Kids on the Coast Magazine - Gold Coast - Issue 44

kidsonthecoast ISSUE 44 | April/May 2013 | GOLD COAST

Screen Time:

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? KIDS IN THE KITCHEN MAKE YOUR OWN SKINCARE PRODUCTS FITNESS FOR KIDS GRAPPLING WITH GUILT MEET BINDI IRWIN PLUS HOLIDAYS, PARTIES, WHAT'S ON CALENDAR AND LOTS MORE!

Contents APRILMay2013

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From the Editor

22 EDUCATION: Kids in the kitchen

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Meet some of the team

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BABIES ON THE COAST: Grappling with guilt

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WHAT'S NEWS

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ONLY NATURAL: Why it's a good idea to make your own

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CHECK THIS OUT: New, fun and funky things

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FEATURE: Screen Time: How much is too much?

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IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU MUM!

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THE ‘P’ FILES: Making fitness a family affair

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LET’S CELEBRATE: Christenings and naming ceremonies

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Find out what’s happening on the

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PROFILE: Melbourne family escape (with kids)

Coast during April and May

42 REVIEWS

skincare products

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ISSUE 44: Luke Goldston, Sandra Smith, Maxine Arthur, Dr Scott Parsons, Aleney De Winter, Chaley-Ann Scott, Cassy Small COVER: Photography - Kimberley Pederson. Dress from Myer, Jacket from Pumpkin Patch. A very special thank you to our cover star Amelia.

Kids on the Coast magazine is printed with vegetable/soy based inks on paper supplied using pulp sourced from sustainable forests and manufactured to environmentally accredited systems. Kids on the Coast encourages recycling. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

PUBLISHED BY: THINGS 4 KIDS PTY LTD. PO Box 491, Eumundi QLD 4562 PHONE: 1300 430 320 FAX: 07 5471 2372 WEB: www.kidsonthecoast.com.au ABN: 86 473 357 391. All editorial and advertising in Kids on the Coast is published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers. No responsibility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

All material in Kids on the Coast is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Feedback/comments/ suggestions? Send to: editorial@kidsonthecoast.com.au. We aim to reply to all correspondence but don’t guarantee to do so. Letters to the editor may be edited for length or clarity.

PUBLISHER: Toni Eggleston ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Simone Bell EDITOR: Jackie Goldston EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Sandra Smith, Chaley-Ann Scott, Jackie Goldston, Gary Hands, Dr Sarah Lantz, Aleney de Winter ADVERTISING: For advertising enquiries please phone 1300 430 320 or email: advertising@kidsonthecoast.com.au LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY: Speak with your advertising coordinator or email: gc@kidsonthecoast.com.au Production Department: Email: production@kidsonthecoast.com.au ADMINISTRATION: Kellie Kruger DISTRIBUTION: Kids on the Coast (Sunshine Coast edition) is a free publication circulating over 20,000 copies from Caloundra to Noosa and through the hinterland. Separate edition covers the Gold Coast. For distribution enquiries please phone: 1300 430 320 or email: admin@kidsonthecoast.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN: Kimberley Pederson & Alana Falk APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

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some

Welcome to

kidsonthecoast

Sometimes it seems that we cannot escape screens. Wherever we are we are surrounded: from our phones and tablets to PCs, laptops and TVs. Our feature story this month explores the impact of the many screens that our children are exposed to every day – and what it means to their development.

We also look at why education in the kitchen is an important part of growing up, how to enjoy fitness as a family and how to make your own natural skin care products.

What were your expectations of parenthood? Before I moved home to the coast, I spent many years in a very corporate business environment so thought that I would be able to plan and control everything with my first child.

Discovering that my early parenting style was very much unplanned and without any routine caused me a great deal of guilt until I realised that I was actually enjoying myself and my son was perfectly happy.

In this edition of Kids on the Coast magazine we explore the concept of “mummy guilt”. Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to be something that we probably can never be?

I would love to hear what you think of our magazine. All of our articles are online and you can comment and discuss the topics on our website. Please feel free to contact me via Facebook.com/ kidsonthecoast, our website or email. And of course, keep an eye out for the stories, reviews, news and competitions that are added almost daily to our website!

Jackie Goldston Editor

of

MeettheTeam KIMBERLEY PEDERSON, KOTC Graphic Designer Before I had children… I have no idea what I did with my time!

My favourite book: I recently read Chocolat

by Joanne Harris and really

enjoyed it. Harris has a beautiful and descriptive way of writing that draws you into the landscape and has a fable-like quality to it that I really liked.

My favourite childhood book: That would easily have to be Enid Blytons The Magic Faraway Tree. Jo Bessie, Fanny, Saucepan man, Moonface, an enchanted tree and a bunch of different magic lands – what’s not to love!!

I remember when...using seatbelts were optional in cars – now I feel old.

What toys did you love as a kid? My Humphrey B Bear teddy. He came to my first day of school, to hospital, on holidays- pretty much everywhere. He’s a bit worse for wear now, but I still have him.

Favourite Sunday activity: Curling up with a good book.

My secret talent: I can still do the splits – does that count??

Absolute favourite food: Fresh raspberries and ice cream – yum.

What inspires you? Colour, pattern, light, architecture, fashion, books, my kids. What can I say - I’m a creative, I’m inspired by too many things to list.

What is the funniest thing your child has done or said? When my son started prep at a religious school he came home and insisted that he hated singing the cheese song. “What’s the cheese song”, I asked. “You know mum – the Cheese song”, at which point he started to sing “Cheeses loves me this I know, for the bible tells me so” What is your favourite saying? “Dream, Believe, Create, Succeed.”

ALANA FALK, KOTC Junior Graphic Designer and Production My mother always told me… “Don’t stand there and leave the fridge open, decide what you want to eat before you open the fridge”

My favourite book: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Hunter S. Thompson; a crazy story of two men chasing the American dream.

My favourite childhood book: Any of the Roald Dahl series, I love his imagination and illustrations.

What toys did you love as a kid? Besides my dolls I usually made toys out of random things I found around the house.

The best advice I’ve been given: Just be yourself I wouldn't leave home without: My bag containing all the necessary womanly items If I could live anywhere in the world I would live… Italy – pizza, pasta, oh la la!

My favourite Sunday activity: I love a lazy Sunday with friends - Sushi and a movie My secret talent: If I told you it wouldn't be a secret!

I am inspired by: Culture, researching and meeting new people.

When I grew up, I was going to be… A palaeontologist – I love dinosaurs

My absolute favourite food: Anything savoury

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

ADVERTISEMENT/LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE

Literacy At The Roots Of Early Education The highly acclaimed children’s picture book The Alphabet Tree by Leo Lionni has been the basis for an innovative and highly engaging new literacy program targeted at Kindergarten Children.

The Alphabet Tree complements other early literacy programs at Lindisfarne Grammar including the Cued Articulation and the Qld Early Literacy Foundation programs to ensure that all elements of the reading formula are practiced and reinforced to instil a lifelong love of reading.

The unique Alphabet Tree program is one of the key reasons Kindergarten children at Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School are excelling in early literacy after it was developed by the School’s Head of Primary, Michele Chandler, with Speech Pathologist Karyn Johns.

Mrs Chandler said, “Our unique program has been acknowledged as best practice due to its ability to introduce Kindergarten students to important concepts. For example, by visually using an image of a tree where each letter is written on a leaf at the top of the tree, words are written on the back of a bug and sentences are written on the back of caterpillars.”

“The teachers benefit by having a framework to work with what caters for the different learning styles of children within a group and easily gives the conceptualisation of the whole theme by viewing the leaves, word bugs and caterpillars as a collective whole co-existing on the tree” said Mrs Chandler.

This multisensory approach caters for different learning styles and each Kindergarten classroom has a visual Alphabet Tree mural and props for the word bug and sentence caterpillars which they place on the tree throughout literacy lessons. Mrs Chandler went on to say “This program works really, really well and is an interesting way for the children to learn the key elements required whilst having fun interacting with their class teacher who dress up as the word bug from time to time.”

LINDISFARNE ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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Tweed Heads South 07 5590 5099 enrolments@lindisfarne.nsw.edu.au

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APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

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Whatsnews

Stay up to date with your local community news.

If you have any unique news that you’d like to share, please contact our editor on editorial@kidsonthecoast.com.au

CAREERS EXPO 9 MAY 2013

The Gold Coast Careers Expo is an annual event originally developed to help young people engage in further education, apprenticeships and employment. However with the event now in its 29th year, it has grown from seeing attendance levels of 1,800 over two days to approximately 11,000 in one, and is no longer specifically designed just for young students. Put it in your diary now for 9th May and visit www. gccareersexpo.com.au for more information.

WOMEN'S HEALTH AND WELLBEING EXPO

SCARY UK

Smoking Research Around 207,000 children aged 11-15 start smoking in the UK every year according to new research published in March. This means that nearly 570 children are lighting up and becoming smokers for the first time every day in Britain. In Australia, 70, 000 young people (under 18’s) start smoking in Australia every year - that's about 191 a day. More than 100,000 Australian schoolchildren smoke regularly - and many more are exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke in homes and public places.

For information on how to help your child (or yourself) to quit, visit www.quit.org.au

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

Your responsibility A reminder: All domestic animals, must be contained to their property at all times.

Wandering pets are at risk of injury from fights, snakes, ticks, disease or being hit by a car. Council’s Animal Management team works with Gold Coast residents to ensure animals are appropriately cared for and managed, to maintain the health and wellbeing of our community and its animals, as well as the ongoing protection of our environment. Gold Coast City Council has regulations in place for most types of domestic animals. Animal owners are responsible for ensuring pets are registered, healthy, safe and do not create a nuisance in the neighbourhood.

DID YOU KNOW? ONLY 11% OF THE POPULATION ARE LEFT HANDED? MACADAMIA NUTS ARE TOXIC TO DOGS?

18-19 MAY 2013 Women's Health and Wellbeing Expo is on from 18-19 May and is an opportunity for women of the Gold Coast to gather their girlfriends for a weekend of inspiration, information and fun. The expo places a strong emphasis on recognising and celebrating women’s lifestyles in all of their vibrancy and diversity. There is also A Woman's HeART Exhibition, a collection of art mediums from the heart of women. The exhibition will be held either side of the Expo, 14-27 May. The exhibition will showcase how women can express themselves through their creativity to overcome the barriers in their lives. There is also healthy cooking demonstrations, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise seminar series, free yoga and over 50 exhibitors.

For more information visit: www. womenshealthandwellbeingexpo. com.au

YOUR PET =

Super Picky?

More reasons to learn to swim Children who learn how to swim at a young age are reaching many developmental milestones earlier than the norm. Researchers from the Griffith Institute for Educational Research surveyed parents of 7000 under-fives from Australia, New Zealand and the US over three years. A further 180 children aged 3, 4 and 5 years have been involved in intensive testing, making it the world’s most comprehensive study into early-years swimming.

Lead researcher Professor Robyn Jorgensen said the study showed young children who participate in earlyyears swimming achieve a wide range of skills earlier than the normal population.

Are your kids super-picky about what they want to eat? It may be all your fault – or at least your gene’s! A new study has shown that kids may not want to try new foods because of their genetic makeup.

The study at the University of North Carolina’s (UNC) Gillings School of Global Public Health adds to the growing body of knowledge that genes play a significant role in children’s eating behaviour, including the tendency to avoid new foods. ‘In some respects, food neophobia, or the aversion to trying new foods, is similar to child temperament or personality,’ lead researcher Prof Myles Faith said. ‘Some children are more genetically susceptible than others to avoid new foods. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t change their behaviours and become a little less picky,’ he said www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Checkthisout 2

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6 1. MAGIC TREE: If you are a 70's baby you may very well remember your own version of the Magic Tree! It is now electronic with lots of fun activities to explore: a lift to wind up and down, a slide, a little car, a swing, a seesaw, birds singing. Age 3+ www.lesfolies.com.au RRP $180 2. SCRUB CARDS: 'Scrub' plantable seed cards are made by hand in Australia from 100% recycled paper embedded with live seeds such as Chamomile, Thyme, Swan River Daisy, that grow when the card is planted. RRP $6.95 www.youearthme.com 3. ROLLER MAP: Tiger Tribe's 3 in 1 map makes learning fun and easy. Easy to hang, compact to store, with Australia, the world and world maps on different pull downs. Ages 6+ www.babyroo.com.au RRP$39.99 4. GAMES IN A BAG: Swinging Tales has designed beautifully hand crafted material games including dominoes, eye spy and snap. Easy to store and throw in your bag for fun anywhere. From $28.95 From Mumzie in Marcoola, Ph. 5448 9060 or www.facebook.com/Mumzieforbaby 5. EXPANDING CITY SKYLINE: Learn, play and explore major cities of the world with the range of three dimensional city skylines, including Dublin, Rome, Paris, New York and London. RRP $12.99 www.fishpond.com.au 6. TEETHING TWIST: A funky BPA free silicone Padlock keychain teether with a twist – Jellystone creates products that can be safely sucked, chewed and used for independent play RRP $13 www.jellystonedesigns.com www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

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Feature

SCREEN TIME: how much is too much?

SCREENS ARE HARD TO AVOID THESE DAYS. WHETHER THEY ARE TELEVISION SCREENS, COMPUTERS, SMART PHONES OR TABLETS IT SEEMS THAT WE ARE NEVER MORE THAN ARM’S LENGTH FROM SOMETHING WE CAN TURN ON, TUNE INTO AND DROP OUT OF THE NORMAL FLOW OF THE WORLD AROUND US.

by Luke Goldston

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

FOR ADULTS WHO HAVE SEEN THE CHANGES IN TECHNOLOGY IN THE PAST TWENTY YEARS AND PERHAPS REMEMBER A TIME RELATIVELY FREE OF SUCH INTRUSIONS THIS MAY BE DISCONCERTING; BUT FOR OUR CHILDREN A WORLD OF COMPLETE CONNECTIVITY IS ALL THEY’VE EVER KNOWN.

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t has been said that this is the first generation of children raised entirely in a digital world.

It’s a natural reaction for parents to fear this dramatic difference in their children’s upbringing but how much of this fear is justified and what are the consequences for their health and social development?

Even beyond their physical and mental health, there is the worry that our children are evolving into adults who we can barely relate to. Children are the most adaptable of creatures and they seem to be adapting perfectly to a strange,

new virtual world. In the digital age, the change in notions like privacy (where your thoughts and feelings are considered valid only in proportion to how many people they are shared with), identity (where almost everyone has multiple on-line personas) and success (where computer game levels and Facebook ‘likes’ often seem to be more important than real world achievements) can make the prospect of finding common ground and common values with our kids seem elusive.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? Do kids really spend that much time glued to a screen? In a word, yes. A recent American study found that children aged between 8 and 18 spent, on average, a staggering 7½ hours per day using media including television, computers, mobile phones and MP3s. This was nearly 1 ½ hours more than the average 5 years before. The increase is largely explained by the growth in portable devices such as internet capable phones, tablet computers and MP3 players. 11 to 14 year olds were particularly high users, with nearly 9 hours per day.

Australian children are a couple of hours behind in this but our numbers are growing steadily as these devices are being adopted by young-

er and younger children. Since the early years of this century the pattern seems to be that TV watching has remained fairly steady, as has the level of participation in physical activity. What has changed dramatically has been the impact of computer and internet time. And if the American example is anything to go by, it will continue to trend upwards.

NOT ALL SCREENS ARE EQUAL There are a wide variety of activities defined as ‘media usage’ such as television watching, computer gaming, the internet, smart phones, tablets and portable music players. Most studies, however, agree on one thing: television is still king. Although patterns of usage have altered dramatically in the past decade, children still spend the majority of their screen time, and in many cases the majority of their overall leisure time, watching television.

Whilst television watching remains the most time consuming activity it has actually decreased in the past decade according to Australian government statistics. Children are also significantly less likely to have a TV in their bedroom than they were ten years ago, though this may be explained by the increased ability to carry a screen around with you wherever you go. continued on next page...

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From Art Room To Your Room!

Your child’s art:

Do you have hundreds of precious drawings, paintings and creations that your child has made sitting in boxes, drawers and on the walls around your home? Imagine your child’s art, their story, beautifully collated to frame, hang, keep or give! The inspiration behind ArtRooms was simple. Friends Martine and Karen wanted to celebrate their children’s art, get it out of storage, and put it up on the wall for all to enjoy.

out of storage and into an artrooms collage.

WRhinoART/KotC0313

“At first we thought to frame a few special pieces, there were so many to choose from and we loved them all,” says Martine. From there the idea for the “ArtRooms Collage” was born. Instead of framing individual pieces, the girls decided to take all of these masterpieces and frame them into one brilliant work of art!

www.artrooms.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

There are a variety of sizes to choose from; starting from just a 4 image collage through to a 56 image collage. The layout of your collage will be designed by Artrooms professional team of graphic designers, all with a trained eye for layout and a fantastic dose of creative flair. They have a great understanding of colour and composition, guaranteeing the design of your collage is in safe hands. A copy of the collage will be emailed to you for approval. Once approved, we print, frame and deliver to your door! A unique collage of your child’s artwork, ready to hang.

Celebrate art.

See, feel, remember and be moved by a collage of your child’s own work.

Invest in a work of art – your child’s. www.artrooms.com.au APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

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Feature

Children are the most adaptable of creatures and they seem to be adapting perfectly to a strange, new virtual world.

Television remains popular but the way children watch it is changing. In America, only just over half the time spent watching television is on a traditional television set, with the rest watched on computers online or on portable devices such as tablets and phones.

THE GENDER GAP Boys and girls do things a little differently. In very general terms, boys are more likely to use media to play and escape, girls are more likely to use it to communicate.

According to Australian government statistics, boys tend to play computer games much more than girls and for much longer. In contrast, girls spend a lot more time communicating online via messaging, chat, email and social websites and were far more likely to post personal information online. Girls also listen to music players and use mobile phones much more often than boys. Finally, it will come as little surprise to many that girls spend a lot more time multitasking; that is doing two or more activities at once. It’s also worth noting that boys tend to become adept with technology beyond simple usage at much

higher rates than girls, being much more likely to go into technology based careers.

WHAT DOES IT DO TO YOUR BRAIN? The study of the effects of televisions and computer usage on social and personality development is still in its infancy. There is some evidence linking excessive usage to depression and isolation, just as there is some evidence of higher levels of aggressiveness in players of violent games. The issue of cause and effect is not fully established though. For instance, perhaps people already suffering from depression and feelings of isolation will naturally gravitate towards spending much of their free time away from other people on the computer, just as people with pre-existing violent tendencies may be more attracted to violent games.

A recent German study found that children who are frequent video gamers seem to have enlarged ‘reward centres’ in their brains; those areas that deal with effort and reward. Whether this is a characteristic of people who are more drawn to gaming or an effect of their reward centres being stimulated artificially by the gaming environment

is unclear. The latter possibility raises the question of how kids who are constantly bombarded with artificial rewards for effort cope in the more mundane reality of everyday life, where rewards for acting and living well may be delayed or less easily defined.

On the other hand, home computer use does appear to have some correlation to better academic performance and, obviously, computer literacy. There are even studies which show that video games can improve all sorts of specific skills like flying a plane or complicated surgery.

Computers and game based learning sites have become increasingly popular in even very small children, becoming a significant part of the curriculum at many schools. While it’s questionable whether this kind of learning is any better than traditional methods for literacy and numeracy there is no doubt that it has the benefit of being highly motivating for most children. The same kinds of ‘tricks’ that game developers use to make action games addictive to children can be effective in making them ‘addicted’ to learning.

Advocates of children’s television also believe that it’s a particularly effective tool to give basic continued on next page...

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

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Lakeside Rooms Lakeside Rooms is the first multidisciplinary group private practice for mental health professionals on the Gold Coast; offering services to patients from psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health occupational therapists, speech pathologists and mental health social workers.

Working with families and their children for over 10 years Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Mental Health Social Worker and Occupational Therapist and Speech Pathologists at Robina, Gold Coast.

Phone: 07 5562 0466 www.lakesiderooms.com.au email: reception@lakesiderooms.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

The Lakeside Perinatal Wellness Program was developed to create an accessible, holistic and collaborative response to the unmet need of women, their infants and families, whilst in the perinatal period. It aims to assist women at risk of or experiencing symptoms of depression, low mood, and/or anxiety, with psychosocial barriers to perinatal wellness. In a safe and nurturing environment the Beyond Baby Blues group program aims to focus on improving the resilience and wellbeing of mums, and therefore the relationship with her infant.

Group therapy is an important adjunct to individual therapy. Lakeside Rooms offers group programs for children and families including: Emotional Resilience: “Resilience” in psychology is the positive capacity of people to cope with stress and adversity. This coping may result in the individual “bouncing back” to a previous state of normal functioning, or using the experience of exposure to adversity to produce a “steeling effect” and function better than expected. Sugar & Spice: Sugar and spice and all things nice, that’s what little girls are made of. Without warning though, your little girl is confronted with whispers, rumours, gossip, and nasty behaviours.

From the beginning of Grade Three, girls start using exclusionary tactics and other covert ways of bullying with the intent to isolate and hurt their friends.

Study Skills Workshop: High school can be challenging for many students.

The ability to study, plan and manage time are skills that can be taught and are valuable in school and in life. These skills are a better predictor of success than intelligence.

APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

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Feature education to a wide population, but particularly to disadvantaged kids whose home lives may be otherwise lacking in educational opportunities.

ADHD AND SCREENS Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is characterised by difficulties in focus or attention, hyperactivity and/or impulsiveness. Controversially, the diagnosis of ADHD in children has risen sharply in the last ten years (as has the rate at which sufferers are medicated). Nobody knows exactly why this is. Certainly a lot of it can be attributed to increased awareness, changing definitions in the diagnosis and an increased willingness amongst health care professionals to diagnose it. However, there is some evidence to suggest that ADHD sufferers are more likely to develop addictive computer usage.

Although there may be a link, there is currently no firm evidence to say that computer usage causes ADHD. In fact, there is a suggestion that ADHD sufferers’ inability to focus disappears during computer games, which may be why they are so drawn to them. Ironically, one of the latest therapies for ADHD is gaming programs designed to improve focus and attention.

While the jury seems to be still out on whether excessive screen time actually causes full blown ADHD, it does seem that time spent glued to computer games or televisions is not beneficial for the ability of kids to concentrate on low stimulation activities like homework.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BORED Our addiction to screens can, of course, be attributed largely to the rapid advance of communications technology; but hand in hand with this has been what appears to be a change in attitude towards stimulation and boredom. Sometimes it seems like boredom is treated as a disease for which TV and computers are the cure. Boredom, though, is by no means bad for children. If necessity is the mother of invention, perhaps boredom is a parent to creativity. Being bored is an often necessary step towards learning, a means of teaching children to create their own fun.

Parents may just have to accept that creativity is sometimes preceded by – and even accompanied by – chaos and disruption. Adapting to boredom is a skill like any other in life. Those children who are well adapted to it will find it much easier than those who’ve never had the chance to be bored and make their own fun.

THE COUCH POTATO EFFECT Television may well be the most effective means that humanity has devised to get people to sit still for large periods of time and the resulting effects on health can be significant. A 2012 University of Queensland study found that the amount of time

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

HABIT FORMING

• The government and health experts recommend no TV before age 2 at the youngest and one hour at the most for 2-5 year olds. Try not to use TV as a babysitter.

• Don’t make television a backdrop to your everyday life. TV time should involve a conscious choice to sit down and watch a particular show. Try putting the television in a less accessible area.

• Model good behaviour yourself. Children tend to be strongly influenced by parental habits.

• Take the time to understand the technology, games and TV shows your kids play and watch. Where possible, try to do it with them. The better you understand it yourself, the better you can make informed decisions about it.

The optimum time to watch television per day is less than two hours, with greater than four hours considered potentially dangerous. we spend on our backsides could be almost as significant as smoking when it comes to predicting when we die. Surprisingly, these dangers do not seem to be mitigated by how much exercise we do. The study found that the optimum time to watch television per day is less than two hours, with greater than four hours considered potentially dangerous.

There is also a steadily growing body of evidence that television watching time and screen time generally as a young child can fairly accurately predict adult obesity. With the childhood obesity rate in Australia around 25%, and hours spent sitting in front of a screen growing, this is becoming a more significant problem all the time.

Some researchers believe that there is a difference between so-called ‘passive’ activities like television and ‘active’ media usage like games and internet communication, which require a significant degree of input and interaction. They

cite studies which show an increase in energy expended while playing video games compared to television. While there may be an element of truth to this, neither of these activities remotely compares to actually getting up and moving for health benefits.

Whether we like it or not, the new media is here to stay and the benefits of these advances are tremendous. The ability to communicate, learn and inhabit virtual worlds that exists today is unprecedented and largely unanticipated a generation ago and who knows where we will be in another generation.

In the most important ways, though, children haven’t changed. They still need time to interact face-to-face with each other and with adults, to explore and to get stronger. Perhaps most importantly, they need to learn to use their own imaginations as well as just inhabiting the worlds created by someone else’s. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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T he P Files

Making fitness a family affair

By Maxine Arthur

THE MESSAGE IS HITTING HOME – WE NEED TO EAT BETTER AND MOVE MORE. POOR FOOD CHOICES AND AN INCREASINGLY SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE MEAN THAT MANY AUSTRALIANS ARE OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE AND ARE AT INCREASED RISK OF DEVELOPING DISEASES SUCH AS DIABETES, CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND ARTHRITIS. IT IS EVEN MORE WORRYING THAT THESE DISEASES ARE SHOWING UP IN YOUNGER PEOPLE, INCLUDING CHILDREN. FITNESS: A FAMILY AFFAIR. Fit kids need a balance of good nutrition, exercise and rest and it is up to parents to encourage a healthy lifestyle by example.

Dr Rachel Cole, lecturer in health promotion at the University of the Sunshine Coast, says: “Parents' roles in physical activity are as important as their roles in homework. Parents should allocate some time each day to spend with their child being physically active. Australian studies have shown that parents' influence is a significant factor in promoting participation in physical activity in children and young people.

Parental role modelling, support, encouragement and praise, both during games and sport and outside, act as positive influences in promoting physical activity, especially among girls.”

Jacqui Louder, Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre sports psychologist and a specialist in children’s sport agrees. “Children are more influenced by behaviours than words - if they see their parents go for a walk after dinner or spend time outside it helps. Parents who encourage their kids to participate in organised sport and then take an active role in the management also make it good family time, for example, scoring at basketball, team managing, going and watching

their kids participate - not dropping them off and never watching, or sitting in the car reading while they play, compete or train.”

Healthy eating and activity habits established in early childhood as part of the family’s lifestyle are likely to carry over into adulthood. Studies also show that regular exercise lifts mood, helps to prevent depression and boosts energy levels.

This applies equally to children. Fit kids are more likely to perform well at school and behave better.

FAMILY FITNESS: GETTING OFF THE COUCH If you want your child to be active, experts say, lead the way. Children frequently tell researchers that the number one thing they want is to spend more time with their parents. Walk, ride bikes, swim or kick a football together. Develop an attitude that says, ‘This is fun’ and an opportunity to spend quality time together, rather than ‘boring’ exercise.

Finding time is usually the biggest hurdle to becoming more active, and the biggest time thief is small-screen entertainment.

Dr Cole says, “Sedentary recreation is a major barrier to physical activity (for example, television, computer and internet). There is a window of opportunity between 3.30 and 6.30pm. Children

should be encouraged outdoors to play in the yard or explore their neighbourhood.”

Experts recommend limiting small-screen time - television, video games, computer, phone texting and chat - to one or two hours a day. Less is better.

Keep the television out of kid’s bedrooms and place electronic devices in a family area so that claims that ‘It’s homework!’ can be monitored.

Be prepared to limit your own use of technology, in order to free up time for a family activity.

Instead of preparing dinner with an eye on the television, turn it off and involve the kids in preparing the meal.

Louder recommends turning the television off during meals. “If children grow up where it is normal to eat as a family each night then they learn to stop and have meals, sit down, catch up with people and that meals are time together.

Sitting for ten minutes after completing meals, rather than getting up straight up after a meal, helps digestion. A family that always eats in front of the television promotes bad food behaviours.”

TIPS FOR ACTIVE FAMILIES: • Walk to school with your child, if possible. If you must drive, park further away from the school and walk to the gate. continued on next page...

14

Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

KindyROO and

BabyROO

Fun, weekly after school, weekend & school holiday soccer programs for girls & boys aged 2-8

INFANTS (8wks to 12mths) TODDLERS (1-3yrs) PRESCHOOLERS (3-5yrs)

• Mudgeeraba • Elanora • Robina • Coolangatta • Surfers Paradise • Southport • Upper Coomera • Gaven

Come and Learn through play!

Discovery and Playtime in the Gym, on large equipment for gross motor skills & small equipment for fine motor skills, balance/vestibular, music & movement & parachute at mat time.

Literacy, phonics, numeracy, art/craft & school readiness for 3 – 5yrs

ENROL NOW!

KindyROO is an established research-based educational

Australian program for children between 6 wks & 4 yrs old

KindyROO is designed and taught by professionally qualified instructors

Email info@littlebigsport.com.au Phone 0426 236 063 www.littlebigsport.com.au

Junior Roller Derby

Come and be part of the most awesome sport on the planet!

Twin Towns Derby Brats Gold Coast Tweed's Premier Junior Roller Derby League

Co-Ed 7-17 yrs.

Click on www.kindyroogoldcoast.com for Centres, Course content, days & times

0411 109 853

email: goldcoast@kindyroo.com.au Phone: 5503 0937

www.twintownsderbybrats.com.au

The Mummy Tree Markets The designer Market for the hip and stylish family offering boutique products and services, fabulous family entertainment and gourmet food

ROBINA

www.facebook.com/ www.inspiremebyjaniceferguson.com.au ImpressionableKidsSouthGoldCoastTweed

Robina State School, Cnr GlenEagles Drive & Killarney Avenue Next Market: Saturday 13th April, 9am-1pm Daytime Saturday 8th June, 9am-1pm Daytime

SANCTUARY COVE

www.maxandsoda.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

http://flights-of-fancy.com.au/

Off MastHead Way (Carpark) Saturday 20th July 9am-1pm Daytime

APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

15

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•

• • • • • • •

Dr Cole says, “I am a big advocate of active travel to school (walking or cycling). Not only does it have physical activity benefits, it has mental health benefits - young people gain a sense of independence and also learn and practice navigational skills. (There is research to suggest some children do not know how to get to school or have never crossed a road on their own because they are not allowed to explore their neighbourhood on their own.)”.

Be creative in discovering activities that will interest your child. Suggest to the keen reader that you walk or bike to the nearest library. Nature walk with the child who likes to collect bits for art or science activities.

Dance in the living-room if your child is musical: it will be a stress-buster for both of you.

Offer positive feedback and support via descriptive comment. “I noticed you drank all of your water bottle today. Healthy choice!”

Make a birthday party an activity party – bowling, indoor climbing, oldfashioned novelty races (egg and spoon, three-legged races, sack races).

Let your child choose a weekly activity. Set some ground rules about for example, maximum cost.

Organise family outings and family holidays that involve physical activity.

Give activity-related gifts, sports equipment, games or outings.

Keep a sports bag in the car boot, or the garage, of equipment like bats, balls, frisbees, kites, bucket and spade.

Involve your child in household activities, such as gardening, washing the car, cleaning and shopping for food.

ORGANISED SPORT AND GYM PROGRAMS

SOME FUN ACTIVITIES FOR THE FAMILY THAT DON’T FEEL LIKE EXERCISE INCLUDE: • Fly a kite in the park or at the beach • Dance to favourite music • Ride bicycles along the river or use bike paths • Play a family game of table tennis • Swim and splash about at the local pool • Walk the dog • Throw a frisbee • Roller-skate, rollerblade or skateboard (insist that everyone wears appropriate safety equipment) • Jump on a trampoline.

Source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE FOR CHILDREN INCLUDE: • Improve cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs) • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight • Improve posture • Better sleep • Boost self-esteem and confidence • Improve concentration • Help relaxation • Build strong bones and muscles • Improve balance and develop skills • Maintain and develop flexibility • Opportunities to make friends and enhance social skills.

Source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Participating in team sports and structured classes can offer your child many benefits.

Improved fitness, social skills, lessons in discipline, teamwork, coping with winning and losing, time management and opportunities for leadership are all positives. Consider costs and the time commitment involved versus the possible benefits before signing up.

Many activities and sports have been adapted for toddlers including dance, soccer, tennis and gymnastics. Your child’s enthusiasm for a sport or activity, rather than their potential to be the next champion, should guide choices. Focus on enjoyment, participation and effort, rather than winning and losing. Research shows many children give up competitive sport altogether by age 13. The main reason children quit is “It’s just not fun any more”.

Louder says, “Parents need to listen to their child and be aware of when it is not fun and why. Make sure it's the right reasons - not because they are not winning or not the best in the team.”

Encourage your child to try a variety of sports and activities. Soccer, swimming and Australian Rules top the most-popular list for boys, while the girls’ top three are swimming, netball and gymnastics. Surfing, tennis, skateboarding, bike riding, martial arts, running and dancing are all popular.

ENCOURAGING HEALTHY EATING It is difficult to have the energy to be active if you are not eating right.

Health authorities recommend the following: • Ensure your child eats a healthy breakfast to provide fuel for an active day.

• Talk with your kids about ‘everyday’ foods that improve our health, and ‘sometimes’ foods that offer little or no health benefits, rather than labelling food as ‘good’ or ‘bad’.

• Promote the ‘2 and 5’ message – aim to eat two fruits and five vegetables a day.

• Make your pantry a junk-free zone. Limit the high fat, high sugar, low nutrient snacks you buy (soft drinks, lollies, chips and snack bars). If it isn’t in the pantry, it can’t be consumed. Stock up on healthy, nutritious foods instead. continued on next page...

16

Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Aerial Arts Circus Arts Acrobatics Hula Hooping Tight Rope Walking Juggling Dancing!

(07) 5522 0702 28 Hutchinson St, Burleigh QLD academy@aerialangels.com.au

www.aerialangels.com.au

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• Private vocal coaching • Live performance stage • Glee groups 7-16 years • Musical Theatre • Tiny Tots

FOR NEW ENQUIRIES Mention this ad before April 15, 2013 and receive 10% off when paying upfront for term 2 when booking in a full term of lessons for any class. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

To enrol for term 2 please contact Tiffani on 0451822790 or tiffani@tiffaniwood.com. www.tiffaniwood.com www.facebook.com/tiffaniwoodvocalcoaching *Located at Burleigh Heads APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

17

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• Base your shopping list around the basic foods – fruit, vegetables, wholegrain cereals, lean meats and fish, and low-fat dairy foods. Involve your children in making healthy choices and in food preparation.

• Offer healthy snacks such as fresh fruit, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, whole-grain pretzels or raw vegetables.

• Drink water (two litres a day), milk and small amounts of fresh juice.

• Be aware of serving size and prepare the right amount.

• Eat mindfully, not mindlessly. Switch the television off and eat dinner together at the table where you can talk and laugh about the day’s events.

• Avoid using unhealthy foods as treats or bribes for good behaviour. Reward children with hugs and praise or ‘active’ treats such as a trip to the local swimming pool.

KEEPING A BALANCE How much activity does your child need for good health? The Department of Health recommends three hours a day of moderate activity for underfive’s, and at least an hour a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day for six years and over.

Australia’s largest

This could include organised sport, activity classes, informal games and play. A variety of sports and activities is recommended rather than early specialisation. Some studies have identified over-use injuries and early ‘burn-out’ in children who are pushed too early, too hard, in a particular sport by parents and coaches.

Children all have individual abilities, interests and temperaments. Some will thrive on organised sport and activity classes. Some like a competitive environment and some are intimidated by it.

Some would much rather enjoy backyard play, informal games and spending active time with friends and family. If your aim is a fit child, not a stressed one, observe how your child reacts in different activity settings.

Keep in mind that free play can be a very positive thing for your child. It is an opportunity for your child to explore, experiment and have fun without any pressure to ‘perform’.

Michael Grose, Australian parenting educator and author of several books, has warned of the dangers of putting too much pressure on children at an early age in order to give them that ‘winning edge’ in a highly competitive world. “Parents need to have a little faith that the time that they spend with young children is actually beneficial

Call for a free trial 5 sports covered

in giving them the good start in life that they are looking for”, Michael says.

“It seems that it would be more beneficial for the whole family to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle, than hire a trainer to give kids a workout.”

A middle course seems most sensible. Start with lots of active play and outings with family and friends. Establish healthy eating habits early.

Encourage and support your child’s choice of sports and activities as they become more independent. Most of all, lead by example.

RESOURCES: • http://health.act.gov.au/kids-at-play A store of practical ideas for healthy eating and active play for 0-5 year olds.

• http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au Click on Get Active in the topics list for suggestions to get the whole family involved in fitness.

• http://nutritionaustralia.org Click on Food and Nutrition tab for healthy recipes and fact sheets such as: - Brainy Breakfast Ideas - Healthy Snacks for Under 5’s through to teens.

- Healthy Lunch Ideas for Under 5’s.

- For Panicky Parents with Fussy Eaters

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Soccer for kids aged 18mths to 7 years

You are never too young to start playing Soccer.

Classes available at these locations: Paradise Point • Pacific Pines • Southport Carrara • Burleigh • Currumbin • Varsity Lakes • Ormeau

www.littlekickers.com.au 18

Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

fun

rugby skills

ages 2½ to 7 Little Rugby offers a fun-filled introduction to non-contact rugby with imaginative, playful games in a safe environment.

Three separate age groups running from ages 2½ to 7th birthday. CALL FOR FREE TRIAL 07 5535 8640

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APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

19

CALENDAR

April

Autism Awareness month http://www.autismawareness.com.au

Gold Coast

A calendar of regular weekly events is available online. For details of playgroups, library activities, weekly sporting events, craft classes, Australian Breastfeeding Association meeting times and much more, visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au 5 April, 21 May

5-14 April

Screamworld at Dreamworld

National Youth Week

Where: Dreamworld When: 6.30 – 10pm If you've conquered Dreamworld's Big 8 Thrill Rides, try doing it in the dark. BuzzSaw, The Tower of Terror II, Giant Drop, Wipeout, Cyclone, The Claw, Pandamonium & Mick Doohan's Motocoaster will swing into scream mode as part of a massive moonlight mix. Finish the night with DJ tunes and Dreamworld’s laser spectacular!

Cost: Single Tickets $39.99/pp or for Groups 4+ $29.99/pp (discount only available online).

Contact: www.dreamworld.com.au

National Youth Week is an annual, weeklong celebration of young people (12 to 25) throughout Australia. National Youth Week encourages youths to share ideas, attend events, discuss youth issues, showcase their talents and even have a bit of fun.

1300 363 079 www.youthweek.com/

8 – 12 April

6 April

9 April (6 – 9yrs) 11 April (10 – 12 yrs)

Street Vibe in Pacific Pines

Where: David Fleay Wildlife Park When: 9am – 12pm Sneak a peek into the exciting world of a wildlife ranger at David Fleay Wildlife Park.

Discover what goes on with behind the scenes activities and experience close encounters with wildlife. Bookings required.

Cost: $18.80 Contact: Jessica Rosewell, (07) 5576 2411, jessica.rosewell@nprsr.qld.gov.au, http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/ connect-with-nature/index.html

Where: Viney Park Coomera When: 3.30 – 8.30pm Celebrating the community and National Youth Week all in one fun-filled evening, including BBQ, ice cream and drinks, live music, skate & scooter jam - bring your scooter or skateboard, giveaways, storytelling, competitions, Gold Coast City Council “free trees’ (no rates notice needed), Movie: Red Dog (PG) starts at 7pm and so much more Cost: Free Contact: Nicole Williams (07) 5581 6687

20 April

20 April

Beachcare: Nth Burleigh

Where: Surfers Paradise Beach When: 7 – 9pm Surfers Paradise Festival celebrates their passion for pyrotechnics with Seafire, a night of hypnotic fire performance and thrilling fireworks above Surfers Paradise Beach.

See the Surfers Paradise Foreshore glow like never before! Everyone loves fireworks, everyone loves Surfers Paradise. Combining the two was easy.

Cost: Free Contact: http://www.surfersparadisefestival. com

20 April

Where: Firth Park, Somerset Drive, Mudgeeraba When: 7 – 9pm Bring a blanket or chair for the family favourite film 'The Green Hornet' which will commence at 7pm. In the event of wet weather visit www.gcparks.com.au or call (07) 5581 7016 for updates.

Cost: Free Contact: http://www.gcparks.com.au/activities.aspx?page=41

20

Where: Viney Park Coomera Brockman Reserve When: 3-5pm Young People Get Active Agility Games including: 3 on 3 Basketball, Free BBQ, GMG Touch Footy, Hulanesian with Jane, Gold Coast Suns AFL Kick Activities, Skate and Scoot to Music, Meet Division 5 Councillor Tracey Gilmore.

Cost: Free Contact: Nicole Williams (07) 5581 6687

Seafire Fireworks Challenge

Movies Under the Stars at Mudgeeraba

Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

Where: Springbrook National Park When: 10.30am – 12pm Join a ranger on a discovery walk to Twin Falls where you’ll experience a diversity of forest types, from open eucalypt to rainforest on the journey down to Twin Falls.

Cost: Free Contact: Jessica Rosewell, (07) 5576 2411, jessica.rosewell@nprsr.qld.gov.au, http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/ connect-with-nature/index.html

12 April

Wildlife Ranger Experience

13 April

Discovery Walk

Where: Pacific Fair: Workshop - Westside, under the Cinemas; Show - Centre Court, outside Myer When: Workshop from 11.30 – 2.30pm; Show 11am and 1pm Grab the kids and fly into Batman Craft Workshop where everyone will have a fantastic experience. Kids will design their very own DC Comics Mug to take away and keep. There may even see an appearance live on stage from everyone’s favourite superhero Batman before they take their masterpieces home.

Cost: FREE Contact: http://www.pacificfair.com.au

Where: Pizzey Park, 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami When: 7 – 9pm Bring a blanket or chair for the family favourite film 'Captain America: The First Avenger' which will commence at 7pm. In the event of wet weather visit www.gcparks.com.au or call (07) 5581 7016 for updates.

Cost: Free Contact: http://www.gcparks.com.au

Coomera Festival

8 April

Justice League to the rescue

Movies Under the Stars at Miami

Where:The Beach, North Burleigh (just north of North Burleigh SLSC) When: 9 – 11am Do your thing for the environment this! Give back to the beaches that give you so much enjoyment! Get involved in a free community dune planting morning at North Burleigh on the Gold Coast. The activity includes planting and maintenance of the dunes followed by a free morning tea. A fun and social activity, suitable for all ages, kids welcome. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, wear suitable clothing and footwear. Cost: Free Contact: http:// www.griffith.edu.au/coastal management 21 April

A la Carte in the Park

Where: Lionel Perry Park, Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise When: 11am – 5pm Foodies and funseekers unite for A la Carte in the Park, an annual indulgence featuring dishes from the Gold Coast’s finest restaurateurs and drops from the best labels.

Guests can roll out a blanket for a day of food, wine and entertainment culminating in a sunset riverside concert of jazz, folk and opera.

Cost: Adults $10, children under !8 years free Contact: http://www.surfersparadisefestival. com

25 April

Anzac Day

ANZAC Day is more than a commemoration of the day ANZAC troops landed on the beach at Gallipoli in 1915, it is a day of remembrance for all Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. www.awm.gov.au/commemoration/anzac/

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

May 2013

* We publish information based on what is supplied to us - to the best of our knowlege all details are correct at the time of printing, however we do recommend you check event details with the organisers

Jelly Belly Month: Find a cure for type 1 diabetes

Visit our website for more events! www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

5 - 11 May

Heart Week

Did you know that each year, almost 10,000 Australians die of a heart attack? That's one Australian life claimed every 53 minutes. During Heart Week 2013, the Heart Foundation wants to help improve the heart health of all Australians. Will you recognise your heart attack? Will you know what to do if your loved one is having a heart attack? Heart attacks aren't what you think. Learn the warning signs today and survive tomorrow. Get your Action Plan http://www.heartattackfacts.org.au/ action-plan/ - or call 1300 36 27 87.

Kiss Goodbye to MS

MS Australia asks you wear red lipstick and help kiss goodbye to MS. Throughout May you can get involved in Kiss Goodbye to MS events and activities taking place across the country. By taking part you will be helping support people with MS through funding vital research into the cause, cure and better treatments for the disease. Our vision is to create a world free of MS. Contact: www.kissgoodbyetoms.org/events

Each year in May, JDRF host Jelly Baby Month, a fun campaign to raise awareness and funds to support vital medical research. The campaign is an enjoyable fundraising activity and offers a great educational experience.

The success of this campaign is dependent on support from schools, dedicated volunteers, Woolworths, Amcal pharmacies and participating retail stores. www.jdrf.org.au

11 May

12 May

BeachCare community dune care - Paradise Point foreshore Where: Paradise Point (beach end of Abalone Avenue) When: 9 – 11am Get involved in a free community dune planting morning at Paradise Point (beach end of Abalone Avenue) on the Gold Coast. Includes planting and maintenance of the dunes followed by a free morning tea. A fun and social activity for all ages, kids welcome. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Cost: Free Contact: http://www.griffith.edu.au/ coastal-management

13 – 19 May

Where: Main Beach, Gold Coast When: From: 7:45 – 11am The Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic is the major fundraising event for breast cancer research in Australia. Whether you walk, run, cheer or volunteer you’re helping to fund essential research. It is through research that we will find a cure. Held on Sunday 12th May, make Mother’s Day a memorable and meaningful day by registering as a participant or volunteer today. Cost: $20-$35 (early bird prices) Contact: http://mothersdayclassic.com. au/event/qld/gold-coast

12 May

Mothers Day

18 – 19 May

National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our communities and to say thank you to the more than 6 million Australians who volunteer. www.volunteeringaustralia.org

Mother’s Day Classic

RSPCA Million Paws Walk

Where: The Great Lawn, The Broadwater Parklands Marine Parade, Southport When: Registration from 8.30am, walk from 10.30am Million Paws Walk continues to be one of RSPCA Queensland's most popular outdoor events for animal lovers and their furry friends. Funds raised through walk registrations and online fundraising goes towards vital programs, services and campaigns undertaken by RSPCA Queensland, as well as looking after the animals in our care.

Contact: http://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/ Queensland/Walk_locations/Gold_Coast.htm

Where: Robina Community Centre, Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina The Expo promises to provide expert tips, advice, and a wide range of educational and informative products and services on how to get the most out of life for women of all ages. It’s a FREE community event, proudly presented by Gold Coast City Council.

Contact: www.womenshealthandwellbeingexpo.com.au

MARKETS Mamma's Market

6 APRIL, 1 JUNE Where: Mudgeeraba Memorial Hall, Railway St, Mudgeeraba When: 2pm – 6pm Mamma’s Market is a high quality boutique style market with a focus on handmade, unique items and services catering to pregnancy, baby, children’s and family needs Details: www.mammasmarket.com

The Upper Markets

Produce by the Pier at Southport

13, 27 APRIL; 11, 25 MAY Where: The Great Lawn and The Pier Broadwater Parklands Marine Parade Southport When: 7am – 12pm The award winning Broadwater Parklands at Southport will boost its eco-credentials with the launch of Produce by the Pier, a new market that champions sustainability and features fresh, high-quality local produce.

Cost: Various Contact: Blue Sky Markets, (07) 3844 2440; http://www.producebythepier.com.au/

APRIL 7, MAY 12 Where: Upper Coomera State College, Reserve Road, Upper Coomera When: 9am - 1pm A new boutique style market that showcases the work of handmade, home-grown, small businesses and WAHP's and offers quality handmade items, ranging from skincare to children’s clothing and toys.

Details: http://theuppermarket.com.au

The Mummy Tree Markets

Piazza Markets

EVERY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY EVENING Where: The Esplanade, (North & South of Cavill Mall), Surfers Paradise When: 5:30pm – 10pm Make, bake or grow it, is the ethos of these markets.

Each stall features a variety of local, hand-made or grown products, including fashion, jewellery, accessories, crafts, artworks, photographs, beauty products and home wares. Details: W: www.surfersparadise.com E: spa@surfersparadise.com

11TH AND 25TH APRIL Where: Cnr Cavill Avenue and Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise When: 3-8pm Circle on Cavill will be transformed into a European style marketplace. International cuisine, locally made homewares, jewellery, fashion and loads more. Farm fresh produce too.

Details: www.circleon cavill.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

13 APRIL Where: Robina State School When: 9am – 1pm These markets are a must for the hip and stylish family looking for unique and inspired products and services.

Cost: FREE Details: www.themummytreemarkets.com.au

Beachfront Markets

25 May

19 May

Women’s Health and Wellbeing Expo

Guided Bush Walk

Where: call to book and confirm meeting point When: 9 – 10.30am This guided walk through Burleigh Ridge Reserve will explore Eucalypt forest types that are home many animal and bird species. Refresh your plant identification skills while enjoying this diverse ecological area. This is a moderate walk so a good level of fitness is required.

Bookings essential. The group sizes are set for optimum education and learning. Call Natural Areas Management Unit from Monday to Friday on (07) 5581 1521 or email namu@goldcoast. qld.gov.au to book your spot. Cost: Free

TICKETS

Zero 2 Five Markets

5 MAY Where: Upper Coomera State College, Indoor Sports Centre, 137 Reserve Road When: 9am – 12pm Buy or sell quality pre-loved and new products such as clothing, toys, books, prams, car seats, and furniture “Market Prices”. No retail pricing in sight!

Contact: http://www.zero2five.com.au/

WEEKLY EVENTS Libraries Baby Rhyme Time

Share a fun and interactive time, rhyming, singing and talking with your baby at Baby Rhyme Time sessions at a branch library near you. For parents and babies aged zero to two years.

Broadbeach Tuesdays 10 – 10.30am Burleigh Heads Thursdays 10 – 10.30am Helensvale Thursday 9.30 - 10am Burleigh Waters Wednesday 10.30 – 11am Elenora Wednesdays 9.30 – 10am Nerang Tuesdays 10.30 – 11am Robina Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9.15 – 9.45am Southport Thursdays and Fridays 9.30 – 10am

CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE

FROM 9 APRIL Concert Hall, QPAC, South Bank, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

THE BIG PINEAPPLE MUSIC FESTIVAL

20 APRIL The Big Pineapple, Sunshine Coast www.bigpineapplemusicfestival.com

ANIMAL FARM

7 – 8 MAY Arts Theatre, Gold Coast www.theartscentregc.com.au

ROOM ON THE BROOM

13 MAY Arts Theatre, Gold Coast www.theartscentregc.com.au

PLAY SCHOOL LIVE IN CONCERT 20 MAY Albert Waterways Community Centre, Mermaid Waters Ph: (07) 5581 7227 or www.kidspromotions.com.au

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

17 – 18 JULY Arts Theatre, Gold Coast www.theartscentregc.com.au

EMILY EYEFINGER

17 – 18 OCTOBER Arts Theatre, Gold Coast www.theartscentregc.com.au APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

21

Education

Kids in the Kitchen

By Sandra Smith

CHILDREN LOVE THE MAGIC OF COOKING. THEY ENJOY WHISKING EGGS, STIRRING PANCAKE MIX AND ROLLING OUT COOKIE DOUGH. OF COURSE, IT CAN BE CHAOTIC IN THE KITCHEN WHEN CHILDREN FIRST START OUT, SO A BIG DOLLOP OF PATIENCE IS NEEDED.

C

ooking with kids can be a lot of fun and a great way to spend family time.

Try cooking as a rainy day activity or plan to cook with the kids on a weekend when you have time to spare. If your child is reluctant to have a go, keep it simple and make it fun. Ask them what food they like, then look for creative ways to transform a few simple ingredients into a delicious meal or snack.

Busy parents will find that kids can be surprisingly helpful in the kitchen when they’ve got a little experience under their belts. Whether they’re

tearing the lettuce for a salad, washing the tomatoes or hulling the strawberries, they’re still contributing to the meal. They’re also more likely to try different foods if they've helped prepare them.

A pizza night is a great way to lure the kids into the kitchen and get them interested in cooking. They love to create their own toppings from a colourful array of ingredients, which can include capsicum, corn, tomato, avocado, feta and rocket.

Perhaps they’ll design a simple pizza with just a sprinkle of cheese, but whatever they create, it’s guaranteed they’ll feel proud of their achievement.

When the pizza base is made from wholemeal pita bread, it’s a quick and easy meal and a much healthier option than a high-calorie takeaway.

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND FUN Author and mother-of-three Kim McCosker says the secret to success in the kitchen with children is keeping it simple. Kim says children, especially active little boys with a short attention span, don’t want to hang around the kitchen for long, complicated recipes with up to 12 ingredients and two paragraphs of explanation. continued on next page...

22

Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

“They just want to crack the eggs, sift the flour, give it a whip and away they go,” she says. “So, I think, for success with kids in the kitchen, it’s just to really simplify everything. Keep it simple and you will have success with even the fussiest of eaters.”

When Kim was writing her children’s cookbook, 4 Ingredients Kids, she decided that if the recipes were imaginative, they would be fun to make, and hence, appealing to children. So, the cookbook includes recipes like Echidna Balls, Purple Pancakes and Popeye’s Pie. “I spent a lot of time injecting fun and imagination into the names of the recipes to entice children into the kitchen,” Kim says.

A favourite recipe is Volcanic Eggs, a version of simple eggs on toast. When the eggs comes out of the oven, Kim says the melted golden cheese looks like exploding lava cascading down the egg white.

“Crack a little pepper on it for some volcanic ash and it’s amazing the reaction of the children,” she laughs.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE Mona Hecke from The Lunchbox Revolution shares, “Research shows us that children who have healthier lifestyles when they’re young will grow into happier, healthier adults who make healthy food choices. It is really important parents enlist the kids’ help when it comes to organising healthy meals. Get them involved in the shopping, prepping and cooking. It will encourage them to try new foods as well as nurture their growing bodies with a greater range of nutrients.”

KITCHEN SAFETY AND HYGIENE Potential hazards in the kitchen include knives, electrical appliances, hot stoves and boiling water and parents need to keep kitchen safety and best practice in mind at all times.

Teach your children safety rules and supervise them closely. Use common sense and allow only age-appropriate activities, as recommended by the Raising Children’s Network (www.raisingchildren.net.au).

“They just want to crack the eggs, sift the flour, give it a whip and away they go”

WHAT FUTURE DO YOU IMAGINE FOR YOUR CHILD? Give your child the STAR treatment at Trinity Lutheran College ‘Little Stars’ Early Learning Centre Our new Kindergarten at Trinity Lutheran College is now open!

Specialist early childhood teachers at Trinity support a strong focus on literacy, numeracy and inquiry learning within a warm, nurturing environment founded on Christian values • Vacancies for 2 to 5 year olds • Open from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm • Specialist lessons in Music and Japanese

• Access to Child Care Benefits and Child Care Rebates • Approved Kindergarten Program for age-eligible children

TRINITY LUTHERAN COLLEGE Kindergarten and Prep to Year 12

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Trinity Lutheran College Early Learning Centre - the best head start for your child!

FOR MORE INFORMATION please contact Susan Shaw, Director of Trinity Lutheran College Early Learning Centre: P: 07 5556 8336 E: susan.shaw@tlc.qld.edu.au W: www.tlc.qld.edu.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

CRICOS PROVIDER REGISTRATION NUMBER 00878A

APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

23

Education

COOKING WITH TODDLERS The Raising Children’s Network advises cooking with your toddler on days when you have plenty of spare time. Try simple recipes, such as pita bread pizza or salad. Your toddler will be mainly watching and learning, but can help with tasks like greasing the muffin tin and handing over utensils.

They enjoy both the preparation and eating, but many tasks are too difficult for toddlers to manage alone.

COOKING WITH PRESCHOOLERS Preschoolers can be introduced to recipes that involve building, according to the Raising Children’s Network. They can layer toppings on a pizza base or spoon yoghurt, cereal and fruit into a glass to make a healthy dessert. Your preschooler can help make muffins, fruit smoothies or biscuits.

Let your child have a go at mashing potatoes, cutting out biscuit shapes and putting spoonfuls of mixture onto the baking tray, or washing the fruit and vegetables. Preschool children can also help set the table, serve food and clean up.

COOKING WITH SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN The Raising Children’s Network recommends trying more complex recipes with school-age children, for example, pancakes, soup, fried rice or pasta, cakes and biscuits. Discuss what’s in season and which vegetables look fresh. Let your child make menu suggestions and choose the fruit and vegetables for the next few meals. Your school-age child can roll out biscuit dough, cut out shapes and decorate; make gnocchi and pasta; or help do the dishes and clean the table.

PROTEIN BALLS RECIPE: PROTEIN BALLS Looking for a snack to keep your energy levels in check, then indulge in these crunchy, healthy, antioxidant rich Protein Balls. These are great for growing bodies and busy minds, an energy hit and fabulous for those looking for healthy lifestyle options.

EDUCATION IN THE KITCHEN Cooking is a great way to learn basic maths and science. Children are using maths every time they weigh the flour or measure the milk. When ingredients are combined and heat is applied, the complex physical and chemical changes are like a delicious science experiment in the kitchen. Children develop their fine motor skills as they learn to mix, stir and knead, and they learn new words and practice their reading every time they follow a recipe.

GROWING AND COOKING HEALTHY, FRESH FOOD AT SCHOOL The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation program teaches primary-aged children how to grow, harvest and cook fresh seasonal produce. The innovative program is now being delivered to approximately 35,000 children in 267 primary schools around Australia.

Children grow and harvest vegetables in the school garden, then prepare the fresh food in the kitchen and sit down to share the meal with other students, teachers and volunteers. The Kitchen Garden Foundation provides

1 cup Almond Meal 2 tablespoons Protein Powder (vanilla flavour works best) ½ cup Goji Berries ½ cup Shredded Coconut ½ cup Chia Seeds 10 Medjool Dates (pitted) 2 – 3 tablespoons Agave Syrup or Honey Tahini to bind dry ingredients Desiccated Coconut for rolling Place all dry ingredients into a food processor until blended. Then add Agave/Honey and Tahini until mixture is dense and can be formed into snack size balls. Roll in desiccated Coconut and refrigerate.

Enjoy your homemade Protein Balls anytime. Makes approximately 15 balls.

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24

Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

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APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

25

Education

activities, recipes and units linked to the school curriculum, to support learning goals.

“By engaging children’s innate curiosity, their energy and their taste buds, the Kitchen Garden program provides children with fun, memorable food experiences that form the basis of positive lifelong eating habits,” the program’s founder, Stephanie Alexander said.

In Queensland, a total of 52 state schools have implemented the program, with nine schools on the Sunshine Coast and three on the Gold Coast.

Financial support in Queensland is provided by state and federal government funding. The program has now become more affordable, accessible and flexible for schools, and it is expected that more than 650 schools will be participating by 2015.

Changing the way children think about food will help tackle issues like childhood obesity. A quarter of all Australian children aged five to 17 years were overweight or obese in 2007-08, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This is a major health concern for Australian families, however, cooking and eating nutritious food lays the foundation for a healthier lifestyle and helps to address the nation’s obesity epidemic.

“the Kitchen Garden program provides children with fun, memorable food experiences ”

THE PLEASURE OF FOOD The Kitchen Garden Foundation’s Queensland project officer Robyn Cook says that the program focuses on the pleasure of growing and cooking food.

“What we aim to do is to teach the children not only how to cook food and how to grow food, but the enjoyment of that. So, it’s all about pleasure.

We don’t harp on about negatives when we’re teaching. It’s all about the positive aspects,” she says.

The program is also beneficial for parents, who learn how to cook fresh, seasonal food while volunteering in the kitchen, and there has been tremendous support for the program from the wider school communities.

“They understand that these kids are our future farmers, food producers, food processors and consumers. They really are the future of everything to do with food,” Robyn says.

Through the program, children are exposed to a wider variety of foods on a regular basis, so even fussy eaters become more willing to try different foods. There is also anecdotal evidence that children show more interest in food, gardening and healthy food choices at home after participating in the program.

“There’ll be children who have never tried things that are now trying them on a regular basis, which is fantastic. You’ve got children who are able to recognise foods as they grow and then know what to do with them when they take them

26

Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

into the kitchen,” Robyn explains. “We have children who take the recipes home with them and who then prepare those meals for their families.”

Safety skills are taught to every child in the program and they are given licenses for tasks that require tools, in the garden and in the kitchen.

Robyn says that the children use the equipment responsibly and there have been no serious injuries since the program’s inception in 2001.

“All children are taught knife-handling skills.

We don’t dumb down any aspect of the program because we’re dealing with children. What we do is break everything down into achievable steps,” Robyn explains. “The children are very focused on doing the right thing. They actually rise to the

task. They love coming to the classes and so they don’t do anything that jeopardises their involvement in it.”

The hands-on, inquiry-based nature of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation program has proven successful with children who struggle in a traditional classroom environment. Robyn says children are succeeding in areas where they may not have done so before, because there is the practical application of concepts that may be difficult to grasp on paper.

Whether children’s food education begins at home or at school, the skills and knowledge they learn from cooking will last them a lifetime.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

ALL OUR VENUES ARE INDOORS

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UPPER COOMERa – May 5, Upper Coomera Buy or Sell State College, Gate 1, Reserve Road Brand Name Quality Clothing, Toys, Prams, Car Seats, Books, Nursery Furniture and so RUnaWaY BaY – Sept 1, Runaway Bay Indoor much more. Save up to 80% off retail pricing Stadium, Sports Dve, Runaway Bay For stall holder enquiries please go to our ‘Contact Us’ link at www.zero2five.com.au

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Village Kids Singing and moving along to favourite songs

Discover ways for you and your child to be active together

This playgroup is led by staff with activities for 0-5yrs

Play & Learn

Please bring a hat and morning tea DROP IN!!

Meet other new mums and get some songs, play ideas & learn together with your under 15 month old Call Nikki Condon: 5529 8253 Family Support Worker Parent Courses: 123 Magic & Emotion Coaching; 87 Village Way STUDIO VILLAGE Oxenford Bringing Up Great Kids; Engaging Adolescents www.facebook.com/studiovillage Individual Support or parent courses 1 to 1 www.studiovillage.com.au

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation in association with Kids Promotions presents

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IN CINEMAS MAY 11 daily sessions at 10:30am

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Kids Promotions • Tel: 03 9739 6300 • www.kidspromotions.com.au www.abc.net.au/playschool

APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

27

Babies

I

Grappling With Guilt MUMMY GUILT. TWO LITTLE WORDS THAT CARRY A LOT OF EMOTION.

by Cassy Small

t begins with the vitamins you didn’t take before conception. Add to that the wine you drank before those two little blue lines appeared, the anti-natal yoga classes you missed and the chocolate ice-cream you consumed by the tub, and before Junior is even born you’re swimming in a world of mummy guilt.

Hear and Now Health psychologist Dr Carla describes mummy guilt as the ever persistent feeling that you’re not doing enough as a mother.

“I don’t think that anyone can ever really prepare for the emotional rollercoaster a new baby brings.

Our beliefs about motherhood are generally a mash-up of our own experiences, stories from friends and what we see on TV. We set these ridiculously unattainable standards for ourselves and when the reality doesn’t live up to the fantasy we point the finger of blame straight back at us,” she says.

While mummy guilt can generally be described as the feeling of not doing well enough, the specific reasons and issues for which we feel guilt are as individual as our beautiful babies. “Mummy guilt goes hand in hand with the word should,” explains Dr Carla. “We all have different opinions of what we ‘should’ be doing as a mother. But what these shoulds are and where they come from will be different for every family. Every mother puts her own personal meaning to each of those shoulds, and that’s where things can start going wrong,” she says.

Mother of two Sara was a chef prior to giving up work to be a full time mum, and had high expectations on how she would run her household, “I used to be able to organise functions for 100 plus people with very little help.

Some days now I struggle to get the washing up done and prepare an interesting dinner that both my girls will eat. Being a stay at home mum and still not feeling like I’m doing enough around the house is a constant source of guilt for me.”

In simpler times, most mums were of the stay at home variety. Even after their children started school mum could be counted on for tuck shop duty, phone calls from the sick bay and a cold glass of Milo at home time. Becky Gillespie author of Good Enough is the New Perfect believes that mummy guilt is a syndrome unique to our generation. “We are the first era of women to reap the full benefits of the women’s movement and we have somehow translated the notion that we can do anything into we have to do everything,” she says.

Perhaps more familiar than some with the torment of mummy guilt is the working mum.

The ultimate contradiction, the working mother walks that delicate balance between traditional motherhood beliefs and the flexibility and freedom offered to the modern woman. Whether you’re forced back into work for financial reasons or have a calling back to the corporate world, the continued on next page...

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

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Early learning means a good start.

For vacancy enquiries:

1800 222 543 visit goodstart.org.au

Babies

working mother can sometimes crash the hardest from the symptoms of mummy guilt.

Mother of one Jenna fell victim to this Super Mum syndrome. “Prior to having children I had a very rewarding sales career. I worked long hours and was very focused. I thought if I applied these same principals to being a mum things would be easy. I started sending some work related emails only days out of hospital, refused help from my in-laws and hosted an elaborate morning tea only weeks after having my baby. I was exhausted and suffering from a severe case of mastitis that I was hospitalised for.”

While scenario’s such as Jenna’s are at the extreme end, there is no denying the physical and emotional side effects of mummy guilt.

While researching her book, Becky interviewed hundreds of women from across America and was shocked to discover the extent at which mothers put their needs at the bottom of a long to-do list.

“Diet, exercise and relaxation time are all the first things to go for mums. We spoke to women who have gone through marriage breakdowns and suffered a variety of health issues simply because they are not taking any time for themselves,” she says.

Mothers have always wanted more for their children, that’s only natural. While the term mummy guilt may not have existed for previous generations, it’s certain that mothers were still familiar with the feeling of guilt. “I know my mum wished she could have given us more material stuff,” says Dr Carla. “But I am certain she didn’t harbour these deep personal feelings of guilt.”

So why is it that we take this natural desire to want more for our kids and mutate it into this allconsuming feeling of guilt? Becky Gillespie credits

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

an unprecedented access to technology as being the fuel to our insecurities and generating this myth of having it all. “It’s simply not possible to do everything and be everything to everyone.

However I still think it’s possible to have it all depending on what your definition of having it all is,” she explains. “Your priorities will forever be evolving, so what you defined as success in your 20’s may not be the same as in your 30’s.”

“Essentially we’re comparing our reality with everyone’s highlights and have this mythical composite of the perfect mum based on all the different examples we see around us; the perfectly groomed mum at school drop off, the working mum with the boastful Facebook posts, the stay at home mum who does all the cooking and craft activities. The reality is we can never be all of these mum’s at the same time. The secret is to choose your priority and focus on that,” she says.

Regardless of what we feel guilty about or where these feelings come from, it’s reassuring to know that mummy guilt can be managed.

“Parenting isn’t a competition,” says Dr Carla.

“There is absolutely no benefit in worrying over arbitrary deadlines and goals.” Here is her advice on how to stress less and start enjoying your family more.

Go easy on yourself - Understand that as parents, we all do the best we can with what we’ve got based on our own knowledge, experiences and expectations. No-one’s perfect. Don’t fool yourself that they are.

Trust your instinct – Keeping up with every parenting blog, baby book, online forum and Facebook group is overwhelming and exhausting.

Be selective about the information you consume

and remember that no baby was ever born with its own handbook. There will be times when the solution that is right for you and your baby won’t be found in a book.

Keep things in perspective – When your children are adults they won’t remember if the house was clean, if you always packed healthy lunches for them and had their clothes nicely ironed. As cliché as it sounds, it’s the simple things they will remember. The books you read them, the trips to the park and cuddles before bed. Stop. Breathe. Enjoy.

Stop the comparisons - Some people will be stay-at-home mums, some people will return to work full-time. Some mums will have dads to help them share the load, some mums are doing it on their own. Respect that we are all on our own unique in our parenting journey and there is no right or wrong way.

Remember that you’re not alone - Find your tribe. Your posse. Your club. Your mother’s group.

Whatever you want to call it, find the ones you can be with in your rawest, most honest moments.

Find the mums that you can be yourself with, not the ones who leave you feeling inferior and make you second guess yourself.

“There’s a lot of right ways to be a good mum,” writes Becky Gillespie in her book Good Enough is the New Perfect. "Good enough is not about settling, it's about having the courage to choose the priorities that deserve our attention, the ones that feel right to us. When we make those choices, and stop exhausting ourselves trying to be everything to everyone, we're able to channel our energy. That's when we find success and happiness." And that’s nothing to feel guilty about.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Pretty Please is not just about how to feel pretty and enhancing their manners. It is about developing a strong foundation in morals and values while building on their character strengths and communication skills.

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31

Only Natural Only Natural

Why It's A Good Idea to Make Your Own Skin Care Products

By Chaley-Ann Scott

THERE ARE COMPELLING REASONS TO MAKE YOUR OWN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS. EVIDENCE CONTINUES TO MOUNT THAT SKINCARE PRODUCTS ARE BRIMMING WITH UNSAFE INGREDIENTS. EVEN MANY REPUTABLE "NATURAL" BRANDS FOUND IN HEALTH FOOD STORES TARGETED AT INFANTS AND ADULTS MAY HARBOR HARMFUL INGREDIENTS LINKED TO CANCER, REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY, ALLERGIES, NEUROTOXICITY AND FERTILITY PROBLEMS.

T

oxic chemicals are used to make the product smell and feel good, to create a good appearance, to extend the shelflife, and to create a desired texture or consistency – but at what cost? In the case of sunscreen, the chemicals are added to supposedly keep us safe from sun damage, but do they really work and are they safe?

WHAT CHEMICALS ARE DANGEROUS? All of these chemicals below are commonly found in commercial skincare products, including those marketed for infants and/or labelled “organic” or “natural”.

PHTHALATES Phthalates are industrial chemicals used in plastics as well as skincare products. Studies have should that they can reduce fertility, and inhibit normal sexual development by blocking the action of key hormones. A recent research study

by Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana of the University of Washington found seven or more phthalates in

the urine of eighty-one percent of children under 2.5 years. Reported in the Journal of Pediatrics, the study noted that the use of infant skincare products was associated with increased concentrations.

PARABENS These are a related group of chemicals used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in many products. Studies have shown a link between these chemicals and breast tumours.

1,4-DIOXANE These agents may be indicated on the ingredient label as polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene, polyoxyethylene, oxynol, myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth, the prefix "PEG" or "eth" in ingredient listings. The chemicals are considered carcinogenic (a substance capable of causing cancer) as well as a potential neurotoxin (a substance capable of damaging the brain and nervous system). Scarily, these ingredients are found in many leading “natural” skin care products. continued on next page...

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

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ISOTHIAZOLINONES These agents can be toxic to the respiratory system, cause allergies and negatively affect the immune system. If listed, they can be found on ingredient labels as methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone and other ingredients containing "chloro" or "methyl."

TRICLOSAN Research has shown these agents to impact on the brain`s neural circuitry, potentially affecting mental development.

WHAT'S THE ALTERNATIVE? The good news is you have choices, including buying products from highly ethical companies known to avoid these toxins. If you go that route, ensure you do your research and don't assume that products labelled “organic” or “natural” or “free of petra-chemicals and parabens” means they are safe.

Your other choice? Making your own skincare products for the whole family. That way you know for sure what is in them and, once you have the necessary components and some experience, you will find that it saves you money and takes up very little time. You can also tweak the formulations for your own particular needs and skin-

type. It's like preparing food from scratch. You can avoid ingredients, such as preservatives, that you or your family members are allergic to, and choose the best ingredients in terms of quality, purity and sustainability. You can also use things from the fridge, kitchen cupboard or garden and you can also choose the aroma. Best of all, you can have fun experimenting.

FOR ALL THE FAMILY SUNSCREEN One of the worst culprits for using damaging chemicals is sunscreen, but it is considered an essential product in Australia. However, according to a study by Skin Deep, sunscreen products are not offering the protection from the sun they claim and have dangerous ingredients. In fact many experts now argue that commercial sunscreen products (including “natural” ones) are more dangerous that the sun itself. Recent research has shown that there is an increased number of children in recent years who are Vitamin D (an essential vitamin for good health) deficient due to parents overzealous efforts to keep sun off their skin.

A more sensible approach, according to many skincare experts, is to expose our bare skin to early morning or late afternoon sun every day for

short periods. Burning our skin is not healthy, so if we know we are going to be outside for long periods then we can use our own natural sunscreen (see below), cover-up, and use shade.

RECIPE FOR SUNSCREEN: • 1/8 cup of beeswax granules/pastilles • 1/4 cup shea butter (2 oz.)

• 1/4 cup coconut oil (2 oz.)

• 2 Tbsp. zinc oxide powder (1 oz.)

Add the beeswax, butter and oil into a double boiler - a glass bowl sitting on top of a pot with boiling water turned to a low simmer. Once the oils are melted, remove the bowl and add the zinc oxide powder. Mix with a regular hand mixer or a stick blender. Make sure you thoroughly blend in the zinc oxide so there are no clumps, and to whip the oils just a bit. Once it is smooth, pour into glass mason jars.

NATURAL SKINCARE RECIPES FOR MUM FACIAL EXFOLIATOR Buy a bag of cornmeal. Take a tablespoon of that and a tablespoon of olive oil and one drop of lavender. Exfoliate your face. Then use a hot flannel to wipe it off.

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APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

33

Only Natural

Combine ingredients and stir. Sprinkle a small amount in a warm bath. Chamomile and lavender essential oils are naturally calming.

BABY’S BUM POWDER • 1 cup arrowroot powder • 1 tbsp. dried ground chamomile • 1 tbsp. dried ground lavender Combine all ingredients well – an easy method is to place all ingredients in a plastic sandwich bag, seal it shut and combine the ingredients by kneading the bag with your hands. Pour the powder into a recycled shaker jar or powder tin.

Arrowroot powder can be found at health food stores – it gently helps soothe and dry damp areas, while the powdered lavender and chamomile are soothing, healing and help prevent bacterial growth. Helpful hint: grind chamomile and lavender into a fine powder using a clean coffee grinder, food processor or blender.

SEA SALT BODY SCRUB Buy a normal jar of sea salt. If it's a bit coarse then grind it down. Add any kind of oil, a drop of lavender and a drop of rose oil. Beforehand dry-skin brush the body, brushing towards the heart.

FACIAL MOISTURISER Get hold of some good-quality coconut oil. Add one drop of jasmine and rose oil (for mature skin) to a tablespoon of the coconut oil. You only need a small dab for the entire face.

MAKE-UP REMOVER Use olive oil. Rub it into your face with your hands, over your eye make-up. Then soak a flannel in warm water, add a few drops of lavender oil and just wipe it off twice for a deeper cleanse.

STRAWBERRY AND OAT EXFOLIATING MASK A gentle exfoliating mask to be made fresh and used at once. Strawberries are packed full of antioxidants and cream contains lactic acid, a natural skin brightener. Mix 20g of organic ground oats, three large ripe organic strawberries, 5ml or 1tbsp of organic light cream (or soya cream) and one drop of organic geranium essential oil. Apply to damp skin and leave for five minutes.

HAND AND BODY LOTION • ½ cup oil, your choice almond, sesame, olive, grapeseed, cocoa butter, shea butter, avocado oil, coconut oil • ½ cup distilled water, boiling or substitute a flower water such as rose water, an herbal infusion, or even tea • 2 tbsp. beeswax • 3 Vitamin E oil capsules

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

Combine oils (squeeze vitamin E oil out of capsule after puncturing) and beeswax in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power, checking every 15 to 20 seconds until completely melted. Add boiling water a bit at a time, using a wire whisk to blend carefully. Keep adding and mixing until your desired thickness is achieved.

May use less or more water depending on personal preferences, just keep in mind that it will thicken as it cools.

Set aside to cool and then pour into bottles.

Vitamin E is a natural preservative that will help maintain shelf life.

Variations: add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to leave your skin with a light fragrance.

NATURAL SKINCARE RECIPES FOR BUB What you put on your baby and toddler’s skin is especially important as their developing bodies are uniquely vulnerable, but also because their hands and feet often end up in their mouths. They literally eat the products you put on them!

Herbs, natural oils and some simple pantry staples can create effective and exquisite formulas that pamper and soothe your baby. Try these recipes for quick and easy better baby lotions and potions.

MOISTURIZING MILK BATH Milk is a soothing, moisturizing bath additive that gently cleanses the skin. (If your child is allergic to cow’s milk, use goat’s milk as a substitute.)

• 1 cup dried milk • 1/2 cup corn starch • 2-3 drops lavender or chamomile essential oils (optional)

CRADLE CAP REMEDY Cradle cap isn’t pretty, but it won’t hurt your baby.

You can help coax the flakes away by rubbing a small amount of herbal baby oil onto your baby’s scalp. Leave the oil on your baby’s scalp for about 15 minutes, then gently comb out the loose flakes with a soft baby brush.

OATMEAL BABY BATH • 1 cup of whole oats Whirl oats in a blender or food processor until they are reduced to powder. Sprinkle powder into the bath and swirl. You will be amazed at the softness of the water and of your baby’s skin.

HOMEMADE BABY WIPES • basic roll of paper towels (cut in half to make short rolls) • 1/8-1/4 cup of castile soap • 1/8-1/4 cup of vegetable oil (e.g. olive, almond, apricot, etc) • 2 cups lukewarm water • 1 plastic container that the roll will fit in Cut roll in half and remove centre cardboard.

In container, mix liquid ingredients, and place half of roll in container, cut side down. Place on lid, seal tightly and tip upside down. To use, pull out from centre.

CONCLUSION Our skin is the biggest organ in our body. Not only can it be affected by what we put on it but it is also an agent of absorption, simply meaning that what we put on the outside of our body quickly finds it's way inside, and into our bloodstream.

With this knowledge (and a little bit of effort) we can avoid using chemically-laden products on our family member’s precious skin and enjoy the health benefits. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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kidsonthecoast.com.au kidsonthecoast Gold Coast Issue 42 Dec/Jan 2013 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

The weight of the matter Keeping kids safe Life lessons through sport Separation anxiety plus Holidays, Parties What’s on calendar & much more!

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APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

35

You Mum xoxo

IT'S ALL ABOUT

INSPIRE ME

Inspire me by Janice Ferguson is a collection of carefully selected products that are kind to Mother Nature and nurture your body to optimum health and wellbeing. Getting back to nature and nurturing our inner-selves, loving one another and being an awesome friend or family member is what life should be all about. Products include Himalayan Natural Salt Products, Bamboo Products & Gifts. Visit www.inspiremebyjaniceferguson.com.au or on www.facebook.com/InspireMeByJaniceFerguson

A MUM CAN ONLY BE AS HAPPY AS HER SADDEST CHILD. ANON Gold Coast's Smallprint handcrafts beautiful, personalised silver jewellery. The process is unique as rather than using moulds, they capture the fingerprint directly onto the silver, making your piece even more special as it's been touched by someone you love. Offering a wide range of charms, pendants, keyrings and cufflinks, they even capture drawings or words into keepsakes. Now taking prints for Mother’s Day! Call Iris m: 0408454020, w: smallp.com.au e: iris@smallp.com.au

INDUSTRY AERIAL ARTS “We fuse movement, dance, yoga and pilates to give you a unique experience in the air! If you are looking for a fun, new and innovative way to work out, or if you have a passion for aerial arts through performance, or perhaps you just want to try something challenging, Industry Aerial Arts is the place for you!

Located on the Gold Coast in Southport, we provide the highest quality of professional training specializing in a range of aerial classes, circus and aerial fitness classes, as well as artist development, creative workshops and intensives. Our high energy and highly productive classes, cater to children and adults of all ages, with various levels of ability, fitness and creativity. Spaces are limited, book early online at www. industryaerialarts.com.au P: 0429 9 44 866

Mother's Day is the most popular day of the year to eat in a restaurant One in five mums say they will go out for more than one meal on Mother's Day 36

Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

dults a t a e r We t ges too! of all a

Our Services: • Early Intervention treatments • Clear Aligners including Invisalign® Dr Stevan Saicich • Clear ceramic tooth B.D.Sc. (Hons), coloured braces M.D. Sc. Orthodontist.

• Metal braces with personalised colours • Lingual (inside of teeth) braces • Accelerated Shop L1 treatment options The Pines Shopping Centre K.P. McGrath Drive • No referral Elanora, QLD 4221 necessary • Interest free e: reception@aboutfaceortho.com.au payment plans www.aboutfaceortho.com.au

Telephone 5521 0877

Where family is celebrated Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, Kingscliff, NSW Swap the school run for resort fun with a family escape at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa. Just 90 minutes south from Brisbane you can explore the lagoon pools, the patrolled Salt Beach or the scenic hinterland. Educate young palates about the importance of fresh seasonal produce at Season restaurant.

Relax, unwind and celebrate family in style, in a place that is dedicated to you.

Accommodation Package From $188 * per night in a 1 Bedroom Spa Suite Includes full buffet breakfast daily in Season Restaurant, in-room internet and movies.

Experience Peppers in Australia and New Zealand.

Call 1300 987 600, visit peppers.com.au or contact your preferred travel agent.

Contact us now for great rates on your Autumn/ Winter getaway

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*Conditions apply, subject to availability. Block out dates and a three night minimum stay applies. Valid for sale and travel until 20/09/13. Prices based on per room per night for up to 2 people. Hotel Rooms and 2 Bedroom Spa Suites are also available. Valid for new bookings only. Not valid for conference or group business. For full terms and conditions visit peppers.com.au * Complementary bottle of locally produced red or white wine for mum and dad to enjoy during the stay (approx $26 value) plus Complementary Cedar Glen water bottle for all children - great for school. (Retail $9.95 each).

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

37

You Mum

IT'S ALL ABOUT

Lifeless hair is about as undesirable as gum stuck to your heels k or finding a stain on your new Quic ick silk dress, but a new product p from Seven Wonders may be hair up! the answer! Their new Argan me Oil Volumizing Spray brings hair back to life, creating body and enhancing shine. It is free from sulphates and harsh chemicals such as parabens and works on all hair types.

More than just a beauty treatment Skin Matters delivers medically proven, safe and effective alternatives for people who are considering aggressive acne medications or painful cosmetic surgery. They consider your skin’s health from a range of medical disciplines, taking into account all contributing factors to your skin problems such as your physical health, lifestyle, skin care regimes and even the psychological consequences of living with skin problems and create a personal treatment program. http://www.skinmatters. net.au/

koolaman designs: Inspired by the love for our children

All pieces in the koolaman designs collection are hand stamped one letter or number at a time by the koolaman team. They’ve become a popular way to celebrate the birth of a child or a special anniversary. Mum’s and dad’s love having the names and birthdates of their children swinging on beautiful pendants, bracelets, cufflinks and necklaces around their neck as it keeps those special people close to their hearts.

Sisters Stacey and Lisa of koolaman designs create timeless jewellery to celebrate special events like Mother's Day. Each of their designs is simple yet chic and includes an assortment of shapes and sizes; from hearts and flowers to circles, rectangles and dog tags.

Selected pieces are available in 9ct yellow, rose and white gold and sterling silver.

What makes these precious heirlooms unique is that they are individually hand stamped with special words, names or the birthdays of children or grandchildren, making them the perfect gift for your Mother this Mother's Day. Celebrate the love for your children today and treat yourself or someone your love with one of koolaman designs precious keepsakes. koolaman designs are available online at www.koolamandesigns. com.au and prices range from $45. With Mother’s Day not far away, it could be that perfect, elusive gift for the mum who has everything. koolaman designs, for new mum’s, not-so-new mum’s or just your mum.

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

LETS celebrate

ARE YOU PLANNING A CHRISTENING FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE? OR MAYBE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR IDEAS FOR A NAMING CELEBRATION? WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR WHAT YOU ARE PLANNING OR WHAT YOU DID WITH YOUR KIDS. SHARE WITH US ON FACEBOOK OR OUR WEBSITE. BELOW IS A SELECTION OF SOME OF OUR READER’S EXPERIENCES

MEL: We had a traditional church ceremony for both our girls followed by a celebration lunch afterwards.

My mum cut up her wedding dress to make the most amazing christening gown - it was really long and beautiful.

PAULA: Both our children got baptised in the main church in my husband’s home town in Italy. We live here on the Coast, but all his family and friends are there so we thought it would be something special for all of us to celebrate together TALIA: We had a naming day for each of our children before they turned 6mths old. It involved a reading,

explaining the origin of their name, what they mean to our family, lighting a candle and having a special cake.

We had all our friends and family attend and it was a real celebration. It was also totally non-religious.

JULIE: We had our son christened in the UK in the same church we got married in; an old 12th century church. We had a family and friend do afterwards which was heaps of fun!

LEANNE: I had to travel 800kms to have a church christening for my son so I could use the same church as I used for my daughter. My daughter was christened there 11 year ago!

We would love to hear any ideas you have for celebrations, games, parties or nights in - find us on Facebook or join the conversation on our website www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Epic Birthday party FULLY A C TERED! Includes:

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• Rollerblade/rollerskate hire • Epic Birthday boy/girl gets their own announcement and Birthday song on the skating rink • Each Epic Birthday receives special attention from one of our Party Hosts and they will look after all your Birthday Party requirements

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WEDNESDAY General Skate 10am-12nooon & 3.00pm-5.00pm (school term only) FRIDAY NIGHT Teen Disco: 7.30pm-10pm SATURDAY Learn to Skate 9.30-10.30am (includes morning session) Morning Skate 10.30 - 12.30, General Skate 2.30 - 7.00pm SUNDAY General Skate 2.30 - 4.30pm Wednesdays Tiny Tots & Mums COFFEE CLUB 10am - 12 Noon All sessions NSW time www.epicskate.com.au

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DISCO PARTIES - For girls & boys of all ages FANCY FACE PARTIES - Face painting parties with music, games & all the extras Go to our Facebook site and claim your voucher www.facebook.com/starparties

Join us on Facebook for discounts & great party ideas

0422 653 488

APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

39

Profile

MEET BINDI IRWIN:

“Be the change you wish to see in the world” ON AND OFF SCREEN, BINDI IRWIN IS FULL OF PASSION FOR LIFE AND ON A MISSION TO MAKE THE PLANET A BETTER PLACE.

By Jackie Goldston

B

indi is still only 14 years old and is already an international award-winning TV presenter. I caught up with Bindi on the eve of the launch of her new film. It seems fitting that the character she plays in Return to Nim’s Island, is tasked with saving her environment (in this case the island).

Return to Nim’s Island is a fun, fast moving story, filled with pristine beaches, exotic animals, dastardly pirates and all your favourite characters from the original movie. When Nim (Bindi) and her father Jack learn that the Buccaneer Resort Company has purchased Nims Island, Jack heads to the city to convince the powers-that-be that the island is worth preserving, with Nim staying behind to try another way to save the island. Nim soon discovers Edmund (Toby Wallace), who has run away from home, as well as the pirate animal poachers who followed him. Before long, Nim and Edmund find themselves in a battle of wits to rescue her beloved sea lion Selkie. With Nim's

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

know-how and Edmund's bravery, they must work together to defeat the pirates and perhaps even find the endangered animals that will allow Nim to stay on her beloved island.

WHY NIM’S ISLAND? It is easy to see why Bindi was delighted with the role of Nim, as she shared, “Ever since the first film came out in 2008, I have been in love with the whole idea of Nim’s Island. It is every kid’s fantasy to go to an island and live in this deserted place, with animals and sea lions as their best friend, it is such a great storyline! So when they approached me with the role in Return to Nims Island, I jumped at the chance and after reading the script, I fell in love with the whole story. Nim is a terrific character and so much fun to play.

“I do think that she is quite similar to myself.

She is such a passionate individual, who stands up for what she believes in and what she knows is right and won’t let anything get in her way. And

they are qualities that I personally really admire about her and I feel that we are quite similar in many regards. She is trying to save her home, which is her island, and in real life I am trying to save a place called the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, from being strip mined,” she said.

THE STEVE IRWIN WILDLIFE RESERVE The Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve is found in Cape York in Northern Queensland and is under threat of being strip mined for bauxite. Bauxite makes aluminium. Bindi explained, “We are not against mining, but we don’t want this mine to go ahead because it is on Dad’s reserve. So at the moment I am battling against that and have got over 400,000 signatures and we are urging everyone to go to australiazoo.com, sign the petition and help us out.

“It was so nice to play the role of Nim because I was able to relate my real life back to the character which made the role easier to play. Mind you, www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Nim is a lot more uppity, I think, than I am and has a little bit of a mean streak, but , she is great of course and was very fun to play,” laughed Bindi.

ON SET It was an enjoyable film for Bindi in many ways. A lot of the film crew had worked with her on other film projects, some having worked on Crocodile Hunter and Bindi the Jungle Girl. “It was almost like a huge extended family reunion when we all got back together,” Bindi shared, “Oh yes, there were quite a few pranks on set. And we all had a really good laugh behind the scenes.”

Toby Wallace and Bindi also bonded during the film. She explained, “He is great fun. The number one thing that Toby and I did behind the scenes was debated. We spent time debating all the political issues, conservation and environmental issues that are facing the world today.”

She joked, “I tell you, if you have questions about how the world is being run, just come and ask Toby and myself!”

Having grown up in front of cameras, I did not expect that Bindi would still get nervous, even on a new project; however when the author of Nim’s Island arrived on set, butterflies did appear. “I did actually get a little bit nervous when I heard that author, Wendy Ore was going to be on set. She breathed life into this character. You wonder if you are giving Nim the right energy. But we hit it off straight away so it was wonderful working together.”

OVERCOMING FEAR There is a short fire scene in the movie which was actually more of a challenge to shoot for Bindi than you would expect for someone who has lived her life surrounded by wild animals. She explained, “One of my biggest fears is of fire; I have always had a fire phobia. I had a challenging time to begin with because of the fire. But also, I am horrible at telling my left from my right. And the stunt guys would tell me, “Okay Bindi, in this scene you need to duck to the left or otherwise a burning branch will hit you on the head”. So they would call “action” and I would go out and do all of my lines and then run to the… right and of course, almost get hit by a burning branch. I had the hardest time remembering and the stunt team weren’t particularly happy… because they were trying to protect my safety and keep my hair from being singed. It was certainly a challenge for me.”

I want to make sure that I leave the world a little bit better than I found it.

Australia Zoo it is one of the most interactive zoos on the planet. We like that you can get in with our wildlife and experience it firsthand. We have this big kangaroo paddock, where our kangaroos jump around, graze on the grass and you can buy roo food that you can feed them. I love the kangaroo area the most because it is so peaceful. It is one place where you can go and sit down and get away from it all and be surrounded by kangaroos and just kind of lose yourself. It is very special. I am so lucky that I live in the most extraordinary place on planet earth. We literally live right in the middle of Australia Zoo. So every day is a new adventure for me and every day is changing.

Getting to grow up around a family of animals is just so special.”

STEVE’S LEGACY AUSTRALIA ZOO So it has to be asked! What is Bindi’s favourite thing to do at Australia Zoo? “At Australia Zoo recently we had a new arrival. Our new arrival is beautiful- she is wobbly and very cute! She is a new baby white Rhino. One of our rhino’s just gave birth. We named her Mango and she is only a couple of weeks old. I love spending time with her and her mum and seeing her grow. It is really special.

“I also love going into our kangaroo area. At www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

So how much impact has her dads’ legacy had in driving her passion for wildlife? “My dad was literally my super hero: my living breathing super hero. I look up to him so much. Everything I do in my life I do to make him and my mum proud. I want to make sure that my dad’s legacy continues forever and that his message lives on for generations to come. I want to carry on in his footsteps.

My passion for wildlife and conservation is in my blood, to tell you the truth. It is part of who I am.

It is like a mosquito bite, if you have a mosquito

bite, all it is going to do if you scratch it is get itchier. That is what happens to me. A lot of people ask me “If you are not doing wildlife work, what are you doing?” I am pretty much doing wildlife work – it is not a job, it is a lifestyle. I live and breathe it. I want to make sure that I leave the world a little bit better than I found it. I want my kids and my grandchildren to grow up in a world where there is fresh water, clean air and an abundance of wildlife. I don’t want to see them grow up in a concrete jungle.

“I love the saying “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. I think that it is so true because no problem is going to be solved unless we all work together and become the change that we wish to see. So I hope to be able to encourage others to want to make a difference. That is one of the reasons that I was so excited about Return to Nim’s Island, as not only is it a great movie for families, but I hope that it may inspire people to try and make a difference and change to the world. As kids, we are the next decision makers, the next leaders, the next generation who can make a difference so it's important that we use our voice and stand up for the issues that we are passionate about. I definitely get my enthusiasm from my family. It is a part of me.”

Return to Nim's Island is rated G and is in cinemas now.

APRIL / MAY 2013 – Kids on the Coast

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Books APPS Movies

REVIEWS MATES: Dronges

BOOKS

by Christine Bongers & Dan McGuiness, Scholastic RRP $11.99

Can Jack beat Rocket Robson in the cross-country this year? If only!

But his best mate Eric might be the real winner in this race. The Mates series are full-colour Australian junior novels, in an easy-to-read chapter book. Ages 6+

Granny Grommet and Me

by Dianne Wolfer & Karen Blair, Walker Books Australia, RRP $27.95

A fun story of a young child playing at the beach that many reluctant swimmers will identify with. “My granny and her friends go to the beach, and I go too. When they hit the surf, they duck and dive and twist and turn. It looks like lots of fun. But I don t want to go in the water. There are strange things under the waves”. Ages 2+

MOVIES: FOR KIDS Escape from Planet Earth Rated: PG In Cinemas: March 28

Animated family sci-fi about a dutiful alien astronaut who responds to a distress signal emitted from planet Earth, only to be captured by the most feared creatures in the entire galaxy: the human race. With their beloved comrade trapped in Area 51, a search party arrives in order to rescue him.

Features the vocal talents of Brendan Fraser, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Alba. This is the first major feature release from animation studio Rainmaker - makers of the Barbie TV series.

The Croods Rated: PG In Cinemas: March 28

A fun prehistoric animated feature from DreamWorks (Shrek), follows a family of cavemen, cavewomen and cavekids as they road trip to a newly discovered world filled with fantastic creatures.

Features the voices of Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener and Cloris Leachman.

The Holiday Creativity Book

by Mandy Archer, Walker Books Australia, RRP $19.95

Packed with clever colouring pages, drawing tips and tricks, puzzles and mazes, make-and-do activities and write-in stories and games about amazing destinations.

A rich and colourful illustration style also sets it apart as a magical book that will delight.

Ages 6+

ACTIVITY BOOK

KID’S APP

Zimmiz (Free on iPad/ iPod/ iPhone)

Zimmiz is a “phone face” toy that integrates a free app (4+). With lifelike 3D graphics, animation and sensory technology it brings interactive fun to an adorable plush playmate that securely houses a iPhone or iPod. Zimmiz plush RRP $24.95 www.planetzimmi.com

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Kids on the Coast – APRIL / MAY 2013

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