

Family Works service manager and child/family psychologist Victoria Newcombe says that children learn best by observing and copying the behaviour around them.

“Children are often more perceptive than adults think, and are strongly influenced by what happens in their family environment. One common area of concern nowadays is that parents are distracted by their own electronic devices such as phones and computers. Giving priority to these over face-to-face interaction and engagement with children sends some strong messages regarding the value and desirability of these objects,” she said.

“Where parents role model enjoyment of non-materialistic activities and values, their children will follow their lead.”

Victoria says that one way of encouraging children to understand the decision-making processes around purchasing or use of gadgets is for parents to talk through the rationale for their choices with their children.

“Evidence from research shows that

where there are positive relationships between parents and children, then the likelihood of children responding to the parents’ efforts to shape their behaviour is much higher.”

Parents own behaviour continues to be the greatest influence on their children right up to adolescence, Victoria says.

“When parents role model positive behaviours such as gratitude and not appearing to respond to social pressures such as consumerism, then their children are likely to copy and adopt the same actions and values.”

The pressure felt at school to “have it all” can be overwhelming for kids and parents. When to say no and when to say yes will be different for every family. A parent’s job is to prepare their kids for the real world, and in the real world they won’t get everything they want. Kids will recover from being told “no.”

If your child is really prepared to work hard for something special, encourage them save for it themselves – let them learn the value of money.

Victoria says the most important thing that a parent can offer a child of any age is time, and the opportunity to build a strong

relationship.

“Children and young people aren’t necessarily entitled. They are seeking connection, most often with the adults in their lives who help them to make sense of the world.”

Let’s learn When you want to succeed, it makes all the difference if you’re enjoying yourself. At Marley Perkins, our colourful, inspiring programmes encourage kids aged 5 to 14-years to fully engage with maths, reading and writing. Our qualified teachers and carefully structured lessons ensure that students explore the concepts expected at school, and more. Whether your child needs to catch up, gain confidence or develop advanced skills, we can help. Contact us at www. marleyperkins.co.nz or 03-351-3000.

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25/02/16 8:47 am

www.familytimes.co.nz 11

FEATURE STORY

Parenting an

active child

You often know that you’ve got an active child on your hands before they are even born. hey’re the ones who kick vigorously and do somersaults in the womb. As babies, they roll over and crawl towards toys long before they’re supposed to, walk as soon as possible and start to explore everything.

They’re the toddlers who detest being imprisoned in a car seat, stroller or high chair. They talk fast, move fast, and grow up into a pre-schooler who needs large spaces to play, wriggles ceaselessly while listening to stories and often has more than one activity on the go.

As they grow, every couch becomes a trampoline, trees exist to see how high they can be climbed, and forget holding their hand at the mall; they’ve already disappeared.

Needless to say, many parents are exhausted by their active children and wish they were more like their placid siblings. But put yourself in their shoes for one minute: think about the last time that you really, really had to go to the bathroom. That sense of urgency is similar to what a highly-active child feels all the time. His body wants and needs to move. Keeping still is an effort of gargantuan proportions.

However, there is good news: it’s possible to parent a highly active child without depleting yourself to the bone.

Here are some tips:

T

12 www.familytimes.co.nz

1Exercise

Incorporate exercise into your everyday activities. Whether it’s actual exercise or active games, it will help burn their energy and decrease your stress levels.

responsibilities 2Age-appropriate

Kids often rise to the challenge of the standards and expectations placed on them, so show your young child that you trust them with little responsibilities (such as taking care of garden plants or helping with the family pets), and odds are that they will be excited about those “jobs,” feel like an important part of the family, and beam with confidence when you express that you are proud of them.

They will burn energy, and your house will be cleaner!

3Limit television

Active kids tend to get antsy and consequently grumpy when they sit for too long. Break up screen time with bouts of outdoor fun or indoor tasks that get their heart rate moving.

4Give them choices

Active kids are often very independent, so give them choices as often as possible. “Would you like the apple or the banana?” That way, they feel like they have some control.

5Routines

Routines – especially bedtime routines – are key for your little ball of energy. When they are allowed time to go crazy with their energy in the daytime, it’s easier for them to obey the limits of bedtime – a time to quiet down and rest.

6Avoid sugar

While we are learning more about the detriments of sugar, it’s especially important to limit the sweet intake of your active child. Sugar highs and lows are not going to help regulate their behaviour. Set them up for success with a healthy diet.

7Consistent discipline

It is important that children – especially very energetic children - know their limits and the consequences that will result from their actions. Establish boundaries and stick to them like glue.

“It’s possible to parent a highly active child without depleting yourself to the bone.”

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FEATURE STORY

Balloon volleyball It may sound simple, but put up a piece of string across the living room and let the volleyball games begin.

This can keep kids occupied for hours, and burns off energy. Just move any valuable vases out of the way.

BEAT holiday boredom with fun family activities

“I’m bored,” is the whinging lament of many a school child who makes it through the school term only to face seemingly terminal boredom on a long holiday stretch. Thankfully, we’ve got holidays covered at Family Times. As well as a plethora of exciting events, entertainment and places to go, we’ve also got some great ideas for making memories and having fun at home.

Card house king

Movie marathon

If you can get the kids to down devices for a while, a great way to spend the hours is with old packs of cards building card houses. Who can build the highest, and with which structural design? How long will it stand before it comes crumbling down? Winner gets out of dish duty for the day.

It might seem like the easy way out, but this time honoured tradition is a family favourite for many reasons, none-the-least that you can stay in your pyjamas all day and do absolutely nothing. So microwave up some popcorn, get your Netflix, Lightbox, or DVD collection on the ready, and have a seriously chill day of family movie fun.

Bike ride There’s no time like holidays to get out and active. So look for a kid-friendly bike trail in your area and a good-weather day, pack up and get on your bikes! Stop at a park on the way home so that you can relax while they run around and go crazy.

Crafts The internet has a wealth of fun craft projects for kids, and we’ve chosen our favourite ones and pinned them at www.pinterest.com/ ftmagazine/

Back-yard picnic Spend the morning with the kids making lemonade and baking/decorating cupcakes, and then take your picnic rug out to the back yard and enjoy an outdoor picnic. Teddy bears, ninja turtles and Polly Pockets are all invited.

You can then instigate some outdoor games in order to get them to burn off all that extra energy. If the weather isn’t obliging, put out the picnic rug in the living room instead.

Story theatre There are a couple of ways to do this: You can look for online tutorials for making finger puppets and background scenes, then have your kids make up a play and put it on for the parents. Alternatively, if your kids are a bit older, they may want to fully script a play and dress up themselves as characters as they enact it for parents.

Recycled sail boats Head down to the beach or park and pick up bits of drift wood and sticks, then let your kids take whatever they want from the recycling in order to make a recycled sailboat. You will need a ball of twine too. Once the boats are built, race them on the nearest local stream to see who will sink, who will sail, and who will win. Have a medal ceremony at the end.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter www.familytimes.co.nz

www.familytimes.co.nz 13

HELP IS @ HAND Sometimes you need some information or an answer to a curly question. Why not pick up the phone and call the relative support agency?

You’ll find professional caring people ready to assist you. ➜ Sudden Infant Death Support Phone: 0800 164 455 www.sids.org.nz ➜ Christchurch Resettlement Services.

Free social services for people from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

Interpreters are provided. Phone: 03-335 0311 ➜ New Zealand Speak Easy Association Inc. Canterbury is a stuttering support group. We meet at the University Speech Disorders Unit every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7.30pm. For more information phone Barry Hay on 03-981 8593.

New Zealand Speak Easy Association Inc, PO Box 16554, Hornby, Christchurch. ➜ Women’s Centre – Christchurch A safe, women-only space run by women for women.

We provide: • Information and resources • Free legal advice • Free counselling • Courses • Drop-in 10am-2pm, Monday to Friday Phone 03-371 7414 or 022-105 5308, email: support@womenscentre.co.nz, visit www.womenscentre.co.nz. ➜ Autism Associates NZ, provider of ABA services. Phone: 027-910 4020 ➜ Catholic Social Services Parenting and family support programmes open to all, free of charge.

Usual office hours with late night on Tuesdays ‘till 6.30pm by appointment.

336 Cashel Street, P O Box 4237, Christchurch. Phone: 03-379 0012 ➜ Angel Fund Wahine Putea A Women’s Savings and Loan Fund.

Don’t let money hold you back. Save with the Angel Fund and build a nest egg. Wanting to step ahead in small business, education or training? No interest loans to $500 available to women on low incomes. Text or phone 022 412 6435, email angelfund@gmail.com

14 www.familytimes.co.nz

PRETEEN CORNER

FILLING UP

THE career decisions jar Did you know what you wanted to be when you were 12?

What about when you were 16? Loaded question, right?

eople come in all different forms: some of us know what we want to do straight from the get-go, while others dawdle from job to job, soul searching – and that’s okay.

First off, if you’re worried your preteen doesn’t have any interests or career ideas, relax! They’re only 12 (or 10, or maybe they’re even a teenager, but the point remains).

When I was 12, we had careers advisors come to our primary school telling us that we should know our talent and what we wanted to do in life. I was so upset about this because I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do, let alone what I was good at. My dad gave me some reassurance: “A person is like a jar: you need to fill it up with “stuff,” until it mixes together and starts overflowing: then you will have had enough experiences and

P

skills to create your own interests and careers.” If your child hasn’t decided on a life path, it’s only a matter of time: their jar simply hasn’t been filled with enough interesting “stuff.”

I remember when horrified parents would come to school during parents’ day and I’d overhear them talk about how their teen never does anything but play video games at home. I can confirm that some of these “good-for-nothing” teenagers turned into adults that are now employed to test out video games.

Here’s the point: just because your child doesn’t want to be a ballerina or fireman, have you ever considered that by the time they need to get a job, the landscape of careers will change? Video game testers were something we could only dream of when we were growing up: this industry was only created during my lifetime.

Imagine what the next 10 years will bring to jobs!

What can you do? Fill their jar! Fill it up with interesting activities and encourage them to take an interest in what they enjoy, even if it’s something dumb. Every person has room for a passion, so let them experience everything you can bring to the table – their overflowing jar will somehow come together over time and they will be a better-rounded individual

for having tried so many different things.

Okay, I can hear you thinking “But my Bobby…he must become a doctor/lawyer/ insert “good career” here.” They still might! But would you rather your child be stuck in a job for you, or for them?

Do you think Richard Branson’s mother is worrying about how he didn’t become “insert career here”? As parents, your job is to encourage and nurture – they’ll figure it out. So next time you walk into Linda’s room and she’s playing a video game and can’t pause it, just remember: you could be stomping out the greatest video game tester’s career if dinner can’t wait 5 minutes.

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VISIT WWW.EVA-MARIA.CO.NZ.

Parent Helpline 0800 568 856 Available from 9am-11pm 7 days a week

We listen!

For all parenting issues from those everyday situations to the most serious issue of child abuse.

Professional and skilled Telephone Support Workers are there to help you and offer:

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A listening ear Immediate support Practical strategies Referral to other services in your area

E-mail: parenthelp@xtra.co.nz www.parenthelp.org.nz

What to expect in

baby’s first three months Parenthood is a long journey, beginning with the ups and downs of pregnancy and then the big event – the birth of your child. It seems like the hard part is over and you now have a wonderful, adorable bundle of squishy cuteness to love. ut then the bundle poops. And it cries. And it chews on your nipples. Its head is a funny shape, and it has weird spots on its face. And for the love of God, why won’t it sleep?

Suddenly you wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into. Plunket is on speed dial. So is your GP, your midwife and your mum.

You’ve got a baby – now what? Here are five tips about what to expect when you are no longer expecting:

the early months, and mum usually takes care of all the feeding. It helps for dad to take on another responsibility like bathing or changing nappies to encourage bonding.

B

1

You will need help

No matter how independent and capable you were in your “former” life, everyone needs help with a new baby. You will need someone to take the baby when you need a nap or a shower. You will need help with housework and meals. If you’ve had a C-section, you’ll need even more help. Accept all you can get.

2

You will feel different

Your body has been through some tremendous changes. Expect it to take all of three months or longer before you start to feel remotely like your old self again.

Emotionally you will have highs and lows. Many women experience “baby blues” in the first few days after birth, which is common and passes quickly.

Post natal depression is a more serious condition and usually develops in the first four weeks of having a baby. If you think you have it, tell someone and seek further help.

4

Breastfeeding is natural but it doesn’t always come naturally

3

Bonding might take time

Expect to be sore. Expect tears. Expect to discover what nipple shields are. Expect to be really, really grateful for the little tube of lanolin ointment in your bounty pack. Expect to add your lactation consultant to the speed dial list.

Maybe you were over the moon to be pregnant, but you have mixed emotions now baby is here. Being a mum is hard. Don’t worry if you don’t feel an overwhelming connection to your baby immediately. This develops with time and is easier to establish once sleep and feeding routines are settled.

New dads can feel a bit underwhelmed at first too. Baby doesn’t interact much in

5

Baby’s milestones make it all worth it

The pride and pure joy you feel when your baby first smiles or laughs cannot be fathomed until you’ve experienced it. It’s okay to be unsure of yourself at times during your parenthood journey, but remember that being a parent is the most natural thing on earth.

Trust in your gut instincts. Listen only to

Talking to Fertility Associates was the best call I ever made

the advice that suits you. Endure the hard times knowing they won’t last, and relish every delectable moment that makes it all worthwhile.

Fertility Associates For many people, falling pregnant can be more difficult than they expect and it is a health issue that they don’t feel comfortable talking about.

It is surprisingly common though, and 20 per cent of couples will have trouble conceiving either their first or subsequent pregnancy.

There are many factors that can contribute to a delay in conceiving.

With study, career and travel to focus on, women are commonly starting a family at over 30-years of age.

Unfortunately, as age increases, the chance of conception decreases, which is why it is vital to know when you should be asking for help to conceive.

Secondary infertility, where a couple has had one or more children and is then having trouble conceiving again, is just as common as difficulty conceiving a first child. People shouldn’t delay coming for assessment just because they have been pregnant before.

Fertility Associates Christchurch medical director Dr Sarah Wakeman is one of only a handful of New Zealand specialists trained in obstetrics, gynaecology and fertility and is passionate about helping people achieve their dream of starting a family. Sarah is based at Fertility Associates’ Christchurch clinic where along with Dr Michelle Bailey, they are the only two CREI qualified fertility specialists in Christchurch. Sarah says “the sooner you talk to us, the better your chances of success.”

Fertility Associates offer free nurse consultations. For all your questions visit www.fertilityassociates.co.nz.

Hire or buy new, the choice is yours Baby On The Move stocks a wide range of capsules, carseats, buggies, carriers, highchairs, portacots and more. Long or short-term hire, or buy new.

There is no better time than now to book your free nurse phone consultation on 0800 255 522 or fertilityassociates.co.nz

ing Ever y theed yo u n a n d u for yo baby yo u r

YOUR LOCAL CHILD RESTRAINT EXPERTS. CHRISTCHURCH EAST. Michelle and Rebecca 03 352 8752 or 03 354 3452. Email christchurch.east@babyonthemove.co.nz CHRISTCHURCH NORTH. Jane Mackay 03 960 9752.

Email north.christchurch@babyonthemove.co.nz

0800 222 966 / www.babyonthemove.co.nz

www.familytimes.co.nz 15

COOL ACTIVITIES

KIDS' TIME

Looking for some rainy day activities for your children?

Click on the For Kids section on our website for answers and for further activities your children can print out and complete.

Welcome to Kids’ Time at Family Times. Enjoy the fun activities and competitions. For competitions, enter online by visiting www.familytimes.co.nz and click on the competitions link.

Puzzle Time

The Canterbury Steam Preservation Society The Canterbury Steam Preservation Society is holding a steam extravaganza on the weekend of 9-10 April at 621 McLeans Island Road.

The Society is responsible for the preservation of heritage machines and engines that use coal and wood-fired boilers to produce steam.

These machines can be seen working during our demonstrations, which will be held - wet or fine - between 10am and 2pm. We have purpose-built sheds that are warm and dry if the weather is wet.

Other activities include sawmilling and sheep shearing, threshing of grain crops, pile driving and stone crushers all driven by steam engines…and all this used to

be done in a day’s work!

A major highlight for the kids is free steam train rides that loop 1.5km around the park with two open-sided carriages giving you full view of all the activities going on around the showground.

The museum showcasing a number of steam engines will also be open to the public. Children can be entertained by riding on the miniature train at a cost of $2.

The steam extravaganza weekend makes for a perfect family day out – plenty of food stalls (but no eftpos). Gates open at 9am.

Visit www.steamscene.co.nz or “Steam Scene Christchurch” on Facebook.

LARNACH CASTLE

New Zealand’s Castle

Email: info@larnachcastle.co.nz Ph: 0800 527 6224 www.larnachcastle.co.nz

Term & Conditions apply Valid for New Zealand school holidays Children must be accompanied by 1 paying adult Term & Conditions apply • Valid for New Zealand School Holidays only • Children must be accompanied by one paying adult

16 www.familytimes.co.nz

By Hamish Parkinson and Daniel Pengelly Directed by Dan Bain

Cops and Robbers

Robbery has never been this much fun!

20-30 April 2016 All Tickets $10 www.CourtTheatre.org.nz Phone 963 0870

Starlight Stables

Starlight Stables is the beautifully-written new series from internationally successful New Zealand author Soraya Nicholas, whose award-winning contemporary romance novels (written as Soraya Lane) have kept fans around the world captivated. Now in this new series aimed at 8 to 12-year-olds, Nicholas weaves strong stories with universal themes such as friendship, peer pressure, loss and bereavement, around the adventures and antics of three horse-crazy friends.

We have 3 copies of Pony Detectives and Gymkhana Hijinks to give away. Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz.

Competition closes 27 May 2016.

Principal Sponsor

Core Funder

Angry Birds

Red - a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck, and the volatile Bomb have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to.

To celebrate the release of Angry Birds we have 10 Angry Birds’ prize packs to give away to our readers.

Each prize pack contains: 1 Plush Red, 1 rubber charm Chuck, 1 whoopie cushion and a double pass to the movie. Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz.

Competition closes 14 April 2016. ©2016 Rovio Animation Ltd. and Rovio Entertainment Ltd. Angry Birds and all related properties, titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Rovio Entertainment Ltd. and Rovio Animation Ltd. and are used with permission. All Rights Reserved.

Kung Fu Panda 3

When Po’s longlost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China destroying all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible—learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!

Enjoy this great movie on us. We have 5 prize packs, including double passes, to give away.

Each prize pack contains: One double movie pass, a notepad, folding frisbee and a foil cup. Enter online at www.familytimes.co.nz. Competition closes 14 April 2016.

www.familytimes.co.nz 17

COOL ACTIVITIES

Calendar of Events

For more event and entertainment ideas, go to www.familytimes.co.nz

As beautiful autumn colours start to grace our landscape, it’s the perfect time to get out and about and enjoy all the city has to offer.

Markets Every Saturday

● Christchurch Farmers’ Market.

Christchurch’s premiere farmers’ market set in the stunning grounds of Riccarton House and Bush, 16 Kahu Road, Christchurch, from 9am – 1pm. Visit www. christchurchfarmersmarket.co.nz.

The Christchurch Music Academy comes to town!

Every Saturday

● Christchurch International Market.

Discover authentic international cuisine and handcrafts at 10 Peterborough Street from 5pm. Great family fun. Visit www. christchurchinternationalmarket.co.nz.

Every Saturday

● Lyttleton Farmers’ Market. A fun and vibrant market focused on local produce.

London Street, Lyttleton, from 10am – 1pm.

Visit www.lyttelton.net.nz.

Every Saturday

● Arts Central Craft and Food Market.

A new arts/craft and ethnic food market, 100 Peterborough Street, 10am-4pm. Visit www.facebook.com/ artscentralchristchurch.

Every Saturday

● New Brighton Seaside Market. Come down to the seaside and enjoy live entertainment and great stalls. New Brighton Mall, 10am-2pm. Visit www. facebook.com/NBCommunityMarket.

Every Saturday

● Lincoln Farmers’ and Craft Market.

Genuine farmers’ and craft market selling locally grown fruit/veggies, artisan baking and hand-crafted gifts. On green beside Hillyers Café, Gerald Street, Lincoln. From

LUCY GREEN IS DOROTHY IN RNZB’S WORLD PREMIERE OF THE WIZARD OF OZ. PHOTO BY ROSS BROWN. 10am-1pm. Visit www.facebook.com/ lincolnmarket.

Every Saturday

● Kaiapoi Farmers’ Market. Kaiapoi Farmers’ Market has fresh vegetables, fruit, free-range eggs and crafts on offer. At Morgan Williams Reserve, 9am-12pm. Visit www.kaiapoifarmersmarket.co.nz.

Every Sunday

The International School of Music Christchurch is very pleased to announce a revitalisation of the courses it has on offer heading into school term 2.

Along with additional classes and new materials, the revamp will also involve an exciting change of name. From 2 May, the school is delighted to advise it will be known as The Christchurch Music Academy.

Through the successful and internationally recognised Encore Music Education System, the school will continue to deliver the high-quality piano-based group musicianship and preschool courses it has become renowned for over the last decade, which are designed for children between 2 to 12-years-old.

Director Katie Anstiss emphasises

that the benefits children gain via the school’s holistic and aural methods of learning will remain as the core pedagogy at the heart of the school.

“We find the specialised approach we use to teach, really hones in on a child’s capacity to learn. Lessons are designed to develop a range of musical skills and involve lots of singing, rhythmic and percussion exercises, fun musical games and technique. Students graduate with an innate sense of musicality and highly-developed aural capabilities.”

The school is located at Barrington Shopping Centre and now also offers classes on Saturdays at Redwood Primary School. To enrol, head to www.ismchristchurch.co.nz or www. chchmusicacademy.co.nz or phone 03-377-3778.

● Opawa Farmers’ Market. The best selection of local produce in Christchurch.

At 275 Fifield Terrace, 9am-12pm. Visit www.facebook.com/pages/OpawaStMartins-Farmers-Market.

Every Sunday

● Downtown Farmers' Market. A new and dynamic weekend farmers’ market established in central Christchurch at The Commons, 70 Kilmore Street, 9.30am2.30pm. Visit www.facebook.com/ downtownfarmersmarketnz.

1st Sunday of every month ● Shabby Chic Market Day. Stalls of vintage items, books, toys, bric a brac.

Devonshire Teas, sweet sounds, bubbles and much more. From 11am – 3pm, The Rochester Villa, 21 Connal Street, Woolston.

FITZY’S BOXING,

TEAM TAVARES BJJ

KYOKUSHIN KARATE,

ZHAO WUSHU & KICKBOXING,

CHRISTCHURCH JUDO

CANTERBURY AIKIDO, CHRIS’S KICK BOXING,WHITE FAN KARATE

250 Stanmore Rd Ph3898831, ONE Membership MANY CLUBS chchma.co.nz 10am-6.30pm shop STUNT SCHOOL,

18 www.familytimes.co.nz

SITNARONG THAI BOXING,

HAPKIDO,

SHINRYUKAN phone

Training 7 days a week Classes for Kids aged 5–12 yrs at Burnside & Linwood

383-4843

www.christchurchaikido.co.nz

COOL ACTIVITIES

EVENTs 8-10 April

● Christchurch Food Show. Taste and buy from a massive delicatessen, an upmarket kitchenware shop, and the supermarket of your dreams all rolled into one. Horncastle Arena, 10am – 5pm.

Visit www.foodshow.co.nz for ticketing info.

10 May

● Cathedral Grammar School open day.

Cathedral Grammar is an independent co-educational pre-school and primary school. Visit www.cathedralgrammar.com for details.

12-14 May.

9-10 April

Steam Extravaganza. The Canterbury Steam Preservation Society steam extravaganza includes heritage steam machines and free steam train rides for kids! From 10am-2pm. Visit www.steamscene.co.nz.

● The Wizard of Oz. The Royal New Zealand Ballet presents the world premiere of The Wizard of Oz, created

by RNZB artistic director Francesco Ventriglia. Phone Ticketek 0800-842-538 or 0800 RNZB SUBS for tickets.

14 May

● Penrith Panthers vs. Vodafone Warriors.

The NRL returns to Christchurch for the first time since 2010, with trans-Tasman bragging rights at stake. AMI Stadium, from 5pm. Visit ticketek.co.nz.

21 May

● Burmese Cat Club Southern Regional Show. Check out the finest felines at this one-day event, for just a $2 gold coin donation. At Te Hapua Halswell Centre, 10am – 3pm.

24 & 26 May

13 April

● NZSO presents Brahms & Beethoven.

Get you culture on and head along to Horncastle Arena to hear NZSO play a stunning repertoire from giants of the romantic period. For tickets phone 0800842-538 or visit www.nzso.co.nz.

1 May

● HMS Pinafore. Experience Gilbert & Sullivan’s sparkling musical masterpiece HMS Pinafore, which is setting sail around New Zealand in April and May 2016. Isaac Theatre Royal, tickets from Ticketek 0800842-538.

● Middleton Grange School open days.

Come see what Middleton Grange is all about - a Year 1-13 non-denominational Christian school. Visit www.middleton. school.nz, phone 03-348-9826 x706.

MEET FATAKI AND HIS BROTHERS, NEW ZEALAND’S ONLY GORILLAS, AT ORANA WILDLIFE PARK. Street, 7.30-9pm. Take back control and regain your quality of life. Tickets from www.evenbrite.co.nz. Search: pelvic floor matters.

3 June

● Michael Jackson HIStory Show.

A musical tribute and live concert experience that journeys through Michael Jackson’s vast and incredible catalogue of work. Horncastle Arena, 8pm. Visit www.ticketek.co.nz.

5 June

● Christchurch Airport Marathon.

The South Island’s premiere marathon event and a well-renowned fast course.

Marathon, half marathon, 10km and kids’ mara’fun. Phone 027-293-8309 for tickets.

11-12 June

● Christchurch Baby Expo. Discover all you need to know from bump, to birth and beyond. Pioneer Leisure Centre, 9am – 4pm. Visit www.christchurchbabyexpo. co.nz for ticketing and details.

30 May

● Pelvic Floor Matters® seminar. Do you leak when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise? Are you pregnant or have had a baby recently? Are you menopausal? Have you had pelvic floor or gynaecological surgery? Do you engage in high-impact exercise? Are you working your pelvic floor muscles correctly? Learn how to train and protect your pelvic floor muscles with Gratitude Fitness/Maree Frost Physiotherapy. At YMCA, 12 Hereford

9 May

● Medbury School open day. You are invited to the Medbury School open day on Monday 9 May, 9am - 11.30am. For further details visit www.medbury.school.nz.

Rangiora New Life School

Learning to craft your own fashion Term and holiday sewing classes for kids/teens and adults

OPEN DAY

Learn to design and make your own clothing pattern Textile painting and sewing holiday workshops for kids

Tuesday 14 June

9am—3pm and 7—8.30 pm See classes in action from 9am—3pm Principal shares at 9am, 1.30 & 8pm

For class times please go to the Artisan sewing Facebook page Call 027 456 2177 Mail artisansewing@gmail.com Web artisansewing.co.nz Artisan sewing

www.familytimes.co.nz 19

COOL ACTIVITIES

Holiday PROGRAMMES

For more event and entertainment ideas, go to www.familytimes.co.nz

Looking for something fun, educational or adventurous for your kids during these school holidays? Check out some of the great programmes available in the following listings: ● SHARP Trust SHARP Trust provides quality, low cost, fun, Christian programmes for children aged 5 to 14-years. Enrol now at www.sharp.org.nz or phone 03-338-0673. ● Busy Bumbles Busy Bumbles is an award winning OSCAR programme, which offers a stimulating, quality programme for children. See www. busybumbles.co.nz for more information. ● Kowhai Residential School of Riding Kowhai runs horse riding courses most weekends and all school holidays throughout the year, fully supervised, fun and educational. Visit www.kowhai.co.nz, phone 03-312-4309.

facility. Visit www.cfa.org.nz to learn more about its programmes and to enrol. ● Youth Alive Trust New Brighton-based holiday programmes for ages 5 to 17-years. For more information on our three popular Oscar, WINZ and MSD-approved programmes, visit www.yat.org.nz or phone 03-388-1001. ● Mainland Football Have a ball: join one of Mainland Football’s action-packed holiday programmes for both outdoor and indoor fun these holidays.

● Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre Bumper boats every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, 1-3pm during the ● Living Springs school holidays. Cost is $5 plus pool Living Springs kids’ camp - Sunday 17 admission. Minimum age of 8-years and April to Friday 22 April. Check the website maximum weight of 70kg. Kaiapoi Aquatic for details www.livingsprings.co.nz or email Centre, 9 Cass Street, Kaiapoi. Phone 03reception@livingsprings.co.nz.

375-5041. ● Christchurch Football Academy The academy runs a football school, tournaments and holiday programmes for all primary and intermediate school age-groups of all levels on a world-class

● Sport Canterbury Sport Canterbury Active Kids’ holiday programmes promote fun, participation and sporting experiences for 5 to 13-yearolds. Visit www.sportcanterbury.org.nz.

● Southern Ballet Ballet, seminars and fun activities for grade 1 to advanced students. Monday 18 – Friday 22 April 2016, 9am – 3.15pm daily.

For details and enrolment form visit www.southernballet.co.nz, phone 03-379-7219, email southernballet@xtra.co.nz. ● CASPA CASPA offers a holiday programme experience that your five to 14-year-olds will enjoy; our programmes are designed to be fun and educational. For peace of mind, call CASPA on 03-349-9260. ● M*A*S*H Various programmes around Christchurch, Timaru/Temuka and North Canterbury.

WINZ subsidy available. “The best fun your kids can have.” Phone 0800-420-520, admin@mashkids.co.nz, www.mashkids. co.nz. ● Denyse Saunders School holiday modelling courses – fun, fashionable and fabulous! For children, tweens and teens, from 20-22 April. Visit www.dsmodelmanagement.nz or phone 021-255-0629.

Patricia Paul School of Dance Patricia Paul A.R.A.D. (London) has been passionate about educating students in Christchurch for more than 20 years. Follow in the footsteps of international singing star Hayley Westenra and Kase Craig (Ballet de l’Opera National de Bordeaux), Marysa Dalton (ex RNZB) and Sacha Copeland (Java Dance Company choreographer). Schools available in Cashmere, Thorrington, Rolleston, Marshland, Fendalton, Harewood and New Brighton with classes in classical ballet, contemporary, hip hop and jazz. Dance tuition in classical ballet from 3-years-old and jazz and hip hop from 6-years-old. Phone 03-372-9191 or email info@studioone.co.nz for enquiries.

Little Monkeys

Interactive Climbing Sessions Thursday 12pm-1pm (term time only) $5 per child No bookings required www.ymcachch.org.nz

www A world away right at your doorstep Living Springs Kids Camp

Take the stress out of childcare • We provide a safe, creative • Environment for 5-13 year olds • Our staff are trained • A range of fun activities • 7.15-8.30am and 3-6pm Mon-Fri • 8am-6pm Holidays • Kids jsut LOVE it!

Creative After School Programmed Activities

A place where memories are made

CALL US

NOW!

p: 03 349 9260 or 027 352 1638 e: info@caspa.org.nz w: www.caspa.org.nz

20 www.familytimes.co.nz

Subsidies Apply

Play Football these holidays.

Register online for our holiday programmes.

Football and Futsal options available.

April 17-22 www.livingsprings.co.nz 218 Bamfords Road (03) 329 9788 info@livingsprings.co.nz

FOR MORE INFO VISIT

mainlandfootball.co.nz

239 Waltham Road Phone 03 377 3000

COOL ACTIVITIES

ENTERTAINMENT Autumn is here, and it’s a great time to get out and explore the plethora of exciting events and entertainment destinations around the city. Here are a few ideas to get you started, and we’ve got heaps more at www.familytimes.co.nz. ● Orana Wildlife Park Experience up-close animal encounters at Orana Wildlife Park. See New Zealand’s only gorillas, hand feed giraffe, see kiwi, lions and much more. Visit www. oranawildlifepark.co.nz. ● Christchurch Gondola Perfect family holiday entertainment at the Christchurch Gondola: great views, Red Rock Café, Time Tunnel and walking trails.

Visit www.welcomeaboard.co.nz. ● Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Visit Willowbank’s Big 5; the tuatara, the kiwi, the cheeky kea, the mighty takahe and the very rare kaka. Visit www. willowbank.co.nz. ● Kowhai Residential School of Riding Kowhai runs horse riding courses most weekends and all school holidays throughout the year, fully supervised, fun and educational. Visit www.kowhai.co.nz, phone 03-312-4309 ● Weka Pass Railway Enjoy a fun day out or picnic at Weka Pass

Railway. All weather entertainment. Visit www.wekapassrailway.co.nz for details. ● Black Cat Cruises Make it a memorable autumn with Black Cat Cruises and the Hector’s dolphins.

Just 90 minutes from Christchurch and best of all, under 5’s cruise for free! ● Laser Strike Come play an indoor, family-friendly, exciting game of laser tag. We also do birthdays and large groups. Phone 03366-7595. ● Air Force Museum Children’s birthday parties at the Air Force Museum - we take care of everything with fun, fully-hosted activities, catering and even goodie bags!

ENJOY A UNIQUE BIRTHDAY EXPERIENCE AT THE AIR FORCE MUSEUM.

● The Palms Got a little one? Pop down to Playtime at The Palms, every Tuesday outside Kmart, from 10-11am with Melanie Poppins.

Holiday specials

● Canterbury Museum Touch, see and learn about our natural world at Discovery for kids! Just $2 each; under 3’s free. Canterbury Museum, www.canterburymuseum.com.

● Canterbury Children’s Theatre Canterbury Children’s Theatre’s presents 3 Bears at The Malthouse, 71 Colombo

● Adam All Sorts Adam All Sorts clown entertainer. Visit www.adamallsorts.co.nz.

Here are some great holiday ideas designed to keep you and your little ones entertained during the school break.

Street, in the April school holidays. At 11am and 1pm, tickets $8. For details visit www. malthouse.co.nz. ● Avonhead Shopping Centre See Elgregoe at Avonhead Shopping Centre from 26-30 April at 11.30am and 1.30pm daily. See Facebook for more details. ● Court Theatre Cops and Robbers: can one smart little girl stop the villain with the big, big, curly moustache from stealing all the jewels?

From 20-30 April, bookings at www. courttheatre.org.nz. ● National Trade Academy School holidays are coming up. What better way to spend them than visiting Arion Farm Park at McLeans Island?

Touch and feed animals in their natural environment. Fun for all ages! ● Mister Maker Mister Maker is bringing his brilliant, fun and interactive live show to Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington during the July school holidays. Tickets selling fast!

Visit www.livenation.com.au.

canterbury children’s theatre presents

3 BEARS written by MATT POWELL directed by VICTORIA POWELL

16 april - 1 may saturdays and sundays 1pm and 11am all tickets $8 book online at www.malthouse.co.nz or phone 332 3271 /Canterbury.childrens.theatre www.familytimes.co.nz 21

COOL ACTIVITIES ● Christchurch Circus Trust Christchurch Circus Trust presents: Free Circus Open Day. Held on World Circus Day, Saturday 16 April, 10.30am – 1.30pm, 146 Seaview Road, New Brighton. Come and have a go! ● Imagination Station Come and build in our Lego and Duplo pits. School holiday programme and public Lego classes. Free entry, donations welcomed. Visit www.imagination-station. org.nz. ● Northlands Mall Meet Po from Kung Fu Panda 3, Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 April, 11am-2pm, centre court. Visit www.northlands.co.nz for all the details.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE Looking for a great programme or activity to keep your kids occupied after school hours?

Look no further – we’ve got some great options for you here, and at www.familytimes.co.nz. ● Busy Bumbles Busy Bumbles is an award winning OSCAR programme, which offers a stimulating, quality programme for children. See www. busybumbles.co.nz for more information. ● CASPA CASPA offers a before and after-school programme experience that your five to 13-year-olds will enjoy. Our programmes are designed to be fun and educational.

For peace of mind, call CASPA on 03-3499260.

● YMCA Is rock climbing your thing? Our after school programme will be right up your alley. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 4.30-6pm. Bookings: 03-3773000, climb@ymcachch.org.nz.

22 www.familytimes.co.nz

www.familytimes.co.nz

SCHOOL TERM DATES 2016 - 2017 primary and intermediate school term dates

2016 - 2017 secondary and composite school term dates

Term 3, 2016 Monday 25 July to Friday 23 September

Term 3, 2016 Monday 25 July to Friday 23 September

Term 4, 2015 Monday 10 October to no later than Tuesday 20 December

Term 4, 2015 Monday 10 October to no later than Friday 16 December

Term 1, 2016 Between Monday 30 January and Tuesday 7 February to Thursday 13 April

Term 1, 2016 Between Monday 30 January and Tuesday 7 February to Thursday 13 April

Term 2, 2016 Monday 2 May to Friday 8 July

UP-CLOSE FAMILY FUN AT WILLOWBANK.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter

Term 2, 2016 Monday 2 May to Friday 8 July

Remaining public holidays 2015 25 April ANZAC Day 6 June Queen’s Birthday 24 October Labour Day 25 December Christmas Day 26 December Boxing Day

Top reads Picture books Finding Winnie: The Story of the Real Bear Who Inspired Winniethe-Pooh

By Lindsay Mattick Illustrations Sophie Blackall Orchard Books, $30 This book is based on the author’s greatgrandfather, Harry Colebourne, who signed up as a vet in the Canadian army in 1917. He buys a bear cub he names Winnie, which becomes his regiment’s mascot. Winnie stays at London Zoo when they go to the front, and a little boy called Christopher Robin befriends and names his teddy after Winnie, prompting the famous stories. Warm and wonderful Caldecott Medal-winning illustrations.

Big Book of Love

By Catherine & Laurence Anholt Orchard Books $20 paperback/$30 hardback The brightlycoloured pages are full of the many diversions of a young child’s life: the beach, a tree-house, a train ride, the dog and other animals, friends, the busy city, bright colours and more. A glorious romp through the familiar features of a child’s life. Lilting rhyming text makes this a perfect readaloud.

How to be Famous

By Michal Shalev Gecko Press, $20 Pb/$30 Hb There is a laugh on every page as a self-centred pigeon teaches us how to be famous. The illustrations are marvellously loose, with scribbles of crayon and pencil over washes of colour, conveying the impulsive enthusiasm of our pigeon and the speed of his rollicking tale as he lurches from one potential disaster to the next. Read aloud to all ages.

Intermediate fiction

Junior Fiction

Knowledge books

What Dog Knows

By Sylvia Vanden Heede & Inge Bergh Illustrations: Marije Tolman Gecko Press, $19.99 Respectable Dog and his unruly cousin Wolf are back! As well as the hilarious interactions, Dog and Wolf also bring us knowledge. Dog knows lots about knights, dragons, dinosaurs, skeletons, robots and so much more. Wolf has some wild and rather dangerous ideas (like trying to make Cat into a Mummy) that get them all into strife. A great package of facts with humorous interactions.

The Bold Ship Phenomenal

By Sarah Johnson Illustrations Deborah Hinde Flat Bed Press, $20 Life is dull for Malachi (11) after his mother’s death: Dad just stays at home being boring.

Things change after Malachi finds a ship in a bottle. News about an eco-protest prompts Malachi to see for himself, stowing away on a truck driven by the school bully’s father. He gets more than he bargained for. Funny and mighty exciting.

The Vloggers Yearbook

By Harriet Paul & Caroline Rowlands The Five Mile Press, $21.50 A bountiful assortment of vloggers (video bloggers) laid out as a busy scrapbook.

Photographs, biographical info, drawings, questions, quotations, timelines and more! A useful “censored” stamp appears on some as a warning that language may offend. There are also useful guidelines for readers interested in having a go at vlogging themselves. An excellent resource for a contemporary craze.

Raymie Nightingale

By Kate DiCamillo Candlewick Press $22.99 Ten-year-old Raymie’s father has run off with a dental hygienist, but she has a plan to lure him back – become Little Miss Central Florida Tire and when her father sees her photo in the paper he’ll return. In preparation, she and two friends are learning to twirl batons. Based on the award-winning author’s childhood and told in simple but effective language.

A tale of self-discovery, full of humour.

Crenshaw

By Katherine Applegate Harper Collins $16.99 Crenshaw is a giant cat who wears a baseball cap and takes bubble baths.

But the only person who can see him is 10-year-old Jackson, and maybe his dog Aretha. Jackson’s family is going through hard times; they’ve been homeless before and maybe it’s going to happen again. Crenshaw was Jackson’s invisible friend when he was seven, and now he’s back, with very good advice, just when Jackson needs him most.

The Beginner’s Guide to Adventure Sport in New Zealand

By Steve Gurney Random House, $35 Photos, great design and easyto-consume text make this an excellent introduction to a wide range of adventure sports in New Zealand. Get your sport thrills out in the environment, be it in the water (swimming, paddling), the bush (running, tramping, orienteering), the mountains (climbing), in the snow, or any combination. You’ll find suggestions for kit, safety, how each sport operates, training, prep, and competing.

The Marvels

By Brian Selznick Scholastic Press, $35 An epic tale in two parts – the first, entirely in illustrations, follows the theatrical Marvel family from Billy in 1766, through generations until 1900 when Leontes is banished from the theatre. The second, told in words, begins a century later with a runaway searching out his uncle who has an intriguing relationship to the first story. They come together in a blending of the two stories, discovering what is real and what is imagined.

Whose Beak is This?

By Gillian Candler Illustrations Fraser Williamson Potter & Burton $25 New Zealand birds appear one by one through a circular window, revealing their beak at work obtaining food. On the following page the whole bird is revealed with a paragraph, using the Maori and European name, describing the shape and purpose of the beak. The images are beautifully simple, capturing the essence of each bird. Brief poems begin and end the book.

Magrit

By Lee Battersby Walker Books, $22.99 Magrit is nearly 10. She lives in an abandoned cemetery and her only friend and advisor is Master Puppet, a skeletal creature she built who sits overlooking the graveyard. When a baby is dropped in the graveyard Magrit cares for him, but what will happen when he wants to go outside the secure boundary of their domain? And whose bones lie in the neglected corner?

NZ'S No.1 parenting publication Check out our competitions online and win!

www.familytimes.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz 23

Live Nation in association with Zodiak Kids Presents

Tue 12 & Wed 13 Jul Aurora Centre, Christchurch On Sale Now 0800 842 538 or ticketek.co.nz Mister Maker ™ & Š 2016 The Foundation.

Licensed by Zodiak Rights Limited.

24 www.familytimes.co.nz

livenation.com.au

Family-friendly

cafe and restaurant dining The dining scene is an ever changing, ever developing landscape, with so many new places popping up to replace those that have gone. We have compiled a list of some of our favourite, family-friendly places.

GOVERNORS BAY HOTEL

The Governors Bay Hotel is one of the oldest and most beautiful hotels in New Zealand. It’s got spectacular views over Lyttelton harbour, and is just a short 20 minute drive from central Christchurch. The Governors Bay Hotel is open seven days and seven nights for highly recommended pub fare.

52 Main Road, Governors Bay, Lyttelton Phone: 03-329-9433 www.governorsbayhotel.co.nz

LONE STAR PAPANUI

At the Lone Star Papanui restaurant, we can seat about 110 guests mainly in our upstairs area. But there is room on the ground floor for another 25 people plus a fully enclosed and heated outdoor area – ideal for that group outing. Simply call us and we’ll sort out the details for you and give you a wonderful night.

116 Northlands Mall, Papanui Phone: 03 352 6653 www.lonestar.co.nz

CAESARS FAMILY RESTAURANT & BAR

Caesars is a spacious restaurant and bar with a special emphasis on fresh, home-style food. The restaurant caters for and welcomes families with children of all ages whilst realistically offering quality food and beverages for all ages and budgets. It’s an ideal place for birthday parties with a play area and children’s menu.

Northwood Supa Centa Phone: 03-323-5420 www.caesars.co.nz

WINNIE BAGOES

Here at Winnies, it is our aim to offer you the best family pizza dining experience in New Zealand. Winnies Ferrymead is the perfect spot to bring the family for lunch or dinner 7 days a week: a great kids’ menu, the awesome Winnies Kids’ Pizza school and a family-friendly environment. The best pizza in town!

Unit 3, 2 Waterman Place, Ferrymead 03-376-4900 www.winniebagoes.co.nz

BEACH CAFE

With a shaded play area and secure fencing, there’s peace of mind for mum and dad and fun for the kids.

Relax and enjoy our top-notch coffee or a cold drink while the little ones entertain themselves.

Special offer: coffee, muffin, scone or chocolate brownie $7.50 with a free fluffy. Weekdays only. You must prebook.

16A Beach Rd, Waimairi 03-382-8599 www.beachcafe.co.nz

MILIEU CAFE

Milieu Cafe is a warm and welcoming cafe located in the heart of Addington.

Great for meeting people for a full meal, coffee and cake or even afterwork drinks and nibbles. We offer all kinds of kids’ drinks and meals; it’s a great place for kids and family meals on the weekend.

112 Wrights Road, Addington 03-962-9629 www.milieu.net.nz

CASA PUBLICA

Dine at Casa Publica, say you saw this ad in Family times, and kids get a free dessert and kids’ drink after ordering a kids’ meal. Kids must have a minimum two adults dine with them.

(T&Cs apply).

167-180 Armagh Street, Central City Phone: 03-366-1389 www.casapublica.co.nz

LONE STAR PAPANUI

At the Lone Star Papanui restaurant, we can seat about 110 guests mainly in our upstairs area. But there is room on the ground floor for another 25 people plus a fully enclosed and heated outdoor area – ideal for that group outing. Simply call us and we’ll sort out the details for you and give you a wonderful night.

116 Northlands Mall, Papanui Phone: 03 352 6653 www.lonestar.co.nz

CARLTON BAR & EATERY

Dine at Carlton Bar & Eatery, say you saw this ad in Family times, and kids get a free dessert and kids’ drink after ordering a kids’ meal. Kids must have a minimum two adults dine with them.

(T&Cs apply).

1 Papanui Road, Merivale Phone 03-355-9543 www.carltonbar.co.nz

Mister Maker tickets!

Come and join your ultimate arts and craft hero Mister Maker for his brilliant, fun and interactive live new show when he tours Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington during the July school holidays. Packed full of arty adventures, there’ll be a big “make” to take part in, super songs to join in with, a fabulous supporting cast and not forgetting, The Shapes! We have 2 family passes (4 tickets each) to give away for the Christchurch shows on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 July 2016. Aurora Centre, Christchurch Enter on our website www.familytimes.co.nz. Entries close 25 May 2016.

FREE KIDS MEAL

Dine with us at the Papanui Lone Star mention this Family Times ad and 1 child on your table will receive a FREE Kiwi Kids meal incl dessert & drink (conditions apply)

Kids Group DEal

Celebrate that special birthday or sports team breakup with us.

We’ll feed the wee ones for $1 per year of age. eg 10 x 9 year old kids = only $90

116 Northlands Mall , Papanui | ph 03 352 6653 www.lonestar.co.nz www.familytimes.co.nz 25

BIRTHDAYS

HOW TO THROW A

DIY light sabre Making your own light sabres is a breeze. All you need is some cheap foam pool noodles and some black and grey tape. Use the tape to wrap around the base of the pool noodle and create markings.

Storm trooper cupcakes These wee treats are sure to delight little tummies, and they’re easy to make. Simply bake a batch of vanilla cupcakes and top them with vanilla icing.

Then take a white, cylindrical marshmallow and draw on a star-trooper face with a black cakedecorating pen. Place on top of the cupcake and you’ve got a dark-side warrior!

PARTY You may wish that your child’s birthday party was in a galaxy far, far away, but it’s not that hard to throw a Star Wars party right in your own backyard. All you need is a Death Star, a few storm troopers, and of course, the force.

If you are still working on your jedi powers, keep reading: we’ve got all the details you need for a party of inter-galactic success.

Star Wars ten-pin bowling Pick up a white plastic ten-pin bowling set from your local dollar shop, print some free storm troop and Darth Vader faces to tape on to the pins, and you’ve got a serious game of jedi vs. dark side. Visit www.degraeve.com/ lowcoststarwarscostumes for your free printables.

GOING PLACES You might be surprised by all the free (or low-cost,) family fun there is to be had in and around Christchurch. From walks and parks to museums and galleries, there’s plenty to do in the Garden City. We’re featuring a few ideas each issue to get you going places in Christchurch.

Recreation

● Family cycling along the Avon Did you know that you can cycle city to surf in Christchurch? There’s a fantastic, family-friendly cycle route that goes from Victoria Square in Kilmore Street, all the way to Ebbtide Street, Southshore. The route is composed of low-traffic roads and off-road cycle paths.

Don’t forget to take a jacket, plenty of water and some snacks for those hungry little tummies. You can do the whole route, or just part. ● Family cycling at Westburn Reserve Autumn is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy a spectacular array of autumnal colours. What better way than on a bike?

Westburn Reserve, on Westburn Terrace in Burnside, is a real treat for cycle-keen kids who want to expand their road-cycle skills. It contains a set of pathways laid out as a street network, complete with intersections and street signs. Kids can practice all the basics: balancing, turning, signalling, and most importantly, getting past other people without crashing into them. ● Riccarton Bush Walk Riccarton Bush is the only area of podocarp forest remaining in Christchurch. The dense stands of kahikatea and birdsong echoing through the bush provide a backdrop to the restored early settlers’ cottage.

This is a good walk for a warmer day as 26 www.familytimes.co.nz

it winds through the shade of Riccarton Bush. On wet days the boardwalk through the bush may become slippery although the shorter nature trail is well surfaced.

Starting at Riccarton House, walk around towards Deans Cottage then follow the stone path past the information board and through the wooden gate to begin the trail.

There are plenty of seats located along the track and birdsong echoes through the bush from both native and introduced birds such as the fantail (piwakawaka), silvereye (tauhou) and grey warbler (riroriro). Riccarton Bush is the main centre of Christchurch’s small resident population of wood pigeons (kereru).

Once you have completed the tranquil boardwalk track, follow the signs back to Riccarton House. The many historic exotic trees in the grounds of Riccarton House including oaks, conifers and eucalypts were planted there during the 1850s.

Museums/public libraries/ galleries

● Christchurch Art Gallery – Te Puna O Waiwhetu The iconic Christchurch Art Gallery, which served as emergency headquarters following the 22 February earthquake 5-years ago, is once again open for business. Check out a variety of collections and exhibitions, many of them open to the public for free. It’s at 49 Worcester Boulevard. Visit www. christchurchartgallery.org.nz for opening hours and details.

EXPLORE ONE OF BANKS PENINSULA’S STUNNING BEACHES.

● Canterbury Museum This is a great spot to take the kids on a rainy day. Alternatively, on a sunny day, you can follow up a cultural visit with the glory of autumn colours in Hagley Park’s Botanic Gardens. For more on current exhibitions, visit www.canterburymuseum. com. Free admission.

Picnic spots, reserves, play areas

● The Groynes The Groynes is a fantastic spot for family fun on a nice day. With lots of walking, fishing, picnic areas, playgrounds and a large dog exercise park, there’s something for everyone.

Picnic areas and free barbeques are dotted throughout the park, but do remember to take your rubbish home with you.

There are multiple playgrounds throughout the Groynes including a flying fox, see-saw, slides and swings. There’s also two permanent orienteering courses; white (1.9km) and yellow (2.6km). You can purchase a map for $4 from the Rosebank Cafe (near the entrance to the Groynes Park just off Johns Road) or download it at www.papo.org.nz.

Swimming pools

It’s true: we’ve lost a few pools in Christchurch since the earthquakes. But we’ve still got some great facilities to enjoy.

Here are a few indoor pools that allow great water fun even when the weather’s packed in: ● Jellie Park Jellie Park is one of Christchurch’s biggest and best sporting and recreation facilities.

Indoor facilities include an eight-lane, 25m recreation pool, an eight-lane, 25m sport pool, a teaching pool, toddler pool and spa. Outdoor pool in summer. Phone 03941-6888 for bookings or enquiries. ● Pioneer Indoor pools include a five-lane, 25m pool, a four lane, 16m teaching pool, a 20m x 20m wave pool, lazy river, bubble pit and fountains, spa, sauna and steam room. At 75 Lyttelton Street, Spreydon, phone 03941-6888 for bookings or enquiries. ● Graham Condon Indoor facilities include eight-lane, 25m pool, toddler pool with fountains, spa, and 4m teaching pool. At 3 Sisson Drive, Papanui. Phone 03-941-6888 for bookings or enquiries.

BIRTHDAYS

Jedi robes

Death Star piñata

No Star Wars party is complete without jedi robes. The good news is that you don’t need to be a dab hand at the sewing machine – or have jedi powers - to pull this one off. All you need is some brown material – preferably something breathable since kids will be running around – and a white material to use as a tie.

Measure the length of your material so that it will go double the length from your child’s shoulders to their ankles, and the width a bit wider than shoulder width to allow for flow. Cut your material into large rectangles and a slit cut up the front for the lapels. Then just cut your white material for a belt, and you’re all done.

Keep a pair of scissors on hand to adjust the length of the garment on each child as need be.

No party is complete without a good piñata. It’s a bit of work, but a Death Star piñata will certainly earn you a “parent of the year” award with your kids.

You’ll need a 20” beach ball, some gray spray paint, three newspapers cut into strips, and some paper mache glue mix, which you can make out of water and flour.

1. Apply your paper strips with glue, and wait until each layer dries before applying the next one.

2. Figure out where your super laser will be, and cut a hole using a small bowl for the circular shape.

3. Pull out the deflated beach ball.

Wire in your string.

4. Spray paint about three coats of grey onto the piñata. Use tape to edge an equatorial line, then paint the space in the middle black.

5. Start painting on city sprawls and outer trenches in lighter grey.

6. Use tiny coloured diamantes around the equatorial trench, and tiny white diamantes around the rest of the sphere to create lights.

7. Take the cut-out part for the super laser focus lens. Turn it upside down and paint it.

8. Fill the piñata with lollies.

9. Fix the upside-down super laser to the piñata with hot glue, then use a green straw to create the external laser.

A birthday is a great time for celebration – many children count down to this momentous occasion, and it’s a chance to show the birthday child just how special they are.

Star Wars backdrop Easy, it is. Make this Star Wars backdrop, you can.

Ideally, you’ll have a bit of old ply hanging around that you can paint black. Alternatively, you can use a black fabric and blue-tack it to a wall. Then all you need to do is visit your local craft store and pick up some stick-on yellow stars. Just like that, you have created a whole new galaxy that’s perfect for getting kids to pose for birthday snaps.

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FOOD

TOP FIVE lunch box tips

Here are Munch’s top lunch box tips to get your kids gobbling down their lunches and make them the envy of their class.

1

VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

We all like a bit of variety in what we eat, so try and mix up the foods you give your kids over the week. Try out different breads (bagels, wraps, pita bread) or swap out breads for fritters, muffins, sushi, pasties, mini homemade pizzas, rice paper rolls, mini quiches, frittatas or pasta salads. Making things specifically to stock up the freezer helps offer a variety of things in lunch boxes.

3

MAKE IT EASY TO GET AT

Little fingers find it really hard to unwrap plastic wrap, and it’s bad for the environment. Most schools only have 15–20 minutes of enforced eating time at school before the play bell goes, so maximise their eating time and opt for reusable containers or compartmentalised lunch boxes that keep food fresh but readily accessible. Add a lunch box cooler too or freeze a water bottle to keep their food as fresh as possible.

BY MICHELLE KITNEY, MUNCH IMAGES: BELINDA POPE, MUNCH

5

MAKE IT COLOURFUL

By having a range of colours in your kids lunch box you will know you have given them a great variety of vitamins and minerals. Colourful food is also more appealing to kids. Here are some colourful finger food ideas that require minimal preparation: • Carrot, cucumber, zucchini or capsicum sticks with hummus or tzatziki • Grapes • Apples • Berries • Watermelon shapes or slices • Cherry tomatoes • Sweet corn or zucchini fritters • Hard-boiled eggs • Fruit slices and yoghurt dip

Check out more Munch recipes

Visit www.familytimes.co.nz and search our food section for delicious and healthy food ideas.

4

GET YOUR KIDS INVOLVED

Mornings are a hectic time in most families but it’s well worth the time to make a family lunch-making routine. Kids are much more likely to eat something they have made themselves. It is also a great way to give them extra independence and help them develop time management skills. Your kids will be more likely to eat their own delicious creations and research shows that kids who are involved in preparing healthy food are more likely to go on to be adults who make healthy choices.

Energy Balls These balls offer a great energy boost for kids on the go.

2

MAKE IT APPEALING TO YOUR CHILD

Choose foods that you know they are going to eat. Cut their sandwiches, cheese and even watermelon into interesting shapes.

• • • • • • •

1 cup of puffed rice or crumbled rice cakes ½ cup of oats or any muesli 2 Tbsp tahini or any nut butter 1.5 Tbsp honey ½ tsp of cocoa 1 tsp chia seeds ½ cup desiccated coconut

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Put all the ingredients, except for the coconut, into a food processor and blitz until the ingredients are in large crumbs.

Roll by hand into small balls.

Roll the balls in coconut.

If the mixture is too dry to roll into balls put in some more tahini, nut butter and/or honey. If this does not bring them to a rollable consistency, then put a small splash of hot water.

Store in the fridge and these should keep for several days.

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IN CINEMAS NOW

Kung Fu Panda 3 Š 2016 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved

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