KIDDO MAG ISSUE 18

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TAKE ME HOME

DEC-FEB 2020/21 . #18

K IDDOM AG .COM. AU

kiddomag.com.au Publisher Charlotte Chambers Content Manager Olivia Williams

2020 sure is keeping us on our toes But hey we just love to dance! I think I had to rewrite this about 3 times; once with no restrictions, then in lockdown and then again with revised restrictions, all in the matter of 7 days… no wonder my head is spinning.

This issue is sure to bring some light relief to what has been a HECTIC and utterly exhausting year! We are thrilled to have ex-Adelaide girl, TV presenter, stylist, public speaker, philanthropist, mum of 2 and wife to the equally incredible Guy Sebastian – JULES Sebastian on the cover. She chats to us about life at home, lockdown, discipline and what Christmas looks like in the Sebastian house.

Annabel Bower shares the MOST delicious Summer Fruits Pavlova recipe for Christmas Day, and we hear the heart-warming and inspiring story of Sue and Saroo (from the movie LION).

We also introduce our exciting new

columnist, Madhavi, from Positive Minds Australia, who will be sharing her experience and words of wisdom around parenting and life.

This year has been challenging for us all; I would like to thank our beautiful KIDDO community, our amazing contributors, Liv Williams - our GURU content manager, and our clients for helping us through.

From my family to yours, have a beautiful Christmas, summer break and NY!

It’s so important to our team to also be a part of meaningfully giving /2

Art Director Katie Jary katiejary.com Photography Jake Cunningham Sales advertising@kiddomag.com.au

Distribution passingout.com.au

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Cover Cover Star: Jules Sebastian Photographer: Carlotta Moye Stylist: Jana Bartolo Make up: Carol Mackie Hair: Jayde Turner-Ledwidge

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The Project Company PO BOX 1083 Glenelg South SA 5045 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.

In the last couple of months we are so lucky to have welcomed some incredible guests onto our podcast, KIDDO chats.

With successful and inspirational women like Turia Pitt and Jules Sebastian gracing the airwaves, it’s been a heck of a month on the pod, and we have loved every minute of getting to know these wonderful women who have shared their time and lives so generously with us.

Sub Editor Olivia Williams

Printing Newstyle Printing newstyleprint.com.au

Be kind to each other. Be kind to yourself.

LISTEN UP — KIDDO CHATS PODCAST

Editorial Contributors Rebecca Morse Hayley Berlingeri Annabel Hartnett Madhavi Nawa Parker Helen Connolly Jana Rushforth Amelia Moseley Oliver Loshiavo Nabula Brdar Henry Williams

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

back to our community, and our chat with Steph from The Village Co. was an important part of spreading the word about the incredible work the charity does to help struggling Adelaide mums.

We hope you’ll lend us your ears! 

KIDDO CHATS EPISODES Episode 8: Turia Pitt on her book ‘Happy’ Episode 9: Helping mums find their village Episode 10: At home with Jules Stebastian Listen on your podcast app

FOLLOW US @kiddomag

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oranje9664

My best start. /3 Walford Anglican School for Girls Inc. 316 Unley Road Hyde Park T. 8272 6555 walford.asn.au

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EveryBODY is Beautiful

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fter having her second child, Adelaide photographer Louise Agnew’s body had been through a lot of changes. She’d finished breast feeding, lost 32kgs and the skin she was in had changed in elasticity, texture and with our old mate gravity kicking in. But she also found herself both stronger and healthier.

Louise celebrated these changes; she had learned so many new things about the body she lived in and felt truly empowered by the idea of embracing what her body could do.

So, when local Beauty Therapist, Re Wetherall, contacted Louise telling her she’d noticed many of the women who would strip down for a spray tan would lead with apologies about their bodies, and said she wanted to do something to prompt a shift in this rhetoric, Louise was all in.

The two women, passionate about making a change in how women see themselves and each other, came together to create the EveryBODY is Beautiful self love campaign; an incredible celebration of women and people in all their spectacular shapes and sizes.

We chat with Louise about how it all came together on the day and how this campaign has been such a positive force in the lives of so many.

How did you come across the individuals taking part in the photoshoot what were their reactions when you first asked them to take part?

We each knew some of the people personally, or had seen them about either on social media or in our community. We wanted to make sure we included lots of bodies with different shapes, ethnicities, ages and stages of motherhood.

We were honoured to have a gender fluid person included in our campaign, creating more discussion around LGBTQIA+, and some of the girls had autoimmune issues they wanted to raise awareness about. We really wanted to ensure that the message of everyBODY is beautiful, was represented.

Everyone was super keen to be involved, but of course a little nervous about stripping down to their undies!

The images are incredible - what was the vibe on the day of the shoot?

We were lucky enough to be provided with some space to shoot in at local cafe, Presto Eatery. Re and I were joined by the eight people involved and makeup artist Jess Creek. Everyone was buzzing with nerves but we had some bubbles, a platter and some good tunes and that eased the anxious shakes.

“When everyone stripped down to their undies, not one person apologised for their body and there was the most magnificent, contagious and electric energy in the room!”

You are so clearly passionate about the subject of body love, where do you think this passion comes from?

I have lived in many different bodies - ranging from a size 8 to a size 22 and what I have noticed is that how you feel on the inside about yourself, ultimately is how you shine from the outside. I have felt depressed about my body in all of those sizes, and I have been confident in those sizes too. I have copped flack about my body at most sizes, so that has told me that no matter what your body looks like, someone out there will have a problem with it. It’s up to you to embrace and celebrate your body and create a positive dialogue about it. I don’t want my own children to feel a pressure from society to be that “one” body type that saturates the media. I want my children to love and embrace what they have. I want them to

celebrate and accept what their friends have. Life is so short, our body is but a shell that carries our soul around. It doesn’t make you the person you are. Look after your body and enjoy the time we have with it.

What’s been the reaction to the campaign?

We have received an excess of emails, inboxes and messages to congratulate us on this movement, which is so lovely. Many women have said it has helped them to embrace the skin they live in. It’s really encouraging to see real bodies in social media, but also real bodies that you know personally.

What is the overarching message you’d like people to take from this campaign?

The physical attributes of our body do not define us. Beauty comes from the inside and radiates out. Focus on the things that we can do in our short lives, with the bodies we have been given, and not what they look like. This is such an important message for our children and for their future(s).

Re Wetherall and Louise Agnew

Louise Agnew – @louiseagnew Re Wetherall – @reannasbeauty_

How learning hits home.

0415 783 108 /4

tutordoctor.com.au/adelaide-east

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3. LEARN HOW TO RECYCLE PROPERLY Check with your local council what actually can be recycled. They usually have a one-page information sheet which you can tape onto the lid of your bin.

4. DON’T FORGET TO RECYCLE YOUR SOFT PLASTICS

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10 tips towards becoming a zero waste family

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rying to live a zero waste life while simultaneously raising a family can feel almost impossible at times, but Anita Vandyke, bestselling author of A Zero Waste Life, is here to help.

A Zero Waste Family is a gentle thirtyday guide highlighting the lessons Anita learned during her first year navigating motherhood, while also studying medicine and still trying to reduce her waste.

As parents we are constantly juggling the needs of children, work, chores and money. This book is not designed to add to the guilt that we already feel. It’s about showing how, by applying zero waste and minimalist principles, being an eco-parent doesn’t have to be difficult, and that by making small changes as a family we can make a big difference to our world for our children and future generations.

Anita has given us some easy, actionable ideas on how we can start reducing the waste in our households.

1. AIM FOR EFFORT, NOT PERFECTION The first day of the thirty-day guide in A Zero Waste Family is accepting that we should aim for effort, not perfection. It is an acceptance that we are all trying our best. Let’s begin by loosening the grip on the ‘perfect’ way to live a zero-waste life and accept that by simply making an effort with everything that we do, adds up to a big cumulative difference.

2. CREATE A TRASH COMMAND STATION In my home I have divided my rubbish into dry rubbish, which are sorted into three pedal-press, rubbish bins and wet rubbish, which are sorted into compost and bokashi (fermenting) containers. All these bins and containers are clearly labelled to ensure everyone knows where everything is going.

8. MAKE SECOND-HAND YOUR FIRST CHOICE Whenever you need to buy something, try to see if you can buy it second-hand first. Look at designer consignment stores, try eBay, get a tailor to alter your clothes - make a good effort to try to buy second-hand before buying new.

Did you know any soft plastic that is scrunchable can be recycled?!

Recycling bins are located outside major supermarkets. Keep a bin separate for this, so that you can take your soft plastics to be recycled on a regular basis.

5. HAVE A LANDFILL BIN This bin is clearly labelled ‘landfill’ as a reminder to all household members that whatever rubbish they put in this bin ends up somewhere as landfill. Remember when we throw something ‘away’, there is no such thing as ‘away’, it ends up in landfill, contributing to methane gas which is a significant source of greenhouse gas.

6. COMPOST Most of your wet rubbish can be composted.

Create a compost bin in your home and educate yourself on what food scraps can be composted. You can also try other systems such as worm farms or a bokashi bin (which can ferment animal products as well).

7. AVOID PLASTIC IF YOU CAN Plastic is made of petroleum and plastic is not actually recycled, but downcycled.

This means it gets downcycled to poorer and poorer forms of plastic until it cannot be downcycled any further and sits in landfill, releasing methane into the atmosphere. Reducing our plastic waste can be done with a few simple switches: — Refuse single use plastic bags and bring your own, if you forget, try asking for a box instead (which you can responsibly recycle) — Try shopping at the farmer’s market and buying produce without packaging — Refuse straws, use your mouth instead! (or a stainless-steel straw if needed) — ­Say no to disposable coffee cups and replace it with a reusable coffee cup There are countless more plasticfree solutions, for more ideas check out @rocket_science

9. MAKE A ZERO-WASTE KIT FOR YOUR FAMILY Make yourself a zero-waste kit and leave it by the front door with your shoes or in your car! My zero-waste kit includes: 1. Reusable drink bottle 2. Cloth bag 3. Stainless steel straw 4. Reusable coffee cup 10. GET OUTSIDE Finally, one simple, yet highly effective way to be an everyday activist is to head outdoors every day. When you are connected with nature, even if it is a simple walk in your local park, this allows you to see the beauty and grandness of nature. You come to appreciate nature is worth fighting for. We need to be everyday activists so that we are reminded that Earth is the only home we’ve got – there is no Planet B.

A Zero Waste Family by Anita Vandyke, published by Penguin Random House, $19.99. @rocket_science

Give your daughter a head start.

Enquire now for 2021 and beyond We’ve been educating girls from Reception to Year 12 in the heart of Adelaide for over 150 years.

To book a tour or join our playgroup contact us at St Mary’s College Adelaide /5

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#mumgoals

with Bluey’s mum Chilli

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ur favourite, inexhaustible little Heeler pup, Bluey, has become a constant companion in many a household worldwide since its debut in 2018, with both kids and their parents alike loving the series with a fervour reserved for very few kids’ TV shows before it.

When I first saw the bare bones of the pilot episode, in my gut I knew I was watching something very special but it was about a month or two after the initial release when I saw the speed in which Australian families were falling in love with the show and clamouring for merchandise that wasn’t even in existence yet that I realised Bluey was going to be big!

What do you love about voicing Bluey’s mum?

Chilli is so easy to love and fun to play! She is warm, smart and kind with a wry sense of humour and the scripts are so beautifully written, working with the Bluey team is such a joy, honesty it’s a dream job.

Season 3 has recently been confirmed with production starting later this year, do you know what we can expect from the 3rd season?

I’m yet to see any of the new scripts but I think we can expect more of the characters we love with episodes once again centred around the Heeler family and imaginative play.

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Bluey has been such a worldwide sensation, when was the moment that you realised … hey this is going to be big!

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With season 3 due to commence production late this year, we caught up with Melanie Zanetti, voice of Chilli, to chat about all things Bluey, what it’s like to be caught up in what has become a global sensation, and just how Chilli manages it all!

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“There is joy and magic to be found in the mundane if you approach every day with curiosity, imagination and a commitment to being present.”

How does Chilli manage it all? She’s a working mum, she’s active, plays sport and is an incredible wife and mother she’s basically mum goals for so many of us, what do you think her secret is?

Chilli has a partner who shares equally in the domestic and emotional labour of the household and child rearing. Chilli and Bandit communicate with love, respect and humour.

Women (and dogs) can ‘manage it all’ when there is equality and a foundation of healthy communication within a relationship. The way in which their partnership is portrayed is one of my favourite aspects of the show.

Have you actually met Dave McCormack, who voices Bandit, yet? We read you’d never met your dog husband in person!

No! We still haven’t met! We have talked over the phone a number of times and he is genuinely one of the loveliest humans imaginable, Ludo couldn’t have picked a better guy to voice the best dad dog on TV. Watch Bluey on ABC Kids or iview @officialblueytv

The show is so special, and resonates with people so much, have you personally taken any life lessons from the show?

Absolutely, I think the main one is understanding that there is joy and magic to be found in the mundane if you approach every day with curiosity, imagination and a commitment to being present. Also kids are hilarious and wonderful teachers!

Kick start them into gear for next year!

Places are filling fast for our January Holiday Course Secure your spot to prepare your child for 2021

Specialised Maths and English tuition 1300 386 266 | numberworksnwords.com.au /6

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Pre and postnatal pilates benefits

The collection, shot mid pandemic with the crews’ own children, was inspired by the simplicity of staying home styled with items from around the house.

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THE COLLECTION The latest spring/summer collection from Goldie + Ace, Endless Summer, is a tip of the (bucket) hat to an era that stood the test of time, where new trends were formed, summer days were long and fashion became endlessly cool.

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As children of the ’80s and ’90s, Goldie + Ace designers Alana and Chris know all too well the beauty of a well-loved hand me down. A time when many kids’ clothes were made to last, and designed for fun.

At Studio Pilates we love working with mummas and safely supporting them through their pregnancies! Pregnancy Pilates is the perfect low impact class for mums-to-be looking to safely strengthen and tone their entire body to prepare for childbirth and beyond. Working on building your core strength, as well as toning the abdominal, back and pelvic floor muscles, is integral to supporting a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery, and these classes are also a great opportunity to meet other women in the same life phase as you!

THROWBACK SEASON With a nod to the era the designers grew up in, the Endless Summer collection continues to take inspiration from the fashions and the family values of growing up in Australia.

You’ll find the coolest washed daisy print overalls, soft corduroy pinafores, pastel striped ribbed skivvies and plenty of fun print basics.

Because who said everyday pieces had to be plain?

Add a little bit of Endless Summer to your season: @goldieandace goldieandace.com

At Studio Pilates we offer​ specifically designed pregnancy Pilates classes, so you can continue to enjoy working out, both before, and after you’ve had your precious bub.

Pregnancy classes are available at the Unley Studios, with a focus on your core and pelvic floor muscles.

These classes will help you achieve: — healthy posture — great balance and strength — a more comfortable pregnancy

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— faster recovery time post-pregnancy — a self care routine important for your mental health Our Pregnancy Pilates classes have been carefully developed by the Studio Pilates Whether you are new to Pilates or a familiar face, our instructors at Studio Pilates will guide and support you every step of the way.

45 minute Pregnancy Pilates classes are available at Studio Pilates Unley.

148 Unley Road, Unley studiopilates.com @studio_pilates

Returning to the Adelaide Showground for its 5th year.

3 hour sessions include unlimited rides, unlimited ice skating, tobogganing and our 10-stop activity trail.

BOOK ONLINE AND SAVE! A COVIDSafe event with approved COVID management plan.

THIS DECEMBER santaswonderland.com.au /7

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The woman behind the wonder of

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Santa’s Wonderland

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rom November each year, the preparations for Santa’s Wonderland begin; the twinkle lights are hung, the snow is put on ice, Santa’s sleigh is polished and the big fellas boots are shined.

It’s Adelaide’s biggest Christmas event and welcomes families each year into a spectacular world of Christmas wonder, a jolly (and GIANT) extravaganza that will etch festive forever-memories into the minds of your kiddos that will last a lifetime.

With its three joyful Christmas lands - each more magical than the last - a festive activity trail, abundant amusement rides and attractions and special lineup of live Christmas entertainment, putting together an event like Santa’s Wonderland is no small feat!

What can we expect at this year’s event?

We chat with Amanda McPherson, the creative director and chief magic maker behind Santa’s Wonderland, about what this year’s event will look like and how she manages the jolly juggle of managing large scale events with her young family!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family!

Well, I think it’s safe to say we’re not a normal family! My husband Russell and I have 2 boys, Oliver (11) and Harry (6), and we somehow juggle work and parenting with our event business being on circuit for 9 months of the year!

Our home base is in Phillip Island in Victoria and we traditionally spend summer there, providing a number of events and attractions during the summer holiday season.

The kids start first term there and then (normally) by Easter we start to follow the sun and head up to NSW and QLD. A usual year would kick off at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, followed by a visit to regional NSW and then the entire East Coast before heading back to The Brisbane EKKA in August and then the Royal show in Adelaide in September!

At that point we only have a few short months before we get the mass production on the road for Santa's

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Wonderland as preparations start taking place from November each year.

Santa’s Wonderland is an Adelaide institution, how did you come up with the idea and how has it evolved?

The concept was born from wanting to give children a magical experience and parents an all inclusive event so that everyone that attended had an equal experience and there were no tears at the end of the day. The concept of the different lands (i.e Candyland, Traditional Family Christmas Land and Ice Wonderland) created set themes for the event spaces and I could really get creative with the design concepts once we establish these event zones!

The best part after all the hard work is when the red curtains open and the families and children come inside; the lights are twinkling, the rides are turning, the snow is falling and Christmas music is playing...the looks on the families faces is amazing! It always brings a tear to our eyes and it’s all worth it!

Santa’s Wonderland in 2020 to us and all the families is more than just Christmas. This year has had so many challenges and the meaning of spending time with family has never meant more! For those who have been separated by borders or by health, it’s going to be really special to come together and create some magic memories and just have some fun again.

Santa’s Wonderland will have all the same inclusions, modified to allow for COVID19 protocols. The same enchanting atmosphere will come alive and we have some new interactive stage shows, some new attractions on the activity trail and some “socially distanced” Santa sets which will be a photo with Santa that will be looked back on in years to come I’m sure when we reflect on the year that was 2020.

Santa’s Wonderland returns from this December 2020, at Jubilee Pavilion, Adelaide Showgrounds. santaswonderland.com.au @santaswonderlandsa

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LOCAL

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HONEY. Label

Matching with your mini

For the adventurous souls and the wild at heart R enè e B a

Adelaide mum, Renèe Barendregt, has always loved fashion, but when her boys, Harry (3) and Sonny (19 months) were re gt born, her love of fashion –D e s ig n e r grew just as they did! And while her gorgeous boys mean Renèe is kept a very, very busy bee, she’s certainly managed to make honey… HONEY. Label, that is.

2021 is set to be a big year, so keep an eye out on HONEY. over the next few months as Renèe is set to launch matching sweats and t-shirts so your little honeys can twin with their queen bees (and their daddy bees too!).

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HONEY. offers stylish pieces for little ones to grow into, made with love, made to fade and most importantly, made with children in mind.

Think practical, eco friendly, soft, beautiful and fun designs, that feel good on and look great too!

And whatsmore, all the HONEY. pieces are unisex because the team behind the brand believe people should be able to wear any colour and style they like!

Hear, hear!

Life is better with a bit of colour “When designing my pieces I always keep the children in mind, for not only comfort, but also for fun designs they will love” says Renèe. “We aim to create simple and fun designs that are for everyday wear, made with durable cotton, perfect for kids daily wear and all their messy adventures! We also searched for the softest cotton that is kind to their skin and made with no harsh chemicals”.

Quality is key at HONEY. and was top of mind for Renèe when sourcing the fabric.

“I wanted quality fabric, made to last, and to be handed down for years to come. And because I know our clothes are durable, I also designed our pieces to be oversized so kids can get that good couple of years or more of wear out of them”... which means the gorgeous HONEY. pieces can be passed on to their siblings too!

@honeylabel_ honeylabel.com.au

We’re all smiles!

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To quote Mariah Carey — I don’t want a lot for Christmas.

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But that’s a Santa-sized lie.

I actually want quite a lot.

For a start the only tangible thing on my list is a laundry appliance. When did I get so old and domesticated that I covet appliances?

I’ve asked Father Christmas for a clothes steamer. Because I don’t iron and I dress off a floordrobe so my ensembles are always wrinkled and my children often look decidedly dishevelled.

I feel like this will be a satisfying addition to my life and my level of anticipation can be compared to that Christmas I received a pink Walkman.

I wonder, do I also need an airfryer? I’ve concluded that requesting two household appliances pushes me into behaviour patterns that are way past middle age, especially since I purchased a vacuum cleaner in lockdown.

So these material items aside, my Christmas wish list is as follows —

I wish to get my Christmas shopping done with plenty of time to spare.

So I’m not re-gifting a candle to a teacher, trying to find a park at Marion or lining up outside Haighs.

I wish that the food I contribute on Christmas Day will be edible. One year I tried to cook a soba noodle salad from Ottolenghi’s cookbook and I over-cooked the noodles so badly that they stirred into a sludge that is still described as Bec’s Christmas porridge.

wish for beach weather on repeat.

IYou know those magical days when the water is turquoise and sparkly?

When you take a book and a mag in your beach bag, set up an umbrella and you’re good to go for the day.

Lunch is hot chips and a Frosty Fruit.

And you wash the sand off your feet but leave the salt on your skin. that every child would have Iawish present to open on Christmas Day. You can donate to The Smith Family and Kickstart for Kids. / 10

@rebeccamorse10

wish that my children, while on Ischool holidays that seem to last FOREVER, would help out around the house and not argue over who unpacked the dishwasher last time. wish for mangoes, ripe tomatoes, Ipotato salad and beetroot. And my Mum’s special Nuts and Bolts recipe she only ever makes over the Christmas holidays.

Nutri-Grain and peanuts, name a more iconic duo, I’ll wait.

I wish that I could purchase just the right amount of wrapping paper.

And that I cut it to the correct size the first time. And that I can find the end of the sticky tape.

Rebecca Morse is the co-host of SAFM’s breakfast show, Bec, Cosi & Lehmo. She has a degree in Journalism and started her media career at the ABC, where she was named SA Journalist of the Year in 2005. Rebecca is actively involved in community and charity work, as a proud Ambassador for Kickstart for Kids, the Animal Welfare League, the Premier’s Reading Challenge, Uniting Care Pancake Day and the Port Adelaide Football Club. She is married with three daughters, Grace, Milla and Frankie and an adopted dalmatian named Henley.

that my plants would not die Iinwish the summer heat. (But let’s be honest they die in the cold as well)

I wish that all the chores I have procrastinated over all year would be done, starting with the cluttered surface that we have labelled “The Desk of Shame” because it is covered with old bills, receipts and ink cartridges and we never tackle it.

wish to be able to find the time to Iwork through the pile of partiallyread novels that have been on my bedside table all year. to be able to find the time Itowish work through all the TV shows everyone has been banging on about this year. Starting with Normal People. Because that is one book I have actually read of late.

wish to cut down on ‘adding to cart’ Iafter too much festive cheer. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME, I’M WORTH IT, EVEN THOUGH I ALREADY HAVE VERY SIMILAR SANDALS/BATHERS/ SUNNIES FROM LAST YEAR. wish that businesses who’ve Idone it so tough this year would receive a Christmas bonus as South Australians look to support their own by purchasing local products, food and wine. (If that means I need to keep Adding to Cart, so be it!) that the borders will be open.

IAtwish the time of writing, we’ve just had another cluster. I hope that families can be reunited to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year together. wish for next year is pretty simple, My that it’s better than this one. my final wish is that all of our And KIDDO readers and their families have a happy, safe and healthy Christmas, thank you for your support this year.

X e s r o M Rebecca

Try a little

Treetop Therapy at TreeClimb

We all want to teach our children the resilience to overcome challenges, as well as the perseverance to keep giving something a go and working towards a goal to achieve it, but opportunities to do so…don’t grow on trees. But it just so happens, sometimes they’re built into them!

Life lessons at 40 feet In the heart of the South Park Lands, about 12 metres into the treetops, where the dappled sunlight peeks through the towering Blue Gums, might not be where you’d expect to find the next life lesson for your kiddo... but that’s exactly where Stephanie Malan found it when she started taking her 8-year-old son, Edward, along with his 5-year-old sister, Claire, to Adelaide’s inner city aerial adventure park, TreeClimb.

“Edward has always had an issue with his core strength and gross motor skills,” says Stephanie, “finding an activity that he will happily do, and feel confident about, has always been a struggle, but TreeClimb is now his absolute favourite. It challenges him physically and mentally, but in a fun way.

He leaves feeling like he has accomplished something”.

There’s certainly no shortage of good times and (very) high fives at TreeClimb, but what kids can take from the experience goes further than aerial adrenalin and treetop thrill-seeking.

What about a Christmas TreeClimb?

You can buy TreeClimb gift vouchers online in 3 minutes; they last 3 years and the memories last a lifetime!

Benefits of TreeClimb * Perseverance * Resilience * Confidence building

“We’ve visited TreeClimb about 5 times thus far, and each time we’ve gone, the kids have become so much more confident,” says Stephanie.

* Mobility

“Claire admittedly screamed like a banshee the first time we went, but the crew coached her through the course and she left happy.

The next time we went, she nailed it completely independently and you could not have wiped the smile of pride from her face”.

* Balance and coordination

As a family day out, TreeClimb ticks all the boxes; it’s a fun-filled, screen-free, outdoor adventure that every member of the family can get involved in; but it also offers an alternative form of activity for kids who don’t naturally gravitate to traditional competitive sports.

With more than 70 obstacles and 10 ziplines over the 7 courses, which get progressively more challenging, there are

* Gross motor skill development

plenty of opportunities for growth and stepping outside your comfort zone at TreeClimb, for both kids and adults alike, and the crew are highly trained to support and guide climbers through the courses (and bail you out if you get stuck!).

And, let’s be honest, sometimes you might just want your kids to take to the ropes and give you a little “climb-out”; well we can confirm the cafe at TreeClimb serves a top-notch coffee and a decent selection of snacks, which you can enjoy in the TreeClimb eco hut, under the alfresco umbrellas, or in the shade of the trees while you catch the view from below!

Sounds TREEmendous!

Park 20, Cnr. Greenhill and Unley Rd, Kurangga Park, Adelaide City Park Lands Book online at treeclimb.com.au

KIDDO FEATURE / 11

I NT E RV I E W

A LONG WAY HOME

Little Lion and Lioness Sharing the stories of Saroo Brierley, the little boy known as LION and his mother, Sue. WORDS — Liv Williams

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he extraordinary true story of survival that became an international bestseller and was made into the award-winning film, Lion, moved and inspired us all.

Now both Saroo and his mother Sue have gone on to share their individual stories of perseverance and triumph over adversity.

Saroo, in a stunning picture book for children illustrated by award-winning illustrator Bruce Whatley, and Sue in an uplifting and deeply personal book where she reveals for the first time her own traumatic childhood.

We chat with Sue and Saroo about sharing their deeply personal journeys, the importance of sharing these stories in different ways, and how love and perseverance can bring us together.

When you were a child and couldn’t speak English, you’ve mentioned that your visual senses were heightened. How important was depicting your story visually as well as in words in the picture book?

I envisioned the images I wanted before I wrote the story, so that they all linked up even without the text. It’s always hard collaborating with an illustrator if they are rigid and set in their ways, as the images may not always end up how you’d imagined. Fortunately, I didn’t have that issue with Bruce, and we are all incredibly happy with the end result.

What are the main themes and takeaways for children and families from Little Lion?

There’s truly something for everyone in Little Lion. For children, the book is about family and the importance of unconditional love and support. It’s also about the chances we get in life, as well as other themes like technology, cultural differences, bravery and encouragement. Being a true story, I think the book is so much more real and powerful than it would be if it were fictional.

LIONESS SUE BRIERLEY

LITTLE LION SAROO BRIERLEY Saroo, your story is such a big one, and was told so beautifully and in such a moving way in the motion picture Lion. What made you want to also make this story accessible for children in a picture book?

To be honest, I didn’t really want anyone to miss out on my life story, and there was nothing available for young children below adolescence! I proposed the idea to Penguin and they thought it was a fantastic idea for parents to read to their children and have real family discussions about the different elements in my story!

What was the process of translating this BIG incredible story into a picture book for children?

The process was pretty easy because, as you know, I know my own story inside and out, and just chose the most prominent moments within the story. You can make out the story just by the amazing illustrations, without the narrative.

I liked the part where I was reunited with my family; even though I was oceans apart for a long time, my mother never let go of hope and waited for me to come home! / 12

Sue, in your autobiography Lioness, you talk about your childhood as the daughter of World War 2 refugees, can you tell us a bit about how your childhood shaped your view of motherhood and adoption?

Growing up in such a sad family situation might seem disastrous for a young girl, even dangerous, but for me it gave me the determination to develop and strive for a better life. I saw this quite quickly and truly believed it was possible; I consider myself very fortunate that I could embark on my new life at the young age of 17.

What made you decide to pursue adoption over having biological children, the adoption process was (and I imagine still is) obviously a very difficult one!

I lacked the love and nurturing every child should have, but my own experience showed this was not guaranteed by having a biological child. I decided I could give a future to a child who desperately needed one when their own birth mother was not able to do so. This decision gave me the gift of a true purpose in my life.

Can you tell us a bit about how, once you adopted Saroo, and how you helped him settle into what was an unfamiliar world?

I feel the security and care we gave Saroo allowed him to relax quickly after enduring such a traumatic time when he was lost.

Even though we could not communicate for some months he soon started to feel healthier and began to understand our love and commitment was real. He was a happy and loving little boy.

In the book you talk a little bit about how you felt when Saroo found his “first” family, can you tell our readers a little bit about how adoptive parents might feel if they are to experience this?

This time was a very special part of our life with Saroo in our family. We were fortunate that Saroo’s first family accepted us as his parents. There was no game-playing for affection and I am very grateful for that.

Most of all, I was just happy he had actually succeeded in his secret Google Earth quest.

Can you tell us a little bit about meeting Nicole Kidman, who starred in LION, did you and she form a special bond as adoptive parents?

I was a little nervous when Nicole invited me to meet at her Sydney home. I found she is a warm-hearted and deep-thinking woman who totally understood about adoption; she has two adopted children also. I value the fact she made a special effort to meet me and that we could spend many hours talking together.

Do you have any advice for adoptive parents?

The process in Australia is so difficult; stay the path you have chosen and use the time to perfect your skills to become the best parents possible for the new life you will be entrusted with.

Little Lion: A Long Way Home

by Saroo Brierley is published

by Penguin Random House Australia. RRP $24.99 Lioness

by Sue Brierley is published by Penguin Random House Australia. RRP $34.99 Both books are available online and in all good bookstores.

VE LO

Capturing The Rich Tapestry Of Motherhood: Illunah Adelaide mum, Nicola Cross, dreamt up the idea of her exquisite online store, illunah, in what she calls a “moment of everyday mum mayhem”.

Wanting to find a tangible way to capture the messy, wonderful season of motherhood in all its sticky, magical, crazy, wonder, she was inspired to create homely pieces that evoked emotion. Pieces that would help teach her children how much beauty could be found in the little things.

We chat with Nicola about launching illunah, what’s on the cards for 2021 and her personal sources of inspiration.

CONGRATS ON LAUNCHING ILLUNAH, TELL US ABOUT IT?

illunah is our latest passion project. We’re starting small, with just two tapestries (didn’t want to put all our life savings on the line and finish 2020 beautifully bankrupted hehe). Lots of things are coming slowly, and thoughtfully, we’ll be adding treasures to the virtual shelves. It’s an online store for mothers, for lovers and for all others; trying our best to create things that evoke emotion and act as a snapshot of this chaotic life with little ones.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR ILLUNAH?

We have some fun little things in the works for 2021. Bringing a few local, talented friends on board to help me out in the regions I am not so talented in (aka graphic design) to hopefully create some magic!

Nicola and Daughter Rosie

LOCAL

YOU HAVE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PRESENCE ON INSTAGRAM AND WOULD BE CALLED AN INFLUENCER, BUT WHAT INFLUENCES AND INSPIRES YOU?

Thank you! Cliche but my family inspires me; my Rosie Bear, photography, sunrises and sunsets, the ocean, the moon and the smell of cripsy hot chips.

FAVOURITE SA BEACH?

Butlers Beach, hands down! It’s the inspiration for one of the tapestries we have released at illunah. Pat and I have been camping at Butlers Beach since we were teenagers, it has seen us go from vodka filled New Year celebrations, to bringing our pup Atticus for a roll in the sand, to a pregnancy, the addition of a baby who is now a toddler and soon to be a place for our latest little one to play. We have many family memories there and it’s a place I hold very close to my heart.

FIRST THING YOU DO IN THE MORNING?

Open all the blinds and assess the weather, the weather app is never accurate. Lol.

LAST BOOK YOU READ?

Haven’t read a book in many moons, but I do listen to them and my latest one was ‘The book you wish your parents had read’ LAST PODCAST YOU LISTENED TO?

‘Everyone has an ex’

by Georgia Love WHAT SONG CAN YOU PLAY ON REPEAT AND NEVER GET SICK OF?

Fix you - Coldplay

FAVOURITE PASTIME?

Maybe when the beach was a relaxing place to drift away listening to the waves.. it’s now very different. Not bad, just different.

@illunah_ illunah.com

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O PINI O N

WORD ON THE STREET

Teenagers and the Internet With Helen Connolly, Commissioner for Children and Young People

Although it is likely that teenagers understand algorithms better than us, it is helpful to talk to them about the link between their viewing habits and pop-ups, including what they can do to reduce the unpleasantness of explicit and distressing material they receive.

In conversations with 12 year olds all over South Australia, one of the big things they like telling me about is how turning 13 means they can legitimately sign on to a bunch of social media sites in their own right.

“They also need to be ‘schooled’ in how to respond to random requests coming from people online. This includes explaining the differences between contact that they have requested and contact that arrives unsolicited. This is a really important piece of information for teenagers, and brainstorming together how to suss out creepy adults pretending to be a kid is crucial, including how to block this contact altogether.”

Although plenty of 12 year olds already access sites using friends, siblings, or parent log-ins and devices, this changes for many as they turn 13.

For parents this can be equivalent to letting them loose to cross a four lane highway without ever having any road safety awareness or skills. Pretty dangerous all round.

Much better is when we work with our tweens to develop the safety awareness skills they need to be on platforms and sites safely. Ideally this should happen in plenty of time before they independently access their own account, because we know from Australian research that nearly half of children aged 9 -16 encounter inappropriate material online every month.

So what can we do to support our teenager if this happens? Who can they tell and how can they get out of it? Why do inappropriate things appear on the social feeds in the first place?

Having strategies ahead of time will help keep teenagers safe, including adjusting privacy settings and permissions to ensure they’re not giving away too much information about themselves to unknowns. In these conversations it’s important to explain just how good some creepy people are at finding out information about them, including how they can actually outsmart them by being ready. Tagging in photos, public settings and photos that show what school they go to and where they live is like walking out in front of traffic without looking both ways. If we

support them to think about this we can keep them safer.

It is also important that parents who may have been posting photos of their children on the internet for years, think about who outside your trusted circle may know about your child and where they live and go to school.

Modelling safety is part of your job as a parent.

Modelling good conduct online is also important. We know our teenagers see the online world as an extension of the offline world, and so conversations about ensuring they don’t do things online that they wouldn’t do in real life is another important part of ensuring their conduct is respectful. They also need to know how best to respond when others are behaving badly.

If we do all this before they turn 13, teenagers will have a much better chance of accessing the positives of being online while they manage the risks that also come with being out there.

If you’re a child, young person or parent who would like to get in touch with me send an email to commissionerCYP@sa.gov.au or visit ccyp.com.au

Helen Connolly

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urthclaystudio.com.au

Hey Hayley! with @sweetlittlestory I’m Hayley Berlingeri, Adelaide born and bred, mamma of three, and here I am just finding my way (AKA fumbling!!) through my days with my little ones, trying to be the best version of me that I possibly can be (which more often than not, results in me flopped out on the sofa at 10:34pm eating an entire packet of Mint Slice bickies, and thanking God that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it!) Before the babes came in to being, I poured my heart into my career as a Junior Primary teacher and JP Coordinating Principal, I travelled the world, near and far, and I solidly slept. But since then have given every waking minute to motherhood and all its mess, mayhem and marvel. Oh, and I love to share our stories in squares on our Insta page @sweetlittlestory

Do you go all out for Christmas, or do you think the whole thing is a bit of a gimmick?

— CARLA, KIDMAN PARK

At the risk of sounding like The Grinch, I don’t really give two hoots about Christmas! The sparkly lights don’t float my boat. The month-long mayhem at the mall is nothing but maddening! All the new traditions like the advent calendars and Elf on Shelf burst my brain (how does anyone remember to move those blasted things every single night??!! Last year I wrapped a bit of toilet paper around our elves leg, and had to tell my kids that he broke his bone and couldn’t move for a week, because the truth of it was I kept forgetting to reposition him, and the kids started to get suss, and because I was so darn sick and tired of laying my head down to sleep only to remember that I needed to MOVE THE DAMN ELF!!!!!)

But...as the meme goes, ‘as a grown up, I’ve learned that all the Christmas magic I felt as a kid was really just a mum who loved me so much.’ Ummm, CRYING!!

And still to this day my mummy makes a huge deal of Christmas. But it’s not for me anymore. It’s for my babes. Her beloved grandkids. And I follow suit. As gimmicky as it may have become, I go whole hog, and get into the spirit, because I love them. Because I want them to feel that magic. But most of all, I want to see that magic on their faces when they first see the Christmas lights flicker and flash, or when they wake at some ungodly hour on that special morning and see all their presents under the tree, or when they tell you that they heard Santa’s sleigh in the middle of the night (AKA hubby wobbling a cat bell outside their bedroom door after you forced him to set a midnight alarm and creep out of bed!)

So gimmicks and all, despite liking to THINK I don’t give to two hoots about Christmas, I actually love it!

Because they love it! And because I love them.

Love Hayley xox Got a question about life, motherhood or eating chocolate biscuits…

I'll give you an answer! @sweetlittlestory

SA YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR 2021:

Isobel Marshall Social entrepreneur and former Walford student, Isobel Marshall, was awarded the SA Young Australian of the Year after the launch of her business helping to break down the stigma around menstruation and providing greater access to hygiene products.

At 18 years old, Isobel cofounded social enterprise TABOO with business partner Eloise Hall, after crowdfunding over $50,000 to launch their range of products. TABOO sells ethically sourced, organic cotton pads and tampons to the Australian market, with 100% of the profits going to One Girls, a charity which provides education programs for girls and women in Sierra Leone and Uganda.

Locally, Isobel and TABOO have partnered with Vinnies Women’s Crisis Centre, providing free access to pads and tampons for women who

require emergency accommodation in South Australia.

Recognising period poverty is not just a big city issue, they also support the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women’s Council.

You can support and purchase at selected independent supermarkets, OTR, National Pharmacies and online @taboosanitaryproducts tabooau.co

ENROL TODAY FOR 2021 Star Academy offers classes in all facets of the performing arts starting from as young as 2.5. If you’re thinking of getting your little one into a creative outlet then booking a free trial with Star Academy is the place to start! www.staracademy.com.au 100 Grote Street, ADL 5000

/ 15

FE ATU RE

Family Photography In Focus

We’ve found Adelaide’s top family and pregnancy photographers, officially KIDDO certified, and only the very best to photograph your special candid family moments.

LI L AC I N HAN D P HOTOG R AP H Y

WILL & CO PHOTOGRAPHY

Your family session can be held at one of my many glorious outdoor locations, or in the comfort of your own home. Although I have a very laid-back approach, there is still a little bit of planning that goes into your session. I’ll guide you through all the details – what to wear, what we’ll do and how to prepare your kidlets for your upcoming session.

On the day, I will spend some time forming connections and creating a safe and comfortable space for you and your kids. It’s incredibly important to me to create a space where you feel comfortable, can unapologetically be yourself and have an insane amount of fun. This is about making memories, not taking photographs!

We are Dana & Doug and we know how quickly time goes by, from the moment you find out you’re expecting, to when you first hold your little person in all their perfection, to when the second one comes around! It’s so important to capture every season in life and the oh so wonderful memories of beautiful childhood. We focus on your connection as a family, our sessions aren’t about being perfect, looking at the camera, smiling or saying ‘cheese’! We like to keep things fun and play-based and we adore printing your images! We offer everything from maternity, birth, newborn and family photography with some videography also available. We would love to look after your family as if they are our own.

Jessica Russell – 0413 838 652 | @lilacinhand_photography lilacinhand.com.au

Dana & Doug – 0424 872 522 | @_willandco_ facebook.com/willandcophotography | willandcophotography.com

CARRI E JON ES PHOTOG R APHY

MELISSA BOULDEN

I create joyful and uncomplicated family photographs of people just like you. Real moments that will fill your heart and your home with the little bits of magic that your kids bring to your everyday lives.

You don’t need to have a fancy house or the perfect ‘on trend’ outfit. I want you to be unashamedly you, so I can show you just how wonderful that truly is.

I love being able to capture and make memories for couples and their families. My images are shot to reflect the stunning simplicity of love and connection, of happy little bubbas and people in love. I tell stories by capturing divine moments between mother and child, babies in bellies, and families together in real and raw images, with golden hues and in natural landscapes. For me, it’s the people, the spontaneous looks full of love and candid moments that I cherish capturing the most. And there’s truly nothing quite like the feeling when a couple whose wedding I’ve shot, come back to see me with the gorgeous little humans they’ve made. What a special and magical job I have!

Carrie – 0413 494 795 | @carriejones_photography carriejonesphotography.com

Melissa – 0418 806 534 | @melissa_boulden_photographer facebook.com/melboulden | melissaboulden.com

As a lifestyle photographer my work is a mix of documentary photography and classic portraiture, with a strong focus on light and connection.

/ 16

PRO F IL E

Raising resilient children

With Madhavi Nawana Parker from Positive Minds Australia Madhavi Nawana Parker, Director of Positive Minds Australia is a widely published author of resilience, wellbeing, confidence and social emotional intelligence books, articles and programs. Madhavi has worked with children, teenagers, families and schools for over twenty years, following University studies in Psychology and Counselling. Madhavi is known for her empathic understanding towards parents, educators and young people, working tirelessly through her writing, public speaking and counselling, to improve mental health, resilience and wellbeing.

Madhavi is married with three children and enjoys time with family, friends and nature.

Why resilience?

Resilient children can be easier to get along with, thanks to their more even temperament, psychological flexibility and ability to get on with things without kicking up more of a fuss than is necessary or constructive.

What is resilience?

Resilience is mentally and emotionally coping with and adapting to challenges in helpful, constructive ways in order to return to a healthy state of wellbeing in a reasonable amount of time.

What isn’t resilience?

Never getting upset or worried when something goes wrong and being happy, confident and calm all the time.

What you need to know about resilience before you teach it.

Children can be resilient one moment and the next minute, unbuckle and unravel into a pit of emotional chaos. This doesn’t make someone outright ‘resilient’ or ‘not resilient.’

Resilience is a lifelong process, growing with time, practice, encouragement, brain maturity and exposure to enough (but not too much) challenge and adversity that is supported compassionately and wisely.

There are many factors like personality, temperament, developmental factors, interacting with genetic predispositions and environment that affect where you sit on the resilience spectrum. In one family, you can have siblings sitting on opposite points on the resilience scale. Don’t blame yourself for your less resilient child. At the same time, don’t get tempted to applaud yourself for your more resilient one!

Instead, look at your child’s personality and support them from where they’re at, for who

they are. Because of their age, limited life experience and ‘still under construction’ brains, most toddlers, pre-schoolers, children and teenagers aren’t consistently or predominantly resilient (yet). This doesn’t necessarily reflect how resilient they will be as adults, so try not to get ahead of yourself.

When will my child ‘get more resilient?’

Your hard work to support your child’s resilience, may not show itself until your child is older and has reached a point of brain maturation that allows them to act more resiliently. For some, (sorry folks) this may well be around the time they move out of home!

Here are five ways you can help your child build resilience.

1.

Develop your own resilience. One of the cold hard facts of parenting is that we can’t expect our children to be good at something they don’t see us Role Modelling. Parenting consumes its fair share of physical and emotional energy.

Many parents find themselves running off an ‘energy deficit,’ because they can barely find time to pause and take care of themselves. When your wellbeing hits rock bottom, so will your resilience. So, take care of yourself, ask for and accept help, rest, recover, take short cuts and do as much as possible to lay a foundation of healthy wellbeing so you too, can be resilient through the ups and downs of parenting.

2.

Don’t make resilience sound easy or minimise your child’s problems.

If something feels big to them – that’s because it is big to them. A child’s perception and experience of a difficulty is often perceived in a magnified way, because of their developing brain. The thinking and rationalising part of their brain is still growing, so emotions tend to take over quickly and be felt deeply. When they are upset about something, no matter how small it might seem to you, it can help to say something like, ‘it looks like you’re having a hard time,’ and ‘I can see this is hard for you.’ These words reassure your child that you acknowledge their experience is tough for them and that you care about that. Be careful not to over empathise though – just genuinely show you take their feelings seriously. Resilience grows from having a space for all your feelings and not being made to feel like something is wrong with you, for having them.

3.

Help your child develop confidence through competence. Children need to know they can do things on their own and that they are coping for their age.

While it can be tempting to do everything for our children as an expression of love and support, the message that can emerge is ‘you’re not good enough on your own – you need someone else to be truly competent.’

While this is partially true, as well all need people in our lives who care about us and are willing to help when we need it, helping more than is necessary is not helpful for resilience.

Try and avoid doing too many things that they can do for themselves. What skills they might be ready to build? Tidying up?

Preparing meals? Mopping and vacuuming?

Look at your child’s age, personality and developmental abilities and help them build confidence through competence.

Madhavi Nawana Parker’s latest book, ‘The Resilience and Wellbeing Toolbox: Creating character and competence through life’s ups and downs’ 2nd Ed (2020) is out now.

Available online and through all good book stores.

Worldwide — routeledge.com Australia wide — positivemindsaustralia com.au/books

4.

Find time for connection. Healthy relationships with parents and carers is crucial for resilience.

Quality one on one time can be difficult in a family but your undivided attention helps your child feel an inner confidence that they matter and are seen, heard and valued for who they are. Show your delight when you see them, especially first thing in the morning and after time apart (and try warm connection before you provide any kind of direction).

5.

Encourage healthy risk taking.

Taking healthy risks is about being willing to give something a go without a guarantee of success. No one likes to fail or see things didn’t turn out as planned. Everything feels much better when you succeed. What can happen to many children is, through fear of failure, some great opportunities get avoided altogether.

Being willing to take risks that aren’t guaranteed success is an important part of building resilience and wellbeing because it allows your child to practice courage and vulnerability which help you be more confident through the ups and downs of life.

Healthy risks look different for everyone.

Think about your child and your family, follow your gut and look into ways they can step a little more out of their comfort zone, with your loving and empathic support to move closer towards becoming braver and more confident.

Resilience takes time…

Remember that being rushed into resilience doesn’t work and nor does a ‘toughen up, sink or swim’ approach. Resilience takes time, growing through day to day experiences that allow children to see they are loved and supported through adversity, yet capable and competent to go the distance themselves. The most important thing is that you are patient with them and patient with yourself, remembering that no one gets it right all the time.

positivemindsaustralia.com.au @positivemindsaustralia

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AT H

INTE RVI EW

O

ME

WI TH

Ju l ess ti a n Se b a

WORDS — Liv Williams

If you ask us, there’s not a lot that Jules Sebastian can’t do. She’s a TV presenter, stylist, public speaker and philanthropist, a mum to 2 gorgeous boys, adored wife of Aussie music legend Guy Sebastian, and, just quietly, probably one of the best people you’ll ever follow on Instagram.

But beyond all that, Jules is also down to earth, relatable and warm, intelligent and well versed in so many topics; from female empowerment to teamwork, from health and lifestyle, to fashion and beauty.

“We work very hard at giving the kids a great life… obviously, and a lot of fun, but also giving them responsibilities and earning their way in life. It’s a hard balance, but we’re figuring it out just like everybody else”

We were lucky enough to chat with Jules on our podcast KIDDO Chats, and it was like sitting down with an old friend. She regaled us with stories about growing up in Adelaide, and shared her insights about parenting and motherhood, as well as what’s coming up for Jules and her family for the rest of 2020 and beyond.

How are you guys coping in this mid-pandemic world?

Yeah, it’s been a year. Hasn’t it really just been one for the books? We’re doing really well. The kids have gone back to school thankfully, so we got through homeschooling. That felt probably like one of the toughest moments only because... I’m not a teacher! Archie has just started kindergarten this year, so he didn’t know anything like how to read or write, so he really needed my hand to hold the whole way through. And then I’ve got Hudson who’s in year three, who also is quite demanding, not independent at all in the classroom. So, it just was overwhelming, and everybody just needed everything.

I think in hindsight I probably should have given myself a bit more of a break and not been so stressed out about ticking all the boxes and getting everything done because we got through it, and everyone’s fine, and people still know how to read and write and we’re good! So, in hindsight I wish I just didn’t stress out as much, but I felt the panic of like…this is it, you know, I’m their teacher and they have to know things!

And English is very hard. I’ve discovered it’s a hard language to learn! I feel like life is starting to get back to this new normal that everyone is talking about though, and we’ve been surprisingly quite busy! / 18

You grew up in Adelaide. Can you tell us about growing up here?

Oh, I love Adelaide! I absolutely loved my childhood and growing up in Adelaide. I lived in the same house my whole life in the north eastern suburbs of Adelaide, down the road from Tea Tree Plaza. The McDonald’s there on the corner, that was my first job when I was 15. I worked there part time, at $60.00 a week and I thought I was so rich. We lived in a cul-de-sac, just me, my two brothers, my mum and dad and the street was just full of other kids my age. We all went to the same local school and we’d all walk to school together and home again and ride our bikes.

We had a creek at the end of our street, mum would let us ride bikes to the end of the street and play in the creek and come back... and those were kind of the rules of the road. It was a very simple happy life, I loved it. I loved having my friends in the street

to play with. I loved that the school was so local and that everybody I knew went to the same school. It was great. We went to church every Sunday, it was just a fundamentally good, solid upbringing and I loved every minute of it. I can’t fault it. I truly can’t.

What’s your parenting approach?

Are you strict? Do you have a good cop? Bad cop with between you and Guy? I feel like we are each a bit of both. I’m probably around the kids more than Guy so I have to be good and bad cop, I have to be the good time that takes them bike riding and to all their sporting events and be the cheerleader, and I really try hard at creating fun moments and memories and to take them places and be involved. But on the other hand, because I am with them all the time I’m also the dictator of the schedule.

So it’s like, we’re up for breakfast! We’re getting dressed! And we’re really working on being a bit more independent right now, so I’m getting them to get their own breakfast, clean their own bowls or put them in the dishwasher, and get themselves dressed. I’m starting to try and get them to be a bit more responsible and independent in that way. But then...I still have to drive that whole bus, you know, because no one remembers anything, I have to! I remind them of everything!

And then discipline, that comes down to both me and Guy. It sort of depends on who’s there in the moment and who’s done the naughty thing. So if I’m there I’m obviously gonna deal with it. We are quite strict. I will say, they don’t get away with much ‘cause I just I don’t want naughty kids, I don’t. I don’t want spoiled, rude kids with no manners and no morals, I’m very, very passionate about that. My kids have a lot in their life, so we are very aware of that, we want to make sure that they also know that they have to have their two feet on the ground.

They are just the same as everybody else, they’re not special, they are the same. We work very hard at giving them a great life... obviously, and a lot of fun, but also giving them responsibilities and earning their way in life. It’s a hard balance, but we’re figuring it out just like everybody else.

What does Christmas look like for the Sebastian family this year?

This year we are all going home to Adelaide to be with the extended family. It will be so nice to be with everyone after so many months of not being able to get to each other. To end this crazy year, we are going to eat our faces off and simply enjoy each other’s company… and we are very excited as Guy’s youngest brother who lives in Adelaide is having his first baby!

Do you have any annual family Christmas traditions?

Oh yes we do! I love getting really creative with Elf on the Shelf for the kids (is it actually more fun for me? …perhaps).

Sebastian’s LOVE food. We eat a tonne of it: turkey and all the fixings, and a lot of gatherings and platters. I love decorating the table. I must say that the boys know that decorating the Christmas Tree and wrapping the presents is Mummy’s job only! Don’t touch my things boys!

#MUMLIFE QUICK FIRE QUESTION with Jules What do you put in your kids lunch boxes?

OK, I’m going back to this morning when I made lunch for Hudson. He’s got a jam sandwich ...because he won’t have anything else in his sandwich... on wholemeal bread. He had some grapes, some cucumber, some carrots, just raw and cut up. Half a mandarin, some banana bread, and some pretzels.

What are your favourite books to read with your kids at the moment?

Actually four of my friends wrote a book, it’s called ‘What a Beautiful Name” and they’ve just sent it to me, so I’ve been reading to my kids and it’s beautiful.

One health tip you swear by for yourself: I would say my number one would be drinking water. It’s so much harder than it seems and all you do is pee all day, but I feel like it’s the most important thing to drink enough water.

It’s good for your insides, it’s good for your skin, it’s good for your cells.

That would be my number one!

You’ve written a book! Tea and Honesty by Jules Sebastian, which is due out next year - tell us about it! What can we expect?

Yes I have – I still can’t believe it! This book is very personal to me. This book is not so much a guide to how to live your life, but it’s more of an offering of lessons learned along the journey - from my own life and from other successful people - that I have been able to apply to my own life. I am so grateful to not only have walked my own personal journey, but have the opportunity to write it down and share with others. I am very humbled.

This is just a snippet of the interview we did with Jules Sebastian on our podcast KIDDO Chats! Head on over to your podcast app and listen to KIDDO’s Liv Williams interviewing Jules, she is not only an absolute delight to listen to, but also (hot tip!) gives us a neverbefore-shared game changing makeup recommendation exclusive to KIDDO Chats!

“This year we are all going home to Adelaide to be with the extended family. It will be so nice to be with everyone after so many months of not being able to get to each other. To end this crazy year, we are going to eat our faces off and simply enjoy each other’s company” @julessebastian julessebastian.com

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PRO FI L E

ART-ELAIDE LEAH GRANT Yes! I’m an art teacher and absolutely passionate about CREATIVITY, and I squeeze as much painting and parenting in as I possibly can. Life is busy and hectic, but I love the variety in both teaching and painting largescale murals. I was always making something growing up, trying new ideas and I would hold on to everything, like wrapping paper, and make collages and all sorts of gifts for people.

There are a number of family, friends and teachers that encouraged me and it’s because of them that I kept on making and creating.

What got you into street art?

My high school art teacher ignited my passion for Street Art and I was eager to try it out, but didn’t want to do anything illegal.

I experimented with aerosol in my backyard, I taught a Street Art unit with Year 9’s, but I still hadn’t painted a mural myself! It wasn’t until about 6 years ago I painted my first public art mural here in Adelaide. What led me to these opportunities was an eagerness to learn and experiment. I applied for a grant with the Adelaide City Council that I was totally not skilled for, but I did get to the final interview stage and that meant I was able to make some contacts with council.

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JESS HAYTON

What’s your favourite medium to work with?

How did you discover your talent and love for art?

I love painting with oils.

I think from an early age I always loved drawing and really enjoyed art in high school.

Life was busy after that, working full time and other priorities! It wasn’t really until I had my daughter and went on maternity leave that I started painting again.

What inspires you?

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Do you have a favourite piece you have created?

Probably my tiny little Frida Kahlo painting.

You have done some kids portraiture, is it challenging recreating the likeness of a child?

So many things! Ive always loved faces and portraiture, but recently I’m finding most of my work is nature inspired. Also, there are so many incredible artists on social media, just scrolling through my insta feed motivates me to get out the paints!

I think all portraits are a challenge, as every face is so different. I think my portrait painting style is very illustrative, so suits little faces and makes it easier to capture their likeness.

What’s your creative process like?

They are pretty much a part of the process from beginning to end as I don’t have a studio so I paint in our kitchen / family room. My 5 year old daughter is a harsh critic and I know I can always count on her honesty! My son is teaching me how to draw construction and emergency vehicles.

To be honest, a dog’s breakfast! I have two small kids at home, so the process is basically to steal a few minutes here and there to add to a painting, or plan for a longer stretch when the grandparents come to the rescue.

How do you involve your kids in your art?

Find her at @jesskhayton / 20

WORDS — Liv Williams

What’s your fav piece that you’ve done around Adelaide?

How did you discover your talent for and love of art? You’re also a teacher… can we assume...art teacher?

G

Be inspired

by SA’s arty mums

This always changes when I paint something new! Currently I love the piece I just completed in North Adelaide for a resident’s courtyard.

It was a 5m high, plain brick wall and is now totally transformed and the design is inspired by the garden. This was such a fun and creative project and I’m really happy with the new risks I took painting more detailed layers, higher and bolder then I’ve done before.

Tell us about your work in schools and school holiday workshops!

I love sharing what I know and providing opportunities for others to grow their creativity.

I’ve recently started running children workshops that are all about creating unique pieces and experimenting with different materials and techniques. I’ve designed these workshops to be fun, challenging and spark big ideas so that everyone (including me!) walk away inspired. For the recent workshops I ran in Prospect we focused on colour, pattern and plants. I loved doing this so much I plan to run more over summer and maybe even some adult classes and aerosol classes too! I’ve had so many people help me get to where I am because they openly shared their techniques with me, I want to do the same for others.

Find her at @leah.grant

PRO F IL E

If there’s one thing we know for sure about Adelaide, it’s that it’s absolutely full of amazingly talented and creative people. You only have to wander around one of the myriad of local artisan markets to see that we have a wealth of creatives at our doorstep, crafting beautiful and inspiring wares and brightening up spaces both in our homes and our local streetscapes. We sat down with four Adelaide creatives, who also happen to be mums, to talk about discovering their talent, what they’re inspired by, and how they get their kiddos involved in art!

CAROLINE GLIDDON How did you discover your talent for and love of art?

What inspires you?

I noticed you sometimes create weavings based on drawings your daughter has done, can you tell us a bit about this!? These must end up some of your fave pieces!

do

One birthday, just after my second daughter was born, my husband gifted me a voucher for a one-on-one weaving lesson with local textile artist, Megan Walsh-Cheek. I had been interested in weaving for a while but really had no idea how it was done. It was so nice to have that afternoon doing something just for me and straight away I knew that this was a craft I would continue with. I’ve tried so many different things over the years but never really stuck with anything for more than a few months. Ever since that lesson I have always

id

How did you learn to weave?

And what do you love about it?

I’ve recently started making my own circular ceramic hoops which I weave onto. They are all hand built so each one is unique and the weavings just evolve as I go.

Another favourite is one I made for my brother and his wife as a housewarming gift, that one was actually inspired by a floor rug that I saw a photo of and loved.

Gl

So many things! I love the way different colour combinations can make you feel, most of my weavings start with me picking out particular colours. I also love patterns and geometric shapes. And I am of course inspired by other weavers and artists that I follow on social media.

Do you have a favourite piece you’ve created?

C a ro l i n e

For as long as I can remember I have loved doing creative things and being around all things creative. I honestly think that my creative skill is due more to practise than natural talent and I practise because I love it!

had a weaving on the loom. I find it relaxing, rewarding and a great creative outlet away from my computer. I’m a Graphic Designer so I spend way too much time looking at a screen!

When I first started weaving my eldest daughter would be so excited to see my weavings grow overnight. Every morning she would look at my loom and comment on the section of weaving I had done after she went to bed the night before. I have a little book that I sketch up ideas for weavings in and one day she found it and started adding her own ideas to it. Most of her designs also had a family or friends name scribbled next to it. I started making and gifting them to the people she had designed them for. It was such a great way to practise technique and a really sweet gift from the two of us.

Find her at @CAROJ

JESSICA THOMPSON How did you discover your talent for and love of art?

I had a mad love for drawing as a tiny child and I always seemed to have a pencil in my hand.. it’s a bit like that now, too! Art is such a big part of my life and it’s an amazing privilege to be able to explore creativity and put things out into the world. I love living life as creatively as possible, whether that’s through gardening, the house or making things with my children.

What inspired you to paint pots? They’re so colourful and HAPPY! What other types of things do you create?

Oh, thank you! I am so glad my pots make people feel happy! They actually started as wonky little things for my friends & family for Christmas many years ago. I still remember making the first one and enjoying the process so much. Plants & painting are 2 of my greatest loves so putting them together felt right.

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Aside from painting pots, I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with amazing Adelaide creatives like Kitty Came Home and Rhicreative in the last year. I’ve recently become mad for painting walls and windows which feels like such an exciting new journey. I’ve been able to spend time in amazing places run by wonderful people doing

this and I’m currently working on a giant kindy mural which I am seriously loving. Words are a big part of my art, so I create designs for cards and wall hangings when I can...and I have a not so secret dream of creating a little book someday.

Do you have a favourite piece you’ve created?

I think the words are always going to be the part of my work that I have the biggest soft spot for.

The thing that made me love creating my pots in the first place was being lucky enough to experience when someone would find particular words that resonated with them in some way.

If my art can bring someone even the tiniest sliver of comfort or joy or they feel less alone when they read the pot or print nestled on their windowsill, I feel like I couldn’t ask for more.

How do you involve your kids in your art?

When Alfie & Mabel were bubs, I was so intrigued to see whether they would be interested in art and wanted to let them find their own way toward what they love to spend time doing… turns out they’re both super creative which is pretty amazing. I’m realising more and more that they love to have a look at what I’ve been up to in the studio and I try to have paint easily accessible to them all the time so they can do something when the mood strikes.

Find her at @birdsnestsforhair / 21

FO O D

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The Ultimate Christmas Pavlova

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Annabel Bower graduated from the world renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School seventeen years ago. Having worked in events and catering, her present focus is on recipe development and food styling. As a mum of four (and one in her heart), and a passionate foodie who spends most of her time in the kitchen…Annabel’s kids still won’t eat everything she cooks!

nabel B o

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Method 1. The pavlova base can be made a day in advance.

2. Preheat oven to 120°C. Line a tray with baking paper and draw a 20cm circle on it.

Ingredients Pavlova Base • 4 egg whites • 1 cup (220g) caster superfine sugar Toppings • 500ml thickened cream (full fat as light cream won’t whip) • 2 cups of mixed fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries or raspberries) • 2 peacharines • Nasturtium flowers • Berries can be substituted with passionfruit and mango

3. Beat egg whites in a bowl with an electric mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add caster sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, continuously beating until each spoonful is fully dissolved. Beat until mixture has expanded and is thick and glossy.

5. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until dry to the touch. Turn oven off, leave pavlova to cool in oven. If the oven door remains closed the pav can be stored here overnight.

6. On the day of serving use electric beaters to beat cream in a bowl until stiff peaks form.

4. Spoon large scoops of pavlova onto circle template, create a base layer and spoon the rest on top. Use the back of a knife to create a side edge by running it around the side of the pav. Alternatively if you like a crunchy pavlova, spread mixture over 2, 20cm circles, you will lose the classic foamy pav centre but end up with more crunch.

7. Pile gently onto the top of the pavlova and top with berries, peacharine and flowers. If you made 2 flatter pavs, sandwich them together with 1/3 of the cream and 1/3 of the berries, use the remainder of each on the top. @foodbyannabel | foodbyannabel.com.au

LOCAL

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Spicy Hasselback Potatoes

Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes Serves: 6–8 as a side

Yes, these spicy hasselback potatoes are calling your name… and are the perfect side dish for a festive table. Basically all of your potato dreams are coming true right here; crispy edges, tender middles as creamy as mash, and a spicy dressing infused with hot smoked paprika to give it a little extra kick!

What more could a spud lover ask for?

Ingredients • 1.5kg Spud Lite potatoes • 1/2 cup olive oil

• salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1/2 cup parmesan, grated

• 2 teaspoons hot smoked paprika

• 1 lemon

• 2 tablespoons lemon thyme leaves, finely chopped

• fresh thyme leaves, to garnish

Method 1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line a baking tray with baking paper 2. Boil potatoes for 10 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold water.

3. For the dressing, combine olive oil, garlic, paprika, rosemary, salt and freshly ground black pepper together in a small mixing bowl, stirring to combine.

SPUD LITE are available at all good supermarkets.

For more recipes head to zerellafresh.com.au | @spud.lite / 22

4. To cut potatoes, place between two chopsticks and slice down at 5mm intervals. The chopsticks prevent knife cutting all the way through.

Repeat the process with all the

potatoes. Place prepared potatoes in a large roasting pan.

5. Drizzle mixture over the top of each potato, until evenly coated in oil mixture. Sprinkle parmesan over the top of each potato and bake in a preheated oven for 1 hour or until golden and crispy.

6. To serve, squeeze lemon over the potatoes and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.

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BO O K S

well read

Summer holidays are coming and that means time to read… check out our pick of the new releases.

adults THIS BOOK WILL MAKE YOU KINDER

By Henry James Garrett

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1

Nat’s What I Reckon was the tattooed lockdown saviour we didn’t know we needed, rescuing us from packet food, jar sauce and total boredom with his hilarious viral recipe videos that got us cooking at home like champions again.

Why are you kind? This sweetly illustrated examination will make you kinder by introducing you to your empathy, and by pointing out what limits that empathy. Not just the everyday kindness of taking out your neighbour’s bins—the strong, courageous, moral kindness of fighting cruelty. It’s needed now more than ever. $24.99 – Souvenir Press MILK FED

By Melissa Broder

Now that we’ve cooked our way out of lockdown and are wondering what the hell to do next, our favourite ratbag is back – and he’s ready to teach us more about life in this thoroughly unhelpful (but maybe actually kinda helpful?) self-help guide. $32.99 – Ebury Australia

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Scathingly funny, wildly erotic and fiercely imaginative story about food, sex and god from the Women’s Prize longlisted author of The Pisces.Rachel is twenty-four, a lapsed Jew who has made calorie restriction and obsessive food rituals her religion. Then Rachel meets Miriam, a young Orthodox Jewish woman intent upon feeding her. Rachel is suddenly and powerfully entranced by Miriam – by her sundaes, her body, her faith and her family. $29.99 –Bloomsbury Circus

TO MY COUNTRY

By Ben Lawson

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It’s Christmas Eve and the Jolly Postman is delivering greetings to various fairy-tale characters - there’s a card for Baby Bear, a game appropriately called ‘Beware’ for Red Riding Hood from Mr Wolf, a get-well jigsaw for hospitalised Humpty Dumpty and three more surprise envelopes containing letters, cards, etc. Everyone’s favourite postman is now 20 years old and celebrates with a brand new cover look. $20.00 – Penguin Books

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THE CARBON-NEUTRAL ADVENTURES OF THE INDEFATIGABLE ENVIROTEENS

By First Dog On The Moon

Together, they are the EnviroTeens and they are about to get very, very angry. Singleuse Plastic Brendan may have an evil plan to destroy all the world’s turtles with his dastardly tur-telepooter but, believe it or not, there is something even more sinister than an angry plastic bag on a garbage island in the middle of the ocean ...

Climate change! $16.99 – Allen & Unwin

It’s Christmas Eve and Bluey, Bingo and Muffin decide to play a game called Verandah Santa! What will Santa bring them? A gorgeous hardback book for kids of all ages. $10.00 – Penguin Books

THE JOLLY CHRISTMAS POSTMAN

By Janet & Allan Ahlberg

HIS ONLY WIFE

By Peace Adzo Medie

Afi Tekple is a young seamstress living in a small town in Ghana with her widowed mother. One day, she is offered a life-changing opportunity – a marriage proposal from the wealthy family of Elikem Ganyo, a man she barely knows. Marriage could be the key to the life she’s always wanted, but when she meets Eli, Afi realises her fairy-tale ending might not be so straightforward. $35.99 – Oneworld

Ben Lawson was preparing for another Christmas away from home when the Black Summer bushfires began to burn their way across Australia’s eastern coast. As the bushfires continued to rage into the new year on an unprecedented scale, Ben, feeling angry, helpless and broken-hearted as he watched the devastation from across the ocean, sat down and put his feelings into words. $29.99 Allen and Unwin

VERANDAH SANTA

UN-COOK YOURSELF

By Nat’s What I Reckon

8

HO! HO! HO! THERE’S A HIPPOPOTAMUS ON OUR ROOF EATING CHRISTMAS CAKE

By Hazel Edwards

Share all the joy and fun of preparing for a family Christmas with your favourite characters from the best-selling picture book series, There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake. $19.99 – Penguin Books

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SMILING MIND BOOK 2: SUPER-ME

By Jane Martino and Annie White

Super-Me is the second book in the five-part mindfulnessinformed series, developed in collaboration with Smiling Mind, Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation in the pre-emptive mental health space.

Sonny’s tutu is his most special thing. It makes him SUPER! On his first day of school, Sonny has butterflies. He wants to wear his tutu so he feels super again, but nothing goes quite to plan. Will Sonny face his feelings and discover what really makes him super? $20.00 – Penguin Books

kiddo corner!

BTS WITH BTN Amelia Moseley reporting for KIDDO Mag!

In the News Not everyone celebrates Christmas (it’s traditionally a Christian holiday) and not everyone celebrates New Year’s Eve either – at least, not at the same time! Lots of cultures and religions celebrate the arrival of the New Year at very different times, like the Chinese New Year in February or Diwali the festival of lights in October.

But for those who ring in the New Year at the end of December, there are still all sorts of ways of celebrating other than fireworks! Well, the Dutch are really big fans of those actually; in The Netherlands, it’s legal to buy and set off your own fireworks on New Year’s Eve! Meanwhile, in Spain and some other Spanish-speaking countries people quickly eat 12 grapes on the strike of midnight to bring them good luck in the 12 months ahead. And in the United States, the most iconic New Year’s tradition is the dropping of a giant ball in New York City’s Times Square at the stroke of midnight. Millions of people around the world watch the event which has taken place almost every year since 1907. The ball has become a lot heavier over time though – it now weighs around 5,000kg!

Unfortunately, the pandemic will make a lot of these celebrations a bit different in 2020/2021, but hopefully we can all still celebrate our version of New Years safely together!

LISTEN UP Beautiful and Bittersweet by Mia Rodriguez GRAB YOUR POPCORN Christmas Movies! One of my favourite’s is Home Alone TURN THE PAGE Women In Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky GET OUT THERE If it’s safe to do so, then hit the beach!

It’s summertime!

Did You Know?

Santa Claus didn’t always wear red! At least, the Santa in pictures (you’ll have to ask the real one yourself!). While he wasn’t the first to draw Santa in a red and white suit with a black belt, an artist who worked for the soft drink brand Coca-Cola did make it iconic when he featured Santa in its ads in 1931.

GET CREATIVE My favourite holiday activity is baking! Ask a parent or guardian to help you out and try making something easy and delicious like sugar cookies.

Yum! SEARCH UP The Genius Dog Challenge ON BTN We’re on holidays for a bit like you are, but we’ll be back in February with all of the news you need to know in 2021!

BTN @10am Tues on ABCMe & Newsbreak @6.25pm Mon-Fri Find out more at abc.net.au/btn @behindthenews

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kiddo corner!

HENRY READS Resident Kiddo Book Reviewer: Henry Williams, 8 yrs WO R DS —

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W il lia m s

Hi, I am Henry. I love reading (I always have a book in my hand, except when I’m eating dinner, but that’s only because my mum won’t let me!), playing Roblox and Cricket. I have a twin sister and a little sister who drive me kinda crazy, but I love them anyway (shhh… don’t tell them that).

Gargantis is a story about a boy named Herbert Lemon and his friend Violet. Herbert washed up in a crate full of lemons one day in a town called Eerie-on-Sea where a host of crazy characters all live.

There’s a storm coming towards the town, and the local fishermen say a monster is causing it… the legendary Gargantis. They believe Gargantis lives in watery caves below the town and that he has been awoken because something of his has been stolen.

Violet work as a team to try and figure out what the Gargantis is searching for, and who stole it in the first place. There are so many possible suspects and strange characters living in the town, and so many clues for the pair to follow, it’s a great adventure with lots of twists and turns!

I loved that this book was such an awesome adventure story, and just when you think something good is about to happen, you’re surprised with something you’re not expecting! It’s so suspenseful and you’re never quite sure where the story will take you next.

What Gargantis is looking for might just be with Herbie himself. Herbie and

OlliIE COOKS! Do try this at home!

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Hi, I am Ollie. I love cooking (especially sweets), netball and fishing. I hope you enjoy this recipe and don’t forget to clean up afterwards!!!

L o s c h i a vo

This book is actually the sequel to another book by the same author, Malamander, but I hadn’t even read that one and still loved Gargantis and understood the storyline completely! You don’t necessarily have to have read Malamander to enjoy Gargantis. But now I really want to go back and read the first book too, and I bet you will too!

Gargantis by Thomas Taylor RRP $16.99

Christmas Cookies It’s beginning to smell, taste and look a lot like Christmas… I love making these Christmas cookies they have the perfect amount of spice and are a great gift idea for teachers and family.

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180C. Brush 2 baking trays with melted butter to lightly grease.

Ingredients • Melted butter, to grease

• 375g (2 1/2 cups) plain flour

• 125g butter, at room temperature

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 100g (1/2 cup, firmly packed) brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon mixed spice

• 125ml (1/2 cup) golden syrup

• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

• 1 egg, separated

• Plain flour, to dust​

Please always ask permission of a grown up when cooking. / 26

2. Use an electric beater to beat the butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and creamy. Add the golden syrup and egg yolk and beat until combined. Stir in the flour, ginger, mixed spice and bicarbonate of soda. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth.

Press dough into a disc. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.

3. Place the dough between 2 sheets of baking paper and roll out until about 4mm thick. Use an arrangement of christmas cookie cutters like stars and love hearts and ball ball’s and christmas trees. Place on trays about 3cm apart.

Repeat with any excess dough.

4. B ​ ake in the oven for 10 minutes or until brown. Remove from the oven. Transfer to a rack to cool. ​ENJOY!

MEET THIS MONTHS DOER

Fatima Salihi is a young refugee incredibly passionate about her community. During her time in Australia she has been involved with the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Glenelg Rotary Club and volunteered with Our Street Family Matters and St. Vincent De Paul Society.

As an Afghan refugee growing up in Pakistan, Fatima was not able to enrol in higher education. Since arriving in Australia in 2018, she has achieved a GPA high enough to follow her dreams to university, even in a second language!

“I see myself a completely different person from the day I first stepped in Adelaide,” she says.

“Today, I am studying my dream degree, I speak out in public without fear, volunteer to support people and help refugee and college students in my leadership roles. We all need to follow our dreams, take the advantage of every opportunity we have and welcome challenges as learning experiences.”

Fatima is currently in her 1st year of Medical Radiation Science and is heavily involved with her University community. She is the Vice President of UniSA Diaspora Club and a member of the Australian Migrant Recourse Centre Youth Leadership Group. Amongst all else she has also been sponsored to represent refugee and migrant youth in the Youth Parliament Project 2019-2020.

Follow @getaroundit_sa on Instagram to see what other young South Australians are up to in their own backyards.

Or why not nominate yourself or a young person you know who you think would make a great addition to the Get Around It showcase?

DM us!

kiddo corner!

KIDDO LOLS Crack your family up this Christmas with these Hilarious Christmas LOL’s!  Q. What do elves do after school?

A. Their gnome work.  Q. What comes at the end of Christmas?

A. The letter “S”!  Q. What’s red, white and blue at Christmas time?

A. A sad candy cane!  Q .What did one snowman say to the other snowman?

A. “Can you smell carrots?”  Q. What do angry mice send to each other in December?

A. Cross mouse cards!  Q. What is the wettest kind of animal in Santa’s workshop?

A. Rain-deer

Send your lols to hello@kiddomag.com

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Find 11 differences in the scenes below

I LLUSTR ATIONS — Jana from @wordfindersclub

P Y B I R T HDAY P A H

Staying in Port until Sunday 18 October 126 Lipson Street Port Adelaide - maritime.history.sa.gov.au

booe kand onlin e! sav

A travelling exhibition from the National Museum of Australia developed in collaboration with the ABC ©Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2020

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A L L IN C LUSI VE

Foods to calm not excite SIMPLE SUPERMARKET SWAPS TO BRANDS FREE FROM NASTIES! N a b ul a

SUPERMARKET SWAP

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On a mission to help her son, Nabula Brdar started to make simple swaps in the supermarket, to only buy brands 100% free from nasties. It took no time at all, but had such a positive impact on her child’s health and behaviour that she started Supermarket Swap.

The goal of Supermarket Swap is to educate and raise awareness of what is sneakily added into our food, and make it easy for other time-poor parents to slowly make some simple changes too.

Nabula is a mum who is passionate about people (especially kids) avoiding products that are loaded with sneaky additives and preservatives to help people make informed decisions in the supermarket. She now works with highly skilled Clinical Nutritionist and Naturopath, Maria Harpas, from Natural Health Medicine who is a superstar in her field, to help answer questions and share information about specific additives and preservatives!

Here’s a round-up of simple swaps you can make in the supermarket that may help to calm and not excite your child!

Fruit boxes If you went to primary school in the late 80’s it was pretty standard to have a fruit box every day with lunch. Fast forward to now and they’re given to our kiddos less frequently, but nevertheless are still a pretty popular choice!

Hardly any products in the supermarket are sacred when it comes to additives

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and preservatives; not even products made exclusively for kids lunch bags!

You will find that 90% of fruit boxes on the shelf contain either ‘natural flavours’, ‘natural colours’ or even preservative 202, Potassium Sorbate; which can be linked to behavioural problems (hyperactivity), skin ailments and even Asthma! Definitely not ideal for the classroom.

But then there’s nudie fruit boxes!

Zero additives or preservatives!

No added sugar. How refreshing!

Crispbreads Isn’t it good when a snack in a box doesn’t contain any nasties?

The classic Ryvita Crispbreads only contain 3 simple ingredients and zero additives or preservatives.

Processed foods sometimes get such a bad rap and we are made to feel guilty for buying or eating them - but the truth is most of us are consuming a processed product daily. The trick is to shop smart and to find products with simple, recognisable ingredients.

Roasted fav-va beans Wow, something that is flavoured by real ingredients; it’s actually a bit of a shock!

Most products that are ‘flavoured’ are filled with a zillion artificial (often nasty) additives and preservatives to create a ‘flavour’.

While the ‘flavour’ may taste perfect on your tastebuds, the saying ‘too good to be true’ is definitely applicable, as it’s simply a synthetic concoction created by a person in a lab coat.

Well not this delicious snackin-a-box, it’s proof that if brands go to a little more effort, they can create flavours using real, recognisable ingredients!

What a joy that would be!

Wraps It’s actually quite difficult to find a supermarket wrap that isn’t loaded with junk. How can a simple wrap contain over 10-20 ingredients?

Try Mountain Bread wraps!

They’re a lot thinner than many of the other wraps on the market but they do the job, taste great and have zero additives or preservatives!

Choc Bliss Bites This one is for the kids (although plenty of adults love them too!). A chocolatey snack that is free from any additive and preservative, gets a huge tick!

The sugar content is from dates, which also allows for a very soft, chewable snack for the little ones.

We all get constant requests for snacks in our households, so having nutritious, convenient options on hand is a win! Health Lab have launched a kids range to the market, which is also a hugely positive sign of how ingredient awareness is changing!

Ice blocks If you grew up in the 80’s and 90’s you know that Zooper Doopers were life in summertime. Back in the blissful days when ingredient lists were simply fine-print that our parents usually skimmed over.

But these days with over

80,000 processed foods on our supermarket shelves our generation has a little more to be concerned about!

Even Zooper Dooper realised their iconic product probably wasn’t the best for consumers (especially kids!) and released a sugar free range. Problem is, it still contains food colourings and preservatives.

Each one of those little number codes you see in an ingredient list represents a magnitude of potential side-effects.

Lucky for us brands like Proud & Punch evolved. Zero added sugar and no additives or preservatives, plus they taste great! And better yet, the mini pops are the perfect size for mini folk!

For more helpful SWAPS head to our Instagram page and SHARE the love! @supermarket.swap

A L L INCLUSIVE

Love Your Brain

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While the book is geared towards children, it really is for adults. I wanted to support adults with teaching WORDS — Liv Williams children about brain care and developing hild Behaviour expert, Chrissie a healthy language Davies, has over twenty years of around educating experience in advocating for and R T kids to behave more understanding children with challenging — Ch ris sie D a v ie s positively. If we centre behaviours. As a result of her work in this our understanding around field, Chrissie was inspired to write a book everything that our child’s brain needs, that will empower not only parents, but also then their behaviour inadvertently ends children, in how to handle big emotions. up being calmer, and they can learn to feel empowered in their own behaviour choices.

Love Your Brain is a book that engages parents and children in understanding their How does Love your Brain teach behaviour more positively by encouraging kids about inclusion/neurodiversity emotionally connected parenting and the and embracing differences? strengthening of relationships for all families, including those with neurodiverse children.

Neurological differences in children are not always visible. For example, a child We chat with Chrissie about the book and with autism or ADHD may not have a how we can all encourage our own kids to love noticeable or physical difference, their their brain… and what exactly that means! differences are in their brain, and the way they process information and ultimately Tell us about Love Your Brain, what was see the world. Often, we observe kids your inspiration behind writing the book? behaving in a certain way, but rarely do we bring it back to understanding One of the biggest societal changes that what is going inside their brains.

I work towards through my consultancy is to shift perceptions, knowledge and Many families teach their kids about understanding about how children learn to disabilities, but this comes from an behave. The reality is so many people still encounter with someone in a wheelchair believe that discipline is about controlling or more obvious physical differences. children, whereas I think it means an By teaching children that all people are opportunity to teach and empower kids. different because of their brains, we can Children learn best through doing, feeling, start to teach them that the ways other and a belief that they are valued and heard. people communicate and sometimes behave, are all unique and not something When we move away from control as to be afraid of or judgemental toward. our primary discipline method, we build relationships with our children based on What do you hope the book will teach empathy and trust. We have got to get children and their parents/caregivers? deeper into the hearts and minds of children to teach them how to understand themselves I really hope that the book will be used as and their world. When we understand child a teaching tool for families and educators. development, and we have a willingness to Storytelling and visual prompts are such spend time teaching children about how the powerful means of drawing children into world works, their relationships improve. discussions and tapping into their way of learning. The book will also provide grownTell us what the book is about. ups with useful sayings and phrases that they can incorporate into everyday language Love your Brain centres around the within their families and classrooms. main character, affectionately named ‘Little Brainiac’, who talks to our readers For children to take responsibility for their about their amazing brains. She also behaviour, they first must understand who teaches kids about the things they they are as human beings. Empowering can do to love and take care of their and encouraging children to be responsible brains, like getting enough sleep, eating for their own brain care, leads them to healthy foods and sending out positive understand themselves on a deeper messages to develop a growth mindset.

Emotion Stones Recognising facial expressions and understanding emotions helps children communicate their own feelings and empathise with others.

This beautifully crafted set of tactile stones is engraved with faces showing 12 common emotions: happy, sad, angry, frightened, worried, surprised, confused, bored, calm, proud, shy and embarrassed.

“By teaching children that all people are different because of their brains, we can start to teach them that the ways other people communicate and sometimes behave, are all unique and not something to be afraid of or judgemental toward” level, and they move towards taking responsibility for their own actions.

3 tips to help kids love their brain! about brains and emotions daily 1. Talk – in fact, as much as you can right from the minute, you finish reading this article. Kids who grow up in families with adults who embrace and celebrate emotions and talk openly about feelings become much more emotionally resilient and empathetic. your own healthy brain 2. Model care and talk about how you feel in front of your kids. not just read the book and talk 3. Do about it once! Kids need repetition and reminders for the concepts to be fully concrete and solidified. Our kid’s brains are growing and developing all the time, so approach your child’s behaviour with the understanding that they will get things wrong, but that these are incredible opportunities for learning and brain-building together.

Love your Brain is available online chaostocalmconsultancy.com RRP $27.50

Cast from a unique mix including real stone, they are durable for use in sand and water, indoors and out, providing plenty of opportunity to explore emotions across different environments and allowing children to explain what they feel when words are not enough.

Includes 12 pebbles and activity guide sistersensory.com.au

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A L L IN C LUSI VE

PLAYGROUND PROFILE:

Wilfred Taylor Nature Playspace The largest playspace in Adelaide’s south opened earlier this year for families to explore at Wilfred Taylor Reserve in Morphett Vale.

The $2.2 million nature-based playspace has been designed for people of all ages and abilities to explore, roam and enjoy the reserve’s gorgeous natural environment.

Highlights include a hills to beach creative sand and water play area, possum hangout rope challenge and slide tower, sensory discovery garden, cultural nature trail along Christie Creek and a junior nature play area.

Farm and nature themes are featured as a tribute to the site’s importance for Kaurna people, and the site’s history as a working farm from the 1840s to 1960s.

Stunning public art by local Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna and Yankunytjatjara artist Allan Sumner is scattered throughout the playspace, which also includes a “Farm Village” with farm-themed play equipment.

Future Girl by Asphyxia Future Girl explores what it means to come of age as a Deaf teenager, against the backdrop of a near-future Melbourne on the brink of environmental catastrophe.

Piper’s mum wants her to be ‘normal’, to pass as hearing and get a good job. But when Melbourne lurches towards environmental catastrophe, Piper has more important things to worry about, such as how to get food.

When she meets Marley, a CODA (child of Deaf adult), a door opens into a new world where Deafness is something to celebrate rather than hide, and where resilience is created through growing your own food rather than it being delivered on a truck.

As she dives into learning Auslan, sign

Inclusive play opportunities include: — basket swings — a bucket seat on the flying fox — wheelchair-accessible carousel — raised sensory garden beds — a raised sand play table — a vertical xylophone There are also grassed open spaces for events and ball games; pathways for children’s bikes and scooters; and amenities including bike racks, barbecues, picnic facilities, drinking fountains, seating, lighting, car parking and shelters to complete the playspace.

language that is exquisitely beautiful and expressive, Piper finds herself falling hard for Marley. But Marley, who has grown up in the Deaf community yet is not Deaf, is struggling to find his place in the hearing world. How can they be together?

Future Girl is told through the private art journal of sixteen-year-old Piper McBride.

The novel is a work of art itself, with every single page decorated in full colour, including full-page portraits, garden maps and stencils. It’s a visual extravaganza of text, paint, collage and drawings, woven into a deeply engaging coming-of-age story set in near-future Melbourne, created by Deaf writer, artist and activist, Asphyxia.

About Asphyxia Asphyxia is an artist, writer and public speaker. Author of the much-loved junior fiction series the Grimstones, Asphyxia

SPOT PAEDIATRICS

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08 7228 6825 www.spotpaediatrics.com.au

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Wilfred Taylor Reserve is located on the corner of Wheatsheaf and States Roads.

has also been a circus performer and puppeteer.

An avid art-journal creator, she loves to share her process and help others benefit from this amazing tool for self-expression, problem-solving, planning, goal-tracking and self-esteem.

Deaf since the age of three, Asphyxia learnt to sign when she was eighteen, which changed her life. She is now a Deaf activist, sharing details of Deaf experience. She raises awareness of oppression of Deaf people and what we can do to change this.

For ages 12 to adult RRP $24.99

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