Welcome

In our family, we have three strongminded, busy, creative, at times challenging children. Naturally, what’s happening in our family life, and in the lives of the other mums in the Family Times team, influences the kind of stories we run each issue.

I’m currently thinking a lot about my family’s health and how to get through the winter. I don’t think I’m alone in worrying about sickness. So, in this issue, we speak with Te Tahi Youth’s Clinical

Team Leader, Emma Maguire, about surviving ‘flu season’.

Earlier in the year I was seeking support with managing high emotions and challenging behaviour. I spoke with clinical psychologist Louise Porter and have put together a story on the ‘battle for control’ we can get into with our kids. I hope this article is helpful for many of you, too. Meanwhile, our story on choosing the right secondary school came about through conversations with our eldest daughter –she’s currently in Year 6 and wondering about school beyond primary. Until now, my husband and I hadn’t given it much thought. But, the years really fly, and it’s time we started considering our options.

In any week, in any moment, we all have our own priorities and concerns as parents – from breastfeeding, to bullying, to birthday parties. There really is always something to think and worry about when you’re a parent.

Somewhere in the middle of all that, we also need to think about our self-care. In this issue Miriam McCaleb shares some simple things we can do to avoid parental burnout. Like her ‘rectangle of sanity’ – I can definitely relate!

I have thoroughly enjoyed putting this issue together. It is a real pleasure talking with experts across various fields. I also love working alongside our wonderful clients, all of whom have so much passion for supporting and providing opportunities for young people. From the team at Family Times, we want to thank you for your support.

As Miriama Kamo reminds us, Matariki is a time to “stop, rest, eat, connect and acknowledge”. It is also a time for new beginnings. From all the team at Family Times, we want to wish you a safe and happy Matariki, and many positive new beginnings for you all.

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

Will Garbutt’s family was the winner of our holiday snap comp. Here they are on holiday in Nelson.

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

Annie Mansfield

Claudia Babirat

Claudia Gunn

Crissi Blair

Emma Maguire

Kat Quin

Kineta Booker

Louise Oskam

Louise Porter

Maxine Laws

Miriam McCaleb

Miriama Kamo

Sid Sahrawat

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)

Canterbury Museum at CoCA 66 Gloucester Street

Exhibition opens 14 July

Free

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