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The Sun
Wednesday February 16, 2011
s e l c a r i M e l Litt Exciting lunch box ideas
...CARING FOR YOUR PRE-SCHOOLER
Another long year of school lunches looming? Read on for lunch box inspiration that is sure to keep the kids happy and healthy. Getting kids excited about eating vegetables is not easy, here are some great ideas for getting vegetables in the lunch box: • cherry tomatoes – pop in with a cube, slice or wedge of cheese, corn fritters, • cheese and corn muffins, mini vege quiches, • celery stick with peanut butter, carrot and capsicum sticks with hummus, • ham and vegetable frittata, traffic light skewers made with cherry tomato, orange capsicum and cucumber on sticks. Lunch box-friendly fruit: • Grapes, strawberries, dried fruit such as apri-
cots, dates, raisins, figs, pear quarters, mandarin, kiwi fruit, baby apple, fresh pineapple chunks, pottle of diced fruit. Yummy snack ideas: • Mini bagels, rice crackers, pita crisps, mini bag of popcorn, pretzels, rice chips, small baked potatoes, cheese triangles, baby carrots, salami sticks, dried apricots, jellies with fruit. Delicious sandwich fillings: • Corned beef, lettuce and tomato, roast beef, chutney and lettuce, creamed corn and grated cheese, • Ham and cheese on light rye bread. Hardboiled egg mashed with mayonnaise on wholemeal bread, Lebanese wrap spread with peanut butter, rolled and cut in thirds. Cucumber, grated
carrot and reduced-fat cream cheese • Pita bread filled with mini meatballs (left over from dinner), lettuce and chutney or tomato sauce • Roast chicken and coleslaw roll • Pita bread with feta cheese and roast vegetables (leftovers from dinner), Avocado, turkey and cranberry sauce. Old favourite sandwich fillings: • Marmite, cheese and lettuce • Ham and cheese (and chutney or whole grain mustard if your kids like it) • Diced chicken mixed with a bit of mayonnaise and lettuce, Tomato and cheese sandwiches (put the tomato between the cheese to stop bread going soggy) • Egg and mayonnaise
• Salmon or tuna mixed with a bit of mayonnaise and lettuce • Banana sandwiches • Peanut butter and jam • Peanut butter and honey • Fairy bread sandwiches with sprinkles.
Returning to work? Childcare tips Looking for childcare in 2011? Affordable and flexible In-Home Childcare available with PORSE Educators in your area now! We offer 20 Hours ECE for three to five year olds. You may also be entitled
A0846
to a WINZ subsidy.
Call us today on 578 9333 or visit www.PORSE.co.nz
When do I return to work after having a baby? Thousands of Kiwi women face the huge dilemma each year of if, how and when to return to work after becoming mothers. Deciding on what childcare option is best for your family is one of the most important decisions that a working parent will make. Considering things such as health, safety, education, social interaction and the overall well being of your child will help you find the best solution. To help make the transition to childcare easy and enjoyable, here is some advice from industry experts. You can find out more in detail at www.nzs.com There are many quality New Zealand childcare providers available nationwide, whether you are seeking day care, nannies, in-home child care professionals or babysitters. Follow these simple questions to find a good child care solution for your family: • Do we need full-time or part-time care for our child?
• If both parents work traditional nine to five days, does the carer need to start early in the day, work late or be there on weekends? • If you only require part-time care, will the days for care be the same each week or will your carer need to be flexible? • How much can we afford to spend on child care? • Does my child have any special needs? • What kind of child care will suit my child? If you have decided to enrol your child at a day care, crèche or preschool, visit a selection of centres so that you get a good idea of what is available.
Providers of quality education and childcare for children from 3 months to 5 years. • Community based Qualified teachers • 20 hours ECE to all 3 and 4 year olds
Taking enrolmenTs now www.blenheimearlychildhood.co.nz Hours 7:30am – 5:30pm Te Kupenga Preschool 120 Aerodrome Road 5788571 Uptown Preschool 59 Hospital 5788709 John Street Preschool 1A Henry Street 5781365
Quality Private Preschool Education 44 Kent Street PICTON Phone: 03 573 5530