Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 49

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Issue 49

March/April 2012

sunshine coast

Food relief fills empty pantries Would I lie to you?

How to instil the worth of honesty.

Escaping plastic at home and school Dust-off the cot Educating your gifted child

plus Babies on the Coast, what’s on Calendar and lots more!

March / April 2012

CONTENTS 4

From the Editor

4

Meet our Contributors

6

WHAT’S NEWS

7

CHECK THIS OUT: New, fun and funky things

8

FEATURE: Food relief fills empty pantries

16

NEW TO THE COAST

20

THE ‘P’ FILES: Would I lie to you?

28

EDUCATION: Educating your gifted child

30

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Find out what’s happening on the Coast during March & April

36

BABIES ON THE COAST: Dust off the cot

44

ONLY NATURAL: Escaping Plastic

49

HEALTH: Approaching Obesity

51

PARENTVILLE: A tasty wee treat

52

PARENT PROFILE: Meet Elmo

54

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU

58

LET’S CELEBRATE: Easter Craft

60

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Skiing with Kids

64

PARENTS IN BUSINESS: Steve Parish - Leave only Footprints

65

Parents in Business: HANDPICKED Our selection of handmade parent finds Parents in Business: Directory

66

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

REVIEWS & COMPETITIONS

Kids on the Coast magazine is printed with vegetable/ soy based inks on paper supplied using pulp sourced from sustainable forests and manufactured to environmentally accredited systems. Kids on the Coast encourages recycling.

Please keep this issue for future reference, pass onto your friends and family, use for craft projects or place into the recycling bin.

PUBLISHED BY: THINGS 4 KIDS PTY LTD. PO Box 491, Eumundi QLD 4562 PHONE: 1300 430 320 FAX: 07 5471 2372 WEB: www.kidsonthecoast.com.au ABN: 86 473 357 391. All editorial and advertising in Kids on the Coast is published in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors and advertisers. No responsibility is taken for errors or omissions and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. All material in Kids on the Coast is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Feedback/comments/ suggestions? Send to: editorial@kidsonthecoast.com. au. We aim to reply to all correspondence but don’t guarantee to do so. Letters to the editor may be edited for length or clarity. PUBLISHER: Toni Eggleston ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Simone Bell EDITOR: Jackie Goldston EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Dr Fiona Pelly, Maxine Arthur, Kim Lahey, Michelle MacFarlane, Aleney de Winter, Sandra Smith, Wendy Buckley, Jessica Jane Summut, Melinda Saunders ADVERTISING: For advertising enquiries please phone 1300 430 320 or email: advertising@kidsonthecoast. com.au LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY: Speak with your advertising coordinator or email: advertising@kidsonthecoast. com.au Production Department: Email: production@ kidsonthecoast.com.au ADMINISTRATION: Kellie Kruger DISTRIBUTION: Kids on the Coast (Sunshine Coast edition) is a free publication circulating over 20,000 copies from Caloundra to Noosa and through the hinterland. Separate editions cover the Gold Coast and Townsville. For distribution enquiries please phone: 1300 430 320 or email: admin@ kidsonthecoast.com.au FRONT COVER: Allison Wills.

Treat from Cafe Lolli GRAPHIC DESIGN: Esther Bundellu

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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Welcome to

KiDs on the CoASt

Some Of OUR KIds on the CoAST

COntRIButors Welcome to our 8th birthday edition of Kids on the Coast magazine. What an amazing year it has been. We have seen a few new faces join the team and were delighted to meet our publisher Toni’s beautiful baby. Even though I have only been editor for the past year, I cannot believe how supportive and important the Kids on the Coast team have become to me.

The strong friendships between the KOTC team are a reminder of the importance of friendship and how critical it can be to have a good support network around you when things go wrong.

With hunger a largely hidden problem in society, this edition of Kids on the Coast looks at where people can turn when the basics of sustaining your family has become unaffordable.

Our birthday edition is jammed full of diverse articles, from what it means to have a gifted child, obesity in children and why children lie, to how you can escape plastic in the home and the lunchbox. I have also had the chance to catch up with Steve Parish to discuss how he found his passion for photography and how he maintains a balance between his business and family life, as well as a fun chat with Sesame Street favourite, Elmo.

Kim Lahey After an initial career in travel product-development and publishing, Kim moved to the coast and three gorgeous kids later she now writes freelance articles, words for websites, and life-stories from home.

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*See the website for competition terms and conditions

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

Michelle is a journalist and mother of two who crams in as much writing as she can around the happy chaos of family life.

JESSICA JANE SAMMUT Jessica is an internationally published freelance writer from London, as well as being mother to a little ball of fire, Zac Xavier, 3, with one more on the way.

Celebrating Our 8th Birthday!

sANDRA SMITH With her novel “in progress”, freelance journalist and web editor Sandra, can’t imagine life without her kids.

WENDY BUCKLEY As a parent and now a grandparent, Managing Director of Travel with Kidz, Wendy has over 15 years’ experience in local and international travel planning with children.

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Dr FIONA PELLY

Dr Fiona Pelly is a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

She has been the nutrition advisor for The Wiggles for the past ten years and is currently researching a food labelling system specifically developed for young children.

As always, we would love to hear from you, so please feel free to contact me via Facebook.com/ kidsonthecoast, our website or email. And of course, keep an eye out for new competitions on our website as they are added regularly!

Jackie Goldston Editor

1 23

michelle macfarlane

Aleney de Winter A former magazine publisher turned writer, Aleney traded a designer wardrobe for vomit stained trackydaks and sleepless nights. And wouldn’t change a thing.

MELINDA SAUNDERS Melinda shares her artistic passions with her two young children and anyone who enjoys being A Little Creative. She runs classes at her Golden Beach studio and sells art materials and hand-made items online.

Join our online network:

‘like’ us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/kidsonthecoast

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au advertiser alert!

Sneak peek at our next issue:

• Public liability and parenting • Kindergarten, childcare or a nanny?

• Talking s-e-x with your child • Food colours and flavours: what does it mean for our children?

• SIDs and safe sleeping • Resort and island holidays Got a product or service that has something to do with these topics?

Like to tell our readers all about it?

Call 1300 430 320 for advertising info. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Get online and WIN Check out our great prizes, there’s something for every member of the family!

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/competitions www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

A big thank you to our lovely readers & loyal advertisers for your continued support over the last 8 years.

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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Community

NEWS

what’sNEWS

Learn how to take professional photos Throughout the month of March locals can learn how to take professional photos by attending a Better Photography course at one of the many Sunshine Coast Council library branches. This workshop is designed for beginners with point and clicks right through to advanced amateurs with Digital SLR cameras. Learning the basic operation, care and maintenance of your digital camera can be daunting but despite the myriad series of buttons, dials and menus there are really only a few things you need to know to operate any digital camera.

Bookings are essential by visiting http:// www.library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Pet a dinosaur?

It’s a Petting Zoo, but not as you know it.

The J Noosa is hosting an extraordinary performance that takes kids and adults on an interactive, prehistoric journey through an incredible cast of dinosaurs that inhabited the Australian landscape millions of years ago. Children will be able to get up close and personal with these amazingly life-like creatures during the show with the opportunity to help feed and water these creatures themselves. Thursday 3 May 6pm and Friday 4 May 10:30am. For ticket prices and more information phone: 07 5455 4455 or visit www.scveneusandevents. com.au

RAISING AWARENESS Monday 2 April 2012 marks International Autism Awareness Day. AEIOU Foundation is joining an International campaign to ‘Light it up Blue’ which will see iconic structures all over the world turn blue to raise awareness for Autism. Some examples include the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Centre, and here in Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane’s City Hall, King George Square, the Treasury Hotel & Casino will all turn blue for the occasion. Autism is not a rare disorder and affects more than one in 160 Australian children. Autism is a lifelong developmental disability. It is part of a spectrum that is often referred to as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The word ‘spectrum’ is used to describe the varying degrees of Autism. People with Autism share three main areas of difficulty; social communication, social interaction and social imagination. For more information contact: autismqld.com.au, aeiou.org.au, raisingchildren.net.au

Queensland’s Biggest Playgroup Playgroups are being encouraged to host Queensland’s Biggest Playgroup as part of National Playgroup Week (held from 25 March – 1 April).

Playgroup Queensland is asking local Playgroups to promote the benefits of play to their local communities through fun events. Events registered with Playgroup Queensland will have access to resources including an event guide, posters, play ideas and other promotional materials. The five Playgroup Queensland affiliated Playgroups who hold the biggest Playgroup events will receive great prizes (total prize pool $3,000). For more information about Queensland’s Biggest Playgroup, visit www.playgroupqld.com.au or contact us on 1800 171 882.

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Each My Studio Girl Taggle girl has her own personality and a wardrobe of clothing and accessories to match her style. Stick an outfit and accessories on, and change it later. Reusable again and again. RRP from $3.95 Available from Big W and selected online retailers

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A new green light School Canteen exclusive food, That! Dairy Snack is a squeeze treat that has no preservatives and no artificial flavours or colours, is rich in calcium, gluten free, low fat, and has less than half the sugar of most fruit juices. RRP $1.95 and coming soon to school canteens.

Castle Logix offers hours of fun and offering 48 surprising challenges. Children as young as 3 will enjoy playing this multi-level logic game which offers levels from easy to expert. RRP $37 from www.newtonsapplepuzzles.com or visit their Noosa store ph 5447 5578; Bright Sparks Cotton Tree ph 5451 1105

Imaginabox™ is beautifully packaged and makes a fabulous, inexpensive gift for children! The simple, but practical toy turns any large cardboard box into a toy.

Available in “Car” or an “Oven”. RRP: $19.95 from www.onthegro.com; www.metromum.com.au; www.budburstkids.com.au; www.aboutaboy. com.au

Your kids will have a ball creating critters or western characters with clay that air dries using DJECO Pate a modeler. RRP $19.95 From Kuddly Kids Buderim ph 5445 2486 or online www.kuddlykids.com.au

Did you know?

Each time you see a full moon you always see the same side The most commonly used letter in the alphabet is E Koalas sleep up to 20 hours a day The average person falls asleep in 7 minutes

Baby comprehension?

It has always been suspected by parents and now scientists have confirmed that babies as young as six months can understand a wide vocabulary.

It had previously been thought babies could not connect the sounds to meanings at such a young age. They also found that at if parents speak to babies normally it could improve their language skills later on. Researcher Dr Swingley said, “You can talk to your babies and they’re going to understand a bit of what you’re saying. They’re not going to give us back witty repartee, but they understand some of it. And the more they know, the more they can build on what they know.”

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

Exploring early learning ARC funded research has found that babies under 18 months used sophisticated techniques to make friends, attract attention, manage group situations and even make each other laugh. Using tiny cameras which attached to the sides of the babies’ heads with a headband or hat, and worn for about 15 minutes at a time, the footage showed the babies “were much more capable at a young age than we had anticipated.” said researcher Dr Jennifer Sumsion at Charles Sturt University. Family Day Care Australia chief executive Carla Northam said the research would help educators understand the infants in their care. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Light up fever alert!

With its large display window the Dreambaby® Rapid Response Digital Thermometer (F320) has been designed to give an accurate reading in just 8 seconds and comes with a Fever Alert Light Up Indicator that helps take the guesswork out of reading the result. RRP $24.95. Available from most pharmacies and selected retailers.

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MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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FEATURE

Food banking:

Making food affordable for needy Australians

by Maxine Arthur

Australians respond generously to humanitarian disasters at home and abroad with money, goods, emergency workers and, sometimes, our own labour. During the 2011 floods, thousands of ordinary people saw what needed to be done and simply did it - a ‘bucket brigade’, working with our emergency services and welfare organisations to help people in need.

In need of a helping hand There is, however, a problem of human suffering that is occurring daily in our local communities. It doesn’t appear on our television screens accompanied by dramatic footage and those that need our help are often embarrassed to ask for it. The uncomfortable truth is that a large and rapidly growing number of Australians go hungry regularly, and welfare agencies are struggling to help them put food on the table.

Foodbank Australia is the largest hunger relief organisation in Australia. It is a not-for-profit, nondenominational organisation which distributes surplus food to welfare agencies which feed the hungry. It has distribution centres in six states and the Northern Territory.

“Hunger is one of the best kept secrets in Australia,” Foodbank Australia’s website says. “Hunger is a largely hidden social problem and many victims suffer in silence. The victims could be a child, unemployed or elderly person in your street. Each year, two million Australians will rely on food relief and around half of them will be children. These children will often go to school without breakfast, or to bed without dinner.”

Living costs are increasing – electricity, water, petrol, the cost of housing and council rates, childcare, insurances and food, without a corresponding increase in wages. Most of these are fixed costs.

When a family starts to struggle financially the food shopping list is cut dramatically. An increasing number in the community, including a growing tide of the working poor, are unable to provide enough food to feed the family and must turn to charities for assistance.

Filling the state’s biggest pantry Foodbank Queensland is an organisation making a real difference to Queensland’s hungry. It was set up in 1996 to feed those in need by collecting and

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

“ Each year, 2

million Australians will rely on food relief and around half of them will be children. These children will often go to school without breakfast, or to bed without dinner.” redistributing the tonnes of wasted food being dumped in landfill. Good food may be unable to be sold through regular outlets due to faulty packaging, incorrect labelling, being close to use-by date or surplus to need.

Sometimes manufacturers do a special product run to fill a particular need. Foodbank Queensland also receives food from the Foodbanks in other states.

“Foodbank sources food from all players in the grocery industry – retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, farmers, processors and importers,” Foodbank Queensland General Manager Ken McMillan said. As well as generous food donors, other sponsors contribute goods and services such as warehousing and trucking.

Ken explained how the Foodbank warehouse in Brisbane acts as the pantry of the welfare sector.

“Foodbank collects food on behalf of 300 welfare agencies who, in turn, distribute the food to those in need. Agencies include St Vinnies, Salvos, Meals on Wheels, Young Mens Christian Association (YMCA), Police-Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), Wesley Mission, Spiritus, Adracare, Mission Australia, street vans, soup kitchens, domestic violence shelters, drug rehabilitation centres, foster carers and more.”

Foodbank Queensland distributes about 800,000 kilos of food a month on average, helping to feed over 80,000 people a week - half of them children.

The State Government built the Brisbane warehouse and, in 2010, increased support funding to $750,000 per annum for three years. Generous corporate, group and individual sponsors also support Foodbank. The warehouse currently has 10 paid staff and about 60 volunteers.

Tough times In October 2011 the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) Annual Poverty Statement said that more than 480,000 Queenslanders were living in poverty, with seniors and other Queenslanders on fixed incomes hit particularly hard by increases in household expenses.

The number of people needing help has grown rapidly over the past few years due to a deteriorating economy and a string of natural disasters. Traditional groups such as the homeless and unemployed are now joined by ordinary families and pensioners who cannot make ends meet and have never needed assistance before.

“Demand has doubled in the last few years, firstly as a result of the global financial crisis, followed by the summer disasters of 2011,” Ken said. “The natural disasters greatly impacted on Foodbank and its charities, particularly in the first few months after the events. Our logistical resources were stretched to the limit and we were delivering emergency relief MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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Learn how to reach for the stars

FEATURE

Does your kid ever say…

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to places and welfare agencies where we had never been. We are still involved in flood relief 12 months after the event,” Ken said.

At the same time, flood damage reduced the supply of fresh produce. Generous donors like the Rocklea markets and Tully banana farmers suffered severe damage in the floods, losing their own livelihoods.

Finding enough food to fill the Foodbank pantry is a constant challenge. “One third of all food produced in Australia is wasted. Most of that is edible and most of it ends up as landfill. Our aim is to capture as much food surplus as possible and pass it on to the poor,” Ken concluded.

In the front line Suncoast Christian Care Co-op in Nambour on the Sunshine Coast is one of the agencies working to help low-income families and individuals to put food on the table. They run a low-cost food co-op, soup kitchens and breakfasts in Nambour, a mobile food van for outlying areas and give emergency relief vouchers to people in urgent need.

Co-op manager Hugh Matchett explained how the Co-op works. “The food is sourced in various ways.

We go to Foodbank in Brisbane two or three times a week to collect food. We also receive generous food donations from local supermarkets, wholesalers, and

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fresh fruit and vegetables from other local businesses.

We have individuals who regularly donate food surplus to their needs from their gardens or eggs from their chooks. We network with other agencies in the area to share surpluses. Sometimes we receive donations of money to help purchase food.”

The Co-op has seen an increase of approximately 30% in membership in the past 12 months as the number of people unable to afford the bare necessities of life increases. People who may be ill or disabled, unemployed, single mums or pensioners are finding that budgets do not stretch far enough, once essential bills are paid, to feed themselves or the family nutritious meals.

Members choose their items in a mini-mart set-up.

Some food items are free while others are low-priced to contribute towards the basic expenses of running the co-op. “People can fill a trolley for approximately $20,” Hugh said. Volunteers and Work for the Dole participants staff the co-op.

To join the co-op proof of low income is required, such as a health care card or aged pension card. There is a low membership fee to join (currently $5) and the co-op is open five days a week.

Hugh emphasised that the co-op treats members with dignity and care. Members often enjoy a friendly chat over a cup of tea or a reassurance that they or their

• • • •

loved ones will be remembered in a daily prayer that starts each day at the co-op.

As with most welfare groups, it is becoming harder to meet increased need for free or subsidised food.

“We need much more fresh stuff from businesses and individuals. Money donations are welcome but if more people could bring in excess home-grown produce, it would really help.”

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On a mission to feed the hungry Foodbank Australia is the largest of the hunger relief organisations in the country but there are other smaller groups operating in a similar fashion to collect and distribute food to the hungry.

Food Relief NQ distributes over 200,000 kg of food via 76 welfare agencies in North Queensland, from Cairns to Mackay and out to Mount Isa. Second Bite delivers fresh produce to over 221 community food programs in Victoria. It also operates in Tasmania and Brisbane.

OzHarvest rescues excess food which would otherwise be discarded and distributes it to charities in Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle, Adelaide and Brisbane.

Australia-wide it delivers 333,000 meals per month with a fleet of 12 vans.

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MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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FEATURE

Food for thought What can you or your organisation do to help?

Foodbank Queensland suggests: - Setting up a canned food collection at your workplace or local schools.

- Running a golf day or other fundraiser and giving the proceeds to Foodbank.

- Adopting Foodbank as your charity of choice, remembering that they feed over 80,000 people in Queensland every week.

- Talking about Foodbank and the work it does – spread the word.

- Offering your services one day a month in the Foodbank warehouse at Colmslie.

Foodbank Queensland is always looking for support from companies who can donate food and groceries that are surplus to commercial demand. If your company is not part of the food industry but can donate goods, services, funding or time, Foodbank would like to hear from you.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council in New Zealand set an excellent example recently. In December 2011 they decided that instead of posting out Season’s Greetings cards they would send electronic cards and donate what it would have cost to print and post these to the region’s food banks. Staff members and councillors also collected boxes of non-perishable food items to donate to the food banks.

Volunteering – giving back to your community Ann has been volunteering at Foodbank at Colmslie since October 2010. Prior to retirement Ann and her husband owned a fruit and vegetable shop.

Ann learned about Foodbank from a customer who volunteered there and decided to do ‘something worthwhile and fulfilling’ in her retirement.

“Since then I really now appreciate what Foodbank does for the community. I did not realise how many people are in need of help to just keep going and how many children go to school on an ‘empty tummy’.

What truly amazes me is that if Foodbank didn’t exist, perfectly good and usable food would be wasted, ending up as land fill. I realise by being in constant contact with the people from the various charities, who are always appreciative of this food, that if this food was wasted there would be many, many more hungry families around. My family has never been in that situation and I am thankful for that. I think by doing some volunteer work at Foodbank I am, in a very small way, doing my bit to help these people also.”

Ann enjoys getting to know the people from various charities who come to ‘shop’. “I am constantly impressed by their gratitude for Foodbank and also their caring and dedication to the people they help.

They are very special people.”

“My advice to anybody thinking about volunteering at Foodbank is ‘Just do it’. It is a really great place to be. Ken and all the staff are really nice people and all the other volunteers are too. I really enjoy going there two days a week. I feel like I am being useful and helping other people into the bargain.”

Research shows that Australians discard up to 20% of the food they buy. It also shows that the percentage of food waste goes up with income. The more you earn, the more you are likely to waste. Over-catering, poor handling of food, and sometimes, just lack of thought, contribute to the wastage. Perhaps with a little more planning and care with the weekly food shop, the money saved could be donated to feed the hungry.

Sarah Pennell, Business and Communications Manager of Foodbank Australia describes food banking as a ‘win-win’ for all.

“The environment benefits - food doesn’t go to waste and therefore the water, nutrients and land involved in their production doesn’t go to waste…Also carbon generation which would come from the food going to landfill is avoided.”

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“Society benefits – we provide 75,000 meals a day for people who may otherwise go hungry.

Because we provide this food to the charities for free or for the cost of a small handling fee, those charities can use the money they save (about $160 million per year) to provide services which help the people address the core issues which have put them in their predicament.”

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“One of our big challenges is to gain acknowledgment that there is a hunger problem in Australia. Greater awareness of this issue is needed in order to increase the assistance we receive from the government, companies and the public.”

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION - Suncoast Christian Care at Nambour at www.suncoastcare.org.au - To donate or volunteer at Foodbank Queensland see www.foodbank.com.au - Information on surplus food and food waste see www.secondbite.org (Information and resources tab) - http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2008/s2567858.htm

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“The focus is on fun, within a friendly, pressure-free environment” says Dean, Director of Little Kickers, Sunshine Coast. “We have previously held our sessions in a number of locations, but decided to amalgamate, and create a new home for Little Kickers, Sunshine Coast. The Goodlife Centre in Buderim is perfect for kids to come together, learn new skills and have fun. The kids get to know their dedicated coaches, they receive personal attention and coaches understand the child’s limitations” The Little Kickers program teaches soccer techniques as well as listening, sharing,

taking turns and team work. This successful franchise started in the UK, by two Mums frustrated by the shortage of invigorating activities for enthusiastic preschoolers. Little Kickers is now training thousands of children across Australia and looking forward to creating their new home in the Goodlife Centre, Buderim.

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Hypnosis Gastric Band Weight Loss Groups

Do try this at home with Blue Sky Science

After trials in the UK revealed that Hypnosis Gastric Band Programs had up to a 95 per cent success rate in helping people lose weight safely and keep it off, it is now available on the Sunshine Coast. Leading Coast Hypnotherapist, Maggie Wilde has launched the program explaining, “Rather than costly and serious surgery, we use the power of suggestion in hypnosis to train the mind and body to feel completely satisfied with far less food.”

We all know we’re not supposed to play with our food … but no one ever told us not to experiment with it! Blue Sky Science is a new Sunshine Coast based business that uses hands on (or should we say hands in) science activities and experiments to inspire your kids’ natural curiosity about the world around them. Owner Tracey O’Connell says “In our workshops it’s the kids that do the experiments. We’re just there to help and make sure everything goes according to plan.”

The program addresses issues such as food choices & portion size; stress, comfort or boredom eating; food cravings; motivation to exercise; and self-confidence & stress reduction. The only thing to give up is yo-yo dieting. Research shows that incorporating hypnosis into your weight loss program can more than double your success and your ability to keep it off. If you have been challenged by weight issues in the past, you can now learn how to conquer it once and for all. For more information contact Maggie on 1300 664 544 or 0405 138 567

Blue Sky Science can run workshops and parties anywhere in the Sunshine Coast area.

They have a range of events to choose from, including kids’ science parties and school holiday workshops with intriguing names like “Icky Sticky Ooey Gooey” and “Sticky and Stretchy Water” and they are adding exciting new activities all the time. Why not give them a call on 1300 187 155 to book your child’s next birthday party or check out their Easter holiday science workshop schedule at www.blueskyscience.com.au.

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‘New to the Coast’ is a way in which Kids on the Coast can support new businesses that cater to Sunshine Coast parents and families. We think local kids and parents deserve just as much choice, style, fun, innovation and value for money as those living anywhere else. So if you agree, please join us in helping these new ventures to get off the ground by taking a look at what they’ve got to offer.

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Maple St Acupuncture & Natural Medicine is a family-friendly, natural health care clinic in the gorgeous community of Cooroy, only 15mins from Noosa. The clinic provides numerous natural health services such as Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy, Midwifery, Massage Therapy, Reiki, Chinese Patent Herbs, Pregnancy, Labour and Birth Support, Fertility Management, Cosmetic Acupuncture and Natural and Organic Health Products.

Amy has a passion for natural fertility management. To address this growing problem, Amy has developed a very effective all-natural infertility treatment program for

helping women and their partners conceive, sustain a full term pregnancy, and deliver a healthy child.

The clinic prides itself on being a positive, caring and nurturing environment for both the patients and the practitioners, focusing on passion and support to ensure the best results for your health. The clinic has positioned itself to be a single point of contact for all of your natural health needs, from herbs, supplements, organic skin care and tea, to the professional management of pain, fertility, cosmetics and muscular skeletal disorders.

Located conveniently at 12a Maple St Cooroy, Maple St Acupuncture & Natural Medicine is set in a newly renovated, modern, fresh and uplifting premise, promising to be a welcome, beneficial addition to Cooroy’s already growing community, that Amy and her family are very proud to be a part of.

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Natural Health in Cooroy Inspired by natural medicine at a young age, 32 year old mother and Acupuncturist, Amy Steinbeck has worked with and been mentored by some of Australia’s most talented Practitioners. When Amy recently moved to Cooroy, she began the mission to create her dream practice.

Kids can explore the FUN side of science at a weekend science workshop any time of the year!

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Holistic education of our children – the mind, the body and the soul.

Green Beginnings Child Centre has been designed by experienced Early Childhood professionals producing an amazing and inspirational play space for young children. Each room has been created to ensure children are surrounded and immersed in earthy, homely influences, filled with beauty, varying in textures, shapes, spaces and levels. Children are encouraged to explore, investigate, ponder, create, imagine, and wonder as they smell, touch, listen to, and taste everything that is real in the world around them. With a mini art studios, worm farms, organic vegetable gardens, a wooden climbing wall, dry rock quarry, bamboo huts, large sandpit with water pump, cobbled bike paths, and quiet leafy areas to sit with a book, puppet or friend there are so many opportunities for both discovery and quiet time.

Educators at Green Beginnings Child Centre are skilled, qualified and experienced in delivering a high quality program for your children. They are seen as partners, nurturers and guides in your child’s learning and understandings. They value children as individuals, and as members within families, cultures and communities – all which will bring diverse life experiences. Green Beginnings Educators are committed to sharing children’s learning with parents and the community, they believe a team approach in care giving and teaching promotes the best outcomes for children’s learning.

Reconnecting children with the natural world will hopefully create a future generation that values and preserves nature. Located beside Lake Kawana, Green Beginnings Child Centre is a private, family owned service, which caters for the developmental needs of children from 18 months to Kindy age. Please drop by for a play and a look around anytime. For further information phone on 54378401 or visit www.greenbeginnings.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

educating our children, the mind, the body & the soul.

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• 18 months to Kindy age • natural, inviting and engaging play spaces.

• play based emergent curriculum We want our children to “Love Learning”.

Email: narelle@greenbeginnings.com.au or andrew@greenbeginnings.com.au or contact us by phone on 54378401.

We look forward to sharing your child’s learning journey with you.

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Help is on hand for first time parents on the Sunshine Coast seeking childcare advice

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The start of the year is one of the busiest in the childcare calendar, with parents on the Sunshine Coast looking for tips and support to help with their enrolment decision. For many families new to childcare, choosing the right facility can seem a daunting and overwhelming task. New research released by Goodstart Early Learning reveals that one in five parents often feel alone and overwhelmed when making decisions for their child - with new parents feeling the most anxious.

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Liz Brooks (Goodstart Area Manager) said when it comes to choosing childcare, it is completely normal for parents, especially those new to childcare, to feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. “It is a big decision for families and parents need to be comfortable with the choice they are making. Visiting a centre is the best way to decide. It’s impossible to get a sense of an early learning centre from a brochure or website. We have an open-door policy on the Sunshine Coast and parents are invited to visit their local centre at any time. They can drop in for a chat with their Centre Director and organise a tour, so they can get a feel for the place.”

Goodstart Early Learning is a not-for-profit organisation which champions the ‘First Five Years’ – a relatively new educational focus in Australia.

Enrolments are now open, so feel free to make an appointment with your local Centre Director. To do so, or to find out more information visit: www.goodstart.org.au.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

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Being the ultimate role model for your child is not easy…

Would I lie to you?

By Jessica Jane Sammut

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Having spent time in education across all areas of the schooling environment and working with children with many needs, Elizabeth Aplin has found that the most effective way to help them is by working with the parents. Owner of Cloverdale Therapeutic Services, Elizabeth explains, “Today the provision of good help in this area is amazing, particularly through individual counselling.

With a holistic approach integrating body, soul, mind and spirit and using Christian spirituality in an environment of personal safety, privacy and confidentiality, Cloverdale Therapeutic Services offer you the great opportunity to grow your capacity as a parent!

Phone today for an appointment to help secure the best for both you and your child.

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Children are born angelic, right? Ok, so perhaps it does not always feel that way, but if you forget the colic/the sleepless nights/the endless preoccupation with feeding, you have to agree that the absolute innocence and sinless perfection of a baby is something which can melt even the coldest of hearts from the inside out.

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That’s right; babies grow up, and in doing so, a child’s ability to open his/ her mouth to let a little (or even a big) untruth pop out, also develops. In fact, it can come as quite a shock for many parents, who up to that point have never witnessed behaviour from their child which could be described as slightly devious. But the truth is, nearly all kids do it.

So why do children start to lie and is it something to be concerned about?

Moreover, what is a parent to do when their child lies and how can the worth of honesty be instilled in the minds of your babies?

20

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

The Australian parenting website, The Raising Children Network (www.raisingchildren.net.au) stipulates that lying is a normal part of childhood development, confirming that children lie for a variety of reasons depending on the situation they find themselves in and their motivation, such as to: •

cover something up, hoping to avoid a consequence or punishment;

•

gain parental approval;

•

explore and experiment with their parents’ responses and reactions;

•

exaggerate a story or impress others;

•

gain attention, even when they’re aware the listener knows the truth;

•

manipulate a situation.

Jenny Chapman, leading child psychologist and creator of ‘The Me Strategies’ (www. themestrategies.com), an Australian-wide family intervention strategy designed to successfully adjust patterns of behaviour, concurs that lying is a part of childhood development and even goes so far as to say it is a positive sign that a young child is progressing mentally.

“Lying is a positive aspect of normal child development involving independence, emotional regulation and putting things into perspective.

Successful lies indicate developmental progress

and confirms a child is meeting their developmental milestones. The child is experiencing their thinking as separate from their parents.”

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Child and adolescent psychiatrist and author of ‘It’s a Jungle – A Parent’s Guide to Emotions and Behaviour’ (It’s a Jungle Pty Ltd), Dr Brenda Heyworth, agrees and goes on to cite a very young child’s desire for approval as a particularly strong motivator for lying, as well as fibbing being a rescue mechanism for getting out of trouble.

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Fast forward three or four years though, and what do you find? Yes, those once tiny and vulnerable mites of unblemished thought are now energetic toddlers with opinions, a welldeveloped ability to negotiate (cue screaming in the supermarket/ubercool city cafe/doctor’s waiting room), and the capacity to … lie.

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“Lying is a positive aspect of normal child development.

Successful lies indicate developmental progress and confirms a child is meeting their developmental milestones.”

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“Simply put, if kids lie and it gets them out of trouble or they achieve another such benefit, they are motivated to keep on lying.”

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LYING THROUGH THE AGES So at what age can lying begin?

“The telling of an untruth can start as young as two years old,” Chapman explains. “At this age, the fibs are often related to story telling and a mixture of make believe and reality involving creative play and everyday life. In order for a child to actually lie however, they need to know that what they are saying is false and that it is wrong, and this awareness does not occur until around three to four years old. As they cognitively develop, a child’s ability to lie improves and they can discern the audience’s belief of their version of the story.“ Whether lying becomes a tool to use in the future depends on two things: •

the effect of the lie – if it was in any way useful; and

•

whether there is seen to be an alternative way to get through the discomfort of disapproval if the child is lying to avoid getting into trouble.

Simply put, if kids lie and it gets them out of a sticky situation or they achieve another such benefit, they are motivated to keep on lying. It is then that lying can get more complex as children grow up. Not only can it become a way of avoiding punishment, but it can also become a manipulative technique to increase a child’s power and sense of control.

22

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

In addition, as children get older, their lying skills improve so that they are: •

potentially better at thinking up a lie that is believable;

•

more adept at constructing pre-emptive lies (lies that occur because they are planning to do something wrong and want to prevent getting caught, as opposed to lies created after an unplanned event; and

•

more capable of maintaining a cool, calm composure when lying.

The good news is, however, that older children are also potentially better at owning up to their mistakes and coping with disapproval than a younger child, so honesty can be easier for them to manage, which can make them less likely to lie.

The worry is that if lying is not dealt with appropriately in childhood, kids can come to rely on it as a tool for getting their own way and this pattern can then continue into adult life with lies getting more serious, more complex and with greater consequences if discovered, such as lying to the tax man, to an employer or even a friend. The harsh reality is that the cold world out there it is not as forgiving as the family unit, and the perils of lying could be a very hard lesson to learn in adult life with so much more to lose, such as a job, social standing or reputation. Plus, the longer the pattern goes on, the harder it is to extinguish.

LEARNING BY EXAMPLE Founder of the Great Parents Institute (www. greatparentsinstitute.com.au), Philip Pryor, stipulates that parental examples are critical. He stresses that the first most vital step in helping your child to understand that lying is not acceptable is not to do it yourself, and to own up and show remorse if you are uncovered as having told a lie.

“Kids need solid role models in this regard, and need to have the worth of honesty demonstrated through positive example and reinforcement.”

Heyworth agrees, clarifying that the example parents need to set is how to respect honesty, with parents exhibiting this quality even if it makes them look bad.

“When kids see an adult lie, children witness cause and effect (i.e. a lie got mummy/daddy out of trouble).

They also pick up tips on how to do it cleverly to avoid getting caught, whilst learning that honesty has no value.”

If you do have to fib and you are observed by your child in doing so, Chapman states it is important that you are aware of the indiscretion and explain the circumstance of your lie to your child. However, Chapman also states that this can cause confusion for a child who has been taught that there is never a time to lie.

At the end of the day, if a child sees that an adult is successful as a result of their lie, they will learn that it is a good thing which will reinforce the benefits of lying despite any short-term consequences imposed. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Contact 07 5472 0119 or enquiries@euphoriafamilydaycare.com.au www.euphoriagroup.net.au

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Change for the better If relationships, parenting, and life in general are making you feel stressed or unhappy, The Integrated Life Centre may be able to help. “We change how we feel about our lives by understanding and changing our approach to the various things that aren’t working for us. I teach people day-to-day skills to help with that,” says Pettina Stanghon, behavioural practitioner, psychotherapist and mother of two, who has been helping people on the Sunshine Coast for over 6 years.

HELPING YOU EVOLVE NOT REVOLVE MIND MAINTENANCE for MUMS...

The Integrated Life Centre specialises in working with families to understand and overcome behavioural challenges—from toddler tantrums and preschool anxiety to “tween” rebelliousness. Many teenagers suffer anxiety or depression, form unhealthy eating and sleeping habits or become aggressive leaving parents desperate for support. Pettina will tailor a program specific to individual needs to bring harmony back in to the home, helping you reconnect as a family.

Ongoing support and aftercare is available either onsite or online, giving you the confidence that help is at hand no matter where you live.

Pettina Stanghon Specialist in Behavioural Change

I can support you in making changes to what you do and how you feel about yourself, your children, relationships, parenting, and life in general. You’ll learn useful skills for everyday life that will help you feel healthier in your mind and body, less stressed, and more empowered.

Pettina also helps new parents, especially mothers, to deal with the demands of a new baby and post-natal issues, aiming to return them to integrated wellbeing.

The Integrated Life Centre offers a variety of services including: • Counselling, NLP, clinical hypnosis and journey therapy • Marriage and Family Therapy (weekend & evening sessions available) • Teenage mentoring and behavioural change • Mind Maintenance for Mums

ENQUIRE TODAY ABOUT OUR TEEN MENTORING PROGRAMS, CALL NOW FOR INFO. FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

"Pettina is like the Mary Poppins of my mind, tidying up all the mess and showing me how to organise my thoughts & priorities!"

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PH: 07 5448 1536 Email: pettina@integratedlife.com.au www.integratedlife.com.au MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

23

FREE SUNGLASSES for your children when they get their eyes examined by a Looking Smart Optometrist.

TOP

“If a child sees that an adult is successful as a result of their lie, they will learn that it is a good thing which will reinforce the benefits of lying despite any shortterm consequences imposed.”

HOW TO DEAL WITH A LIE? If you catch your child telling a lie, Heyworth advocates staying calm and not letting the lie get in the way of the real issues connected to the lie, which are that: • •

your child has done something wrong; and they need to learn how to be honest.

Dealing with the lie by applying the sequence of ‘logical consequence-fresh start’ (applying a consequence immediately and then moving on afterwards) shows the child that they have done the wrong thing by lying, and it also promotes the development of conscience and helps them move through the mess in which they have found themselves. Consequences must be commensurate however, because if the punishment is too extreme, it

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

DEALING WITH LYING

2. Praise honesty in your child in their every day life, rewarding and reinforcing honest behaviour.

In addition to dealing with lies, honesty must be encouraged on a daily basis and praised when exhibited. Even in a moment of discipline when a child has acted inappropriately or been naughty, a parent should still strive to acknowledge the honesty of the child if they admit to their mistake. Honesty then brings with it a positive association and an ‘approvalfactor’. With our kids striving for our approval (at a young age especially), this rates highly in their world.

3. Put the truth into perspective and don’t overreact if you catch your child lying.

Determine whether reality and fantasy are being confused for young children.

Consider the motives of the untruth.

A final way of helping children understand the worth of honesty is through story telling. Chapman advocates ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’ and other such allegories to teach a child the dangers associated with lying.

Did you know…

1. Be the ultimate role model, setting a good example by showing how to be honest.

Don’t blame your child for lying if you are inconsistent with honesty yourself. If your child seems confused about lying, it might be time to self-assess.

can actually motivate a child not to stop lying, but to conversely get better at it so they don’t get caught the next time and punished as severely.

FURTHER RESOURCES Raising Children Network - www.raisingchildren.net.au Early Childhood Australia - www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au Parenting and Child Health - www.cyh.com The Me Strategies - www.themestrategies.com Happy Child – www.happychild.com.au It’s a Jungle – A Parent’s Guide to Emotions and Behaviour’ by Dr Brenda Heyworth (It’s a Jungle Pty Ltd)

24

5 TIPS FOR

4. Deal with lying as soon as you see it using the ‘logical consequence-fresh start’ rule. In this way, instil the message in your child’s psyche that lying gets you no-where. Don’t use ridicule, shame or punishments which are too severe for your child however, as this may promote more lying in an attempt to avoid the same.

5. Be open with your children, so they feel they can be honest with you. Talk to your kids about the feelings they may have of being scared of the truth or of being humiliated by the truth.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

30% of children have some type of eye condition that affects vision?

In most cases if the eye condition is detected early enough, exercises can be given to avoid it developing into a vision problem at school. In some cases vision problems exhibit themselves in children who have short attention spans but often are undetected by the parents or carers.

Free pair of sunglasses (Up to RRP $19.95) for each of your children when they have an eye examination with a Looking Smart Optometrist.

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At Looking Smart Optometrists we recommend a vision test for every child who is 2 years of age or older.

We bulk bill all eye tests so it costs you nothing to have it done, and you can feel secure that you are looking after your child’s eyesight.

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A Vision For Learning

By Paul Clegg, Acting Principal, Sunshine Coast Grammar School

A new year brings about a commitment to change, often in the form of resolutions or goal setting for the future. Leading schools have a vision for change in the form of 21st century learning, where the spirit of innovation creates a mindset for the future.

Education was modeled on the needs and interests of an Industrial age. In this model, the ability to memorise facts and the mastery of the three Rs was a bench mark of success.

That era has gone as we now live in an increasingly diverse, globalised, complex and media-saturated society. A degree today doesn’t mean a guaranteed job and students are faced with the potential of numerous occupations throughout their career. Teachers are no longer the ‘fountain of all facts’ as ‘google’ has now replaced this role. Mastery of the basics - reading, writing and arithmetic are still crucial, however in isolation won’t prepare students to thrive in the 21st century.

Schools are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t exist, to solve problems that we don’t recognise and use digital technology that hasn’t been invented.

Teachers are working with students whose entire lives have been immersed in a digital media culture. Education potentially faces some critical gaps between the world young people experience outside the classroom and the world within. Also between the skills that students learn in school and those they will need later in life.

Living and learning in the 21st century requires new thinking and a strategically engineered vision. In the 21st century the world’s work requires thinking, creativity, problem solving, synthesizing, communicating, designing and developing new products.

Twenty-first century teachers have moved from dispensers of facts to conductors of learning.

Through relevant learning experiences, teachers should aim to inspire a culture of inquiry where students collaborate, innovate and think when applying their acquired knowledge to new situations.

Knowledge is not the memorization of facts and figures, but constructed through research and application, and connected to previous knowledge, personal experience, interests, talents and passions. Students require complex skills to direct their learning, think critically and adapt to a rapidly changing global society.

Twenty-first century learning should teach students to select appropriate digital tools to transform their learning, engage, energise and inspire deep thinking. It should also develop digital citizenship and students to be informed consumers in our media rich environment.

Innovation is flourishing in the world around us and innovative schools need to have a vision for powerful learning to prepare our students for their future not our past.

Engaging, Encouraging, Supporting CONSIDERING A CAREER IN CHILD CARE? Do you want personalised training support, one on one assessment and professional mentoring, all with an enthusiastic and qualified trainer to guide you?

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To discuss this opportunity further...

contact us on 07 5472 0119 or enquiries@euphoriatraining.com.au In partnership with TLC Training Solutions, RTO # 31970

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Pre-Prep Education from 3 years - CCB approved • Free weekly specialist teacher lessons in Music & Sport • Weekly visits to onsite Junior Primary Library & regular onsite Farm excursions • Qualified teachers presenting a fun and educational Kindergarten program • $64 per day (up to 10 hours) including afternoon tea P: 5451 3333

E: enrolments@ncc.qld.edu.au

www.ncc.qld.edu.au

LIMITED VACANCIES AVAILABLE

Providing Christ-centred, quality education since 1979, Suncoast offers your child innovative and dynamic learning opportunities, delivered by passionate and experienced teachers within a nurturing and supportive community. Our affordable fees will surprise you.

NEWabout

Enquire now our Alpha Tykes French Program

For more information or to book a campus tour, please visit our website.

P: 5451 3600 Cnr Schubert & Kiel Mountains Rds, Woombye E: info@suncoastcc.qld.edu.au

www.suncoastcc.qld.edu.au 26

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Psychology Clinic & Centre for Autism Life is about to get a whole lot easier for you and your child!

MindMattrz is a specialist clinic committed to helping families with a wide range of conditions. In addition, we specialize in child, teen and adult assessment, diagnosis and intervention of Aspergers Syndrome and Autism.

“Helping Children with Autism” provider

: Lauren Radley WE WELCOME therapist), Nelle Frances

(Speech & Language

and ram Co-Founder/Facilitator) (SensoryDetective© Prog ation) to our growing Angelique Swart (Administr new d bran ouncing multidisciplinary team! Ann term ups now running each school SensoryDetective© Gro ) ensoryDetectiveProgram om/S ook.c (https://www.faceb ram” Prog at “SensoryDetective OR Find us on Facebook

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Call us today to start your child’s journey with Good Shepherd Lutheran College.

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A wide variety of groups running each school term

MindMattrz Psychology Clinic and Centre for Autism can be found at http://www.facebook.com/ MindMattrzAutismClinic

An International Baccalaureate (IB) program for Primary and Middle Years (candidate) Engaging and challenging academic, cultural and sporting programs Excellent academic record in NAPLAN testing and with OP results Laptop for every Year 6-12 student An affordable, all inclusive fee schedule

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HOLIDAY PROGRAMS/ GROUPS AVAILABLE

MindMattrz Spectrum Foundation, a non-profit organization, is now accepting donations and funding for our brand new school

Good Shepherd Lutheran College is a dynamic P-12 Co-ed Christian College with:

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of psychologists, autism TO OUR EXISTING TEAM ialists and education spectrum condition spec consultants. k (8 am - 6 pm) Now open 6 days a wee

MindMattrz Education centre is NOW OPEN!!

Offers tutoring, psychoeducational assessment, IEP support, school visits, advocacy and presentations to schools, businesses and the community.

Give your child an education where they are

Supported, Challenged and Inspired

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by Michelle MacFarlane

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EDU C ATI n g the Gifted Child

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EDUCATION

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Good Shepherd Lutheran College provides quality Christian education in a caring environment.

115 Eumundi Road, Noosaville 5455 8600 gslc.qld.edu.au



Open Day

Wed 2nd May 9am– 6pm

Enrolling now for You’re at playgroup, and you notice that most of the children still use half-formed sentences and ‘baby talk’. “That’s funny”, you think. “My daughter’s been talking fluently for ages.”

Or you’re at kindy, and you notice that most boys are in the sandpit, pushing trucks around. Meanwhile, your son sits alone with a dinosaur book. For the next month, all he talks about is dinosaurs, and you realise he’s memorised every name in the book.

Skip forward to Prep, and most children are learning to count to ten. But not your child — he or she is 28

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

Kindergarten and Prep

doing double-digit subtraction, and asking you to explain negative numbers. Or perhaps it’s Year 3, and your previously interested child has now become bored and disengaged, possibly even disruptive in class.

Any one of these scenarios could indicate that your child is gifted. Or, just to complicate matters, you could have a gifted child who shows none of these characteristics. So how can you identify a gifted child, and how can you help them fulfil their potential? www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Independent, Co-educational No religious affiliations. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Small school—Big heart Where learning is fun.

41 Old Emu Mountain Rd PEREGIAN BEACH

Ph 5448 1722 Email: m.james@pbc.qld.edu.au

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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EDUCATION

Children with high ability will generally fall into the top 10% on IQ tests. Up to around 100,000 Queensland children fall into this group.

The Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented Children (QAGTC) is a volunteer organisation providing advocacy, advice and workshops for gifted and talented children and their families. QAGTC State Secretary Judith Hewton says ‘gifted’ children are those with high ability.

“Simply put, you’re starting with ability, because these children have ability,” she says. “And researchers often talk about performance, that these children are capable of, or have the potential to perform at, a high level in some or many areas.”

Judith says that children with high ability will generally fall into the top 10% on IQ tests. Up to around 100,000 Queensland children fall into this group.

“A standardised IQ test is the single best indicator of ability,” she says. “But there are also many checklists and observational techniques that can show you that a child has potential for excelling or for exceeding average performance.”

Judith says it’s important to realise that ‘gifted’ doesn’t automatically equal ‘high performance’.

“You can have the potential to excel in any area,” she says, “but whether you do or not depends on whether you have great support, good teachers, a supportive family, and good opportunities.”

Early signs So, what signs might suggest that your child is gifted?

Judith says to watch out for a child reaching milestones early.

“These children often talk early, sit, stand, etc... If a child is talking early and asking questions about the universe before school age, teaching themselves to read... There might be an incredible amount of activity going on, they’re using materials around them and seeking to control their environment and make it a

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

better learning environment for them; some gifted children will do that.”

It was not until Lachlan’s pre-school called them in that Tony and Sharon realised he was exceptional.

But she cautions that other gifted children may not present like this, especially if they are introverted. Some gifted children may even have a learning disability as well.

“When Lachlan was going into Grade 1, the pre-school said, ‘Here, you’re going to need to take all of this information because his school is going to need to know about just how gifted he is.’ They basically said, ‘You just don’t realise how gifted he is.’”

“There are also gifted children who don’t reach milestones early, so it’s a matter of the whole picture of this child: what am I seeing, what am I hearing. Some of them it’s really obvious, and in others it’s not.”

Judith recommends that interested parents use checklists and observation to help determine if their child is gifted (see ‘Tests and checklists’ box).

Sometimes, though, the signs are clear, but parents don’t have the experience to recognise them. For example, Tony, father of three gifted children, took for granted the abilities of his oldest son, Lachlan. Lachlan spoke early, read early, and grasped mathematical

Children with high ability will generally fall into the top on IQ tests.

Up to around 100,000 Queensland children fall into this group.

10%

concepts well before school. Tony and wife Sharon were pleased, but didn’t realise Lachlan was gifted.

“We had no experience, really, of the development of other people’s children,” Tony says. “We played with Lachlan, and read stories to him and those sorts of things, but the level of response that he was giving at extremely young ages, we just thought, ‘Oh, that’s really cool’, and we didn’t realise that other children didn’t respond like that.”

Gifted children at school Gifted children love to learn, so you might think that they will also love school. Some do have positive school experiences but, sadly, others struggle to get their needs met.

Judith Hewton says that many parents first approach QAGTC when their child enters school and they encounter difficulties.

Give your child the Star Treatment at the new City Stars Kindergarten!

Our brand new state-of-the-art Kindergarten at Caloundra City Private School is now open.

“Negotiating with schools, I think, is when parents mostly come to us,” she says, “because their child is usually fine in the early years.

“Then, when they get into the school peer group, if you’re putting a gifted five-year-old with other five-year-olds, they don’t fit in, they’re not being challenged, that can be when problems start.”

This fully air-conditioned, eco-friendly kindergarten is now open and the children love it.

City Stars Kindergarten is open to all children 4 years of age by 30 June 2012. Classes are strictly limited to 24 students with individual needs catered for by a qualified teacher and assistant ensuring your child has every opportunity to thrive.

Tony’s son Lachlan began his school journey in the 1990s at a small Catholic school. Tony and Sharon, teachers themselves, did their best to support him and his teacher.

“We knew that the school did not have the resources to be able to deal with this properly. So what my wife was doing was actually getting gifted-education books and reading them and summarising them for the teacher... We just walked in and said... ‘If there’s anything we can to help, we will do that’.”

Lachlan’s teacher was receptive, and the school guidance officer agreed to give Lachlan individual sessions each week. But, says Tony, it was soon clear that the school couldn’t meet Lachlan’s needs. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Students will enjoy the future of learning with iPads too.

Proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government.

Gold Stars All Round at Caloundra City Private School.

Pelican Waters Boulevard, Pelican Waters www.ccps.qld.edu.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

CRICOS NO: 03241C

CC18821

What does ‘gifted’ really mean?

5437 5800

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EDUCATION

Tests & checklists to identify giftedness “The guidance officer came and saw us halfway through the second year and said, ‘I’m sorry, we’ve got too many people at the other end of the scale, we don’t have any time for Lachlan’... So we quietly took him out of the school and went to find another school.”

Education Queensland (EQ) says parents should ask their local principal what their school can offer gifted children.

Acting EQ Assistant Director-General Suzanne Innes says regional offices and local schools are responsible for implementing the department’s Framework for Gifted Education policy.

• Recognised IQ tests must be administered by a qualified person. Such testing can cost hundreds of dollars.

Tony and Sharon tried another school before moving Lachlan to the local state school in Year 4. By this time, they’d learned a lot about schools, their role, and the importance of friends in Lachlan’s life.

“All Queensland state schools must have specific strategies to meet the learning needs of students who are gifted,” she says.

• Free checklists and observation can be used by parents and teachers. Ask your school guidance officer or email secretary@qagtc.org.au for more information on approved tests and checklists, including the names of psychologists who conduct IQ testing.

“We eventually just decided, ‘He’s brght enough that he’s going to be successful in whatever he does, we’ll support him and do what needs to be done.’ Our big thing was that he have lots of friends in the local area... the local state school had an excellent music program, and they promised a lot of things.”

Again, the school didn’t quite live up to its promises, but Tony says Lachlan was happy there and Sharon continued to provide strong support. By Year 5, Lachlan was taking maths and science classes at the local state high school, which he went on to attend for his secondary schooling. He’s now a happy 19-year-old, studying software engineering at university.

Tony’s also seen his two gifted younger children, Sam, 16, and Gabrielle, 13, through their schooling. He now believes that good schools should be willing to modify classroom work, accelerate individual children, and group high-ability children together , to meet gifted children’s needs.

Judith Hewton agrees.

“Ideally, you’d want the school to know how to look for gifted children, to use one of the good checklists at least. To realise that gifted children do make up a significant number, at least one child in every classroom, and to think about how they’re going to cluster them across the school... I would like some ability grouping, where they get a chance to spark off other very intelligent children.

“After ability grouping, acceleration is the single best strategy. It doesn’t just mean grade skipping, it means ‘How can I help this child go as far and as fast as they need to for their own satisfaction and to keep them ignited and involved?’”

“Prior to enrolling their students in a particular school, parents could ask the principal how gifted and talented students are identified, and how the school caters to the needs of these students.”

Ms Innes says that high-achieving secondary students can also participate in three specialised Queensland academies, or in the Head Start acceleration program.

What else can parents do?

Outside of school, parents can also do much to support gifted children, says Judith Hewton.

“Learn as much as you can about giftedness,” she says.

“Compile a profile, a portfolio on the child...

“Get your child involved in activities where they’re challenged, whether that’s in the performing arts, or sports, or whatever, where they really have to struggle occasionally, even learn to fail, learn to pick themself up, that’s all part of living. With gifted children who learn quickly and easily, they often don’t have those experiences otherwise.

“If it doesn’t happen through the school, the family needs to make sure it happens through the community, through their involvement in other learning areas, or through a mentor. Find that retired professor in the community, or that uncle or aunt who’s got particular expertise and can match with the child.”

Key questions to ask at school • Identification: Do you identify children with high ability?

• Differentiation: Do you modify classroom work to match a child’s abilities?

• Clustering: Do you group high-ability children together at least some of the time?

Prep at Immanuel Prep at Immanuel...

• Acceleration: Do you accelerate highability children (e.g. through extension, grade skipping, or allowing them to study subjects with higher grades)?

make the right choice Finding the right school with supportive and

• Qualifications: Do you have teachers qualified in teaching gifted children, or who excel in an area that interests my child?

nurturing teachers will set your child on a path of lifelong learning. That’s where we come in...

If all this sounds like a lot of work, rest assured that it’s very rewarding to watch a gifted child fulfil their potential. As Tony says: “I think the joys of parenting a gifted child are the same joys of any parents: seeing your children grow and flourish and be able to do amazing things, according to what they’re capable of.”

With places still available for Prep 2013, call us today and find out what makes an Immanuel education so special.

Immanuel… where everyone is someone.

For more information

Immanuel Lutheran College

Queensland Association for Gifted and Talented Children at www.qagtc.org.au.

QAGTC State Conference ‘Nurturing Potential: Transforming Giftedness into Excellence’, Brisbane, Saturday 17 March.

Education Queensland at http://education.qld.gov.au/publication/production/reports/pdfs/giftedandtalfwrk.pdf www.qldacademies.eq.edu.au http://education.qld.gov.au/hr/recruitment/teaching/pathways-secondarystudents.html

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

Irene Dabinet, Enrolment Registrar T: 5477 3441 E: dabineti@immanuel.qld.edu.au

www.immanuel.qld.edu.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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Brightwater Education in the Community What is it that makes a suburb a community? What makes you think “this is where I want to live”? With so many fabulous locations to live on the Coast, what are the key ingredients to help you find the right fit for you and your family?

Brightwater is Stockland’s newest master planned community on the Sunshine Coast. Stockland has pulled all of the things that make the Coast the best place in the world to live and put them all together; finding the perfect blend between indoor and outdoor living. Moments away from three different water experiences - ocean, river and lake. All set on one of the last pieces of quality land this close to the coastline. And importantly for families, ensuring excellence in education is at the heart of building this growing community.

2012 has started with a bang for Brightwater with the opening of two quality educational and care facilities, with Award-winning Sunshine Coast child care group Bella Grace opening their latest centre at Brightwater near the new Prep to Year 7, Brightwater State School.

Bella Grace

Brightwater State School

For those with young children, the Brightwater Bella Grace centre caters for age groups from six-week old babies through to school children. General Manager Amanda Southwell says, “Our centres are developed to create an environment where the children are nurtured with love and respect, in a stimulating environment. Optimal learning and caring environments are built on co-operation and consultation with the needs of children and families as first consideration. We believe that children learn best when they feel secure and loved and all their needs are being met. Within our Brightwater Centre, many of our staff live in the area and there is already a wonderful sense of community”.

Brightwater State School Principal Robyn Taplin has spent the past 6 months ensuring the smooth opening of the school in January this year. Robyn explains, “The participation of parents from the local community has been extremely gratifying. Because this is the launch of a new school, parents have been instrumental in helping to develop the ethos that will become central to the school. Parents have played a critical role in a wide range of decision making; from the name of the school to uniform design and selecting the high quality before-and-after-school care providers.”

Early educational needs

The school has a strong e-learning agenda which has been driven by the progressive nature of Principal Robyn. She has introduced her i-Learn 1:1 initiative which is specific to Brightwater State School. All students in Years 4-7 have the opportunity to own their own MacBook Air laptop, which can be paid for outright or in instalments and is then theirs to keep rather than being rented temporarily from the school.

This atmosphere of e-learning at school will include a strong element of teaching safe and responsible approaches to the internet and social media. Younger children will learn in classrooms using shared iPads and iMacs which will be available for use in all classrooms. The schools learning environment will encompass the selected tools and resources that are available on the internet as well as those within the classroom.

Bella Grace aim to provide teachers who are warm, dependable, experienced adults who are committed to providing for equity in care and education of all children. They value each child’s unique cultural background, customs, language, abilities, likes, dislikes and learning styles.

Their schedule of education experiences includes visits from farm animals, ocean life as well as a perceptual motor program which includes fortnightly visits from a personal trainer. Bella Grace educational programs are based on the notion of integrated curriculum - responding to the interests and needs of individual children, integrating creative, constructive and expressive facets of programs - promoting independence, problem solving ability, social, physical and communicative development and inspiring a love of learning.

Indoor and Outdoor space to explore Bella Grace Brightwater offers fun and creative indoor and outdoor spaces, developed to ensure that children’s needs are met in each environment. From the swings, sandpits and bike path outdoors to the light and fun-filled playrooms indoors, children will have many diverse opportunities to play and learn, as well as quiet spaces for reading, individual play and rest.

e-Learning

Flexible Design The design of the classrooms is something that Robyn is particularly proud of. Flexible learning options were at the core of the classroom design process and each classroom has its own kitchen attached. This has given teachers a range of teaching options not usually available, from science to food health and sustainability. The classrooms also have lots of light and high ceilings to allow for maximum air flow.

Courtesy of kooringalhats.com.au

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

The School’s Resource Centre provides a number of learning spaces including a filming suite (green screen filming studio), robotics lab, media lab, meeting spaces and a screened outdoor learning space. There are also ample under covered areas and toilets throughout the school including student toilets within each teaching block. The outdoor play spaces are vast and in addition to this the school backs onto Sunshine Coast Regional Council sporting fields and Mooloolah National Parklands. These fabulous facilities will allow for maximum student engagement and enjoyment in learning.

A Parent’s view Parents love being able to walk or ride to both the local school and child care centre, as mum of two, Tracey shares, “Both schools made me feel included and part of the community even before they opened, with regular newsletters, Facebook updates and open days. I have children at both Bella Grace and Brightwater State School, as well as working nearby; I feel incredibly lucky to live somewhere like this and cannot wait for the new Town Centre to open!”

Tracey’s enthusiasm is echoed in many families who have been delighted with the positive start to the school year and the growing sense of community throughout Brightwater. “As I watched my house being built last year I had the chance to meet many neighbours, who welcomed me and made me feel at home right away,” tells Sarah, whose family recently moved into their new home.

Are you looking for a community like Brightwater?

Visit the Brightwater Display Centre today, check them out online at www.stockland.com.au/brightwater or Facebook.com/Brightwater4557 or call (07) 5444 1333 for more information today.

NEWS & EVENTS Coming Soon • Brightwater shopping precinct • Supermarket • Lakefront tavern • Medical centre with pharmacy For details on Brightwater’s regular community events like Movies in the park check out www.stockland.com.au/brightwater Did you know that the Wishlist House charity auction achieved a sale price of $505,000 to lucky buyers Bob and Jenny Goodwin.

Congratulations and a big welcome to Brightwater!

PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

35

C a le n d a r Sunshine Coast 2012

March

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

Where: The J Noosa When: 6 - 8pm The ever so popular Green Zone Disco is held on the first Friday of most months with a popular DJ, great prizes and giveaways. Suitable for eight to 12 year olds.

Cost: $6 per child. Bookings essential.

Details: W www.scvenuesandevents.com. au P 5455 4455

March 3

Kids Club Children’s Art Activities Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery When: 10am – 12noon Children’s art activities based on current exhibition.

Cost: FREE. No bookings required.

Details: 5420 8299

March 11

The Third Annual Vintage BMX Show & Shine

March 11

Witches, Wizards & Warlocks

Where: Cooroy Butter Factory, 10 Maple Street, Cooroy When: 10am - 2pm Parents come and show your kids what you used to ride in the BMX Bandits era! BMX collectors from all over QLD and interstate will be here to show off their BMX’s from the 70’s to 90’s. There is also a swap meet to source rare BMX bits.

Cost: FREE Details: Troy Phillips 0409 110 833

Where: Lake Kawana Community Centre When: 3pm. Come dressed as your favourite magical character and be spellbound as Maestro Antoni Bonetti wields the wand and Brisbane Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of magical stories, mystical events and famous wizards!

Details: www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

March 17

March 23 to 25

Concert for Cancer A Dance Extravaganza!

Where: Nambour Civic Centre When: Check details closer to event A fundraiser featuring students and teachers from local dance studios and high schools with all profits going to Cancer support.

Cost: $20 Adult, $15 Child

Mooloolaba Triathlon Where: Mooloolaba The Olympic distance Mooloolaba Triathlon is the centrepiece of a 3 day multisport festival that celebrates the best of the Australian summer lifestyle, at one of the world’s premier beaches.

Cost: FREE to watch Details: www.usmevents.com.au

March 6

Sea Week Organisation: Marine Education Society of Australasia Sea Week aims to encourage appreciation of the sea. Each year a different theme is chosen, with this year’s theme being “spotlight on marine science.” www.mesa.edu.au/seaweek.asp

March 12

New Ginger Café and Menu unveiled Where: The Ginger Café, The Ginger Factory, Yandina Over the past few months, the Ginger Factory has undergone some exciting renovations, which includes the fully refurbished Ginger Café, boasting three new chefs and a tantalising new menu. A great spot to meet with friends over lunch or coffee.

Cost: FREE admission. Menu charges apply.

Details: www.gingerfactory.com.au

March 6

Storytelling with Shaun the Sheep Where: Sunshine Plaza, Riverwalk Stage When: 9am - 12noon Storytelling with Shaun the Sheep, plus have your face painted.

Cost: FREE Details: www.sunshineplaza.com

March 16

Crazy Hair Day 4 Kids Organisation: Leukaemia Foundation Show your true colours and go colouring crazy to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation.

1000 schools will be getting their free kits soon thanks to Cinta Intense Colour Hair Sprays.

Schools and Child Care Centres can still sign up and purchase hair colour from a local pharmacy or hair supplies store.

Details: www.worldsgreatestshave.com

March 26

March 24

Meridan Easter Fiesta Where: Meridan State College, Caloundra When: 10am - 4pm A celebration of all things Meridan!

Details: meridansc.eq.edu.au

March 10 & April 14

Cooroy Blue Light Disco Where: 25 Maple Street, Cooroy When: 6:30 to 9pm Party with your mates in a safe environment. Ages eight to 16.

Cost: Entry $5. Refreshments available for purchase.

Details: facebook.com/ cooroybluelightdisco

March 27 & April 24

March 25 & April 22

Sunshine Coast’s Got Young Talent

Mini Steam Train Rides

Where: The Events Centre, Caloundra When: 11:30am. Duration 50mins (no interval). Join The Events Centre, Caloundra for the magical, musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book. The Gruffalo’s Child brings together physical theatre, music and beautiful puppetry to deliver songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged four and up and their adults! Cost: Full price: $23.00 / Group 10+: $20.00 Details:www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

Buy a Butterfly Month

Where: Sink or Swim School, Capital Place (opposite Spotlight Kawana) When: 9am - 11am Story time, craft, play and education. You can purchase snacks and there is a coffee machine!

Cost: FREE Details: W www.kaleidoscopeEvents.com. au P 0400 500 610

Organisation: Hear and Say Centre for deaf children and their families Hearing impairment is the most common disability in children, with four children in every thousand developing hearing impairment by age five. Buy a Butterfly Month aims to help hearing impaired and deaf children hear and learn to speak. www.butterflyappeal.com/

March 31

Teddy Bears Picnic on The Valley Rattler

Where: Queensland Air Museum When: 10am - 4pm The Queensland Air Museum presents its collection of historic operational aircraft engines in a special display of aviation horsepower. Cost: Adult $12, Concession $9 , Child $7, Family (2 adults, 3 children) $26. Price includes regular museum display.

Details: www.qam.com.au P 5492 5930 E - ocw@qam.com.au

Where: Mary Valley Heritage Railway, Tozer Street, Gympie When: Arrive at 9am for a 9:30am Departure. Returns: 12:15pm All teddy bears big and small are invited to pack their blankets, grab their favourite human and head to the Old Gympie Station.

Have your faces painted, play games and listen to storytelling as you ride on the steam train to the picnic.Cost: Adult $35, Child (under 14) $18 Details: www. thevalleyrattler.com/teddy-bears-picnic.htm

Regular Events Each week, Monday to Saturday Maleny Dairies Farm & Factory Tours

Where: Maleny Dairies, McCarthy’s Rd, Maleny When: 10:30am & 2:30pm. This interactive tour includes hand milking demonstrations, a tour of the dairy and a baby animal farm. Bring a picnic and enjoy the countryside. Kiosk now open with coffees, milkshakes, soft serves and sundaes. Cost: $9 per person Details: www.malenydairies.com

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

Where: Caloundra Surf Club When: 6:30 - 8:30pm This family event is designed to give students (seven to 17) a chance to develop their confidence and perform for a very welcoming audience.

Cost: Free meal each act Details: Contact Deb on 0438 452 025

Every week Storytelling

Where: Sunshine Coast Libraries When: Various times - see website for details. Storytelling sessions for pre-schoolers, babies and parents occur weekly at every library across the Sunshine Coast and are free!

Cost: FREE Details: www.library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Swampy Gym

Where: Buderim Pool When: Wed 11am - 12noon & Thurs 2pm - 3pm. Bring your baby for an hour of watery fun with swim toys, small inflatables, kickboards and music. Friendly, qualified instructors are on hand to give advice and tips.Cost: $6 for the first child and $3 for any subsequent children in the family. Newborns to five years all welcome! Details: 07 5445 6685

Easter ArtScool

Where: The Ginger Factory, Yandina Join in the fun with chef extraordinaire and caterer to the stars, John Guy. Cost: TBA Details: www.gingerfactory.com.au

Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery When: 10 – 11am 5 - 8yrs 11am – 12noon 5 -8yrs 12:30 – 2pm 9 -12yrs Children’s school holiday art workshops.

Cost: $15 per workshop. Bookings essential.

Details: 5420 8299

Kids Cooking Classes

Where: The J Noosa When: 9:30am & 11:30am Rhythm Culture takes you on an exciting journey through rhythm, movement and sound with these West African percussion workshops. Ages from seven to 14 years (older ages welcome, but no younger than seven).

Cost: $10 per person Details:www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

April 7

Good Friday - April 6 Easter Saturday - April 7 Easter Monday - April 9 Anzac Day - April 25 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Folded cityscapes Where: Noosa Regional Gallery When: 10:30am - 12noon Using paper and glue children will build various miniature buildings, learning about space and architectural design. Ages four to eight.

Cost: $15 per workshop. Bookings and pre-payment essential.

Details: 5449 5340

Kids Club Children’s Art Activities Where: Caloundra Regional Gallery When: 10am - 12noon Art activities based on the current exhibition.

Cost: FREE. No bookings required.

Details: 5420 8299

April 7

Meet The Easter Bunny & Alice in Wonderland

April 2 to 5

WOT WOTS SHOW Where: Sunshine Plaza, Riverwalk stage When: 11am & 1pm Come down and see the Wot Wots live show Cost: FREE Details: www.sunshineplaza.com

April 10 to 13

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Where: Kawana Shoppingworld When: 10am - 1pm The Easter Bunny and Alice in Wonderland will be handing out Easter Eggs at Kawana Shoppingworld.

Cost: FREE Details: 5444 1944

Where: The Ginger Factory, Yandina When: Shows daily at 11am & 1pm Bring along your own “MAD” hat creation for the chance to win a daily prize.

Cost: $6 per child or $3 with a combined Overboard and Moreton train ride ticket.

Details: www.gingerfactory.com.au

April 7-9

Aussie World by Twilight Anzac Day:

April 13

10 to 14 April

Be a Rock Star for a Day Where: Sunshine Plaza, Riverwalk Stage When: 10am to 2pm Be a Rock Star for a Day – Sing and record your own song on stage and take it home on CD. Cost: FREE Details: www.sunshineplaza.com

April 25

The Easter Magic Show

Featuring Award winning Magician Nickleby Where: The J Noosa When: 10am Back by popular demand! These school holidays Nickleby will be performing some of his most amazing tricks including floating a child from the audience in mid air. Don’t miss out on this action packed show with incredible illusions and a special guest appearance from the Easter Bunny.

Cost: $12 Entry or $10 Groups 8+ Details: www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

Easter Long weekend Where: Maroochy RSL Hop on down to Mystery Island this Easter for the most fun you can have this side of the rabbit hole. Bunny Origami, Easter basket craft, Easter egg treasure hunts and a special visit by the Easter bunny www.maroochyrsl.com.au/mystery-island

Where: Aussie World - From 1.30pm until 8pm If you think Aussie World is fun during the day wait until you see it lit up at night!

All thrilling rides and games will be open and will be even more exciting at night especially new water ride Plunge, thrill ride Redback and fun Giant Slide. At night you’ll have to hold on tight while your knuckles go white!

25 April

Anzac Day

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

Website: www.awm.gov.au/ commemoration/anzac

holiday camps

tickets on sale

March 31 to April 7 & April 7 to 14 - Horseriding Camp Where: Kiah Park When:11am on arrival day and 7am departure day. Looking for a terrific holiday for the kids? Your child can enjoy seven days on a farm, horse riding twice a day, milking the cow, feeding animals, collecting chook eggs and lots of other fun activities.Cost: $720 includes full accommodation, horse riding & activities. Details: www.kiahpark.com.au

Mary Poppins December 30 to March 17 Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

Alice in Wonderland March 31 to April 14 QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

BANG! CRASH! TAP! May 11 Lake Kawana Community Centre www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

Witches, Wizards & Warlocks March 11 Lake Kawana Community Centre www.scvenuesandevents. com.au

Annie April 7 QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

The Nutcracker on Ice June 20 to 24 QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

April’s Fool April 19 Nambour Civic Centre www.scvenuesandevents. com.au

I-BUNYIP July 3 Lake Kawana Community Centre www.scvenuesandevents.com.au

March 18 - Sunny Coast Baby and Kids Market - Where: Caloundra Indoor Stadium, North St, Caloundra When: 8am – 12noon Pre-loved handmade clothes for under-fives. Cost: Entry $2 www.sunnycoastbabykidsmarket.com.au April 14 - Mamma’s Market Where: Buderim War Memorial Hall, Cnr Main St and Gloucester Rd, Buderim When: 9am - 1pm. Mamma’s Market is a high quality boutique style market with a focus on handmade, unique items and services catering to pregnancy, baby, children’s and family needs. Cost: FREE entry www. mammasmarket.com

Public Holidays

April 4

April 4

April 2 to 5

April 5

Rhythm Cuture Drumming Workshop

markets

Where: Model Railway Park, 1 Florence Street, Nambour When: 10am - 3pm Kids love riding on these mini steam trains and diesel locomotives. Bring a picnic and make a day of it.

Cost: $3 per ticket or four tickets for $10 Details: http://www.scrms.org.au

Where: Noosa Civic, Food Court When: Shows daily at 11am Set sail for adventure in the Noosa Civic Food Court. Swashbuckling fun for kids in this energetic 20 minute live show.

Cost: FREE! PLUS pick up your special complimentary Easter Pack from the Customer Service Desk from Sunday 1st April, when you join the Kids Club.

Only while stocks last.

Details: noosacivic.com.au P 5440 7900

March 26 - April 26

Kaleido-play

Aero Engine Run Day

Popcorn Pirates Live Easter Shows

March 17

The Gruffalo’s Child

March 31 & June 30

36

April April 1 - 5

March 2

Greenzone Disco

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

April 22 - Sunny Coast Baby & Kids Market - Where: Nambour PCYC, Youth Avenue, Burnside. When: 8am - 12noon. Pre-loved handmade clothes for under-5s.

Cost: Entry $2. www.sunnycoastbabykidsmarket.com.au Every Wednesday & Saturday - Eumundi Markets. Where: Memorial Drive, Eumundi. When: Wed 8am – 1:30pm, Sat 7am – 2pm. You’ll find original artworks, sculptures, furniture, handmade toys, homewares, and skincare, as well as cutting edge fashion and jewellery by local designers, “we make it, bake it, grow it, sew it”.Cost: FREE entry Details: www.eumundimarkets.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

The Gruffalo’s Child 17 Mar 2012 The Events Centre, Caloundra www.theeventscentre.com Elmo’s World Tour 27 March 2012 Nambour Civic Centre www.theartscentregc.com.au How to Train your Dragon 28 Mar 28 - 1 Apr 2012 Brisbane Entertainment Centre www.ticketek.com.au

The Neverending Story April 27 to May 12 QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au The Wiggles Live in Concert May 5 to 7 QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

Treasure Island August 2 Lake Kawana Community Centre www.scvenuesandevents.com.au Fairy Tales - Stories of Hans Christian Andersen December 1 to 19 QPAC, Brisbane www.qpac.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

37

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Back to bub-lanD l a rge s i bl i n g g a ps a n d t h e i r l i fe - i m p a c t s

by Kim Lahey The fire pit has edged out the turtle sand-pit, and dinner these days has left the ‘mash-and-veges on the cusp of sunset’, for dust. What will it be like to re-enter the baby-zone? Whether fertility challenges or a surprise pregnancy decide gap-size for you, or you are wondering if it makes sense to wait, let’s take a look.

38

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

39

But the same risks kick in again when the gap between babies is over about five years.

BABIES on the coast

DON'T

Despite the well-publicised increased-challenges for mums and babies when mums are over 35, the vast majority of over-35s in good health have healthy babies. The biggest obstacle may be pregnancy.

Whatever side the clock is on, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor preconception.

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“Put on a dressing-gown and stick a beanbag down the front. Leave it there for nine months. After nine months take out 10 percent of the beans.” Thanks for the reminder Biddulphs!

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At least a longer gap between babies can offer the chance of helping the body ‘lose the beans’. It can be easier to get back to the gym or a fitness regime if older kids are at kindy or school.

Sibling see-saws

Helping a younger sibling has the two-fold impact of boosting the older child’s learning as well. This can be an education in patience for the older child, plus a greater chance for them to seize responsibility and ‘protect’ others.

“I remember how intensely my big boys (then 5 and 7) would compete to snuggle up to their tiny sister in the pram while they kept ‘dog-watch’ (to stop the dog licking her face)!” Coast mum Donna says.

Déjà vu If you are surfacing for air after a gap of three years plus, the ‘messies’ may greet you with some vaguelyrecalled aromas.

Steve and Sharon Bidduph’s tips for car-travel will jog your memory. “Buy a chocolate ice-cream, put it in the glove box and leave it there. Take a family size packet of chocolate biscuits and mash them down the back seats. Run a garden rake along both sides of the vehicle.”

But you’ve been there before; this time it will be more relaxed. Your time-travel will be balanced by being able to cherish every motion (sorry, I mean moment!) because you know how fast the nappies will be shed.

Besides, you’ll remember your old trick to put the nappy on backwards when they are shed a little too prematurely!

One-on-one Sibling-space will give kids the attention they crave, and there’s the chance - albeit fleeting - to devote time to the new arrival while the kids are at kindy or school.

Couples with a babe-in-arms and older kids at school comment that they ‘enjoy the baby more this time’ and ‘feel so much more relaxed’.

Coast mum Sonia said she relishes the thirteen years with her firstborn as an ‘only’ child. Her boys (18, 5 and 2) are often mistaken for step-brothers, she explains. “We married at 22, had our first bub at 23 then worked and travelled for ten years before we even thought about another,” she says.

40

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

Children require their needs to be met at their respective developmentstages and supported as an individual,

“as well being supported in learning how to share and spend time with the rest of the family,”

There are plenty of brain-benefits for the kids from this one-on-one time too, more about that later.

Physical forces Every body needs time to recuperate and medical research suggests that the ideal time between babies is 24 to 35 months.

A very short gap between pregnancies increases the risk of having a premature or underweight baby, but these risks lessen month-on-month as the pregnancygap increases, becoming insignificant by 18 months.

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Siblings initiate one another into the social world, and older siblings are super-sources of support for a younger child, psychologists say.

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This strong emotional support siblings have for each other is life-long and is rarely determined by the agegap.

But conflict between siblings is inevitable too; some of it healthy for social development. (I’m not sure how healthy it is for the social development of parents!)

Research points to when the first child is under-one or over-four, as the ‘ideal’ time for the second, as far as rivalry-reduction. Children under one don’t have a sense of their special status yet, and those over four have had enough time to enjoy attention and have a ‘life of their own’.

But, while age-gaps may matter, often a great deal, to children, personalities impact sibling relationships more than age-gaps do.

Clinical psychologist Maya Griffiths says there are multiple factors that play a part with rivalry. She notes that many parents like to have their children close together (18-24 months apart) as they feel they will grow up as better friends.

But it is temperaments, along with how parents manage ‘the gap’ that all play a part with rivalry, Dr Griffiths says.

Children require their needs to be met at their respective development-stages and supported as an individual, “as well being supported in learning how to share and spend time with the rest of the family,” she says. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Donna’s two boys are 20 months apart, then there’s a five-and-a-half year gap to her third child, Stella. “When Stella came along, our house ‘softened’, everyone became more loving, not just towards her, but to each other.” Loving, but certainly not fight-free she explains, “Stella (now-5) thinks she can do whatever her 11 and 13-year-old brothers do; that includes the same bedtime!”

New-arrival tactics Inclusion of older children and open communication with them is vital, regardless of the gap, Dr Griffiths says.

Older children need to be told “…even though life is going to change for everyone, they will still be loved.”

Large gaps between children in small families will benefit all kids in the family because older kids maintain a greater share of resources (aka parent time) for longer.

And younger children born when the older kids are absent will gain a greater amount of resources, the studies found. So, in short, parent-time has a significant impact on academic success.

A big predictor of a child’s vocabulary size at age three, is the number of words spoken to the child prior to that time. So in terms of short-spacing, “If parents are spending most of their time with an infant, it’s likely that their spoken language to the first child, right in the middle of their language explosion, is decreased,” study authors said.

Helping out as much as possible (changing nappies, bottle feeding) will make older children feel included and lessen “the gap”, but they shouldn’t be forced to do anything they are uncomfortable with, so let them help out at their own pace, she says.

Competition for resources can negatively impact laterborns scholastically and the studies indicated this could be overcome with a longer gap. But birth-order still had the strongest impact.

But they did stress that no matter what the agespacing, the path to academic achievement lay in reading and talking to your child from day one, in everyday interactions.

Recent US surveys of first-born young adults and their siblings have shown that the greater the age-gap between siblings, the better the older child performed on maths and reading tests. But there was no evidence the age-gap affected younger sibling test scores.

Fascinating for their variety and influence, age-gaps will keep us wondering. But no matter what the gap, brothers and sisters will learn from one another. And love another.

If parents notice behavioural or mood changes in the older children it is important to be realistic about it, she says. It may be a normal adjustment issue and will possibly resolve over time as everyone settles into life with a new baby, Dr Griffiths explains.

Brain boosts?

Family size and birth-order help shape our academic and ‘economic’ future. But some studies have added gaplength to the mix.

Studies found intellectual benefits for the longer-gap younger sibling, if the older child is at school, due to greater access to the ‘resources’ of their parent.

Parents tended to read to the older sibling more and kids watched less TV when the age-spacing was greater, study authors noted. The study confirmed that the more productive-time parents spend with their children, the more advanced the children’s academic achievement will be. Since it is easier to spend productive time with one child, one-on-one, than with multiple children, this could explain the findings.

Here’s one last heads-up from the Biddulphs, before bub arrives. “Go to the local chemist, tip the contents of your wallet on to the counter and tell the pharmacist to help him/herself.”

Did that years ago, you say!

‘the baby osteopath’

A preconception consultation with your doctor is recommended for any woman considering pregnancy, regardless of age.

Sibling Rivalry, Sibling Love: What every brother and sister needs their parents to know, By Jan Parker and Jan Stimpson Love, Laughter and Parenting, by Steve and Shaaron Biddup

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Once the new sibling arrives, stability and security need to remain for older kids, with the usual extra-curricular activities or weekend time with their friends. “Even though Mum and Dad are likely to be very busy with the new baby, one-on-one time with their parents is also still very important so they do not feel left out,” she says.

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To book a Parents and Bubs/Toddler First Aid Awareness course call 13 QGOV (13 74 68 ) or visit the website at

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MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

43

landfill. Eco-friendly lunchbox products now available in Australia make it easier to avoid non-recyclable plastic such as cling wrap. There may be a slightly higher upfront cost, but these products will save money throughout the year.

ONLY NATURAL

Reusable sandwich wraps, lunch bags, drink bottles and snack pockets from Australian companies like Onya (www.onyabags.com.au) and 4MyEarth (www.4myearth.com.au) are good alternatives to cling wrap and other disposable plastic products.

A school child who takes a sandwich, muffin and nuts/sultanas wrapped in plastic wrap in their lunch bag each day would use about 105 metres of plastic wrap per year, according to 4MyEarth.

E S CA P IN G P L A S TIC

Keep Australia Beautiful recommends a Zero Waste Lunch, where everything in the lunchbox can be eaten, reused, recycled or composted. Look for stainless steel water bottles with built-in filters, reusable cotton sandwich bags and machinewashable wrappers.

Caring for the environment starts at home & in the school lunchbox

by Sandra Smith

Sustainable schools

Caring for the environment starts at home and every small step we take to cut down our consumption of plastic helps to make a difference.

Australians have one of the highest carbon footprints in the world and disposable plastic is a significant contributor to this. In Australia, we use 1.3 million tonnes of plastic each year, which is more than 71 kg per person.

Queensland Litter Prevention Alliance (QLPA) spokesperson Cerran Fawns says we can minimise the amount of plastic that escapes into the environment by first reducing the amount of single use plastic that we buy and use in our daily lives.

QESSI Sunshine Coast facilitator Clare Fox says policies for reducing waste in schools include reducing the amount of waste-to-landfill rubbish coming into the school through student and staff lunches, the tuckshop and through purchasing decisions.

“Escaped plastics are one of the major causes of litter in our natural and built environments,” she says. “Plastics do not break down and remain in the environment.”

“Obviously the most direct way for parents to contribute to lowering the school’s environmental footprint is to support these policies in the school, from home,” she says.

Disposable plastic is generally any “crunchy” form of plastic, says Cerran.

For school lunches, Clare recommends the following:

“This includes plastic bags, cling wrap, and other types of packaging, for example, fruit that is now being sold pre-packaged plastic tubs,” she says.

“Taking your own reusable shopping bags and shopping at local farmers’ markets is generally a good start. This also reduces food miles thus lessening your carbon footprint. Reuse containers and bottles and finally recycle.”

Keep Australia Beautiful spokesperson Lara Shannon says most fruit and vegetables can just go straight into the shopping basket and on to the supermarket checkout. This can be difficult with smaller items like cherries, but Lara says small recyclable bags are a great alternative.

“Most of the hard-skinned, larger fruit and vegetables are easy,” Lara says. “Buy a whole watermelon or rockmelon rather than individual portions that come already wrapped in plastic.”

Litter-free school lunches Reducing the amount of disposable waste in school lunches reduces the quantity of rubbish sent to

44

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

The Queensland Environmental Sustainable Schools Initiative (QESSI) encourages schools to become environmentally sustainable and to support environmental education programs.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

•

Use washable containers, recyclable paper wrap or alfoil

•

Send natural food snacks, for example, fruit or vegetable sticks

•

Check food containers for recycle triangle number 1 to 6

•

Refuse any food in containers that can’t be recycled

•

Encourage children to help, so they learn as well

•

Support teachers and the P&C Association to build knowledge and seek QESSI help to embed these ethos and practices in the school

Changing old habits •

Buy in bulk to reduce packaging

•

Use reusable stainless steel and aluminium bottles

•

Use BPA-free plastic containers and bottles (Note: BPA is Bisphenol A, a compound used to make certain types of plastic)

•

Look for packaging made out of recyclable materials such as paper and glass, steel or aluminium reusable containers,

ONLY NATURAL

Fast facts: • Most bottled water is packaged in PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a type of plastic which is derived from crude oil • For every ton of PET produced, three tons of carbon dioxide is released • Plastic bottles take up to 1,000 years to break down • Up to three litres of water is required to produce one litre of bottled water • 250ml of oil is required to produce one litre of bottled water • The energy saved by recycling one plastic drink bottle will power a computer for 25 minutes.

• Over 90 per cent of the cost of a water bottle can be traced back to the bottle, lid and label.

• Plastic bottles are among the ten most common rubbish items picked up on Clean Up Australia Day.

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

45

ONLY NATURAL

Say ‘NO’ to plastic bags Each year Australians dispose of around four billion plastic bags, or 20,700 tonnes of plastic. Of these, just three per cent are recycled and the rest end up as litter or in landfill, adding to the greenhouse gases.

Plastic bags are convenient, but they cause significant environmental damage all over the world, because they float easily in air and water and often travel long distances. They don’t decompose; they just break up into smaller pieces and accumulate in the environment.

The National Waste Report 2010 states that environmental campaigns have effectively reduced consumption of single-use bags and increased the use of alternatives, such as the “green bag”. A national survey of retail carry bag use showed that the number of single-use plastic shopping bags issued in Australia fell from 5.9 billion in 2002 to 3.9 billion in 2007.

Retailers who charge for plastic bags have found a significant reduction in single-use bags with the majority of shoppers choosing re-usable bags or no bags.

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3. PVC (Polyvinyl chloride or plasticised polyvinyl chloride) - cordial, juice or squeeze bottles 4. LDPE (Low density polyethylene) – garbage bags and bins 5. PP (Polypropylene) – ice cream containers, takeaway food containers and lunch boxes 6. PS (Polystyrene) – yoghurt containers, plastic cutlery, foam hot drink cups 7. Other – all other plastics, including acrylic and nylon In most areas, plastics labelled 1, 2 and 3 can be recycled, although many councils are now extending their recycling programs to include those labelled 4 through 7. Check with your council for details of the local kerbside recycling program. To prepare plastics for recycling, rinse residue from bottles and containers, and remove lids.

46

KiDs on tHe CoAst – NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2011

The amount of waste is increasing and if it continues unchecked, the National Waste Report predicts that by 2020/21 Australians will generate 81 million tonnes of waste each year. This will increase demands on landfill as well as increasing potential greenhouse gas emissions.

Caring for the Environment Seeing a pelican or a turtle choking on a plastic bag is heart wrenching. Yet our oceans are filled with plastic, killing more than one million sea birds and mammals each year. ‘Take 3’ is a non-profit organisation with a simple message - when you leave the beach, take three pieces of rubbish with you. This small action will help reduce the amount of plastic debris floating in the world’s oceans. Visit www.take3.org.au for more information.

Other organisations that support environmental care and protection are Clean Up Australia, Queensland Litter Prevention Alliance and Keep Australia Beautiful.

Sustainable practices can become normalized in your everyday routine, but it takes effort at first to change old habits.

With time and practice, it will become second nature to rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle.

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2. HDPE (High-density polyethylene) - milk bottles or shampoo containers

According to the government’s National Waste Report 2010, Australia generated more than 43 million tonnes of waste in 2006/07. We are great recyclers, but almost half of our waste is sent to landfill, causing serious problems for the environment. Most of what we send to landfill can be reused or recycled, including many types of plastic.

SHOPPING

Types of plastic 1. PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) - soft drink and fruit juice bottles

• Syringes

www.shapswim.com.au

SC HO OL S H OOOOLLSS SCCH S

• Disposable nappies

Not all plastics are the same, so a Plastics Identification Code is stamped on the final product to indicate what type of resin it contains. The code is displayed as a number inside a triangle of chasing arrows.

• Polystyrene foam

Corner Karawatha & Jingellic Drive

Clean Up Australia: www.cleanup.org.au Keep Australia Beautiful: www.kab.org.au Queensland Litter Prevention Alliance: www.qldlitter.com Queensland Sustainable Schools: www.sustainableschools.qld.edu.au

SHOPPING OPPPING PIN ING

Identifying plastics

• Bottle tops and lids

Buderim

For more information:

SC H OO LS

• Plastic bags, bin liners and cling wrap

SC HO OL S

Although plastic bottles are recyclable, many end up as litter or landfill. Instead of buying bottled water, switch to reusable bottles, drink tap water or install a water filter at home.

SC H OO LS S

Non-recyclable plastics include:

SIX813

Plastic Water Bottles

°

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47

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Exploring flight history

New Childminding Newlocations locationsforforCherub Cherub Childminding

Almost all children have a fascination with flying and what better way to inspire them than to spend a day at the iconic Queensland Air Museum (QAM) in Caloundra. Open every day during the Easter school holidays from 10am to 4pm there is so much to see and explore. Check out Herbie the Helicopter, along with 2 hangers filled with planes, helicopters and historic operational aircraft engines, as well as the library, workshop and courtyards.

Cherub Childminding Cherub ChildmindingService ServiceFamily FamilyDay DayCare Careisissosomuch muchmore more than than Family Family Day Care; non-for profit profit organisation, Cherub Charity, Between the Lines, Daywith Care;the with the non-for organisation, Cherub Charity, Between the their readers the and Creative CherubCherub . Cherub Childminding Services Lines, their group readersand group the Creative . Cherub Childminding Family DayFamily Care Scheme has waitlists NEW Services open in Services Day Carenow Scheme now hasfor waitlists for NEWto Services to 2012 at open Caloundra, BribieBeerwah, Island, Burpengary, Kawana, Maroochydore, in 2012Beerwah, at Caloundra, Bribie Island, Burpengary, Kawana, Mooloolaba, Nambour and Noosa.

Their and Services provide organic Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Nambour Noosa.

Their linen, Services providefood, linen, pick up and droppick off up (restrictions and an educational program based on organic food, and drop apply) off (restrictions apply) and an educational theprogram individual child’s needschild’s and abilities. during based on interest, the individual interest, Enrol needsyour and child abilities.

EnrolMarch your 2012 receive a half price fee.price For enrolled families, refer a friend childand during March 2012 andapplication receive a half application fee. For enrolled andfamilies, receiverefer $5 credit to your invoice.$5CCM all yourCCM childcompletes minding all a friend and receive creditcompletes to your invoice. needs, weddings, events for andweddings, more. They will and tailormore. their They services suittheir your your for child minding needs, events will to tailor needs.

Fortomore information please doinformation not hesitateplease to contact on the services suit your needs. For more do notCCM hesitate to details below or on look each below group or onlook Facebook! contact CCM theupdetails up each group on Facebook!

Make sure you put Saturday 31st March in your diary for the Aero Engine Run Day, from 10am to 4pm. The awesome sight and sound of a 1500 horsepower 14 cylinder radial engine powering up is an unforgettable experience. Visitors are encouraged to inspect the engines between runs and talk to the volunteers who restored them. Visit www.qam.com.au for more information.

We Provide :

ls

• Organic Mea

• Pick-up & Drop off Ser

vice

CHERUB Sat 31st march 2012 10.00am until 4.00pm Phone/Fax (07) 54925930 Find us on Facebook

www.qam.com.au

CHILDMINDING SERVICES

FAMILY DAYCARE SCHEME

0416 662 831

• Linen • Stimualting & Educational Programs that are ns individualised by the childre interests and needs.

goodhealth

By Dr Fiona Pelly, Accredited Practising Dietitian

Approaching Obesity “Look at Johnny, he’s FAT!” The mere mention of the F word can send any parent into a panic. While childhood obesity is a real concern with 17 % of Australian children classified as overweight and 6% obese, it can be difficult for parents to know whether their child really has a problem or is simply bigger than others. However, correct assessment of a child’s physique is critical. There is increasing evidence that children who are classified as overweight at 5 years continue to stay there into adulthood, and have greater risk of developing chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes. As with adults, children’s weight can be assessed relative to their height (referred to as ‘Body Mass Index” or BMI). Health professionals can plot a child’s BMI according to their age to see if they fall within a healthy range.

If your child is classified as overweight, what is the best approach to take? Keep in mind that weight loss diets designed for adults are not suitable for young children as they often are inadequate in the nutrients children need for growth and development.

Avoid focusing on weight and labelling your child as fat. Instead talk to them about healthy eating at a level appropriate for their age by using terms such as ‘every day’, ‘sometimes’ and ‘occasional’ foods‘. Help them to understand that eating good food will help them to have more energy for play and grow taller. Offer healthy nutritious meals and snacks such as chunks of fresh fruit, cheese cubes, vegie sticks with dip and wholegrain crackers with a small tetra pack of plain milk. If using pre-packaged snacks, look for those that provide added nutritional benefit without excessive added sugar, fat or salt and stick to items that are sold in small serving sizes, particularly for younger children. Stick to water and milk for drinks with small amounts of 100% fruit juice. And finally, don’t forget to keep your kids active!

Restoring your confidence with bladder control Dr Petra Ladwig from Suncoast Women’s Centre understands the problems most women face after giving birth. One of the most embarrassing side effects is often incontinence which can occur due to weakened pelvic floor muscles.

A lot of women simply put up with this as the natural course of being a woman after child birth but this need not be the case. If addressed early these problems can be managed, improved and even cured by something as simple and painless as sitting in a chair, fully clothed for 20 minutes!

The pelvic floor controls your urinary, bowel and sexual functions yet these muscles are your most neglected. The new ‘Wave Brilliance’ Magnetic Pelvic Floor Stimulation chair (magnetic chair) uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve impulses which rapidly flex and tighten your pelvic floor muscles. This is the equivalent of approximately 200 pelvic floor contractions every minute at 20 times greater the intensity than the patient can do themselves! It is the ideal way to kick start or regenerate the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles to restore strength, endurance and continence.

Treatments are tailored to individual patients but a typical therapy program consists of two 20 minute treatments per week for eight weeks. Of course children are most welcome to attend with you and can simply sit and play whilst you undergo your treatment. For more information about the new Wave Brilliance magnetic chair treatment phone the Suncoast Women’s Centre on 5437 7244 or visit Suite 5, 5 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya (Kawana).

Medicare rebates available.

      How do we prevent our children from becoming overweight? Firstly, offer a wide    variety of foods from a young age, particularly fruit and vegetables. Children will look to their parents as role models for healthy eating so think about the types of food    you and your family eat. Be positive about healthy food and continue to offer it even    after it has been rejected on several occasions. Young children in particular are driven     by their appetite and won’t ever starve. If a food is rejected after many attempts, try       again a year or two later as your child’s tastes may have matured.  

Minty

             1) Is your child eating a variety of healthy food or do they have a very limited       amount of foods that they agree to consume? A good indicator is to think about      the colours of food they eat – are there sufficient green, orange and red items      (excluding lollies!)     

The following guide can assist you to identify the areas that may need a change.

P H OTO G R A P H Y

 2) How often are they eating treat foods such as lollies, chocolate, ice creams,  pastries or deep fried food? Daily, weekly or on special occasions? 

FUN FRESH & STYLISH PORTRAITS

3) Do they drink a lot of sweetened drinks such as soft drink, cordial, fruit drinks or juice?



4) Do they snack on high fat foods such as chips, biscuits or crackers?

5) How much do they eat? Are they looking for sweets or second helpings after every meal?

Finally, if you are still concerned about your child’s weight or size, and are unsure how to choose the right quantities of food to ensure they meet their individual needs for growth and development, seek advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Offering a range of affordable photographic options. Call Allison Wills on 0415 378 711 or contact ozzyally@gmail.com to book your appointment.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

The information contained in this article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for individual professional medical advice from your physician or qualified health care provider. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

           

   

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst 49  

 

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Matters to consider when separating Garland Waddington understands that separation and divorce is an extremely emotionally draining, confusing and traumatic time. Some questions to consider when seeking legal advice are:

parentville

by Aleney de Winter

Separating Married: Have you been separated for 12 months? De Facto: Have you been separated for 2 years? Married: Has anyone applied for a divorce?

Parenting and Child support Are you involved in making decisions about important issues concerning your children such as where they attend school, what last name they used, what religion they practice and where they live? Do you spend time with your children as much as you would like and do they spend as much time with you as they would like? Are you paying or receiving the right amount of child support for your families’ circumstances?

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Property What are your current assets, including superannuation, available for division? Who contributed to the acquisition and maintenance of those assets? Who was the primary homemaker and caregiver to the children? Who is going to look after the children in the future? Who earns the most? Who is able to get money from another source in the future?

A tasty wee treat After several emotion packed years of trying to conceive, our merry little band of three is now a blissful family of four. My ever eccentric first born had been busily anticipating the new arrival and, having witnessed ultrasound footage of his sibling to be, concluded without a shadow of a doubt that I was carrying a “tiny little shark… and a rainbow” in my tummy, much to his excitement. I must confess my partner and I also found this exciting as giving birth to either would surely guarantee such fame and fortune that we’d be able to cover our sky high IVF bill.

“Woman gives birth to shark!”

Now that’s a headline, we mused. In fact, we figured, there might even be book and movie rights in it. Alternately, we imagined getting in touch with the female shark gestating our human embryo to take out a class action on our IVF clinic for the mixup!

Spousal maintenance Do you have money to support yourself while you are taking care of the children after separation, retraining or finding a job? Does your former partner have the capacity to pay you while you reestablish yourself?

Obviously such steps weren’t needed and we were finally able to convince our little loon, just weeks before her arrival, that there was actually a baby girl on the way.

Though, when our tiny 3kg of perfection arrived, so did the shark! After all, who were we to ruin our imaginative little man’s fantastical notions of a fishy sibling? Happily, he was thrilled by both the fluffy stuffed shark and the precious little girl laying side-byside in the hospital crib.

Please contact Candice Rosborough, our family law solicitor, for your initial 30 minute FREE consultation.

Phone 5443 4866 or email crosborough@gwlaw.com.au

Embracing big brotherhood with gusto he was immediately under the spell of his beautiful baby sister - who he insisted should be called Blue Remy Rat, something we didn’t humour him on but something he still insists on addressing “his” baby as. And, while we’re thrilled that there’s been no jealously or resentment and that he loves her “bigger than a really tall jump”, we aren’t without some concerns, but they’re not ones addressed in any parenting books I’ve stumbled across.

You see, given our little man’s huge appetite - a thing of perplexing enormity that is inversely proportional to his lanky little body - we’re a tad worried that he might find our delicious little bundle of joy just a touch too tasty.

He frets when she cries, as babies are want to do with great frequency, and to end the tears proffers such sage parenting advice as “maybe we should just sprinkle her with cheese”. An interesting idea, my random darling, but I think not. Then there’s the suggestion that we “put some bread in her bassinet” to mop up the tears, perhaps something commonly done by parents in a parallel universe I’ve not yet visited, but something that I must confess hadn’t occurred to me two kids in to this whole parenting malarkey.

expert, effective legal advice

Another hint of his carnivorous leanings came to light when she was just weeks old and he carefully sat at his plastic piano and composed the haunting ballad “Baby sister, baby sister, you cry a lot… can I lick you?”

5443 4866

But it is with his latest line of questioning, whilst we were enjoying a pleasant family breakfast, that the fear our beloved firstborn is actually a flesh-eating zombie seems truly founded and I worry that my beautiful baby girl is going to get eaten by the end of the day.

www.garlandwaddington.com.au

“Mummy, what does baby sister taste like?”

Email: advice@gwlaw.com.au

If he asks for some fava beans and a bottle of Chianti, I’m outta here.

Cnr The Esplanade & Second Ave, Maroochydore 4558 50

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Thank you

Scotty!

Happy Easter

Come & find out why so many parents are so grateful to have such settled babies & children after seeing Dr Scott!

Dr Scott treats babies from as young as 1 day old, and children of all ages. Very gentle techniques are used and the treatment is extremely safe.

Pregnant?

Dr D’Arcy Brown has been part of the practice now for 12 mon ths treating adults, babies and children and has very similar techniques to Scott. He has a special interest treating pregnant mothers for back pain & sciatica and for those who are carrying a posterio r or breech baby.

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Groups are run by registered teachers and facilitators of the Fun Friends and Friends for Life Programs. These programs are authored by Brisbane psychologist Dr Paula Barrett (www.pathwayshrc.com.au) and have been recognised by the World Health Organisation. Research has shown the positive effects of the strategies and skills taught in the program in the prevention of anxiety/depression as well as for general well being and ability to cope with life for all children.

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www.growingearlychildhood.com.au MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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Start your own business and earn extra cash!

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Earn an income whilst having flexibility.

Cut down on childcare expenses.

Work the hours that suit you.

The Chefs Toolbox is an Australian owned company which marries fast yet flavoursome recipes with clever kitchenware, to make cooking easier, healthier, faster and a lot more fun! Sharon McWilliams, mum of three, would like to introduce you to this exciting direct selling company. As a consultant you will run your own business, in one of the most enjoyable possible ways with flexible hours working from home or through running interactive cooking parties which are very social, informative and a fun way to demonstrate professional kitchenware. You don’t need to be a chef or a professional salesperson. Along with great income, training and support The Chefs Toolbox offers you working freedom

Happy Chatting

with Elmo!

By Jackie Goldston

When I was asked if I wanted to interview Elmo, I jumped at the chance… My kids were just disappointed that they couldn’t sit down and have a chat with him too! And as expected, Elmo is a little red dynamo with a positive attitude!

Cadabby made me promise to say hi to Bill the platypus she made friends with when we last visited Australia.”

Elmo explained why he is so excited to have a chance to do a world tour. “Elmo loves to travel to interesting places with Elmo’s Mummy and Daddy. Elmo’s been to Hong Kong and South Africa. Elmo really loved Capetown. Elmo went to Paris too. Bonjour. And China, and Germany, and Japan! Konichiwa! Elmo has been learning to say hello in a lot of different languages. Travelling and learning is so much fun!”

“One of Elmo’s favourite things he did last time in Australia was a car-ride on the Great Ocean Road.

Elmo also thinks it is so nice to see the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House without having to move.

Elmo is nervous, but he is thinking about climbing the Harbour Bridge this time! Abby flew up there last time and said the view was amazing.”

So learning things is something you enjoy doing?

“Elmo loves learning new things. Big Bird, Abby, Cookie and Elmo have been doing a lot of experiments recently which makes us think really hard and ask lots of questions. Elmo just learned that dancing is really exercise. You should check out Elmo’s moves.”

So what about Australia? Aren’t you coming here soon?

“Elmo’s on his way to Australia! Elmo can’t wait to be there and see all of Elmo’s friends again. Abby

For more info contact Sharon McWilliams on 0408 206 220 www.chefstoolbox.com/my/sharonmcwilliams

What was your favourite memory from your last trip to Australia?

What are your plans for this trip to Australia?

“Elmo can’t wait to see all his friends in Queensland, especially on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and in Townsville. Elmo knows it is very beautiful there!”

Will any of your friends be joining you in Australia?

“Elmo is bringing all his friends to Australia! Big Bird is coming, Bert, Ernie, Abby and Zoe will be there too.

Don’t count out The Count either. He loves visiting Australia and counting all the Koalas. Cookie Monster is coming too, I think he is flying TIM TAM airlines.”

ONE STOP KIDS SHOP ON BUDERIM Let’s hope Cookie Monster doesn’t eat part of the plane!

“The thing about Cookie Monster is that he is always eating something! Once he ate a whistle and for an entire day, every time he opened his mouth, he would tweet like a bird! Oh, and of course, he loves eating Cookies. Cookie Monster is learning that cookies are a sometimes food–he’s kind of getting the hang of it.”

Why are you laughing?

“Laughing makes Elmo feel so happy.”

Thanks so much for talking to us, Elmo.

Have a great day and we can’t wait to see you soon in Queensland!

“Thanks for having Elmo. Elmo loves you.”

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

* Individual results may vary

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What do you like to eat?

“Elmo loves wasabi. That’s why Elmo has no eyelids.

That’s a sometime food, too, like cookies! And Elmo loves pistachio ice cream, too. Mostly Elmo just loves saying the word PISTACHIO! It’s funny.”

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It’s All About

, but these fab s y a d s ’ r othe e a look at um she’s a m e b ould not. Hav to show m h s y a Everyrtudnately dite’sas on howshe is. unfo & great i all know findszing as we ama High Tea? Yes Please!

Cut out & keep

Cut out & keep

REDEEMABLE GIFT VOUCHER

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1 MOTHER’S DAY MASSAGE

1 MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST IN BED

...BECAUSE YOU LOVE ME & I DESERVE IT!

...BECAUSE YOU LOVE ME & I DESERVE IT!

The lessons we learn from our

Grandmothers 54

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

Breakfast in Bed!!

Mum’s are always organising this event and that, but why not get organised and surprise her this year with an extra special high tea. Cafe Lolli will make this super easy with their delicious and beautiful little treats. You can buy them singly or in party packs for everyone to enjoy.

Drop in and see what other beautiful gifts Cafe Lolli has instore.

Cafe Lolli 86 Burnett Street, Buderim 0409 377 117

GIVE A WAY

Sisters Stacey and Lisa of Koolaman Designs create timeless jewellery to celebrate the important occasions in life such as the birth of a child, a christening or a special event like Mother’s Day. Each of their designs is simple yet chic and includes pendants, bracelets, cuff links, earrings and silver seed necklaces in an assortment of shapes and sizes; from hearts and flowers to circles, rectangles and dog tags.

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

Here it is The VICTORIA pendant & belcher chain valued at $930 from Koolaman Designs The VICTORIA pendant is elegant both by day and by night. This stunning circular 9ct gold pendant is sure to be one of our most celebrated pieces and treasured by all who wear it. It’s the perfect personalised gift.

VISIT OUR KOTC WEBSITE TO ENTER www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/competitions

u’ ‘ Thank yo

Adriana Trigiani’s two remarkable grandmothers, Lucia and Viola, lived through the 20th century from beginning to end as working women who juggled careers and motherhood. In the book, The Wisdom of My Grandmothers: Lessons to live by, from one generation of remarkable women to the next, Trigiani visits the past to seek answers to the essential questions that define the challenges women face today: how we hold on to the values that make life rich and beautiful, how we can take risks and reap the rewards, how to stand resilient in the face of tragedy. ‘Be bold; ‘be direct’; ‘be different’! ebook $17.99 Hardcover $29.99; Simon and Schuster

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Inspired by the love for our children

What makes these precious heirlooms unique is that they are individually hand stamped with special words, names or the birthdays of children or grandchildren, making them the perfect gift for your Mother this Mother’s Day. Celebrate the love for your children today and treat yourself or someone your love with one of Koolaman Designs precious keepsakes.

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Leave this page open for dad to see A Cut Above

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With a fabulous salon and convenient location in the heart of Buderim, the team at Coco Pearl Hairdressing will help you get the look you want at an affordable price.

Hairdresser Gemma explains “We take pride in ensuring that we understand our clients’ needs and not just rush in with what we think they want. We want each and every visit to be one that you look forward to and walk away from happy”. The team at Coco Pearl will also welcome your children in for their next cut.

Coco Pearl Hairdressing have a wonderful Mother’s Day Special Offer: FREE KMS brand shampoo and conditioner set with every cut and colour (valued at $57). Make your appointment now and enjoy your next visit to the hairdresser.

Coco Pearl Hairdressing Shop 12/86 Burnett Street, Buderim Phone: 5456 1999.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Fringe benefits

Getting the right haircut can be one of the easiest ways to shave years off your age. Try getting a fringe for an instant on-trend look.!

Revisit your childhood

WIN

a family pass to Annie at QPAC Get online and visit our competition page www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/competitions

Picnic Surprise Let The Cupcake Teahouse treat mum to a stress free gourmet picnic. Just pick up your complete hamper with plates and cutlery all packed in a cooler bag & go. Picnic hampers are for 4 people.

Your Divine Hamper will include: 1 Small quiche, Chicken roulade, 2 gourmet salads, bread rolls and butter, Choc cherry mousse cupcakes, Vanilla daisy biscuits & A ‘mum to mum’ recipe to keep.

The Cupcake Teahouse, 21 Claremont St, Buderim Ph 54768467

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

55

Beautifully handmade by local designers A huge range of kids products & fashions in store

Are your kids driving you bonkers? Sick of scouring books and websites for answers? Well Hot91.1 is here to help.

Send us your kiddie conundrums and our very own Todd & Sami along with Jan from Settle Petal could be coming to your rescue.

Find out more about Settle Petal at www.settlepetal.com.

If you’ve got a parenting question you’d like answereed email it now to breakfast@hot91.com.au

THIS MONTHS QUESTION… I think my 8 year old daughter is being bullied at school. She regularly says that she is sick in an attempt to stay home and avoids conversations about kids at school or situations where she thinks we might bu mp into them. When I try to ask her questions she tells me everything is OK, but I sense something isn’t. What should I do?

SAMI

Bullies are like muffin tops. No matter how hard you try to avoid them and detest them, they just do not go away. I feel I am not adequately armed to give solid advice about dealing with bullies because it is such a serious issue with some heart breaking consequences. So please, please go to see a counselling service and keep talking to your eight year old daughter. I think we all remember being bullied at least once in our lives. Bullies are still around as adults and they are my pet hate. They pick on the weak and they are the most depraved ego maniacs who usually have a raft of mental issues themselves. I am not afraid to stand up to them anymore but it was a very different story when I was in grade eight. One girl, who was the leader of the pack, decided for an unknown reason to me, that she no longer liked me and I was not allowed to be in her ‘cool gang’ at school. I never spoke to my Mum about it and I just suffered in silence, but to be blunt, that little cow made my life hell for a good six months. The funny thing is, this year, she sent me a friend request on Facebook. It sparked a range of emotions from anger to confusion. I was tempted to write back to her and ask her if she realised the hurt she inflicted upon me. I did not. It was a door I was not willing to open ever again. I thought to myself I am so content in life with a gorgeous family and wonderful friends that I do not need to pander to someone from the past that was so awful. We whine about getting older, but I love as we age we are able to be more comfortable in our skin and more confident in our choices.

Children and teenagers don’t have this luxury. It makes you want to just wrap them up in your arms and never let them leave the house, doesn’t it?

TODD

Wow this is a hard one; in fact it’s fair to say it’s tougher than the skin on the back of Grandpa’s hands. It’s something we are all worried about when it comes to our Bin Lids,

56

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

along with all the other everyday green outs we have for them. (Are they brushing their teeth enough? Did I pack enough water? Did I give them enough money for a Sausage Roll and a choccy milk? Are they watching too much telly? How many serves of fruit and veg was it again? Should they be listening to Jason Derulo singing ‘bout “sexy time “?) The list is huge but this particular concern is easily the biggest. It’s the Bobby Brown of childhood dramas in that you kinda hope if noone acknowledges it exists then it might go away quietly never to be heard from again! The lad in me wants to tell you to sign your baby girl up to learn the ancient art of Kung Fu and instruct her to “bring the rain” whenever someone disses her.

However because this isn’t the harsh mean streets of the Seventies and Eighties, littered with stone wash jeans and bad haircuts, where justice in the schoolyard involved “chinese-burns” , “curry-cups” and “two for flinching”, I’m obliged to suggest you speak with your Daughter’s teacher, maybe the school Chaplain or even the Principle to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Another option is to sit your beautiful Daughter down and order her to tell you what’s going on...or else... clearly that’s a joke...Good Luck, may the Force Be with you.

Unique, one of a kind gifts

Come in and experience the wonderful products on offer 2/3-5 Ballinger Road, Buderim. www.evelynlily.com.au or ph 5446 4041

Treat yourself this Mothers’ Day At Coco Pearl, we love mums!

In celebration of all the amazing mums out there, we’re giving away a free KMS brand shampoo and conditioner set (valued at $57.00) with every cut and colour.*

To take advantage of this great special, call the ladies at Coco Pearl on 5456 1999 today. * Valid until 31 May 2012

Shop 12/86 Burnett Street Buderim Q 4556

JAN - From Settle Petal Good on you mum - it is very important not to brush off child and teen bullying. It seems extreme, but children as young as ten years old are now committing suicide as a way to escape the pain and loneliness felt from being bullied. Not wanting to go to school is a common cry for help and parents need to hear their cry. What to do in this situation will vary depending on individuals. It will depend on the personality, self-esteem and home environment of the child being bullied and how concerned and keen their school is too help. Changing schools I don’t believe is the answer, as we need to teach and equip our children with skills to handle all situations that they may face in life. Bullying is an early form of aggression and violence which unfortunately occurs today in some work places, social networks and homes. It is important to build children’s self-esteem and confidence to help them see that the person bullying them is often doing it to make them feel important because their self-esteem is low. Let children know you are there for them and let the teachers or principal know what is happening to your child so they can watch and intervene as necessary. Parents need to stay calm and make sure their children know they are loved and feel safe at home. Keep communication lines open - give hugs (whether they like it or not) - build repour to really know your child and engage in family activities together to build strong family bonds. From personal experience - interrogating the situation is the last thing they will open up too.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Celebrate the special relationship with your Mum this Mothers Day To ensure delivery for Mothers Day, place your order before midnight on the 26th April

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

57

FULL USE OF RESORT FACILITIES

LET’S CELEBRATE

Egg blowing & decorating for Easter This Easter inspire your children to be creative using everyday household items to make a fabulous Easter keepsake and an activity long to be remembered.

Everyone from children to grandparents can blow out the contents of an egg and just the act of trying it provides hilarious entertainment! I recommend you have a camera handy to capture the various faces that will be pulled as you try to blow an egg – kids will want to try it again and again as the ‘funniness’, ‘grossness’ and ‘challenge’ of this task is very appealing!

Materials needed: - eggs (at room temperature) - piercing tool eg. large needle - piece of wire - bowl - soapy water - tea-towelzzz - timber skewers - egg carton - paint and craft items for decorating - spray varnish.

Step 1

Step 2

Once the egg is blown – the creative possibilities for decorating the eggs are endless: painted designs, making 3D creatures and animals. Of course don’t forget that the eggs are fragile – so consider the age of your child. I have worked with 5 year olds who could successfully blow and decorate the egg – but then unfortunately dropped the egg and smashed it soon after it was finished.

To avoid disappointment with young children they can create their masterpieces on fake eggs made of polystyrene or paper-mache.

bowl and purse your lips over the top hole and blow as hard as you can! (This may seem disgusting – but as long as you are blowing and not sucking it shouldn’t be a problem – I have tried other ways of blowing air into the egg and nothing is as effective as just using your mouth.)

Step 2: Insert the piece of wire into the egg and move about to break up the egg membranes which will assist in allowing the liquids to flow out easier – at any stage whilst you are blowing, re-insert the wire to help unclog the contents.

Step 5

Step 6

Step 5: Rinse out the inside of the egg by immersing in soapy water. When there is water inside the egg (you may need to assist the water getting in by poking at the holes with your piece of wire and helping air-bubbles to escape), cover the holes with your fingers and shake egg to wash off the inside surface. Then blow out the water and leave egg to dry out before decorating.

Step 6: Paint and decorate your egg! Use your imagination and any craft materials you like to decorate your egg.

For ease of painting and handling you can place a skewer through the egg holes to hold it, and then poke the skewer into the egg-carton so it will stand up to dry.

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

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Come in and experience our beautiful shop Cafe Lolli biscuit party packs and yummy cakes.

Delicious Mambo Coffee and T2 tea

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Design recommendations: • Paint the whole egg with a base-colour before adding finer details. Use good quality paints if you want to create a keepsake and coat with varnish when complete. Marker pens or similar can also be used.

• Children will love turning the eggs into animals – use paper, felt and various craft items to add legs, ears, whiskers etc. to accompany the painted details.

PVA glue and/or hot glue guns will probably work best.

• To hang your egg place a bit of folded wire inside top hole then attach to fishing-line/string or glue on some ribbon.

• Large play structure • On-site cafe • Free wi-fi BRING YOUR SOCKS

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For more design ideas, examples or materials visit Melinda’s website www.alittlecreative.net.au 58

Free FaCe painting during sCHool Holidays. see staFF For seleCted days

1-4 Years $8.80 5-12 Years $11.00 Under 1 free Adults free

Step 4: Keep blowing until the entire contents of the egg have been removed into your discard bowl.

Instructions: Step 1: Pierce your egg at top and bottom, creating a hole that is approx.

2mm diameter. Push hard with your piercing implement to break into the shell and then ‘chip’ away at the edge of hole to make it slightly bigger if needed. This can be scary as you imagine the whole egg will crack– but you just need to be bold - adults should do this part, not young children for safety reasons.

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To order a personally designed cake Call Suzie (formally of Kiddies Cakes

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Fa m i ly Snow Holiday!

By Wendy Buckley*

A ski holiday brings the whole family together while being active during the day and snuggling up with a hot chocolate in front of an open fire at night. Family ski holidays include skiing, snowboarding, playing in the snow and for the non-skiers or tired legs in the family its important you have lots to do in the day including snowmobile tours, heli- skiing, paragliding, horsedrawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing and ice skating.

There is a wide variety of countries all promising fabulous snow and facilities, though based on 16 years of experience we have put together an exciting “taste of skiing for families” from around the globe.

A taste of skiing in America with your kids With the Aussie dollar currently sky rocketing there is no better time to head to America for some fabulous northern hemisphere skiing. Families have the added bonus of being able to stop in Disneyland and Universal Studios on the way back through Los Angeles.

A family favourite is Aspen Snowmass Village. Aspen Snowmass is only seven miles from downtown Aspen in the heart of Snowmass Base Village. Viceroy Snowmass Resort offers ski-in/ski-out lodging in the heart of the village, restaurants and Generation V kids club. The hotel is ideally situated for families only minutes from Aspen/Snowmass Treehouse Children’s Centre. The Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Centre boasts family-friendly activities, Ski & Snowboard Schools check-in, rental, retail and family après entertainment all under one roof. The facility is linked to a system of seven new lifts, including kid-friendly gondolas and magic carpets.

There are flights direct from Los Angeles to Aspen throughout the ski season.

A little closer to home?

Something more local and easy to fly into directly is Queenstown in New Zealand. Real mountains, incredible scenery, lively ski towns, friendly locals and fast access from Australia are just a few good reasons to discover what New Zealand has to offer. If you have been to New Zealand to ski or board before, but not for a while, you will be surprised at the changes – new express lifts, improved base facilities, accredited child-care centres and specialised kids lessons. With spectacular alpine views and a mix of open, cruisy bowls or rugged chutes to cater for all levels and styles, New Zealand offers a skiing and riding experience unlike anything at home.

Where to stay with kids in New Zealand.

American ski resorts offer spectacular scenery and impressive terrain on which to ski. Skiing in the US is all about convenience, and it’s the attention to detail which makes a US ski holiday such a pleasurable experience. Attentive guest service is a high priority and most resorts have a comprehensive range of ski school programs and options. Resorts in the US are littered with high speed lifts to enable fast access to vast expanses of terrain, and are renowned for their wellgroomed trails, well planned trail design and variety of terrain. This allows for all standards of skiers and riders to enjoy easy navigation and access to all areas of the mountain. The American season generally opens late November and closes late April giving you heaps of time.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

Distinction Nugget Point Hotel Queenstown is the gateway to Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Cardrona and Treble Cone mountains and offers plenty of off snow family activities for those non ski days.

Relax in this boutique luxury hotel offering onsite restaurant, gym, spa, room service, free WIFI, laundry service and keep the kids entertained with a game of tennis or squash or in our movie theatre room. A nanny service is available.

The Glebe Apartments are located just a brief walk from Queenstown’s main shopping area, the Glebe apartments offer 36 luxurious contemporary spacious 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom suites perfect to relax in after a day on the slopes or an active day in Queenstown. All apartments are self-contained with gourmet kitchens, sumptuous bathrooms, full laundry facilities and are serviced daily. The reception offers booking and information services for all local activities & attractions.

Family ski holiday TIPS from the experts 1) It is essential to pre-book ski school for your kids especially in school holidays.

2) Don’t hire your ski gear until you arrive at the mountain, it may not fit and you will be unable to change sizes.

3) On snow hotels are worth the extra money.

Kids do not like sitting in cars or transfer buses each morning and afternoon to the gondolas and chair lifts.

ph: 5486 6166

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4) Prepay everything including lift tickets, accommodation, ski school, meals when possible.

5) Research prior to your arrival what activities are offered for non-ski days. Tired legs, injury or non-skiers are able to have a fun snow holiday.

6) Stopping in a warm beach destination on the way back when possible after a ski holiday is a great idea.

7) Plan ahead, if planning to buy ski gear plan the year prior and head for the sales. Savings of up to 50% are common at the end of season sale time.

8) Buy your kids their own helmets. You need to ensure the helmet is “Australian standards” and has not been in an accident.

9) Prepare your legs for skiing including the kids.

A few squats and lots of hill climbs a few weeks prior will help you enjoy your trip.

10) When possible avoid local school holiday periods to minimise the waiting time at lifts in Australia. Waiting time in the northern hemisphere is minimal due to the huge number of runs and chair lifts.

11) Do not leave home without it, travel insurance. It is essential to have travel insurance as accidents are common on the ski fields and emergency evacuation services are very expensive. *www.travelwithkidz.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Do YOU need quality childcare?

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Is it easy to get this balance right? No, it is very difficult at times. However sometimes just being aware of what is wrong is half the battle, it is the beginning of awakening.

What would you consider your greatest achievement so far? Finding how to enter the ‘now’ which, as a result, enabled me to appreciate that I am not what I do for a living.

Who do you find inspiring? My wife and partner Catherine Prentice and my spiritual teacher Eckhardt Tolle. The spiritual side of my life has been and will always be far more important to me than a career.

What’s the motto you live by? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

What has been your most life-defining moment? Nearly dying from cancer twelve years ago! When you are so close to death, you appreciate just how unimportant so many of the things that we stress over are.

IN B U S IN E S S

Where do you see yourself in five years – personally and professionally? Personally; far more highly developed as an ‘awake’ person; a person who works for others. Professionally, handing over the ‘business’ aspects of what I have created in my publishing company which will enable me to focus on personal development and subsequently teaching others how to connect their own lives to nature.

IN B U S IN E S S DI R E CTO R Y

Steve Parish: Leave only Footprints by Belinda Hopper

Introduced to nature through the underwater world at age nine, Steve Parish soon became a spear-fishing enthusiast. At sixteen, Steve met his mentor, underwater photographer Igo Oak. It was then his fascination with marine life was transferred from hunting with a spear gun to recording his discoveries on film. He says, “Despite being young and inexperienced, the idea of being able to share my discoveries with others was captivating; although my earliest efforts were on the blurry side!”

That was fifty years ago.

In the decades since, Steve Parish has become synonymous with Australian Wildlife. He has a library of over 500,000 photographs and his own publishing company, which he started in 1985. His range of books includes; educational and fun kids fact books, activity books and storybooks. He has a range of guides, maps, calendars, posters and souvenirs and has won every children’s book award under the sun.

Thanks to weather halting his day’s work in the Blue Mountains, Steve was able to give us a glimpse into his life and passion.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

Where do you live and why? I live on a three acre block of subtropical woodland with a creek and gully of rainforest, just west of Brisbane. We chose the block because of its connection to Brisbane Forest Park and also because of its high diversity of wildlife. We have five species of possums, several microbat species, seven species of frogs and numerous bird and reptile species.

I work in my studio at home or at my Company Head Office in Brisbane, depending on what projects I am working on.

Can you give us a snapshot of your family?

I am married to Catherine, my business partner and the mother of her three daughters Jessie, Elly and Trish.

Jessie is the youngest and she is a fashion nut who works in our head office, she is 22 years old. Elly is 25, and she is a Marine Biologist who is studying marine turtles at the moment. The eldest, Trish, is 30 years old and she is an Indigenous Art Lawyer based in Sydney.

Keeping everyone on their toes is Quincy, the German Short Haired Pointer. He is seven-years-old and loves tennis and swimming, oh yes and sleeping and eating.

What was your motivation for the concept “Leave Only Footprints”? By ‘leave only footprints’ I mean tread lightly on our planet. I have always promoted our connection to the earth we share with tens of thousands of other living creatures. We are only just starting to discover how very important all life is and more importantly how important so many natural elements are to our own survival.

As basic a concept as it is, it could be argued that the importance of nature connection is rarely, if ever, brought into conscious thought by the greater proportion of people. Society is separatist in its thinking and most believe - if they were to have considered the issue at all - that their lives are lived apart from ‘the natural world’. For many, nature is ‘out there’ apart from where they are.

I would argue that the fundamental concept of natureconnection is the single most important issue of our time. It is certainly something worth devoting ones’ life to.

What is your passion and how has it shaped your career? My passion since childhood is to experience nature and share those experiences with others. It began for me as a young child of nine. By the time I was nineteen I was publishing photographs and now, fortyseven years later, I am still passionate about sharing

nature and especially about teaching others how to photograph their own experiences and share them even more widely. Of course today sharing images is one of the most popular pastimes on the planet!

Can you tell us a little bit about your current project? I am just finishing an e-book on Australia’s best National Parks and have been spending a lot of time in the field re-photographing Australia with some of the latest and best digital cameras. I am also launching an online and paper-based-magazine and taking my now large range of products into our own retail spaces. We have also just released an online art gallery www.steveparishgallery.com.au. The next great big project is to develop a wider range of children’s readers, both as books and in digital format.

handPICKED

OU R S E L E CTION O F MAD E AT HOM E F IND S Warm and fuzzy fruit and more Fairyland has created a range of beautifully handmade knitted toys, from fruit to pirates and bears to fairies. Priced from $5 www.facebook.com/Fairythread

What does a typical day look like for you? In the field I am always up well before sunrise, having planned what I will be shooting the day prior I finish when the sun goes down. So field days are long and busy. At my computer I often start the day with social media at 5am and finish it in much the same space in the evening… my laptop comes to bed!

During a studio day I work with editors and designers developing new projects. My week doesn’t have a weekend, it’s my life and has always been a seven day ‘job’

Impressions to be remembered

Strung up!

Create a unique feel in your home with these fabulous pieces from Paper Owl Designs. Prices start from $3.95. Check them out at Café Lolli in Buderim or via paperowldesigns@me.com

Forget-Me-Not Impressions 3D impressions of loved ones. Great or small.

We come to you. 0407 196 231 www.fmni.com.au

Cuddle me Pretty Poppet Boutique has created the “Stevie” doll, she is so sweet, has sky blue eyes, a removable skirt, slipper, crocheted top and handbag, perfect for dress up play.

Priced at $40 at www.facebook.com/PrettyPoppetBoutique

What advice has had the biggest impact on you?

Two things: a quote, “Whatever the mind can conceive, and truly believe, it can also achieve”. As a child I had trouble believing in myself because my education was lousy.

And later in life, the work of Eckhardt Tolle in, ‘Power of Now’ and ‘The New Earth,’ have been very helpful. Living in the now and not lamenting the past or worrying about the future is the path to true happiness. I have also learned how important it is to confide your dreams only with people with a positive outlook on life.

Recycled memories Eddie+Eve turn their love of vintage and kooky books into beautiful, practical and functional diaries, journals, sketch & graph books. With original pages from the books included - these make great gifts. Priced from $22 at River Read, Noosaville or www.eddieandeve.com.au

How do you balance family and work demands?

At the age of sixty-six, having had three broken marriages and been in business for myself for a quarter of a century I can speak with some experience in saying that the best balance is....

1. The care of mental and physical health 2. The care and maintenance of personal relationships 3. Professional/commercial activities. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Bambino Cakes Nappy Cakes make the perfect gift for new parents! www.bambinocakes.weebly.com

Elle J Gorgeous clothing & accessories just for babies and kids! www.ellej.com.au

Fairy fun Whimsical fairy twig furniture hand made by Coast kids Samara Welbourne, Ella & Ned Woodgate. 10% of all sales goes to Sippy Downs Animal Refuge. From $10 at Cafe Lolli Buderim or by phoning Cherrell 0408 025 407

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Funky Photography Fresh, Fun and Funky Photography across the Sunshine Coast www.funkyphotography.com.au MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

65

Books APPS & Movies

REVIEWS

Learn through play with C&K in 2012.

Ophelia Wild, Secret Spy

by Elena de Roo Walker Books Australia RRP $14.95 Feisty Ophelia Wild decides to set up her own detective agency, with its headquarters in her tree house. Along with her assistant, Albert, she foils bullies, solves a meat-pie mystery, and cracks the case of the disappearing dentures. For ages 6 +

Pip and Posy: The Scary Monster

by Axel Scheffler Nosy Crow Ltd RRP $19.95 A fun story about the simple pleasures of toddler life with Pip and Posy, created by Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo. When Pip comes to Posy’s house wearing a scary monster mask, he gives Posy a bit of a fright! For ages 1 – 4 yrs.

Now is the best time to enrol your child in a C&K kindergarten program with Health Care Card fee reductions for eligible age children of up to $2,600 per year.

BOOK DVD APP

Sophie Rated PG RRP $24.95 Available to rent or buy from March 21 A sweet story of 17 yr old Sophie, who has two great loves, ballet and animals. Growing up on her parents’ zoo she dreams of becoming a ballerina. When her parents are forced to sell her best friend, Shelba the elephant, she abandons her dream and works at a circus to get Shelba back.

Helicopter Taxi with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad RRP $1.99 Need a ride? Call Helicopter Taxi and we’ll come and pick you up! Let your kids fly around their bedroom while getting calls from Señor Fox and his friends that need help to get home.

Helicopter Taxi uses the camera on your iPhone so that it looks like it’s really flying next to you! For ages 3 +

Go to www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/competitions & be in to win 1 of 15 DVD giveaways.

MOVIE

WEB

Dr Seuss’s – The Lorax www.pinterest.com The Kids on the Coast team are addicted to this website.

Create virtual pin boards to organise images of things that you love.

C&K Beachmere Community Kindergraten 22 James Rd, Beachmere 5496 8562

C&K Maroochydore Family Day Care Scheme 74 Primary School Court, Maroochydore 5479 6295

Kawana Community Kindergarten and Preschool 141 Sportsman Parade, Bokarina 5493 3566

C&K Maroochydore Community Childcare Centre 45 School Rd, Maroochydore 5479 1677

C&K Lake View Community Kindergarten 119 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina 5493 9348

C&K Maroochydore In Home Care 74 Primary School Court, Maroochydore 5451 0449

Bribie Island Community Kindergarten 34 Cotterill Street, Bribie Island 3408 1788

C&K Mooloolaba Early Childhood Centre 7 Ocean View Avenue, Mooloolaba 5444 5433

C&K Caloundra Community Child Care Centre 10 Thrush Street, Caloundra 5491 2105

C&K Mooloolah Community Kindergarten Cnr Bray & Kings Road, Mooloolah 5494 7331

C&K Caloundra Community Kindergarten Cowan Street, Caloundra 5491 1746

C&K Mountain Creek Community Kindergarten Hermosa Street, Mountain Creek 5478 3395

C&K North Caloundra Community Childcare Centre 113 Cooroora Street, Caloundra 5491 6288

C&K Nambour Community Childcare Centre 28 Windsor Road, Nambour 5441 2308

C&K Queen Street Community Kindergarten 46 Queen Street, Caloundra 5341 8560

Palmwoods Community Kindergarten & Preschool 28 Churchill Street, Palmwoods 5445 9027

C&K Coolum Community Childcare Centre Perry Street, Coolum 5446 3499

C&K Peregian Springs Community Kindergarten 193 The Avenue, Peregian Springs 5471 3168

C&K Cotton Tree Community Childcare Centre Beach Parade, Cotton Tree 5443 3252

Pomona & District Kindergarten 21 Reserve Street, Pomona

Gunalda Community Kindergarten Bull Street, Gunalda

5484 6200

C&K Tewantin Community Child Care Centre 21 Moorindil Street, Tewantin 5442 4133

5482 1960

Tewantin Community Kindergarten & Preschool 1 Doonella Street, Tewantin 5447 1385

C&K Gympie South Community Kindergarten 50 Exhibition Road, Gympie 5481 2046

C&K Tin Can Bay Community Kindergarten 4 Snapper Creek Road, Tin Can Bay 5486 2311

C&K Kuluin Community Kindergarten 67 Tallow Wood Drive, Kuluin

5453 7348

C&K Yandina Community Kindergarten 48 School Road, Yandina 5472 7248

C&K Maleny Community Kindergarten 15 Cedar Street, Maleny

5494 2330

Alma Street Pre-Prep 3 Alma Street, Gympie

C&K Sunshine Coast Conference A childhood fulfilled Registrations now open!

University of the Sunshine Coast 17 March 2012

Contact your local C&K branch or affiliate service to find out more.

BOOK

In cinema: March 29 Rating G The 3D-CGI feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is an animated adventure that follows the journey of a boy as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world. Starring: Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Rob Riggle, Taylor Swift

C&K is Queensland’s leading early childhood education and care provider with almost 400 kindergarten programs.

The early childhood conference will include three strands: • A quality childhood • Children and community • Living in a sustainable world

C&K Sunshine Coast Parent & Community Forum Guiding children’s behaviour Registrations now open!

Lake Kawana Community Centre 19 March 2012 In this seminar Dr Louise Porter, child psychologist will advocate for a guidance approach to children’s behaviour. This method teaches children to manage their emotions and impulses, instead of punishing them for not knowing how to do so.

5485 1381

C&K Early Childhood Annual Conference Children’s Right to Childhood Registrations now open!

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Friday 25 to Sunday 27 May 2012 The conference will include four strands • Children’s rights to inclusive environments • Children’s rights to play • Children’s rights to childhood and to be a child

Look for

WIN

Find your nearest | Careers | C&K college

1800 177 092 www.candk.asn.au

• Children’s rights to quality programs

Register now at www.candk.asn.au

1 of 10 double passes to The Lorax –visit www.kidsonthecoast.com.au 66

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MARCH / APRIL 2012

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Proudly funded and supported by

MARCH / APRIL 2012 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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s ’ d i K r o f t a e Gr s e i t r a P y a d h Birt

So many thrilling rides & games!

WINNER

73 Frizzo Road, Bruce Highway, Palmview, Queensland, 4553 Open 7 days from 9am to 5pm. Rides start at 10am.

Open Anzac Day 25 April from 1.30pm.

SA AW8799

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