ISSUE 73 March/April 2018 GOLD COAST
FREE
TO TAKE HOME
www.kidsonthecoast.com.au
COMMONWEALTH
GAMES SPECIAL!
EDUCATION
Finding an environment for your child to
thrive
Bumper guide to pregnancy
& birth
The experts solve your
parenting dilemmas
WELCOME
We want to get to know you!
We are conducting a reader survey with some great PRIZES to giveaway!
Woah , what’s happening to the year?
Simply jump onto our website, or watch
I’m sure it was only last week I was sitting down to tell you all about your inbox and social media for the link, my shiny new runners and over-ambitious New Year’s resolution of getting fit! complete the survey and you could win one Now a quarter of the way through the year and my new runners are of the following: still in the box, doing a really good job of propping the door open. Why? Simple, I’m a . The extremely versatile new smarTfold™ range WIN a So, sick kids, school runs, laundry, groceries, cleaning, writing, from SmarTrike® is designed to grow with smarTfold™ working… all take precedence. And as much as we say we will carve your child from 9 months – 3 years. Fully 400 out some ‘me’ time, the reality is sadly foldable (down to 85% less than different. the original size), portable and Though frustrating, what my lack of running has done is make me compact enough to fit into small realise that, in all honesty, we can’t have it all… and that’s OK. spaces, it is the perfect travel So, rather than chase the unachievable dream of being the ‘mum accessory! Now available at who does it all’, I’ve started to find some little (teeny-tiny) slices of Target and Big W you can find a ‘me’ time in other ways: full review on our website. ♥♥It’s a cup of tea and writing this opener at 5am on a Sunday morning as the sun comes up (yes, right now). ♥♥It’s going to the supermarket alone (admit it, it’s the closest thing we get to a spa retreat nowadays). ♥♥It’s meeting the school mums and having one too many vodka tonics whilst the kids eat chips and play (thanks for the hangover, girls). ♥♥It’s embracing the ‘non-dinner’ whenever needed (a.k.a. vegemite Kingswim are specialists in teaching kids to swim. toast and a cheese stick – it’s protein and B-vitamins… right?). Teaching tiny tots through to big kids, they offer ♥♥And rather than separating yourself, it’s involving the kids in the programs from babies of 12 weeks of age, right Prize things you love. As a long-time dance music fan, I recently took the through to graduate level swimmers. Their purposepack from kids to a family-friendly rave in Brisbane (thanks Big Fish Little built learning areas provide a dedicated learn to Kingswim Fish!) and it was the most fun we’ve had together in ages. swim environment, with immaculate water quality. It’s whatever works for you. Because, we can’t do it all. But we can do our The prize pack includes: with what we • Kingswim Swimming Bag have and with who we are. We have • Kingswim Towel The best version of me is destined never to run, or bake, or make to give away! • Kingswim Bathers insta-worthy lunchboxes. And I will always feel like I’m failing at (substitute for goggles if size the mama juggle. But if I can dance and laugh with my kids cannot be attained ) occasionally and I’m honest with the real me... then hopefully I’m • Kingswim Drink Bottle on the right track. • $25 Kingswim Gift Card Have an amazing autumn!
working mum
very
best
FIVE
The team PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF Angela Sutherland
PUBLISHER & SALES DIRECTOR Helen Rush
ACCOUNT MANAGER GOLD COAST Bridget Vallis
facebook.com/kidsonthecoast kidsinthecitymagazine kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
ACCOUNT MANAGER BRISBANE Rebecca Kane
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Eva Lewi
PRODUCTION MANAGER Tanya Nissen
GRAPHIC DESIGN Michelle Craik
facebook.com/kidsinthecitymagazinebrisbane kidsonthecoastmagazine pinterest.com/kidsonthecoast issuu.com/kidsonthecoastmagazine MARCH / APRIL 2018
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CONTENTS
Features 17
EDUCATION: Finding the right environment for your child to thrive.
Jack (age 5)
23
CG2018: We chat to swimmer Shayna Jack, as well as check out all the kid-friendly activities on offer at CG2018.
PUBLISHED BY
SH RE
29
BABIES: Our Bumper guide to pregnancy and birthing!
Amber (age 9)
MEDIA
PO Box 852, Coolum Beach, QLD 4573 inbox@shoremedia.com.au Phone 07 5471 2362
More than just a magazine, we are a vibrant community, bringing the best in local news, events, features and more to parents across the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane. Made by local parents, for local parents, we strive to be the first and only place families come to connect – where they are understood, united and inspired.
ADVERTISING SUNSHINE COAST: helen@shoremedia.com.au 0424 577 706 GOLD COAST: bridget@shoremedia.com.au 0468 868 087 BRISBANE: rebecca@shoremedia.com.au 0411 645 887 MAY/JUNE 2018 BOOKING DEADLINES Ad booking: April 18 Art deadline: April 23
Regulars
Cover Photograph: Verve Portraits
FROM THE EDITOR .................................................................................................................. 3 WHAT’S ON: The best local events for March and April......................................................... 6 LOCAL NEWS: The latest news in your area ............................................................................ 8 YOUR BUSINESS: Local businesses to enhance your kid-sized life .................................... 10 NOTICEBOARD: All the news and achievements from our local schools .......................... 12 CHECK THIS OUT: The latest products topping our #want list!......................................... 14 PARENTING: We chat to the experts to solve your parenting dilemmas ........................... 33 LOCAL LIFE: Rebecca Taylor from FSG tells us all about foster caring in QLD ................ 36 CLASSIFIEDS: Local products and services ........................................................................... 38 REVIEWS: This season's movies, books and apps ................................................................. 42 We encourage recycling. Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin.
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Distributed directly to parenting hotspots across Southeast Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast. For distribution enquiries inbox@shoremedia.com.au Printed at Fast Proof Press Printing All editorial and advertising in Kids on the Coast and Kids in the City publications are 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 and Kids in the City is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Feedback, comments or suggestions? Send to: inbox@shoremedia.com.au. We aim to reply to all correspondence.
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WHERE THE LOCALS MEET!
FREE SHOWS
SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN
EXPLORE BINDI’S AFRICA ISLAND
WILDLIFE EXPLORE PHOTOS AFRICA
Open daily 9:00am - 5:00pm (Closed Christmas Day) Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
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What's ON
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW! Sign up at kidsonthecoast.com.au or kidsinthecity.com.au for our weekly What’s On guide.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE MORE EVENTS!
Various locations across Brisbane 21 – 25 March www.worldsciencefestival.com.au World Science Festival explores and celebrates the entanglement of science and art through a curated program of thought-provoking conversations, inspiring theatrical and cinematic experiences, interactive workshops and engaging demonstrations. The festival will see premieres of Brian Greene’s Light Falls: Space, Time and an Obsession of Einstein, Alan Alda’s Dear Albert, Nick Payne’s Constellations and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in A Live Presentation of 2001: A Space Odyssey.
4 – 15 April
FESTIVAL 2018
Various locations across the Gold Coast www.gc2018.com/festival2018 12 action-packed days of free culture taking over the Gold Coast from 4–15 April to celebrate the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Experience music, theatre, circus, dance, ideas, visual arts and film from the Gold Coast, Australia and across the globe.
FUN & CREATIVE HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS
CHILDREN ARE STINKY
Brisbane Powerhouse 12 – 15 April www.brisbanepowerhouse.org Against a backdrop of high calibre circus, a rocking ‘90s soundtrack and genuine belly laughs this acrobatic duo’s attempts to prove kids STINK are met with messy, ridiculous and hysterical twists. They only succeed in proving that children are awesome… and they know it! Expect daredevil stunts, incredible acrobatics, lightning fast hula hoops, loads of laughs and mischievous fun.
The Witches
Brisbane Arts Theatre www.artstheatre.com.au Something is up at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children! It turns out these lovely ladies are actually witches in disguise, with a plot to turn all children into mice. The world of Roald Dahl returns in this captivating, family-friendly adventure sure to excite even the oldest of your clan.
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Speak Up Studios 9 – 13 April www.speakupstudio.com.au Children aged from Prep to Grade 8 will learn new skills, develop their creativity, and have fun in Speak Up Studio’s exciting and engaging holiday workshops. Run by highly trained drama and musical theatre teachers, the workshops aim to develop selfconfidence and communication skills through a combination of drama, craft, storytelling, and musical theatre.
ENGINES ALIVE
24 March – 12 May
Queensland Air Museum 7 April www.qam.com.au Hear the noise, feel the power, come and see the restored engines come to life. With WW2 Jeep rides, a free jumping castle, live music, 70+ aircraft and related displays and loads of kid-friendly fun, it’s a great day out for the family. Hot and cold drinks are available and a BBQ sausage sizzle all day. kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
* We publish information based on what is supplied to us - to the best of our knowledge all details are correct at the time of printing, however we do recommend you check event details with the organisers.
WORLD SCIENCE FESTIVAL
FREE!
EVERY TUE* 9am–12pm * EXCEPT SCHOOL HOLIDAYS PRESENTED BY BRISBANE POWERHOUSE AND IMAGINARY THEATRE
POWERED BY
MORE INFO BRISBANEPOWERHOUSE.ORG
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MARCH / APRIL 2018
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Local NEWS
Got a s Email outor ryedittoorshare? inbox@shoremedia on .com.au
Visit our website for more news – kidsonthecoast.com.au/news
DID YOU
KNOW? 70 COMPETING NATIONS AND TERRITORIES WILL TAKE PART IN THE 2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES.
THE QUEEN’S BATON RELAY SEES THE QUEEN’S BATON CARRIED 190,000KM – THE EQUIVALENT OF GOING AROUND THE EARTH ALMOST 4.25 TIMES. AUSTRALIA IS THE OVERALL CHAMPION OF THE COMMONWEALTH, WINNING 2218 MEDALS IN TOTAL. ENGLAND IS SECOND WITH 2008 AND CANADA IS THIRD WITH 1473. Australia’s youngest gold medal winner was swimmer Jenny Turrell. She was just 13 when she won gold at the 1974 Games in Christchurch.
Over one million spectators will watch the Games across 18 venues located on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville. THE 2018 GAMES ARE ESTIMATED TO HAVE A $2 BILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE GOLD COAST AND QUEENSLAND. 8
MARCH / APRIL 2018
AVOIDING TRAVEL NIGHTMARES WITH CHILDREN Travel activities for kids can be tricky – airline regulations need to be factored in to ensure your child’s favourite travel activity isn’t confiscated by airport security. Big bundles of toys packed tightly into cars for road trips take up valuable space and end up lost under seats or on the freeway and of course an electronic device is only as good as the amount of charge you can retain. Shapeeze has now launched the perfect travel option to keep kids entertained. The kit is easily packed and unpacked, is safe and simple to use without direct supervision from the responsible adult, and doesn’t take up too much room. And most importantly, it’s fun! Easy to carry and store and with no sharp implements, this travel pack is set to ease travel woes for families whilst developing critical hand-eye coordination skills for little learners.
WINNERS OF 2018 BHP BILLITON FOUNDATION SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING AWARDS ANNOUNCED A robotic window cleaner, a water filter made from agricultural waste, and a plastic made from prawn shells are the main winners of the 2018 BHP Billiton Foundation Science and Engineering Awards for school students announced in Melbourne recently. Oliver Nicholls, winner of the Engineering category, combined his knowledge of mathematics, physics and design to create an autonomous robotic window cleaner. His design aims to reduce injury and decrease the commercial costs of window cleaning. The final product went through rigorous prototyping, testing and evaluation to show commercial viability. With aspirations to become an environmental engineer, Minh Nga Nguyen, winner of the Investigations category, used
agricultural by-products such as corn husks, bamboo scraps and rice waste, to create a biochar product with the dual capability of filtering water and then being used as a fertilizer. This process reduces the effects of contaminated water and pollution created by agricultural waste. She hopes this technology will provide positive impact globally. Angelina Arora, winner of the Innovator to Market award, set out to develop a bioplastic made from prawn shell and sticky protein from the silk of silkworms. The plastic completely degrades leaving nothing harmful behind. She tested the strength, elongation, clarity, solubility, deconstruction and endurance of the plastic as well as other plastics made out of potato, corn and tapioca. Angelina hopes this plastic could replace current plastic shopping bags and other packaging to reduce the environmental impact in landfill and in the ocean.
CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the award winners’ and finalists’ ideas could help all Australians cope with a rapidly changing future. “The world is changing faster than many of us can keep up with, but science, technology, engineering and maths can guide that future through innovation,” Dr Marshall said. “Around three quarters of all future jobs will need STEM and we’re absolutely committed to helping school students develop these skills so they can shape Australia’s future. “We know that the achievements of the winners and finalists will inspire other students to become innovators solving the big challenges that face our world.” For more information go to www.scienceawards.org.au kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
Bin collection times are changing From the 18 March your bin collection will commence anytime from midnight.
GS_111
Remember to put your bin out the night before your normal collection day to ensure it is serviced. Visit getsetforthegames.com/city-gold-coast-services or call us on 07 5667 5976. Working together Working together
NEW
Finding Dory & Friends: The Experience
BOOK ONLINE & SAVE sealifesunshinecoast.com.au
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MARCH / APRIL 2018
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YOUR BUSINESS Local businesses to enhance your kid-sized life
SLEEPOVERS SOLVED A slumber party is a child’s ultimate birthday event. But in reality there is a lot to organise. To the rescue are Slumber Sisters – the brainchild of two Sunshine Coast mums who understand how busy life can be. Helping time-poor parents to create a slumber party to remember, Slumber Sisters will come to your house and set up a themed slumber party for your little one. The standard slumber package includes everything you need for a fabulous sleepover, including four handmade teepees with mattresses, fitted sheets, mattress protectors and throw blankets, as well as cushions, fairy lights, breakfast trays, and styling pieces. Don’t worry if you have more than four guests, just add extra teepees to the package. You can also add extra styling items, just take your pick from their collection. Once the party is over, Slumber Sisters will pack everything down and take it away for you. Co-founders Sarah and Alison said, “We understand that life is busy and we all want to make beautiful memories for our children, but time doesn’t always allow perfection. We wanted to do something that would make the entire family happy, and bring excitement into every occasion, or just because!” The party service is now available across the Sunshine Coast. www.slumbersisters.com.au
BEATING MOUNT WASHMORE “I’m on top of my laundry” said no mama ever!If you feel like you need a helping hand
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to tackle your burgeoning Mount Washmore, the very popular Laundry Lady home delivery laundry service is now expanding its service area to include Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Already well established on the Gold Coast, the simple online booking system makes the Laundry Lady something akin to the ‘uber’ of laundry. At the click of a button, select a time slot online and the Laundry Lady will collect your washing and return it 24 hours later – washed, ironed and folded. You don’t even need to be home, simply leave the laundry at the door. Offering a full range of laundry services – washing, folding, ironing and dry cleaning – you simply select what you need. They also offer commercial laundry services for businesses such as medical centres, hairdressers, hotels and holiday rentals. As well as providing laundry home delivery services to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, the opportunity is also now available for other mums to come on board in each area as contractors. Work from home, pick the hours and fit around your existing family commitments, it’s an ideal role for mums in the area. www.thelaundrylady.com.au
IT TAKES A VILLAGE Travelling with very small children can be daunting with all the stuff you have to take but it doesn’t have to be (quite as bad). The award-winning platform Tree Hut Village is a on a mission to make it easier for parents across Australia and New Zealand and has been successfully doing so since 2016. Using Tree Hut Village, parents can list their rarely used baby equipment for others to rent. Try before you buy means you don’t find out during your first night away that your bub hates your travel cot. Test out that pram or stroller you’ve always wanted while on holiday (e.g. Babyzen YoYo , Bugaboos) or
Want to share y story? Email o our business inbox@shoreme ur editor at dia.com.au
rent the same pram you have at home - you’ll find all major brands. Make a bit more space in your garage and make a bit of extra on the side to fund your next holiday. Simple. Insured. Practical. www.treehutvillage.com.au
PUTTING MUMS BACK IN THE PICTURE Mums everywhere have faced the struggle of trying to capture family photos that include the whole family. Now, Travelshoot is solving this problem by putting mums back in the frame of family memories. Through their website, Travelshoot connects all types of travellers with local photographers across the globe to capture moments from family holidays, honeymoons, destination weddings and more. Travellers simply select their destination and available dates before leaving for their trip and Travelshoot arranges for the photographer guide them through photo shoots at iconic locations around the city. Initially, co-founder Sarah Pearce thought that honeymooners would be the main customer base interested in Travelshoot’s services. However, as bookings starting to come through, she noticed a clear trend towards mothers booking Travelshoots so that everyone can be in the frame. “After a quick Google search, we realised there is a whole online movement of mothers begging husbands and partners to take more photos of them, so that they have memories of the whole family to cherish later in life. “Instead of obsessing over getting selfies for the whole trip or putting pressure on Mum to be the perfect photographer, they both knew that their Travelshoot photos would capture their holiday perfectly and preserve those memories forever.” Travelshoot is currently available in more than 60 destinations across Australia and the world. www.travelshoot.com.au kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
Register your interest today Email: pscoomera@bne.catholic.edu.au | kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
@StJosephsCoomera MARCH / APRIL 2018
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NO T ICEBOARD
.EMAIL YOUR SCHOOL'S STORIES TO: INBOX @SHOREMEDIA.COM.AU
All the news and achievements from our local schools CELEBRATING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Five students from Queensland Academies have attained perfect scores of 45 points in the International Baccalaureate, with these students well on the way to successful career pathways. Claire Livingstone is planning to study a Bachelor of Medical Science, Thomas Wu is planning to study either Medicine or Computer Science, Christopher Malau is planning to study Electrical Engineering (R&D)/ Computer Science, Youmin Chen is planning to study Economics and Finance, NEW CATHOLIC COLLEGE PLANNED and Jason Kaluarachchi is planning to FOR COOMERA pursue a Bachelors of Commerce majoring in Brisbane Catholic Education plans to open a Actuarial Studies. new Prep to Year 12 co-educational college A further eight students – representing all in Coomera, to cater for the rapid population three campuses – attained scores of 44 points. growth of the Gold Coast over the past five These students include Samantha years. Hammond (Queensland Academy for The ten-hectare site, on Kerkin Road Register your interest today Creative Industries), Angela Duong and Ayla South, is being master-planned to cater for Email: pscoomera@bne.catholic.edu.au | @StJosephsCoomera Tartic (Queensland Academy for Health an eventual enrolment of more than 1,800 Sciences) and Harrison Cusak, Karen Lee, students with four streams in the primary Sashwat Mishra, Hyun Nam and Lucy school (Prep to Year 6) and six streams in the Qu (Queensland Academy for Science, secondary school (Years 7 to 12). Mathematics and Technology). It is intended that the secondary year levels at St Joseph’s College will attract students from Mother Teresa Primary BRONCOS MENTOR HEADS BACK School at Ormeau and some students from TO SCHOOL other Catholic and state primary schools on Brisbane Broncos star Anthony Milford the northern Gold Coast. returned to his old high school, St Peter Claver Brisbane Catholic Education Executive College, Riverview, recently, to help launch the Director, Pam Betts, said the choice of name 2018 Beyond the Broncos program. was reflective of the values which the school The Beyond the Broncos Indigenous will represent. mentoring program aims to improve school “We strongly advocated for the new college attendance rates and Year 12 attainment to embrace the charism of Australia’s first rates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and Islander students in eight high schools of the order which she founded, the across the Greater Brisbane region. Josephites. Through the program, a dedicated team “The name chosen for the college pays of Broncos’ Indigenous support staff tribute to the full name of that order – the provide one-on-one mentoring support, Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. encouragement and motivation for students We are thrilled that the Sisters have given to achieve maximum school attendance, effort us their strong support for this, which will and behaviour and to complete Year 12. strengthen the Josephite charism and values Milford spoke to students in a Q&A on the Gold Coast,” she said. session, alongside Alexia Baker from the Enrolments will open soon and Queensland Firebirds, on the importance of information sessions will be held for school attendance and of working hard, and families in the coming months. Families may how that effort has translated to his career register their expression of interest now via now as a National Rugby League superstar. Facebook (@StJosephsCoomera). “The amount of time and effort you put in
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is what you get out of it, so the harder you work, the rewards will come, and you get them at the end,” he said.
‘DEADLY AUSTRALIANS’ EXPERIENCE AT THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL Year 9 boys at The Southport School were treated to a presentation by “The Deadly Australians” recently, where Australia’s most dangerous and venomous wildlife and marine creatures were discussed. The presenter shared a host of interesting facts, curious habits and little known ‘secrets’ about each of the animals he brought in. He also made it fun by having volunteers come forward to be a part of the presentation. Students were also taught about some of the first aid measures if ever stung/bitten by various organisms. The session culminated with a series of questions from the boys and an opportunity for the boys to get their hands on a snake!
FUTURE BNE CHALLENGE IS BACK! As part of the 2018 World Science Festival Brisbane to be held from 21-25 March 2018, Brisbane Council is once again presenting the Green Hearts Schools Future BNE Challenge. This interactive, future-thinking challenge will investigate Brisbane’s future water security. School teams will evaluate local and global water use and record a video pitch to present and explain their solution. The event is for Year 7 students and is linked to the Australian Curriculum and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Find out more at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
Open Day 2 M AY 2018 Re gister online at w w w.churchie.com.au kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
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Check THIS OUT THE
LATEST PRODUCTS TOPPING OUR #WANT LIST!
Artist designer floor cushion Designed and handmade on the Sunshine Coast, these gorgeous floor cushions are soft and cosy for babies, kids and even adults. Uniquely designed with the My Little Joy signature pompoms, middle band and centre button, they have both style and comfort and will be a much-loved part of your little one’s space for many years to come. As well as cushions, My Little Joy has a range of towels, beanbags, and softies. From $154. www.mylittlejoy.com.au
Magnificent World of AB C - Animals This activity set from Tiger Tribe is a fun, interactive way for early learners to discover the alphabet, recognise words and form connections between letters and sounds. The practical, portable and robust case is designed to keep all the magnetic pieces and picture cards together. Ribbon straps hold the case lid in place, creating the perfect display panel. Educational and, more importantly, fun, these ABC learning sets will engage and delight children for hours. Suitable for ages 4+. $40. www.rainbowfun.com.au
Lani + Me Hand crafted Earrings Made using polymer clay and surgical stainless steel earring posts and backs, these handmade earrings are individual and one of a kind. With a huge range of gorgeous designs, from a little bit of shimmer to bold textures and stripes, there’s something for every busy mama. If you can’t find what you are looking for, Lani + Me are also open to custom orders. Earrings come in two sizes: small 9mm and large 11mm, and are all lovingly handmade on the Sunshine Coast. $10 www.laniandme.com
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kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
Mumma Shakes Looking for a delicious way to boost your breast milk supply that isn’t lactation cookies? Check out the Mumma Shakes from The Milk Pantry. Smooth, sweet and creamy, they taste just like a real milkshake! Using real natural ingredients sourced from wholefoods to flavour, these shakes contain nothing artificial. Real flecks of vanilla in the vanilla shakes, real strawberries with seeds in the strawberry shakes, fresh rich cocoa in the chocolate shakes.... Yum!! The Mumma Shakes contain natural ingredients that help boost breast milk supply as well as containing additional vitamins and minerals essential for post-partum health and recovery. Run by a Sunshine Coast mama and recently awarded with the Sunshine Coast Business Award for sustainability – we love! $21.95 www.milkpantry.com.au
FunBites food cutter Move over junk food! Perfect for picky eaters this food cutter makes healthy food fun. Tempt fussy eaters to try new things and add a little creative fun to lunchboxes and mealtimes, in a really easy way. Works on stacks of kid-friendly food – pancakes, cheese, sandwiches, fruit, veggies, brownies and more. Winner of 30 design and innovation awards, FunBites cutters come in a range of great shapes, and are dishwasher safe and BPA free. $14.95. www.minihippo.com.au
Summertime Teether It can always be summer with this super-cute summertime teether from Lou + Black. Made from BPA-free food grade silicone, the teether measures 10.5 x 5cm and is a perfect size for little hands. Place them in the fridge or freezer for added relief. Lou + Black is an Australian owned boutique business based on the Sunshine Coast. Offering something a little bit different, Lou + Black is all about family, fun and finding the balance. $12.95. www.louandblack.bigcartel.com
kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
Kids Performance Leggings These Kids Performance Leggings from local business Aloki Athletica are perfect for after-school activities, sunny days at the beach or those lazy Sunday afternoons at home. Made from 88% polyester and 12% spandex, this eco-friendly, utra-stretch performance fabric holds shape even after multiple wearings, making them durable as well as stylish! Every pair of leggings is printed and sewn by hand. And best of all, the fabric dries quickly so your little one can be running around in their leggings again soon. From $77. www.alokiathletica.com
*Reader offer!
15% off for Kids on the Coast and Kids in the City readers! Just use code KIDSONTHECOAST at checkout.
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• Early Learning program from 2.5 years of age • Pre Prep program building a successful transition to school • Noah’s Ark is the preferred entry point for starting school at King’s Christian College
e
noahsark@kingscollege.qld.edu.au
Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. Aristotle
A Catholic education ensures your child is engaged, challenged and provided with clear expectations. We know your child is unique and with individual attention, we uncover their hidden talents. All our teachers seek opportunities for every student’s progress and Brisbane Catholic Education sets ambitious targets for improving classroom performance. Find out more about a Brisbane Catholic Education for your child.
Brisbane Catholic Education teaching • challenging • transforming
Find a school near you at brisbanecatholicschools.com.au
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EDUCATION
AN ENVIRONMENT TO
thrive
Not every child fits naturally into the mainstream classroom. But what are available outside the everyday school environment?
alternatives
The school year is well under way and most kids are happily finding their groove in the classroom and childcare. But quite often some kids just don’t find that groove. Those kids that are the square pegs in round holes; the ones that see things differently but who might just go on to change the world. Every child deserves a supportive and nurturing education. If your child isn’t settling well into the typical classroom, there are now many alternatives to the mainstream system that can ensure every square peg has the right environment to thrive.
CREATIVITY IN EARLY LEARNING With a plethora of childcare centres and services on offer, it’s no surprise parents often feel overwhelmed when choosing the right care for their littlest ones. Pam Maclean from Big Day Out Care & Education believes that catering for the interests of individual children at this early learning stage is essential. “Early education is about knowing and understanding where children’s minds are at, and providing services that support that,” says Pam. kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
To offer a long day-care space that supports the engagement of all children, Big Day Out turned to creative thinking. “Because the neural pathways of the brain are being developed at such a rapid pace from 0–5 years old, we wanted to build a centre that offers an alternative way of thinking, so we created a dedicated studio for creative thinking.” The studio was designed as a place where all children can hypothesise, try, fail and create, exercising those neural pathways and being able to create and explore on their own terms. “By providing avenues for children to think, try, investigate and play, you capture this neural development that can support formal learning later and lead to better outcomes down the track,” Pam explains. This type of creative environment that mixes the joyfulness of early childhood with purposeful thinking is something that can engage all children, far beyond the cookie-cutter service. Another early learning choice that is rapidly growing in popularity is Family Day Care. Providing a perfect ‘half-way’ point between the home and school environment, Family Day Care is a nurturing care option, ideal for those children that may be cautious about MARCH / APRIL 2018
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EDUCATION
stepping away from the comfort of home. Providing high quality early learning in an educator’s own home, Family Day Care focuses on each individual child’s development. In small groups, children experience a more natural approach to play and discovery, and with only one educator, they will form a genuine bond with that carer.
RESPECTING THE SPECTRUM With a 42 per cent rise in autism diagnoses between 2012 and 2015 and an estimated 1 in 100 children in Australia now impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), one of the most common groups of children that struggle to find their feet in the mainstream classroom are those on the spectrum. How much a child with ASD will thrive in a mainstream classroom is often down to the individual child and circumstance. But for those that aren’t settling into the regular system there are now schools across the region specifically set up to cater for them. Tailored wholly to the needs of the students, the Sycamore School in Alexandra Hills, Brisbane, is one such school. Offering a curriculum fully aligned with the Australian curriculum, Acting Principal Elissa Brinckman explains that to meet the needs of the children, they put the child at the centre of everything. “It’s not just about meeting curriculum outcomes; it’s about giving each student a voice, giving them the tools to advocate for themselves, and to be involved in the decision-making processes of their lives. It’s about giving them confidence, self-determination, and a valued place in our community,” says Elissa. With a total school size of approximately 65 and class sizes of no more than 10 students, every classroom has a Teacher and an Education Support Officer. The school also has a Wellbeing Education Support Officer and wellbeing classes for every class as well as a
Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Social Worker on site. “Autism is our superpower, and we have a superhero theme throughout the school,” Elissa explains. “We have superhero awards at assemblies and celebrate all the strengths that your young people possess. Even the very smallest achievement is celebrated to create an environment where the young people feel safe, supported and accepted.” Day-to-day teaching involves a lot of methodical process, focusing on not only elements of the Australian Curriculum, but also explicitly teaching skills that ASD children might not intuitively pick up such as social communication skills, adaptive behaviours, sensory processing, and social skills. “At the Sycamore School we use a lot of structured teaching and positive behaviour support to assist the students,” says Elissa. “We need to give young people the tools they need to be able to make safe choices, build resilience and build independence.” And all this is delivered in a nurturing, safe environment – where the children are understood. “We share the message of four important character values in the school; we respect, we are safe, we participate and we celebrate. We find that when we respect, they respect, and in a place where they get a sense of belonging, their self-esteem builds,” Elissa continues. “We make sure we give our students as many skills as they can to be independent young people.” When looking for the right education environment for a child with ASD, Elissa recommends primarily looking for a place where their autism is respected and they are respected. “Look for a place where the young people feel safe and understood. Find a place where they are challenged to reach their capacity and their potential, where they can make progress academically, socially and emotionally, and they also have an opportunity to make important connections with those around them.”
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With a 42 per cent rise in autism diagnoses between 2012 and 2015 and an estimated one in 100 children in Australia now impacted by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) one of the most common groups of children that struggle to find their feet in the mainstream classroom are those on the spectrum.
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EDUCATION
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“Children are first encouraged to develop their interests and then to take increasing responsibility for their choices and learning... For most children this is deeply reassuring and liberating.”
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A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION For those looking for a more holistic, child-focused approach to education than that of the mainstream classroom, an increasingly popular choice is a Montessori education. And, because it provides for a diverse range of learning styles and temperaments, Montessori suits most children. With a non-competitive style of learning that emphasises cooperation, each child is able to progress at his or her own pace. “Children are first encouraged to develop their interests and then to take increasing responsibility for their choices and learning.” Peter Erskine from Montessori International College, Forest Glen explains. “For most children this is deeply reassuring and liberating.” One key difference in a Montessori classroom is that most usually consist of a three-year age range. “There are classrooms for 3–6-year-old children, 6–9-year-old children, 9–12-year-old children and so on,” Peter says. “A mixed age range provides rich social interactions as well as supporting a learning community where children learn from each other as well as from the teacher.” The mixed age range also encourages children to work together cooperatively, to help each other and to learn from each other, whilst the small group lessons allow the teacher to more easily identify any children who may need extra assistance. “The unique Montessori materials and teaching methods help the teacher to tailor particular lessons for particular children and to meet a variety of needs and interests,” Peter explains. “And because children stay in the one classroom for three years, teachers are able to really get to know the children and the children’s families. There is potential for a sustained collaboration between school and home, and between teacher and parent in a Montessori school. This fosters greater understanding as well as a set of relationships that can support a diversity of needs and abilities.” When looking at alternatives in schooling, Peter advises to look for a school that is not focused solely on academics. “If there is a lot of testing at the school this may indicate that an emphasis on academic results has overtaken care and respect for the whole child. Will the school allow parents to visit the classroom and, if possible, to observe the classroom in action? Try to observe how the children relate to each other and to their teachers. If children are generally helpful and considerate of others and seem happy then these are probably good initial indicators of a school’s respect for children.” kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM IF YOUR CHILD IS HAPPY IN THEIR CLASSROOM BUT YOU ARE LOOKING TO SUPPORT THEM FURTHER IN THEIR LEARNING, THERE ARE SOME GREAT SERVICES ACROSS THE REGION THAT CAN HELP: BRICKS FOR KIDS: Extend those brains after school with imaginative, multi-sensory fun! Each hour-long workshop is a fun and enriching experience where kids explore the world of engineering, architecture and movie-making using LEGO bricks and LEGO software. They also offer school holiday workshops across the region. www.bricks4kidz.com.au SONIC LEARNING: Sonic learning have a range of programs to help children with learning difficulties, poor attention, processing issues or reading and writing problems. Through fun, engaging and motivating exercises they offer a range of programs that can be completed at home, delivered under the supervision of a qualified coach. www.soniclearning.com.au MUSIC2GROW: Musical diversity builds strong neural connections in a child’s forming brain. To support this growth, immerse your child in rhythm, songs and hands-on activities that establish a foundation of early learning and supports a child’s growth, confidence and creativity. For babies through to 7 years old. www.music2grow.me OCEAN LIFE EDUCATION: A wonderful extra-curricular incursion and school holiday program that brings the sea to you. With fun marine education programs to inspire the next budding marine biologist and students of all ages to take responsibility for the marine ecosystem. www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au
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EDUCATION MEETING THE NEEDS OF GIFTED AND TALENTED Another group of kids who often need an adjusted environment to truly thrive in the classroom are gifted and talented students. Typically curious and passionate about learning, Mr Gavin Bryce (Principal, Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus) explains that highly capable students thrive in environments that are flexible and support the uniqueness of their abilities. “Our campus fosters a like-minded learning environment where students actively support each other’s individuality and goals to remain intellectually extended and motivated,” Gavin explains. “Within the framework of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, students discover their potential across a broad range of subjects in collaboration with experienced educators.” This partnership enables students to achieve a self-directed and well-rounded approach to their senior high school studies where they explore deep learning opportunities that transfer to life beyond school. “QACI classrooms are inclusive learning spaces that focus on wellbeing; nurturing the development of high achieving students is our school’s core value,” Mr Bryce says. Attracting highly capable students from a range of diverse backgrounds from Queensland, interstate, and international origins, Queensland Academies caters to a student’s personal learning style, supporting the individual to flourish as an independent learner whose focus is to be the best they can be. For parents who are looking for a suitable school for their gifted child, Gavin recommends finding a learning environment that invests in the academic and socio-emotional capacities of the student. “Look for one that focuses on the development of the whole person who has potential to make contributions to local, national and global communities,” he explains. “Through the nature of the IB Diploma Program our students develop their learner identity in a global context. They think and act with international mindedness and respect for cultures and difference.” And from a curriculum perspective, he recommends looking for
a curriculum that is both challenging and rewarding. “Look for one that offers the opportunities for students to question their ways of knowing, and values innovation as the norm, not the exception.”
AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION TO THE SENIOR YEARS Students have the ability to kick-start their career early and incorporate a practical approach to their learning while completing their high school studies through TAFE at School. Run through TAFE Queensland, this option allows students to obtain their QCE while studying subject matter they’re truly passionate about. Siobhan Ablett, TAFE Queensland’s East Coast Region School Engagement Consultant, explains that for high school students who prefer to ‘learn by doing’, this hands-on education delivery is a particularly popular choice. “TAFE Queensland educates its students in a myriad of ways, not just in the classroom,” Siobhan explains. “We have online and blended delivery options, practical placements and flexible hours. This combined with the level of expertise and industry-relevant knowledge offered by our teachers helps set our students up for success.” TAFE courses still study the theory behind a subject, but they are balanced with practical lessons that provide students with valuable job-relevant skills while putting that theory into practice. “By studying at TAFE, these students get to focus on learning about a subject they’re genuinely interested in, in an environment of likeminded people, and get the skills and a qualification out of it that allow them to graduate job-ready,” says Siobhan. Courses are available across a diverse range of industries, from trades such as automotive, electrotechnology, construction, hair and cookery, to hospitality, beauty, fashion, communities, nursing, tourism, rural operations and more. “If your child has a passion for it, we’ll do our best to find a path that suits them,” Siobhan continues. “By completing their QCE eligible qualification with a TAFE course, students open themselves up to more options. Not only do they already have a qualification they can add to their resume to make themselves more attractive to employers, they can use it to further their education.” TAFE Queensland has a great relationship with multiple universities including the University of the Sunshine Coast, and TAFE at School courses can act as a pathway to get students into some university courses, sometimes even allowing them to bypass waiting lists. Students usually need to plan their senior years out in advance, so they need to be thinking about their career and study options by the age of 14–15. Some schools encourage students to form their plans earlier. “It’s also worth visiting a TAFE Queensland campus and talking to our educators about what your child can expect, Siobhan recommends. “Even if your child isn’t sure of what career their future holds just yet, there are opportunities like open days that make it easy for them to gather information on a range of options.”
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““By studying at TAFE... students get to focus on learning about a subject they’re genuinely interested in, in an environment of like-minded people, and get the skills and a qualification out of it that allow them to graduate job-ready.”
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FOSTER CARE ENRICHES LIVES... YOURS AND THEIRS
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Join the journey...
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EARLY START
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Music, Yoga & Sport Japanese lessons Seasonal swimming lessons
Caring for your child’s future www.cubbycare.com.au
Ph (07) 5561 7466 MARCH / APRIL 2018
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COMMONWEALTH GAMES
SHAYNA JACK SWIMMING FOR GLORY As one of the world’s biggest sporting events lands on our doorstep, we chat to and Commonwealth Games hopeful, 19-year-old Shayna Jack, to find out what life is really like for a young athlete chasing gold medal glory.
local swimmer
Credit: Glen Hunt
WHEN DID YOU START SWIMMING? I started at the age of two just because my parents thought it was important for me to learn to swim. Whilst watching my two older brothers, who were doing learn to swim, one day the instructors said to just put me in with them and see how she goes. I ended up showing a bit of talent, and I continued from there! Ever since, I’ve always enjoyed being in the water. The feel of the water is something I can never get enough of… you can’t get me out of it!
WHERE DO YOU TRAIN? I swam at my first primary school – Greenbank State School. Then moved to Chandler Swimming Club when we moved to Redlands, and I trained at Chandler for nearly ten years whilst I went through primary school (Hilliard State School) and high school (Ormiston College). After that I decided to make another move in my swimming career and moved to an elite squad with more focus and opportunities, so kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
now I train with Simon Cusack at Commercial Club, Brisbane. I’ve watched how Cate and Bronte Campbell have succeeded, now I train alongside them and hope for the same!
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU REALISED THAT SWIMMING PROFESSIONALLY AND REPRESENTING AUSTRALIA WAS YOUR GOAL? I was around age nine and I remember meeting Libby Trickett and Ashley Callus at an Olympian day I went to with primary school. And I think that was when it really hit me, where I remember thinking ‘I want to be like that!’ Libby has always been my idol – she’s the one person I’ve always looked up to. The way she handles life and inspires people is amazing. So that was probably the point I decided I’m going to pursue this and make it more of a career than recreation. I always knew I had the talent, but from that point, representing Australia was always the dream. MARCH / APRIL 2018
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COMMONWEALTH GAMES it so much more. The drive is so much higher just because people you know are there too. People that have been there every step of the way for you, who have been supporting you the whole time, it’s amazing they get to experience that with you.
WHAT DOES TRAINING FOR THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES ENTAIL?
WHAT WAS LIFE LIKE GROWING UP, MANAGING DAY-TO-DAY LIFE WITH HIGH-LEVEL SWIMMING? It’s certainly been a journey, with lots of different highs and lows. At one stage my PB didn’t change for four years, which was tough to push through. And life was always a juggle. Both my parents worked, so I had to think about my family and what was convenient for them. My two older brothers swam along with me, so we all went to training together at Chandler. However, the one thing I always had in the back of my mind was the goal of making the Commonwealth Games, making the Olympics and being on that Australian team. So, any time I thought ‘I’m done’, or ‘I can’t do this anymore,’ I just kept pushing and thinking of those goals. I was lucky that I had a lot of support. I had sports scientists and my coach, and my family were always there for me whenever I needed anything. But it was difficult going through your teen years and seeing what works and what doesn’t work. You’ve got to try and push your body to the limit while it’s trying to make changes and adapt, and it was easy to get caught up in worrying about weight and shape. Thankfully when that did happen, Simon got my focus back by explaining what really matters – that as long as you are eating the right things to fuel your body to swim, you’re training as hard as you can, and you’re doing everything out of the pool to make sure you can train well and you’ve got a happy lifestyle, that’s what counts. That’s what I live by now, and in the end, it really worked for me. I became happier and I enjoyed swimming a lot more.
HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW, PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST COMMONWEALTH GAMES? Yes, this is my first real attempt! I’ve tried out for several when I was younger, the first when I was 13 – just to have a go! I didn’t expect to make it but it was a great experience racing with the other adults. So now, I’m just really excited! I can’t predict anything how it will go or what people might do. Someone might smash an amazing time, or someone might have a bad day. But as long as I do what I can do and control what I want to, then I’ll be happy with how it goes. It’s just such a thrill to have a chance of competing – we’ve always been a strong team, it would be an honour to be a part of that.
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE, BEING ON HOME SOIL? I think the home support is going to make a huge difference! It’s an instant adrenaline boost even thinking about it – just makes you want
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Today I was up at seven o’clock and went to training at QAS (Queensland Academy of Sport). We had altitude training from 8–9am, where you go into a room and they turn down the oxygen and cycle for an hour. We were at 4,000 metres this morning. Then we do a Pilates session just to get the body moving, get a bit of core connection happening and get those little muscles firing. Then we did a gym session and then we went to the pool and did a recovery session which finished at 12pm. So that’s four hours of my day, and then back to training tomorrow morning! Three days a week we have morning and afternoon training, and three days we have morning training, with an average of 20 hours a week in the pool! We also have a training camp in Thredbo before the Games. We don’t tend to add more training – you don’t want to change what you’re doing before competition. But training at Thredbo at 1500 metres will be tough enough!
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR A YOUNG ATHLETE THAT MIGHT BE CONSIDERING PURSUING A SPORT PROFESSIONALLY? Just to never let anything get in the way of that dream – it’s your dream and not someone else’s, so why let someone else stop you from getting there. You should be able to put 100 per cent into it, don’t feel like you’ve got to give less just because someone wants you to be somewhere else. With some things there’s always other pathways, but with sport it’s one of those things you’ve just got to go for. If you are going to be good at it, you will have to make a lot of sacrifices for that one career. But that’s the same with anything. My parents always told me no matter what – do what you want to do and if making the Olympics team is what you want to do then don’t let anything get in the way of that.
DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR STAYING CALM AND FOCUSED BEFORE A RACE? Well I think everyone is a bit different. Some people read, some people listen to music I’m a chatter so I have to be talking to somebody! I talk and talk and talk and then just before my race – goggles on, cap on, and I’m good to go. So mostly, it’s about trying to keep the adrenaline down until you race. Then the adrenaline is there to fire when you need it. But everybody has a different technique, it’s just about practicing and learning your routine. It’s always good to have a routine so that you don’t have to change anything with every single place you go. People usually falter when they have to change something.
AND ON THE DAY? Well, everything you’ve done for the last year just goes into one race – you have no idea how you’re going to feel or how you are going to go. You’ve just got to turn up and go out there and give it everything you’ve got! I couldn’t be more excited! kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
GAME ON GOLD COAST!
Don’t just be a sports watcher, become a sports doer and be
inspired by GC2018!
Game On is a program organised by City of Gold Coast that is throughout the Commonwealth Games’ offering sports, fitness events, wellbeing activities and plenty of fun challenges. Whether you are sporting fanatic or just want to try a new activity. there’s something for everyone!
ACTIVE & HEALTHY SKATEBOARDING WORKSHOPS Come on down to your local skate park and be taught by some of Australia’s best skateboard coaches. Workshops are for beginners starting out in the world of skateboarding. Skateboards and helmets are supplied for up to 15 participants. Bookings essential. Sat 3 March, 9am: Pizzey Park Skate Park, Pacific Avenue, Miami Sat 10 March, 9am: Nerang Youth Precinct, Arthur Earle Park, Nerang Sat 14 March, 9am: Viney Park, Yaun Street, Coomera Who: Gold Coast Skateboard Coaching Phone: 0407 910 240 Facebook: Gold Coast Skateboard Coaching
COME AND TRY WATER POLO Suitable for all ages, this come and try day will be a fun filled day of water polo activities. Both juniors and seniors are welcome.
Sun 4 March, 10am: Miami Aquatic Centre, 80 Pacific Avenue, Miami Who: Gold Coast Water Polo Phone: 5628 7039 Email: juniors@goldcoastwaterpolo.com.au
MY ATHLETIX ALL STAR SERIES Kids will get involved in the athletic events of running, jumping and throwing while being guided by experienced coaches. For ages 5‑10. $5. Bookings required, places are limited. Sat 10 March, 2-4pm: Varsity College Hall, Varsity Lakes Sat 24 March, 2–4pm: Bond University Sports Centre, Robina Who: My Athletix Phone: 0434 061 634 Website: www.myathletix.com.au
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CHURCH OF MOVEMENT
DIRT TRAIL RAD SHOW JAM
This 90-minute boot camp-style class is the ultimate workout for anyone aged over 13 and any fitness level. Run by AMPM’s expert trainers, Church of Movement combines HIIT circuit training, calisthenics progressions and general body weight training. Free, bookings required. Sun 11 March, 7 – 8.30am: Phillip Park, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach Sun 29 April, 7 – 8.30am: Paradise Point Parklands, Paradise Point Sun 27 May, 7 – 8.30am: Len Wort Park, Currumbin Who: AMPM Website: www.ampm.fit/ampmhq/timetable
Check out the RAD crew as they put on a show with Pro BMX rider demos, interactive ride games, music and more. Free, no bookings required. Sun 25 March & Sun 8 April, 10am – 3pm: Abbott Park, Parkwood Sun 15 April, 10am – 3pm: Gambamora Park, Oxenford Who: RAD Riders Website: www.radriders.com.au Facebook: radraceparktrails
GAME ON BOXING Learn how to box and improve your fitness in this boxing based skills and fitness session for males and females over the age of 15. $10, no bookings required. 19 March – 9 April 2018, Mon and Wed 8-week program: Ashmore Community Park, 44 Dominions Road, Ashmore Who: Power Boxing Website: www.powerboxing.com.au Facebook: Power Boxing
GAME ON MOUNTAIN BIKING An introductory program for those wanting to get back into riding or for those who want to check out some new locations to ride. Good quality mountain bikes are provided. Sat 24 March, 9–11am: Coombabah Wetlands, Coombabah Park car park, Shelter Road, Coombabah (meet at Rain Tree Glen side) Bookings required. Who: Vertec Adventures Phone: 0403 293 533 Website: vertecadventures.com.au
BLUE MOON RISING Infuse your long weekend with the joy of kirtan! An enchanting evening of timeless mantras intertwined with spirited melodies awaits as you relax in the glow of the captivating blue moon. Free, no bookings required. Sat 31 March, 5pm – 8pm: Justins Park, Burleigh Who: Australian School of Meditation and Yoga Website: www.asmy.org.au
YOGA BY THE SEA Join one of the Gold Coast’s favourite teachers Andrew for energising flows and relaxing meditation as you breathe in the refreshing ocean air! Complete with delicious, healthy treats from Kiss The Berry Burleigh. Free, no bookings required. Sat 7 & Sat 14 April, 8 – 9am: Justin’s Park, Burleigh Heads Who: Australian School of Meditation and Yoga Website: www.asmy.org.au
For more details of what’s happening in your area, head to www.cityofgoldcoast.com.au/gameon
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COMMONWEALTH GAMES
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
RESTAURANTS
ON THE GOLD COAST Heading to the Commonwealth Games with the kids? Your dining dilemmas are solved with six of the kid-friendly restaurants on the Gold Coast.
best
Harry's Steak Bistro Burleigh hotspot Harry’s Steak Bistro is in the perfect location for both locals and holiday-makers alike to enjoy a delicious meal in a familyfriendly environment. With heaps of great options on the menu it’s a popular choice for parents and kids of all ages. Renowned for its mouth-watering steak served with unlimited frites, Harry’s is sure to keep the whole family happy. www.harryssteakbistro.com.au
Anchor Buoy Located in The Marine Village with views of the beautiful Sanctuary Cove Marina, Anchor Buoy Café and Bar offers great ambience, exceptional customer service and a family-friendly environment. Known for their delicious rustic cooking with a modern flair, Anchor Buoy has a delicious kids’ menu, packed with family favourites and is the perfect dining destination for families on the northern Gold Coast. www.anchorbuoy.com.au
1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads, QLD, 4220 Opening hours: Mon to Thurs: 5pm – late. Fri to Sun: 12pm – late
7b/c, The Marine Village, Masthead Way, Hope Island QLD 4212 Opening hours: 7am – 3pm daily
Justin Lane Establishment One of the Gold Coast’s favourite dining hotspots, Justin Lane Establishment is situated in the perfect location to grab a bite to eat after a family-fun day out at Burleigh beach. With a laidback dining vibe, Justin Lane serves up everyday Italian favourites – delicious pizza, pasta and more – that are sure to delight family members both young and old. Menu favourites include their mouth-watering margarita pizza, rosemary and garlic flatbread and scrumptious gelato selection. www.justinlane.com.au
Mecca Bah Serving up delicious, modern interpretations of Moroccan and Middle Eastern cuisine, Mecca Bah’s menu highlights include delicious baked haloumi, pizzas and mezze platters piled high with Lebanese flatbread, hummus, labna and baba gonoush. Mecca Bah also offers plenty of kid-friendly activities including, free face painting and fairy floss every weekend from 12pm to 4pm and kid’s pizza making classes in which little ones can get messy making pizza dough and have fun mastering pizza acrobatics and devouring their delicious creations. www.meccabah.net
1708-1710 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads, QLD, 4220 Opening hours: Mon to Thurs: 5pm – late. Fri to Sun: 12pm – late
El Patio De Cuba Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise at Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, El Patio De Cuba, offers a delicious tapas and sharestyle menu perfect for families to dig in and explore this Cuba-inspired cuisine. Menu highlights include charred corn on the cob topped with parmesan, Spanish paprika marinated prawn and pineapple skewers, and crispy nachos topped with homemade guacamole. El Patio also offers a kids’ menu including mini steak and chips and linguini bolognaise. www.elpatio.com.au Shop G37, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Surfers Paradise, QLD, 4217 Opening hours: 11am – 11pm daily
3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach, QLD, 4218 Opening hours: 11am – 10:30pm daily
Ribs and Rumps Located on the decks of the iconic Marina Mirage, enjoy dinner overlooking the spectacular views of the Gold Coast and marina. At Ribs and Rumps, they’re all about the primal urge to enjoy some of the most mouth-watering racks of ribs slow-cooked in their special marinade, flame-grilled to perfection and basted in the signature Ribs and Rumps sweet BBQ glaze. Offering a ‘kids eat free’ deal for kids under 12-years old (Monday to Wednesday, from 5pm to 7pm) and a yummy kids’ menu with a drink and ice cream included, Ribs and Rumps is a great dining choice for families both local to the Gold Coast and visiting. www.ribsandrumps.com.au Marina Mirage, Shop 16/74 Seaworld Dr, Main Beach, QLD, 4217 Opening hours: 11.30am – 10pm daily
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Q Hand writing
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Help your child have a more confident start to their school years Use the code KIDS for a 10% discount (till 31 May 18)
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BABIES
PREGNANCY
BIRTH
S PE C I A L The life-changing experience of pregnancy and birth is , unique and, at times, incredibly . It’s a journey that can see women at their most fragile and yet most – all in the same moment.
magical
confronting
powerful
Over the coming months (or let’s be honest, the next 18 years!) you’ll experience more weird and wonderful things than you ever thought possible, and will find your body (and your mind) is capable of more than you ever imagined. Choosing the right care to support you on this journey to motherhood is essential. Whether it’s your first, second, or fifth baby, every birth is different and therefore the care required will be different too. You might be a seasoned mama looking for an alternative experience from the previous births, or you might be a new mama who isn’t sure what you want yet. Today there is a huge range of different care options available to women. Most importantly, it’s about finding the right care for YOU.
ANTENATAL CARE MODELS GP SHARED CARE As one of the most common forms of antenatal care, shared care is where the pregnancy care is shared between the GP and the public hospital where you will give birth. You’ll see your GP for regular pregnancy check-ups, and you’ll also have hospital appointments at the hospital with the midwives and obstetrician on duty. Many women prefer this model as they are already comfortable with their own GP, and if your GP bulk bills there are no costs kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
involved (otherwise you will pay a gap on your GP visits). The downside is that you won’t know the midwife and obstetrician in the delivery room.
PUBLIC HOSPITAL CARE Hospital care is another common form of care within the public system. Your antenatal care is all managed through the public hospital you are due to give birth in, with all check-ups with the midwives and obstetricians conducted at the hospital. They will also provide antenatal classes. There are no financial costs involved in this form of care, and you get to know the hospital where you will give birth. Because you will give birth with whichever midwife and obstetrician is on duty that day, you are unlikely to know who will be in the delivery room. However, some hospitals now offer group midwifery practice care through their antenatal clinic where you will be assigned to a small team of midwives who provide you antenatal care and midwifery birthing care.
PRIVATE MIDWIFE OR GROUP PRACTICE PROGRAM IN A PUBLIC OR PRIVATE HOSPITAL Providing guaranteed continuity of midwifery care, a private midwife is a care option that is increasing in popularity. With a private midwife, or care from a private midwife group practice, you have one MARCH / APRIL 2018
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BABIES point of contact for the duration of your pregnancy, birth and for six weeks beyond, providing breastfeeding support and home visits through those critical early weeks as a new mum. This midwife (or midwife team) will perform all your check ups and will be there for the birth. Being professionally trained, the midwives can provide all the medical advice, guidance and nurturing support you need. Private midwives will usually have agreements with local hospitals to provide this high level of continuous care, whether you choose to give birth in a hospital or at home. There is a cost involved with a private midwife, so check with your private health insurance and find one that fits with your budget and birth plans. Also check which hospitals the midwives have agreements with to make sure they can attend in the hospital of your choice. Medicare rebates are available.
PRIVATE OBSTETRICIAN For those with private health insurance, private care with an obstetrician is a well-known care choice. With this model you choose your own obstetrician with whom you will have all your pregnancy check-ups. He/she will also deliver the baby at the private hospital. You can also add a private midwife to this model, to work in conjunction with your obstetrician. The midwife provides continuity of midwifery care both in the ante- and postnatal periods. This continued care from both a selected obstetrician and a midwife can mean you build up a relationship of trust throughout the pregnancy and birth, providing you with all the benefits of continuity of midwifery care. “It’s not well known that you can have a private midwife along with a private obstetrician,” explains Brigid Feely, qualified private midwife and
WHAT IS A DOULA? Experienced and knowledgeable in labour and birth, a doula is a non-medical labour assistant who offers one-to-one continuous care throughout the birth. She is there to keep your environment calm and to provide strategies and emotional support to help you through labour, as well as communicate your wishes to the medical team. A doula can also provide the partner with support and reassurance, helping him/her to participate better in the labour. You will usually meet with a doula once or twice prior to the birth and then they will be present for the duration of the birth. Some doulas also offer postnatal care, with breastfeeding support, sleep and settling help and general support for new mums. Having a doula present may: • reduce the use of drugs • decrease the rate of intervention • lead to higher satisfaction with birth • lower the chance of c-section A doula can help a woman feel more empowered and supported to make decisions. She doesn’t take the place of your birthing partner or midwife, rather she becomes a gentle guide to support the connection between yourself and your partner. However, she is not there to provide medical advice or support in a medical role, and she has no medical training.
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lactation consultant on the Sunshine Coast. “We work in partnership with the obstetrician to provide continuity of care in the private sector, meaning no strangers walking into the birth space.” Private midwives such as Brigid also offer extensive postnatal care. “A nurturing postnatal environment extends the midwifery care into the home supporting mothers both mentally and physically,” Brigid explains. These services do incur a fee, but are eligible for Medicare rebates. Every care provider is different so chat with several until you find one that fits with you and your expectations.
HOMEBIRTHS A large part of choosing a model of care is based around where you want to give birth. Though most women initially think that giving birth in a hospital is their only choice, having a homebirth is a perfectly viable option for women with low-risk pregnancies. There are many reasons women might choose to birth at home, including: keeping the birth as low-key and normal as possible; labouring and birthing in the privacy of home; continued care from known midwives, and a reduced risk of intervention. As a midwife qualified to perform homebirths, Alison Broderick, Midwife and Director at Coast Life Midwifery, explains that a homebirth is a viable option for single pregnancies where the baby’s head is down and there are no pregnancy complications. “Childbirth isn’t a medical emergency, in the most part it is well women having babies!” For Alison, the relationship between mother and midwife is key to successful homebirthing. “We spend a lot of time with women on birth preparation; we’ll spend an hour each check-up just chatting with the couple about how they are feeling and what they want, and getting to know the women and their families,” she explains. “This really builds up a relationship throughout the pregnancy so the trust is there when the birth comes around, so if we do recommend they go to hospital at any point during the pregnancy or birth, she will take our advice.”
BENEFITS OF CONTINUED CARE Continuity of care is a model that many women now look for, and with good reason. A Cochrane review (www.cochrane.org) that investigated the effects of midwife-led continuity models of care, found that women who received continuous care from a midwife they know, rather than receiving medical-led or shared care, are: • more likely to have a vaginal birth • more likely to have a more positive experience of labour and birth • more likely to successfully breastfeed • less likely to have interventions during birth • less likely to use pain relief • less likely to have a caesarean birth • less likely to have a pre-term baby • less likely for her baby to be admitted to special care • less likely to suffer postnatal depression. As well as the benefits through pregnancy and birth, continued care with the same midwife once a new mother gets home is just as important. “A key part of our care is home visits,” Alison explains. “We offer a full six weeks of postnatal care supporting new mums in the transition into parenthood, which is invaluable.” She continues, “It’s a huge time in their lives and we ensure women don’t feel alone at this time. We need strong mothers to raise strong children, and it’s essential women feel nurtured.”
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BABIES CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARE FOR YOU In today’s world of social connection and information at your fingertips, women are much more in tune with what they want and are not afraid to choose what they want. “With social media and women talking to women, they are no longer just going along with the system,” says Alison. “Women are now an active participant in their care; it’s a partnership rather than a prescriptive process and everyone has a choice.” Before choosing your care, Alison suggests really doing your research and being mindful of what you want. “Speak to friends, keep looking around, sometimes you don’t know what you are looking for until you find it. Meet the people who are going to support you and get a feeling about who will support you the best.” She concludes, “If you aren’t happy with the care you are getting, change it. You don’t have to go along with it, so don’t be dictated to.”
PRIORITISE YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH Throughout these life-changing times, it’s not just a mother’s physical care that matters but also her emotional wellbeing. Eliza Pike, accredited Mental Health Social Worker and the Director of Blackbird Counselling, believes we need to have an honest conversation about motherhood. “There is physical support around for women in the prenatal stage however once the baby is born, the focus is on the baby’s health and the mother disappears into the shadows of her role,” Eliza says. “Just like birth plans, a postnatal recovery plan is essential for any woman having a baby.” By creating individual postnatal recovery plans for all mothers and mothers-to-be, Eliza believes women are better supported through the adjustment to pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. “This support needs to be put in place prior to having the baby, to assist women in pregnancy, self-care, nutrition and to build a postnatal kit that provides a new mum with essential services such as lactation support, pelvic floor specialists, and a good GP.” In today’s world, where new mums are often missing that vital family support that existed for previous generations, motherhood can be a very isolating experience. This is where Eliza believes we need to reach out to our local community. “I’m passionate about supporting women to build their own tribes, mothers helping mothers, so you are not alone during these challenging early days.” If you feel you are showing signs of perinatal or postnatal depression there are several places you can go for help: Blackbird Counselling (www.blackbirdcounselling.com.au) PANDA (www.panda.org.au), beyondblue (www.beyondblue.org.au), or your local GP.
Tarryn Fryer and family
DO I NEED A BIRTH PLAN?
Writing a birth plan can be a very useful process, as it forces you to sit down and think about what you want from your birth experience. However, Dr Stephen Elgey from Sunnybank Obstetrics and Gynecology, recommends remaining openminded and willing to adapt in times of need. “I encourage my patients to have a loose birth plan in mind, but to also be prepared to go with the flow,” said Dr Elgey. “It is understandable that patients will have certain ideas about how they would like their journey to progress, but I do not encourage a written manual because, chances are, things will not always happen exactly as planned. “The baby does not read the birth plan and when parents try to control the experience to such a strict extent, it can often be a catalyst for things to unfold very differently. “Patients can become so fixated on a birth plan that when the journey does not turn out as planned, they become stressed and overwhelmed. This can also be a trigger for instances of postnatal depression, because mothers immediately feel they have failed, which is not the case at all.” Mother-of-four Tarryn Fryer says forgoing a birthing plan during her most recent pregnancy actually made her feel more in control. The Jimboomba mum says while she had followed a structured regime with previous pregnancies, taking a more flexible approach allowed her to meet unexpected challenges with a more open mind. “Due to previous pregnancy complications and surgeries I had experienced, I was very scared and nervous going into my fourth pregnancy and had no idea how it would play out,” says Tarryn. “I already knew what worked for me and what hadn’t throughout my previous pregnancies, so I had a few preferences, however I remained a lot more flexible. Because I didn’t have a structured plan, when something unexpected occurred, I felt reassured in knowing I hadn’t failed – it simply meant I was able to discuss the best courses of action to alter the experience and meet some of my preferences, whilst ensuring a safe pregnancy and healthy baby.”
"When a baby is born, a mother is born." kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
MARCH / APRIL 2018
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PARENTING
PARENTING DILEMMAS tough
Let’s be honest, parenting is sometimes one gig. Whenever you feel you might have a semblance of control, the game changes and you’re back to chasing your tail once more. TO HELP EASE THE WORRY, WE’VE POSED THREE READER PROBLEMS TO LOCAL EXPERTS, TO FIND ANSWERS TO SOME OF THE MORE TROUBLING PARENTING DILEMMAS WE ALL FACE.
Q
“Help! My 8-month old is a terrible sleeper. He still wakes 3-4 times per night and it takes ages to resettle him – usually with a cuddle or a feed. We can’t bear the thought of leaving him to cry, but we are exhausted. What can we do to gently lengthen out his sleeps and have a peaceful night?”
Claire Andersen, Bubbasleep www.bubbasleep.com.au The first thing I would be looking at with an 8-month-old bubba is genuine hunger versus a habit. Wakes that are for genuine hunger are usually sporadic. With a habitual wake you can often set your watch by it: 11.05pm, 1.07am, 3,04am and so on. These habitual wakes generally happen in blocks of 2–4 hours. Whilst feeding 2–4 hourly is very much needed in a younger baby, in an 8-month old this is rarely the case if you have started solids and baby is eating well. So, I would check that daytime feeds are ‘full’ feeds and that solid intake is adequate and varied. Some babies at this age may still require a night feed depending on solid intake. The next thing to check is daytime naps. Your bubba at 8 months generally needs 2.5–3 hours total day sleep. Some common causes for night waking are not enough day sleep or a too long awake time between end of last nap and bedtime. If bub is on two naps, do not exceed 3.5–4 hours between end of nap and bedtime. If on three naps check that naps 1 and 2 are not ‘cat naps’ (45 minutes or less) and rectify this as part of your strategy to lengthen the night sleep cycles. In most cases, you cannot have good nights without good days. The third thing is ensuring bub is not too hot or cold. Many of the sleeping bag brand websites have temperature guides to help with this. The fourth thing to use as part of a strategy is ensuring bub falls asleep where they are going to wake at the next partial arousal (2–4 hours into night sleep) so if bub falls asleep at the breast or bottle at 7pm, you can expect the first waking to be 11pm as this is the end of the first night sleep cycle, and he will be wondering why he is no longer at the breast/bottle/in arms. If he is then fed/cuddled back to sleep, the same will likely happen 2–3 hours later. Imagine how you would feel if you fell asleep in your bed and woke up on your sofa,
multiple times a night? Rather confused I’m sure! It is useless trying to resettle a baby at a time you have previously fed or cuddled through the night if they are still going to sleep with this level of intervention at bedtime. Settling bub at bedtime where they are going to wake up is vital if you want to stop the multiple night wakes. If you have determined that the first night feed is a genuine feed, it is important to have him settle back to sleep out of arms after the feed if you do not want the same thing to happen in a few hours’ time. This may involve teaching him new ways to fall asleep without this assistance. You can absolutely do this gently and without leaving him to cry alone! The fact that you say “it takes ages to resettle” suggests to me that perhaps you are trying too many things in one ‘resettle attempt’ to get bub back down. This often happens between 8–9 months when bub starts to resist our efforts to rock/cuddle or even feed back to sleep. You get into this repetitive cycle of feed, attempt to put down, pick up, rock, feed, attempt to put down cycle that tends to just wind bub up at this age (similar to when they want to self-feed and you are trying to put the food in their mouth). So, pull back your intervention and keep your level of intervention the same at each bedtime put down/night waking to avoid confusing him. An introduction of a comforter may be useful as part of this process. If you need more help implementing any of the suggestions mentioned please do not hesitate to contact me. Given the correct method for addressing resettling and ensuring all foundation elements are in place (room environment, nap routine, solids etc) this process does not have to be drawn out and involve night upon night of tears. Good luck!
Claire offers professional, supportive, non-judgemental help with sleep associations, routines, naps, night waking, early waking and more! With many years' experience working one-on-one with families, she evaluates each situation on a case-by-case basis to get to the bottom of why your little one isn’t sleeping and work with you to restore sleep to your household. kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
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PARENTING
Q
“Since our kids were born (now aged 6 months and 3 years old) I’ve really felt like my husband and I are drifting apart. We operate on autopilot a lot of the time, often arguing over the silliest things and the spark has all but disappeared. I’d give anything to go back to how we used to be, but what can we do to rekindle things before it’s too late?”
Madonna Hirning, Psychologist www.letmeflourish.com Becoming new parents triggers relationship changes and challenges for many couples. In fact, according to relationship researcher Dr John Gottman, as many as two thirds of couples experience heightened conflict and difficulty maintaining closeness following the birth of their first child. The following simple practices can help you and your partner bring back that sense of closeness whilst parenting young children: • Think small things often. Dr Gottman’s research shows that small actions practiced daily are one of the biggest things couples can do to keep their connection following the transition to parenthood. The beauty of this practice is that as new parents you are likely to be time poor and what is needed here is not big, grand gestures, but rather, small, thoughtful actions or words on a regular basis. This practice helps by literally keeping you and your partner on each other’s radars, even in the midst of new baby chaos. Each small gesture adds up and shows your partner that whilst they may have less of your attention, they are still very much in your thoughts. • Start to look out for your partner’s ‘bids for attention’. According to Dr Gottman, we all make small bids for our partner’s attention and by responding relatively consistently to your partner’s bids, even in a very small way, you will be improving your connection and ensuring your partner feels cared about. A bid for attention can be as basic as making a seemingly random comment about the weather, the traffic, or even just a sigh. This one is very important whilst parenting young children as it is easy to feel not as important to each other as you used to. So, by keeping just a small eye and ear out for your partner’s bids for attention and responding – even if their bid may not necessarily require a response – you will be fostering good feeling and helping to maintain connection. • Make appreciation your superpower! Creating a culture of appreciation in your relationship is going to lead to increased feelings of positivity all round. If you kick it off and practice offering small appreciations for things your partner does for you – for example:
how they are doing as a parent, or something they have done that was really helpful – it is likely that over time you will notice some appreciations coming back your way. Given that parenting young children is often demanding, giving and receiving appreciation is something small and requiring little effort that you can both do that over time will build up and act as a buffer during more challenging and stressful times. • Create Rituals of Connection. This can be a powerful strategy because again, what is important here are the rituals themselves, not how elaborate or time consuming they are and the ongoing practice of these rituals will act as mini-connection points throughout the day. So, take notice of and see what you can add to how you and your partner part for the day, how you come back together at the end of the day, how you go to sleep and how you wake up. Be aware of when you are connecting with a screen at any of these times and see if you can switch it for your partner. Make sure your partner is high on your radar for the time and attention you do have to give. • Ensure that you involve your partner when it comes to making decisions, especially those that concern your children. If you are the primary carer it can be easy to brush off opinions from the other parent. Dr Gottman’s research found a clear link between partners who accept influence from each other and strong, connected relationships. Of course this doesn’t mean always ‘giving in’ to your partner. It means ensuring that rather than simply brushing it off, really taking time to listen to and ensure you understand your partner’s point of view and maintaining some level of openness and flexibility yourself. If your partner feels listened to and like their opinion matters to you, they are more likely to want to be involved in matters relating to the children and decisions to be made, whereas, if their opinions and suggestions are cut off and met with negativity without being fully heard or understood, this is likely to lead to increased feelings of disconnect.
“They don’t need perfect, they just need you.”
Madonna Hirning is a Psychologist and Couples Therapist in private practice at Mount Coolum on the Sunshine Coast. She is also a leader of the Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Program based on the best-selling book by Dr John Gottman and facilitates these workshops for couples regularly throughout the year – to find out more, or register for this workshop go to www.letmeflourish.com/couples-workshop
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PARENTING
Q
“The truth about parenting is, if you are going crazy, you are probably doing it right.” “My 18-month old is a really fussy eater. We’ve tried everything to introduce different foods, but nothing seems to work. What do you advise for helping us get her to eat? And how do we know whether it’s just fussiness or whether there is something else wrong?”
Gam Sefe, Chatbox Speech Pathology www.chatbox.com.au To answer this question, we first need to establish a couple of concepts. As therapists trained in the SOS Feeding Approach, we classify kids with feeding issues into two groups, Picky Eaters and Problem Feeders. A Problem Feeder typically has a small and constantly reducing group of foods that they will eat. When they stop eating a particular food, they don’t go back to eating it a week or two later. Most times they will refuse to tolerate new, or unliked food on their plates and you’re far more likely to see a meltdown when you introduce a nonpreferred food or a new food. A Problem Feeder will also typically refuse entire categories of foods, e.g. all meats, or all crunchy or chewy textures. Some children with these issues will have a medically complex background that has contributed to their avoidance of many foods. Other children with feeding problems may have sensory or oral-motor (muscle tone in and around the mouth) issues that contribute to their extremely limited diets. Extreme restrictive eating can also occur after a traumatic event, such as a choking incident, and have a primarily psychological basis. If your child is in this situation, the advice is simple, get help as soon as you can, preferably from someone trained and experienced in the SOS Approach, which is clinically effective and designed to be nonstressful to the child. If your child has only a few of the symptoms described and they: • will eat more than 20 different foods • will sometimes go back to eating foods they’ve been refusing • tolerate new foods on their plate and can touch or taste them • don’t avoid whole groups of foods then your child is more likely to be a Picky Eater, in which case there are some things you can try before you seek help. Start taking notes about what your child does and doesn’t eat. If you do end up seeking help with your child's eating, this information will be absolute gold to whomever you speak to and will make planning for therapy faster and more effective. Remember, some degree of pickiness is normal, especially in younger children. Most adults have a few foods that they prefer not to eat, without considering themselves picky!
ROUTINE If you don’t already have one, think about establishing a mealtime routine. Consider same time, same place, seating etc. You don’t have to do this all the time, but try to focus on doing this for at least two mealtimes a day.
MODELLING Kids learn what they are shown. Repeated exposure to new foods increases the chance that your child will learn to accept the new food. Family meals are important because they let your children see adults do things like chewing and biting, and they get to see you enjoy and prepare food. This plays a huge role in making mealtimes positive.
MANAGING Give children food they can access, e.g. a cooked or raw carrot stick they can chew on and easily put in and take out of their mouths on their own, instead of pureed carrot that has to be fed to them on a spoon.
LEARNING Explore food together and give a child an active role in preparing food, like bringing vegetables, peeling them, putting chopped food in a bowl etc. This shows children that food can and does change in texture while remaining the same food. It also allows them to handle and experience food in a context where no one is hanging over them expecting them to eat it. The importance of positive experiences can’t be overstated. Food is highly reinforcing. Think about the last time you ate out and felt sick; for most people, they will strongly avoid eating at the same place, and often avoid the same type of food or drink, after just one bad experience. If you put yourself in the shoes of a child who struggles to eat, imagine the negative experiences mealtime after mealtime. These experiences can’t be erased but what therapy can do is build enough positive experiences to overwhelm the negative ones. Eventually we build so many positive experiences that your child begins to enjoy and explore food.
Gam Sefe. Chatbox Director / Speech Language Pathologist. Gam has 10 years of experience providing speech therapy to kids and adults with and without disabilities. As director of ChatBox Speech Pathology, he manages one of Brisbane’s most dynamic therapy services. www.chatbox.com.au kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
MARCH / APRIL 2018
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LOCAL LIFE
FOSTERING FOR THE FUTURE
With a desperate need for more people to become foster carers across the region, we chat to Rebecca Taylor, Foster Care Service Manager from FSG Australia (FSG), to find out what it takes to be a foster carer and what local families can those children who need it most.
do to help
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LOCAL LIFE
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT FSG AND THEIR ROLE IN HELPING CHILDREN/FAMILIES IN NEED? FSG is a for-purpose community organisation that supports carers who are caring for young people with a complex level of need – from medical through to disability or trauma. We also offer a wide range of innovative services in the fields of disability, mental health, aged care, family and children’s services.
HOW MANY KIDS ARE CURRENTLY IN FOSTER CARE IN QUEENSLAND? There are close to 9,000 children currently in foster care in Queensland, and there are far more in need of immediate care. There are many babies, young children and teenagers in our community that desperately need a caring and stable home base, guidance and support.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR RISING TREND IN FAMILIES NEEDING FOSTER CARE? Every family is different and we see a huge range of complex needs. However, we’ve had quite a few large sibling groups in recent years – due to the financial stress and challenges of managing the children that comes with that. We also see drugs and homelessness as an issue. In those cases, the parents usually need support and time to get the help they need and then they are hopefully able to look after their children again long-term.
CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A FOSTER CARER? Our carers are the ultimate volunteers. They invite young people into their lives to provide safety and support for them. That’s while trying to juggle many other things, such as visits with families, and the needs of their own children and family.
WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING AND MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT BEING A FOSTER CARER? There are lots of challenges, but trying to balance everything is probably one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. However, the rewards are more than worth it, offering some stability for young people and the lifelong outcomes that support brings.
IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FOSTER CARER, WHAT SHOULD THEY DO? First stop would be to contact us – either via the website or give us a call. We can talk through all the information and run through whatever questions they might have. From there we can visit their home and have a meet and greet, then invite them to begin training.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE TRAINING PROCESS? We have a very supportive training process. There is child safety mandatory training as well as trauma training, and after that they have some homework and personal reflection and an assessment. The process usually takes around six months to complete. Once they begin caring for children, they become part of an incredible team and are supported every step of the way, so they aren’t ever doing it alone. There is always someone there to help them and provide them with information and advice. We also provide ongoing upskilling and training.
IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HELP, BUT IS UNSURE THEY ARE UP TO THE TASK, WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE? A large portion of the community is unaware of the fact that foster caring can be part-time – weekends only or even just to help out in emergency situations. Caring doesn’t have to be full time. There is such a large discrepancy between the number of children in/requiring foster care and the number of foster carers available to fill that need, even helping with emergency care is a great help. Also, people often eliminate themselves from caring because they think their circumstances don’t fit, but actually it’s ok. Family is a broad term and it certainly doesn’t have to be a traditional family unit. We look for diversity – those who don’t have children, those whose children have left home, same sex couples. Our young people have diverse needs and diverse backgrounds so our carers are the same. We carefully match children to the carer’s strengths and situation, so it’s always worth a call to find out.
WHAT OTHER SERVICES DO FSG OFFER TO FAMILIES? We offer a huge range of family services including social activities focused on fun and friendship for children of all abilities. We also offer our own vacation care and after school program for all school-aged children right through to age 16, also designed for all abilities. The vacation care program offers tailored activities to suit an individual child’s needs. For many families with children with special needs, vacation care is not simply a matter of time and space, but a matter of the overall mental wellbeing of the family unit. The child can be in a place where their needs are met in a learning environment during the school holiday break.
For more information head to www.fsg.com.au or call (07) 5564 0655
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CLASSIFIEDS SLUMBER SISTERS
GARDEN SPARKLE
W: slumbersisters.com.au P: 0421 101 495 / 0422 378 197 E: slumbersisters@hotmail.com The brainchild of two Sunshine Coast mums who want to bring excitement to every occasion, Slumber Sisters help you to create your own slumber party to remember. Slumber Sisters will come to your house and set up a themed slumber party for your little one. Once the party is over, they will pack everything down and take it away for you. Creating a magical night for your child.
W: gardensparkle.com.au S: @gardensparkle A: 54 Shields Street, Cairns City Create an Easter Fairy Garden! Nurture imaginations and delight the young at heart. Choose from Fairy Kate's hand-picked range of designer fairy garden kits, magical fairy houses and miniature Easter accessories. Shipping Australia wide and internationally. Afterpay + Zippay available. Fast and friendly service with lots of sparkle. Visit our gift shop next time your'e in Cairns!
FIRST POINTE DANCE
CHEEKY LITTLE MONKEYS
S: facebook.com/firstpointdance P: 0435 079 108 Ballet, Hip Hop, Acrobatics & more!
W: cheekylittlemonkeysplay.com S: @softplay01 / P: 0437 718 066 A: Servicing the Sunshine Coast
Join the dancing FUN with First Pointe! Affordable and fun filled all dance style classes for all ages, at 4 studio locations: Mudjimba, Buderim, Noosa & Kawana Island. Your child will benefit from professional tutoring and have fun at dancing with no pressure of exams or competitions and no expensive dance uniforms! Contact Principal Miss Laura to enrol today!
Are you planning an event and need entertainment for little people? Cheeky Little Monkeys has a range of exciting, fun and safe soft play equipment for hire. We provide a fully mobile service to our customers, delivering and assembling our equipment direct to your location. At the end of the event, Cheeky Little Monkeys will disassemble and remove from your location like we were never there.
THE MILK PANTRY W: milkpantry.com.au S: @themilkpantry E: sales@milkpantry.com.au
VICTORIA MCLELLAND Osteopath W: childosteopath.com.au P: (07) 5594 4525 A: 50/207 Currumburra Rd, Ashmore
The Milk Pantry’s extensive range of lactation products for busy breastfeeding mums includes cookies, brownies, shakes and hot chocolates. Options for those with food allergies are also available such as gluten free, dairy free and vegan options. Each product is lovingly hand-crafted and designed to nourish the body, taste great and includes special ingredients that target breast milk production.
Are you interested to read what an Osteopath can do for your newborn, child or during pregnancy? Did you know that Osteopaths are registered under AHPRA, give health fund rebates and help to relieve tension in the body. Victoria is based in Ashmore at the My Own Midwife GC clinic. Head on over to the website www.childosteopath.com.au
SHAPEEZe ACTIVITY KITS
COTTONTAIL NAPPY SERVICE
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W: cottontailservice.com.au P: (07) 5443 8849 A: Across the Sunshine Coast Cottontail Nappy Service provides a cloth nappy laundry delivery service to homes and child care centres, from Brisbane to Sunshine Coast at an affordable $35pw. Free consultations are given with all private service. Gift certificates are available online. Cottontail NOW have a gorgeous range of SWIM NAPPIES. Call 07 5443 8849 or visit www.cottontailservice.com.au. Simple. Gentle. Sustainable.
OT and child approved! Shapeeze fine motor fun helps your child have a more confident start to their school years by aiding the development of: hand writing, attention span, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, creative thinking, independent learning. Oh - and kids love them! Use the code KIDS for a 10% discount online (until 30 Apr 18).
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kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
CLASSIFIEDS Timezone Gold Coast
LITTLE BEACH BUMS
W: timezonegoldcoast.com.au P: (07) 5539 9500 A: Surfers Paradise & Coolangatta
W: littlebeachbums.com.au S: @little.beach.bums A: Across Sunshine Coast
Looking for hours of affordable fun for the whole family? Timezone Gold Coast features the best indoor family entertainment in the world. With 5000sqm in Surfers Paradise and 3000sqm in Coolangatta of the latest games and attractions including laser skirmish, dodgem cars, mini golf (Surfers Paradise store only) and Tenpin Bowling (Coolangatta store only). Open 7 days, 9 am till late.
Little Beach Bums makes choosing cloth for your baby (and our environment) a breeze, delivering freshly laundered organic cotton nappies to your doorstep for an affordable weekly price. Looking for the perfect gift for new parents or parents-soon-to-be? Visit our new online store for gift cards, subscriptions and a huge range of great baby products! Want to know more? Visit our website!
PARTY PONIES 2 U
Sunflower Florist Mooloolaba
Magical themed pony and unicorn parties for girls and boys! We can bring our gorgeous PARTY PONIES to your birthday party, school, kindy, function, photo shoot or event! We cater for all ages. We also have a chicken hatching program, something your kids remember for a lifetime. Currently servicing the Gold Coast area and surrounds.
S: @sunflowerflorist.mba P: (07) 5309 6634 / E: sunflowerflorist.mba@gmail.com A: 12/34 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba Sunflower Florist is a florist striving to sustainably provide and deliver the freshest and finest flowers. We source locally made and grown gifts and plants for our shop to help support as many other small, local businesses as possible. Delivering Sunshine Coast-wide and able to cater for weddings, functions, funerals and more! 10% off orders until end April 18, quote code KOTC18.
BUBBA SLEEP
TALK PLUS ALLIED HEALTH CENTRE
W: partyponiesandfarmfriends.com.au P: 0418 750776 / E: fionaw@winshop.com.au S: @partyponies2u
W: bubbasleep.com.au P: 0406 690 002 E: info@bubbasleep.com.au You don't have to go it alone. Offering professional, supportive, non-judgemental help with sleep associations, routines, naps, night waking, early waking and more! With many years' experience working one-on-one with families, I evaluate each situation on a caseby-case basis to get to the bottom of why your little one isn’t sleeping and work with you to restore sleep to your household.
W: talkplus.com.au P: (07) 5491 5400 A: 3/18 Mayes Avenue, Caloundra Speech pathology - occupational therapy - psychology - dietetics music therapy. Happy, confident children achieving their best. We are here to help all children shine! Supporting your child to play, learn, connect and build friendships helps build the foundation for a bright future. We provide a range of allied health services to promote the development of all children. See our therapy shop too!
WITTACORK Farmstay
GINGER SPORT
W: wittacork.com.au P: (07) 5494 4369 A: 286 Tesch Rd, Maleny Stay on a real working dairy farm! With 150 acres of pristine rainforest to explore, children can milk cows, feed calves, pigs, goats and chickens, and collect eggs. Our self contained two-bedroom cottages are set on a ridge overlooking Lake Baroon and the Kondalilla National Park and are surrounded by rainforest. We also have the farmhouse, a three-bedroom workers cottage available.
Soccer is a great sport for kids to start out with, and Ginger Sport offers fun soccer for boys and girls, aged from 18 months to 10 years old. Kids learn the basics and have loads of fun with their energetic coaches. Choose from the super-popular Weekly Program or Childcare Soccer, which busy working parents love. Register online anytime!
kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
W: gingersport.com.au/services P: (07) 3890 3338 A: Servicing South East Qld
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CLASSIFIEDS Funky Monkey Bars W: funkymonkeybars.com S: @funkymonkeybars P: 1300 912 198
MUSIC 2 GROW
The world's first free-standing, height-adjustable monkey bars, made here in Australia. Funky Monkey Bars is an Australian online outdoor play equipment company that delivers monkey bars, swings sets, ninja and fitness equipment to your door. Modular and portable, yet so strong and sturdy, you can continue to add and change equipment as your child grows in age and confidence.
W: music2grow.me P: 0415 482 264 A: Buderim, Cooroy, Noosa Kindermusik classes at Music2Grow are hands-on, interactive, intentional time with your child – a place to play, learn and grow together. Each age-appropriate class (newborn - 7 years) is packed with music, stories and activities to stimulate language, physical, cognitive, social and emotional development and inspire a lifetime love of music and learning.
THE LAUNDRY LADY
GDL Nature playspaces
W: laundrylady.com.au S: @laundrylady_aus A: Servicing Gold Coast, Brisbane & Sunshine Coast As a mobile laundry service, at the Laundry Lady we understand your time is precious. The last thing you need to come home to is a pile of dirty laundry, clothes that need folding or truckloads of ironing! We will come to your home or workplace, pick up your laundry and take it away to be washed, dried, folded or ironed (whatever you need) and deliver back to you. How’s that for easy?
zzLEEP MY BABY W: zzleepmybaby.com P: 0409 622 424 A: Servicing Brisbane Zzleep My Baby is a sleep consultancy, offering a much specialised service to parents that want to recover their healthy sleep habits after having a child. We coach families all around the world complementing our services with advice & understanding. We also offer lactation advice and Infant Massage Courses. Book your free assesment online at www.zzleepmybaby.com.
LANI + ME W: laniandme.com S: @lani_and_me Lani + Me is a mother and daughter team. We handcraft earrings using polymer clay and surgical grade stainless steel earring posts. Our passion began when we saw how our earrings were making women feel great about themselves. If you can't find what you are looking for on our online store please contact us. Together we can create your perfect piece. Each pair is just $10.
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W: gdlnatureplayspaces.com.au P: 0410 863 756 A: Across the Sunshine Coast Specialist in the design and construction of nature-based play spaces. We can offer custom-made spaces that bring your ideas to life. From early learning centres, schools, public spaces and private. We use our concept plans, work closely with you and gain inspiration from the children’s ideas to bring the best possible solutions to your space and budget.
HEALTH NATURALLY CHIROpractic P: (07) 5451 1121 S: @HealthNaturallyChiropractic A: Unit 7, 2-6 Beach Road, Maroochydore Have you even been curious about Chiropractic care for your family? Come and visit us for an Initial consult, Pre-care appointment and Report of findings – ON US – to see if we can help in any way. Give us a call on 07 5451 1121 or visit our office on the corner of Ocean Street and Beach Road. We look forward to seeing you. Regards Sam and Natise.
TWIRLS n SWIRLS FACE PAINTING P: 0487 884469 S: @twirlsnswirlsfacepainting E: kristen__camp@outlook.com In need of entertainment for your next event that everyone will enjoy? Well look no further! Twirls n Swirls Face Painting has you covered, with great face painting at an affordable price. Bookings are available for any kind of event, from functions to festivals and of course kid’s parties! Contact Kristen today to make an enquiry or booking for your next event!
kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
CLASSIFIEDS WILD & BLOOM
ANDREA BICKET Acupuncture and Wellness
P: 0408 981193 IG: @wild.and.bloom E: tahlia@wildandbloom.com.au
W: abacupuncture.com.au / IG: @acupuncture_wellness P: 0418 506 678 / F: Andrea Bicket Acupuncture and Wellness A: 11/175 Ocean Drive, Twin Waters
Indulge your child’s wild and creative spirit with a vibrant flower crown party! We come to you and bring seasonal blooms and elements from nature, allowing your child to delve into their imaginations whilst getting in touch with their natural environment. Perfect for small groups children will learn how to craft a crown from wild vine and adorn it with seasonal blooms.
Preparing for a beautiful pregnancy. By drawing on traditional Oriental medicine and acupuncture we empower women to experience a healthy pregnancy and labour. Oriental medicine is a safe, highly effective and natural way to support a symptom-free pregnancy, to facilitate labour, to assist with recovery after birth and to support breastfeeding.
Flower crown parties LAMBS AT PLAY
Use code: WILDKIDS to receive a flowercrown party for 4 children for just $199!! *conditions apply Peter and
W: lifepointe.org.au P: (07) 5443 1582 A: 186 Wises Rd, Buderim Lambs at Play is a playgroup Indulgeatyour child’s wild and creative spirit running Lifepointe Baptist with a vibrant flower crownand party! We come to Church on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am. you & bring from seasonal blooms and elements We offer a safe, stimulating playchild to delve into from nature, allowing your environment for the children – but their imaginations whilst getting in touch with more than that we offer a place theirfeel natural where families lovedenvironment. and cared for. Our morning consists of free play, morning tea, craft, music a@wildandbloom.com.au and story time. More informationwild.and.bloom at lifepointe.org.au or 54431582.
|| Calling all BOHO BABES ...
the Wolf
W: scvenuesandevents.com.au P: (07) 5413 1400 A: Lake Kawana Community Centre, Bokarina Drive, Lake Kawana Brisbane Symphony Orchestra’s next concert is a fun afternoon for children of all ages - telling stories and introducing the audience to every instrument in the orchestra through Sean O’Boyle’s delightful Hello to the Orchestra. From a polka for elephants, to the story of Peter and the Wolf. Sunshine Coast performance on www.wildandbloom.com.au Sunday 4 March 3pm, plus more shows in Brisbane during March.
Put your business DIRECTLY in front of our readers!
& BLOO ILD M W
ON
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Contact your Business Development Manager today to secure your Classifieds spot: Sunshine Coast: 0424 577 706 / helen@shoremedia.com.au Brisbane: 0411 645 887 / rebecca@shoremedia.com.au Gold Coast: 0468 868 087 / bridget@shoremedia.com.au
SPECIAL OFFER: BOOK 5 ISSUES AND GET THE 6TH FREE!
SUNSHINE COAST - BRISBANE - GOLD COAST
EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY GUIDE KIDS ON THE COAST / KIDS IN THE CITY
kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
MARCH / APRIL 2018
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REVIEWS
EBOOKADABRA $4.49 p/month iOS or $4.69 p/month Android. Age 3-7 Putting hundreds of children’s books in the palm of your hand this brandnew Netflix style eBook app is a subscription-based app designed to support literacy through learning. For younger children, ‘read-along’ audio books will help to aid their sound recognition. While older kids can post book reviews for others to read once they’ve finished a book, and parents and kids can even record their own audio book version. There’s even a handy bedtime option to choose stories to help children wind down ready for sleep. To inspire more reading, children are rewarded with collectable stickers and educational games when they finish a story.
ABC MINDFUL ME By Christiane Engel. $19.99. Pairing simplified mindfulness principles with each letter of the alphabet, ABC Mindful Me features colourful illustrations of children and animals, as well as playful rhymes, to explain each concept. A fun read for the entire family, it is not only perfect for teaching toddlers their ABCs but also for introducing key mindfulness tenants which promote physical and mental wellness, proper breathing, compassion, gratitude and kindness. These key concepts will help to grow young readers' concentration, listening skills and ability to manage emotions. For ages 3-6. THE REAL BABY BOOK YOU NEED AT 3AM by Karen Miles. RRP $19.95. A nurturing book for mums in the early years of motherhood, The Real Baby Book You Need at 3am is a gorgeous collection of affirmations and kind words to get you over those early days of doubt and worry. It’s the perfect bedside book of support and inspiration when you need it most. A great gift for expectant and new mums… or for yourself! GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS: SCIENCE & STUFF $22.99. Filled with spectacular superlatives, shocking stats and educational activities, Guinness World Records: Science & Stuff is a whirlwind tour through our astounding record-breaking world (and universe). What can cats teach us about the laws of physics? Why was cabbage banned on the International Space Station? (Can you fart in space?) And would a penny dropped from the Empire State Building really kill someone? (Short answer: No!) But it's not all facts and stats. The feature chapter just for Makers challenges you to attempt record-breaking science experiments at home, from the fastest Mentos and Soda rocket car to the most slime thrown and caught in a minute! So, grab your lab coat and goggles, it’s going to get messy!
PETER RABBIT (CTC) In cinemas March 22 Peter Rabbit makes the jump from beloved storybook character to the big screen in this irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. Peter's feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleason) escalates over both the vegetable treasure in McGregor's forbidden garden and their rivalry for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). James Corden voices the character of Peter delivering a delightfully entertaining mix of mischief, adventurous spirit, and charm, with Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki, and Daisy Ridley performing the voice roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail. SHERLOCK GNOMES (CTC) In cinemas March 29 The beloved garden gnomes from Gnomeo and Juliet are back for a whole new adventure in London. When Gnomeo and Juliet first arrive in the city with their friends and family, their biggest concern is getting their new garden ready for spring. However, they soon discover that someone is kidnapping garden gnomes all over London. When Gnomeo and Juliet return home to find that everyone in their garden is missing – there’s only one gnome to call… Sherlock Gnomes. This action-packed sequel features the voices of returning cast, James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Michael Caine, Maggie Smith, Stephen Merchant and Ozzy Osbourne, plus Johnny Depp as Sherlock Gnomes, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Watson and Mary J. Blige as Irene.
DISNEY’S ‘A WRINKLE IN TIME’ (CTC) In cinemas March 29 After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, and her brother and her friend to space in order to find him. Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Oprah Winfrey.
Families can save with discounted pricing on the big family films at Event Cinemas these school holidays! Cinebuzz members can get tickets from $10* to the big family flicks and best of all, membership is free! See Peter Rabbit, Disney’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’, Sherlock Gnomes or Early Man! Join now at eventcinemas.com.au
*Online booking fee applies. Vmax and 3D surcharges apply. Offer valid for Cinebuzz members only. Only valid for the following films: Early Man, Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time, Sherlock Gnomes and Peter Rabbit. Not valid for sessions after 5pm. 3D glasses additional $1ea if required. Not valid in Gold Class. Not valid with any other offer.
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kidsonthecoast .com.au • kidsinthecit y.com.au
Self contained cabins and the best of bush camping around!
✔ Licenced restaurant ✔ FREE farm activities ✔ Horse riding for all ages
9790 Cunningham Highway, Maryvale QLD 07 4666 1282 • www.Bestbrook.com.au