the shortlist What to see, do, love and dive into this spring
Publisher Charlotte Chambers Editor Olivia Williams
SEE
WATCH
The Royal Adelaide Show returns 5–13 September at the Adelaide Showground for nine days of rides, showbags, animal nurseries and fireworks. It's been running for over 180 years and somehow still feels like the biggest date on the family calendar – get in early for showbags before the good ones sell out.
PAW Patrol fans, take note! Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie lands in Australian cinemas from mid-September. The pups head to a mysterious dinosaur island, meet a stranded pup named Rex, and take on their biggest rescue mission yet when a volcano gets involved. About as close to a guaranteed win for the littlest members of the family as cinema gets.
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H&M's kidswear collaboration with Laura Ashley is now in stores, bringing heritage florals, cheerful lemon prints and delicate shell motifs to the spring wardrobe. Think dresses, matching sets and easy separates that feel a little bit special without the dryclean-only price tag.
Nature Festival returns across South Australia from 25 September to 11 October, with more than 400 events blending nature and culture – guided walks, wildlife encounters, garden workshops and foraging walks made for curious kids (and equally curious grownups). Free and family-friendly events run right through, so there's no excuse not to get outside these spring holidays.
Designer David Gale
Printing
SHOP
DO
Editorial Contributors Rebecca Morse Emma Georgiadis Madhavi Nawana Parker Alexis Teasdale Carly Leaker Georgina Martin Nabula El Mourid Crystle Range Rosie Williams Mack Archontidis Elfy Brown
Here's to spring! Showbags in hand, mud on the boots, and a season full of laughter and wonder.
Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of the publisher. Whilst all care is taken, the publisher accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. KIDDO Mag is a team effort and if you have any suggestions or questions, make contact! We would love to hear from you. hello@kiddomag.com.au
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NEWS
The Adelaide mum changing how we shop for babies
Georgia Walker built her reputation on how a room feels. As co-founder of Etikette, she helped turn a home fragrance brand into a household name by paying close attention to the details that make a space feel right. Now, mother to a toddler and an infant, she's applying the same instinct to Bubnest, built on organic cotton, calm design and a slower way to shop for babies. Becoming a mum changed what wellbeing at home meant to Georgia – designing for a calm kitchen is one thing, designing for a 3am feed is another. "With Bubnest, that became about creating simplicity, calm and
connection during a period of life that can often feel overwhelming," she says. The range – pregnancy and feeding pillows, play mats, pram liners, nursery pieces – is made exclusively from organic cotton, with a philosophy as understated as the aesthetic: fewer things, made well, that last. What hit Georgia hardest as a first-time mum was the sheer volume of products parents are told they need. "It disconnected me from trusting my own instincts about what was actually essential," she says. Bubnest's hero Pregnancy Pillow is the clearest counterweight – built to stay on the bed long after pregnancy rather than getting bundled into the charity bag a few months in. "I really believe parents deserve to understand the ‘why’ behind the products they bring into their homes. Buy once, buy well," Georgia says. She launched and grew Bubnest while pregnant with her second child, and now runs the company through the same chapter of life her customers are in. "I'm living and breathing the same season as my customers, and that feels like a superpower," she says. It also means the product decisions come from someone actually testing them, at home, at 6am, with a toddler in tow. "Bubnest has been born from this exact stage of life – the toddler chaos, the newborn haze, the mental load, but also the beauty and connection within it all."
Good food, quick smart
It's 5.30pm. Someone's hungry, someone's homework isn't done, and the question that haunts every parent reverberates down hallways everywhere: what's for dinner? Leah Itsines has built a career on answering it without resorting to twominute noodles or a four-hour braise. The Adelaide-raised cook – co-founder of the BARE nutrition guides, bestselling author, and more recently a mum herself – has just released her latest cookbook, 'Healthy Meals for Busy People'. As the title promises, it's aimed squarely at people with no spare hours and no intention of giving up good food. She's blunt about why: she's not, in her words, “slaving away cooking a four-course meal for six hours” – she's busy, like the rest of us. The 100-plus recipes inside are built around exactly that reality. What sets it apart is how it's organised – less a collection of pretty dishes than a system for surviving the week. There are express dinners on the table in 20 minutes or less, one-pot mains that save on washing up, and a clever 'one meal into many' approach where a single base recipe riffs four ways across the week, so dinner never feels like leftovers. For the organised (or the optimistic), there are make/4
For parents who feel slightly drowned in the baby aisle, that's good news. And for anyone who's followed Georgia's work from Etikette, Bubnest reads like a natural next chapter – the same eye for how products shape a home, applied to the home's most demanding new occupant.
For more information: bubnest.com.au | @bubnest
ahead meals to prep on a quiet Sunday and batch-cooking ideas for when there's a little more time up your sleeve. Becoming a parent changed the way Itsines cooks, steering her recipes towards the quick, the family-friendly and the doable on a weeknight. It shows. This is food designed to keep a household fed, healthy and on budget without anyone needing a degree in meal prep, shot through with the kind of fresh, modern photography that makes you want to actually cook from it rather than just admire it. With more than 800,000 followers and a loyal audience for her nutrition apps, Itsines knows her crowd… and a recent turn as San Remo's brand ambassador suggests the rest of the country has caught on too. For parents who'd like to eat well but ran out of time to think about it somewhere around the second school drop-off, it's a handy thing to have on the shelf – or, more likely, open on the bench with something simmering beside it.
Healthy Meals for Busy People by Leah Itsines (Murdoch Books, $39.99) IS OUT NOW
Being ready is being curious
BEING READY
NEWS
Emma’s Dance Club Emma's new ABC Kids series is about to take over your living room There are a handful of Australians who can hold a room of four-year-olds spellbound. Emma Watkins is unquestionably one of them. And come 2027, she'll be doing it from a fictional country town called Spudson, in a brand-new ABC Kids series that has all the makings of a household staple. The premise is simple. Emma opens a dance club in a sleepy regional town, and four local kids walk through the door expecting pirouettes and pop steps. What they find instead is friendship, mischief, and the slow realisation that a dance floor can fix almost anything. The kids are the heart of it. There's Madi, who is absolutely going to be prime minister one day. Milo, a wallflower with hidden depths. Albie, a clumsy pocket-rocket with more enthusiasm than coordination. And Chika,
the style queen whose moves do most of the talking. It's a cast that feels real – and that's no accident. Expect grounded humour, big-hearted storylines, and a parade of adult cameos that will keep grown-ups watching long after the kids have wandered off to practise their own routines. “Created with love,” says Watkins, “not just for children, but for families everywhere.” If the promise of watching small humans learn that dancing badly together beats dancing perfectly alone doesn't sell it, we're not sure what will. Emma's Dance Club premieres on ABC Kids and ABC iview in 2027.
The best of SA,
delivered to your door If you've ever wanted to fill the pantry with proper South Australian brands, you'll know the drill: one tab for the bakery, another for the dairy, a scroll through the supermarket shelves hoping to spot something local buried among a thousand others. From this month, that's no longer necessary. Cart 8, a new online marketplace dedicated entirely to South Australian food and drink, launched on 1 August during Buy SA Week, bringing together producers from right across the state – Adelaide Hills to the Riverland, Barossa to Kangaroo Island – in one place to shop. The line-up reads like the inside of a wellstocked SA pantry: Nippy's, Fleurieu Milk Company, Kytons Bakery, Halls Soft Drinks, Craters Crumpets, Kangaroo Island Olives, Tucker's Natural, mumamoo baby formula
and toddler milk alongside smaller regional producers most families have never had an easy way to find. Everything from fresh produce and ready-made meals to pantry staples and snacks ships from a single Woodville warehouse, with weekday deliveries available across participating areas – so a family shop that would normally mean juggling five different websites (and five delivery windows) becomes one order. Founder Ethan Tan, a South Australian food industry veteran, says the idea came from watching good local producers struggle for shelf space and visibility. "Even once products are on shelves, they're competing for limited space and attention alongside thousands of others," he says. "Cart 8 provides another pathway to market – we can create greater visibility, help consumers discover brands they may never have otherwise found, and give producers another way to grow their business."
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For time-poor parents, the appeal is less about sentiment and more about convenience – Tan is upfront that goodwill towards local brands only goes so far if it's easier to just grab something off the supermarket shelf. "We want to remove the friction from buying locally," he says, "by making it easy to find a wide range of South Australian products, add them to one basket, and have them delivered through a single order." Cart 8 plans to keep adding producers over the coming months, with an eye on eventually taking the marketplace model interstate.
Find the full range: cart8.com.au | @cart8marketplace
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NEWS
Mischief managed
From the moment Harry first boarded the Hogwarts Express to the final Battle of Hogwarts, millions of fans have followed one of the world's most beloved stories. As the final chapter unfolds on a giant high-definition screen, the ASO performs every note of Alexandre Desplat's soaring, emotional score live. It's an experience unlike watching the film at home, with every spell, every triumph and every heartbreaking farewell elevated by the power of a full symphony orchestra.
This Halloween, families have one final chance to experience that journey in an extraordinary way as the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra presents Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™: Part 2 In Concert – the epic finale of the official Harry Potter Film Concert Series. Taking place on Saturday 31 October at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, this is the final Harry Potter film to be performed live by the ASO, making it a truly unforgettable event for South Australian fans. Whether you've grown up with Harry, Hermione and Ron, or are introducing the Wizarding World to the next generation, this is a magical experience to share together.
“Film music is one of the most powerful ways for audiences to experience the impact of a live orchestra,” says Kate Suthers, ASO Concertmaster. “Whether it’s the sweeping themes of John Williams’ Star Wars or the spellbinding world of Harry Potter, nothing compares to hearing these iconic scores live as the movie plays on the big screen.” And audiences agree! “My sister and I have been attending the Harry Potter in Concert performances from the beginning – it's become our thing. She says it feels like she is watching it for the very first time. Only this time it was even better, because the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra was right there, bringing every moment to life.” – ASO 2025 Audience Member For many families, Harry Potter is more than a series of films – it's a story that has been
It Takes a Pantry
If you're a parent, you'll know the feeling. You've barely finished unpacking the school bags before you're thinking about tomorrow's lunchboxes, after-school snacks and what's for dinner. Feeding kids can feel like a full-time job in itself. The everyday challenge That's exactly what inspired South Australian mum Danielle Elia to launch JNR Food Co. – to make feeding kids well a little easier. JNR creates wholesome, ready-made meals using local ingredients, no preservatives and hidden vegetables that kids genuinely enjoy. Designed for busy family life, JNR means you can have something nutritious ready in the freezer for those nights when work, school, sport and life simply take over. A bigger idea As JNR grew, Danielle noticed something else. South Australia is home to incredible small food businesses solving the same problem in different ways, so rather than competing with them, she brought them together.
shared across generations. Seeing it with a live orchestra transforms the experience, creating moments of excitement, laughter and emotion that simply can't be recreated anywhere else. Dust off your Hogwarts scarves, gather your fellow Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws or Slytherins, and feel the energy in the room as thousands of Harry Potter fans come together to experience Harry Potter Live in Concert. There will be no next chapter, no sequel, and no second chance to experience Harry Potter with the ASO. Join them for one final adventure on Saturday 31 October at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Tickets are on sale now, with children's tickets from $30 and family ticket offers available. To book: aso.com.au
The result is JNR Pantry – a collection of trusted, local food brands in one place, created by founders who know exactly what feeding busy families is like, because they're doing it themselves. Meet the brands JNR Pantry brings together some of South Australia's most passionate family food businesses. • Veghead makes veggies delicious, packing real vegetables into familiar lunchbox favourites that kids actually want to eat. • Jujubenate grows its own jujubes on a South Australian farm and freeze-dries them into a naturally sweet, antioxidant-rich snack. • Little Eaters has reimagined kids’ pasta, combining real vegetables with playful shapes to help make mealtimes easier for families. Different products, different founders – but the same goal to make nutritious family food more convenient. Supporting local families Instead of shopping across multiple websites, families can now discover trusted South Australian brands in one place. From ready-made meals and lunchbox favourites to wholesome snacks and vegetable-enriched pantry staples, JNR Pantry makes feeding the family simpler while supporting local businesses along the way. After all, raising children takes a village. Find out more: jnrfoodco.au
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2026 25 Sept—11 Oct South Australia
PLANT BEAUTIFUL SEEDS
FEATURE
“ Many vision problems go undetected simply because children aren't routinely examined.” up: Uncorrected vision problems can affect reading performance, classroom engagement and confidence. It won’t be the answer for every child but ruling vision problems out early means it’s one less thing standing in the way.
The vision problem many kids
don't know they have Here's the thing about a four-yearold with blurry vision: she doesn't know it's blurry. She's never seen the world any other way, so as far as she's concerned, Daniel Wong, this is just what the Health Partners world looks like. She's Optometrist not going to complain about it at dinner, and she's certainly not going to mention it to her teacher. That's exactly why so many childhood vision problems go unnoticed, according to Health Partners optometrist Daniel Wong. "Sometimes they don't complain because what they're seeing is all they've ever known," he says. "They assume what they're seeing is normal – what everyone else is seeing too." There's no obvious symptom to catch, no complaint to follow up on, just a child slowly adapting to a version of the world that isn't quite in focus. And it's more common than most parents realise: according to Optometry Australia, one in five children has an undetected vision problem. "It doesn't surprise me," Daniel says. "Many vision problems go undetected simply because children aren't routinely examined. If they're not complaining and they're coping reasonably well, it's easy for issues to be missed." Coping reasonably well is the key phrase there. Plenty of the signs of a vision problem look, on the surface, like something else entirely. A child who seems clumsy / 10
might actually have reduced depth perception. A reluctant reader might be avoiding a task that's simply too visually demanding to enjoy. A kid glued to the TV might just be sitting where the picture's actually clear. "Sometimes this is mistaken for a lack of interest rather than a vision issue," Daniel says – which means a child can spend years being nudged toward "trying harder" at reading, when the real issue was never effort at all. This is also why Optometry Australia recommends a test before a child even starts school, rather than waiting for a problem to surface. "Children do much of their learning visually," Daniel explains. "If they can't see comfortably, they may struggle to concentrate, become frustrated or avoid reading tasks – not because they aren't capable, but because the task is too visually demanding." Research backs this
For parents wondering what a kids' eye test actually involves, it's a lot less confronting than the word "examination" might suggest. At Health Partners Optical, the exact process depends on the child's age and stage, but it usually starts with a vision test using letters or pictures, followed by eye movement and colour vision checks, along with a general look at eye health – sometimes including a photo of the back of the eye. Some children will need drops to relax the eyes. And if there's one thing Daniel wants hesitant parents to know, it's that there's no real downside to getting it checked early. "A comprehensive eye examination gives you a valuable baseline of your child's eye health and vision," he says. "Many vision problems develop gradually and don't cause obvious symptoms, so it's much better to identify them early rather than waiting until they begin affecting learning or everyday activities." Cost is often what turns 'I'll get around to it' into next year. The examination itself is usually the least of it – eye tests can often be bulk billed through Medicare, and gap-free options are available with most current extras cover. If you're on an older policy, a quick call to Health Partners Optical will tell you where you stand. Glasses are a separate question, and worth asking about upfront: some prescriptions need specialised lenses that cost more than a standard pair. Some of it is written into a family long before a child sits in the chair. Daniel recently tested a young boy for his very first eye exam. His mum has high astigmatism – and it turned out he did too, at almost exactly the same strength, on exactly the same axis. "Astigmatism often runs in families,” he says, "but seeing such a close match always makes you smile. No DNA test needed." Which is rather the point. Much of this isn't about waiting for a problem to show up; it's about finding out what's already there. Ask Daniel what he enjoys most about the job, though, and it isn't the puzzles. It's the appointments that end with nothing to fix at all – telling a child their eyes are great and they don't even need glasses.
With six locations across South Australia, your local store is never far away. Health Partners Optical bulk bill eye tests and welcome all health funds.* Visit healthpartners.com.au to find your nearest optical store.
* Eye tests are bulk billed through Medicare and subject to eligibility and Medicare conditions.
Not every recipe needs a recipe book. Sometimes it's mud, leaves and imagination. At Loreto Early Learning Centre, children learn through exploration, creativity… and a whole lot of questions! "I wonder... What if... How about...?” Every success has a before. And Loreto is theirs.
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Educating strong, passionate and confident children and young people / 11
FEATURE
CHARITY SP T
Each issue we shine a spotlight on a local charity.
Big Hearts, Little Essentials at Treasure Boxes A toothbrush. A cosy blanket. A backpack. At Treasure Boxes, we see how much difference the small stuff makes.
Start their journey
the Endeavour Way Choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. In 2027, Endeavour College will open its purpose-built Junior School for Reception to Year 6 in the heart of Mawson Lakes. The new Junior School will create a complete Reception to Year 12 pathway, allowing children to begin, grow and graduate within one College, one community and a connected learning journey.
We're a South Australian charity delivering essential items to babies and kids doing it tough – from those escaping domestic violence to families facing homelessness or financial hardship. Clothing, books, school supplies, nappies, even safe cots and prams: the kind of things every child should have, but not every child does.
For more than 25 years, Endeavour College has built a strong reputation for progressive Christian education, excellence in learning and a commitment to student wellbeing. The Junior School will bring this approach to younger learners, providing strong academic foundations alongside personalised support, curiosity, creativity and belonging.
A clean outfit means one less thing to worry about at school. A proper bed means an actual night's sleep. It's simple, but it adds up.
At the heart of the College is the Endeavour Way, guiding how students learn, build relationships, take responsibility and contribute to their community.
Last year we supported more than 5,000 children and families across SA, while keeping thousands of tonnes of pre-loved items out of landfill.
“Children learn best when they feel safe, supported and excited to come to school,” Principal Richard Baird said.
Small essentials, big difference – because every kid deserves a fair shot.
Donate There are many ways you can support us. Whether it’s donating essential items, making a financial donation or hosting a fundraiser – every bit counts. treasureboxes.org.au
“Our vision is to create a Junior School where every child is known and encouraged to achieve their best. We want students to develop strong foundations for learning while growing in confidence, character and faith.” The lakeside campus will feature contemporary classrooms, flexible learning areas, specialist STEM, music and enrichment spaces, a library and outdoor environments designed for active play, exploration and connection. Literacy and numeracy will remain central, supported by a rich and relevant curriculum that encourages inquiry, collaboration and real-world understanding. Specialist learning across languages, the arts, physical education and technology will allow students to explore their interests and discover their strengths. Endeavour’s team of experienced teachers will build meaningful relationships with students and families. Learning programs will respond to individual needs, while passionate educators will set high expectations and support every child to make progress. The Junior and Secondary campuses will be connected by a purpose-built footbridge, allowing students and staff to move safely between the two sites and share selected learning, recreation and specialist facilities. Together, they will operate as one College, united by a shared mission and the Endeavour Way values of Love, Courage, Forgiveness and Hope. For parents, this means greater continuity, fewer transitions and the reassurance of knowing their child can move through every stage of learning within a community that knows and supports them. Families can enrol now for the Junior School’s first intake in 2027.
To learn more: endeavour.sa.edu.au
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www.endeavour.sa.edu.au
Purpose-built Junior School opening 2027 Junior School highlights • Reception to Year 12 learning journey • Purpose-built lakeside campus • Specialist STEM, performing arts and enrichment • Contemporary learning environments • Progressive Christian education
Enrolments now open.
Scan QR for more information.
85 Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes SA 5095 Contact us: admin@endeavour.sa.edu.au | 08 8368 3311 Proudly located on the lands of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains
Give your child the best possible start. Join our first Junior School community.
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Excellence in learning starts at Endeavour College
PROFILE
B U I LT FOR MUMS I NTE RV I E W BY
Liv Williams
PH OTO G R APH Y BY
Reinhardt O’Kennedy
ELI DOYLE knows
what it’s like to juggle a business, motherhood and making time for herself… all at once. While running Plus One Dress Hire, the fashion-forward space for pregnant and postnatal women she has since sold, she found something missing when she tried to return to training after having her baby.
Working six weeks postpartum, Eli quickly realised the usual gym setup wasn’t built for how mums actually live. Childcare windows didn’t fit school or work hours and group classes felt intimidating when she wasn’t where she used to be physically or mentally. So she created the place she couldn’t find. Em Body puts women first with flexible, calm, no-pressure spaces and certified care for little ones so mums can train with confidence and support. We talked to Eli about how motherhood has reshaped her priorities, why confidence matters as much as strength, and the community she’s building where women feel seen, supported and stronger with every session.
When did juggling work, fitness and motherhood stop feeling manageable? When I returned to work at six weeks postpartum, I felt the shift immediately. I was incredibly grateful that I’d built a business that allowed Rocky to be with me, but my capacity just wasn’t what it used to be. I remember thinking, this is what they meant. Clients used to tell me they couldn’t find the time to train and I’d quietly think it was an excuse. It’s not. When you’re responsible for a newborn and young children, the mental load alone is exhausting. Fitness becomes one more thing competing for your energy.
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What gaps did you notice in Adelaide once you began looking for solutions? I asked my amazing social media community whether I was missing something, whether there were gyms offering child minding at times that actually suited working mums. My inbox filled quickly. Most crèche services were limited to midmorning windows and for women working traditional 9–5 hours, that just doesn’t work. It became obvious there was a huge gap. Not just in childcare hours, but in how we support women returning to training after birth.
What surprised you most about the responses you received? The volume, but also the honesty. I love that about my community though. We keep it real. Women weren’t just asking about childcare. They were telling me they felt intimidated returning to group training and how they didn’t feel strong. Many didn’t recognise their bodies anymore. That really resonated because I felt the same. I avoided returning to my old gym because I was embarrassed about my fitness level, and I’m a trainer. If I felt that way, how many other women are delaying their return because they feel exposed? It wasn’t just a childcare issue. It was a confidence gap.
PROFILE
16 COURSES AT APTOS, chicken nuggets at home
Em Body is intimate by design and focuses on 1:1 and small-scale training, rebuilding strength properly, refining technique and re-establishing confidence in a calm, private environment.
Why did flexibility matter more than traditional crèche sessions? Flexibility was everything for me because my life doesn’t fit into a neatly set window. Running a business means my schedule doesn’t fit into a 45-minute window between 9:15 and 11am. What I’ve learned since is that it’s not just about work. Mums want continuity with nap routines and they don’t want to restructure their entire day for one session. I had so many workouts where I left early or spent half the time settling Rocky because I was trying to force something that didn’t suit our life. Fitness should fit around motherhood, not compete with it.
How is Em Body different from a standard gym or studio? Em Body is intimate by design and focuses on 1:1 and small-scale training, rebuilding strength properly, refining technique and re-establishing confidence in a calm, private environment.
The nanny service is professional, certified care, capped at four children at any time. It’s your child with the nanny for the duration of your session, plus Rocky (who is essentially CEO at this point). Mums aren’t glancing at the door every five minutes. They can train knowing their children are safe and looked after at all times.
Why was a full-time nanny service non-negotiable? Because I needed it myself. Our household is busy. Between Plus One Dress Hire, my partner preparing to open a restaurant, and our blended family, there isn’t always external help available. I wanted to create a solution that didn’t rely on having a village and always needing external help. It allows me to keep my baby close while also giving other women the same security and opportunity.
Eli's husband, Justin James, spends his working hours crafting one of the most talked-about tasting menus in the state, four hours, 16 courses, not a nugget in sight. At home, the audience is smaller and a lot less bothered about presentation. We caught up with the Restaurant Aptos chef to find out what dinner looks like when the critic is a toddler named Teddy and the special of the night is cereal.
Eli told us Teddy was your most ruthless taste-tester during the nine months you developed the Aptos menu at home. How did he rate it? He wasn't very interested because it wasn't chicken nuggets! He did, however, love the cookies, especially when we were baking them fresh every night.
Teddy's now holding you to a pretty high standard in the kitchen. What's one thing you could actually make that he'd approve of? Cereal. (haha)
What does dinner at your place look like on a regular Tuesday night, and who's cooking?
Chicken enchiladas are on high rotation at the moment, and I'll be doing the cooking. It's probably best we keep Eli away from the kitchen, she recently somehow managed to blend the stick component of the blender into her morning smoothie...
Aptos is 14 seats and 16 courses. What are you making when it's just the kids and it's 6pm?
I always try to get the kids to try whatever I'm cooking, particularly when we were both working from home. A few times I had to improvise with whatever protein I had on hand, and Teddy definitely ate a few roo burgers without knowing. One of the most fun dinners we did was a cheeseburger degustation cheeseburgers five ways, including spring rolls, pizza and a few other variations. That was good fun.
Aptos is already one of the most talked-about restaurants in South Australia. What can Adelaide diners expect when they walk through the door?
We hope it's something that stays with people long after they've left - an immersive, unexpected dining experience unlike anything they've had before.
147 Mt Barker Road, Stirling restaurantaptos.com / 15
PROFILE
“When you’re responsible for a newborn and young children, the mental load alone is exhausting. Fitness becomes one more thing competing for your energy.” What environment do you want women to feel when they walk in? I want the women in our community to feel calm, safe and empowered, and for the space to feel like an extension of my home. Jake and Emma (the owners of the gym) have renovated the gym space beautifully. They have given me free rein for the rest of the space which includes a children's activity room, sleep room, change room, kitchen, and private showers. Clients are encouraged to take an extra 10 minutes for themselves and shower in peace before collecting their children. It doesn’t feel intimidating or chaotic. It feels considered and intimate and like home.
“Women weren’t just asking about childcare. They were telling me they felt intimidated returning to group training and how they didn’t feel strong. Many didn’t recognise their bodies anymore.”
Is Em Body just for mums? Em Body is for every woman. While I specialise in pre- and postnatal training, for more than 11 years I’ve worked with women in all stages of life, from rehab clients to athletes, powerlifters and marathon runners. Right now, I deeply relate to postpartum women because I’m living it. But Em Body is for any woman navigating change and wanting to feel strong, in charge and energised.
What challenges do women face most when returning to exercise after birth? The biggest challenge is psychological. It’s the fear of starting again and being the least fit in the room. Group environments can feel overwhelming when you’re rebuilding and many women delay returning because of that fear. And honestly, it’s about just making that decision and starting for you.
What does a typical day look like for you? Ha! My god, no day is the same. Early training before the kids wake, breakfast chaos, kindy drop-offs. Six hours at the studio with Rocky in tow. Afternoon pick-ups. Two nights a week back at Plus One. Then lunches, bags packed and emails late into the evening. I’m fortunate to have a supportive partner and an incredible village surrounding me, but it’s full on.
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How has motherhood changed the way you work? It’s given me the ability to prioritise boundaries. Previously, I would accommodate every request, seeing 16+ clients a day from 4:30am. Now I’m firm and I won’t miss school pick-ups or Saturday soccer. I work for my family, not at the expense of them.
What does success look like in year one for Em Body? Success looks like community and empowering women. Women walking in feeling overwhelmed and walking out feeling capable and confident again. A space where they feel supported rather than judged.
And personally, it looks like building something meaningful without sacrificing the moments that matter at home.
What would you like SA mums feeling stretched to know? You’re not alone and that is such a normal feeling. No one is doing it all and doing it perfectly. But prioritising your health, even in small ways, can shift your clarity and confidence. You deserve that and to feel good in yourself and your body. Em Body 42 North Terrace, Kent Town @em__body
A LIVE ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE OF THE FILM WITH ITS ORIGINAL SCORE
IN CONCERT LIVE TO FILM Adelaide Entertainment Centre SAT 31 OCT
BOOK AT ASO.COM.AU
NUTRITION
Don't tiptoe around allergens
Starting Solids,
Minus the Panic
It feels counterintuitive, but the current advice is to introduce the common allergens early, not avoid them. ASCIA, Australia's peak allergy body, recommends offering them in the first year, from around six months, because delaying can actually raise the risk of an allergy developing. Work through them one at a time so you can spot any reaction, starting with well-cooked egg and a smooth peanut butter (never whole nuts), then keep the foods in regular rotation once they're in. A reaction, if it comes, usually shows up within minutes to two hours.
And breathe
The first foods stage is equal parts milestone and minefield. Here's what actually helps – from telling a gag from a choke to getting allergens onto the high-chair tray. The first time your baby gags on a strip of steamed carrot, you will probably levitate. The coughing, the watering eyes, the alarming red face – every instinct says do something. Here's the reassuring truth that takes the heat out of the whole solids journey: that's almost always a gag, not a choke, and it's your baby's body doing exactly what it's built to do. Learning to tell the two apart is the single most useful thing a parent can do before the first spoon – or fistful – goes in. Most of what follows is calmer than the worry suggests.
When to start There's no need to rush. Most babies are ready for solids at around six months, and not before four. The signs to look for are physical, not calendar-based: your baby can sit with support and hold their head steady, has lost the reflex that pushes food straight back out, and is eyeing off your dinner with real interest. When those line up, you're good to go.
A gag is not a choke This is the big one. Gagging is a normal, protective reflex – the body's way of moving food forward when it's travelled back too far, too soon. It's noisy and dramatic: coughing, spluttering, gurgling, a red face, sometimes a few tears or even a little vomit. A gagging baby is moving air and sorting the problem out for themselves. The best thing you can
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do is stay calm and let them work it through; leaping in can turn a non-event into a real one. Choking is the opposite, and it's quiet. The airway is blocked, so there's little or no sound – no effective cough, no cry – and your baby may look still or panicked, or start to turn blue. That's the emergency, and it needs immediate action. Because choking is silent, the rules are simple: your baby sits upright and stays supervised for every meal, never eats in the car or the pram, and never eats lying down or on the move. And do the one thing that buys real peace of mind – an infant first-aid or CPR course before you start solids. Several Adelaide providers, including St John, run them, and knowing what to do means you'll never have to wonder in the moment.
The mess is part of it. Squashed banana in the hair, more on the floor than in the mouth, a face like a finger painting – it all counts as learning. Follow your baby's cues rather than the clock, don't force a single bite, and let curiosity do the work. The aim isn't a clean tray; it's a confident little eater.
This article drew on guidance from Solid Starts (solidstarts.com), whose free First Foods database covers serving sizes, choking prevention and allergen tips for more than 400 foods, and from ASCIA (allergy.org. au). It is general information only and isn't a substitute for medical advice; in an emergency, call 000.
Serve it safely Most choking risk comes down to size and texture. Early on, big, soft, graspable pieces a baby can hold are easier to manage than small bits. The foods to watch are the hard and the round: whole nuts, whole grapes and cherry tomatoes (quarter them lengthways), popcorn, hard raw apple and carrot, chunks of sausage, and anything hard, sticky or bite-sized like lollies and marshmallows. Skip added salt and sugar, and let your baby feed themselves as much as possible – when they control what goes in and how fast, they tend to be safer eaters, not riskier ones.
The Solid Starts app A pocket guide from paediatric feeding experts: how to safely serve 500-plus foods by age, step-by-step allergen introduction, meal ideas and a food tracker. TRY IT FREE on the App Store and Google Play.
Every child, known & nurtured. Success is more than results. It's confidence. Kindness. Curiosity. Resilience. Small classes, caring teachers and genuine community, every child is supported to discover their strengths and to develop the skills to thrive in life.
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NUTRITION
Supermarket Swap®
Don't overlook the supermarket bakery bread Bread is another great example. Many supermarket bakery loaves contain far fewer ingredients than some packaged sliced breads. They can also be surprisingly affordable. SWAP FROM:
Tip Top The One White Sandwich Slice Bread Loaf Bakery 700g
By Nabula El Mourid @supermarket.swap
Eating better doesn’t have to mean DIY If social media has taught us anything, it's that healthy eating can sometimes look exhausting. Perfect lunchboxes. Organic produce. Local farmers' market. Freshly baked muffins every Sunday. Homemade crackers. Everything made from scratch. While those things can be wonderful, they're simply not realistic for most families. At Supermarket Swap, we believe healthy eating should fit into real life. It should work for busy parents, school pick-ups, sport training, grocery budgets and the nights when everyone is tired. The good news is you don't have to make everything yourself and you certainly don't have to spend more to feed your family well.
INGREDIENTS: Unbleached Wheat Flour, Water, Wheat Fibre, Modified
Tapioca Starch (1412), Baker's Yeast, Vinegar, Wheat Gluten, Iodised Salt, Vegetable Gum (412), Canola Oil, Soy Flour, Vegetable Emulsifiers (481, 472e, 471), Minerals (Iron, Zinc), Vitamins (Vitamin E, Niacin, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid), Processing Aid (Wheat). SWAP TO:
Woolworths Wholemeal Loaf 800g INGREDIENTS: Wholemeal Wheat Flour, Water,
Wheat Flour (Vitamins (Thiamin, Folic Acid)), Yeast, Wheat Gluten, Vegetable Oils (Canola, Palm), Iodised Salt, Malted Barley Flour, Fermented Wheat Flour, Processing Aid (Wheat).
Frozen is still nutritious Another budget-friendly hero? Frozen fruit and vegetables. Many people assume fresh is always best, but frozen produce is picked and frozen quickly, helping retain its nutritional value. It also lasts much longer, creates less food waste and means you always have vegetables ready to add to dinner. Frozen peas, broccoli, berries and spinach have saved countless weeknight meals in our house. These organic frozen raspberries are $20.67 for 1kg compared to a punnet of raspberries which is currently $40 per kg!
Supermarket shortcuts are okay One of the biggest misconceptions we see is that if a snack comes from a supermarket, it can't be a good option. Thankfully, that's no longer true. Australian supermarkets now stock hundreds of products made with simple, recognisable ingredients. From crackers and yoghurt to pasta sauces, wraps and lunchbox snacks, there are plenty of convenient choices that can make life easier without compromising on quality. Rather than focusing on whether something is homemade, start by turning the packet over and reading the ingredient list. In many cases you'll find a simple supermarket product sitting right beside one with a much longer list of colours, preservatives and flavourings. Sometimes the better choice is simply choosing a different brand from the shelf. SWAP FROM:
Simson's Pantry Wise Wheat Wholegrain Wrap 6 pack INGREDIENTS: WISE WHEAT® flour (36%) (thiamine,
folic acid), water, grain mix (25%), wholemeal wheat flour (thiamine, folic acid), kibbled purple wheat, malted wheat flakes, kibbled triticale (wheat, rye), kibbled wheat, kibbled rye, kibbled maize, canola oil, humectant (422), wheat bran, wheat germ, raising agents (501, 541), iodised salt, emulsifier (471), linseed, preservative (281, 200), wheat gluten, acidity regulator (297), thickener (412), processing aids (wheat). SWAP TO:
Mountain Bread Natural Light Wraps 8 pack INGREDIENTS: Organic Wholemeal Wheat Flour (70%),
Organic Wheat Flour, Filtered Water, Sea Salt.
Healthy doesn't have to cost more We also hear another concern from parents all the time. "I'd love to buy better products, but they're too expensive." While some products certainly cost more, healthy shopping isn't necessarily about buying premium brands. Often it's about shopping a little differently. Buying products when they're on special is one of the easiest ways to stretch your grocery budget. If your family's favourite peanut butter, yoghurt or pasta sauce is half price, buy two. You'll pay less over time without changing what you eat. It's exactly the same strategy supermarkets hope we'll use, just working in your favour instead.
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Home brands can surprise you One of our favourite shopping tips is to avoid judging products by the front of the packet. Some supermarket own-brand products have simple ingredient lists and cost considerably less than the big brands sitting beside them. It's always worth comparing labels because the cheapest option isn't necessarily the poorest quality. SWAP FROM:
Daily Juice Pulp Free No Added Sugar Orange Juice | 2L INGREDIENTS: Reconstituted Orange Juice and Orange
Juice (99.9%), Preservative (202), Natural Flavours, Vitamin C, Acidity Regulator (330). SWAP TO:
Coles Finest Orange Juice | 2L INGREDIENTS: Orange Juice (100%).
Cook once, eat twice Healthy eating also becomes much more affordable when you make your meals work harder. If you're making a slow-cooked beef ragu tonight, cook a double batch. The leftovers might become toasties tomorrow, pasta later in the week or even a freezer meal for those nights when cooking feels impossible. It's one of the simplest ways to save both time and money while ensuring there's always something nourishing ready to go.
Progress, not perfection At the end of the day, feeding a family isn't about making everything from scratch or never buying convenience foods. It's about finding realistic habits that work for your family. Sometimes that's homemade banana muffins. Sometimes it's frozen vegetables with dinner because life got busy. Eating better isn't measured by how much time you spend in the kitchen or how much money you spend at the checkout. It's built through small, consistent choices that fit into everyday life. Because when healthy eating feels achievable, it's far more likely to become a habit that lasts. supermarketswap.com.au
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FEATURE
“ Every child should understand where their food comes from.”
Where learning comes to life at Westminster What if Science meant feeding dairy cows? Mathematics involved mapping a working farm? Or Technology helped tell the story of where milk comes from? At Westminster, that's just another day of learning. At the heart of Westminster's 23-hectare Marion campus sits the Thomas Foods International Centre for Agriculture, home to the Sturt Grove Farm. More than a school ag farm, it is a living classroom where curiosity is sparked, questions are encouraged and learning comes to life through authentic experiences. It's all part of Westminster's distinctive approach to adventurous education, where learning extends well beyond the classroom and students develop confidence, curiosity and practical skills by engaging with the world around them. This year, every Preparatory School student from Reception to Year 6 took part in Little Farmers, Big Adventures, an immersive program introducing children to food production, sustainability and animal care through hands-on experiences. Rather than simply reading about agriculture, students experienced it. While Reception children were examining barramundi skeletons and harvesting herbs from the garden to make fresh pesto for a shared pasta lunch, Year 1 students were meeting the farm's dairy cows and chickens before transforming their discoveries into information texts back in the classroom.
Rather than simply reading about agriculture, students experienced it. Older students combined Agriculture with Digital Technologies by creating stop-motion animations linked to QR codes, allowing visitors to follow milk's journey from paddock to plate. They investigated the science of dairy production, explored milk composition and applied mathematical measurement skills to map sections of the working farm. / 22
According to Westminster Preparatory School Deputy Principal Bec Scudds, these authentic experiences help children develop a deeper understanding because they are actively involved in the learning process. "Children learn best when they can see, touch and experience the world around them," she says.
raising barramundi alongside leafy greens in a connected ecosystem where nutrient-rich water from the fish nourishes the plants.
"We want children asking questions, solving problems and making discoveries for themselves. When learning is connected to real experiences, it becomes more meaningful, more memorable and far more exciting."
The project produced an unexpected outcome. The harvest was so successful that Westminster donated a truckload of fresh leafy greens to Foodbank South Australia, helping provide nutritious food to families experiencing food insecurity across the state.
These experiences are possible because Westminster offers learning opportunities unlike any other. Alongside its dairy and grazing yards, the Sturt Grove Farm is home to chickens, barramundi, aquaponics, greenhouses and sustainable food production systems, providing authentic opportunities for students to explore Science, Technology and Agriculture in action. One of the unique aspects of learning at Westminster is that these experiences continue throughout a student's entire educational journey. Preparatory School students regularly learn alongside Senior School Agriculture students, who mentor younger classes and share their knowledge of farming, sustainability and food production. Head of Preparatory School Simon McKenzie believes these connections help children see what's possible. "One of the most powerful aspects of a Westminster education is that younger students can see where their learning might take them," he says. "They don't have to imagine the future. They see older students applying their knowledge every day, helping them understand how learning can lead to innovation, leadership and real-world impact." Those possibilities become even more evident inside Westminster's integrated aquaculture greenhouse. Last month, Year 12 Agriculture students were investigating sustainable food production by
For younger students, it was a powerful reminder that learning doesn't just build knowledge. It can make a genuine difference in the wider community. Head of Agriculture Andy Malcolm says understanding agriculture has never been more important. "Every child should understand where their food comes from," he says. "Agriculture helps students think critically about sustainability, food security and the challenges facing modern food production. Whether they pursue careers in agriculture or not, these are lifelong lessons that help young people become informed, responsible citizens." From their very first encounter with the Sturt Grove Farm in Reception to leading innovative sustainability projects in Year 12, Westminster students experience an education that is purposeful, connected and deeply engaging. At Westminster, learning doesn't stop at the classroom door. It unfolds in paddocks, greenhouses and purpose-built learning spaces where curiosity leads the way and every experience helps children see new possibilities. Because sometimes the most powerful learning doesn't happen by reading about the world. It happens by stepping into it. Westminster School 1/23 Alison Ave, Marion westminster.sa.edu.au
NEWS
she lives with her partner Mike and their dog Noni. Nothing about it feels styled for a moodboard. It feels like the kind of wardrobe you build over time, on purpose, because you’ve stopped buying clothes that don’t last. For Adelaide mums thinking harder about what they wear and where it comes from, Vege Threads is worth a proper look. It’s a hometown brand with a national footprint, designed by someone who decided thirteen years ago what she wanted it to be, and is still doing it.
Amy with her kiddos, Maggie and Kipp.
Homegrown Threads
Amy Roberts launched Vege Threads in 2013 with a focus on organic basics made in Australia. More than a decade on, after stepping away to grow her family, she’s back at the helm of the label with what she’s calling VT 2.0 – now designing from home in Adelaide. Amy’s why hasn’t changed much, and that’s the point. Vege Threads still makes its garments onshore, still works with the same Melbourne factory of ten years, and still leans on a small number of fabrics chosen for how they wear. Organic cotton, knitted and dyed in greater Melbourne. Merino from a Responsible Wool Standard accredited facility. Hemp blends Amy is currently
working to bring into Australian production too. The mills she uses are some of the last of their kind in the country. What’s changed is Amy. She’s now a mother of two, Maggie and Kipp, and she designs with that in mind. The latest collection is built around clothes that work for bodies that change, days that run long, and wardrobes that need to earn their place. Soft tees you actually reach for. Tracksuits you live in. Socks that don’t end up in the back of the drawer. The VT palette comes from the colours Amy sees around her: gum trees, dry grass, the muted greens and browns of the bush where
vegethreads.com | @vegethreads
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FEATURE
If your research is successful, what could school lunches in Australia look like in five or ten years' time?
Rethinking the
school lunchbox The humble school lunchbox has become a daily source of stress for many Australian parents. Between busy family schedules, rising grocery costs and the challenge of encouraging healthy eating, it's little wonder inspiration runs dry. But what if there was another way? Thanks to the support of Firefly Children's Foundation, Dr Brittany Johnson is investigating how school-provided meal programs could transform the health and wellbeing of Australian children while easing the pressure on families. We sat down with Dr Johnson to learn more about the research that could reshape the future of school food in Australia.
Firstly, congratulations on becoming Firefly Children's Foundation's newest Fellow. What does this fellowship mean to you? The main thing is I get to keep doing what I love, which is researching how we can support kids to eat well. Professionally, it means I can grow my research team and have a little bit of job stability. It's amazing that Firefly is offering this kind of support to mid-career researchers.
Many parents do their best to pack healthy lunchboxes, but your research suggests Australian children still aren't getting the nutrition they need. What surprised you most when you looked at the data? I was surprised to find that, regardless of socio-economic background, children are eating more discretionary foods – chips, crackers, biscuits, muesli bars – than recommended. On average, lunchboxes contain zero to one serve of vegetables, when kids need around five serves a day. If they're not eating vegetables at school, that puts even more pressure on meals at home to make up the gap.
For parents reading this who are juggling work, rising grocery prices and busy family life, what do you want them to know? This isn't about blaming families, is it? Definitely not. We've heard from families how hard the juggle is to pack lunchboxes every day - it keeps coming around again, and there's lots of those barriers that make it hard to pack those nutritious, safe lunches that kids eat. So that's why we're looking at school programs to overcome some of them.
Beyond healthier eating, what impact could nutritious school meals have on children's learning, behaviour, and wellbeing? Overseas research links nutritious school meals to fewer behavioural incidents, better academic performance and improved wellbeing. Australian school breakfast programs already recognise that hungry kids struggle to learn – school lunches build on that, keeping students nourished, focused and engaged. Shared mealtimes also help children connect with peers and feel part of their school community. Brittany Johnson & Jace. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe
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Brittany Johnson & Addi. Photo: Naomi Jellicoe
All students offered the same foods, eating with their friends and teachers, having the actual time to sit down and eat before heading off to play. And also, families will no longer be having those dilemmas about what to pack, or finding the lunchbox at the bottom of the school bag that has been barely touched.
Is there one simple change parents can make today to help build healthier eating habits at home, even if they're short on time? Simply just always offering vegetables. I always say just stick a few extra veggies into anything you're cooking or preparing – it could be frozen peas and corn, or even some more tomatoes. It doesn't need to be complicated.
Firefly Children's Foundation invests in research that aims to change children's lives. How will this fellowship help accelerate your work and bring Australia closer to an evidence-based school food system? It will let us evaluate the impact of schoolprovided lunches on South Australian children's diets and health outcomes, and use that evidence to design meal systems where nutrition and quality come first. We also want to find a funding model that's sustainable longterm, so quality doesn't slip if budgets tighten down the track.
If you could bust one myth about children's nutrition, what would it be? That nutritious food is expensive and needs to be fancy - I think people sometimes picture healthy lunchboxes as cute little bento boxes with food in the shape of flowers. But keeping it simple is just as nutritious. So, choosing local in-season foods, using frozen or canned can be ways that nutritious food can be affordable as well.
Finally, what's your go-to lunch, and is there one food you wish every child would learn to love? My lunches are usually leftovers. Or a chickpea slice that I cook in bulk and bring in across the week. My go-to food would be legumes. They're affordable, they're high-fibre, full of protein and they're nice and filling, and there's lots of different options so you can find one that's their favourite.
For schools interested in getting involved in the school food initiative, or for more on how Firefly Children's Foundation's innovative research improves the health, education and welfare of children, visit firefly.org.au
FEATURE
Why Disney travel works so well for families Our daily lives are busier than ever, and for many families, the thought of spending a holiday in a bustling theme park can feel more exhausting than relaxing. I recently returned from sailing on the Disney Adventure with my husband and toddler, and it reminded me that Disney is different. It's not just a holiday, it's a chance to step away from the pace of everyday life and spend uninterrupted time together, creating memories that will be talked about long after the suitcases have been unpacked.
I grew up obsessed with Disney, but my husband did not. Watching him experience the magic for the first time as he walked down Main Street, U.S.A. is a moment I'll never forget. As adults – and now as a family – we continue to choose Disney time and time again, and today he's just as passionate about it as I am. There is magic to be found everywhere if you take the time to look. One of his favourite examples is aboard the Disney Dream, where
“ W hile travelling to Disney with an infant or toddler does require a little more planning and a slower pace, it's absolutely worth it.” an old ship's wheel sits on display. Give it a spin, and it sets a ship sailing across the painting behind it – no sign, no instructions, just a small moment of pixie dust for those curious enough to find it. One piece of advice I can offer is this: don't wait. We took our son to Tokyo Disneyland when he was just six months old. While travelling to Disney with an infant or toddler does require a little more planning and a slower pace, it's absolutely worth it. At that age, Henry was captivated by the lights, the music and the atmosphere. Disney also
makes it easy for families, with stroller hire, Baby Care Centres and family-friendly facilities throughout the parks and ships. Travelling with Henry gave me an entirely new perspective on Disney. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, I found myself slowing down and noticing the little things–the spontaneous dances when music filled the air, the excitement of spotting a favourite character, and the pure joy found in moments most adults would walk straight past. Seeing Disney through my toddler's eyes reminded me that the real magic isn't about doing everything; it's about being present for the moments that matter. Find out more: travelbycourteney.com.au The stories, opinions and images featured in this editorial are the original work of Travel by Courteney and are provided for editorial and informational purposes only. Any references to Disney destinations, experiences, products, or trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
NUTRITION
IS IT REALLY JUST MOTHERHOOD... or is your body trying to tell you something? By Carly Leaker Clinical Nutritionist BHSc (Nut Med) @nutrition_with_carly
Most mums expect to feel tired. The early mornings, broken sleep, mental load and constant demands of caring for others can make exhaustion feel like a normal part of motherhood. But while life can be busy, ongoing fatigue, brain fog, low mood or feeling like you’re constantly running on empty may be signs that your body needs more support. Our bodies are designed to adapt, but they also rely on adequate nourishment to function at their best. One of the biggest misconceptions about food is that it is simply fuel. While food provides energy, it also supplies the building blocks required for thousands of processes happening inside the body every day. From producing energy within our cells, supporting hormone production, creating neurotransmitters involved in mood and concentration, maintaining immune function and repairing tissues – nutrition plays a role in almost every system. For women, this becomes particularly important during times of increased demand, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, periods of high stress, intense exercise or simply the busy years of raising a family.
When life gets busy, nutrition is often the first thing to slip. Many mums become experts at making sure everyone else is fed while unintentionally neglecting themselves. Breakfast becomes coffee. Lunch becomes a few bites while standing at the kitchen bench. Dinner is eaten after everyone else has been served. While these moments are common, consistently eating this way can make / 26
it harder for your body to access the energy and nutrients it needs to support focus, resilience and overall wellbeing. The goal isn't perfection. It's creating small habits that help your body feel supported. Rather than focusing on restrictive diets or adding more pressure, think about what you can add: ● M ore regular meals to support
steady energy throughout the day.
● M ore variety to provide a broad
range of nutrients.
● M ore protein and fibre to support
fullness, energy and stable blood glucose levels.
● More awareness of what helps your
own body function at its best.
“ Ongoing fatigue, brain fog, low mood or feeling like you’re constantly running on empty may be signs that your body needs more support.” are influenced by factors such as age, hormones, activity levels, stress, pregnancy, breastfeeding and overall health. Supporting your wellbeing isn't about following the latest nutrition trend or a one-size-fits-all approach. It is about understanding what your body needs and providing it with the nourishment required to function at its best.
● More nutritious snacks for busy
days, keep easy options on hand that support your body. Think fruit, nuts, popcorn, vegetable sticks with hummus or other snacks that provide energy and nutrients. Coffee can be part of your day, but it’s not a substitute for fuelling yourself.
Iron is one example of how nutrition and women's health intersect. Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body, and it also plays a role in cellular energy production. Some women may have higher iron requirements due to factors such as pregnancy or periods of increased demand. Importantly, changes in nutrient status can occur before a clear deficiency develops, which is why persistent symptoms deserve attention rather than simply being accepted as part of a busy life. Iron is just one piece of the picture. Other nutrients, including vitamin B12 and vitamin D, also play important roles in energy metabolism, brain function and overall wellbeing. Our nutritional needs are not static. They change throughout different stages of life and
The goal isn't to do more, it's to support your body better. For many women, improving energy isn't about adding another task to an already busy day. It's about recognising that your body deserves the same care you provide to everyone else. A nutritious meal, a balanced breakfast, taking time to sit and eat, or preparing something that supports your own health are not acts of indulgence, they are ways of investing in your wellbeing. When women feel supported by their own health, they have more capacity to support the people they love.
If fatigue is persistent, unexplained or affecting your daily life, it’s important to speak with your healthcare professional, as tiredness can have many possible causes. linktr.ee/NutritionWithCarly @nutrition_with_carly
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FEATURE
Foster carers Jo and Peter
Rewards come with giving children a ‘safe place’ Naomi was already running her own business and supporting a teenage son – but was determined to offer a place in her home for a child in need. “Being a chef for 30 years, I’m adaptable very quickly and I’m just a ‘get it done’ person,” the Yorke Peninsula woman says. “I just threw myself into it,” she says of her role as a foster carer. She and her former husband had one child – Jaxon, now 18 – and while Naomi would have liked more, life hadn’t panned out that way. About five years ago, with two of the four bedrooms in her house empty and an awareness of the level of need in her community, she decided to explore foster care. Naomi had long considered becoming a carer but previously believed that might not be possible because she was single. “There were a lot of children in Jaxon’s school who would come out of school and they’d be laughing, then you’d see them slump because they had to go home,” she says. She first took on the care of two siblings, who were eventually reunited with their birth family, and later, teenager *Lucy. While Naomi says foster care comes with many challenges, she relishes seeing changes in Lucy’s life – particularly developments in her emotional regulation and resilience.
Lucy is doing well at school, is involved with multiple sports clubs and was recently accepted into a sports academy. “After she was accepted… she was saying to her coach and occupational therapist, ‘If I was with any other carer, I wouldn’t have been able to get any of these opportunities like I’ve had with Naomi’.” “That was nice to hear. Teachers are also saying, ‘She’s come such a long way, and that’s because of you and your help’.” The Department for Child Protection aims to safely reunify children with their birth families wherever possible. Foster carers play a vital role in caring for children while services work with families to address safety concerns, or to find extended family members who can safely care for the children. Naomi, who also supports other carers through a role with Uniting Country SA, encourages others who’ve considered foster care to explore the various options available. “Yes, it’s challenging, but so is parenting any other child. There’s so much support available and it’s such a rewarding experience, knowing that you’re giving a child a new start and a safe place,” Naomi says. *Name has been changed for privacy reasons
More the merrier in couple’s household
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Jo says the role isn’t without its challenges, including navigating the child protection system’s decision-making process and changes in case management staffing. “There’s a lot of phone calls and a lot of time and meetings, but that helps keep the children safe,” she says. “You do need a thick skin. But the end product is you’re giving these kids … opportunities they wouldn’t have had – and hopefully they’ll succeed as adults.” Jo is a full-time carer and Peter owns his own wellbeing business, acknowledging that being self-employed also helps the couple to manage their “full dance card”. Good organisation is also key, he says. “I feel very blessed to be in a position where we can see two sets of siblings grow up together and be involved in raising them,” Peter says. *Name has been changed for privacy reasons
FOSTER CARE: Your questions answered I haven’t had my own children. Can I still be a carer? Yes! What matters most is that you want to provide a safe and loving home environment, and are willing to learn, collaborate and receive ongoing training and support. Do I need to own my home? No! As long as your house is safe and suitable for children, that’s the priority. Do carers need to be partnered? We welcome foster carers from all walks of life. Whether you’re single or partnered, heterosexual or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, we need your support.
The Upper Spencer Gulf couple have three of their own biological children and have also taken on the care of three other primary school-aged siblings, supported by Centacare Catholic Country.
What types of placements are available? You don’t have to be a child’s full-time carer. Emergency care may involve an overnight stay or last up to two weeks. Respite carers have a child with them for short stays, such as weekends or school holidays. There’s also short-term and long-term care, and specialist care for children with complex needs.
Jo says the children all look out for each other and in particular, have rallied around the couple’s youngest foster child, *Dale, who lives with significant disabilities.
Where can I find out more? fostercare.sa.gov.au
“He’s become the centrepiece for the whole family – they all love him, help him and look
1300 2 FOSTER (1300 2 367 837)
Foster carers Peter and Jo say there’s “symphony in the chaos” of a household with six children.
Foster carer Naomi
after him. Because they see his disability, it draws out their compassion – it’s beautiful.”
OPINION
The Making of a Mother by Bec Morse @bec_morse
Motherhood is by no means a new biological or cultural phenomenon. So it is nothing short of mind-blowing that only now is there a global movement to shift the understanding of just how significantly becoming a mother affects women.
You may have encountered the recent push to recognise the term 'matrescence', which encompasses the physical, psychological, social and identity changes that a woman undergoes when she becomes a mother. Similar to 'adolescence' but a largely unrecognised word despite being first documented in the early seventies.
“ A full-page advertisement in the New York Times noted that IDGAF was in the dictionary but a term to help women understand what can be a bewildering process for women, was not.” on her head and a photocopy of the NASA logo crookedly Clag-glued to the side. A Kmart t-shirt with stars emblazoned across it completed the embarrassing ensemble. Katherine Bennell-Pegg she was not. And the time I forgot I had abandoned my car in the city after Friday night drinks, and since my husband was working, I took my daughter to the school netball game in an Uber. I asked the driver to drop us off around the block so the other parents wouldn't see our walk of shame, both of us clutching our water bottles on arrival, mine with added Hydralyte and regret. Most recently, I purchased one of the Off Campus books to send my reading-reluctant 14-year-old off to school camp with, only to find that it was highly inappropriate. I read it cover to cover just to be sure. Despite this evidence that I suck at it a bit, I love being a mother. It's the hardest thing I've ever done, and the required qualifications keep changing. My daughters are 14, 17 and 23, and I'm still learning how to parent them every day.
In fact, Peanut, a women's social networking app, spearheaded a global awareness campaign to have the term listed in all mainstream dictionaries to help validate and normalise the seismic shifts women experience when they enter motherhood. A full-page advertisement in the New York Times noted that IDGAF was in the dictionary but a term to help women understand what can be a bewildering process for women, was not.
Every age and stage serves up its unique challenges. Long gone are the sleepless nights from breastfeeding and teething; now I'm losing sleep waiting for them to get home and those teeth are costing thousands in orthodontist bills.
While this recognition is shockingly overdue, thankfully the concept of 'the perfect mother' has been abandoned over the past generation, with mothers now openly sharing the challenges of parenting.
I'm navigating teenage hormones at the same time I'm experiencing my own perimenopausal hormonal battlefield.
My self-declared legacy project is having shared my maternal shortcomings through a Mum Fail Monday radio segment, which used to prompt almost as many phone calls as an Ed Sheeran concert ticket giveaway. There was the time I left my toddler in her sister's classroom. I was on my way to the car with a nagging feeling I had forgotten something when I received a phone call from the teacher. With a cheery patience particular to Reception teachers, she said that while my youngest was happily participating with her big sister and clearly gifted, she wasn't quite up to the reading task.
The gap between being terrified driving them home from the hospital and being terrified that they're now driving themselves feels heartbreakingly short.
And another identity shift in this lifelong journey of matrescence, is the shift into redundancy. When you feel like your kids don't need you so much anymore. When you're constantly calling to ask them where they are, when they'll be home and whether they need a mediocre dinner. But then I think of my own mother. Who does not in any way suck at it. Whose concept of a Mum Fail would have been letting me have a lunch order. I still need her to pick up the slack in my home even now. Part of the push towards having a widely understood word that encompasses the changes of motherhood is so that women understand that we are not actually failing; we are all just doing our best to navigate this monumental shift. So let's mainstream matrescence.
B ec X X
Then there was the time I forgot parent-teacher night. The thought of the teacher sitting alone in the classroom with my child's folder of work open in front of her watching the door for 15 minutes before closing it with a sigh haunts me to this day.
You can hear more from Bec Morse and her daughter Gracie on their podcast In the Genes, available on all major podcast apps.
Another time I sent my middle child to dress-up day as an astronaut, with a cardboard box covered in aluminium foil
@bec_morse @inthegenespodcast
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A truly international, co-educational, independent primary school, St Andrew’s paves the way for children to realise their potential, embrace their unique talents and reach their goals, no matter the path they have chosen. Our Walkerville campus offers an engaging educational environment specifically for children in their early years, providing the ideal foundation to embrace their childhood through learning, playing and creating, and to develop a lifelong love of learning. Courageous, inquisitive, ambitious – these are the characteristics we foster in every St Andrew’s School student.
We invite you to join us for a tour and see the difference for yourself. standrews.sa.edu.au
Raising the Tech Smart Generation Protection Education Empowerment Learn more about our signature Tech Smart School program that combines limited screen-time with a bespoke digital literacy curriculum at ignatius.sa.edu.au
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FEATURE
FIND A GEM in your neighbourhood There's a moment, roughly 40 seconds after the school gates close and the kids disappear inside, when the morning exhales. The mental checklist – library bag, recess snack, the permission slip that needed signing three days ago – goes quiet. The footpath suddenly has room on it. And if you're anything like most Adelaide parents, that moment walks directly into a café. Not just any café, though. The right café. The one where the barista already knows your order, where the pram fits through the door without a shoulder-check, where the babycinos arrive dusted just so and your toddler is met with an actual smile rather than a politely concealed grimace. Finding that place, your place, is one of the small but significant joys of suburban family life. It's not just about the coffee, though the coffee matters. It's about having somewhere that holds a bit of space for you in the middle of the week. The eastern suburbs have always had strong bones when it comes to café culture, but what's emerged over recent years is something more specific: a cluster of neighbourhood spots that understand exactly what a family needs from a café, and have become the backbone of morning routines and weekend rituals across College Park, Firle and St Morris. None of them are trying to be the loudest, most Instagrammed café in Adelaide. They're doing something harder and more worthwhile, building the kind of local that regulars feel proud to call their own. These are three of them.
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FIX. Specialty Coffee College Park FIX. Specialty Coffee doesn't announce itself – it sits among the leafy back streets of College Park, tucked into the greenery like exactly the kind of local you'd hope to stumble across. On a weekday morning, Torrens Street feels about as far from the CBD rush as you can get while still being three kilometres from it, and FIX. fits that pace perfectly. The people who find it tend to come back the following morning. The coffee is consistently good, the brunch menu hits the spot without overcomplicating things, and the bright, welcoming interior makes it easy to stay longer than planned. On a Tuesday you'll find parents fresh from the school run, prams pulled up alongside coffee orders, dog walkers, the odd person who has quietly claimed a corner table as
their office. On weekends it fills up with families and friends catching up over eggs, and somehow the kids are always better behaved here than anywhere else. It's also worth knowing that Torrens Street is brilliant walking territory – nearby parks and pretty back streets make a post-coffee stroll an easy add-on, which parents of small children will recognise immediately as a very useful thing.
FIX. Specialty Coffee 27 Torrens St, College Park @fix.specialtycoffee
FEATURE
Cheeky Grin Coffee Firle Some cafés accommodate families. Cheeky Grin Coffee was built around them. There are plenty of places where kids are technically permitted but the vibe makes it clear they're an inconvenience. Cheeky Grin is the opposite – kids are
welcome here in the way that actually means something, the staff are warm and a little bit fun about it, and the result is an awardwinning café with a loyal local following that keeps growing. The outdoor seating and pet-friendly setup mean the whole family turns up – dog included – and nobody feels like they're in the way. The coffee is the real deal, and the food more than holds its own. Pastries, croissants and a good selection of grab-and-go options make it work just as well for a quick stop after school drop-off as a long, unhurried weekend brunch. The kids are happy, the flat white is worth drinking slowly, and somehow that combination is harder to find than it should be. What you notice after a few visits, though, is the community that's grown up around it. Regulars know each other here. Conversations that started over babycinos have turned into proper friendships. That kind of thing doesn't happen by accident – it happens because the team created somewhere people actually want to come back to, and they have.
Cheeky Grin Coffee 74a Gage St, Firle @cheekygrincoffee
Doppio Co St Morris Doppio Co on Glynburn Road has the quality that every neighbourhood café aims for and most don't quite pull off. It's a modern, bright neighbourhood spot sitting conveniently between Firle, St Morris and Magill, which makes it an easy regular for a lot of eastern suburbs families. The coffee is good, the food is fresh and unfussy, and the vibe sits comfortably between a quick takeaway stop on the way to work and a proper sit-down weekend brunch. Young families, local professionals and people who've clearly been coming for years all share the space without it feeling crowded or chaotic. What Doppio Co does best is the simple stuff. Regulars are greeted by name. The usual order gets remembered. It sounds like a small thing until you've had one of those weeks where everything is moving too fast – and then a café that knows you're coming feels like exactly what you needed. That kind of familiarity is hard to build and harder to fake, and it's why the people who find Doppio Co tend to stick around.
Doppio Co 1/219 Glynburn Rd, St Morris @_doppio.co
The best café conversations tend to begin with 'have you tried...' – and that's not a coincidence. Finding a great local is one of those small, practical joys that parents share the way they share good playlists and reliable babysitters. What FIX., Cheeky Grin and Doppio Co have in common is something that goes beyond the quality of the flat white or the reliability of the babycino. They're the places where family routines are built and friendships are formed; where the familiar face behind the counter becomes one of the small anchors of the week. Whether it's a post-drop-off debrief on a Wednesday, a weekend brunch with nowhere to be, or a long overdue catch-up while the kids occupy themselves with a babycino and whatever fascinating thing they've found on the floor, these eastern suburbs gems prove that the cafés worth finding are often the ones that have been right around the corner all along.
Supported by City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters npsp.sa.gov.au
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OPINION
The ingredients of a healthy childhood by Madhavi Nawana Parker, CEO, Positive Minds Australia
SERVES: one growing child PREP TIME: about 18 years INGREDIENTS: see below When we think about keeping our kids healthy, food is often the first thing that comes to mind. And food absolutely matters. The meals and snacks we provide give growing bodies the energy and nutrients they need to develop. They also support busy brains that are learning, remembering, concentrating and making sense of the world around them. But health is about much more than food. A healthy childhood is made up of lots of little, everyday moments. A run around the backyard. Climbing a tree. A walk in the sunshine. A bedtime story. A cuddle after a difficult day. A meal shared together. A child feeling safe, loved and connected. These everyday moments help children’s bodies, brains, feelings and learning. And perhaps the best news for parents is that healthy childhoods are not created by perfection. All those small things you do, over and over, make a big difference.
Start with a growing brain A child's brain is developing at an extraordinary rate during the early years. Although the brain makes up only about 2 percent of our body weight, it uses around 20 percent of the body’s energy. Growing brains need energy and a wide range of nutrients to support their development and all the work they do each day. Every conversation, game, adventure, meal and relationship provides experiences that help shape the developing brain. That means children need more than information to learn. They need nourishment. They need movement. They need rest. They need opportunities to explore, imagine and play. Most importantly, they need relationships where they feel safe enough to learn, make mistakes and try again. Health isn't a single behaviour. It's a collection of experiences that work together.
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“ A healthy relationship with food isn’t built through fear or guilt. It develops through repeated opportunities to experience a variety of foods, positive family mealtimes and learning to recognise and respond to hunger and fullness.” Add good food, most of the time Food is one important piece of the wellbeing puzzle. The food children eat provides the nutrients their bodies and brains need for healthy growth and development. Nutrients such as iron, protein, omega-3 fats, vitamins and minerals all have important roles in the body and brain. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that children enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from across the five food groups, with the balance and amount changing as children grow. But one of the most important messages for parents is this: children don’t need perfect diets to be healthy. They need enough nourishing food, often enough, over time. Family life is busy and messy sometimes. There will be rushed mornings, uneaten lunchboxes, toast for dinner, takeaway and birthday parties full of treats. That’s perfectly normal. A healthy relationship with food isn’t built through fear or guilt. It develops through repeated opportunities to experience a variety of foods, positive family mealtimes and learning to recognise and respond to hunger and fullness. One meal won't determine your child's health. And one lessthan-nutritious meal won't undo it. What matters is the overall pattern over time.
Add fresh air, daily One of the simplest ways to support children's wellbeing is also one of the most accessible: nature. Research has
found associations between access to natural environments and a range of positive outcomes for children, including physical activity, attention and aspects of mental wellbeing. Children are naturally curious about the world around them, and time outdoors gives them room to move, explore, imagine and take manageable risks. A stick can become a magic wand. A puddle can become an adventure. A garden can become a place of discovery. These moments may look like simple play, but they give children the chance to practise physical, cognitive and social skills while experiencing the natural world. And it doesn't need to become another parenting project. You don't need an elaborate bushwalk – sometimes it's noticing the clouds on the way to school, digging in the garden, walking the dog, riding a bike or sitting under a tree.
Stir in movement Children are not designed to sit still all day. Movement isn't a distraction from learning. Movement is part of healthy development. When children run, jump, climb, dance, balance and play, they are developing physical skills, coordination and confidence. Regular physical activity is also linked to benefits for children’s physical health, cognitive development and mental wellbeing. For some children, movement can be an especially useful way to manage energy and emotions. Think about what happens when an adult has been sitting at a desk all day. Sometimes we need to stand up, stretch our
OPINION
WHERE THIS RECIPE comes from This article draws on the Australian Dietary Guidelines and World Health Organisation recommendations for young children’s nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep, alongside research into child development, play, nature, physical activity and social and emotional wellbeing. The evidence does not suggest that there is one perfect formula for raising a healthy child. Instead, children’s health and development are influenced by a range of interconnected factors–including nutrition, movement, sleep, play, relationships and the environments in which children live and learn. The goal isn't perfection. It's giving children plenty of opportunities to thrive.
legs, take a walk and get some fresh air before we can think clearly again. Children need opportunities to move throughout the day too. Sometimes a child who appears restless, distracted or overwhelmed doesn't need more instructions. They might need to move. A bike ride. A game of chasey. A walk after dinner. A dance party in the kitchen. A trip to the park. The goal isn’t to add another task to your parenting checklist. It is simply to create more opportunities for children to move their bodies in ways that feel enjoyable.
Add a heaped cup of play Play is often underestimated because it looks like children are 'just having fun'. But it's how children rehearse the skills that matter – creativity, problem-solving, communication, cooperation, flexibility and emotional regulation. A child playing shops is practising social communication. A child building with blocks is experimenting and planning. A child inventing an imaginary world is using creativity and language. A child playing a game with a sibling is negotiating, and learning patience. Playing outdoors adds physical skills and a connection with nature. Play is one of the ways children make sense of their world – and, perhaps most importantly, it gives them joy, curiosity and agency.
Fold through connection There is another essential ingredient in a healthy childhood that cannot be measured on a nutrition label. Connection. Children’s relationships and environments are important influences on their development and wellbeing. When children experience responsive, caring relationships, they have a
secure base from which to explore, learn and gradually develop independence. This doesn't require hours of uninterrupted “quality time” every day. Connection often happens in tiny moments. Talking in the car. Cooking together. Reading a story. Asking, “What was the best part of your day?” Listening when they tell you something that seems small. Sitting beside them when they are upset. Laughing together. These moments communicate a powerful message: You matter to me, you belong here. I see, hear and value you. A sense of connection is an important foundation for children’s social and emotional development.
When things boil over Parents often wonder whether food, lack of exercise, too much screen time or not enough sleep is responsible for difficult behaviour. Sometimes these factors can contribute to how children feel and function. But children’s behaviour is influenced by many different things, and it’s rarely helpful to look for just one cause. A hungry child may find it harder to manage emotions. A tired child may struggle with concentration and flexibility. A child who hasn't had opportunities to move may be restless. A child who has been inside all day may benefit from some fresh air and space. A child who has had a difficult day at school may simply need connection and comfort. Before asking, “What's wrong with my child?”, it can sometimes help to ask: “What might my child need right now?” Food? Rest? Movement? Fresh air? Connection? Comfort? Or perhaps simply someone who understands that today has been hard. This doesn’t mean we ignore behaviour or remove expectations. It simply means being curious about what might be influencing it. That small shift can change the way we respond.
Repeat daily Healthy families aren’t created through perfect meals, perfectly balanced routines or children who always want to play outside. There will be busy mornings. There will be screens. There will be takeaway. There will be days when everyone is too tired to go to the park. There will be vegetables left untouched on the dinner plate. That's family life. What matters is what happens most of the time. A nourishing breakfast. A game in the backyard. A walk in the fresh air. A meal shared together. Time to play. A good night's sleep. A conversation in the car. A cuddle after a difficult day. These moments may seem small, but repeated over months and years, they become part of the environment in which children grow. So perhaps we can take some of the pressure out of raising healthy children. We don’t need to create perfect childhoods. We just need to offer enough nourishment, movement, nature, play, rest and connection to support children as they grow, learn and flourish. Because wellbeing isn’t created by one perfect choice. It is created by thousands of small moments. And every ordinary day gives us another opportunity to provide them.
With loves alway ,
Madhavi
Unmad: Stress less and connect more out now: positivemindsaustralia.com.au/ books/unmad
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OPINION
H EY
NANNY! By Crystle Range aka Nanny Cryssie
Back to basics with the kids
“ Slowing down with our children doesn't just support their natural curiosity. It nurtures both of your nervous systems, builds resilience and patience, and encourages a gentler relationship with the world around them.”
A slower approach for the early childhood years Childhood today is optimised at every turn – earlier starts, earlier assessments, earlier intervention, at every stage of development. Somewhere in that rush, it's easy to forget that children have always known how to learn. They arrive already equipped with curiosity: an instinct to chase what interests them and take in exactly what their developing brain needs, in its own time. So how do we stop overcomplicating the early years, and instead trust children's own ability to learn and grow? By getting back to basics – to the years before learning was handed over to screens and apps. Slowing down with our children doesn't just support their natural curiosity. It nurtures both of your nervous systems, builds resilience and patience, and encourages a gentler relationship with the world around them. Early learning always starts at home. The direct family unit and the home-base environment are where children first learn their view of the world and what meaning they associate with it. Somewhere along the way we lost sight of what truly matters: the simple things in life.
Time at home Making unhurried time at home a regular part of the weekly schedule is one of the simplest ways to slow things down – no rushing, no rescheduling around it, just space to be. Home, it turns out, might be the key all along. ● A llowing time to get engrossed in play for hours, uninterrupted. ● D oing things together. Being a part of a team in a family
home by learning how to do little tasks along the way that are developmentally suitable and that they seem intrinsically drawn to. Including them when they seem intrigued.
● H aving time for connection and deeper conversations. ● L earning new skills together.
The ideas are endless and can really be as unique as your family.
Having larger pockets of time that don't require any rigid schedules or somewhere to be, other than together, is such a powerful tool for a family to have in this modern world. It builds
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stronger neural pathways from a young age. It increases their sense of safety around a space that provides consistency, meaningful connections with familiar people, and a pace that doesn't require constant transitioning. It builds resilience and patience when children have the time in their day to problemsolve within their environment, get engrossed in uninterrupted play, and learn that things take time when done at their own natural pace.
Embracing the natural world Mother Earth has so much to offer, especially when we nurture it and instil a love of nature from a young age. It starts with learning how to embrace nature. There are things we can do to work alongside it instead of against it. And it means making our environment and community something to look after and nurture. ● G etting out in the garden. Whatever that looks like for your family.
Whether that means growing something in containers for smaller spaces, growing vegetables in an existing bed, or joining your local community garden.
● T aking walks in nature around your home, local park or close-
by national parks and trails. Slowing down to take in the natural surroundings and truly appreciate it.
There are literally so many ways to protect early childhood from the hustle culture. By giving children the pace and tools they need to not rush through or optimise their development, we can prioritise meaningful childhoods over busier childhoods. Taking a slower approach to early childhood encourages us all to take a step back from lives driven by productivity and look at life through the lens of little ones – the whimsy they see, the natural intrigue they have, and the curiosities they follow. It encourages development that sees the world as a place of natural pace rather than a source of instant gratification and constant entertainment, resulting in benefits that go far beyond their early years.
Crystle Range is an early childhood nanny and children’s book author and illustrator based on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. With over 18 years in the early childhood industry, she brings a unique perspective on family life, early learning through play, and practical resources for young parents.
Find out more: nannycryssie.com.au | @nanny.cryssie
FEATURE
Got a furry friend? Bring them along too. The café welcomes pets, making it a great spot for your entire family. Plenty of outdoor seating, water bowls, house-made dog biscuits and a puppucino – even your doggo will be begging to return. Sustainability is at the heart of it all. The team has gone all out to ensure their environmental footprint is as small as possible. All takeaway packaging is commercially compostable, food waste is kept to a minimum with any scraps composted onsite (even the resident worms get a meal), and they use Fleurieu Milk on tap to cut down on single-use plastic. Their reusable keep-cup program is a win-win too, keeping your coffee cheaper and cutting down on waste.
Brunch, play, sip, repeat
Whether you're brunching with your crew, grabbing a quick takeaway or in desperate need of a caffeine fix after school drop-off, there's a spot in Clearview serving up fab coffee and fresh flavours, with options for everyone. 1947 Coffee Co. is soon to be your new favourite family hangout. They've got a menu made just for little foodies – think fun-sized and flavourful, packed with classic favourites that will have your little legends asking to come back again and again. Add all-day babycinos and colourful milkshakes to the mix, and there's something for every tiny tastebud. And it's not just what's on the menu. Table activities to keep little hands busy, highchairs, heaps of space for prams and a sensory-rich nature play space adjacent to outdoor seating – all so you can actually kick back and enjoy that hot beverage.
These spring school holidays, 1947 Coffee Co. is bringing even more fun with special activities for kids of all ages. Kiddos can get creative by making their own pizza, designing their own milkshake and decorating their own cupcake. Spots will fill fast, so visit 1947.coffee/kids to lock in. For big kids, there’s hearty breakfasts, mouthwatering brunches and long lunches, all guaranteed to hit the spot. And don't even get us started on the muffins of the day. These change daily, so there's always something new to obsess over – available in both sweet and savoury options, packed with flavour and visually epic. Another reason to keep coming back.
Parking is a breeze here. There's free onsite parking within Evergreen Community Precinct and ample street parking. Plus, if you're driving an electric vehicle, there's a fast-charging station in the car park for your convenience. Head over to 1947 Coffee Co. and experience the perfect blend of great food, good vibes and a welcoming community. Your kiddos will love it (and so will you)!
Gordon Avenue, Clearview 1947.coffee | @1947.coffee
GET GUT HEALTHY Improve sleep, reduce stress, support immunity and feel great with a healthy gut microbiome. by Rachael Pasta, Adelaide's Finest Nutritionist
It seems everyone is talking about gut health these days, and for good reason. Your gut does far more than digest food. It's home to trillions of microbes that help break down what you eat, support your immune system, and even influence your mood day to day. When your gut is happy, you tend to feel happier too. On the flip side, an unhappy gut can leave you feeling bloated, sluggish and uncomfortable. While there's no single food that magically fixes everything, there is a single location in-store at Adelaide's Finest that brings all our favourite gut-friendly foods together in one easy-to-shop destination. Nurish is a locally made, naturopathdeveloped and activated granola. It pairs beautifully with creamy kefir for a breakfast that's satisfying, full of flavour and gentle on the digestive system. It's one of those
combinations that feels like a treat, and does your body good in the process. Fermented foods are another easy win. Whether you're already a kimchi devotee or trying sauerkraut for the first time, they're a simple way to add bold flavour to sandwiches, grain bowls, eggs or your favourite dinner. A little goes a long way. During winter, it's hard to beat a warming mug of bone broth. Enjoy it on its own or use it as the base for soups and slow-cooked meals. And to round it all out, we've included the My Way Up range of gut health supplements. They're designed to complement a balanced diet, offering extra support when you're looking to improve digestive comfort or build a more consistent wellness routine. Good gut health isn't about chasing the latest trend or trying to be perfect. It's about eating a wide variety of nourishing foods you enjoy. Come find a few new favourites.
FREWVILLE FOODLAND PASADENA FOODLAND adelaidesfinest.com.au
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mealtime the t i d e
PRODUCT
Everything from first bites to little
kitchen helpers – designed to look good and actually work
FOR MUM
1
1 'Snack B*tch' cap – Mum Club | $52 Because you've survived 30 years on whole apples and a Vegemite sandwich, and now you're cutting grapes on the regular. A faded bluey-grey cotton cap with light pink embroidery – the trucker hat that gets it. 100% cotton, one size fits most. mumclubstore.com.au
6 Catchie Bib 2.0 – We Might Be Tiny | ~$30
2
Sold in pairs, fits 6 months to 3 years. Deep catcher, rolls into itself for the bag, wipes clean in 10 seconds. The bib that retired the laundry soaker. Available in rust & beige, sage & yellow, mint & grey, lilac & pistachio. wemightbetiny.com.au
7 Fun Firsts Feeding Set Silicone – GOGO KIDDO | $84.95
FOR DAD
The whole starting-solids kit in one box. Inside: a silicone divider plate and suction bowl (both stick to high chair trays and tables), a straw cup, fork and spoon, and a bib. All food-grade silicone, BPA and PVC free, designed in Australia, dishwasher safe on the top shelf. Available in Broc Rock green, Croissant peach and Super Rad periwinkle blue. 6 months+. thememo.com.au
2 Express Bottle Warmer – Meke Baby | $197
The 3am feed is no one's idea of a good time, but it's a lot more manageable when you're not standing in the kitchen waiting for a kettle. The Meke Express heats breastmilk, formula or water in one to three minutes, no microwave, no plastic, no fuss. Medical-grade stainless steel, custom temperature control, all-day battery life, and it keeps milk cold as well as warm. The kind of purchase that makes a useful baby shower gift for a dad who wants to be hands-on from day one. thememo.com.au
3
8 Spoon, Fork & Talk Conversation Cards – Boob to Food | $24.95
LITTLE KITCHEN HELPERS 3 Kids linen apron set –
6
Tribe of Asteria
4
100% supple linen in oatmeal, smoky pink or wild dove, paired with a wooden spoon and drawstring market sack. Tone-on-tone embroidered initial for a personal touch. tribeofasteria.com.au
A deck of 78 cards designed to make dinnertime less of a negotiation and more of an actual conversation. Covering five themes – connection, talking about food, and a healthy dose of family fun – they're the kind of thing that gets pulled out on a Tuesday night and ends up being the best part of the meal. Works for toddlers through to primary school age, and genuinely useful for the nights when everyone's staring at their plate in silence. A cracking baby shower or birthday gift for $25. thememo.com.au
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4 Fresh food feeder – Haakaa | ~$20–$25
The smartest way to introduce solids safely. Pop fruit, frozen breastmilk or veg inside the soft silicone pouch, only tiny, safe pieces come through. Bunny ears double as a teether. BPA-free, eco packaging. goforzero.com.au
5
FOR THE TABLE 5 Bear Stickie Plate – We Might Be Tiny | ~$32–$34
The one every parent ends up buying twice – once for home, once to keep in the bag. Three divided sections, strong suction base, dishwasher safe. Designed in Melbourne, comes in sage, rust, lilac and pistachio. wemightbetiny.com.au / 38
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FEATURE
Taking control of the pantry Ways to save your sanity, time and money by Georgina Martin Professional Organiser
Every home has one: the pantry that never quite works the way it should. It's one of the most frequently used spaces in the house, yet also one of the most frustrating – category chaos, expired items and surplus supplies chip away at money, time and energy without you noticing. After transforming pantries of every shape and size across Adelaide, I've seen the same problems come up again and again. The good news is they're easier to fix than you'd think.
Out of reach Deep pantry shelves can be both a blessing and a curse. While they increase storage capacity, so often food gets pushed to the back and forgotten about. Before you know it, expired products and multiples are hiding out of sight. Naturally, we grab the easiest to reach items. After all, when preparing lunches or cooking dinner, we are often in a hurry and juggling multiple demands. The key to solving this problem is to increase accessibility. Enter, my MVPP (Most Valuable Pantry Product) - Kmart’s range of roller storage compartments. These are available in assorted widths and heights, which means they work in almost any space. Additional features that increase accessibility are wheels which allow the containers to slide in and out of shelves easily and a handle on each end for easy lifting. Kmart roller storage Assorted sizes and prices
A close second is Howards Storage World's range of Mimi pantry containers. These containers are ideal for pantries with shallower shelves, where accessibility and visibility are still a challenge. Howards Storage World Mimi pantry container
For a fixed solution, you could also consider installing pull out drawers to the shelves like these Kmart options. Kmart set of 3 pull out drawers
Trying to remember what's already in your pantry while you're racing around the supermarket is its own kind of mental load. Once your categories are under control, the next step is a system for tracking what you have. Apps such as WiseList or My Pantry Tracker let you monitor your supplies, build shopping lists and cut back on unnecessary purchases. If you're also trying to go additive-free, the Supermarket Swap app is worth a look. For an app-free option, consider taking photos of your pantry categories when you are placing groceries away. Building the habit of checking this visual reference before purchasing can once again save you time and money.
Rotation
Category chaos 15 tins of tomatoes. Enough flour to last five years. Sound familiar? Without clear categories, duplicates creep in fast, and before you know it, you're buying the same thing twice. Grouping like items together is one of the quickest ways to create order and cut waste in the pantry. Pair that with the right storage containers, and you're one step closer to a system that actually works – and your sanity intact. Add labels to the mix, too. In my experience, they're less about organisation and more about making sure everyone else in the house has no excuse for not knowing where something goes. A simple Dymo label maker does the job, or you can order personalised labels from stores such as Little Label Co. Dymo label manager Available from Officeworks
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Surplus supplies
Unpacking shopping can often happen in a flurry, meaning newer items you intentionally have duplicates of (cue favourite meals and snacks) can get put at the front repeatedly. To avoid expiration exasperation, try placing new items in your pantry behind the older ones. This habit of rotation also presents an additional opportunity for auditing your pantry and adjusting your shopping list.
Spacing constraints Sometimes the fix is as simple as adjusting your shelves. Most pantries let you change the shelf height, and it might be worth adding an extra one altogether. Bunnings offers an in-store timber cutting service at a reasonable price to make this easier – just remember to measure first, and purchase second. Set aside a couple of hours, send the family out, and get sorting!
To see these tips in action: @collectiveorderau collectiveorder.com.au
SA
Grown
LOVE LOCAL
Scan to shop online with FrEE delivery for orders over $150.
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OPINION
“ Motherhood does not take from you, it adds to you. It’s not a sacrifice, but an evolution.”
Oh Em Gee
with
Emma G
I used to think breakfast radio hours were hard… until I had a baby! Now, sleeping until 4am is a real treat. Becoming a mum has been the best and most challenging thing I’ve ever experienced. I often find Emma myself thinking, “Do other mums find it this Georgiadis hard?!” Not just the sleep deprivation, but the emotional rollercoaster, the feeding, the way it changes everything from your body to your relationships and your ability to even just leave the house. Some big questions have come with this huge identity shift. Who am I now that I’m a mum? Still the social, busy, independent, career-hustling self I was pre-baby? How do I balance being all that plus being a mum? Archie is my heart in human form. To conceive, grow and birth a healthy baby is an absolute miracle. One that my fiancé Eddie and I weren’t sure was possible for me at age 39. Since finding out I was pregnant, every small milestone has felt like a blessing. From tracking what fruit he was each week in my belly to his first sounds, first steps and the way his grandparents light up when they see him, there is no measure for the joy and love I feel. My days usually start with a feed or pump in the early hours of the morning. I get ready like a ninja to the light of my phone and watch the baby monitor cautiously with every move I make. When I creep out in the dark, it feels like a tiny success and a little bit of freedom. How crazy is it that going to work is a break? Of course your mind is always racing because the mental load of mums is extreme, but somehow you compartmentalise. It’s like opening a new tab on the computer. The ‘baby’ tab is still very much active in the background, updating by the minute, but you focus on what’s going on now that you’ve entered the work tab. What makes it somewhat easier is that I absolutely love my job. I hustled for 20 years in radio - changing career paths, moving states, a long distance relationship - to land my dream gig on the station I grew up listening to. So when the baby brain fog creeps in or when I’m running on just a few hours’ sleep, I remember how incredibly hard I’ve worked to achieve my goal and give everything to my work. The mum guilt can be heavy but it feels good to fill my cup, because you can’t pour from an empty cup. This mindset is also what gets me to Pilates or to the pool. Physical activity has been a gamechanger that improves my mind as much as my body. Self care certainly went out the window the first few months but I have discovered a newfound acceptance of my body, with my mum bum, wild lion’s mane hair and all. Keeping social and connected has also been important, with / 42
friends or family who can fit in a coffee between naps and understand it’s impossible to be anywhere on time. I’m very much still figuring out how to balance this new mum life, but I’m slowly realising that the answer might be to try and let go. Energy and time are so precious now. I’m learning to slow down and stop trying to fill every minute. Stop clinging onto the woman you were before. Don’t try to ‘get back’ to being her. You can’t because you have undergone an enormous transformation. Motherhood does not take from you, it adds to you. It’s not a sacrifice, but an evolution. It can be a gift and be so hard at the same time. In the perfect words of the Spice Girls, ‘Mama, now I see through your eyes, all that you did was love’. I get it now. Mums are superwomen. They are selfless and resilient. New mums especially, are surviving, not thriving, but find strength to push through the overwhelming relentlessness because the love outweighs any challenge. So while I’m all for sharing the highlights on Insta, I want to get real and let the walls down here at KIDDO so no woman ever feels alone on this wild ride it is to be a mama.
Emma Georgiadis is a presenter, podcaster and former school teacher. She hosts the SAFM breakfast show, the award-winning podcast Empowerhouse and presents a regular spot on Channel 7 National News. She began her media career in 2005 volunteering at Fresh FM before making her way to Nova, Triple M and 2Day FM in Sydney. With degrees in Media, Law and Education, Emma taught primary school for 10 years and is passionate about empowering young people. She is also a marriage celebrant and now a new mum to gorgeous Archie.
Catch Emma weekday mornings on SAFM's breakfast show, listen to her award-winning podcast Empowerhouse, and find her right here every issue of KIDDO.
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FEATURE
THE GOOD STUFF Better baby food
Gone are the days when starting solids meant a choice between mushed peas from a tin or spending Sunday batch-cooking in a panic. A new wave of Australian baby food brands is doing things differently: real ingredients, proper flavours, and packaging that doesn't look like it belongs in a hospital waiting room. Here are five we love.
1
JUCA
The idea behind JUCA is simple and slightly overdue: what if a three-hat chef designed baby food? Founder Justine Conley, who'd been working in sales and marketing in the WA food industry, couldn't find anything she felt good about when her first child started solids. Five years and a second baby later, nothing had changed - so she and co-founder Paul "Cav" Cavanagh built it themselves and brought in one of the country's best chefs. Jed Gerrard made waves at Sydney's Tetsuya's and Bilsons, honed his craft in Michelin-starred kitchens in Switzerland and France, and earned three chef's hats at The Ritz-Carlton Perth's Hearth in its inaugural year. He now designs every JUCA flavour profile: shelf-stable pouches that read more like a tasting menu - grass-fed lamb with roasted carrots and native river mint, free-range chicken with coconut cream, mango and lemon myrtle, wild-caught salmon with sweetcorn and Australian bush basil. No preservatives, no added sugar, no filler fruit. Delivered Australia-wide.
Little Harvesters
3
Little Harvesters was founded by parents Janae and Jake after their son Harvey was diagnosed with autism before age three, and diet became a key part of his support plan. Finding genuinely nutritious food he'd actually eat was a daily battle, so they developed their own recipes, and eventually turned them into a brand. The pouches are Australia's first high-protein, high-fat wholefood purées, paediatric dietitian approved and made with ingredients like bone broth, organic vegetables, superfoods and healthy oils. The philosophy is deliberately different from most baby food on the market: no sugary fruit blends, no cheap grain padding, just food that's actually built around what a developing brain and body need. Shelf-stable and available online. From 4 months littleharvesters.com.au
4
The snack brand Adelaide parents will already know from the supermarket aisle, but worth a proper introduction. Founded by two brothers with seven young children between them, Little Bellies started when one of their kids was diagnosed with severe food sensitivities and safe snack options were nowhere to be found. That personal experience is baked into everything they make. All products are certified organic, free from unnecessary salt, sugar, artificial additives and genetically modified ingredients, and designed with developmental stages in mind. Shapes and textures are chosen specifically to support pincer grasp development and build confidence with self-feeding, so there's genuine thought behind the packaging beyond just looking good on a shelf. Find them at most major supermarkets. From 7 months littlebellies.com/au
Le Purée
Anthony and Sarah Watts founded Tiny Beets after the birth of their first child, Quinn, when they realised there wasn't a market for baby food free from preservatives, overcooked ingredients and fillers. Anthony, a professional chef with 16 years of experience, had been working at a daycare when he noticed other parents struggling with the same problem, so he started making food for them too. The range covers everything from smooth first purées through to toddler finger foods and full family meals, with standout flavours like Kangaroo Con Carne and Tender Lamb Baba Ghanoush. Made in small batches, delivered frozen, and free from added sugar, salt, preservatives and fillers. Australia's only fresh baby food brand with halal certification. Delivered across Australia.
Founded by Sydney mum Erin Jeries after she couldn't find anything decent to feed her first child, Le Purée started the way the best food businesses tend to, in someone's kitchen, with ice cube trays and a mother-in-law's recipes. Word spread fast. After responding to a Facebook post from a local mum looking for fresh baby food delivery, Jeries found herself delivering to 23 families. Many of them are now on their second child and still ordering. The meals are made fresh to order from a commercial kitchen in Sydney, snap-frozen to lock in nutrients, and delivered Australiawide. The range covers purées, bowls and finger foods, all organic, allergen-introducing, and rotating fortnightly so the menu doesn't get stale. Texture options (smooth, textured, chunky) adjust as your baby does. A clever subscription model for parents who want homemade quality without the Sunday afternoon blending session.
From 4 months tinybeetsfoods.com.au
From 6 months lepuree.com.au
From 6 months juca.au
Tiny Beets Foods
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2
Little Bellies
5
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JOIN OUR REWARDS PROGRAM TODAY
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Healthy never looked so fun CRAFT
Make friends with salad A fun ‘dry’ activity to start with, is with a paper salad collage. Using green shredded paper as "lettuce" and printed or hand-drawn fruit and vegetable cut-outs, children can build their dream salad on a paper plate. It doesn't matter whether it’s realistic or completely over-the-top, it's all about exploring colour, texture and a variety of fresh produce. It's also a great
The sneaky skills
by Alexis Teasda le, @thecrafternoon.co
Getting kids excited about healthy food doesn’t always have to start in the kitchen. Sometimes, it starts with some paper, a pair of scissors or a lump of clay! By turning fruit and vegetables into craft projects and playful creations, children naturally become more curious about the food they're eating. Whether they're sculpting a tiny strawberry from colourful dough or transforming celery into a cheeky caterpillar, these simple activities encourage creativity while helping little hands build confidence around healthy choices too.
opportunity to chat about where different fruits and vegetables come from and why eating a rainbow of colours helps keep our bodies healthy. They could even start a shopping list after they finish their salad!
Clay day For children who love getting a little messy, air-dry clay fruit magnets make a gorgeous keepsake. They can roll, shape and sculpt their favourite fruits like strawberries, oranges, cherries, watermelon slices or avocados before leaving them to dry. Once painted in bright colours and completely dry (the clay will harden), simply glue a magnet strip to the back and display them proudly on the fridge. Every trip to grab a snack becomes a colourful reminder of the healthy foods they know and love!
Crafting and cooking also develop so many important skills beyond creativity. Children practise fine motor skills while cutting, sculpting and arranging, flex their problemsolving as they design their creations, and build confidence by making independent choices. At the same time, they’re forming positive associations with fresh food, without it ever feeling like a lesson.
Real fruity fun Healthy eating can also become an art project all on its own. Instead of simply serving afternoon tea, get the kiddos to create it first. A bowl of yoghurt becomes a tiny flower garden with strawberry petals and apple stems. Celery sticks transform into wriggly caterpillars with grapes, berries or cucumber slices, while apple rings spread with yoghurt or cream cheese can be decorated with colourful sprinkles, seeds, granola or fresh fruit to create playful "fruit donuts". These edible masterpieces encourage children to interact with ingredients in / 46
a relaxed, pressure-free way. And let’s face it, they're often much more willing to taste something they've created themselves! The best part is these activities don't require expensive supplies or complicated preparation. A few supermarket ingredients, some basic craft materials and a little imagination are all it takes to turn an ordinary afternoon into a colourful celebration of healthy eating.
FOR A TASTE OF MORE CREATIVE INSPIRATION: Crafternoon Co, 86 Duthy St, Malvern crafternoonco.com.au @thecrafternoon.co
DANCE CLASSES FOR YOUTH
Try Your First Class For Free!
E N R O L T O D AY
Tailored for neurodiverse + disabled participants.
Links
Dance Class
Ages 8 - 14
1 Hour
Through playful dance and theatre games, creative storytelling, and movement exploration, you’ll discover new ways to express yourself and build confidence. Multiple Locations ADL Metro → Everyone is welcome!
restlessdance.org
Meet Little Raph
Helping your child transition to big school
Bright & Inspired
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RECIPE
Creamy Tomato Vodka & Gochujang Potato Bake
PREPARATION TIME 15 minutes
SERVES 4–6 people
COOKING TIME 25 minutes
METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced). Lightly grease a medium baking dish with butter and place on a baking tray. 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Using a mandolin or box grater, thinly slice potatoes and add to a large pot of boiling water. Bring water back to the boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain.
INGREDIENTS 1kg Spud Lite potatoes 1 large brown onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 40g unsalted butter, diced ¼ cup tomato paste 1 ½ tablespoons gochujang paste 1 tablespoon Vodka
This creamy tomato vodka and gochujang potato bake is our twist on the viral vodka pasta trend, reinvented as a rich, flavour-packed potato bake. Unlike a classic potato bake that takes ages to cook, this cheat’s version par-boils the sliced potatoes first, before being added to the hot cream sauce. The result is guaranteed tender potato, a bubbling creamy tomato sauce with a gentle gochujang kick, and a golden parmesan crumb topping all achieved with just 25 minutes in the oven.
2 cups (500ml) pure pouring cream Salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 1 cup Parmesan, finely grated ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
Butterflied Roast Chicken
3. Meanwhile, place onion and garlic together in a blender and pulse to a paste. 4. Place butter in a medium saucepan over a medium heat until melted. Add the onion paste, stirring until well coated. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and gochujang paste, stirring to combine and cook for 2 minutes until aromatic. Add vodka and cream, bring to just below boiling point, then remove from heat. Season well with salt and pepper. Add basil and ¾ cup parmesan, stirring to combine. 5. In a small bowl, combine remaining parmesan and breadcrumbs together, mixing to combine. Set aside until required. 6. Pour cooked potatoes into prepared baking dish and sprinkle over breadcrumb mixture. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until potato bake is bubbling and the top is golden.
Roasting two chickens takes no more effort than roasting one, and the second – cooled and stashed in the fridge – means tomorrow night is already half solved. PREPARATION TIME 5 minutes
SERVES 4 people
COOKING TIME 1 hour
INGREDIENTS
METHOD
2 x whole butterflied chickens, at room temperature
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F).
Juice of 1 lemon Sea salt
2. Place the butterflied chickens on a large baking tray. Pat them dry with paper towel, then drizzle them with lemon juice and season with salt. 3. Roast the chickens for 1 hour, or until the skin is golden brown and the juices run clear when pierced at the thickest part. 4. When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before using. 5. Allow the second chicken to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freezing for up to 3 months.
/ 48 / 48
YESTERDAY yOU GETS AN A Last night you booked In-Car Collect. Today you’ve done the school + grocery pick-up in 10 minutes flat.
Frewville
Learn More
Pasadena
well read
BOOKS
New season, new reading pile – here's what our kiddos are reading this spring! 1. ADHD: Rapped Up!
5
1
JAMIE ‘MR G’ GILBERT
LEE NEWBERY
Learn about ADHD with Mr G through fun raps, key tips and cool illustrations. Discover how neurodivergent brains work, take movement breaks by ‘shuffling’, learn how to handle tricky situations – and more! Includes a free audiobook, free movement break video and a fidget feature.
In Holomonsters, your bedroom can become a battlefield, as monsters, spells and artefacts are brought to life through the magic of hologram technology. But when superfan Newt Hawkin is invited to Holomonsters HQ to test a new version of the game, he discovers its engineers are using real magic to take it to dangerous new levels. Can Newt stop them before the holomonsters break free from their creators' control for good...? Pokémon meets Jumanji in this fantastic, actionpacked new series.
RRP $21.99 | Sweet Cherry Publishing
2. Sunny Gets to Work ZANNI LOUISE
Sunny’s home has always been chaotic, but recently it’s gotten OUT OF HAND!
RRP $19.99 | Penguin
6
2
6. The Rebound
When Mama tries to order pizza using the remote and Dad falls asleep in the baby's bed, Sunny decides it’s time to step in. After all, even grown-ups need help sometimes. But as Sunny takes over running the household, he learns that it’s A LOT HARDER than he thought.
FIONA HARRIS
After missing his trial for the Under Sixteens Firsts, fourteen-year-old Harry Portelli is stuck playing for the Redbacks – the worst team in the school. They can't pass, can't shoot, can't win. It's not the future Harry or his dad imagined. But as unlikely friendships form and the Redbacks slowly start playing like a team, Harry rediscovers what basketball actually means to him. When the school arranges a derby against the Firsts, defeat looks certain – until Harry learns that the sweetest shot is sometimes the one on the rebound.
Perfect for busy families, this heartwarming and humorous picture book shows that no matter how messy life gets, it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you stick together. RRP $24.99 | Penguin
5. Holomonsters
3
RRP $17.99 | Allen & Unwin
7
3. It’s a Twin Thing KRISTIN DARELL
7. A Day off School
Identical twins Abi and Brook are inseparable, they even have the same best friend. But Abi is great at public speaking and Brook isn’t and she really needs to win the school’s public speaking comp. She’s prepared to do anything! One crazy decision is about to change their lives in ways they never expected. RRP $14.99 | Penguin
OLIVER JEFFERS AND KEVIN WALDRON
When Herbie stays home from school with the sniffles, a day of Space Blasters and cartoons sounds like a win – until lunchtime, when he starts wondering what he's missing. An extra playtime? A dog on the loose? A pirate invasion? A funny, action-packed romp from the creators behind Lost and Found and Chocolate Cake, perfect for ages 3+.
4
RRP $24.99 | Harper Collins
8
4. Grow JESS MCGEACHIN
8. We are Dragons
From flowers and fungi to moss, coral and towering trees, Jess McGeachin's follow-up to Kind is a beautifully illustrated exploration of how the natural world grows, changes and adapts. Alongside the wonder of it all sits a gentle message about growth and change closer to home.
JOHN CONDON
RRP $24.99 | Allen & Unwin
/ 50
Four mischievous dragons cause chaos wherever they go – dazzling at the Prince's Royal Ball one minute, mixing fizzing potions in a witch's cauldron the next. A bouncy, rhyming read-aloud packed with humour and energetic illustrations, perfect for young readers who love a bit of mayhem. RRP $17.99 | Harper Collins
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FOR KIDS
kiddo corner
Mack’s Jokes
Kids’ Quiz 01
What fruit is famous for "keeping the doctor away" if you eat one a day?
02
Which orange vegetable is great for helping you see in the dark?
03
What should you always do to your hands before eating?
04 05
TRUE OR FALSE: water is the best
drink to keep your body hydrated.
by Mack Archontidis
07 Name one food that comes
Why don't koalas count as bears? Because they don't meet the koala-fications!
08 How many hours of sleep do
What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh!
from a cow.
most kids need each night to grow strong and healthy?
09 What should you do before
and after playing sport, to look after your muscles?
10 TRUE OR FALSE: vegetables
Which food group do milk, cheese and yogurt belong to?
06 What do we call the yellow part in
the middle of an egg?
Answers: 1. An apple, 2. Carrot, 3. Wash them, 4. True, 5. Dairy, 6. The yolk, 7. Milk, 8. Around 9–11 hours, 9. Stretch, 10. True
KIDDO Colouring Space Colour in the fruit and veggies below and make the drawing pop!
/ 52
can be different colours, and eating lots of colours is good for you.
What's a shark's favourite sandwich? Peanut butter and jellyfish! Why did the cow become an astronaut? She wanted to see the mooooon! What do you call a sleeping dinosaur? A dino-snore!
Elfy’s 5 Rainbow Facts 01
Rainbows are actually full circles! Rainbows aren’t just a half shape, they are a full circle! We just can’t see the whole thing from the ground.
02
You can never reach the end of a rainbow You can’t get to the end of a rainbow because it moves when you move.
03
Rainbows can appear at night Rainbows can happen at night too. They are called moonbows and are made by moonlight.
04
No two people see the same rainbow Everyone sees their own rainbow, even if they are standing right next to each other.
05
Some rainbows have a rainbow friend! Sometimes a second rainbow appears above the first one. It's called a double rainbow, and the colours are backwards! How cool is that?
FOR KIDS
Rosie Reads Hi, I’m Rosie! I’m 11 years old and I play the French horn (it’s a bit tricky but I like it). I don’t always love reading, so if I’m recommending a book you know it has to be really good to get me to pick it up. I like stories that make me laugh or keep me guessing and sometimes even surprise me a little.
I've read every Detective Beans book so far and this one might be my favourite. Beans is a kitten detective (yes, a kitten, yes he's still the best detective in Cat Town) and this time Captain Scuttlebeard gives him an actual treasure map. Obviously Beans has to go find the treasure, and obviously it does not go to plan, because it never does with him. What I liked most is that the map takes him to parts of Cat Town we haven't seen in the other books, so it feels new even though it's still the same characters. Biscuits is still the best sidekick in the whole series and made me laugh out loud twice, which doesn't happen a lot with books. There's also a bit where Beans has to get home in time to clean his room, which is such a normal, annoying problem to have in the middle of a treasure hunt and I thought that was funny.
The drawings are really good too. It's a graphic novel, so you could just look at the pictures without reading any of the words and still follow what's going on, which I think is actually pretty hard to pull off. The only bad thing is I wanted it to be longer because I finished it way too fast, probably in one sitting. I'd give it 4.5 out of 5. Good if you like mysteries, cats, or just want something that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Detective Beans and the Map of Mystery by Li Chen RRP $17.99 Penguin
KIDDO Word Search Find the words of some healthy foods you can have for your next meal or snack.
C W B P A S T Z Y O G H U R T
M U F F I N O W M X M G P N A
S R P I Z Z A O T A Y C O Q S
A M B Q A E S N S B R Q P G M
N X U A J H T U P E B X C S O
D E R F P V K G U R D B O M O
W B G R S I R G M R O S R N T
I R E U A L A E L I J P N B H
C I R I P A S T A E K G A O I
H A S T A C O S C S V E I M E
BERRIES BURGERS FRUIT MUFFIN NUGGETS PASTA PIZZA POPCORN SANDWICH SMOOTHIE TACOS TOAST YOGHURT
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ALL INCLUSIVE
Where the help comes from The good news is ARFID is treatable, and Adelaide has a growing network of professionals who understand it. A diagnosis usually starts with a GP referral, often to a paediatrician, dietitian, occupational therapist or psychologist depending on the dominant pattern. Many kids benefit from a team approach. What you won't be told to do is force, bribe or punish your child into eating. Those tactics tend to entrench the avoidance and erode trust. Effective treatment is slow, gentle and built around expanding the child's sense of safety – first with foods, then with situations.
When mealtimes mean more than fussy eating Understanding ARFID Every family has a fussy phase. The toddler who only eats beige food. The seven-year-old who suddenly decides eggs are the enemy. The teenager who'd live on noodles if you let them. Most kids grow out of it, and most parents grow used to it. But for a small group of children, food avoidance isn't a phase – and it isn't fussiness. It's a recognised eating disorder called ARFID: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. And while you may not have heard of it, paediatricians, dietitians and psychologists across Adelaide are seeing it more often, and parents are increasingly relieved to finally have a name for what they've been living with.
What ARFID actually is ARFID was added to the diagnostic manual in 2013, which makes it relatively new in clinical terms but very real for the families it affects. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, ARFID has nothing to do with body image or weight. Children with ARFID aren't restricting food because they want to look a certain way. They're restricting because eating itself feels unsafe, overwhelming or impossible. It typically shows up in one of three ways, though many kids experience a blend. The first is sensory sensitivity. Textures, smells, colours, temperatures – any of these can trigger a strong aversion. A child might refuse anything wet, anything mixed, anything green, or anything that wasn't on their list of safe foods last Tuesday. The second is fear of a bad consequence. Often this follows a frightening incident – a choking episode, a stomach bug, vomiting at school. The brain links eating with danger, and the child stops trusting food altogether. The third is low interest in eating. These kids simply don't feel hungry, don't enjoy food, and forget to eat unless prompted. They often describe being full after a few mouthfuls. / 54
Fussy eating vs ARFID: the difference ● F ussy eaters usually eat enough across
the week, even if their preferences are narrow. ARFID kids often don't.
● F ussy eating tends to ease with age
and exposure. ARFID doesn't budge with the usual tricks.
● F ussy eaters can sit at the family table.
ARFID kids may panic, gag, or cry at the sight of certain foods.
● F ussy eaters might be annoying.
ARFID kids are genuinely distressed.
The signs to look out for Parents often suspect something more is going on long before they get a diagnosis. The kids who fall through the cracks are usually the ones who look fine on the surface – they're growing, they're functioning at school, they have a handful of safe foods that keep them going. Underneath, though, mealtimes are stressful, social events are difficult, and the family is quietly rearranging itself around what one child can eat. Signs that suggest it might be worth a conversation with your GP include: ● A very limited range of foods
(often fewer than 15-20 in total).
● S trong distress around new foods,
not just refusal.
● L osing safe foods over time without
replacing them.
● W eight loss, faltering growth,
or nutritional deficiencies.
● A voiding birthday parties, sleepovers
or restaurants because of food.
● M ealtimes that consistently end
in tears – yours or theirs.
What helps at home ● D rop the food battles. They don't work,
and they make the next meal worse.
● K eep safe foods accessible and non-
negotiable. They're not a failure – they're fuel.
● E at together when you can, even
if your child eats their own meal.
● T alk about food without pressure –
curiosity, not coaxing.
● G et professional support early rather
than waiting for it to 'settle down'.
A name changes things For families living with ARFID, the diagnosis is often the most important moment in the journey – not because anything changes overnight, but because something finally makes sense. The parent who's been told for years that their child is just being difficult, that they're indulging the behaviour, or that they should 'just stop offering alternatives', suddenly has language and support and a path forward. If any of this sounds familiar, you're not imagining it, and you're not failing. Start with your GP, ask for a referral, and find a team that gets it. The kids who do best are the ones whose parents trusted their gut early.
WHERE TO START Eating Disorders Families Australia (EDFA) Peer support and resources for parents: edfa.org.au InsideOut Institute Australia's national eating disorders research and clinical hub: insideoutinstitute.org.au Butterfly Foundation national helpline 1800 33 4673 Your GP The starting point for referrals to a paediatrician, dietitian or psychologist with ARFID experience.
FEATURE
Less pressure, more progress Helping kids explore foods
Dinner's on the table, everyone's tired, and your child is staring down a single potato like it's personally wronged them. Sound familiar? If your kiddo refuses vegetables, sticks to a handful of "safe" foods, or won't go near anything new, you're not doing it wrong – and you're definitely not alone. The instinct to say "just take one bite" comes from a good place. But according to the paediatric occupational therapy team at SPOT, even gentle pressure can backfire, making kids dig in harder rather than open up. That's because eating isn't just about taste – it's a complex skill, drawing on sensory processing, fine motor control, coordination and emotional regulation all at once. No wonder it doesn't always go smoothly. The encouraging part is that small changes at the table can make a real difference. Rather than pushing a bite, try handing over the choice: "You can decide if you'd like to try it." Letting kids opt in rather than be talked into it helps them feel safe, and safety is what actually opens the door to trying something new.
It also helps to remember that exploring food doesn't have to mean eating it. Looking, smelling, poking, stirring or licking all count. Every low-key interaction builds familiarity, even on the days nothing makes it past the plate.
Maybe the simplest shift is this: make mealtimes about being together, not about how much gets eaten. Chat, laugh, comment on a food's colour or crunch, and let the pressure go. A relaxed table is what actually makes kids more willing to explore.
There's a physical side too, one that's easy to miss. Scooping yoghurt, holding a sandwich, managing chewy or crunchy foods – all of it takes hand strength and coordination that's still developing in young kids. A child who avoids certain textures might not be fussy so much as still building the motor skills to manage them confidently. Getting them involved in prep – stirring or cutting soft food with a childsafe knife – builds those skills before the food ever reaches the table.
SPOT's paediatric OTs work with families navigating exactly this – fussy eating, sensory sensitivities and the motor skills behind them – with practical, low-pressure strategies that fit real family life.
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Find out more or book a consult: spotpaediatrics.com.au
Paediatrics Speech Pathology & Occupational Therapy
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