Kids on the Coast Magazine - Sunshine Coast - Issue 32

IssUe 32 MAY/JUNE 2oo9

FReE!!

things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the Sunshine Coast

Is it just me, or is everyone having babies?

Celebrating

your baby’s arrival Coping with sleep deprivation Keeping youR baby safe

Are your other

kids jealous?

Tips to help you enjoy your first ever holiday together

Playgrounds: Fun or menace?

PLUS the Kids on the Coast calendar of events, product reviews and the latest parenting books

Special

baby edition

issue 32 CONTENTS 3

WELCOME

4

WHAT’S NEWS

5 FEATURE Playing by the rules – the modern playground

10 CHECK THIS OUT New and interesting products for babies

12 THE “P” FILES Fighting for love – sibling rivalry

16 NEW TO THE COAST

18 EDUCATION Drink and your baby drinks with you

23 PARENTVILLE Napping on the job

24 WHAT’S ON CALENDAR The Kids on the Coast guide to May/June

26 BABIES ON THE COAST Is pregnancy contagious?

welcome

to Kids on the Coast About eight months ago now, a very excited Toni, the owner of Kids on the Coast, excitedly ‘spilt the beans’ about expecting her second child.

With a seven-year-old daughter at home, she was understandably nervous of the prospect of adding to her family. “Would she still remember how to take care of a baby?” she wondered out loud. The idea of a ‘baby edition’ grew along with her foetus, until now, as I wrap this publication into a neat Amber's first shower...nine years ago! package, she waits for her bundle of joy to show her face. Wouldn’t it be funny if the magazine hits the streets the same day as the baby meets the world? Watch this space for the next installment!

As Toni faces the graveyard feeding shift, wonders how to keep her little baby safe and plans a celebration to welcome her new family member to the fold, I am sure the articles we have gathered will prove a source of advice and inspiration. We hope they offer the same to you.

As Mother’s Day draws closer, let me welcome all those new mothers (and fathers) who celebrate for the first time. Welcome to perhaps the largest club in the world. To at least one other person, you are the centre of the universe.

The light shines from your smile and your hugs are legendary. It’s a job you shouldn’t take lightly. Any support Kids on the Coast can give, we do so humbly. Congratulations!

Sarah Pye, Editor

30 KEEPING KIDS SAFE From homes to cars, it pays to be vigilant

35 HEALTH Childhood amnesia

36 KID COLUMN Kids: valuable members of society

37 IT’S ONLY NATURAL Plastic – not so fantastic

40 LET’S CELEBRATE Welcome to the world – celebrating the first milestone

42 HAPPY HOLIDAYS

you choose?

Who will

Have you done your research?  are their readers your target market?  are they reputable? Will they still be here tomorrow?

44 REVIEWS AND COMPETITIONS

 are they affordable and fair to each and every advertiser?  will it be thrown away - or is it substantial enough to keep long term?

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

things to do, places to go, everything for kids & parents on the Sunshine Coast

www.kidsonth

ecoast.com.au

BoREdom

BustERs holid

ay activities for everyone

FReE!!

GiFts FoR

BaBiEs and toddlERs Get it right this year

sEa-chanGE

Rs spend their christmas infirst Qld sEnioRs share their wisdom with the next gener while paREnts ation the classroom in make all the differ ence

cElEBRati thE sEason nG thE

Aussie wAy

Plus hEap thE kids on s oF pRizEs, moviE tick Ets and thE coast calE ndaR oF EvEn ts

Kids

 is the publication easily accessible?

Your first holiday together

PUBLISHED BY: THINGS 4 KIDS PTY LTD 101 Memorial Drive, Eumundi, QLD 4562 PO Box 491, Eumundi QLD 4562 PHONE: (07) 5442 8679 FAX: (07) 5442 8709 ABN: 86 473 357 391 All editorial in Kids on the Coast has been written in good faith based on material, verbal or written, provided by contributors. 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

ISSUe 29 NOV/De C 2OO8

EDITOR: Sarah Pye EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Karen Burton, Madonna Hirning, Christine Hobba, Cindy Mayes, Dr Roger Morris, Jane O’Hara, Alison Rodriguez.

ADVERTISING: For advertising enquiries please phone Tanya Ryan on (07) 5442 8679 or email: advertising@kidsonthecoast.com.au PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Terri Sanderson, email: production@kidsonthecoast.com.au PARENTS’ CHOICE SUPPLIER PROGRAMME: Speak with your advertising co-ordinator or email: pc@kidsonthecoast.com.au ADMINISTRATION: Kellie Kruger DISTRIBUTION: Kids on the Coast (Sunshine Coast edition) is a free publication circulating over 15,000 copies from Caloundra to Noosa and throughout the hinterland. A separate edition covers the Gold Coast.

For distribution enquiries please phone: (07) 5442 8679 or email: admin@kidsonthecoast.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN: Michelle Craik

Your guide to nothing muchHere

today, ow! gone tomorr

e day, and lin Grab it to th ie caGe wi your budG ow! it tomorr

When choosing where to spend your advertising dollar - think carefully. Ask your clients who they know and trust. Choose the publication that will do the right thing for your business.

Produced locally for the past 5 years by parents for parents on the Sunshine Coast.

For more information, please email Simone Bell advertising@kidsonthecoast.com.au MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

3

WHAT’S

news

OPEN ADOPTION NOW AN OPTION

New adoption laws for Queensland will mean that, for the first time, people will be able to choose an open adoption. Research shows open adoption results in more positive outcomes for adopted children, by allowing them to find out who they are with the knowledge of both their birth and adoptive parents. Birth parents and the adopted family will soon be able to choose the level of involvement with each other and the extent of information shared. Current laws restrict adopted people and birth parents involved in an adoption prior to 1991 accessing information, if one of them objects. This means more than 1,100 people adopted before June 1991 cannot access their own family history, and more than 1,600 birth parents can’t learn names of the adoptive parents who have raised their offspring. The new laws are expected to come into force later this year.

MINI-MEASLES EPIDEMIC HITS THE HINTERLAND Doctors have warned of mumps and rubella outbreaks in the Sunshine Coast hinterland after a recent ‘mini-measles epidemic’ at Beerwah High School. The warning came as Queensland Health confirmed around 15 cases of measles among students not vaccinated against the disease. Australian Medical Association Queensland president Mason Stevenson said immunisation rates in both the Gold and Sunshine Coast hinterland regions were about 70%, which is 20% lower than the national average. He said the dangers of communities developing measles, mumps and rubella were much higher in places with immunisation rates substantially lower than 90%. "As a result of falling immunisation rates, we’ve already had a whooping cough epidemic on the Sunshine Coast affecting many hundreds of adults and children and we expect there to be rubella epidemics and mumps epidemics in the future," he said.

NEW SEAL SHOW AT UNDERWATER WORLD Something fishy is going on at Underwater World’s Seal Island with a new seal show launching in the June/July school holidays. Local children will perform the voices of the seals, who will be ‘training’ the humans to make the world a better place for them. Creative director Mark Eady, who also produced The Man from Snowy River Arena Spectacular on the Gold Coast, said that this was one of the most ambitious seal shows ever attempted by a theme park or aquarium. “Animals are unpredictable and we can only ask them to do what we want them to do. In the new show, it will be the seals who run the show while the trainers are the guests!” Mark said. To find out more, call Underwater World on 5458 6280 or visit www.underwaterworld.com.au

DOES YOUR BABY KEEP TAKING THEIR NAPPY OFF?

While babies tend to go through a stage where they think it’s pretty amusing to take their own nappy off, parents have the opposite agenda – we want to keep it on and keep the contents safely inside! Melanie Sonter, a local product developer, is testing out a new product called Button Up Baby to address this very messy problem. If you have a bub or toddler who constantly takes off their nappy, Melanie would love you to test out the product at your home for a week then report back with the results. If you’re interested in getting involved, call 5473 9048 or visit www.buttonupbaby.com.au to find out more.

RICE HELPS VACCINATE CHILDREN IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC

Next time you buy rice you could be helping disadvantaged children receive essential vaccinations we take for granted. SunRice is uniting with UNICEF Australia to fund an ongoing children’s vaccination program in the South Pacific to help stop children under five dying from preventable diseases. The UNICEF immunisation programs aim to reach 900,000 by providing funds for vaccination storage, training, distribution and management to eliminate measles and control Hepatitis B. To find out more, visit www.sunricedifference.com.au or phone 1800 255 999.

QUEENSLANDERS: LET’S GET HEALTHY! Queensland men are the most overweight (60%) and smoke more than other states (29%). Women fair slightly better with just over 40% overweight or obese and 20.5% smokers. To encourage improvement, the Queensland Government has launched its inaugural Healthy Queensland Awards. Some of the innovative ideas already developed include social wheelchair basketball, weekly bike rides, fruit smoothie fundraisers, a permaculture garden and football boot camps. Look out for an initiative near you!

CAN YOU CARE FOR KIDS?

Over 150 new foster and kinship carers have opened their hearts and homes to help protect at-risk children, thanks to a $15 million recruitment campaign. Statistics show there are a staggering 7,000 kids in Queensland who cannot live safely at home due to the risk of abuse or neglect. While Queensland has around 3,500 foster and kinship carers, more are always needed, even if it's just to provide a couple of hours support for fulltime carers. To become involved, call 1300 550 877 or visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

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FEATURE The modern playground

Playing by the RULES

by Karen Burton

Amid the squeals of laughter and excited shouts of happy children there is another voice to be heard at modern playgrounds. It is a little hesitant, sometimes desperate, always concerned – the voice of the anxious parent. “Don’t climb too high Jake – you might get stuck,” implores a mum as her toddler ascends beyond her reach. “Sit down Ella, right down, here I’ll hold your hand…weeee,” says another mum as her precious bundle takes her first flight down the baby slippery dip.

“Watch where you’re going Keiran, you’ll crash into the other kids,” warns a dad as he stands guard over his pre-schooler’s game of chase.

Reflecting what sociologist Frank Furedi calls ‘paranoid parenting’, this modern tendency to over-protect children from what used to be called ‘life’ is evident at parks all over Australia.

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5

FEATURE

Counting the injuries According to Kidsafe – a non-profit organisation devoted to preventing unintentional injury and death to children – around 5000 Queensland children each year attend hospital for medical treatment for injuries related to playground equipment. More than half of those injured are in the 5-9 age group and almost a quarter of them have to be admitted to hospital. However, it is worth noting that more injuries occur on backyard equipment than on public playgrounds with school injuries accounting for the greatest percentage of all. Falling or jumping from playground equipment accounts for around 83% of injuries with only 30% of these falls being from heights of more than one metre. The most common injury from a

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Paradoxically, playground safety has improved dramatically in the time it’s taken for today’s parents to go from playground bandits to playground guardians. The first change came in 1981 when the Australian Standard for playground equipment was introduced, consigning many of the old metal structures to the playground graveyard. It restricted the height of climbing frames but it didn’t specifically address the problem of heads being banged on hard floors – though duty of care meant that schools and councils no longer chose concrete as a playground base. Then in 1996 another Australian Standard was introduced that referred specifically to playground surfaces. With concrete and dirt now well and truly off the menu as options (and grass only acceptable for equipment under half a metre) there was a choice of loose fill (bark chip), sand, or synthetic, impact-absorbing surfaces. These two Australian standards kept playgrounds pretty safe all the way up until 2004, when the original 1981 version was replaced. Still current today, AS 4685 (parts 1-6) covers all aspects of playground equipment safety with requirements on height, avoiding entrapment of heads and limbs, space required between play areas, barriers and handrails.

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fall over 1m is a fracture, with sprains/strains and concussion being the next most frequent injuries. Monkey bars and climbing equipment account for one third of all hospital attendances, with swings and slides the other main culprits.

Kidsafe points out that the current safety standards for surfacing are aimed at reducing head injuries, not long bone fractures. Monkey bars in particular have been highlighted as commonly producing fracture injuries. But for all its understandable concentration on injury statistics and warnings, Kidsafe is also keen to relay the message that playgrounds should be fun. ‘Reduce the risk, not the challenge’ is its mantra.

The 2004 Australian standard for playground equipment carries the same message.

Playground manufacturer Forpark Australia's general manager Andrew Reedy is a member of the Standards Australia committee for playground equipment. He says it is worth remembering the relationship between acceptable risk and safety when trying to understand the concept of playground safety. “The standard is not about avoiding injury – it is about avoiding unacceptable injury,” he says, as this extract from the foreword of the 2004 standard for playgrounds shows.

“The primary aim of a playground should be to stimulate a child’s imagination, provide excitement and adventure in safe surroundings, and allow scope for children to develop their own ideas of play. Ideally playgrounds should encourage development of motor skills and present users with manageable challenges to develop physical skills and to find and test their limits. In order to provide these challenges, a balance must be found between risk and safety.

A playground injury that leaves a child permanently disabled is not acceptable.

However, it should also be understood that children often lose interest in equipment that does not challenge them, and that children will experience minor injuries as they grow and learn, in playgrounds and away from them.”

Andrew Reedy says playgrounds have certainly changed a lot in the last few decades and that not all the change has been positive. “The appearance of playgrounds as

well as the range of activity has changed dramatically but in some instances people have tried to be so different that some of the playability has been sacrificed. You look at the basic ways of using play equipment – climbing, sliding, swinging – and any number of different pieces have been created that all basically do the same thing,” he says. Interestingly Mr Reedy pointed to market influences, rather than safety restrictions, as a factor in making playgrounds less fun. “Councils are always looking for something different and at the end of the day there are only so many ways a playground can be made safely with the playability you’ll get on a traditional playground. The danger is that you sacrifice playability for appearance,” he says. The trick, of course, is to design challenging play pieces that comply with the modern safety standards and appeal to children and adults alike. One piece of equipment that is proving very popular on modern playgrounds is the rope pyramid. With heights up to 8m, these structures nevertheless comply with the Australian standard because the free fall height is no more than 2.5 metres. “These have been assessed to show that a fall will always be broken on the way down,” Mr Reedy explains.

               

           

                  www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

   

  MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

7

FEATURE

great

kids’ parks

The Sunshine Coast has some of the best parks of any region and they are well maintained and spacious.

Designed to capture children’s imaginations the following playgrounds incorporate many themes to stimulate and excite kids of all ages.

on the Sunshine Coast

Pioneer Park, Landsborough

Jessica Park, Minyama

This park is a fully fenced multi-area all abilities playground with interesting and challenging play equipment to suit every child. There’s plenty of swinging and climbing action plus chill-out zones.

Bike tracks take you around a duck pond and past several pieces of play equipment (swings and rockers) before ending up at a pirate themed fully fenced playground that is great for all ages.

Cotton Tree Park, Maroochydore

Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny

On the foreshore of the Maroochy River this well-loved shaded park has a rope pyramid, rockers, spinners, slides and forts. Cycle paths surround the playground and there is plenty of open space to kick a ball around.

Location, location, location! What this playground lacks in facilities it makes up for in outlook.

A merry-go-round, rope spider and swings nestle under majestic trees next to a superb open grassed area. Combine a trip to the park with a bush walk in the rainforest afterwards.

Quota Park, Nambour

Kevin Asmus Park, Buddina

This park has a fully fenced area for tiny tots complete with cane train, swings and slides, plus a large walk-up play structure. Swings, rockers and a giant tube slide complete the picture.

A sunken ship, swings and slides combine with a life-like bike track complete with roundabouts, road signs, pretend café and petrol station.

Pirate Park, Gympie Terrace, Noosaville

Eleanor Shipley Park, Moffat Beach

A multi-area park on the beautiful Noosa River next to the yacht club. Swings, slides and climbing frames are all here to be enjoyed.

A great toddler park in a good location with pirate ship, bridges, slides and more.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

Fairyfotos Brisbane combines beautiful photography of your child with state of the art graphics to create an image of childhood dreams.

A Fairyfoto is more than a photograph, it’s a work of art.

Options available for both girls and boys from babies to adults.

Phone Kay on 07 3491 8782

www.fairyfotosbrisbane.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

For more information: In Paranoid Parenting (Penguin Books) Frank Furedi calls on parents to abandon their anxieties and be good parents. Stop seeing everything as dangerous, he says, and start having confidence in your own judgement.

All abilities playgrounds While playground manufacturers have been busily looking for ways to parcel up the climbing, swinging and sliding experiences in exciting and safe ways, a new approach to playground design has been developed in Queensland. The first ever ‘all abilities’ playground was built at Landsborough on the Sunshine Coast. It was opened in 2006 and won awards for its inclusive design. As well as allowing access to children with disabilities – and providing adaptations to play equipment to allow for universal usage – Pioneer Park integrates a range of play experiences into its design; emotional, social, cognitive and physical. Whereas traditional playgrounds place the emphasis firmly on the physical elements, the all abilities playgrounds see it as one of four key roles.

But what do these playgrounds actually look like, and are they any fun for the kids who don’t have a disability? Take a trip down to Pioneer Park and on first glance you’ll see that it looks similar to other well-designed modern playgrounds. And the sheer number of visitors proves that all children just love playing there. On closer inspection, you’ll find that there are a number of unusual pieces of equipment, including swings with two different styles of seating to enable all children to experience motion, a (fairly fast) flying fox with a safety harness and a carousel so children can spin while suspended in the safety of harnessed chairs. A rocking hammock provides a chill-out area so children can slow down when they need to.

Catering for sensory enjoyment there is an artificial garden with spinning flowers, a vibrating rock as well as sand and water play tables. Cognitive skills are enhanced with touch tiles, cog panels and visual language tiles. Following the success of the Landsborough park the Queensland government has provided funding for a further 16 ‘all abilities’ playgrounds to be developed in Queensland including one at Kurrawa Pratten Parklands at Broadbeach due to open at the end of this year.

Over the last decade a lot of effort has been put into playground safety and councils are now keener than ever to provide healthy, free, outdoor activities for families to enjoy. The good news for parents on the Coast is that there are plenty of exciting, fun and safe playgrounds where children can enjoy testing their bodies and finding their Have your say limits while surrounded by all the beauty this Comment on this article at part of Queensland has to offer. So get our www.kidsonthecoast.com.au there and have some fun!

DON’T MISS the exciting launch of UnderWater World’s rIng FeATu Coast e shin

Sun e n as th Childre ices o Seal V

NEWSeal Show

At Seal Island the seals have 6 humans in captivity. The seals are putting the humans through a Behavioural Adjustment Program designed to make the world a better place when released back into the wild.

“No aquarium or theme park has ever attempted such an ambitious seal show” Mark Eady creative Ozworks Entertainment Pty Ltd

encing Comm 9 ne 200 u J h t 27 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba Tel: 5458 6280

www.underwaterworld.com.au MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

9

CHECK THIS OUT! our guide to interesting & essential bits & pieces

Flights of fancy We all know mobiles stimulate your baby as they lie in their cot and if you are going to have one, why not make it art? This delightful whimsical mobile by artist Kristin Loffer Theiss features several felt animals measuring about 15-19cm in height. They rotate around a turquoise egg and provide hours of entertainment. Available online at www.kindergallery.com

Reduce your landfill

Healthy skin for baby Moo Goo was first made when the founder adapted a cream used in dairy farms to help a family member with a skin problem. It was so successful, it spawned a range of products, one of which is Moo Goo Scalp Cream. This moisturiser controls the yeast on the skin using natural ingredients, allowing your baby’s skin (and your own!) to return to a healthy condition. Applied after washing, the skin should regain its glow within a few days. Moo Goo products are available at Elements 3, Buderim 5476 8835, Coolum Village Amcal Pharmacy, 5546 2111 and Mrs Flannery’s Natural Grocer, Maroochydore 07 5479 3522. Not all products are available at all stockists. Visit www.moogoo.com. au for more information.

It’s a dilemma for many parents: cloth or disposable?

One is good for the environment, the other is way more convenient. The decision has been easier in Europe, where biodegradable disposables are used widely. Now they can help you sleep soundly too.

Although a little more expensive Danish Bambo nappies are now available in Australia. Available through Mums Happy Nappies, phone 1300 760 140 or visit www.mumshappynappies.com.au or www.hellocharlie.com.au. Why not change your baby wipes too? Clearly Herbal Baby Wipes are equally as good for the environment and safe for your baby. They come with a pleasant aroma of Lavender and Chamomile and include no alcohol, chlorine or lanolin to harm your baby. Not to be confused with Bambo, their Bamboo Cloth Wipes are made from 100% natural bamboo fabric which offers natural antibacterial properties! Available online at www.theproductstore.com.au and www.nappysupplies.com.au

How long has that been there?

Make it last with a cast You may never look this way again, so relish your condition and preserve it for posterity with a Belly Art Casting Kit. Safe and easy to use, these kits can be used in the comfort of your own home. With the help of your partner, you can create a wonderful wall hanging to commemorate this precious time. The kit comes complete with easy to follow instructions and photos. It makes a wonderful baby shower gift, but don’t leave it too long! Kits can be purchased at Eckersley's, Maroochydore 5479 5933 or Holy Sheet, Noosaville 07 5474 4729. Or visit www.bellyart.com.au

You have better things to think about now, than how long your food has been in the fridge… problem is, you want to make sure you don’t keep baby products too long. That’s where the Days Ago Digital Counter (as seen on Oprah) comes in. This little timing device attaches to jars and cans with a magnet, band or suction and it counts the amount of time lapsed at the push of a button. Days Ago comes two to a pack. Visit www.jespo.com.au

Toilet training made easy

The food flies off the plate!

Troublesome tots can’t resist these ingenious flying spoons from French Bazaar. Add a few parental sound effects and they make meal times come alive. Things might get a little messy, though, so why not grab a stylish biopolymer bib? Made from potato starch, these colourful Velcro fastened bibs have no negative environmental effect. Both products can be found at Soul Sanctuary, Noosa Head 5447 5566 or visit www.frenchbazaar.com.au

10

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

No more searching for the toddler toilet seat or potty… The Lupi Lu is a fantastic must have item for everyone with small children. Clever in design, it is a toilet seat to meet all your family's needs. You simply replace your normal toilet seat with the stylish Lupi Lu which has separate toddler and adult seats integrated into the one unit. Both the toddler and adult seat have the added benefit of a soft close hinge. The Lupi Lu fits all standard Australian toilets.

RRP $109 and available from www.theproductstore.com.au

Plain Sailing The famous lullaby Rock a Bye Baby has been given a whole new approach.

We found a local boat builder who custom makes cradles that simulates the 3 dimensional movement of a boat at sea. The cradle boat was born to imitate the natural movement a baby feels in the womb. It can be hung directly from the ceiling or from a flexible stand (pictured). With these beautifully handcrafted wooden cradles, sleep time will be plain sailing. For enquiries call Fritz Schwarz on 0418 795 186. Check out the gallery on his website. www.blackboards.net.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Grandparents In Children’s Lives Grandparents are very important people in children’s lives and children are lucky when they have close ties with a grandparent as well as with their parents.

This short article will consider the position of grandparents against the backdrop of changes in families and relationships which has occurred over more recent times and has altered the traditional views of the grandparent “role”.

Some of the major changes that may be part of grandparenting today: • Grandparents may be working full-time • Families today are much more mobile and as a result long distance grandparenting is more likely.

• Children’s behaviour, the ways they dress and the language they use have changed.

Expectations of grandparents: Grandparents don’t have a ‘set role’, where they know what their responsibilities are in the same way that parents do. It is useful to talk over with your adult children what you expect to do as a grandparent and what they would like you to do. Listen carefully to your adult children’s views on bringing up their children and align with those views if you possibly can. If you think differently, bring up your ideas and listen to theirs. They may not do things the way you would and you may have to accept this in the end.

Some grandparenting ideas: • Be a good listener. Grandparents often have time to give children a real opportunity to talk about their interests and feelings.

• Keep up with grandchildren’s interests. As they grow older take an interest in what they are doing. Listen to some music they like so you can talk with them about it.

• Let your grandchildren know when you are interested in going to their activities, such as school sports, concerts and so on.

Distance Grandparenting: Many families now live a long distance apart, with family members working in different states and countries, so you might not be near to your grandchildren but you can still keep links open and support your grandchildren.

Keep regular telephone contact and utilise the benefits of technology to keep grandchildren informed of family activities and events.

Separation and grandparenting: If your son or daughter’s relationship breaks down it can bring special issues for grandparenting. In such circumstances the following points may be worth remembering: • Try to keep positive relationships with both of your grandchildren’s parents, so that they will want you to go on playing a part in your grandchildren’s lives.

• Don’t talk to your grandchildren about your disappointment with their parent(s), but listen to their feelings.

If your son or daughter enters into another relationship there will be other issues to consider. It is however important to support the new relationship in front of the children, regardless of what you think of it.

Grandparenting when the parents are teenagers: Becoming a grandparent when your teenage child becomes a parent can come as a shock to you and you may need time to get used to the situation.

If you experience mixed feelings when you find out that you are to become a grandparent in such circumstances, it can help to talk it over with a relationship and family specialist at the Sunshine Coast Family Relationship Centre.

Separating or need help with your relationShip? are you separating or already separated, and need help with family relationships? the Sunshine Coast Family relationship Centre provides a professional and confidential family dispute resolution service. Sessions are free of charge.

The Sunshine Coast Family Relationship Centre • Helps separating families with family dispute resolution interviews and sessions, and formulating parenting plans • Helps families stay together with advice about relationships and information to access other services • Strengthens family relationships by providing information and referrals to other services, and involving children, grandparents, extended family members where appropriate For information and free advice contact the Family relationship advice line on 1800 050 321 between 8am-8pm Monday to Friday. Or visit the Sunshine Coast Family Relationship Centre at 43-45 Primary School Court, Maroochydore, phone 5452 9700. it’s located close to the Sunshine plaza shopping complex and public transport, with car parking available nearby.

alternatively, visit your local Community Hub Caloundra Community Centre, Phone: 5491 4511 Coolum Community Centre, Phone: 5471 6655 Cooroy Family Support Centre, Phone: 5447 7747 Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Phone: 5499 9345

Visit: The Sunshine Coast Family Relationship Centre at 43-45 Primary School Court, Maroochydore. Phone: 5452 9700 Or call the advice line: on 1800 050 321 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

11

love

THE ‘P’ Files

Fighting for

What happens when the next baby comes along?

by Karen Burton

IamMel Photography, www.iammel.net

The problem of brothers and sisters battling it out for their parents’ attention is as old as family life itself. Siblings are a great source of learning, companionship and comfort for children as they grow up, but they can also be a great source of frustration, anger and jealousy.

All of that is perfectly normal and it can start the moment the second baby is born.

Queensland child psychologist Dr Louise Porter says she has a 100% solution to sibling rivalry: have one child. If this advice comes too late then don’t worry – there are a whole range of measures you can apply both before and after the birth of a new baby to help with the adjustment process.

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Beating the green-eyed monster Most young children (and particularly toddlers) equate parents’ love with the amount of attention they get. They need to have this love demonstrated, not just talked about. The following tips could be helpful in preventing unnecessary jealousy: • Make time for the older child and don’t always leave it until the baby is asleep. Quick reinforcements like a hug are easy to give and don’t need to interrupt the baby’s routine.

• Continue with one-on-one time when you can play or just be with your older child – some experts suggest a minimum of three half-hour periods a week where there are no interruptions from the baby.

• When your older child comes to the hospital for the first time after the birth, make sure you give her a big hug first, before introducing her to the new baby.

“Don’t set the older child up by saying the baby’s going to be a playmate and don’t give the child extra responsibilities,” Dr Porter says. “Sometimes we build siblings up for failure by telling them their new brother or sister will be a playmate but babies aren’t very good at cricket. And we often say they will need to help out and that can be a bit scary for them especially if they are under three years.”

In her book Children are people too, Dr Porter suggests that before the new baby is born older kids should be realistically prepared for the changes it will bring. She says it’s a good idea to reassure them that you will still look after them even though you have another baby to care for as well.

“Let older children know that it’s okay to be angry and disappointed with the time the baby takes and it’s okay to let them know the parents are more tired than usual,” Dr Porter says. “Give them permission to have the negative feelings and that frees the child up to have the positive ones.

• When the baby is born make sure you get a gift for him to give to your older child, and the older child can choose a gift for the baby too.

• If family and friends plan on giving gifts to the new baby, ask them to bring something for the older child too. (You could have a secret stash of appropriate gifts in the cupboard in case people forget).

• If your toddler is still in the cot that you intend to use for the new baby move him into a bed a few months before the birth otherwise he may feel the baby has ‘stolen’ his cot.

• If a bedroom is to be shared, make sure that the older child knows which part of it is hers – and where she can keep her special things safe. If space is an issue, just one drawer can be enough to demonstrate that the older child’s need for privacy is being addressed.

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Sunshine Coast Licensed Kindermusik Educators: NooSa & BudErim Sharon Brown Ph: 0418 646 844 E: shazbrown@sctelco.net.au Cooroy Verna Hewitt Ph: 0415 482 264 E: vjhewitt@aapt.net.au North BudErim Karen Smith Ph: 0412 751 358 E: karen@musikfun4kidz.com www.musikfun4kidz.com moNtviLLE & maLENy Janet Murray Ph: 07 5478 6591 E: jmurray33@bigpond.com www.kindermusikwithjanet.com.au

Call Michael Knights your local Family Relocation Specialist Free Real Estate advice – Selling – Buying Helping families move around the coast

Michael Knights 0409 018 778 michaelknights@remaxproperty.com.au

www.michaelknights.com.au MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

13

THE ‘P’ Files “We have to keep in mind that brothers and sisters don’t always get on in adult life so it’s entirely possible that the brothers and sisters aren’t going to be the best of friends. We have this romantic idea of families that are going to be close but it isn’t always like that,” she says.

Dr Porter believes that the difference in age, rather than personality, is a more likely predictor of how an older child will react to a new baby. “The trend today of having babies quite close in age (within 2½ years) is a problem for the next child up because they still need the same level of intensive care and they can feel abandoned,” she says.

The advantage of a small age gap, of course, is that the children are more likely to enjoy similar activities while growing up. They will be more compatible, but they will

Enough love for all IamMel Photography, www.iammel.net

With your toddler, collect three candles: one to represent mum, one to represent the older child and one to represent the new baby. Safely light the ‘mum’ candle and explain that the flame shows your love burning brightly.

Then get the ‘older child’ candle and light it from the ‘mum’ flame. Tell your child that you have given her all your love, but you still have all your love left (your candle is still burning brightly). Then use the ‘mum’ candle again to light the ‘new baby’ candle. Tell your child that you have given the new baby all your love, and the older child all your love, and you still have all your love left.

The message, of course, is that love is not something that you will ever run out of, so there’s no need to be jealous or worried.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

A series of workshops designed for adults who are serious about their parenting journey and wish to connect authentically to their child/ren …

An amazing opportunity for self nurture and a must if you cherish your parent-child experiences.

Buderim, Sunshine Coast QLD

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Psychotherapist Specialising in Parent-Child Relationships For more information

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Phone: 5476 8084 E: monique@insideout-counselling.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

For more information: There’s a house inside my mummy. By Giles Andreae and Vanesssa Cabban.

This delightful book, with gentle humour, simple rhyme and friendly bright pictures is about a little boy’s wait for the birth of a new baby. “There’s a house inside my mummy, where my little brother grows, or maybe it’s my little sister no-one really knows...” also be more competitive. If parents understand this phenomenon from the outset it can help. When the baby is taking up a lot of time, Dr Porter suggests telling the older child stories about how you used to do the same thing (feeding, nappy changing) for them when they were babies. This avoids giving them the impression that the baby is getting preferential treatment.

You should thank the older child when they are patient, and acknowledge negative feelings so they avoid turning into resentment. As far as possible, stay in charge of the family and in control of the changes the baby brings. “When the baby is taking a lot of energy (after a caesarean or a premature birth) you don’t have to have all the answers. All you have to say is ‘look, we haven’t got a complete solution yet but we’re working on one’,” Dr Porter says. “With so many mothers having post natal depression you have to account for the fact that older children will see that the baby’s birth has added extra stress to the family. Let children know that you’re still in executive control of the family and you are on top of finding a solution.”

Having a second baby is a thrilling, exciting and exhausting time in the life of a family.

With a bit of planning you can smooth the way for your kids to develop the kind of relationship you want for them. As Dr Louise Have your say Porter points out, we have been having Comment on this article at multiple children for millennia and the www.kidsonthecoast.com.au human race has survived the trauma!

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MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

15

A KIDS ON THE COAST ADVERTISING FEATURE

NEW TO THE

coast

‘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.

And if you’ve got a new business you want to spread the word on, let us know!

See your baby in the Ultimate 3D/4D Experience 3D Babies are the only specialist provider of 3D and 4D pre-natal elective ultrasound on the Sunshine Coast. The 3D/4D experience provides realistic three dimensional images of your baby; using state of the art specialist ultrasound equipment. See your baby yawning, sucking on a thumb, waving its arms or touching its toes.

3D/4D ultrasound is truly memorable and offers much more realistic images of your baby than standard 2D scans. The optimum time for your 3D experience is between 26 and 30 weeks gestation. Our fully qualified sonographers will guide you through a memorable 20-25 minutes, in a relaxed and comfortable setting allowing Mum and Dad to enjoy this special bonding experience. After your session they take the time to process footage and provide you with the best 3D/4D images of your precious baby. Packages include a choice of photos, album, CD and/or DVD set to music of your choice. All packages include gender determination on request.

Appointments available Weeknights 5-7pm and Saturdays 9am-2pm

X-Ray & Imaging Caloundra 67 Bowman Rd, Caloundra Q 4551

Phone 5436 0888 For all other enquiries and further information e info@3dbabies.com.au t 5499 6737

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At last… a place for little people in the cultural heart of the hinterland On May 7 2009, Lisa Williment will add the latest string to her magical bow by opening a gorgeous space for children where they can feel free to learn, laugh and enjoy!

Having created hundreds of memorable theme parties for children over the past six years, Lisa has now added a special haven where children can enter a world of creativity, through inspiring craft classes, storytelling and more. Parents will love the unique selection of giftwares and toys available in the petit shop and everyone will enjoy the tempting sweet treats and tea!

Petit Enfant will offer children’s craft classes after school and on weekends, whilst stunning ‘High Teas’ parties for children and grown ups, can be booked in their petit private room.

Visit the store or call Lisa on 5442 7769 to discuss the wonderful range of classes and tea party options available. Alternatively visit www.parteepetite.com.au

16

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Party like a pop star!

Cloth, cute and cost effective

Stevie Perry has been an entertainer with Bop till you Drop in Sydney since 2003. After living on the Sunshine Coast for 1 1/2yrs, she thought it was time to bring Bop till you Drop to Queensland. “I love entertaining children and providing an amazing disco where all children have a fantastic time,” she says.

Bop till you Drop takes the disco beyond just music and dancing. Its structured, interactive and so much fun. The children get to sing along to their favourite songs on microphones, just like real pop stars, and they play games, dance and have an amazing time. “We give free glitter hairspray, lollies and tattoos to each child and for a small additional cost, can provide glow bracelets, prizes, lolly pops and pass the parcels.” Stevie says. “The glow sticks can also be a great way for schools to fundraise as we can provide bulk lots to sell on the night of a fundraising disco.” Bop till you Drop is fully mobile and they cater for any number of children. Please note that areas outside of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council are subject to a travel surcharge.

Mel Krushka from Arimeh’s Clothiebumz, has a range of cloth nappies she supplies to the Coast. She has used cloth on both her young children for over a year now, with great success.

“We sell quality assured, cloth nappies. It is my joy to pass on to customers my knowledge of “modern cloth nappies”, and show how easy they are to use.”

Mel says.

Why use cloth? EASE OF USE - Modern cloth nappies are made from superior, highly absorbent long lasting materials. ENVIRONMENT - The time it takes a disposable nappy to break down is around the 500 years. COST - It costs roughly $3,000 for disposables from newborn to toilet training. Cloth nappies overall cost is far less.

HEALTH - Organic materials help aid against the discomfort to your baby’s precious skin. CUTENESS - Cloth is cute – no doubt about that!!! Make a fashion statement!

the environment, the pocket and precious skin.

www.clothiebumz.com.au email: sales@clothiebumz.com.au ph: 0431 336 610 fax: 07 5441 7682

Easy to use and very cute

Finally, locally made quality kids clothing Denise O’Rourke, a mother of two children, established MayJay because she was disappointed in the standard and quality of the production and design of children’s clothing. It has taken over 18 months to achieve the high standards she required, and has been meticulous in ensuring that the fits, designs and fabrics are the best available. “My aim was to offer practical, timeless garments for children but keeping in mind that children still need to be children” Denise, who’s background lies in high end fashion in the UK, says. MayJay use only high quality fabrics and produce clothes for boys and girls from $18-40 and sizes 1-8. All clothes are hand made by Denise and her machinist in the workshop in Caloundra, where you are welcome to come and inspect the range. They also cater for hard-to-fit and special sizes.

Practical and stylish solutions to children’s clothing

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MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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17

07/04/2009 2:30:37 PM

education

drink and your

baby drinks with you

by Alison Rodriguez

What would you do if your children regularly awoke at 2am, then snuck out the back and painted themselves and the car green before slipping quietly back to bed, or climbed out of their cots, rearranged them into a climbing frame, then took off their pyjamas and went to sleep in the laundry? Would you call them naughty, nocturnal, not your own?

This is typical behaviour of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) affected children. Diane R, a carer of two young FAS sufferers says these kids exhibit impulsive, irrational behaviours and do not learn from experiences because they cannot understand that what they did was wrong. “In order to teach them the stove is hot and will burn them we have to repeat it over and over, every day for months, before it seems to sink in and even then we are never sure they have really learned the lesson,” she says, “FAS children don’t just struggle with learning to count, but learning life skills essential for their safety.”

Room The INDGO at Buderim • Fun educational products •Make and take workshops •Product parties now available

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Coolum Beach Christian College Taking enrolments now for all year levels for 2009.

Modern facilities, caring staff and very competitive fee structure including sibling discounts and a bursary program.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact the school office on 5446 4780 to receive a prospectus, or arrange a school tour.

Email: enrolments@cbcc.qld.edu.au

18

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

2010 Prep Classes Enrolling Now! Limited Vacancies Prep at Good Shepherd Lutheran College is a happy, safe, caring and stimulating environment where children learn effectively and thrive emotionally, spiritually and socially

Conducting Interviews Now For your child’s child opportunity to join one of the Coast’s most established and innovative Preparatory programs contact the Registrar

115 Eumundi Road Noosaville Qld 4566 PO Box 1288 Noosaville Qld 4566 P 07 5455 8600 W www.gslc.qld.edu.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Most women are now aware that heavy drinking in pregnancy can harm their babies. They are less aware of what FAS is. Drinking alcohol while pregnant will cause your baby permanent birth defects. Damage level can be determined on a sliding scale. Alcohol is a teratogen and neurotoxin, it crosses the placenta, killing off neurons in the foetal brain. Your child’s ability to learn at school, to hold down a job, to avoid getting caught up in the cycle of drug and alcohol abuse will all be compromised if you drink while pregnant. Just a few too many drinks in one sitting could cause cognitive difficulties with reasoning, memory, planning, poor judgement or difficulty handling money. Sufferers have problems with speech, attention span, hyperactivity, socialisation, or conversely, they may be over-friendly, easily taken advantage of or simply unable to read social cues.

Canada Northwest Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network CEO and Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Washington, Professor Sterling Clarren a leading expert in FAS, describes it as “a condition of mysterious mal-adaptation”.

He said it’s clear that the person isn’t coping with life, but it isn’t clear why. They are suffering from cognitive disabilities they will have for life.

The more you drink the more damage you do. Heavy drinking, defined as six or more drinks a day (one drink is defined as 100ml of wine or 375ml bottle of midstrength beer or 30ml of spirit) is highly likely to cause FAS. This is the extreme end of the spectrum and is easily diagnosed. A small amount of alcohol may do a correspondingly small amount of damage, but spread across different areas it can also be hugely debilitating and is harder to pinpoint and diagnose as alcohol related.

Most babies with FAS are not diagnosed at birth, as not all exhibit classic FAS facial features. Doctors find it hard to identify women who have been drinking and therefore do not look for the signs of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and related effects on babies. Diagnosis often comes later, when the child is having learning or behavioural difficulties. Getting that diagnosis is not easy, in fact, the condition may never be diagnosed, and is often misdiagnosed as ADHD or autism.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Although a final diagnosis comes from a doctor, the first identification comes from allied professionals – speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, who will all see one small part of the damage done and assemble a picture of the individual problem. National Organisation for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and Related Disorders (NOFASARD) spokesperson Sue Miers says the diagnostic facilities to be able to diagnose FASD just do not exist in this country.

“There is not one interdisciplinary diagnostic team specially trained to diagnose FASD in Australia and individuals with FASD are seldom recognised and seldom connected to service dollars,” she says.

FASD, as such, is not listed as a disability at Centrelink, so financial support is limited. Diane says families caring for children with FAS desperately need support.

“Our children need on-going physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and hydrotherapy just to keep their little bodies functioning. We have $10,000 worth of equipment in our backyard because without daily intentional exercise, their muscles would begin to deteriorate. Because of their disabilities, they will need a high level of supervised care and support for the rest of their lives because they will not be able to look after themselves…ever,” she cautions.

“We seem to be in denial about the incidence level of FASD in this country” says Sue Miers “while internationally, FAS is conservatively estimated to effect 1-2/1000 live births and the whole spectrum of adverse effects (including FAS) collectively known as FASD estimated to affect 1/100 live births, there have been no population based studies in Australia to determine the true incidence of these disorders or their economic, social or health costs to the community.”

Note: The term Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), covers a range of disorders such as Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), and Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD).

MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

19

education In fact, many mothers giving birth to FASD affected children are themselves FASD sufferers, and many give birth to more than one FASD affected child. This is particularly sad because one of the effects of FASD is a lack of attachment and these mothers cannot bond with or adequately care for their children. Many babies end up in care, just like their mothers before them. The children Diane cares for came to her at five weeks old, suffering from affective and attachment difficulties. “As babies they were almost non-responsive. They would lie, rigid, hands clenched, staring at the ceiling. They had no muscle tone, no sucking reflex and couldn’t feed. It took us 15 months of perseverance before we saw any sign of attachment, something as simple as a baby resting its head on Dad’s shoulder brought us to tears,” she says.

A study published in the ANZ Journal of Public Health found that overall, women who used substances in pregnancy (including alcohol, cannabis and other illicit drugs) were “older, had a tertiary education, had a higher household income, spoke English at home and were less likely to reside in a major city”. This leads to the assumption that although there is a very visible and well publicised incidence of prenatal alcohol consumption in some areas of our society, there could be a huge unrecognised problem in others.

As Sue Miers says “FASD has no social, economic or racial boundaries and will be found wherever alcohol is part of the culture”. Sadly, ours is a society in which many people drink with the intention of getting drunk. This is the most dangerous type of behaviour where FASD is concerned.

The level of alcohol in the blood of a developing foetus is the same as that of its mother when she drinks. However, because its immature liver can’t metabolise the alcohol, the alcohol stays in the foetal blood longer. Bluntly, if you go on a bender, your baby does as well. Social drinking trends now show young women drinking

more than ever before, the most dangerous behaviour for pregnant women at any stage of a pregnancy is binge drinking. As Sterling Clarren notes “High, occasional binge drinking: Now, that’s learned behaviour. You have to be in a community where people teach you that.”

With just one episode of heavy drinking anytime after around day 10 (before you even miss a period), a woman can unwittingly do her child irreversible damage.

Before this stage the embryo seems to be protected but once the placenta develops the blood passes between mother and child and alcohol gets into the baby’s bloodstream. The distinct facial features of FAS happen in a specific time window very early in pregnancy – around day 19/20 so one binge during that period is likely to cause the most obvious signs of FAS.

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The effects

of alcohol on your baby • Low birth weight • Smaller than normal head circumference • Small eyes • Flattened bridge of the nose • Underdeveloped vertical ridges from the nose to the upper lip • Thinner than normal upper lip • Small lower jaw • Heart defects • Low IQ

• Tightening of muscle, tendons and ligaments • Skin restricting movement of elbows or knees • Developmental delays • Behaviour problems • Learning difficulties • Memory problems • Increased risk of depression and psychosis • Increased risk of alcohol and drug misuse

Like it or not, alcohol is socially acceptable in our culture and problems with alcohol are brushed off lightly. Are we deliberately blind to what is before our eyes?

“The saddest thing for me” says Diane “is that, having lived with the effects of FAS first hand, I can recognise the features, the behaviours in so many other children, most of whom have not been diagnosed with anything, let alone FASD.” The true tragedy of FASD is that it is entirely preventable. The jury is still out on whether an occasional drink or a glass of wine with a meal will harm the foetus.

We know for sure, however, that a lot of alcohol can cause great harm. The safest course of action is to avoid alcohol entirely if you suspect you might be pregnant.

And if you have been drinking? The good news is that it is never too late to stop and the sooner you stop the greater your chance of having a healthy baby.

Did you know?

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia’s peak health research organisation, has released new guidelines for safe drinking and recommends that pregnant women should never become intoxicated (drunk) and should consider not drinking alcohol at all.

New Australian alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking have been released by the NHMRC in collaboration with the Department of Health and Ageing. These are available on www.nhmrc.gov.au

Have your say Comment on this article at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Of course, these are skills which are being developed and monitored on an ongoing basis as part of any quality educational program, but there are some simple things you can do at home to assist your child make a successful transition from care or home to formal schooling. • Find time to read books together every day‌ and talk about the illustrations, words and characters as you go • Encourage your child’s natural curiosity: try something new, or find different ways of doing things • Help your child remember to take turns and share their books and toys when playing with others

These are just a few activities you can work into your daily routine at home. If you are concerned about whether or not your child will be ready to start school, there are a number of places that you can go to for advice, starting with your child’s preprep, kindy or daycare teacher. Early childhood professionals are constantly assessing children’s abilities across all areas of development, and will be well placed to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

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Parentville

by Alison Rodriguez

Napping on the job I don’t have time to sleep, I’m a parent; God forbid that I should be caught napping on the job! Need eight hours sleep? Nonsense. I’m sure I didn’t sleep at all last night. So rather than how much sleep we need, I am more interested in how much sleep a person can do without before they fall in a screaming heap.

You know when you’re pregnant and some parent jokes “Oh you’ll never sleep again” and you think they are exaggerating? As a first time parent, my obstetrician repeatedly promised me “children bring great joy”. He was right, they do. What he didn’t tell me is that they also bring great work. It’s not something I like to dwell on, because I do it gladly, but I do wonder why no one thought to mention it.

The indescribable joy of tucking a sleeping child into bed, is no insurance against the rabid tremors of frustration and sleep depravation. Sometimes I don’t like the person I’ve become.

Way back BC (before children) I used to have a life. There used to be plenty of ‘me’ time and endless ‘we’ time. (Spoilt GenXers, how narcissistic and permanently adolescent can we be?) I’ve found after three and a half years of intense sleep depravation that I am unable to access anything inside my head and it’s hard to have any ‘me’ time if you’ve forgotten who ‘me’ is! In fact, I’ve forgotten who

everyone is. Today I sat near an ex-neighbour, whose daughter, as far as I remember, has always been a friend of mine and I had to ask who he was (sorry Peter!). Get a life? Get a few hours sleep!

Fortunately, I am learning to read the danger signs. I recently drove through an intersection and was instantly overwhelmed by panic as I thought “Oh no, was that light red? I looked but can’t remember.” Instead of a sign saying ‘Baby on board’, I need to warn other drivers with a sign warning 'Sleep-deprived Mother On Board'.

Truth is, many mothers I know have quite openly said the only reason they go back to work is to have a bit of a break. As one father remarked of his wife returning to part time work, “…being with the kids full-time is just too much”. (Halleluiah brother, I hear ya…) Some of us catch a glimpse of full-time domestic duties and run as fast as our child-bearing hips will carry us. As my neighbour said quietly over the back fence “For me, it’s a bit of a holiday from the kids.”

Grab that ‘me’ time anywhere you can, I say. Personally, a glass of wine on the sofa after they have all gone to bed is as much ‘me’ time as I can scavenge right now.

After 10 years of great joy I am almost on the brink of collapse. What’s the time?

Pour me a glass of wine…

Ed's note: Since Alison wrote the previous article on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, it is important to note she is not breast feeding!

How early childhood music should be!

Music learning with the fun factor • Singing • Movement and Dance • Rhythm, Beat and Metre

• Percussion Playing • Storytelling and Mime • Reading (iconic and traditional) • Keyboard Games

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Special Events Calendar 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. To update your group meeting times or venues, email events@kidsonthecoast.com.au May-December

DISCOVER QUEENSLAND

When/Where: 9.30am-5pm daily at the Queensland Museum, South Bank This year Queensland is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its separation from NSW. To celebrate the Queensland Museum is exhibiting stunning images of our great State. There is state-of-theart technology, absorbing Queensland stories and interactive activities for children.

Cost: Free Visit: www.southbank.qm.qld.gov.au

May

BIGGEST MORNING TEA

When/Where: Any time through May at any venue you organise.

Get together with a group of friends and raise funds for cancer research. Now in its 16th year, The Biggest Morning Tea is aiming to raise $11 million. You can help by holding your own fundraiser anytime during May. Just visit the website for more details and to register.

Cost: visit website for more details.

Visit: www.biggestmorningtea.com.au

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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.

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May 6-10

May 15

ANNIE THE MUSICAL

When/Where: Noosa Arts Theatre, Weyba Rd, Noosaville. Check website for session times.

Annie is a musical favourite for everyone. It tells the story of an orphan’s eternal optimism during the Great Depression and features larger than life characters, great songs and wonderful costumes.

Cost: From $20 Visit: www.noosaartstheatre.org.au

May 6-7

WIGGLES GO BANANAS! May 1-4

QUT URBAN COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL When/Where: various times and locations around Caboolture There is something for the whole family during this long weekend at the QUT Urban Country Music Festival. The little ones can enjoy fun workshops and activities at Dusty’s Kids in the Caboolture Town Square. There are also plenty of rides and action at the Next Generation Station between the Town Square and the railway station.

Cost: prices vary. Visit: www.urbancountry.com.au

When/Where: 12.30pm and 3pm, Nambour Civic Centre Sing along to all your favourite tunes and some new ones too. Not only will the Wiggles be on stage, but they will be joined by all your favourite characters including Captain Feathersword and Dorothy the Dinosaur.

Cost: $22.50 Visit: www.mve.org.au or phone: 5475 777

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When a child becomes excited about learning, there is simply no end to what he or she can accomplish. Give your child the opportunity to be confident and ready for the Prep year with this 20 week program designed to give the skills and knowledge required for a smooth transition to school life.

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When/Where: 7.00pm Wandiny Room, Twin Waters This is the major annual fundraiser for Mudjimba Community Kindergarten. Join Hot FM for a night of fun, fashion and shopping.

Cost: Tickets $25.00 includes a drink, canapés and a raffle ticket.

Contact: Shannon 0402 209 950

May 16

SCOOBIE DOO LIVE ON STAGE

When/Where: 2pm and 4.30pm Nambour Civic Centre, Nambour Join Scoobie and the rest of the Mystery Inc gang for a laughter filled show when they try to solve a mystery.

Cost: from $25 Visit: www.nambourciviccentre.com.au

IMMANUEL ARTS FESTIVAL

MALENY WOOD EXPO

When/Where: 9am-5pm, Maleny Showgrounds, Stanley River Road, Maleny This is an event for the whole family. See traditional and modern timber working methods and catch the mobile millers in action. Children will be enchanted by an interactive magical musical playground and there will be food and fabulous local music.

Cost: Children under 16 free, adults $10.

Visit: www.barunglandcare.com.au

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May 22-24

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May/June

May 10

TREES FOR MUM

When/Where: your place Children of all ages are encouraged to plant a tree to create a living memorial to their mums.

Cost: The price of a plant Visit: www.treesformum.com

When/Where: 9am-5pm Friday and Saturday, 10am-2pm Sunday. 126-142 Wises Road, Buderim The 28th Immanuel Arts Festival showcases a range of media such as painting, sculpting and photography.

Creative art works from a number of artists from around Australia will be on display and available to purchase.

Cost: From $5 Visit: www.immanuel.qld.edu.au

Programs for all ages and abilities

lasses Junior daytime c- Prep for 12mth EnRol all yEaR Round

• Tiny ToTs aged 12 months to 24 months • Kindy GyM for ages 2 - 3½ years • GyM Fun for ages 3½ - 5 years • PREP GyM Fun classes for children attending full-time Prep Year at school

Maroochy Beach Gymnastics Club 99 - 101 Wises Road, Maroochydore Phone: (07) 5443 6853 Email: maroochybeach@gymnastics.org.au

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Special Events Calendar May 23-24

June 5-8

PANIYIRI GREEK FESTIVAL

When/Where: From 2pm Saturday and 10am Sunday. Musgrave Park,The Greek Club and Brisbane Convention Centre. In Musgrave Park alone, more than 30 food stalls will showcase the tastes, recipes and secrets of food from all corners of Greece while in The Greek Club, sign up for a full program of cooking demonstrations and lectures.

Cost: Children are free.Visit: www.paniyiri.com

THE DREAMING – INTERNATIONAL INDIGENOUS FESTIVAL

When/Where: All day and evening. The Woodford Folk Festival Site, 87 Woodrow Rd, Woodford A celebration of traditional and contemporary indigenous arts, practices and culture Cost: Adults $93 per day. Children 0-$60 Visit: www.thedreamingfestival.com

May 29-30

June 8

When/Where: From 8am both days. Maleny Showgrounds, Stanley River Road, Maleny Try your luck at sideshow alley or have a go on a fun ride. There will be the gumboot iron man contest plus all the regular show features.

Cost: From $3 Visit: www.malenyshowsociety.org.auv

June 11-13

MALENY AGRICULTURAL SHOW

June 5

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY/ GREENFEST When/Where: Brisbane Botanic Gardens Presented by Brisbane City Council this is Australia’s largest green festival.

There will be free concerts with performances by Ash Grunwald, Kevin Borich and many more.

Cost: Free Visit: www.greenfest.com.au

May/June

June 19-21

BUDERIM’S BIG BASH

When/Where: From 7pm Friday to 10pm Sunday.

Various locations in Buderim.

Buderim’s Big Bash will feature 60 different community groups including churches, schools, hobby and social groups, sports clubs, churches etc. It will be a mammoth weekend of food, fun and festivity.

Cost: Free Visit: www.q150.qld.gov.au

June 21

QUEENS BIRTHDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY SUNSHINE COAST SHOW

When/Where: From 8am, Nambour Show Grounds, Nambour Come along for a great family day out at the show.

All the show favourites will be there – sideshow alley, the rides, wood-chopping and show jumping. Just to name a few.

Cost: Adults $15. Children 0-$5. Family passes available.

Visit: www.sunshinecoastshow.asn.au

RIDE FOR DANIEL

When/Where: Through the Sunshine Coast This is the 5th Ride for Daniel and attracts thousands of motorcyclists and motorbike enthusiasts. The aim of the ride is to raise funds and awareness to educate children regarding their personal safety, to assist victims of crime and to keep searching for Daniel Morecombe.

Cost: $10 Visit: www.ridefordaniel.com.au

June 26

LAST DAY OF TERM 2 FOR STATE SCHOOLS

June 17

June 26

When/Where: 1pm, The Events Centre, Caloundra These circus acts offer fast, furious and fabulous fun for the whole family. Gasp with fear and roar with laughter at the ‘tumble splat’ and be amazed at the ‘great undie escape’.

Cost: Tickets from $15.00 Visit: www.theeventscentre.com.au

Red Nose Day, held annually on the last Friday in June, is the major fundraiser for SIDS and Kids.

SIDS and Kids offers nation-wide free bereavement services to families who have experienced the death of a baby or child during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood regardless of the cause. Major shops will be selling a number of products to raise money for this great cause.

Visit: www.rednoseday.com.au

61 CIRCUS ACTS IN 60 MINUTES

RED NOSE DAY

List your event for FREE! Preference is given to community and non-profit organisations and businesses which support Kids on the Coast.

Email your details to events@kidsonthecoast.com.au as far in advance as you can!

June 27-July 13

ZOO KEEPER FOR A DAY – WINTER WOOLIE MAMMALS

When/Where: 9am-2pm, Australia Zoo, Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah.

If you are aged 7-12 you can join the zoo crew, learn all about caring for kangaroos, otters, possums, elephants and much more. Bookings open May 14.

Contact: 5436 2025 Visit: www.australiazoo.com.au/education/zookeeper-for-a-day

June/July School Holidays

SOMETHING FISHY AT UNDERWATER WORLD

When/Where: twice daily, Underwater World, The Spit, Mooloolaba Seal Island is under new management. Find out what the cheeky seals are getting up to and what they have planned for their handlers.

Cost: From $18 Visit: www.underwaterworld.com.au

June 28

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

When/Where: 9am-4pm, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs.

This celebration has something for everyone and is a great day out. There will be displays from many different and diverse cultures, food, entertainment and craft stores.

Cost: Free Visit: www.usc.edu.au/University/ MediaPublications/Events

SOCIAL BADMINTON

When/Where: 6.30pm-8.30pm Noosa Leisure Centre, Wallace Park, Noosaville Why not learn to play badminton? This is a social event and caters for everyone from beginners to advanced players. Coaching is available and all equipment is provided. Contact: 5447 1177

Songs stories and games. It’s Play School Live In Concert.

Play equipment and age appropriate toys for babies and kids up to 10 years Parents can take a break with delicious coffee, tea, cakes, light meals Healthy food choices for the kids too

Birthday Party packages available Private party bookings Phone for more information

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Monday 27th July Lake Kawana Community Centre Bokarina Tickets On Sale @ Pumpkin Patch Kawana Shopping World Tuesday 28th July Noosa Bicentennial Hall Tickets On Sale @ Mary Ryan’s Bookstore Bay Village Noosa All Tickets *$13.20 Adults at childrens prices. Under 12mths free BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL ON SALE NOW For Phone Bookings Call Kids Promotions on 1300 788 028 For full tour details and online bookings go to www.kidspromotions.com.au *Cash sales only at local outlets /$5.50 Processing fee for phone & online bookings per booking not per ticket

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Contagious?

by Madonna Hirning

Have you looked around you lately and noticed women in various stages of pregnancy? Not to mention babies and small children! Well I may be a mum myself but it seems that almost everyone else on the Coast is as well, or at least on their way to be. I have always found it hard to know whether I notice pregnant women and babies more since having a baby myself, or whether there really are more people having babies these days. It seems that lately I just can’t keep up with the baby gifts. I am sure that this phenomenon isn’t helped by the busy pace of life. Once when friends were pregnant the nine months used to take forever, whereas these days it feels like I have just become used to the idea before they are rushed to the birth suite.

Well, it seems that if you have felt the same lately it may be for good reason.

Nambour Hospital maternity unit manager Cheryl Rutherford says this past March saw them deliver 225 babies which is about 11 more babies in one month than usual for this time of year. Now I don’t know about you but this has me wondering “WHAT was going on last July?” Cheryl reports March, July, September and October generally see the highest number of births. When it comes to the gender game, despite Nambour Hospital having two full days recently where only little boys appeared, both Cheryl and Sue from Selangor Private Hospital agree that it all evens out in the end.

Selangor Private Hospital at Nambour has noticed a steady increase in births over the past five years. An observation which Cheryl from Nambour General Hospital agreed with. She says there was about a 15% jump in the number of births one year on from the introduction of the baby bonus by the Australian Government. Cheryl says despite the bumper crop of babies delivered at Nambour General Hospital in March, overall numbers are slightly down to date in this financial year with about 30-40 births less than usual, although she expects this gap to close by the end of the financial year.

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www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

“I have always found it hard to know whether I notice pregnant women and babies more since having a baby myself, or whether there really are more people having babies these days."

No Baby Yet?

Neither Nambour General Hospital nor Selangor Private Hospital expected to see any significant changes to birth rates as a result of the global economic crisis.

An article in The Age newspaper in 2007 says Australia’s birth rate is currently the highest it has been in 36 years. The article attributes the rising birth rate to the introduction of the baby bonus and reported a 2.5% increase in births in 2005 compared to the previous year. To add food for thought about the possible importance of an incentive such as the baby bonus, the article, however, says that in 2006 registered deaths nationally were the highest ever recorded at 133,900.

The good news about the flourishing baby business on the Coast is that more room and improved facilities are on the way to cater for the growing need for high quality birthing services with the opening of the Coast’s newest public hospital at Kawana planned for 2014. According to Cheryl the birthing suites in the new hospital will be larger than the ones currently in use at Nambour and each birth suite will be equipped with an appropriately designed bath to give a more natural option to mums for assistance with managing the pain of contractions during labour.

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So, what if falling pregnant hasn’t been so easy for you? Well, IVF Sunshine Coast liaison officer Kellie Campbell says you are not alone. IVF Sunshine Coast is one of several IVF clinics providing much needed assistance to couples experiencing difficulty conceiving. Kellie says not all people are aware that when it comes to fertility problems, while statistics show that in 35% of cases the problem is related to the woman, there is equally a 35% chance that the difficulty relates to the male. Interestingly, Kellie reports that in 20% of cases the problem is attributed to the male/female combination, or interaction between the two partners, meaning that both members of the couple may not experience the same difficulties with another partner. In the remaining 10% of cases the reasons for the couple’s infertility remains unknown.

Age can be a significant factor in the reduction of fertility for the woman – female fertility begins to rapidly decline after the age of 36 with an initial decline apparent after the age of 27, while women over the age of 40 hold less than 5% likelihood of falling pregnant. However, although many of us are under the assumption that men can father babies well into their old age…this is not necessarily so! Kellie says the quality of a man’s sperm begins to decrease after the age of 40. Therefore, with many couples leaving it until later to start a family, age obviously can be a major factor in relation to fertility problems.

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on Thursday’s 11am-2pm or Friday’s 9am-12pm or call Mel for an appointment at any other time on 0448 848 190 MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

27

BABIES ON

the coast

Putting off having a family is not always due to reasons we may think, such as putting off children to pursue a career. Kellie says a study conducted by the Fertility Society of Australia found that the number one reason women put off having children is because they have not yet found a stable partner with whom they are willing to commit to having children. Kellie believes this demonstrates that on the whole, when it comes to making choices about starting a family, Australian women are becoming more educated and planning more for the future and part of this plan for many involves finding a reliable and suitable partner with whom to share the parenting journey.

When it comes to fertility, research and advances in technology have made a whole new range of options available to prospective parents. So if you haven’t been blessed with that special little someone yet or have any concerns relating to your age or fertility in general, perhaps it may be worth a chat to a local fertility clinic.

Journal for the pregnant goddess Tara Spicer and Nicole Graham

Getting your head around the pregnancy process can be daunting at times. This CD helps teach calming techniques and the accompanying journal enables you to keep keep positive during pregnancy. The pages are titled ‘Mentor moments’ and ‘Meditation moments’. A wonderful baby shower gift for those ‘alternative’ mums who want to prepare for positive and fearless birthing using meditation and journaling. Available at The Natural Foodstore, Forest Glen, The Wishing Well, Coolum, Sea to Sky Massage, Peregian Beach, Inner Vortex, Maroochydore and Equilibrium, Cotton Tree. Price: $39.95. For more information or to purchase, visit www.journalsforempowerment.com

Winter clothes now in stock Come and visit Think Kids, I’m sure you will find that special something

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Our second 12 week block starting on the April 14th. Come and join us and our new gym programs.

Next to Noosa Cinema Centre Sunshine Beach Rd, Noosa. P: 07 5447 4622

www.thinkkidsnoosa.com.au

Teach your child to become a positive thinker Resiliency building workshops for children - Growing Early Childhood facilitate a 10 week resiliency program, endorsed by the World Health Organisation.

They give children the’ life long’ skills to be able to cope with life’s challenges, to change thoughts into positives, to understand feelings, to develop positive friendships and more. Age grouping 4-7 years and 7-12 years.

Parenting Workshops - 2 hours a week for 4 weeks. A comprehensive look at children’s behaviours and how parents can promote resilient, happy and confident children. The workshops are for parents who want to understand their children and bring out the best in them by focussing on strengths and positive strategies.

In-home consultancy - Our consultants come to you, to work with your family and their individual needs. Children’s behaviours of all kinds are considered and practical strategies are suggested to encourage positive and strength based learning and development. Follow up visits can be arranged or one off visits are available.

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

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Midnight feed muesli bars After long sleepless nights, it’s tempting to hit the caffeine and chocolate but they are then passed to your baby through breast milk. These treats make a wonderful gift to the new mum and get her through long nights without sleep!

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Further reading: With The Everything Baby Shower Book, by Sabrina Hill and Joni Russell there will never be another dull, boring baby shower again! Completely updated and revised with new ideas for parties, food and games, this newly designed book offers information on: Saving money while hosting a festive event.

Welcome the new mum If all your friends are having babies, embrace the excitement and throw them a baby shower and help them stock up on all the baby necessities. I especially like the idea about each person cooking and bringing a meal for the freezer so the new mum can have a freezer full of ready to heat meals after baby arrives….what a great idea and probably more appreciated than yet another pair of booties!

Take my advice though and get planning early as you are on a tight time schedule. I had the best intentions to throw a small baby shower recently for a dear friend but alas I sat on my laurels too long and now baby Hamish is here without so much as a baby name guessing game to welcome him into the world! Luckily he is just so cute that he doesn’t seem to care that my lack of forward planning cost him his shower!

Find more wonderful ideas at www.babycenter.com.au and www.thebabyshowershop.com.au

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ADVERTISING

FEATURE

Keeping kids

by Christine Hobba

safe Remember those carefree days BC (before children)? You never had to worry about how stable your 100cm plasma TV screen was on your glass-topped table; Floor lamps created atmosphere rather than new climbing challenges and furniture corners weren’t lethal. Did you know 350 Australian children are killed and over 60,000 children are hospitalised each year from injuries that are often the result of a preventable accident at home?

Statistically, Queensland has the highest injury rate and the most common causes are drowning, falling, burns and poisons.

The majority of accidents can be prevented by parents being aware of potential hazards so, at the risk of scaring you, here are the top areas of concern and ideas you may not have considered to mitigate the risk.

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The Long Ride Home Taking your baby home from the hospital is not as straight forward as you might think. There are a number of rules and regulations that govern what type of restraint is suitable for your baby’s first car trip. Make sure you are prepared for this well before you go to hospital.

A child must always be suitably restrained in a car – no matter what their age the restraint should always be appropriate for the child’s weight and height: Infant restraints are suitable for babies, child seats are for very young children, booster seats and harnesses are for young children and seatbelts for older children.

Once your infant has reached the weight limit of their car restraint it is time for them to graduate to a forward-facing child seat. Some adaptable infant convertible seats face backwards until the baby weights 9-12kg, and then convert to a child seat. This seat can be used until the child reaches 18kg, their shoulders are too wide for the seat or their shoulders are 25mm above the top adjustment holes. At this time they graduate to a booster seat which positions high enough to safely use the seat belt. It is dangerous to use a booster seat too early, or to use a cushion in lieu of a booster seat.

If the seating device is not installed properly, it can become a hazard itself. The instructions may seem easy to follow, but for peace of mind, consider having a professional double check your work. The Queensland Ambulance Service offers affordable baby capsule hire and a child restraint fitting service. Call 1300 369 003. Australian Standards have changed over the past few years too. It might be tempting to use a hand-me-down seat to save a few dollars, but older seats may be less safe and structurally unsound.

Plastics and danger Recent research has found plastic products breakdown when heated and the results can be harmful and the United States has banned the chemical compound Bisphenol-A (BPA) which is a synthetic chemical that can mimic natural hormones. (see It’s Only Natural section, page 37).

Unfortunately BPA is not the only chemical compound causing concerns with its effects on infant health. In Europe and some states of America a plastic softening compound called phthalates has been banned. Studies have shown it may cause serious reproductive and hormonal abnormalities in newborn boys. Phthalates are found in teething rings, rubber ducks, children toys as well as shampoos and powders.

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31

ADVERTISING

FEATURE How safe is your home When you look through the eyes of a baby, home sweet home looks anything but. As your baby starts to crawl, and chew, stand and walk the hazards change, and it is important to stay vigilant. Decide if you are going to gate your stairs as your baby finds their feet, make sure outdoor chairs are away from veranda rails, inspect upstairs windows to make sure little bodies can’t squeeze through and raise small objects out of reach.

Kitchens are a hotbed of adventure. Are the knives secure and out of reach from enquiring little hands? Are chemicals and soap products out of the way? Have you installed temporary locks on the cleaning cupboard and can pots and pans be pulled down on top of your toddler? One common ingredient of washing powder, for instance, is sodium hydroxide. Very low levels of this product can produce irritation of the skin and eyes. Do you store this toxic chemical under the kitchen sink in an unsecured cupboard?

There are so many things to consider that Kidsafe Queensland has created a display home ‘safe house’ at 50 Bramston Terrace, Herston, in Brisbane which is open to the public. It includes a working kitchen and bathroom with lots of information about the safety aspects of each area (including dealing with snakes, dog bites and safe toys). There is even a poisonous plants garden! The Kidsafe house has a large range of child injury prevention products on display and most products are available for purchase. Visit www.kidsafe.qld.com

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One child drowns every week in Australia Swimming pools provide endless fun but they also raise serious safety issues and obligations when children are around. Fenced pools can make parents feel falsely secure about their children’s safety and sadly, drowning still occurs when a pool fence is in place. It often takes less time than it takes to answer the phone.

“Little did we know our son had got into our pool while we were preparing to go out,” said mum Katie, who found her son Jacob in their backyard pool.

“After a night in hospital, he made a full recovery. We were so lucky to find him when we did.”

A gate may not close properly, a chair enables them to reach the gate bolt, or the kids just simply see the pool fence as a challenging object to climb. A recent survey indicated by the age of four, 62% of children could climb a 1.2 metre fence in around 12 seconds!

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

The Aqua-Guard Pool Safety Net fits snugly over the pool as a barrier between children and the water. Made from heavy duty polyethylene, the net can easily hold an adult’s weight and children cannot get under, over or through the net.

“We are now at peace knowing our Aqua-Guard Pool Safety Net is in our pool,” Katie said. “We wish we had done it sooner.”

Over 350,000 parents, schools, communities and safety experts worldwide rely on a Pool Safety Net because they are one of the most secure, proven safety systems available today. No child has ever drowned in a pool protected by a correctly installed Aqua-Guard safety net.

Be part of Aqua-Guard Pool Safety Net’s 100% safety record. Phone 0407 914 586 now, or visit www.aqua-guard.com.au. Rest assured with 24-hour-a-day, yearround pool protection.

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Electricity Have a critical look at the power sockets in your house. If they aren’t being used, switch them off. If the sockets are at down at baby height invest in some socket covers. Outlet plugs cost as little as $3 for a set of 12. Similar covers are available for the VCR. But what about other side effects of our technological age? Have a look under your home office desk and check out the number of leads and cords on the floor.

It might be worth thinking about getting a baby gate to limit access to your study.

Don’t forget that water and electricity do not mix. Make sure all electrical appliances are kept away from water. Don’t, for instance, put a CD player in the bathroom and always store your hair dryer away after use. Most importantly, educate your children from an early age about the dangers of electricity.

Poisons Harmful if swallowed: It’s on a lot of products, but not all… so don’t become complacent. Alcohol, left accessible, can kill your child just as readily as bleach. Just pick up any household cleaning or personal hygiene product and read the list of ingredients. If you don’t know what these ingredients are just think of what they might do if ingested.

Alcohol, medications and many household cleaning products need to be stored in a secure cupboard or up high, out of reach. Hair treatments, garden sprays and pet products are also harmful if used incorrectly. Be careful of the type of container you use to store chemicals in too. It is easy for a child to mistake coolant as a soft drink, for instance, if it is in the wrong container. The Raising Children Network (www raisingchildren.net.au) offers an extensive list of hazardous poisons that can be found throughout your home.

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ADVERTISING

FEATURE

“More children die of injury than die of cancer, asthma and infectious diseases combined.” (www.kidsafe.com.au)

Heidi Cooper, www.buderimphotography.com.au

Outside Play Trampolines are great fun for children who can spend what seems like hours bouncing up and down. However Choice Magazine lists trampolines as one of the top 10 products NOT to buy your child due to the number of injuries they cause. Many doctors recommend that children under six shouldn’t be allowed to use trampolines due to the risk of injury.

If you have a swimming pool make sure it is properly fenced. Check the latch to make sure it is working properly. Look around the yard for any objects that could be used to assist climbing over the fence and always supervise your child around the water.

Visiting It’s not only your house that needs to be child-friendly and child-safe.

You need to consider the homes of your friends and family too. How child safe are the homes of people you visit? Just because you are prepared for children, don’t expect the people you visit to be. Take a critical look at their house to try and identify potential hazards both inside and outside.

Even if you have a child-friendly family pet, it doesn’t mean your friends pet has the same disposition. Never leave your child unsupervised or unattended near a dog or cat (even your own). Your child might unexpectedly tug on an ear or tail with disastrous results. There have been numerous stories about the trusted family dog mauling a child.

As a parent you are responsible for your child’s safety and well-being. Be pro-active.

Don’t wait for the emergency to happen then think “if only I had”... Children need to explore and investigate in order to learn about the world. As a parent it is up to you to ensure they can do so safely.

For more information www.childsafetyaustralia.com.au www.safersolutions.org.au www.safer.qld.gov.aul www.raisingchildren.net.au www.directory.mumsweb.com

Have your say Comment on this article at www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

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DR. ROGER MORRIS www.doc4kidz.com.au Dr. Roger Morris is a General Practitioner in Maroochydore, who has a special interest in Child and Adolescent Health

Childhood amnesia Childhood Amnesia is the common inability of adults to remember the earliest years of childhood, characterised by a relative absence of memory recall prior to 3 or 4 years of age. The idea of childhood amnesia is not a complete absence of memories, but a relative scarcity of memories prior to age 4 years that cannot be accounted for by pure ‘forgetting’. Research is showing that children in the under 4 years age bracket are excellent learners and are quick to acquire and retain information. However it seems that much of these early childhood memories are lost in adulthood through ‘child amnesia’. Much research has been and continues to be conducted about childhood amnesia and it posed the following explanations:

Emotion explanation This theory relates to the strong connection between emotion centres in our brain and memory. It has been suggested that differences of emotions experienced by infants and adults may be the cause of childhood amnesia.

Context explanation This theory states that differences in perspective of external events between children and adults may be a cause of childhood amnesia. Infantile perceptions and understanding are different to adults and may affect how memories are encoded and stored. Memories may be closely connected with the development of self-perception and self-awareness (around 2 years of age). It is thought that the inability of adults to be able to recall early childhood memories relates therefore to these memories not being mentally flagged as pertaining to self

Freudian explanation Freud was always controversial, and his explanation of childhood amnesia was no less controversial. Freud theorised that childhood amnesia was the result of the mind’s attempts to repress memories of traumatic events that occurred in the psychosexual development of every child (the so-called ‘repression theory’). Freud’s theory has been heavily criticised, mainly due to relative lack of evidence.

Research has also found distinct gender and racial variations in the ability to recall early childhood memories. Females tend to have earlier and more vivid memory recall (as well as long memories as any husband will attest). This may relate to early conversational reinforcement of early memories. Similarly, New Zealand Maoris tend to have the earliest childhood memories and this may be due to conversational reinforcement by close family members early on in life.

Language explanation The incomplete development of language in young children may be a cause of childhood amnesia, due to a difference in the manner in which memories are encoded and stored in the brain. Some studies have postulated that language development plays a pivotal role in childhood amnesia.

Sources: You Must Remember This’, Jenny Richmond.

Where Have Those Early Memories Gone?, Patricia J. Bauer. APA online, Vol 18: No. 12, Dec 2004.

Source: ‘Child Abuse & Neglect’, (Newman), Australian Doctor, Aug 2004 (29-36).

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.

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35

speak

kid

by Brooke Tunbridge

Editor’s note: As a parent it is easy to get caught up in the washing, cleaning, feeding and driving, and forget we hold the most awesome of jobs: Raising the next generation. Fourteen year old Brooke Tunbridge is one of that generation. She moved to Australia in 2001 from Wanganui, New Zealand and lives on the Sunshine Coast with her parents, sister and dog. Brooke is currently in Year 9 and her favourite subjects are English, drama and music. “I hope to be a successful journalist or editor of Vogue magazine,” Brooke says, “I aim high, because my motto is to ‘think, do, be positive!’” Brooke’s insight into her world (written by a kid, for kids) provides a new perspective to Kids on the Coast.

Kids: valuable members of society Many Australians were awestruck by the generosity and camaraderie of thousands of people coming together to assist with the tragic bushfires in Victoria. Watching the bushfires on television, I couldn’t help but think back to when I was six years old watching the devastating events of 9/11. It just doesn’t look or feel like it is real.

Whenever a tragic event occurs, it makes us stop, think and appreciate life: A reality check, if you like. The way that the Australian people have come together shows us the power of one. One person can make all the difference in the happiness of another. One story that proved that to me was a couple who were battling the flames of their home, when their neighbour (who was a hermit, and they hardly ever saw him) left his home to assist his neighbour. That one person made a difference.

It’s a shame it takes a tragedy to bring the community together. Helping out in your community can be a really rewarding experience, knowing that you have done something to help somebody leaves you feeling great. I know that when I have helped out with events in my community the experiences have been fantastic and I have met some incredible people, children and adults. It has also personally given

me a lot of confidence within myself. So how do you help out in your community?

There are many organisations in need of volunteers, so maybe talk to your parents or teacher about which one you may be able to help with.

Recently, I discovered The Inspire Foundation, which is a worldwide organisation.

Its mission is to inspire young people to help themselves, get involved in the community and get online. The Inspire Foundation helps by using technology, media and events that relate to preventing youth suicide and improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing. It joins Australian charities Reach Out and Act Now to educate young people about drugs, sex, alcohol and relationships and help those who have mental disabilities by offering tools, resources and connections to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Participants raise money in their community using their imagination, creativity and motivation.

Remember that your own energy and enthusiasm will encourage others to want to get involved as well! For more information visit:www.inspire.org.au

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

What if…

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Plastic – not so fantastic

by Christine Hobba

Plastic products are so convenient and such a part of today’s life it seems as though they’ve been around forever – would you believe that the first plastic bags were showcased at London’s Great International Exhibition in 1862? But increasingly, there are concerns about how plastic is produced and what chemicals go into making it, and how all this might be affecting our environment and our health.

What are

Plastics made from?

Most plastic products are derived from petrochemical products such as oil and natural gas, but the term “plastic” covers a wide variety of different materials, many of which contain other specific chemicals in order to make them suitable for their intended use. For example, clear, hard plastics (polycarbonate plastics) are made with a chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA). Since the 1960’s, BPA plastics have been widely used for “food grade” materials, such as air-tight containers, baby bottles, sippy cups, and coatings for the inside of tinned and canned drinks and foods, including baby formula. They’re also used for everything from optical lenses, CD cases, and mobile phones, to vehicles, safety equipment, computers, epoxy resins, etc.

However, BPA just happens to be a chemical which can mimic the natural hormone oestrogen. As always, the internet abounds with conflicting information. While manufacturers say BPA has been studied extensively and proven safe, others say that the chemical bond between BPA molecules is unstable, and according to online journal Bio-medicine, tests have shown that BPA can enter the body from the food [or milk] being heated in a plastic container. Some studies have indicated that BPA can interfere with the brain development of newborns, and that when some baby

®

bottles are heated they can leach dangerous levels of BPA. In 2008, The National Toxicology Program from the US Department of Health and Human Services expressed “some concern for the effects on brain, behaviour and prostate gland in foetuses, infants and children at current human exposure to BPA”. The Scientific American online journal says BPA “has also been linked to breast cancer and to the early onset of puberty”.

Activists allege that the chemical industry has exerted undue influence on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with a leading industry figure “coincidentally” donating $US 5 million to a university research centre directed by the chair of the FDA’s BPA review panel.

In October 2008, Canada was the first country in the world to take regulatory action, banning the sale of all clear polycarbonate plastic baby bottles that contain BPA. Japanese regulators are also reviewing the situation and the US has created a coalition of health advocates to address the problem. Six major US manufacturers agreed earlier this year to stop using BPA in baby bottles. However according to a statement on Food Standards Australia / New Zealand’s website (www.foodstandards.gov.au), while they are keeping a close eye on the action of other countries, for now they are agreeing with the European Food Safety Authority that BPA levels, even in bottle-fed babies, are well below the currently acceptable “safe limits”.

In any case, BPA-free baby and water bottles are now available, as a variety of producers are responding to consumer concern. (Ask at baby outlets or do a Google search for “BPA-free” for more information.)

PROTECT YOUR BABY’S HEALTH U.S. and Canada have banned the sale of all toxic Polycarbonate (PC) plastic baby bottles that contain the nasty chemical Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is the primary ingredient added to make Polycarbonate plastic.

This dangerous chemical leaches from baby’s bottle into their milk. World leading scientists agree that BPA, an endocrine disrupting chemical, poses serious health risks to foetuses, babies and young children.

Buy BPA free Smart baby bottles, your baby is starting a new life so why not start off using materials that you know are safer and do not leach the toxic chemical Bisphenol A, or any other chemicals into baby’s milk.

For more information Ph. 07 5597 6696 or visit www.smartbabybottle.com.au www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

37

ONLY

natural

It’s not just

Not happy about

BPA...

Have you let your child chew on a chemical compound called polyvinyl chloride?

Probably. Polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as PVC, is widely used in the manufacturing of teething rings, rubber ducks and a number of plastic toys. Plastic compounds called phthalates are often added to the PVC to make it more flexible and soft. A number of European countries and some states of America have recently banned children’s toys containing some phthalates as some studies have shown they may cause serious reproductive and hormonal abnormalities in newborn boys.

Again, the Australian government hasn’t banned the use of phthalates in children’s toys, so be an informed consumer and shop around. The best way to find out if your child’s toy contains phthalates is to contact the manufacturer or visit www.healthytoys.org for more information.

There are a number of sites available online who advertise as having eco friendly/ organic/chemical free toys (do a Google search using these terms), many of which also support fair trade and ethical business practices - another great reason to support them!

Not all

Plastics are created equal

As convenient as plastic is, there are a number of reasons to try and look for alternatives. For example, PVC wrap is often used on pre-packaged meat, fruit and vegetables, and some takeaway foods. When food is wrapped in plastic, some of the chemicals in the plastic can transfer to the food inside. Plastic also creates landfill waste and is usually manufactured from non-renewable resources.

bag, thanks

Australians love plastic bags - after all, they’re handy, cheap, waterproof and readily available. Oh, and pretty much indestructible. In 2004, The Department of Environment and Heritage found Australians used “6.7 billion supermarket or checkout bags, 900 million LDPE (thick plastic) shopping bags, 830 million sandwich and storage bags, 720 million freezer bags, 330 kitchen tidy bags and 250 million garbage bags”. Imagine all that in landfill, as street litter or washed into our

We hope you give us the opportunity to show you what we can do for your children. We know you will be happy with our program and the results your children will achieve, irrespective of how nervous or confident your child may be.

This is a timely reminder that as parents we have a responsibility to ensure our children Learn To Swim!!

The Neurosensory Unit offers complete hearing health care for the whole family.

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Believe it or not, biodegradable plant-based plastics have been around for quite some time. The term biodegradable means that a substance can be broken down by living organisms within a specific number of days. Of course this sometimes means they’re not as waterproof or long-lasting, but new improved bioplastics are being developed, for example those now used in the manufacture of some “eco-friendly” disposable nappies. (See Check This Out).

STARS

It’s never to early to test your Childs hearing.

Please visit our website or call your local clinic for further information.

nappies?

Disposable nappies were once considered a miracle. Environmentally-speaking, they’re a disaster, and because they contain potential irritants, and are often changed less frequently, they can also contribute to severe nappy rash and urinary tract infections. We now have an average of 3.75 million disposable nappies dumped DAILY in Australia and New Zealand, and they take hundreds of years to break down. As well as plasticized “paper” coverings, the sodium polyacrylate filling, which makes disposables so absorbent, can come loose, appearing as small crystals on your baby’s skin, and potentially entering the genitals / urinary tract. What a difference 30 years makes to the “disposable” mentality: the smart, enviro- and baby-friendly and long-term cheaper alternatives include new generation cloth nappies (nothing like the old ones!) and biodegradable disposables.

www.qha.com.au

5479 1509 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Further reading: Part of an engaging and visual series of books aimed at primary schoolers, Plastics takes an in-depth look at how plastics are recycled, from the bin to the brand new product. Other books in the series look at metal, paper, food waste, water and glass. They make a great complement to the school curriculum. Published

by Hatchette Children’s books and available in most good bookshops. Visit www.hachettechildrens.com.au waterways where they play havoc on our marine life (in the ocean those pesky clear plastic bags are a dead ringer for sea jellies).

It’s great to say no to plastic bags, but be aware that calico bags use a lot of water resources (to produce the cotton), paper bags use trees and energy and can’t be reused as often, and “green bags” are made from polypropylene fibres, which take a while to break down, although at least if they do make it to the ocean, they won’t be mistaken for a food source. Consider using string or hemp bags, and/or or walking to the shops with a “granny trolley” that you can load up and wheel behind you…green is cool, after all, and you’ll use less fuel and get more exercise!

Plastic,

plastic, everywhere

Love may fade, but plastic goes on. Ocean currents have created various “toilet bowls” where plastics and garbage collect. One, known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, off the United States, was the size of Texas in the early 1990’s and continues to grow larger in area, while the fragments of plastic become smaller and enter the food chain. It’s frightening, but does it help to scowl at shoppers as they carry plastic bags to their car? Well, at least if they use supermarket carry bags to line rubbish bins, they aren’t buying plastic bin liners! While the long-term goal may be to eliminate plastic from our environment, in the meantime we can at least re-use it.

Baby & Kids Market

Ten ways to

un-plastic your life

1. Be aware of how much plastic you buy. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.

2. Kick the bottled water habit – carry a stainless steel bottle and refill it.

3. Avoid or cut down on takeaway teas and coffees. BYO mug instead 4. Don’t put plastic bags in your recycle bins - it affects the machinery 5. Look for enviro-friendly packaging / recycled or recyclable materials, for

example, switch from laundry detergent in plastic bottles to powders in cardboard boxes.

6. Go back to using solid soap 7. Wrap your household waste in newspapers

8. Make your own natural cleaning products such as bi-carbonate soda and vinegar rather than buying commercial ones in plastic bottles.

9. Cut the tops off drink bottles and plant seedlings or use as scoops

10. Create a craft box full of used packaging,

boxes, cardboard rolls etc. It will help reduce the need for other plastic toys, and at the end you can put it all in the recycle bin (when the kids aren’t looking)!

Pre and Post Natal

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celebrate

LET’S

by Jane O’Hare

It is important to mark the milestones in a baby’s life, and none is more important than their arrival. There are as many ways to celebrate as there are children, and every family has its traditions. Sometimes new parents try to please everyone but themselves, so it is best to step back and discuss with your partner what is best for you and your baby.

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A non-religious ceremony is a great way to add an element of importance without excluding friends of different faiths. If you choose to have a celebrant, he or she will discuss elements of the ceremony to make sure it suits you. Sunshine Coast celebrate Robyn Ramsay says choices can be made from readings or poetry, often spiritual, without being religious. Robyn has a number of poems and readings for the parents to choose from. “Some people like to write their own verses or prose, so we plan the ceremony together”, she says.

“I like to research the child’s names and incorporate the meanings into my service.”

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Often the baby receives a blessing and family members contribute in some way.

Why not choose a family member to sprinkle different colour rose petals over the baby as the readings are presented? Different colours can represent different aspects of the child’s life.

Babies have been welcomed into the world for eons and the traditional religious ceremonies are surprisingly similar. Christians welcome babies with a Christening which is held as part of the normal weekly service or as a separate occasion and involves donning the baby with water. Hindus, perform a naming ceremony which takes place 12 days after the birth. The child has a ceremonial bath, during which, the congregation sings songs with the child’s name included. Jewish girl babies go through a naming ceremony on the first Sabbath following their birth, and the boys are named and circumcised on the eighth day after their birth. If you choose a religious occasion, make sure to plan well in advance.

It can be difficult deciding who will be asked to take on this role without offending others, however it’s possible not everyone is willing to take on the responsibility either. I know one woman who felt it would be hypocritical to be a godmother as she had no religion so, it is important to understand your expectations of these people. Perhaps outline their duties from simply remembering the child’s birthdays to providing counsel or spiritual guidance in the future. It is a nice idea to publicly thank the chosen people at the celebration, and even say why they were chosen. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

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Cupcake Teahouse Cupcake Creations Fairy Parties High Tea Occasions Birthday & Wedding Cakes All Special Occasion Cakes Wholesale Designer Desserts

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UP COMING EVENtS at Buderim Mall

• Ask guests to write wishes for the baby; place them in a special box for the child to keep, and read when he or she is older • Take time to explain the baby’s names and what they mean to you • Give a special, long lasting gift to your child, perhaps a gold or silver engraved bracelet, or cuff links • Make or buy a journal that will include photos, and memorable moments as they grow • Create a cot or bed quilt with child’s name and birth date • Plant a tree or shrub in your garden • Start a bank account or shares portfolio for your baby • Start a collection (stamps, coins or teacups etc) which can be added to each year on their birthday • Write a poem, song, story, or letter to your child expressing your love, and hopes and dreams for the future

Mother’s Day SUNDAY MAY 10th Morning tea 9.00am - 11.30am. Adults $18.00 Kids(12 & under ) $10.

Bookings essential. Deposit required upon booking.

to celebrate “Australia’s Biggest Morning tea” SAtUrDAY 23rD MAY. 1PM-4PM Cupcake Teahouse and Kuddly Kids are hosting: “Australia’s biggest tea party”. Princess and Pirate tea party and fashion parade, showcasing Kuddly Kids latest fashions, and a Mini High Tea served by Cupcake Teahouse. Prizes for the best dressed Princess and Pirates. Raffles.

Adults $18.00 Kids (12 & under ) $10. $1.00 from every ticket sold donated to The Cancer Council. Tickets available from Cupcake Teahouse & Kuddly Kids.

tea and Cupcake Morning News agencies sell invitations that simply require filling in the gaps, but you may prefer to make your own. You can buy great paper at newsagents and craft shops, and either create a template on the computer, printing each invite separately or, for the creative, hand write your own. To personalise them you might like to add a baby photo, hand or foot print. Make sure you keep a copy for the baby. It is advisable to phone essential family to check the date doesn’t clash with another family event before writing the invitations. For making your own invitations there are a couple of websites worth checking. www.bluemountain.com and www.vistaprint.com.au

Don’t forget to thank people for coming to your baby’s celebration. Often forgotten, but very important, this finishing touch can be made with things like a hand made card sent in the mail, a gift given at the event itself or a framed baby photo of the guest with your baby. Regardless of the way you welcome your baby, enjoy your Have your say little ones: they are a wonderful gift to be Comment on this article at nurtured and loved. As they grow, continue www.kidsonthecoast.com.au to delight in their endeavours. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

thUrSDAY 28th MAY

$1.00 from every pot of tea sold on the day donated to The Cancer Council.

The one stop kids shop on Buderim

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Buderim Mall (near The Cupcake Teahouse) Burnett Street, Buderim Tel: 5445 2486

Loads of different birthday gifts, school bags and fun things to choose from.

MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

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holidays

Two have become three… you have spent the last few months on an umbilical like radius from home and your first holiday together with your baby is a cause for excitement and nervous anticipation.

It’s all so new, the baby needs so much STUFF, and you aren’t really sure how you are going to cope away from home.

HAPPY

At the risk of sounding obvious, holidays with babies require a little forward planning. Once you get it into your head that it will take longer to move around, require more luggage and test your patience, then it’s possible to sink into the groove and revel in watching your baby’s reaction to new experiences.

Your

First holiday together

by Sarah Pye

But what IS most important when choosing a holiday experience with your baby or toddler? It was a question close to my heart three years ago, when I started the research for my master’s in communication. The resulting industry research project Kids Welcome – the needs and desires of travelling families, was the result of several years’ research and surveys of the parents of over 80 children ranging in ages from newborn to teens.

The first stage of research started with informal interviews of parents with children in each of three age groups: Preschool, primary and teenagers. Parents were asked about the things they looked for when choosing products in five different categories: Attractions and activities, accommodation, camping, eating establishments and tours.

Results found that the features important differed substantially depending on the age of the children. Generally, parents with babies and preschool-age children, for instance, focused on the provision of appropriate equipment to make their lives easier. Things like high chairs, prams, easy walking distances and ability to bring their own food were very important. As children reached primary-age, parents focused more on meeting the emotional needs of their children. Features like entertainment, maintaining a child’s interest and having appropriate activities

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

BRINGS

YOU

Kym Lardner, Linsey Pollak

and Funny Face Films!

With a unique talent for story telling combined with music, illustration and movement, Kym Lardner is guaranteed to have kids of all ages laughing until their sides ache and their faces hurt from smiling.

Passing Wind, a new show by Linsey Pollak is a quirky look at how wind instruments work and how they are invented using some pretty unexpected materials.

Funny Face Films is a photography and film making workshop. Kids as young as 6 will get to watch short films from the Heart of Gold International Film Festival and experience making their own film from still photography.

May 20th–22nd

at schools and child care centres on the Sunshine Coast

Solarcoaster 2009 Arts Residency Programme

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Places are filling fast! Bookings close on the 8th of May. www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

were deemed more important as they got older. Then, when it came to teenagers, parents’ expectation and desires changed again… that’s so far in your future right now, we won’t go into depth!

The results of informal discussions were used to design a questionnaire which was distributed widely to schools and playgroups in the Sunshine and Gold Coast region and results were used to critique tourism products. For instance, when it came time to choose accommodation with your baby, small child-safe rooms, cleanliness, self contained options and child-friendly service were considered very important. All respondents rated the availability of a pool high on their list and preferably one with water features. Playgrounds and kids’ clubs were also valued for toddlers and, on a more practical side, highchairs, cots, baths and pram accessibility were helpful. More than half the parents surveyed said they would choose a self contained option (54%).

In research discussions with parents, many wonderful tried and tested travel tips emerged for travelling with babies:

Choosing accommodation

Short term or long term hire

• Baby capsules • Car seats • Booster seats • Cots, Strollers • Joggers • Toys • High Chairs... and more!!

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Travel by plane Travel by car A Feed your baby as the aircraft descends to avoid inner ear pressure

A Individually package little toys and bring them out intermittently during the flight A For small babies, book a bassinette ahead for long flights A For toddlers, take them for regular walks down the aisles

With small babies it is important to prepare your hotel room in the same way you would your own home: keep dangerous things out of the reach of children, close gates and doors to balconies and watch investigative fingers as they find new holes to explore. When booking, consider requesting a lower floor unit unless there’s a lift available, and find out if car parking has easy access to your room. Consider taking a folding cot with you and plenty of familiar toys.

NURSERY HIRE

Further reading: Discover how travel can be the greatest education as your kids explore different cultures and meet local families. From tots to teens, this practical book will inspire every parent. It includes pre-departure advice from Lonely Planet authors and covers destination from Las Vegas to Vietnam.

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A Instead of pre-boarding and sitting in your seats for longer than other passengers, spend the extra time letting toddlers run around the terminal and board later

A Plan for your trip to take longer than it used to!

A For long distances with babies, consider driving at night when they are asleep A Make regular stops and head for a park and let off some steam A Carry lots of baby wipes!

A Take a few small new books or toys and hand them out one at a time as the journey progresses A Consider having one parent in the back seat to keep babies amused A If kids are prone to motion sickness, give them Kwells (or equivalent) well ahead of travel

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Competitions

Reviews &

WEBSITE REVIEWS

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO MORE GREAT PRIZES ENTER ONLINE @ www.kidsonthecoast.com.au CD and DVD REVIEWS

www.babynamewizard.com

www.babycenter.com.au

Yoga Bellies

BabyNameWizard.com was created by Laura Wattenberg who wrote the bestselling book The Baby Name Wizard. Type in any name and see where the name originated or search for girls and boys names using your own preferences. An interesting blog about recession-era baby is based on recent news equating baby naming with the down turn in the economy and the suggestion that parents will switch from the more unusual to the more utilitarian.

With thousands of answers at your fingertips from pre-pregnancy right up to the toddler stage, this site is a wonderful resource. Click on any week in your pregnancy to find the developmental stage of your baby or access support organisations from sleep centres to complementary therapies and special groups for dads. A great benefit for those parents who aren’t sure what help’s available.

Adele Evans and Amy Corcoran So, you are expecting, and want to keep fit while you gain weight? Yoga Bellies is a DVD prenatal yoga class that’s easy to use, effective and safe. It includes four easy to follow programs teaching breathing exercises, floor poses, standing poses and relaxation techniques.

Images are visually stunning and calming which is something that comes in useful as you adjust to your changing body. Price: $30.For more information and to order visit www.yogabellies.com.

BOOK REVIEWS

Baby Massage – a natural beginning Jude Weaver Dip RM Scientific data suggests massage enhances the development and growth of the emotional relationship between parent and child. It also helps your baby sleep, alleviates digestive irritation and helps muscle development. So, when this CD came across my desk, and I realised how easy it was to use (without classes or heavy book reading) I thought I would pass on the details! Price: $25.

For more information or to purchase, visit www. anaturalbeginning.com.au or phone 5446 1209.

Book reviews are kindly provided by Annie’s Books on Peregian, 8 Kingfisher Drive, Peregian Beach. Phone: 5448 2053

BONDING WITH YOUR BUMP

BABY BLISS

BABY LOVE

PREGNANCY COMPANION

Dr Miriam Stoppard Dr Miriam Stoppard is a medical writer, TV and radio broadcaster, trusted by millions of mums and dads around the world for her clear and accessible advice. Bonding With Your Bump is about beginning to bond with your child well before the birth.

As you talk and play music to your unborn baby, massaging her through your bump, you can make her feel calm, tranquil, safe and loved, and this will help her develop into a healthy, happy baby. Dr Stoppard shows how you can bond, nurture and begin loving your baby from the moment you know you’re pregnant, making a real connection with your child well before you hold her in your arms.

Jo Ryan When accomplished cookbook author and businesswoman Donna Hay decided to have a baby, she thought “Well, how hard can this baby thing be? When her world turned upside down, however, she felt almost embarrassed to ask for help. Many of us have felt exactly like Donna - suddenly completely out of our depth and unsure of how to cope with this new role of parent. Jo Ryan has helped innumerable parents get through this new world, and actually enjoy the journey, by reassuring and empowering them with information and tips for health and happiness for baby and parent. Jo Ryan’s Baby Bliss is the must-have guide to sleeping, settling and establishing routines for your baby.

Robin Barker Baby Love is the bestselling baby care book which is enjoyed by thousands of new parents each year, and is now in a brand new, totally revised edition. Robin Barker gives excellent advice for the first year of your baby’s life, told with warmth and humour. In this book you’ll find information on growth and development, safe sleeping, breastfeeding, new material on food intolerances, reflux and immunisation – there are even nutritious recipes to please even the fussiest eater.

This is a great manual for a new parent or a gift for the mother-to-be.

Murdoch Books This is a comprehensive week-by-week guide to your pregnancy and the first six weeks of parenthood, stylishly presented and illustrated. It is also designed as a journal, so you can record your own experiences as you journey through pregnancy and childbirth.

www.

Go to

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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING Heidi Murkoff With 14.5 million copies in print, What to Expect When You’re Expecting is Australia’s pregnancy bible. This new 4th edition includes week by week foetal development, pre-conception information and a section on carrying multiples. It also features practical nutritional, emotional, physical and sexual information to assist in a healthy and happy pregnancy. This new edition covers recent developments in obstetrics and addresses current lifestyle trends such as tattooing, belly-button piercing, Botox and aromatherapy, making it the ideal manual for a new generation of expectant parents.

Fairies CD and DVD packs | Tomy Forget Me Not Album Quicksmart Easyfold Stroller | Kit Heath- Loving Touch Jewellery Gift Voucher Karen Buckle Photography Session | Eco Child Svan Baby Bouncer

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KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

Parent’s Choice Supplier Directory

recommended

by parents for parents CHILD CARE CENTRES

CHIROPRACTORS Dr Bronwyn McNamara Dr Kate Bickley

193 Maroochydore Rd Maroochydore

A wellness approach to health for the whole family

5443 8888 www.wellnessforlife.com.au

GIFT SERVICES

LABELS

• Care for Pregnancy, Babies & Children • Allergy/Nutritional Testing • Free Baby Clinic (Child Health/Midwife) • 12 Years on the Coast!

Dr Gray Moritz

Dr Monique Sefton

5444 0711

Suite 8, 126-130 Golf Links Road Mountain Creek Medical Centre

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Contact Suzel to make an appointment

Visit us online today sales@kidsztrendz.com.au

www.kidztrendz.com.au

CHILDREN’S PARTIES

Ph: 5439 7000

HAIRDRESSERS

MATERNITY WEAR

for fun, fantasy and laughter

Call now to discuss your child’s party needs

Recommended by Parents for Parents

www.wishingwoods.com.au

1800 795 200

5499 7343

TM

Recommended by Parents for Parents www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

TM

MAY / JUNE 2009 – KiDs on tHe CoAst

45

YOU CAN BE PART OF The Parent’s Choice Programme™

Recommended

by Parents for Parents MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS

Every business owner knows, word-of-mouth and personal recommendations are one of the most powerful and effective forms of advertising. But how can you instantly multiply one recommendation and reach thousands of potential customers at once?

TM

SCHOOLS - PRIVATE

The Parent’s Choice Programme is unique to Kids on the Coast and is designed to help you by directing parents to businesses that have been recommended by readers because they provide superior products and services.

Being part of the Parent’s Choice Programme is FREE! This simple and effective programme will help generate greater response to your advertising by making readers aware that you have been nominated and recommended by parents.

• Prenatal & Pregnancy Care • Child & Adolescent Health • Women’s Health • Vasectomies & Family Planning • Complementary & Nutritional Therapies Same Day Appointments Dr Michael Ryan Dr Roger Morris Dr Peter Hodgkinson DR Glen Atwal Dr Scott Powell Dr Marie McDevitt Dr Nanu Grewal DR Tim Bradshaw DR Tim Craven Dr Clarice Lantai DR Giselle Cramond DR Tanya Henderson Dr Peter O’Hara

Offering a balanced education from Prep to Year 12 372 Mons Road, Forest Glen • 5445 4444 enquire@scgs.qld.edu.au • www.scgs.qld.edu.au

SKIN & PERSONAL CARE

Comments? Questions? Nominations?

Now opeN 6am-10pm TueS & weD

SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS

T: 07 5443 9455 F: 07 5443 9638 www.medicineonsecond.com.au

For children and adults with:

the Coast Servicing ears for 11 y

• speech and language difficulties • literacy concerns • stuttering • voice disorders

Shop 3C/66 Jessica Boulevard MINYAMA QLD 4575 Tel: (07) 5444 1037 Email: scspeech@westnet.com.au

46

KiDs on tHe CoAst – MAY / JUNE 2009

Being a Parent’s Choice Preferred Business is fantastic recognition for excellent customer service. This programme benefits the whole community and creates a positive cycle of customer service, satisfaction and increased business.

For more information please call (07) 5442 8679 or email pc@kidsonthecoast.com.au

OPEN: MON-FRI 8am-6pm SAT 8am-12noon

50 Second Avenue Maroochydore Q 4558

The directory includes a list of only those businesses that have come recommended and is included in every issue of Kids on the Coast. By utilising the directory your listing will also be included free of charge on our website along with a Parent’s Choice Certificate to display in your store or workplace.

Call 1800 795 200 during business hours or email us at: pc@kidsonthecoast.com.au

Recommended by Parents for Parents The Parent’s Choice ProgrammeTM Phone: (07) 5442 8679 Fax: (07) 5442 8709 P.O Box 491, Eumundi Qld 4562 www.kidsonthecoast.com.au/pcp2008

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

TM

Copyright All Rights Reserved 2005. The Parent’s Choice Supplier ProgrammeTM is operated under license by Things 4 Kids Pty Ltd for inclusion in Kids on the Coast magazine.

Important Notice: As the suppliers listed are nominated by readers and are included in good faith based on that referral. No guarantees can be given or implied as to the suitability or performance of these suppliers. We encourage all readers to fully satisfy themselves as to the competency of these suppliers when ordering products or services.

www.kidsonthecoast.com.au

The pirates have arrived!

Mystery Island

KIDS CLUB

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Friday

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, 26th

June 2

5pm– 10pm Face Your Paint chanc ing, B e to w alloo in a B n Art oogie ist Board o r Bike 10am –3pm Capta in Pil Your lager, chanc Ballo e to w on A in a B rtist, 6pm– Face oogie Paint 9 Board pm K Your ing i o d r chanc s Dis B i k e co / K e to w araok in a B e oogie Board or Bik e

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, 28th

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OPENING 6th MAY 2009

ay be ation subje . ct to c hange .

\ Rock Climbing Wall ⁄ Arts & Crafts ⁄ Mini Cinema \ ⁄ Wii Sports ⁄ Xbox Games \ Playstation Games ⁄ \ Kids Birthday Parties \ ⁄ Fully supervised \

Check www.maroochyrsl.com.au for the latest information and opening hours

9

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Open daily 9am to 5pm, rides start at 10am.

ader Re

Dark Ride

14 Tin Lids Tea Party 15 Giggle Go Round 16 Carousel 17 Tykes Trolley

Attractions 18 Funnybone Flicks 20 Crazy Mirrors Games 2 Barry Mundy’s Remote Boats 5 Side Show Alley 19 Water Wars

Ettamogah Pub Bluey’s Bar & Grill FJ’s Cafe “The Shed” & Function Area 40 Beer Garden 41 Fountain Place Services Toilets Mothers’ Room Public Phone First Aid Guest Relations Designated Smoking Area 48 ATM 42 43 44 45 46 47

Eumundi

Noosa Coolum

Mapleton

Maleny

Nambour

Maroochydore Mooloolaba

Montville

Caloundra

Landsborough Glasshouse Mountains

Caboolture Cabooltu

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y a d h t bir fordable! s ’ d i K ved nd af

Food & Beverages 36 37 38 39

Bribie Island

Bruce

Hey You!

 s e parti

Rides 1 Platypus Ponds Mini Golf 3 Booma Zooma 4 Mozzi Musta 6 Stockshed Speedway Dodgems 7 Ferris Wheel 8 Voyager Simulator 9 Bizzy Buggies 10 Wild Mouse Rollercoaster 11 Octopus

Brisbane

Di

s c o u nt

Bruce Highway, Sunshine Coast, Qld Phone 07 5494 5444 email: fun@aussieworld.com.au

www.aussieworld.com.au