Family Times Autumn 2023

AKAROA NATURE CRUiSE

2 KiDS CRUiSE FREE iN AKAROA!

Experience a spectacular harbour full of Hector's dolphins and wildlife within an extinct volcanic crater Book using code FREEKIDS & 2 kids cruise free with a full price adult during the April holidays Free tea and coffee and a Hector's dolphin guarantee. Under 5's cruise free all year round!

Friday 7th April - Tuesday April 25th

SCHOOL HOLiDAY FUN

Six native New Zealand birds are hiding around Quail Island Painted by a local Lyttelton artist come explore Quail Island with your trail map to find them all completing the fun fact sheet as you go Only during the holidays. Tuesday April 11th until Tuesday April 25th

Welcome

Autumn has well and truly settled in. The church grounds opposite our house are covered in crunchy leaves, and my girls love collecting them for art and craft projects or to make nests (my four-year-old is really into that right now). But, for me, this beautiful season also brings a prickling sense of apprehension as I think about the slippery slide into winter and the challenges ahead – like all those winter bugs.

There is always something to worry about as a parent – whatever age your kids are. And, whereas autumn shows up on time each year, you can’t always predict what’s around the corner when it comes to your family. I think it’s that uncertainty that makes parenting such a gruelling ride at times.

The feature stories in our autumn issue capture some of the different challenges families face, from negotiating the world of co-parenting after separation, to accessing learning support when you have a child with special needs, to trying to get some sleep when you have another baby. I’m reminded that this parenting journey is different for all of us. Although common themes emerge (I could list some, but I don’t think I need to), we all have different worries keeping us up in the small hours of the night.

One theme that comes across in all our feature stories is the importance of asking for support from family and friends and, depending on the circumstances, the experts. When I think back to my own difficulties when I had my third baby and the more recent challenges I’ve encountered with my kids, I’m reminded that it’s ok to admit I’m struggling and lean on whānau and friends.

I also have to remind myself to give my head a break from thinking and to enjoy the moments. This issue is packed with fun ideas for family activities and outings, and I’m looking forward to having some awesome adventures with my girls over the holidays. Crisp, sunny autumn days are the best – so let’s hope the weather plays ball.

Kate Barber / Editor kate@familytimes.co.nz @familytimesnewzealand

PUBLISHER

Filly Farm Publishing

Sonia Speedy sonia@familytimes.co.nz 021 024 58141

EDITOR

Kate Barber kate@familytimes.co.nz

SUBEDITOR

Fiona Robinson fiona@familytimes.co.nz

ADVERTISING

Sonia Speedy sonia@familytimes.co.nz 021 024 58141

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Rachel Lowrey rachel@familytimes.co.nz

familytimes.co.nz is delighted to be a long-term sponsor of The Canterbury Special Children’s Christmas Party, an event that has been giving underprivileged and special needs children the opportunity to celebrate Christmas.

G ENERAL E NQUIRIES hello@familytimes.co.nz

CONTRIBUTORS

Amanda Fitzgibbon

Anette de Joux

Angela Howlett

Claudia Gunn

Crissi Blair

Kimberlee Sweeney

Lynair Bergman

Maxine Laws

Megan Lewis

Miriam McCaleb

Nathan Miglani

Nathan Wallis

Sam Weaver

Sonia Speedy

Sophie Gray

Zazi Henderson

PRINT

Blueprint, Christchurch

Family Times is published quarterly and is a registered trademark. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretations of the subject matter contained herein. The reader of this publication assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional. Family Times asserts copyright on all material published within Family Times and none of it shall be reproduced, wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of this publisher. Family Times reserves the right to edit or abridge all letters or other material, whether solicited or otherwise, prior to publication.

@familytimesnewzealand

ISSN NO. 2815-9802 (Print) ISSN NO. 2815-9810 (Online)

Orthodontic treatment is performed by Grahame Dutton who is a General Dentist with a special interest in Orthodontics.

A GIFT THAT LASTS A LIFETIME

I can’t count the number of times in my career I’ve heard from my adult patients: “If only I’d had braces as a teenager”. Either orthodontics wasn’t available to them, or they and/or their parents, decided against braces, or the cost was prohibitive. But as they have gone into adulthood they have regretted that decision and had to live with consequences to their oral health, their chewing function and the appearance of their smile.

The aim of orthodontics is to produce a healthy, functional bite, creating greater resistance to disease and improving

22 Bartlett Street, Riccarton Christchurch 8011

personal appearance. Most orthodontics is performed during the adolescent growth spurt, however, there are some conditions that may be best treated when the child is as young as nine years old.

A healthy mouth is a great asset, not just medically but also socially and professionally. If your child needs invisalign, you could be giving them a gift that lasts a lifetime, and they will keep on thanking you. Call for your free consult today.

duxtondental.co.nz

BOOKS BEATS

Books, books, wonderful books! CRISSI BLAIR picks out the best reads for different ages and interests.

TE WEHENGA

Mat Tait

Allen & Unwin $36.99

A powerful combination of graphic artwork and storytelling – the Māori creation story; the separation of Ranginui, the sky-father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother. Told in darkest blues and greys, with swirling bilingual text in te reo Māori and English, blended with powerful imagery.

Suitable for ages 10+

KORORĀ AND THE SUSHI SHOP

Linda Jane Keegan

Illustrator:

Jenny Cooper

Scholastic $20

Inspired by the true story of Kororā – the cute little blue penguin who makes a nest under the floor of a sushi shop. Wini, working in the store, hears noises and spots the visitor who is escorted back to the harbour, only to return with a mate.

Suitable for ages 3-8

MEANWHILE BACK ON EARTH

Oliver Jeffers

HarperCollins $30

A dad and his two kids drive into space, looking back at Earth, matching the distance travelled with historical conflicts, putting the universe and history into perspective. Captivating artwork and readable text make tricky concepts easy to understand.

Suitable for ages 5-10

ODDER

Katherine Applegate

Illustrator: Charles Santoso

Wellbeck Publishing $17

An amazing animal story told in free verse. Odder, the sea otter, loves to play, but her curiosity leads to an unfortunate meet-up with a shark. Find out how human rescuers care for the otters and help them learn to live in the wild again if possible.

Suitable for ages 8-12

ERNEST RUTHERFORD – JUST AN ORDINARY BOY

Maria Gill

Illustrator: Alistair Hughes Upstart Press $24.99

From curious child to world-famous scientist, Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937) was determined and persistent, finally getting university scholarships and making amazing discoveries that changed the world. Illustrations transport the reader to the era.

Suitable for ages 6-12

Top Pick

SYLVIA AND THE BIRDS

Johanna Emeney

Illustrator: Sarah Laing Massey University Press $39.99

We have ONE copy of Kororā and the Sushi Shop, Ernest Rutherford – Just an Ordinary Boy, Te Wehenga, and Sylvia and the Birds to give away. Follow us for your chance to win @familytimesnewzealand.

How Sylvia Durrant, known as the Bird Lady, saved thousands of birds, and how you can too! Told with comic strips, photos, information panels and stories to inspire and encourage readers to do their bit to care for our birds.

Suitable for ages 8+

WEEDY FLEABITE AND LEVITY BEET (Single) spoti.fi/3lYDzPz

A wonderfully weedy new co-write celebrating nature from FleaBITE and Levity Beet.

BATH TIME 2 ITTY BITTY BEATS (Album) ittybittybeats.com

Get ready to make a big splash with these all-new bathtime songs!

LOOK WOT THE CAT DRAGGED IN CAPTAIN FESTUS MCBOYLE (Album) captainfestus.com

The 4th album from New Zealand's award-winning pirate band.

PODS

THE STORY PIRATES storypirates.com

'Story Pirates' is a multi-awarding winning podcast with stories written by kids to inspire comedy and songs featuring fantastic guest stars.

THE BEANIES

thebeanies.com.au/ podcast

The Beanies' weekly podcast answers all the big questions with songs, silliness and fun in a glittery and adventurous listen. Featuring kids' questions and hilarious explanations from this musical crew.

CLAUDIA GUNN from Kiwi Kids Music shares fresh new tunes for children.

CLAUDIA GUNN shares her top picks for podcasts.

Property and mortgage market predictions for 2023

We all want financial security, now and into the future, especially when we are raising a family. So, whether you’re looking to buy your first family home or upsize to meet the needs of your growing household, NATHAN MIGLANI of NZ Mortgages offers some insights into the property and mortgage market to help you make informed decisions for your family.

One of the questions we’re currently being asked is: “How long should I fix my mortgage interest rate for?” While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, our general advice is not to fix the term for longer than two years.

Overseas, inflation is starting to ease up, and with New Zealand typically following along behind, we expect to start seeing the same here sometime soon. You’ll see that longer fixed terms at the major banks now have lower interest rates than shorter terms, which is another clue that change is in the wind – banks are anticipating that rates will eventually come down.

The current test rate, which banks use to test if people can afford the mortgage, is 8.6%, making affordability harder for first-home buyers. With interest rates tipped to lower, we hope that test rates will too. Also, if the Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) restrictions are scrapped towards the end of the year, as some predict, that will help first-home buyers, lowering the deposit they will need.

Whatever your family’s needs or your budget, if you are looking to sell and buy in this market, you need expert advice on how to structure your mortgage correctly so you can maintain your lifestyle while being smart about getting your home loan paid off.

At NZ Mortgages, we have more than 25 years of combined experience, and with offices in Christchurch, North Canterbury and Rolleston, we’ve got the area covered. So give the NZ Mortgages team a call on 0800 100 300 or email: hello@nzmortgages.co.nz.

nzmortgages.co.nz

KIDS & MONEY

Raising

money-smart kids starts early and in simple ways, with playful interactions, conversations and opportunities to make decisions. By Stacey

Wesley

PLAY MONEY

Engaging with young children in ‘shop play' can plant the seeds of learning about money.

THE MONEY YOU CAN’T SEE

It’s important we start to talk about where our money goes with our children. A child as young as five can begin to understand the concept of paying bills and rent or a mortgage.

SHOPPING

Give them the list at the shop. Let them compare the prices on the shelf. What’s the best value? Allow them to pay for small items in stores if using cash and check the change.

POCKET MONEY

In our family, we all have things we do that contribute to the day-to-day running of the household, and no one gets paid for these. But, there can be extra things the kids can do to earn a little pocket money, like washing Dad’s car.

PRIORITIES AND CHOICES

Let them spend their own money, but have a conversation about how, if they spend it on this item, they won’t be able to buy something else.

OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE

Teach your children the value of giving. A small donation to a worthy charity is a great lesson. So too is passing on special toys to a charity shop so that another child might buy them.

Arcadia Pinball & Retro Arcade

Bring the family down for retro games, milkshakes and munchies, and hear the best tunes of the 80s. Birthday parties and other social gatherings are available too. Enjoy pinball, pool, virtual reality and karaoke at  206 Barbadoes St, Christchurch. arcadia.net.nz

Things we’rebuzzing about

NZ's Biggest Science Centre

Tūhura Otago Museum makes science fun! An indoor Tropical Forest with hundreds of rainforest butterflies, a threestorey slide, and 43 other handson interactives. Come and visit on your next trip to Dunedin.

otagomuseum .nz/ whats-on/do/tuhura

NO MORE TEARS SHOT BLOCKER

Great for children and adults who have anxiety around needles. The contact points on the underside saturate the sensory nerves and distract the patient from the pain signals caused by the needle poke.

sensoryhaven4kids.com

Take a holiday in nature

Bring the family to Dunedin for the NZ Festival of Nature. Meet Suzy Cato, see penguins, albatross and sea lions, take a boat trip, explore the night sky, walk in a forest, go on an island treasure hunt, plus lots more for the whole family. On 14-23 April 2023.

wilddunedin.nz

CLEVER SPOONS®  BY ZAZI

Finally! Spoons that actually fit a child's mouth! Designed by a speech and language therapist, Clever Spoons® are the perfect starter spoons for the beginning of the solids journey and beyond.

zazi.co.nz

Messy Mates loves messy play!

At Messy Mates, they love messy play - it's not just fun and exciting for babies and children but helps support their development too. It encourages communication and language development, problem-solving and independent play, physical development, curiosity, imagination and exploration. Suitable for 6-month-olds to 10-year-olds. Look out for their pop-up play locations on Facebook @messymatesnz, or online. messymates.co.nz

Parenting through separation

By Kate Barber

Separating from a partner is incredibly stressful: the second most stressful life event for a person behind the death of a spouse, according to the Holmes and Rahe Stress Inventory. You may have broken up with your partner, but you both love the children you’ve created and want to support them the best you can through this upheaval.

Remind children you love them and that it’s not their fault.

It is vital that you tell and show your children you love them and that this hasn’t changed. Children have a tendency to blame themselves, Nathan says. So reassure, and keep reassuring, them that this decision has absolutely nothing to do with anything they have done.

Let them know what to expect.

As Nathan says, kids will register how stressful and traumatic this is from the way you respond to it. As

hard as it is, you need to be as calm and reassuring as possible. Explain what is happening – that they will be staying at Dad’s over the weekend and then yours during the week. And that this is a temporary plan until you can work out together what is the best way of making this work.

Focus on rituals and routines.

It may feel like your world has cracked open and you don’t know how to hold the pieces together. This is the time, says Nathan, to reinforce the rituals and routines you have in your own home –for your kids’ sense of normalcy and security and your own. For example, if you used to talk about one good thing and one bad thing that happened in your day at dinnertime, then make sure this happens every night you’re with your kids. Stick to whatever evening routines you used to have – dinner, bath, songs, stories, bed. Your children will need the predictability that comes with routines.

Neuroscience educator NATHAN WALLIS and divorce coach KIMBERLEE SWEENEY offer ideas for getting through a breakup and supporting your children as you negotiate the world of co-parenting.

Aim for polite, respectful communication.

It’s so important to avoid conflict in front of your children. Having parents separate and divorce is not a risk factor for kids, says Nathan. Instead, it’s the conflict that does harm.

Kimberlee recommends “treating all communications like a business meeting. If things get heated, take some deep breaths and, if necessary, take a 20-minute break before re-engaging in conversations.” If there is ongoing conflict, you could opt to communicate via email or a family parenting app instead, she says. “This allows you to choose a time when you’re in the best frame of mind to read and then respond to messages.”

Don’t engage in conversations about your ex.

As tempting as it may be, it’s not healthy for your children to hear you criticising their Mum or Dad. Think about the kind of adult relationship you want to have with your child, says Nathan. “Ultimately, you and your kids will get through this, and they’ll look back and know that Mum never said anything horrible about Dad or the other way around.”

It’s also common for kids to talk about and criticise their Mum/Dad in front of you, which, Nathan says, is about children reaffirming their attachment to you. But, he says it’s important to calmly shut down any talk about the other parent.

Allow for emotions and expect changes in behaviour.

This time is highly emotional for everyone. Your child might be more clingy, more prone to outbursts or more withdrawn. Sometimes their behaviour may seem really unfair to you, and they may say things that are incredibly triggering.

As hard as it is, it’s important to be sympathetic and understanding and allow them to experience these feelings and later talk about them. Nathan says you can also expect some regressions, such as a young child’s toileting or sleeping.

Lean on whānau and friends.

You will need your own support network, and so will your kids. If your child has a special relationship with someone in the family, like a favourite aunty, it’s beneficial for them to spend more time with them, says Nathan. They may be able to share more openly how they are feeling with this trusted person.

Prioritise self-care.

Easy to give this advice, but very difficult to act on it when your stress responses are in overdrive and you’re running on empty. In her role, Kimberlee helps people who are feeling overwhelmed. She says that, as with an oxygen mask on a plane, you need to take care of yourself first so that you can then support your kids.

Putting daily mindful practices in place helps your mental well-being, she says. For some, it might be walking or running, but for others, yoga or meditation. “Find something that gets you out of your own head for a small part of each day. You can get stuck in your story and become stagnant and toxic. To move forward, you need to take care of yourself first and foremost.”

The ideas in this story apply to circumstances where both parents are determined to do their best for their kids. Where there is physical or psychological abuse, you must get specialist help to manage the challenge of co-parenting in a way that’s safe for everyone.

NATHAN WALLIS is a father of three and foster parent and has worked through the challenge of co-parenting himself. He has a professional background in child counselling, teaching and social service management.

nathanwallis.com

KIMBERLEE SWEENEY has been through a divorce and now successfully co-parents with her former partner. Prompted by her own experience, she retrained as a divorce, separation and relationship coach and founded Degrees of Separation.

degreesofseparation.co.nz

You can’t control what goes on at the other house. It is common to worry about what happens when the kids are with your ex – that they eat too much junk food or stay up too late. Nathan reminds parents that it’s usually not as bad as they think and that if it’s not something dangerous that you’d report to the police, try to let go of that worry. “Children can have different relationships with each parent and different rules and routines in their homes.”

Guiding you through the separation process

Family lawyer and principal in the relationships team at Cavell Leitch, AMANDA FITZGIBBON explains the process of separation and how an experienced family lawyer can guide you and take some of the stress away.

When should I get a lawyer?

An experienced family lawyer will ensure you get the best advice for your circumstances. We can assist at any stage, including if you have already separated. If you get advice before separating, it means you are making a decision with full knowledge of what may happen and your options.

What will my lawyer help me with?

You’ll get as little or as much as you need: from an initial chat and giving advice and options to guiding you through negotiation or court proceedings. It is our job to take some of the stress away when you are going through an extremely emotional process.

What is the risk if I don’t use a lawyer?

Property – not getting what you are entitled to and not understanding your rights. The law in this area is complicated, and remedies depend on your circumstances.

Parenting – not understanding the process and options. It is important to understand options early on so you can achieve good outcomes for your family.

What will happen with the care of my children?

In non-urgent cases

This depends. You and your ex-partner can come to an agreement and, if need be, have this turned into an order by consent in the Family Court. You may decide on a 50/50 split, which can look different for different families: a 7/7 or a 2,2,5,5 split are two of the most common equal shared-care arrangements.

If you do not agree, the Family Disputes Resolution service will need to be used. A third-party (mediator) will assist you in trying to reach an agreement in the best interests of your child/ren. Lawyers do not attend the mediation but can assist you in the background.

Court proceedings need to be carefully considered, as these will expose your child/ren to your disagreement. A lawyer for your child/ren will usually be appointed. A lawyer can assist you with your applications to court and then guide you through the process and, ultimately, a court hearing where a judge will make the decision.

It is important to find a lawyer you trust to help you through the process. At Cavell Leitch, we guide clients through what is one of the hardest times in their lives. Whether it’s the separation of assets or trying to navigate how to share children, we are here to help and guide you.

In urgent matters or where there is a risk of family violence

It is really important to see a lawyer. Applications can be made to protect you and your children from all forms of family harm.

What about my property and assets?

In New Zealand, if you have been with your partner for three years or more (there are some exceptions) and have property that constitutes relationship property, you will likely need to divide property on separation. For a separation agreement to be valid, there are certain requirements to comply with, and you will need to see a lawyer.

What if I can’t afford legal help?

There are options available such as legal aid, Community Law centres and firms that offer fixed fees. The Ministry of Justice also offers very helpful information at justice.govt.nz/family/separation-divorce cavell.co.nz

However you’re stuck, we are a New Zealand law firm that is here to help, not make it harder.

Getting sleep when I have another baby

KATE BARBER talks with baby expert and mother of two, MIRIAM MCCALEB, about infants and sleep, and giving yourself permission to do things differently when you have your second or third baby.

Having a new baby is exhausting, and it’s pretty normal to be a little obsessed with everyone in the family getting enough sleep. Before having my first baby ten years ago, I read a book promising that if I followed the principles and routines it laid out for me, my baby would hardly cry and sleep well. When she was born, I followed the routines to the letter. What I can say now is:

1. She was a calm baby who slept well. To this day, she loves sleeping, so that could just be the person she is.

2. I became obsessed with her (and my) sleeping and preempting and fixing ‘problems’ or ‘regressions’.

3. My experience with subsequent babies was VERY different. We probably had routines, but they changed all the time. Some time after my second baby, I threw out the book because I couldn’t reconcile the ‘rules’ with my own messy life.

As Miriam says, whether it’s baby number one or four, it’s really tough. When it’s your second or third baby, you might be juggling preschool drop-offs and extra-curricular activities, not to mention toddler tantrums or toilet training. “It’s important to acknowledge how hard it is while also reminding yourself that this too shall pass .”

ROUTINES AND PERMISSION TO DO IT DIFFERENTLY

Miriam says routines are great. “However, they shouldn’t be about the clock but rather the sequence of events – they are all about predictability and consistency for an infant. However, they need to fit your life, and it’s fine to deviate from the routine sometimes.”

Following the routines you had with your first baby won't necessarily work the second time around. “You have permission to be different with baby number two and three, and so on, to how you were with baby number one,” says

Sleep safe, my baby

SIDS and Kids New Zealand is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood, and supporting bereaved families. The organisation delivers on its vision through world-class research, evidence-based education and bereavement support, and advocacy.

Miriam. “Nobody but you remembers what you were like with your first, so do your best to release that guilt about luxurious naps at 3 pm vs. waking your baby for the school run.”

You have permission to: bedhop, ignore the housework, have a nap and ask for help. Miriam reminds parents: “We are still losing babies to sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) in New Zealand at alarming rates, so if a tiny baby is in a bed with a bigger body, use a Moses basket or a pepi pod or similar.”

Asking for help isn’t easy. Personally, I found it particularly hard admitting I was struggling when I had my third baby. I’d done it twice before; surely I could do this. I wanted people to think I was a shining example of a coping mother when sometimes all I wanted to do was cry and eat chips.

Miriam encourages mums and mums-to-be, before a big life change like having a baby or going back to work, to make a list of people to call on for help with preschool drop-offs, school pick-ups or anything. And, when the time comes, to call on those people!

As hard as we try, there’s no such thing as the perfect parent, says Miriam. The research uses the term ‘good enough’, and we need to be ok with that. “Do your best to respond moment by moment and to release yourself from any guilt you may have that you’re not sticking to the routines you followed with your first baby. All too often, we are our own harshest critics. Let’s strive to be as gentle and encouraging with ourselves as we would be with our besties.”

REMIND EVERYONE WHO CARES FOR YOUR CHILD:

• Sleep baby on their back

• Keep head and face uncovered

• Safe sleeping environment night and day

• Sleep baby in a safe cot in parents’ room

• Keep baby smoke-free before and after birth.

0800 164 455 / sidsandkids.org.nz

SIDS and Kids provides a range of safe sleeping education and support services as well as a national 24-hour sudden infant death helpline.

Miriam McCaleb is a researcher, writer, teacher and mum of two great girls. She’s excited and frightened to be heading to Dublin in July 2023 to present her work at the World Association for Infant Mental Health Congress. Sometimes she has time for blogging at baby.geek.nz

SLEEP SCIENCE FACTS

MIRIAM REMINDS PARENTS THAT:

1. At birth, your baby's tummy is no bigger than a toy marble (about 1-2 teaspoons), and by Day 10, it’s the size of a pingpong ball (about 2 tablespoons). Tiny! So, it's no wonder s/ he is hungry often and will need to feed through the night to feel satisfied.

2. It can take time to learn those cycles of wake/sleep (day/ night). We can help by allowing things to be super chill, quiet and dark at night.

3. We all naturally cycle through stages of deep and shallow sleep, and most of us awaken in the night even if we don't become conscious enough to register it. Babies have to learn to link their sleep cycles.

4. Time is a made-up construct, and sleep doesn’t happen following the clock. So have a compassionate heart as you navigate the struggles of living in a space-aged world with a stone-aged baby! Remember, babies haven’t changed since the stone age.

Miriam found it helpful when she had her babies to remind herself of some sleep science facts. Sometimes the things we see as ‘problems’ are actually typical and healthy behaviours, she says.

Learning support for my

child

High School Learning Support Coordinator and mum of three, ANETTE DE JOUX, talks to us about getting support when your child is neurodivergent or has special needs.

In her role as a Learning Support Coordinator (LSC), Anette supports students with a range of different learning profiles. She also has a 13-year-old daughter, Mathilde, who has special needs. When she was concerned about her second baby’s hearing and responsiveness, she went to her GP and was referred to a neurologist. Her daughter was subsequently diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological and developmental disorder. Through her experiences, Anette discovered the various services available and the benefit of a team approach. From primary teaching, she entered the world of special education and now helps students and whānau access the support they need.

SENSORY SUPPORT

What does neurodivergent mean?

“The term ‘neurodivergent’ applies to anyone who has a different learning profile,” says Anette. Essentially, their brain works in a way that is different from what is neurotypical. Neurodiversity can refer to people with ADHD, Autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other learning disabilities. The term also encompasses those without a specific diagnosis. As Anette says, one in five students will require some learning support in their time at school.

Where do I start if I’m worried?

If you’re worried about your child’s development or social skills, start with your GP because they will be able to refer

you to the right person, Anette says. But, she adds that sometimes a diagnosis doesn’t happen straight away: it’s difficult to get a diagnosis for something like dyslexia, for instance, when your child is only five or six years old.

How important is a diagnosis?

A diagnosis can help make sense of what your child is struggling with and point the way forward in terms of specific support. However, Anette says, you don’t necessarily need a diagnosis to access resources. As an LSC, “I am always looking at the individual, starting with their name and the traits I observe, rather than going straight to their diagnosis.”

Getting a diagnosis is a personal decision for whānau, says Anette. “Some people don’t want a label, others do. I have seen some young people who were determined to get a diagnosis as they figured themselves out.”

The role of a Special Education Needs Coordinator

At your school or kura, there will be a Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO) and possibly an LSC. If you have concerns about your child’s physical or cognitive development, social skills or behaviour, they are your first port of call. Talk with your child’s teacher about any worries you have and about meeting up with the SENCO if you’re unsure how to contact them.

Whatever your worries, your SENCO can put in a referral to the appropriate service and help you get “wrap-around support”, says Anette. For example, it may be physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech-language therapy. They can also help access support from Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLBs), counsellors and social workers if appropriate.

All brains are unique, and being neurodivergent means having a brain that works differently from a neurotypical person. Neurodivergent children’s brains can have difficulties processing the information they receive from their senses, and they can become overwhelmed by things that others may not notice or understand.

We can support these children by creating an environment that celebrates difference and developing emotional intelligence and words around emotions, activity levels and focus. Giving children the opportunity to explore sensory products can help them with selfregulation and sleep.

Lynair and Angela worked as social workers in schools with children with sensory and emotional regulation difficulties. Often these children had ADHD, Autism, attachment disorders or experiences of trauma. Many had differences in how their senses processed information and faced social, emotional, behavioural and learning challenges. Determined to provide accessible and affordable sensory products for all children, they started Sensory Haven 4 Kids. sensoryhaven4kids.com

Determined to support Kiwi kids struggling with sensory issues, social workers LYNAIR BERGMAN and ANGELA HOWLETT started Sensory Haven 4 Kids.

What’s an Individual Education Plan?

Some children who are neurodivergent may need an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for when they are at school. These plans include who will be supporting the child and adaptations that need to be made, and they will set some targets. The LSC and SENCO organise the meetings involving the student and whānau and those supporting the student.

A team approach

Looking back on her journey with her own daughter, Anette reflects on how “important [it was] for me to establish a positive relationship with her teacher and the support team around her. When you start at a school, you don’t need to know what support you need exactly and how to access it. But you do need to find the person who can guide you and organise these resources for you.”

Everyone’s journey is different, and you won’t get all the answers and support straight away, says Anette. But she urges people to: “Keep asking for help and take all the support you can get.”

OUR DIFFERENT BRAINS

Speech Language Therapist and director of Talk

Together, MEGAN LEWIS shares ideas for helping children understand how different minds work.

1. Empower kids to understand their own strengths and needs. What are they great at? What helps them calm their bodies down? Once kids know themselves, they can see that others have their own strengths and needs.

2. Talk about how our brains are all different.

Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world in different ways. Talk openly to your kids about how all brains are different, just like fingerprints are. No brain is better than another, just different.

3. Focus on others’ strengths.

“I hope Sam chooses me on his team; his memory is the best!” If your child asks questions about someone, you could say, “Their brain is wired differently to yours; how cool! What are your different superpowers?”

4. Encourage kids to see that behaviour is communication. Help kids to see another person’s behaviours as the best way they had at that moment to communicate. For example, when Isla ran out of the classroom, she was telling me, “It was too loud and busy in here for me.”

talktogether.co.nz

Anette and her daughter Mathilde.

Pull me out and pin me up

Check out our list of events and attractions around Canterbury and further afield, and start filling the family calendar with fun activities this autumn. If you have an event you’d like to add to our winter calendar, email: sonia@familytimes.co.nz

What’s on this autumn

19 April The Boy with Wings, Great Hall, Worcester Boulevard Using puppetry, songs, storytelling, and exquisite hand-crafted sets that magically unfold out of boxes, awardwinning theatre company ‘Birdlife Productions’ promises laughter, tears and thrilling adventure when a young man’s epic journey unites with the miracle of Kuaka/Bar-tailed Godwit migration. Presented by Arts on Tour NZ. artscentre.org.nz/ whats-on/the-boy-with-wings

4–20 May Grease , Rangiora Town Hall, 303 High Street, Rangiora

Check out the talented cast in North Canterbury Musicals’ production of Grease –one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

iticket.co.nz/ events/2023/may/grease

9 April, 10–4 pm

The Great Easter Egg Hunt Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Heathcote

There will be live music, steam train rides and food vendors, a bunny bouncy castle, a face painter, pony rides, a petting zoo and, of course, the Great NZ Easter Egg Hunt, with treats awarded at the end. ferrymead.org.nz

9 & 30 April and 1, 7 & 13 May Premiership Netball –support the Tactix Christchurch Arena & MainPower Stadium, Rangiora

13 May, 3–8 pm Hororata Glow Festival Hororata Domain, 90 Hororata Road Witness a spectacular Night Glow

Get am ongst the action for what is sure to be an EPIC ANZ Premiership Netball season for the Trident Homes Tactix!

9 April –Tactix v Steel, Christchurch Arena

30 April –Tactix v Mystics, Christchurch Arena

1 May –Tactix v Pulse, Christchurch Arena

7 May –Tactix v Stars,

Agents of Discovery

Halswell Quarry and Te Karoro Karoro Southshore spit

Orana Wildlife Park 793 McLeans Island Road

DUNEDIN

Agents of Discovery is an educational games app that uses augmented reality to interact with the world around you. Use a smartphone to solve fun challenges while exploring Christchurch’s awesome parks.

ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/ play/agents-of-discovery

These holidays visit Orana Wildlife Park, see Aotearoa’s only gorillas, hand feed giraffes, meet rhinos up close, and encounter kea, kiwi, monkeys, meerkats and more. An Annual Pass means you can visit Orana every day for a whole 12 months and directly helps with the Park’s conservation efforts, such as breeding kākāriki karaka for release to the wild.

NZ’s Biggest Science Centre, Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin Central Tūhura Otago Museum makes science fun! An indoor Tropical Forest with hundreds of rainforest butterflies, a three-storey slide and 43 other hands-on interactives. Come and visit on your next trip to Dunedin.

oranawildlifepark.co.nz

7–9 April Black Cat Cruises, Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt

Spend a fascinating full or half day exploring Quail Island. Over Easter weekend, join Quail Island’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. This Easter Egg Hunt is a sell-out event each year, so we recommend booking your tickets early. These holidays, from 7-25 April, kids cruise for free.

Blackcat.co.nz/ quail-island-adventures

1 April Oxford A&P Show Show Grounds, 26 Bay Road, Oxford

otagomuseum.nz/whats-on

14–23 April Wild DunedinNew Zealand Festival of Nature, Dunedin

Come to Dunedin in the April School Holidays for Suzy Cato, penguins, sea lions, Takahē, bugs, Larnach Castle, boat trips, art activities and much more.

wilddunedin.nz

where tethered hot air balloons light up the night sky as they glow in unison to music. Enjoy free activities like the fairy garden, face painting, interactive science and live music. A magical festival for the young and young at heart. eventfinda.co.nz/2023/ hororata-glow-festival/hororata

7 May –Tactix v Stars, Christchurch Arena

13 May –Tactix v Magic, Mainpower Stadium, R angiora tactixnetball.co.nz

Top Pick

16–18 June Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL Christchurch Arena

Attend the 118th annual show and experience good food, arts and crafts, competitions and, best of all, cute animals!

April Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

7–10

60 Hussey Road, Harewood

oxfordapshow.co.nz

11–22

April Cinderella at The Court Theatre Bernard Street, Addington Stuck at ho me doing the chores, Cinderella wishes she could join her stepsisters Beryl and Cheryl at Prince Rupert’s ball. With a little help from her Fairy Godmother, her wishes come true –Cinderella is off to dance the night away… but she must be home by midnight! Cinderella is the perfect introduction to theatre for kids aged 4–10. courttheatre.org.nz/ whats-on/cinderella/

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Easter with family and friends? Look no further than Willowbank’s Easter weekend festivities! Join us for a weekend filled with Easter games, activities, and more. And the best part? We have delicious chocolate for all kids who participate. willowbank.co.nz

1 April and 6 May Night Market at Ferrymead Heritage Park, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Heathcote

CHRISTCHURCH

Check out the Ferrymead Night Market on the first Saturday of each month! With something for everyone, including live music, food vendors, train and tram rides, face painting and more! ferrymead.org.nz

School holidays

Christchurch Adventure Park

Christchurch Tram Central city Jump on board the Christchurch Tram during autumn! With all-day passes, live commentary and 18 stops at family-friendly locations throughout the central city, there’s plenty to explore –plus, kids go FREE with a paying adult! christchurchattractions.nz

225 Worsleys Road, Cracroft

April

15–16

Cirque du Soleil’s stunning ice spectacular CRYSTAL at Christchurch Arena. Watch world-class ice skaters and gymnasts defy gravity on a frozen playground with never-before-seen acrobatics. cirquedusoleil.com/crystal

Experience

Steam Ext ravaganza

621 McLeans Island Road

New Zealand’s biggest steam event. Over 25 traction engines, sheep shearing, oat threshing, saw milling, plus working horses and a miniature train. steamscene.co.nz

April, Saturdays and Sundays only

8–23

Book now for the April School Holiday Programme geared at developing skills and confidence for kids aged 7–12. The school holiday programme, catering to beginners through to experienced riders, focuses on fun with a sense of adventure in a supportive environment. Suitable for all riding abilities with groups divided by skill level. christchurchadventurepark.com

Emp eror’s New Clothes Canterbury Children’s Theatre, 71 Colombo Street, Beckenham

There’s a new tailor in town, and they have heard that the vain Emperor needs new clothes! Will they make him some brand-new clothes, or is there more to the story? An interactive play that’s sure to delight young ones. Shows at 11 am and 1 pm. malthouse.co.nz/show s

Punting on the Avon Antigua Boatsheds, Cambridge Terrace

See the Chris tchurch Botanic Gardens by punt with Punting on the Avon! The guided 30-minute tour on the Avon River is a fun way to see the flora and wildlife up close. Eco-friendly and perfect for all ages, punting is a great idea for a family day in the city!

christchurchattractions.nz

All aboard the Birthday Tram

With historical treasures around every corner, Ferrymead Heritage Park is a great destination for families year-round. And, on their special day, the Birthday Tram delivers a unique party they won’t forget.

For kids with big imaginations, who like something a little different, the Birthday Tram will transport them around the Park and back in time a little as they celebrate with their friends. Suitable for up to 12 children and five to six adults, a party and a tour on board the tram is sure to appeal to all the family.

On the day, simply decorate the tram however you please and bring along the party food. Then the tram is yours for two hours. With tables down the middle of the tram, the party starts with yummy food and a birthday cake. Then, after everyone’s eaten and the birthday boy or girl has blown out the candles, the tram takes its guests on a private tour around the Park. There’s so much to see and no hurry to see it all. So, after the tour, you can stay and enjoy Ferrymead Heritage Park’s many attractions. After your tram ride, be sure to check out the train as well. The Park was actually inspired by New Zealand’s first railway line, which ran from Ferrymead into central Christchurch and opened in 1863. Today the train track follows part of the original route.

The kids will love exploring the enchanting Edwardian township, complete with cottages and shops, as well as an old schoolhouse and jail. There’s also an impressive array of heritage collections, including a model railway, aeronautical display, fire engines, trains and tractors to check out.

Full of all things old, there’s always something new to see when you visit Ferrymead. So whether it’s a favourite destination for your family or somewhere you’re still keen to visit, the Birthday Tram makes for a unique and memorable celebration –transporting them back in time as they mark the occasion of getting a year older. To book, go to ferrymead.org.nz .

Facial

Beauty and A Smile to share –

- Says Dr. Sachdev of Smilesville Dental

Early intervention Dentofacial Orthopaedics is based on treatment at a younger age. It works by guiding and developing the growth of the muscles, teeth and bone into the ideal shape and their relationship with each other in a “non-surgical, non-extraction” way, creating stable bites using postural changes. This treatment focuses on creating room to accommodate all the adult teeth, alleviate crowding and produce a more balanced facial profile. Guiding the growth of the jaws helps address and prevent overcrowded teeth and poor biting relationships between the upper and lower jaws. Normally this treatment can be done without the need for jaw surgery and without the need for tooth extractions. Dentofacial Orthopedic treatment not only creates a full profile and a wide natural smile, a more open airway (addressing breathing problems such as asthma, mouth breathing, snoring and sleep apnoea) but also promotes the healthy positioning of the jaw joints (TMJs). Early intervention allows focus on the growth, development and wellbeing of our younger patients along with straightening teeth before permanent teeth are set, thereby creating balance and facial symmetry. By using early orthodontics our goal is to maintain or provide space for permanent teeth so they grow in straight. This minimises the need for more extensive and painful intervention later. “We believe 6-8 years of age is the best time to assess if your child would benefit from this treatment.”

If a child missed this age then get our free assessment immediately as earlier is still better than later in general.

Smilesville offers the revolutionary Invisalign teeth straightening option of realigning teeth without the use of metal as it is a major advancement in the field of Orthodontics due to its invisible nature, hygiene maintenance, accuracy, design control and reliability of results. Smilesville offers Invisalign for kids, pre-teens, teens and adults. “We believe in minimally invasive dentistry and Invisalign is the least invasive procedure for straightening teeth and getting an amazing Smile.” says Dr. Sachdev

of Smilesville Dental

Its major advantage is no wires to trap food and no manipulating toothbrushes around fixed wires, so it helps the wearer to maintain a high level of dental hygiene.

What Smilesville patients are saying

Grant: “Competent , professional care with a laugh and a smile. Ruchika looks after myself and two of my children. She is great with the kids, especially my youngest who can be a testing patient.”

Ruth: “Very happy with the good care taken of my children during their orthodontics. Some nervous moments as the treatment involved an ‘ugly duckling’ phase but as a result they have fabulous smiles and we are all very pleased. Rusheka is very patient with people and accommodating and I recommend coming when your children are as young as 8 to be able to take advantage of the most options for their treatment.”

Rachele: “I have been with Smilesville Dental for the last 10 years. We are now up to child number 4 for orthodontic treatment. Ruchika and Sam have been amazing over this time. My husband and I also attend the clinic. Dentists are not my favourite place but this is the best pain free, friendly and quick service. I highly recommend Ruchika and her team.”

Leaders in Appearance dentistry

• Orthodontics for adults, youth and children

• Invisalign – The Invisible way to straighten teeth - First Ever Platinum Provider of the South Island treating with Invisalign for 14 years +

• Free dental treatment for 13-18yr olds (OHSA conditions apply)

Smilesville Dental was the first Invisalign platinum provider from Christchurch (and the whole of the South Island) and has more than 14 years Invisalign experience.

Smilesville Dental exclusively offers expert advice and treatments in advanced cosmetic dentistry, Smile design and full mouth reconstruction, implants, Invisalign and Orthodontics to give you an amazing Smile not only to Smile … but to Smile with Confidence.

Talk to the friendly staff at Smilesville Dental to transform your child’s face, jaws, teeth and life! Call 0800 INVISIBLE (0800 468 474)

• Extreme Dental makeovers

• Whitening

• General Dental and complete Hygiene services

• Implants

• A specialist referral might be required in some cases

• Best price Guaranteed

“We want to bring balance and facial symmetry to your child’s smile and face —helping them look and feel their best.”

West Coast

WONDERS

family were mesmerised by the West Coast. She shares what they got up to and why you should add it to your family’s holiday plans.

SONIA

The last time I holidayed on the West Coast, I was a teenager. There are terrible pictures of me shivering, a huge white glacier glistening behind me.

This time the photos are of three impatient girls on a blazing hot January day, a smaller glacier glistening behind them. Just out of shot, streams of people come up the path behind us. Tourism is definitely back on for the West Coast.

And you can see why. Tangible history seeps from its very pores, all set against that mesmerising and humbling backdrop of the Southern Alps. It feels like you’re in one of the last untouched places on earth.

We started by road-tripping along State Highway 6, spending our first night camping at the

Department of Conservation’s (DOC’s) Otto’s Corner campsite on the edge of Lake Mapourika, just north of Franz Josef. It’s a perfect swimming spot for the kids, and there are also eels to feed. We sat entranced in the morning, watching a rare kōtuku/white heron by the lakeside.

Ross was our lunch stop, and we became totally enthralled at the Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre. The kids rushed from the old miner’s cottage to the historic church to the Old Ross Gaol. The short Ross Water Race Walkway takes you past a replica miner’s hut and the historic cemetery on the hill, both well worth the walk. Our nine-year-old walked around wide-eyed and then spent the evening sketching women in oldfashioned dresses. It feels like the old miners still walk among you in Ross.

SPEEDY’s

Lake Mapourika, Franz Josef

Checking out the Beach Art Festival, Hokitika

Alex and Grace in time out, Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre

Grace, intent on finding gold

In Hokitika, we discovered the joy of the popular Lake Kaniere, where we stayed. On our hit list was a visit to the Hokitika Gorge and the Glow Worm Dell, but it was so hot and the lake so beautiful we spent most of our time jumping off the pier, finding amazing rocks and laughing at weka. The kids loved the Driftwood and Sand Beach Art Festival being held on the beach at Hokitika, especially when a seal popped out from a snooze by one of the exhibits.

En route to Reefton, we stumbled across DOC’s Brunner Mine Site Walk. This easy 2km loop (you don’t have to do it all) shows off one of the country’s earliest industrial sites – a coal mine – and commemorates our worst mining disaster, which occurred there in 1896. This was an unexpected gem.

But in Reefton, it was the Bearded Miners at the replica miner’s hut right in the middle of town that really tickled us. One of their brilliant volunteers regaled us with stories of life in the gold rush days and his own gold-hunting adventures.

Inspired, we headed off on our own gold-panning trek the next day – self-guided with a borrowed pan. While initially delighted with the little flecks of gold the kids could see on the rocks and in the creek bed, cold feet, hands and slippery rocks got the better of the two youngest. The nine-year-old, however, had to be prised out of the creek. I think the West Coast created a new history buff, if not a prospector. If we had only had more time....

HANMER SPRINGS ATTRACTIONS

Get ready for action-packed fun at Hanmer Springs

Attractions! There’s a great range of exciting and familyfriendly activities to suit all ages, including jet boating, river rafting, off-road buggy adventures and paintball, as well as quad biking, clay bird shooting and bungy jumping for adults.

We are the only jet boat operator in Hurunui to be awarded a Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award, and we hold an AdventureMark – both awarded by independent safety auditors. Find us above the Waiau River, only 90 minutes’ drive from Christchurch. There’s a viewing platform, on-site café and plenty of parking. See our website for great school holiday deals!

hanmerspringsattractions.nz

CHRISTCHURCH GONDOLA

The Christchurch Gondola offers stunning panoramic views, perfect for your next family adventure! Featuring spectacular vistas of Christchurch, Lyttelton and beyond from the viewing decks, the complex also provides access to various walking tracks throughout the Port Hills along with a child-friendly café, Discovery Ride about the history of the area and a well-priced retail store. There’s plenty of parking available plus a bus stop at the door. Chat to the team about the many ticket options available, including Annual Passes for unlimited rides on the Tram and Gondola for 12 months – it’s a fantastic deal for locals and frequent visitors. Visit the Christchurch Gondola for a great family day out this autumn!

christchurchattractions.nz

Luce, Alex and Grace, Franz Josef Glacier

Choose to cruise

Ocean cruises are one of the most overlooked holiday options for families, says travel consultant

With kids' clubs, surf simulators, flying foxes, and a variety of onboard restaurants to choose from, not to mention exciting ports to visit, ocean cruises have a lot to offer families. They are certainly worth considering when you plan your next family adventure.

Most family cruises cater to babies from the age of six months right through to grandparents. Staying in cabins means everyone gets their own space. The beauty is unpacking once and having a place to return to for a rest whenever you need it. Parents can even make use of 'pyjama club', slumber parties where the kids sleep or rest in the evening with crew supervision while adults enjoy an evening meal in one of the restaurants.

Entertainment for kids has come a long way from the days of treasure hunts and crafting. Of course, these all-time

MAXINE LAWS

favourite activities are still available, but so are DJ classes, gaming zones (sponsored by Xbox and Playstation), stop-motion movie workshops, and exclusive night clubs for teens. There are also build-a-bear workshops, STEM programmes, circus schools, Lego zones, and character parades for younger children's enjoyment. In-cabin babysitting is also available.

There's so much more choice than you can imagine. Kids' Club programmes vary between cruise lines, but they'll all have your children well entertained and supervised. Some cruise lines provide complimentary tracking wristbands for the kids, so parents know where they are at all times. Wristbands are also linked to muster stations, so you know the crew will reunite you with your child in the case of an emergency.

Most family cruises cater to babies from the age of six months right through to grandparents. In addition to the exhilarating waterslides, when it comes to entertaining the kids, there's a huge variety of activities, from DJ classses to circus school.

WHAT ELSE IS ONBOARD?

Well, of course, there are waterslides! Along with the other entertainment options, waterslides have progressed into impressive adrenaline-pumping experiences. There are exhilarating top-deck twisting dual slides that passengers can race down, surf simulators, water squirt blaster zones and waterslides so long and adventurous they've even been renamed 'water coasters'.

Colourful interactive splash pads and shallow pools are also available for younger children, while jacuzzis are available for adults.

Trusted by travellers.

If the water park play doesn't fill your whole day, how about visiting the ice rink or bumper cars? These are all real onboard activities available on larger cruise ships. Plus, for those with a head for heights, flying foxes, SkyRides and even the opportunity to 'walk the plank' are onboard. Of course, adults can have a go too!

Family cruises leave and return to various ports all over the world, including Auckland, and during the school holidays. You can even tour our own beautiful country from the sea. Cruises open up a world of fun, entertainment and leisure for a unique holiday that caters to all family members.

IN NATURE

FLOWER MAGIC

Summer is leaving us, but there are still a lot of plants that flower in autumn, like belladonna and crocuses. So take a look in your garden and see if you can find some white flowers for this amazing experiment that shows you how plants drink!

Capillary action is the process that allows water to defy gravity and travel up from the plant’s roots to its petals and leaves using cohesion and adhesion. Because water molecules like to stick together (cohesion) and like to stick to the walls of the tubes of cellulose (adhesion), they rise up the tubes all the way from the soil to the tops of plants. Water then evaporates from the leaves, helping to draw up even more water. You can see capillary action in action with this easy and beautiful experiment.

WHAT YOU NEED

+ Some white flowers

+ Your choice of food colouring

+ Scissors

+ Small jars or cups to keep your flowers in

Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP) offers a range of action-packed birthday party options for your young adventurer and their friends.

Promising a fun day out for all the family, CAP is a great choice for your child’s next birthday. Hit the mountain biking trails, ride the ziplines, or simply let them explore the free attractions like the pump track, kids’ loop trail, trampoline or fairy forest. The chairlift is another fantastic experience for that special day, especially because children under 10 ride for free!

BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGES

CAP offers three great birthday packages if you’re after an action-packed party where all the planning is taken care of.

• The PUMP TRACK SKILLS package is ideal for budding little bikers and includes a 1-hour session with a CAP guide, plus party games.

• A MOUNTAIN BIKE LESSON with their mates is another excellent option, geared at keen mountain bikers, whatever their level.

• The ZIPLINE TOUR will take their celebration to new heights, with all guests treated to a thrilling ride on New Zealand’s longest zipline. Party food is included with each package, and as for the cake, feel free to bring your own or let CAP take care of that too.

christchurchadventurepark.com

WHAT TO DO

Take your flowers and cut the stems quite short (your children are probably quite good at this sort of cutting already!). You can have longer stems, but the experiment will take a little longer and not look as vibrant.

Take your jars and put enough water in for your flowers. Add around 10-15 drops of food colouring into each jar. You can try this out with just one colour or make your own rainbow bouquet by adding a different colour to each jar. Put a flower into each jar and wait.

In an hour or so, you will notice the flower beginning to change colour to match the food colouring. Then, a few hours later, after your flower has finished drinking the colourful water and it has reached up into the petals, it will be a whole new colour.

We hope you enjoyed all that beautiful science from the team at Tūhura Otago Museum. Come and visit us in New Zealand’s biggest science centre when you are next in Dunedin, for explosions, chemical reactions, and hundreds of rainforest butterflies in our indoor Tropical Forest, where summer never leaves!

otagomuseum.nz

Meyra decided to make a green flower and Sophie decided on blue.

CELEBRATE THEIR WORLD

These beautiful te reo posters will brighten their bedrooms and open their minds. From Te Moana (Ocean) to Ngā Manu Māori (Native Birds) to Ngā Kare Ā-Roto me ngā Āhua (Feelings & States), there’s a wide selection to choose from. Each celebrates identity and invites youngsters to think about the world beyond their four walls, with English and te reo to expand their knowledge. From the Kuwi & Friends Māori Picture Dictionary - He Papakupu Whakaahua, with English text and illustrations by Kat Quin.

illustrated.co.nz

Trucked in tight

Little ones will love the Truck Town set of sheets and quilt cover from Adairs. The vibrant pattern maps out a wondrous world of noise and construction as a team of heavyduty trucks go about their work. Youngsters will love tracing the roads and imagining all that activity as they drift off to sleep. adairs.co.nz

ON THE ROAD

If your little one is really into trucks or trains, or needs a runway for their fleet of planes, repositional road or train track tape can make play happen anywhere.  It sticks to pretty much any surface and removes cleanly, leaving no residue. zazi.co.nz

DREAM

SO MUCH MORE THAN A SOFT TOY

These weighted animals from Sensory Haven 4 Kids are so much more than cute and cuddly soft toys: they’re great tools for children with sensory input needs. Specifically designed as anti-anxiety companions, they can help children manage stressful situations by providing deep pressure stimulation. Perfect at home, snuggled up in bed with your little one, the beauty of these animals is that they can easily accompany children into unfamiliar environments, helping children cope with any stress this could cause.

sensoryhaven4kids.com

ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

Bring your child’s favourite theme to their bedroom with a Walltastic wall mural from Resene.  Go into space with the Space Adventure, journey into Dinosaur Land, flit to the world of Magical Unicorns or go on an adventure Under the Sea or on the Jungle Adventure. View the options at resene.co.nz/walltastic and order your favourite by visiting your local Resene ColorShop or email marketing.orders@resene.co.nz with your details and chosen design.

resene.co.nz/walltastic

Our family looking after yours...

“Let’s make it easy for you”

What we do: Home Loans | Personal Insurance General Insurance | KiwiSaver

FAMILY TREES

YOU’LL NEED

+ Paper or card

+ Pencil

+ Paint brushes

+ Cotton buds

+ Marker pen (if writing or using for outlines)

+ A selection of Resene testpots in your choice of colours, capturing all the colours of autumn, including tones for the trunk of the tree.

For this project, I used:

+  Resene Pirate Gold

+  Resene Tangerine

+ Resene Saddle Brown

+  Resene Clockwork Orange

+ Resene Bilbao

+ Resene Sour Dough

+  Resene Raging Bull

+  Resene Poppy

+  Resene Dingley

+   Resene Alamo

This craft activity is great fun for tamariki of all ages, and makes a beautiful Mother’s Day card or art for the wall.

By Sam Weaver

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Draw around a wrist and hand to make the trunk and branches of the tree. Younger children will need help with this.

2 Let your child paint the wrist and hand shape (the trunk and branches) on the cardboard using a paintbrush. We used Resene Saddle Brown for this.

3 Open all the Resene testpots, and let your child dip the cotton buds and dab the paint onto the paper or card to create the leaves.

4 Both my children added grass, and my 11-year-old thought it would make an awesome card for Mother’s Day!

Branch out

On A3 or A2 card, you could combine the handprints of all the whanau off one big trunk to create a ‘Family Tree’. I bet it would look beautiful framed up!

More fun with leaves

Collect an assortment of leaves, paint them with your choice of Resene testpot colours, and then press them onto your paper. Go for an authentically autumnal look, or play around with other bright colours for something a little unexpected.

For all your DIY projects, big or small, visit your nearest Resene ColorShop. resene.co.nz/colorshops

The Rhyming Pirate Children’s Book, by NZ artist and father Glenn Jones combines a Kiwiana treasure hunt with a pirate who likes to try to rhyme every word.

Publisher: Little Love, $19.95. glennjonesart.com

WE HAVE FIVE SIGNED COPIES TO GIVE AWAY FOLLOW US FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN.

@familytimes.co.nz

Serves

4-6 as a snack

Ready In 50 minutes

Ingredients

150 g spicy corn chips

1 cup panko bread crumbs

2 tsp Mexican seasoning – see tips

½ tsp chilli powder

½ tsp oregano

½ tsp salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 kg chicken nibbles (approx. 24) cooking spray

Alabama Dipping Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise

1/8 cup cider vinegar

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp “cream style” horseradish – available in the supermarket

1 clove garlic, crushed

1/4 tsp paprika

a handful of fresh basil leaves, finely chopped- or a squeeze of basil paste from a tube salt and pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C. Place the corn chips in a processor or plastic bag and pulse or crush them to form crumbs. Add the breadcrumbs, seasonings and salt and pulse to mix. Pour into a bowl.

Dunk the nibbles in beaten egg, then coat in the crumb mix. Arrange on a baking paper lined tray and spray generously with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until golden. Make dip. In a medium bowl, whisk all of the ingredients together until smooth. Transfer to a jar with a tight lid and refrigerate until needed.

Crunchy Spicy Chicken

Nibbles with Alabama dipping sauce

In her book Destitute Gourmet, SOPHIE GRAY shares over 80 affordable and tasty recipes, including this scrumptious dinner option that doubles as great party fare.

TIPS:

Use the crunchy crumb mixture for homemade chicken nuggets or even for crumbing fish. You can use any spicy seasoning blend, such as taco seasoning or make your own with 1 heaped Tbsp cumin, 1 Tbsp chilli powder, 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp oregano.

Realistically I don’t expect most households to have both the Dijon mustard and a jar of horseradish just hanging around; however, if you buy these to make this sauce, you will not regret it. It’s pretty addictive smeared on sandwiches and burgers or as a dip for just about anything savoury.

Recipe extracted from Destitute Gourmet by Sophie Gray. Random House NZ. RRP $35.00.

Kuwi & Friends WHAREWHARE Bingo

A whānau friendly kēmu/game packed with Māori and English words for hours of learning and fun.

My Body My Taonga by Rosalind Harrison

An educational picture book that creates the opportunity for empowering conversations about body safety.

facial serums from MATER Beauty

Two facial serums made in NZ to work together as your entire post-cleansing routine. Nurturing and soothing for all skin types. Valued at $165.

Family pass on the Christchurch Tram

All-day family pass for hop-on, hop-off travel on the heritage tramcars, with plenty of stops to explore and live commentary to learn about the city.

Valued at $70.

Weighted blanket from Sensory Haven 4 Kids

A beautiful, soft, 100% cotton weighted blanket to support your child's and your own sleep.

Family pass to the Hororata Glow Festival

A magical festival for all the family, where tethered hot air balloons light up the night sky as they glow in unison to music. For two adults and up to three kids.

FOLLOW US FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN @familytimes.co.nz

WIN! Be in to 2x

set of Clever Spoons® + Little b teether by Zazi

Designed by a Speech and Language

Therapist, the tall stalk of the Little b teether can reach the back of a child's mouth to soothe sore gums. With their textured handle and wide neck, Clever Spoons® are the perfect starter spoons.

Nanoleaf Shapes Mini Triangles

Share your fav family holiday snap with us and be in to win a Nanoleaf Shapes Mini Triangles 5-panel starter kit and 10-panel expansion pack valued at $397!

Visit familytimes.co.nz/ category/competitions to enter

EATS cookbook from One Mother to Another

A compilation of more than 100 favourite recipes from mums, dads, hospital staff and celebrity chefs, put together by the charity One Mother to Another.

Speech and Language Therapist and mother of two, ZAZI HENDERSON, started blogging about play and communication when her firstborn was six months old. Three years later, she has over 30,000 followers on Instagram and has turned her attention to designing resources to support children’s development. From Durham in the UK originally, she now calls Christchurch home. Our editor, KATE BARBER , caught up with Zazi to find out more about her family, her business and her passion for supporting parents.

Tell us about your kids

My son August is three and a half. He’s inquisitive, caring and brimming with big ideas. For a year, he was obsessed with bins and bin lorries. Now we’re in our dinosaur stage – I have learned so much from him because you need to be able to identify every type of dinosaur to have a conversation!

Etta is one and a half and so incredibly independent and outspoken. I’m wowed every day with the things she’s coming out with and the ways she’s communicating with us. Etta loves to dance and get up to mischief. She’s just a fun little thing.

Why did you start blogging?

As a first-time mum, my life changed from working and managing a multidisciplinary team to nappies and making lunches – I was cutting a lot of veg! I wanted to use my Speech and Language Therapist brain again and keep parents out of the ‘google-hole’ when they were concerned about their child’s development.

I started sharing how I was playing and interacting with August to support his communication development. It was heartening hearing people say, “That’s achievable - I’m going to try that!” I am most passionate about empowering parents to understand that they’re their child’s first teacher and so capable of having a huge impact on their child’s development. It’s not about making time for something new; it’s about working strategies into the routines you already have.

When it comes to parenting, what challenges are you facing now?

I have a real toddler! He’s battling some big feelings and at any given time he can throw things and scream. Plus, my kids fight sometimes! My little one bites the bigger one, and now the big one thinks, I’ll bite you back – that’s how they are communicating.

Do you share your own parenting struggles with your followers?

I try to be candid with what I share, messy house and all, but I don’t share my kids when they’re upset, as that’s when they need me the most. I have to be mindful of telling my followers that my kids have tantrums too, and that I won’t share that out of respect for them . No parent is perfect, and I’m far from that.

What made you start designing your own products?

As August moved through each developmental stage, I began to realise that the sorts of products I wanted and understood were good for development were not easily accessible in New Zealand. So I started teaching August to sign and created posters and visuals for my family that I could share.

I became more frustrated when we started our solids journey – there are so many tricky-to-use spoons and plates with divided sections on the market! Therefore I decided to take things into my own hands and design my own feeding range. We have just launched our Clever Spoons®, and I’m so proud to have created something that makes sense to kids.

How do you find time for your blog and business?

It’s chaotic! It’s just me and my partner, Jon. We work so hard each night when the kids are in bed to build the business. I dread to think how many unpaid hours I’ve put into it, but it’s all been worth it as I’ve built such a wonderful, supportive community around me.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for parents?

It boils down to respecting your child and trusting that they are going to get there in the end. They all do things at different speeds, and if we kindly support them and give them some grace, they’re going to turn out to be awesome people. They’re already awesome! They’re just bumping along the road. Remember – all behaviour is communication.

If you want to learn more about how to support your child’s communication, development and feeding journey, you can find Zazi and a link to her Instagram at zazi.co.nz

Lots to share: from ways to play to sensible products for kids

The Little b teether, designed to reach the back of the gums